The next few weeks were the exact same, with the exception of the House-
elves conjuring blood and having it ready for Lily. Everything seemed to be
fine and going great. That is until Malfoy pushed Lily to her limit, and
Lily had to deal with some major urges.
~*~
Lily was walking to the library a little slower than usual because of the time of day. She was a hallway and a half away when Malfoy stepped out of the shadows and started to trail her. Lily of course felt him, so she stopped and said, "Come and face me Malfoy. Or are you afraid?"
Malfoy walked until he was in front of Lily and said, "You've changed Mudblood. My master could have good uses for you."
Lily raised an eyebrow, and Malfoy pulled his wand. He muttered something Lily couldn't hear, but Lily saw the flash of red and knew what it was. Surprisingly it didn't hurt at all. It was like the tingling sensation she got every time her teeth elongated. When she licked her lips, Lily realized that's what had happened. She glared at Malfoy before licking her teeth.
"Interesting spell."
Malfoy stepped back a little and said, "It's true."
Lily rolled her eyes and continued her trek to the library, though her teeth had yet to shrink back. She was almost there when an invisible force pulled her back. Lily looked into the shadows and saw Malfoy with his wand raised. Lily stopped herself using her own magic and glared at Malfoy.
"What do you want?"
Malfoy smiled and said, "You."
Lily teleported out of the hall and to James' side, only for Malfoy to use the summoning charm again. Lily was hit up against the wall of the classroom, and Lily looked to James, who was with Sirius and Remus discussing a prank. "If I see him I will kill him."
She tried taking deep breaths, but it didn't work. Remus moved forward and asked, "What do we have to do?"
Lily shrugged as she was hit against the wall again. "I don't know! Knock me out, knock him out, get the Headmaster, all three?"
Sirius laughed lightly and pulled his wand.
"Somnus."
Lily fell to the ground, and James ran out the door, Remus following, though going in the other direction. James saw Malfoy in the shadows near the library and said, "You know, Lily just came to me and said she was going to kill you if she saw you. I would stop."
Malfoy looked at James and sneered, but didn't stop his charms. Remus suddenly came running up, Albus right behind him. Albus looked down upon Lucius and said, "Mister Malfoy. If you would follow me please?"
Malfoy nodded his head and began to follow Albus, but Albus stopped suddenly.
"PPHW."
He left with that cryptic message, but Remus seemed to understand. He went back to the classroom, where Lily was still asleep and said, "Come on, we've got to get to the Hospital Wing."
Sirius nodded, and James picked up Lily, all three running again. Once they reached the Hospital Wing, Poppy came out and asked what happened. James answered what he could, and Poppy nodded.
She placed Lily on a bed before taking out a very long needle with a long, thin tube connected to it. The tube was connected to a bag of blood, and the boys watched with amazement as Poppy stuck the needle straight into Lily's stomach. Lily opened her eyes and said, "That's an interesting feeling."
Poppy smiled, but stopped when she noticed Lily's teeth. She backed up with a gasp. "Yea, I don't know what that is. I thought it was the Cruciatus Curse at first, but then my teeth stayed out even now, so I don't think it was."
Poppy went to her supply closet and came back with a very dusty bottle. "Drink this."
Lily raised an eyebrow but did as she was told. She fell onto her pillows with a groan, and her back arched as pain shot through her. Poppy took the needle out and grabbed Lily's shoulders as she writhed on the bed. "Concentrate!"
Lily did, and she stopped shaking. Poppy sat back in a seat and observed Lily. Her teeth were back to normal, but she looked even whiter than usual.
"So he said a spell and it shot a red stream?"
Lily nodded and Poppy went back to thinking. "Facere-Scire."
Lily looked up and then realization dawned on her. "Of course! The revealing spell!"
Lily sat back against her headboard, a thoughtful look on her face. Remus stepped forward and asked, "What was the potion you gave her?"
Poppy smiled grimly and replied, "Potion form of Finite Incatatum. They recalled the use of it around ten years ago since not many could handle the pain that came with it, but pain is irrelevant when it comes to Miss Evans."
Lily smiled slightly before burping. Everyone laughed, and Lily smiled sheepishly. "Oops?" Everyone laughed again before going about their business. Poppy went back to her office, while the boys said goodbye and went back to their prank.
~*~
The rest of the year passed by quickly, but Lily had a problem. She went to Albus with it, and he in turn went to the Ministry. Through some connections, he had it so Lily could do magic out of school, effectively giving her the ability to create blood for herself. Lily was forever thankful to Albus, especially after he spoke with Malfoy and threatened him with expulsion if he told anyone about Lily, and if he did anything to Lily again. Lily got on the Hogwarts Express with a light heart, but left with a heavy one.
~*~
Remus came into Lily's compartment and said, "Come sit with us."
Lily shook her head before going back to her sleep. Remus came up next to her and said, "Come on. You have to live the summer with that horrible sister of yours, come sit with your friends."
Lily sat up, but didn't leave right away. "Do you think I'll ever change back?"
Remus looked at Lily for a long time before saying, "I honestly don't know. I would love for you to, I mean you don't deserve this curse, but Albus never destroyed the ashes, so no one knows where they are."
Lily nodded her head sadly, a single tear escaping her. Remus gave Lily a hug, and Lily removed the tear, but she was still a bit upset. She moved to the cabin with the boys, noticing belatedly that there was still a bit of blood on her face, and there was a girl in the cabin with her friends.
~*~
Lily walked in first and sat in Remus' seat. Remus came in and exclaimed, "Hey!"
Lily just smiled sweetly before the girl pointed out the blood. Lily wiped her face and said, "Oh, it's nothing."
The girl, Lily recognized her as Teresa Collins, a fellow Gryffindor, nodded her head and sat back, but James and Sirius were looking at Lily in concern. Remus shook his head and the other boys went back to their conversations.
Lily had a hard time concentrating on what everyone else was saying because she was thinking about Kyle and her life. She was not one to brood, or even think about herself, but for some reason it was all coming out. Remus finally broke her silence by saying, "Play me in Chess."
Lily raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming on her lips. "Ok."
Everyone watched, knowing that no one had ever beaten Remus before, but the boys knew that Lily was brilliant. Teresa watched as Lily would stare at the pieces before moving in what seemed like a very bad way. The game went on for a good hour, with everyone enraptured the entire time. In the end Lily won, and Remus was shocked.
"I knew you were good, but not that good!"
Lily raised an eyebrow before putting the pieces away. Sirius stood up and asked, "Lily? Could I talk to you outside for a minute?"
Lily looked up, her eyes feeling very heavy. She yawned and said, "Sure."
Sirius walked out first, while Lily was right behind him. They went into Lily's old compartment, and Sirius started to pace. "What's wrong?"
Lily sat down and started to play with her nails. "I'm afraid I'll never turn back."
Sirius sat down with that and said, "I never expected that one."
Lily smiled slightly and replied with a simple, "Yea."
Sirius sat back and started another path of conversation. "Can you believe James is going out with Collins?"
Lily spit out the blood she had just taken a sip of. She burst into laughter. "Collins?!"
Sirius smiled and nodded his head. Lily blinked, the smile still on her face. "I would bet you on how long they're going to last, but I'll win."
Sirius snorted and said, "You're not serious?"
Lily smiled sweetly, "Nope I'm not. You are!"
Sirius laughed before saying, "You would win if we placed a bet?"
Lily closed her eyes and concentrated on James and Teresa. An image formed and it was James standing with someone at the alter. She was shorter than James by about half a foot, had hair that hung to her waist in curls, and was very petite. She opened her eyes and said, "He's not going to marry her, that's for certain."
Sirius' jaw was working up and down as he asked, "How did you know that?"
Lily smirked before saying, "I've always had a division of Divination. I can see certain things if I concentrate enough."
Sirius blinked before saying, "Huh. Interesting."
Lily smiled and nodded her head before looking out the window. "Only two more hours."
Sirius looked at his watch and his brow creased, "Um Lils? We don't get there for another four hours."
Lily looked at Sirius incredulously. "Who said that was when we were arriving? That's when I wake up." She smiled and Sirius had to smile.
"Ok. Now, no more tears?"
Lily smiled brightly and said, "Wouldn't dream of it!"
She linked arms with Sirius as they made their way to the door.
"You're my brother, so you know. I've never had one, but you are."
Sirius smiled and said, "Thanks."
