Times of Turmoil

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the lovely Harry Potter characters, they are from the wonderful mind of J.K. Rowling! But if they ever did go on sale….hmmmm….

 

 

Chapter One: The Routine Begins Again

 

Lily Evans closed her eyes, listening to the rain outside her window, and shivered. She pulled the blanket around her tighter and resumed reading, staring at the words, but not really taking in their meaning.

It was only a matter of days before she had to once again leave for Hogwarts, and time was quickly melting away. She wanted to savor the last days she had before going back to the yearly routine. Lightning struck so close that the entire village was lit up, if only momentarily. Sighing loudly, she shut the book, laying it on her lap. Her bright emerald eyes filled with worry. She couldn't escape the overpowering feeling that something was terribly wrong. Reports of the Dark Lord rising filled each whisper in every house and street corner. Witches and wizards were living in fear, and no one could escape the fact his power was increasing.

Lily stared at the fireplace, deep in thought, watching the dancing flames grow higher. How long had it been sense her father had sent word? Three weeks? A month? And what could she possibly do about that? Who was she going to run to? Her mother lived her life in a fantasy. She spent every day as though danger did not exist, pretending life was grand. Lily wondered if she even cared that her husband was gone, and even more, risking his life. She couldn't help but feel hot anger rise in her chest

"Let her dream," Lily thought bitterly, "At least she won't have to lose sleep." The dark wood clock on the mantle read two-twenty-seven.

"Great…..perfect." Lily rose and walked into the kitchen, ignoring the booming thunder that seemed to shake the house.

"How could anyone sleep though this?" She marveled at this, fumbling around for the teapot. In the other room, the clock chimed merrily, out of place in the house's melancholy atmosphere. Sitting down at the table, Lily placed her head in her hands, and outside, the rain continued.

 

~~**~~



She boarded the train as it was about to pull away, stepping around a couple of chatting third-years. Every compartment seemed to be full, and buzzing with the talk of eager students. She was about to enter one of the less crowded compartments when she heard a voice behind her.

"Lily Evans, where are you headed?"

She turned around quickly to face James, beaming at her.

"James, not now. I'm not up for an argument, and you know I don't particularly enjoy your company."

His smile faltered for a moment, but he shrugged. "I thought we'd put all that behind us, Evans." He glanced at his feet, apparently finding them extremely interesting. "You didn't answer my owl."

"I've been busy," she said simply, desperately wanting to find a seat.

He glanced back up, his dark eyes meeting hers. "It appears so." Lily stared at him, waiting for him to comment further, to say one of his infamous remarks, and realized he wasn't going to. His gaze was making her feel incredibly awkward, and she found herself irritated with him for it. She looked down the corridor, breaking away from his eyes, focusing on anything that would save her from this.

"Go find a seat, Evans," James said, void of emotion. She was about to say something but he turned and walked away, leaving her standing outside he compartment door.



Lily watched him leave, unable to shake the stupor that had formed over her. A loud crash in the compartment next to where she stood jolted her out of it, and she opened its door carefully.

"Lily!" Instantly a pair of arms were thrown around her, squeezing the breath out of her lungs. She looked in surprise at Laura Rosewood's giddy face. "Laura.." she gasped, "can you ease up a bit?"

Laura's face went from mirth to shock and she released Lily quickly.

'Sorry," she grinned, "Everyone loves a good squeeze now and then."

"Can't say much for their ribs, though." Lily smiled for the first time in weeks and looked at her friend.

"How are you, Laura?"

"Fine, fine, but what about you? How is.." she lowered her voice, which didn't help much because the entire group of students in the area was now staring at them, "how is everything?"

Lily smiled, "fine," she said absently, not wanting to discuss her personal matters in front of three pairs of watching eyes. "What happened in here?"

A sixth-year named Robert Miller let out a laugh and glanced at the boy sitting across from him, who Lily didn't know. "Will's been showing us his "Disruption Spell"….figures he can use to liven up some of the classes."

Laura shook her head, "Just givin' me a whopping headache is more like it."

The boy named Will smiled sheepishly and fiddled with his wand. Lily saw him steal a look at Laura from the corner of her eye and chuckled inwardly. She sank down into a seat and looked out the window. Gray clouds hung overhead, looking about ready to burst. It had been raining forever, it seemed. Laura plopped down next to her and nudged her side, "You ok?"

"Yeah. Wonderful," Lily muttered. "Absolutely dandy." Soon, they would arrive at Hogwarts….and another year would begin.

A/N : So, there the first chapter. What do you think??? It will get better I promise! Review PLEASE!!!!!!! Give me your ideas and suggestions, even if you hate it!