Lily smiled as well, and together they went back to the cabin, where Remus was trying very hard not to listen to Teresa and James kiss.
~*~
After two pretty boring hours had passed, Lily woke up. She jumped around the cabin a few times before sitting down and saying, "Let's pull a prank!"
Teresa looked up and said, "As long as I don't get stuck in guys clothes again it's cool."
Lily tried hard not to, but it came out anyway. As soon as Lily laughed James, Sirius, and Remus did as well. They laughed for about five minutes before Lily could speak again. "That was a great prank."
All three boys nodded, but Teresa was outraged. "How can you say that? We were stuck in our opposite sexes' clothing!"
Lily raised an eyebrow and said, "Yea. That's where the funniness comes in."
James and Sirius snorted while Remus let a small smile slip. Lily looked at Teresa in concern and said, "Sorry if looks mean that much to you, but it was a joke, plain and simple."
Remus spoke up and said, "Actually, those were pretty complex charms."
Lily smiled modestly and the boys laughed again. Teresa glared at Lily, who looked back at her with a calculating look. "Fine. If you don't want to hear my prank, that's cool."
Teresa smiled and Lily stood up. "Sorry guys."
She left, and all of the guys' jaws dropped. Remus stood up and went to find Lily, but she wasn't in the hall. He came back in and asked in a hushed voice, "How could she just leave?"
Teresa clucked her tongue and said, "Well, she was just going to play some stupid prank, anyway."
James blinked, Remus' jaw dropped, and Sirius couldn't speak.
"What do you mean 'some stupid prank'?"
Teresa turned to her boyfriend and said, "Well, it would have been!"
Remus closed his mouth and said, "You don't get it. Lily's brilliant. You don't want to be on her bad side, and if you wouldn't let her do her prank, you're on her bad side."
James nodded his head and Sirius exclaimed, "I gotta find her!"
He ran out of the cabin just as it started to shake. Teresa shrieked and ran out while James and Remus looked around. As soon as Teresa ran out, the shaking stopped. Lily came in through the window and said, "Well I never thought she'd leave so soon."
She pouted, and James laughed before saying, "Lily, she's not like us. She cares about her looks and things like that."
Lily blinked and asked, "And I don't?"
James stuttered a bit and said, "Well, I mean,"
Lily's mouth was slightly open. "Is that what you think?"
James blinked at Lily's hurt voice. She conjured a mirror with her wand. She handed it to Remus, who shrugged. Remus handed it to James, who shrugged as well. Lily took it and a tear slid out. Remus came up behind her and gasped. James did as well and his jaw dropped. He could see himself and Remus, but he couldn't see Lily. Lily threw the mirror into a seat and transported back to her cabin, where she started to cry.
~*~
Sirius passed Lily's cabin on the way back to his own, and when he heard the crying stopped. He looked in to see Lily rubbing her hands together. Sirius couldn't watch, as he was getting tears in his eyes, and he went back to his cabin.
"What did you do to her?!"
Remus cringed at Sirius' harsh tone. "What do you mean?"
Sirius looked at Remus and asked, "Why is she crying? You know it's not good for her!"
Remus ran out of the cabin while James practically fell into a seat and held his head in his hands. Sirius stood directly in front of him and asked in a deathly calm voice, "What did you do to my sister?"
James looked up and blinked before putting his head back in his hands. "I just stuck up for Teresa, but I was an arse."
Sirius snorted and tapped his foot impatiently. James cringed and said, "I just said that Teresa was one of those girls that cares about her looks and everything. I meant it that she wasn't like Lily, who liked pranks and things."
Sirius sat down and asked, "What happened?"
James groaned. "She was really hurt. She took it to mean that she didn't, and then she conjured a mirror."
Sirius raised his eyebrow, and James continued in a choked voice, "She didn't appear in it." Sirius' jaw dropped as he ran from the room.
~*~
Remus ran in to see Lily lying in a seat, her eyes closed and blood steaks down her face. He took one of her hands, which seemed to be colder than usual, and started to rub it. Her hands stayed cold, however. Her entire body was cold, and she looked more dead than usual. She didn't stir at all, and Remus was beginning to get worried. When Sirius came up, Remus said, "Get James!"
Sirius did so, and appeared a minute later with a very morose James.
"Come on! She won't wake up!"
Sirius kneeled down and grabbed Lily's hand. He put it to his face, letting his face get cold. Lily's hand was slightly warmer as Remus moved forward and did the same thing. Lily's hand was warm, but nothing else was, and she didn't seem to be moving. James moved forward and kneeled down. He whispered so only Lily could hear, "You can't be asleep yet, I haven't said good night to the little Lily Flower."
Lily's eyes moved under their lids, and James kissed Lily on her forehead. Lily's eyes fluttered open and she had to blink them before she woke up fully. "What?"
James backed off while Sirius and Remus helped her into a seated position.
"What happened?"
Lily raised an eyebrow and said in a monotonous voice, "I was thinking."
Sirius snorted and said, "The equivalent of a coma is not thinking."
Lily rolled her eyes and replied, "Say what you will, Sirius."
Remus moved forward and put his hand to Lily's cheek. He was glad when it warmed slightly. Her other cheek warmed slightly when James put his hand there, and Lily's forehead warmed when Sirius put his hand there. Lily seemed to wake from whatever trance she had been in, and she asked, "What're you doing in here?"
The three boys backed off and Lily pouted, but all they did was laugh.
"I came in to check on you, crying is not good for your system, love."
Lily rolled her eyes and said, "I know, I know."
Sirius snorted and said, "When he couldn't wake you he got worried, so we came in."
Lily looked at James and said, "I'm sorry I didn't allow you to say goodnight."
James smiled and said, in mock-dramatics, "It's what I live for!"
Lily laughed along with Sirius and Remus, before noticing her face. "Ugh. I will stop crying if only so I don't have the blood stains on my face."
Remus snorted as he conjured a wet cloth. Lily wiped her face off before taking the dry cloth Remus offered her. "Thanks Remmie."
Remus glared at Lily before smiling. "Sure thing Lils."
Lily glared at Remus, and he backed off. Lily smiled and turned to the other two boys. "Works every time."
They laughed, and the rest of the trip was spent playing games and just talking, though Teresa did come back and apologize.
~*~ (A.N. I decided to give you the next chapter as well. Hope you like it!) ~*~
SUMMER BLUES AND WRINKES.
Lily walked between the barriers of Platform 9 & ¾ with Sirius on her left, Remus on her right, and James behind her, with Teresa at his side. When Lily saw her father she sighed, and Remus caught it.
"What's wrong?"
Lily just shook her head before grabbing her trunk and owl cage. She hugged each of her friends goodbye, and even hugged Teresa. James leaned down and whispered so Lily could hear also, "Don't mind her, she's a little off in the head."
Lily smiled deviously before it turned genuine. "Oh where, oh where will I be without my nightly goodnight?"
James smiled as well before kissing Lily on the forehead. "It isn't every night, but it'll have to do."
Lily shrugged before hugging James and waving to all of her friends. She walked to her father and bit her lip to stop from cringing.
"Ready?"
Lily nodded her head and got a better grip on her things as her father started to walk away. She could carry the things with ease, but it was the fact that her father didn't even bother to help her. She knew she was slacking, she was doing it on purpose, but she didn't expect her father to say, "Hurry up, Freak! I don't have all day!"
Lily rolled her eyes, but was sorry for it. Brian Evans grabbed Lily by the back of her neck and dragged her along. Lily's eyes blazed as she said in her head. 'I will not change. I will not change. I will not change.'
Lily got in her father's car and sighed silently. 'Another wonderful summer.'
~*~
James' jaw dropped as he watched Lily's father. He knew Sirius' and Remus' did as well, and he was furious because of it. He made to move forward, but then remembered Teresa was there. He turned to the guys and said, "Come on, my mum's waiting, and I know Teresa's is as well."
The others nodded and walked away, thankfully missing when Brian grabbed Lily's neck.
~*~
The first few weeks of Lily's vacation were fine. She would sleep all day and get up at night. It was wonderful for her, but she should have known that would have ended when she lived with her father and sister.
It came one day when she had actually stayed up during the day. Petunia came up to her and said, "We're going to the pool."
Lily raised her eyebrow, but her sister wouldn't take no for an answer. Lily dressed in her usual all black and went with her sister, though she was very upset about it. Lily put her sunglasses on and sat in a chair that was in direct sunlight. As long as she kept her eyes closed she was ok in the sun, and it actually warmed her slightly.
Petunia came by with a bunch of her friends with water, but before they could dump it on her, Lily pulled her glasses off and said, "Sorry, but I'm not thirsty. Thanks anyway!"
She watched them go back before putting her glasses back on. She was actually feeling content before realizing that someone was in front of her. Lily saw he sister, and she looked furious.
"Get out of the sun, freak! It's here for people who care about it!"
Lily raised her eyebrow, but just continued to sit in the chair and stare at her sister. Petunia moved forward and hissed into her sister's ear, "You should just die, freak."
Lily whispered back, "I did."
Petunia snorted, so Lily grabbed her hand. "Feel how cold I am?"
Petunia slowly nodded her head. Lily put her sister's hand on her neck and asked, "Feel a pulse?"
Petunia slowly shook her head. "Can you see me breathing?"
Lily stopped breathing for about five minutes, and Petunia was sufficiently scared.
"You really are a freak!"
Lily just shrugged as she sat back, but stopped when she noticed her sister's friends. "Seems like they would like a word."
Petunia nodded and practically ran back to he friends while Lily closed her eyes and let the heat wash over her.
~*~
After that day at the pool, Petunia avoided Lily as much as possible. Of course that led to their father believing that Lily did something she shouldn't have. Or used magic when she shouldn't have. Lily got the brunt of many insults and derogatory comments, and it wore her patience thin. It was all because of her mother too. Just because her mother died in a car accident a few years back, Brian and Petunia put the blame on Lily. They had never really liked her very much anyway. So Lily got insults, mean comments, and nasty looks from her family for about two months.
Right when she thought her patience was going to expire, a break came. Brian and Petunia were leaving for a vacation, and Lily had the house to herself. Of course, they didn't stock up on food, and didn't leave her any money, but Lily didn't need it. She had two blissful weeks to herself, and Lily was going to use them wisely.
~*~
James was having a great summer. Sure he missed Lily every night when he would have kissed her head, but the pranks he played with Sirius and Remus, and the time he spent with Teresa made up for it. He had spent the first two months having a carefree time, and he had planned on having that same sort of time for the last month.
He was going to a muggle carnival that night with Teresa and a bunch of her friends, and he was most curious to meet the one. Her name was Petunia Evans, and apparently she was Lily's older sister. James had never heard Lily speak of her family, and he was anticipating Petunia.
He was ready to go and get Teresa when Sirius barged into his room. "Hey Prongs!"
James raised an eyebrow as he walked out his door.
"Guess what!"
James just raised the other eyebrow, but then he asked what when he saw Remus as well.
"Teresa invited us too!"
James smiled and nodded his head before throwing the Floo powder into the fireplace. He came out in Teresa's house, where he was caught in a hailstorm of giggles. Sirius and Remus came out the same way, but Remus held the other two back. "Don't tell Petunia Evans, yes Lily's older sister, that you're wizards."
James raised an eyebrow while Sirius blinked. Remus would have said more had the front door not opened and a horse faced, fake blond come sauntering in. Teresa ran forward and exclaimed, "Petty!"
Remus made a face and said, "May I present Petunia Evans."
~*~
Lily was pacing her house, bored as could be. She had already finished her summer work, and was now thinking of what to do. She remembered hearing about the Carnival a few towns over, and she thought she'd go to that.
She made sure to drink her fill of blood before going, she got changed into a regular 'night' outfit - which consisted of black leather pants, a blood red silk shirt that clung and hung in all the right places, and combat boots - and made sure she knew where she was going.
She transported, only to reappear in the shadows. She moved to a fence that was near the rides, sat on a post, and watched everyone pass by. She blinked when she heard her sister, and blinked a few more times when she noticed the Marauders.
~*~
James sighed when he saw the petty rides at the Carnival. He had expected something better than this. Sirius and Remus seemed to share his sentiments, so they purposed a plan.
"Why don't you go on those rides while we get something to eat. You know us and our stomachs."
All of the girls giggled, though Teresa kissed James especially hard since she was in front of her friends. James normally would have kissed her back, but he didn't like being a trophy.
He watched the girls walk off with a frown marring his face. Just before Sirius or Remus could speak, a voice asked, "Oh, how sad, the rides are just not interesting enough, are they?"
All three boys looked down to see Lily standing there with a raised eyebrow. They all laughed and hugged her, though Lily backed away slightly. "A little much."
Sirius snorted while Remus looked Lily over carefully. "What's wrong?"
Lily just shrugged and said, "You know."
Remus nodded before pulling her to a table. "So? How's your summer been?"
Lily raised an eyebrow and ticked off on her fingers, "Slept, ate, wandered the town at night, slept some more, and today I even did my summer work!"
Sirius snorted while James looked at Lily through concerned eyes. "Why didn't you do anything with your family."
Lily burst into laughter while Remus shook 'no' with his head. James took the hint and changed the subject. "So, do you know any of Teresa's friends?"
Lily shrugged before smiling slightly. "Petty."
Remus shook his head no, as did Sirius. James sat back and said, "This is pretty boring."
Lily nodded and put her feet on the table, only to have them pushed off by Remus. Lily stuck out her tongue, but put it back when Remus leaned over the table. "Do it again, love, and I'll grab it."
Lily smirked and leaned over the table too. She patted Remus' cheek and said, "Yes, sir, Moony, sir!"
James and Sirius laughed before going back to studying everyone that passed. Teresa came back, and Lily had to bite her lips together to keep her laughter inside.
~*~
Teresa came and sat on James' lap, and Lily felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. Pushing it aside, Lily looked over at the other girls, who were looking at her with different degrees of loathing. Lily leaned over to Sirius and whispered, "I don't think they like me."
She even sniffled, and Sirius had to laugh. He hugged Lily with one arm before whispering what Lily had told him to Remus. Remus came over and hugged Lily from the other side. Lily hugged them back before seeing her sister.
"Oh hello Petty! I thought you were going on vacation with father?"
Sirius and Remus shook with silent laughter as Petunia turned to the three boys. "You know the freak?"
Lily smiled as she licked her lips. "That they do."
Teresa looked at Lily curiously before asking Petunia, "Why do you always call her a freak?"
Petunia sneered and said, "Because she's a real witch, she does magic and everything."
By that point it was only Petunia, Teresa, Lily, and the guys. Lily stood up and walked over to her sister. "That's right. I am."
Petunia shot a smug look to the others at the table, but they only gulped.
"They don't care. You see? It's not a big deal that I am one."
She looked over at her friends with a long-suffered look and rolled her eyes. Petunia seemed to be at a loss of words, but then she turned to Teresa. "You don't care that she's a freak?"
Teresa opened her mouth to say something when Lily stepped in. "Of course she does! Look at her, she's too shocked to speak!"
Petunia shot Lily a look of loathing before turning to the guys.
"Oh, they're really cool about everything. You could say the world was going to end and they'd just go get more food."
Petunia glared at Lily, but before she could speak Lily looked at the sky. "Oh, is that the time? 2 already!"
James looked at his watch, and it really was two in the morning.
"Boy does time fly!" Lily waved to the others before turning to her sister. "See you in a week."
With that Lily transported out of sight.
~*~
James was thoroughly disgusted with Teresa after the carnival.
She insisted that he come in with Petunia and the other boys, so James did. He was really upset when Teresa agreed with everything Petunia said about Lily, and didn't say she was a witch. He was just getting to the end of his tether, and his friends seemed to notice.
"Wow, we promised Mrs. Potter we'd be home by now!"
Sirius nodded to Remus and turned to the girls. "It was wonderful to meet you all, hope we can do this again soon."
He flashed his lopsided grin and tipped his imaginary hat. The girls giggled and James stood up. He gave Teresa a fleeting kiss and said, his farewells. Teresa looked a little sad that he left so briefly, but that changed once she thought they were in the living room going by Floo powder.
James brought Sirius and Remus back, they were just standing in front of the fire, and whispered, "Listen."
~*~
"Oh, that Sirius is sooo cute!"
Teresa just waved her hand. "No one is better looking that my Jamsie."
The girls laughed as Petunia said, "I still can't believe they touched that freak of a sister of mine!"
The other girls all agreed, except for Teresa, who said, "Oh I know! I mean, a witch?"
James' jaw dropped as he listened to his girlfriend. Remus turned and was about to tell Sirius something when he noticed Lily sitting on the couch listening to every word the girls said.
She sighed and winked at Remus before turning to Sirius, who was staring. She put a finger to her lips and Sirius nodded. He grabbed James' arm and turned his friend around. James spotted Lily and his eyes widened. She smiled sadly before moving to the other room.
She looked in and rolled her eyes at her sister attempting to look good. She turned back to the guys, and noticed that James had a pained look on his face. She whispered, "Sorry."
James smiled slightly to her. He pulled off his necklace and threw it on the ground. It landed near, but not quite, Teresa. He made a show of walking in saying, "Oh, Teresa, have you seen my necklace?"
Teresa turned around and her eyes widened slightly when she saw James. "Oh, hey hunny! What are you looking for?"
James sighed and said, "My necklace, you know the one you got me? The clasp must have broken or something. I've been looking for it for the past ten minutes!"
Teresa paled slightly as she said, "No, I haven't seen it, I'm sorry sweetie."
James shrugged but asked, "Could I speak to you for a minute?"
Teresa shrugged and walked into the living room, where Sirius, Remus, and Lily were all hiding in the shadows.
"Listen, Teresa, I think we should break up."
Teresa blinked a few times before saying, "What?"
James started to pace. "You act as if I'm a trophy rather than a boyfriend! We don't have anything in common, and you made very rude comments about someone who happens to be the same thing you are!"
Teresa lowered her eyes to the ground and said, "I know."
James nodded his head and said, "I'm sorry, Teresa."
Teresa nodded and went back into the room with her friends, tears already starting to stream down her face, but only to make a show of it all. James moved to the fireplace and Lily whispered into his ear, "Evans House."
James nodded and said the appropriate words, Sirius and Remus following suit. Lily sighed as she teleported to her house.
She arrived right in front of the couch, which she fell onto. James was already there and looking around, Sirius had just arrived, and Remus got there after Lily took off her shoes. James came back and sat on the arm of the chair and said, "I never thought she could be that heartless."
Lily sat up and hugged James saying, "There are plenty others. Don't you worry."
James smirked and said, "Indeed."
Lily smiled and turned to the other two. "I don't know about you, but I think the hot tub is in order."
Sirius looked like a kid in a candy store, James looked pretty excited, but Remus just looked like his normal, calm self. Lily waved her wand and the boys had swimming trunks, but they were looking at Lily. She noticed and asked, "How else am I supposed to get my blood?"
The boys smiled before getting changed. Sirius and Remus changed in the downstairs bathroom, while Lily showed James to the one upstairs. Lily went to her room and got changed, making sure she had a towel firmly around her body. Once she was sure she was sufficiently covered, Lily grabbed some more towels and met James at the top of the stairs.
"Nice house."
Lily rolled her eyes and said, "Not hardly."
Before James could ask, Lily was gone and Sirius and Remus both yelled, "Come on Prongs!"
~*~
The boys all jumped into the hot tub while Lily set the jets on. She pulled her towel off and was about to slide into the steaming water when Sirius let out a wolf-whistle. The other two turned and their jaws dropped. Lily groaned as she covered her face in her hands. "Sirius, I am going to kill you."
She said it in a singsong voice, and Sirius became scared. Lily slid gracefully into the water, shivering slightly at the warmth. She sat back in the closest seat, which happened to be right next to James and said, "Never mind, be very thankful to the hot tub gods."
James and Remus laughed while Lily rolled her neck. Lily sat back and closed her eyes a content sigh escaping her lips. Remus looked at James, who was looking at Lily. He swam over and asked, "You ok?"
James nodded and turned to his friend. "I just wish I had a chance."
Remus raised an eyebrow and said, "Well hey buddy, you might. Just because she always said no before doesn't mean she would now. I mean she's gotten to know you. The real James Potter."
James smiled slightly and said, "Yea, I guess you're right."
Remus smiled. "Of course I am!"
Sirius heard and said, "You also said you were the best at Chess, and our little flower beat you."
Remus threw up his hands and exclaimed, "I can't help it if she's brilliant!"
A new voice entered and said, "That you cannot."
Remus turned on Lily and pouted. "Hey!"
Lily didn't even open her eyes to say, "Is for horses."
James and Sirius burst into laughter as Remus moved to Lily's side. Lily, without opening her eyes, slid over James to the seat Remus had just vacated. James had to bite his tongue to keep his moan of pleasure inside. Sirius seemed to notice since he smiled widely.
Lily settled down, only to notice that the seat she was in was much too big for her. Her entire head was under water, but she didn't care. She sank to the bottom of the seat and just sat there, enjoying the warmth.
After around ten minutes she felt a pair of strong hands lift her out of the water. Lily turned to see a very shaken looking James. Lily pulled her hair out of her face and asked, "What?"
Remus moved over and hit Lily upside her head while Sirius swam forward and hugged her fiercely. "I don't care if you don't have to breathe! Don't do that again!"
Lily smiled sheepishly as she turned to James.
"Sorry?"
James laughed and put Lily in her original seat. "Just don't do it again, it's really freaky."
Lily smiled and said, "Sure thing!"
~*~
After a few more hours, and everyone had wrinkled skin, the boys were starting to get tired. Lily was as well, but that was because the sun was just on the horizon, and her vampire instincts were kicking in.
She pulled herself out of the mini pool and shivered when she hit the cold air. It was worse for her since her body adopted that temperature. She looked around for her towel, but couldn't find it. James came up behind Lily and wrapped her in his own towel, only then thinking of something. "When did you eat last?"
Lily waved her hand and said, "I'm not hungry. Won't be until I wake up."
James nodded his head before picking Lily up. He carried her in the house and up to her room, which was stifling hot. "You can stand this?"
Lily shrugged and said through her chattering teeth, "It's nice. I actually feel it when I'm under a few blankets as well."
James just shrugged and put Lily in her bed, though he covered her with a few more blankets than usual. He kissed her forehead and whispered, "Goodnight Lily Flower."
Lily smiled and said, "Good night James."
James smiled as well and walked out of the room, glancing one last time at Lily. Just before he closed the door Lily called out, "The room next to mine on the left. All three of you stay in it."
James nodded and closed the door behind him as he went to get his friends.
~*~
The next day - it was around 5 in the afternoon when they woke up - the boys found Lily to still be asleep, but clothes set out for them. They changed, and went to Lily's door.
Sirius eased it open gently and looked in, a smile coming across his face. Remus poked his head in as well, a smile also coming to his face. James moved over, and both of his friends pulled their heads out to make room for him.
Lily was lying on her bed, all of her blankets still around her, but one hand was on her pillow, open as if waiting for something to be put in, her hair was splayed out around her face, and one long, creamy white leg was sticking out from beneath the mountain of covers.
James was practically drooling, so his friends shoved him in and gently closed the door. James gulped and moved closer to the bed, his urge to just run a hand over her leg becoming quite bothersome.
James sat on the edge of the bed and brushed some of Lily's hair away from her face. Lily's eyes moved under the lids, but she didn't wake. James took Lily's hand in his own, entwining their fingers together. Lily opened her eyes and blinked sleepily up at him. "James? What's going on?"
James smiled lightly and said, "Our dear friends decided to send me in to wake you up."
Lily smiled slightly before realizing something. "I am still in my bathing suit."
James nodded his head.
"I am going to be freezing!"
James rolled his eyes and Lily stuck out her tongue. James made to grab it, but Lily was too fast. She smiled as she reached for her wand. James grabbed it and handed it to Lily, who smiled gratefully. She muttered a few words and was soon dressed in a pair of black pants and a charcoal gray sweater. She pulled on her combat boots and pulled her hair out of her face before moving to her door.
She stopped by her mirror and sighed sadly. James came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. Lily nodded her head and moved to her door, but it opened before she got there. She raised her eyebrow at Sirius, who was the one to open the door. "Remus dared me."
Lily rolled her eyes before going up to Remus and pulling him down to her height by his ear. Sirius noticed how much shorter than Remus Lily was, so he turned to James and asked, "Remus is an inch short than you, right?"
James nodded his head and Sirius continued his questioning. "Lily's about five inches shorter than Remus, right?"
James again nodded. Sirius grinned wickedly and called, "Lily, can you come here a minute?"
Lily let go of Remus and skipped to Sirius.
"What?"
Sirius pulled Lily's hair out of the ponytail before inspecting the length.
"Sirius, what are you doing?"
Sirius handed Lily the ponytail holder back before saying, "Nothing, nothing."
Lily looked at him for a minute before her eyes flashed and she stumbled a bit. "Oh, food. Need it."
She waved her wand and started to drink from the goblet that formed in front of her as she walked to the kitchen. Just after she got there Lily fell into a seat. "Holy fuck monkeys!" (My ALL TIME favorite expression!)
Lily turned to Sirius and asked, "You don't think?"
Sirius shrugged and Lily groaned. Remus and James looked at each other and shrugged. Lily looked up and asked, "What do you want?"
The boys all said something at the same time and Lily waved her wand. Whatever they asked for was in front of them. The boys dug in while Lily steepled her fingers under her chin. She thought for a little while before standing up. "It can't be."
Sirius rolled his eyes and said, "You never got exact colors before."
Lily threw her hands up and exclaimed, "It can't be!"
Sirius again rolled his eyes and went back to eating. Lily came up behind him and put her head on his back. She put her hands on his shoulders and just stood there. "This is a very comfortable position, you know."
Sirius rolled his eyes while James and Remus laughed.
"Sirius?"
Sirius looked over his shoulder to see Lily looking at him with fear in her eyes. "Is that what this is?"
Sirius blinked before turning around. "It could be."
Lily moaned before standing up straight. "Never mind! I don't care!"
Sirius raised an eyebrow and Lily fell flat on her back. She landed in midair and hovered while saying, "You're right! I do care!"
Sirius laughed before picking Lily up by her waist and setting her so her feet were on the ground. "Don't worry about it. Everything'll be fine."
Lily sighed before jumping up. "Ok, what're we going to do today?"
~*~
The rest of the week was spent at Lily's house or out with Lily at some club. The four were better friends than ever, and it was with sad hearts that the boys left. James kissed her on the forehead and said, "For every night."
Lily nodded, then pouted slightly. As if reading her mind, James hugged Lily and said, "Of course, I'll still do it at school."
Lily smiled and turned to Sirius and Remus, who were watching with amusement in their eyes. Lily smiled back, and the three left just as Brian and Petunia were walking in the door.
~*~
The rest of the summer, with the exception of going to Diagon Alley, was incredibly boring for Lily, and dull for the boys.
It was finally time to board the Hogwarts Express, and Lily was both happy and sad. She was going back to her true home, yet it was her last year there. Lily frowned as she boarded the train and put her things in the Head Student compartment, she had found out in her letter, and went to find her friends.
She finally found them at the back of the train, discussing pranks and how in the hell James got Head Boy. Lily walked in and sat down waving hello. She stifled her fifth yawn that morning, and Remus noticed.
"Go to the Head Student Compartment and go to sleep."
Lily looked at her friend she considered a brother and blinked. "Huh?"
Sirius snorted while James smiled slightly.
"I think he means you look about ready to fall asleep on your feet. You should go and catch up a bit."
Lily shrugged and teleported there, noticing that the couch looked very comfortable.
~*~
Another chapter! Almost done now! Hope you liked it, and thanks to all of my reviewers. I'll have more up soon, school just started - Oh joy! Oh rapture! - so I'll finish this as soon as possible. Reviews are nice!
SORRY ABOUT THE WAIT!
Kristin, Zoe Lefebvre, Sabre-X
THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!
BTW:
Facere-Scire means: make-known! ; )
~*~
Lily was walking to the library a little slower than usual because of the time of day. She was a hallway and a half away when Malfoy stepped out of the shadows and started to trail her. Lily of course felt him, so she stopped and said, "Come and face me Malfoy. Or are you afraid?"
Malfoy walked until he was in front of Lily and said, "You've changed Mudblood. My master could have good uses for you."
Lily raised an eyebrow, and Malfoy pulled his wand. He muttered something Lily couldn't hear, but Lily saw the flash of red and knew what it was. Surprisingly it didn't hurt at all. It was like the tingling sensation she got every time her teeth elongated. When she licked her lips, Lily realized that's what had happened. She glared at Malfoy before licking her teeth.
"Interesting spell."
Malfoy stepped back a little and said, "It's true."
Lily rolled her eyes and continued her trek to the library, though her teeth had yet to shrink back. She was almost there when an invisible force pulled her back. Lily looked into the shadows and saw Malfoy with his wand raised. Lily stopped herself using her own magic and glared at Malfoy.
"What do you want?"
Malfoy smiled and said, "You."
Lily teleported out of the hall and to James' side, only for Malfoy to use the summoning charm again. Lily was hit up against the wall of the classroom, and Lily looked to James, who was with Sirius and Remus discussing a prank. "If I see him I will kill him."
She tried taking deep breaths, but it didn't work. Remus moved forward and asked, "What do we have to do?"
Lily shrugged as she was hit against the wall again. "I don't know! Knock me out, knock him out, get the Headmaster, all three?"
Sirius laughed lightly and pulled his wand.
"Somnus."
Lily fell to the ground, and James ran out the door, Remus following, though going in the other direction. James saw Malfoy in the shadows near the library and said, "You know, Lily just came to me and said she was going to kill you if she saw you. I would stop."
Malfoy looked at James and sneered, but didn't stop his charms. Remus suddenly came running up, Albus right behind him. Albus looked down upon Lucius and said, "Mister Malfoy. If you would follow me please?"
Malfoy nodded his head and began to follow Albus, but Albus stopped suddenly.
"PPHW."
He left with that cryptic message, but Remus seemed to understand. He went back to the classroom, where Lily was still asleep and said, "Come on, we've got to get to the Hospital Wing."
Sirius nodded, and James picked up Lily, all three running again. Once they reached the Hospital Wing, Poppy came out and asked what happened. James answered what he could, and Poppy nodded.
She placed Lily on a bed before taking out a very long needle with a long, thin tube connected to it. The tube was connected to a bag of blood, and the boys watched with amazement as Poppy stuck the needle straight into Lily's stomach. Lily opened her eyes and said, "That's an interesting feeling."
Poppy smiled, but stopped when she noticed Lily's teeth. She backed up with a gasp. "Yea, I don't know what that is. I thought it was the Cruciatus Curse at first, but then my teeth stayed out even now, so I don't think it was."
Poppy went to her supply closet and came back with a very dusty bottle. "Drink this."
Lily raised an eyebrow but did as she was told. She fell onto her pillows with a groan, and her back arched as pain shot through her. Poppy took the needle out and grabbed Lily's shoulders as she writhed on the bed. "Concentrate!"
Lily did, and she stopped shaking. Poppy sat back in a seat and observed Lily. Her teeth were back to normal, but she looked even whiter than usual.
"So he said a spell and it shot a red stream?"
Lily nodded and Poppy went back to thinking. "Facere-Scire."
Lily looked up and then realization dawned on her. "Of course! The revealing spell!"
Lily sat back against her headboard, a thoughtful look on her face. Remus stepped forward and asked, "What was the potion you gave her?"
Poppy smiled grimly and replied, "Potion form of Finite Incatatum. They recalled the use of it around ten years ago since not many could handle the pain that came with it, but pain is irrelevant when it comes to Miss Evans."
Lily smiled slightly before burping. Everyone laughed, and Lily smiled sheepishly. "Oops?" Everyone laughed again before going about their business. Poppy went back to her office, while the boys said goodbye and went back to their prank.
~*~
The rest of the year passed by quickly, but Lily had a problem. She went to Albus with it, and he in turn went to the Ministry. Through some connections, he had it so Lily could do magic out of school, effectively giving her the ability to create blood for herself. Lily was forever thankful to Albus, especially after he spoke with Malfoy and threatened him with expulsion if he told anyone about Lily, and if he did anything to Lily again. Lily got on the Hogwarts Express with a light heart, but left with a heavy one.
~*~
Remus came into Lily's compartment and said, "Come sit with us."
Lily shook her head before going back to her sleep. Remus came up next to her and said, "Come on. You have to live the summer with that horrible sister of yours, come sit with your friends."
Lily sat up, but didn't leave right away. "Do you think I'll ever change back?"
Remus looked at Lily for a long time before saying, "I honestly don't know. I would love for you to, I mean you don't deserve this curse, but Albus never destroyed the ashes, so no one knows where they are."
Lily nodded her head sadly, a single tear escaping her. Remus gave Lily a hug, and Lily removed the tear, but she was still a bit upset. She moved to the cabin with the boys, noticing belatedly that there was still a bit of blood on her face, and there was a girl in the cabin with her friends.
~*~
Lily walked in first and sat in Remus' seat. Remus came in and exclaimed, "Hey!"
Lily just smiled sweetly before the girl pointed out the blood. Lily wiped her face and said, "Oh, it's nothing."
The girl, Lily recognized her as Teresa Collins, a fellow Gryffindor, nodded her head and sat back, but James and Sirius were looking at Lily in concern. Remus shook his head and the other boys went back to their conversations.
Lily had a hard time concentrating on what everyone else was saying because she was thinking about Kyle and her life. She was not one to brood, or even think about herself, but for some reason it was all coming out. Remus finally broke her silence by saying, "Play me in Chess."
Lily raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming on her lips. "Ok."
Everyone watched, knowing that no one had ever beaten Remus before, but the boys knew that Lily was brilliant. Teresa watched as Lily would stare at the pieces before moving in what seemed like a very bad way. The game went on for a good hour, with everyone enraptured the entire time. In the end Lily won, and Remus was shocked.
"I knew you were good, but not that good!"
Lily raised an eyebrow before putting the pieces away. Sirius stood up and asked, "Lily? Could I talk to you outside for a minute?"
Lily looked up, her eyes feeling very heavy. She yawned and said, "Sure."
Sirius walked out first, while Lily was right behind him. They went into Lily's old compartment, and Sirius started to pace. "What's wrong?"
Lily sat down and started to play with her nails. "I'm afraid I'll never turn back."
Sirius sat down with that and said, "I never expected that one."
Lily smiled slightly and replied with a simple, "Yea."
Sirius sat back and started another path of conversation. "Can you believe James is going out with Collins?"
Lily spit out the blood she had just taken a sip of. She burst into laughter. "Collins?!"
Sirius smiled and nodded his head. Lily blinked, the smile still on her face. "I would bet you on how long they're going to last, but I'll win."
Sirius snorted and said, "You're not serious?"
Lily smiled sweetly, "Nope I'm not. You are!"
Sirius laughed before saying, "You would win if we placed a bet?"
Lily closed her eyes and concentrated on James and Teresa. An image formed and it was James standing with someone at the alter. She was shorter than James by about half a foot, had hair that hung to her waist in curls, and was very petite. She opened her eyes and said, "He's not going to marry her, that's for certain."
Sirius' jaw was working up and down as he asked, "How did you know that?"
Lily smirked before saying, "I've always had a division of Divination. I can see certain things if I concentrate enough."
Sirius blinked before saying, "Huh. Interesting."
Lily smiled and nodded her head before looking out the window. "Only two more hours."
Sirius looked at his watch and his brow creased, "Um Lils? We don't get there for another four hours."
Lily looked at Sirius incredulously. "Who said that was when we were arriving? That's when I wake up." She smiled and Sirius had to smile.
"Ok. Now, no more tears?"
Lily smiled brightly and said, "Wouldn't dream of it!"
She linked arms with Sirius as they made their way to the door.
"You're my brother, so you know. I've never had one, but you are."
Sirius smiled and said, "Thanks."
Lily smiled as well, and together they went back to the cabin, where Remus was trying very hard not to listen to Teresa and James kiss.
~*~
After two pretty boring hours had passed, Lily woke up. She jumped around the cabin a few times before sitting down and saying, "Let's pull a prank!"
Teresa looked up and said, "As long as I don't get stuck in guys clothes again it's cool."
Lily tried hard not to, but it came out anyway. As soon as Lily laughed James, Sirius, and Remus did as well. They laughed for about five minutes before Lily could speak again. "That was a great prank."
All three boys nodded, but Teresa was outraged. "How can you say that? We were stuck in our opposite sexes' clothing!"
Lily raised an eyebrow and said, "Yea. That's where the funniness comes in."
James and Sirius snorted while Remus let a small smile slip. Lily looked at Teresa in concern and said, "Sorry if looks mean that much to you, but it was a joke, plain and simple."
Remus spoke up and said, "Actually, those were pretty complex charms."
Lily smiled modestly and the boys laughed again. Teresa glared at Lily, who looked back at her with a calculating look. "Fine. If you don't want to hear my prank, that's cool."
Teresa smiled and Lily stood up. "Sorry guys."
She left, and all of the guys' jaws dropped. Remus stood up and went to find Lily, but she wasn't in the hall. He came back in and asked in a hushed voice, "How could she just leave?"
Teresa clucked her tongue and said, "Well, she was just going to play some stupid prank, anyway."
James blinked, Remus' jaw dropped, and Sirius couldn't speak.
"What do you mean 'some stupid prank'?"
Teresa turned to her boyfriend and said, "Well, it would have been!"
Remus closed his mouth and said, "You don't get it. Lily's brilliant. You don't want to be on her bad side, and if you wouldn't let her do her prank, you're on her bad side."
James nodded his head and Sirius exclaimed, "I gotta find her!"
He ran out of the cabin just as it started to shake. Teresa shrieked and ran out while James and Remus looked around. As soon as Teresa ran out, the shaking stopped. Lily came in through the window and said, "Well I never thought she'd leave so soon."
She pouted, and James laughed before saying, "Lily, she's not like us. She cares about her looks and things like that."
Lily blinked and asked, "And I don't?"
James stuttered a bit and said, "Well, I mean,"
Lily's mouth was slightly open. "Is that what you think?"
James blinked at Lily's hurt voice. She conjured a mirror with her wand. She handed it to Remus, who shrugged. Remus handed it to James, who shrugged as well. Lily took it and a tear slid out. Remus came up behind her and gasped. James did as well and his jaw dropped. He could see himself and Remus, but he couldn't see Lily. Lily threw the mirror into a seat and transported back to her cabin, where she started to cry.
~*~
Sirius passed Lily's cabin on the way back to his own, and when he heard the crying stopped. He looked in to see Lily rubbing her hands together. Sirius couldn't watch, as he was getting tears in his eyes, and he went back to his cabin.
"What did you do to her?!"
Remus cringed at Sirius' harsh tone. "What do you mean?"
Sirius looked at Remus and asked, "Why is she crying? You know it's not good for her!"
Remus ran out of the cabin while James practically fell into a seat and held his head in his hands. Sirius stood directly in front of him and asked in a deathly calm voice, "What did you do to my sister?"
James looked up and blinked before putting his head back in his hands. "I just stuck up for Teresa, but I was an arse."
Sirius snorted and tapped his foot impatiently. James cringed and said, "I just said that Teresa was one of those girls that cares about her looks and everything. I meant it that she wasn't like Lily, who liked pranks and things."
Sirius sat down and asked, "What happened?"
James groaned. "She was really hurt. She took it to mean that she didn't, and then she conjured a mirror."
Sirius raised his eyebrow, and James continued in a choked voice, "She didn't appear in it." Sirius' jaw dropped as he ran from the room.
~*~
Remus ran in to see Lily lying in a seat, her eyes closed and blood steaks down her face. He took one of her hands, which seemed to be colder than usual, and started to rub it. Her hands stayed cold, however. Her entire body was cold, and she looked more dead than usual. She didn't stir at all, and Remus was beginning to get worried. When Sirius came up, Remus said, "Get James!"
Sirius did so, and appeared a minute later with a very morose James.
"Come on! She won't wake up!"
Sirius kneeled down and grabbed Lily's hand. He put it to his face, letting his face get cold. Lily's hand was slightly warmer as Remus moved forward and did the same thing. Lily's hand was warm, but nothing else was, and she didn't seem to be moving. James moved forward and kneeled down. He whispered so only Lily could hear, "You can't be asleep yet, I haven't said good night to the little Lily Flower."
Lily's eyes moved under their lids, and James kissed Lily on her forehead. Lily's eyes fluttered open and she had to blink them before she woke up fully. "What?"
James backed off while Sirius and Remus helped her into a seated position.
"What happened?"
Lily raised an eyebrow and said in a monotonous voice, "I was thinking."
Sirius snorted and said, "The equivalent of a coma is not thinking."
Lily rolled her eyes and replied, "Say what you will, Sirius."
Remus moved forward and put his hand to Lily's cheek. He was glad when it warmed slightly. Her other cheek warmed slightly when James put his hand there, and Lily's forehead warmed when Sirius put his hand there. Lily seemed to wake from whatever trance she had been in, and she asked, "What're you doing in here?"
The three boys backed off and Lily pouted, but all they did was laugh.
"I came in to check on you, crying is not good for your system, love."
Lily rolled her eyes and said, "I know, I know."
Sirius snorted and said, "When he couldn't wake you he got worried, so we came in."
Lily looked at James and said, "I'm sorry I didn't allow you to say goodnight."
James smiled and said, in mock-dramatics, "It's what I live for!"
Lily laughed along with Sirius and Remus, before noticing her face. "Ugh. I will stop crying if only so I don't have the blood stains on my face."
Remus snorted as he conjured a wet cloth. Lily wiped her face off before taking the dry cloth Remus offered her. "Thanks Remmie."
Remus glared at Lily before smiling. "Sure thing Lils."
Lily glared at Remus, and he backed off. Lily smiled and turned to the other two boys. "Works every time."
They laughed, and the rest of the trip was spent playing games and just talking, though Teresa did come back and apologize.
~*~ (A.N. I decided to give you the next chapter as well. Hope you like it!) ~*~
SUMMER BLUES AND WRINKES.
Lily walked between the barriers of Platform 9 & ¾ with Sirius on her left, Remus on her right, and James behind her, with Teresa at his side. When Lily saw her father she sighed, and Remus caught it.
"What's wrong?"
Lily just shook her head before grabbing her trunk and owl cage. She hugged each of her friends goodbye, and even hugged Teresa. James leaned down and whispered so Lily could hear also, "Don't mind her, she's a little off in the head."
Lily smiled deviously before it turned genuine. "Oh where, oh where will I be without my nightly goodnight?"
James smiled as well before kissing Lily on the forehead. "It isn't every night, but it'll have to do."
Lily shrugged before hugging James and waving to all of her friends. She walked to her father and bit her lip to stop from cringing.
"Ready?"
Lily nodded her head and got a better grip on her things as her father started to walk away. She could carry the things with ease, but it was the fact that her father didn't even bother to help her. She knew she was slacking, she was doing it on purpose, but she didn't expect her father to say, "Hurry up, Freak! I don't have all day!"
Lily rolled her eyes, but was sorry for it. Brian Evans grabbed Lily by the back of her neck and dragged her along. Lily's eyes blazed as she said in her head. 'I will not change. I will not change. I will not change.'
Lily got in her father's car and sighed silently. 'Another wonderful summer.'
~*~
James' jaw dropped as he watched Lily's father. He knew Sirius' and Remus' did as well, and he was furious because of it. He made to move forward, but then remembered Teresa was there. He turned to the guys and said, "Come on, my mum's waiting, and I know Teresa's is as well."
The others nodded and walked away, thankfully missing when Brian grabbed Lily's neck.
~*~
The first few weeks of Lily's vacation were fine. She would sleep all day and get up at night. It was wonderful for her, but she should have known that would have ended when she lived with her father and sister.
It came one day when she had actually stayed up during the day. Petunia came up to her and said, "We're going to the pool."
Lily raised her eyebrow, but her sister wouldn't take no for an answer. Lily dressed in her usual all black and went with her sister, though she was very upset about it. Lily put her sunglasses on and sat in a chair that was in direct sunlight. As long as she kept her eyes closed she was ok in the sun, and it actually warmed her slightly.
Petunia came by with a bunch of her friends with water, but before they could dump it on her, Lily pulled her glasses off and said, "Sorry, but I'm not thirsty. Thanks anyway!"
She watched them go back before putting her glasses back on. She was actually feeling content before realizing that someone was in front of her. Lily saw he sister, and she looked furious.
"Get out of the sun, freak! It's here for people who care about it!"
Lily raised her eyebrow, but just continued to sit in the chair and stare at her sister. Petunia moved forward and hissed into her sister's ear, "You should just die, freak."
Lily whispered back, "I did."
Petunia snorted, so Lily grabbed her hand. "Feel how cold I am?"
Petunia slowly nodded her head. Lily put her sister's hand on her neck and asked, "Feel a pulse?"
Petunia slowly shook her head. "Can you see me breathing?"
Lily stopped breathing for about five minutes, and Petunia was sufficiently scared.
"You really are a freak!"
Lily just shrugged as she sat back, but stopped when she noticed her sister's friends. "Seems like they would like a word."
Petunia nodded and practically ran back to he friends while Lily closed her eyes and let the heat wash over her.
~*~
After that day at the pool, Petunia avoided Lily as much as possible. Of course that led to their father believing that Lily did something she shouldn't have. Or used magic when she shouldn't have. Lily got the brunt of many insults and derogatory comments, and it wore her patience thin. It was all because of her mother too. Just because her mother died in a car accident a few years back, Brian and Petunia put the blame on Lily. They had never really liked her very much anyway. So Lily got insults, mean comments, and nasty looks from her family for about two months.
Right when she thought her patience was going to expire, a break came. Brian and Petunia were leaving for a vacation, and Lily had the house to herself. Of course, they didn't stock up on food, and didn't leave her any money, but Lily didn't need it. She had two blissful weeks to herself, and Lily was going to use them wisely.
~*~
James was having a great summer. Sure he missed Lily every night when he would have kissed her head, but the pranks he played with Sirius and Remus, and the time he spent with Teresa made up for it. He had spent the first two months having a carefree time, and he had planned on having that same sort of time for the last month.
He was going to a muggle carnival that night with Teresa and a bunch of her friends, and he was most curious to meet the one. Her name was Petunia Evans, and apparently she was Lily's older sister. James had never heard Lily speak of her family, and he was anticipating Petunia.
He was ready to go and get Teresa when Sirius barged into his room. "Hey Prongs!"
James raised an eyebrow as he walked out his door.
"Guess what!"
James just raised the other eyebrow, but then he asked what when he saw Remus as well.
"Teresa invited us too!"
James smiled and nodded his head before throwing the Floo powder into the fireplace. He came out in Teresa's house, where he was caught in a hailstorm of giggles. Sirius and Remus came out the same way, but Remus held the other two back. "Don't tell Petunia Evans, yes Lily's older sister, that you're wizards."
James raised an eyebrow while Sirius blinked. Remus would have said more had the front door not opened and a horse faced, fake blond come sauntering in. Teresa ran forward and exclaimed, "Petty!"
Remus made a face and said, "May I present Petunia Evans."
~*~
Lily was pacing her house, bored as could be. She had already finished her summer work, and was now thinking of what to do. She remembered hearing about the Carnival a few towns over, and she thought she'd go to that.
She made sure to drink her fill of blood before going, she got changed into a regular 'night' outfit - which consisted of black leather pants, a blood red silk shirt that clung and hung in all the right places, and combat boots - and made sure she knew where she was going.
She transported, only to reappear in the shadows. She moved to a fence that was near the rides, sat on a post, and watched everyone pass by. She blinked when she heard her sister, and blinked a few more times when she noticed the Marauders.
~*~
James sighed when he saw the petty rides at the Carnival. He had expected something better than this. Sirius and Remus seemed to share his sentiments, so they purposed a plan.
"Why don't you go on those rides while we get something to eat. You know us and our stomachs."
All of the girls giggled, though Teresa kissed James especially hard since she was in front of her friends. James normally would have kissed her back, but he didn't like being a trophy.
He watched the girls walk off with a frown marring his face. Just before Sirius or Remus could speak, a voice asked, "Oh, how sad, the rides are just not interesting enough, are they?"
All three boys looked down to see Lily standing there with a raised eyebrow. They all laughed and hugged her, though Lily backed away slightly. "A little much."
Sirius snorted while Remus looked Lily over carefully. "What's wrong?"
Lily just shrugged and said, "You know."
Remus nodded before pulling her to a table. "So? How's your summer been?"
Lily raised an eyebrow and ticked off on her fingers, "Slept, ate, wandered the town at night, slept some more, and today I even did my summer work!"
Sirius snorted while James looked at Lily through concerned eyes. "Why didn't you do anything with your family."
Lily burst into laughter while Remus shook 'no' with his head. James took the hint and changed the subject. "So, do you know any of Teresa's friends?"
Lily shrugged before smiling slightly. "Petty."
Remus shook his head no, as did Sirius. James sat back and said, "This is pretty boring."
Lily nodded and put her feet on the table, only to have them pushed off by Remus. Lily stuck out her tongue, but put it back when Remus leaned over the table. "Do it again, love, and I'll grab it."
Lily smirked and leaned over the table too. She patted Remus' cheek and said, "Yes, sir, Moony, sir!"
James and Sirius laughed before going back to studying everyone that passed. Teresa came back, and Lily had to bite her lips together to keep her laughter inside.
~*~
Teresa came and sat on James' lap, and Lily felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. Pushing it aside, Lily looked over at the other girls, who were looking at her with different degrees of loathing. Lily leaned over to Sirius and whispered, "I don't think they like me."
She even sniffled, and Sirius had to laugh. He hugged Lily with one arm before whispering what Lily had told him to Remus. Remus came over and hugged Lily from the other side. Lily hugged them back before seeing her sister.
"Oh hello Petty! I thought you were going on vacation with father?"
Sirius and Remus shook with silent laughter as Petunia turned to the three boys. "You know the freak?"
Lily smiled as she licked her lips. "That they do."
Teresa looked at Lily curiously before asking Petunia, "Why do you always call her a freak?"
Petunia sneered and said, "Because she's a real witch, she does magic and everything."
By that point it was only Petunia, Teresa, Lily, and the guys. Lily stood up and walked over to her sister. "That's right. I am."
Petunia shot a smug look to the others at the table, but they only gulped.
"They don't care. You see? It's not a big deal that I am one."
She looked over at her friends with a long-suffered look and rolled her eyes. Petunia seemed to be at a loss of words, but then she turned to Teresa. "You don't care that she's a freak?"
Teresa opened her mouth to say something when Lily stepped in. "Of course she does! Look at her, she's too shocked to speak!"
Petunia shot Lily a look of loathing before turning to the guys.
"Oh, they're really cool about everything. You could say the world was going to end and they'd just go get more food."
Petunia glared at Lily, but before she could speak Lily looked at the sky. "Oh, is that the time? 2 already!"
James looked at his watch, and it really was two in the morning.
"Boy does time fly!" Lily waved to the others before turning to her sister. "See you in a week."
With that Lily transported out of sight.
~*~
James was thoroughly disgusted with Teresa after the carnival.
She insisted that he come in with Petunia and the other boys, so James did. He was really upset when Teresa agreed with everything Petunia said about Lily, and didn't say she was a witch. He was just getting to the end of his tether, and his friends seemed to notice.
"Wow, we promised Mrs. Potter we'd be home by now!"
Sirius nodded to Remus and turned to the girls. "It was wonderful to meet you all, hope we can do this again soon."
He flashed his lopsided grin and tipped his imaginary hat. The girls giggled and James stood up. He gave Teresa a fleeting kiss and said, his farewells. Teresa looked a little sad that he left so briefly, but that changed once she thought they were in the living room going by Floo powder.
James brought Sirius and Remus back, they were just standing in front of the fire, and whispered, "Listen."
~*~
"Oh, that Sirius is sooo cute!"
Teresa just waved her hand. "No one is better looking that my Jamsie."
The girls laughed as Petunia said, "I still can't believe they touched that freak of a sister of mine!"
The other girls all agreed, except for Teresa, who said, "Oh I know! I mean, a witch?"
James' jaw dropped as he listened to his girlfriend. Remus turned and was about to tell Sirius something when he noticed Lily sitting on the couch listening to every word the girls said.
She sighed and winked at Remus before turning to Sirius, who was staring. She put a finger to her lips and Sirius nodded. He grabbed James' arm and turned his friend around. James spotted Lily and his eyes widened. She smiled sadly before moving to the other room.
She looked in and rolled her eyes at her sister attempting to look good. She turned back to the guys, and noticed that James had a pained look on his face. She whispered, "Sorry."
James smiled slightly to her. He pulled off his necklace and threw it on the ground. It landed near, but not quite, Teresa. He made a show of walking in saying, "Oh, Teresa, have you seen my necklace?"
Teresa turned around and her eyes widened slightly when she saw James. "Oh, hey hunny! What are you looking for?"
James sighed and said, "My necklace, you know the one you got me? The clasp must have broken or something. I've been looking for it for the past ten minutes!"
Teresa paled slightly as she said, "No, I haven't seen it, I'm sorry sweetie."
James shrugged but asked, "Could I speak to you for a minute?"
Teresa shrugged and walked into the living room, where Sirius, Remus, and Lily were all hiding in the shadows.
"Listen, Teresa, I think we should break up."
Teresa blinked a few times before saying, "What?"
James started to pace. "You act as if I'm a trophy rather than a boyfriend! We don't have anything in common, and you made very rude comments about someone who happens to be the same thing you are!"
Teresa lowered her eyes to the ground and said, "I know."
James nodded his head and said, "I'm sorry, Teresa."
Teresa nodded and went back into the room with her friends, tears already starting to stream down her face, but only to make a show of it all. James moved to the fireplace and Lily whispered into his ear, "Evans House."
James nodded and said the appropriate words, Sirius and Remus following suit. Lily sighed as she teleported to her house.
She arrived right in front of the couch, which she fell onto. James was already there and looking around, Sirius had just arrived, and Remus got there after Lily took off her shoes. James came back and sat on the arm of the chair and said, "I never thought she could be that heartless."
Lily sat up and hugged James saying, "There are plenty others. Don't you worry."
James smirked and said, "Indeed."
Lily smiled and turned to the other two. "I don't know about you, but I think the hot tub is in order."
Sirius looked like a kid in a candy store, James looked pretty excited, but Remus just looked like his normal, calm self. Lily waved her wand and the boys had swimming trunks, but they were looking at Lily. She noticed and asked, "How else am I supposed to get my blood?"
The boys smiled before getting changed. Sirius and Remus changed in the downstairs bathroom, while Lily showed James to the one upstairs. Lily went to her room and got changed, making sure she had a towel firmly around her body. Once she was sure she was sufficiently covered, Lily grabbed some more towels and met James at the top of the stairs.
"Nice house."
Lily rolled her eyes and said, "Not hardly."
Before James could ask, Lily was gone and Sirius and Remus both yelled, "Come on Prongs!"
~*~
The boys all jumped into the hot tub while Lily set the jets on. She pulled her towel off and was about to slide into the steaming water when Sirius let out a wolf-whistle. The other two turned and their jaws dropped. Lily groaned as she covered her face in her hands. "Sirius, I am going to kill you."
She said it in a singsong voice, and Sirius became scared. Lily slid gracefully into the water, shivering slightly at the warmth. She sat back in the closest seat, which happened to be right next to James and said, "Never mind, be very thankful to the hot tub gods."
James and Remus laughed while Lily rolled her neck. Lily sat back and closed her eyes a content sigh escaping her lips. Remus looked at James, who was looking at Lily. He swam over and asked, "You ok?"
James nodded and turned to his friend. "I just wish I had a chance."
Remus raised an eyebrow and said, "Well hey buddy, you might. Just because she always said no before doesn't mean she would now. I mean she's gotten to know you. The real James Potter."
James smiled slightly and said, "Yea, I guess you're right."
Remus smiled. "Of course I am!"
Sirius heard and said, "You also said you were the best at Chess, and our little flower beat you."
Remus threw up his hands and exclaimed, "I can't help it if she's brilliant!"
A new voice entered and said, "That you cannot."
Remus turned on Lily and pouted. "Hey!"
Lily didn't even open her eyes to say, "Is for horses."
James and Sirius burst into laughter as Remus moved to Lily's side. Lily, without opening her eyes, slid over James to the seat Remus had just vacated. James had to bite his tongue to keep his moan of pleasure inside. Sirius seemed to notice since he smiled widely.
Lily settled down, only to notice that the seat she was in was much too big for her. Her entire head was under water, but she didn't care. She sank to the bottom of the seat and just sat there, enjoying the warmth.
After around ten minutes she felt a pair of strong hands lift her out of the water. Lily turned to see a very shaken looking James. Lily pulled her hair out of her face and asked, "What?"
Remus moved over and hit Lily upside her head while Sirius swam forward and hugged her fiercely. "I don't care if you don't have to breathe! Don't do that again!"
Lily smiled sheepishly as she turned to James.
"Sorry?"
James laughed and put Lily in her original seat. "Just don't do it again, it's really freaky."
Lily smiled and said, "Sure thing!"
~*~
After a few more hours, and everyone had wrinkled skin, the boys were starting to get tired. Lily was as well, but that was because the sun was just on the horizon, and her vampire instincts were kicking in.
She pulled herself out of the mini pool and shivered when she hit the cold air. It was worse for her since her body adopted that temperature. She looked around for her towel, but couldn't find it. James came up behind Lily and wrapped her in his own towel, only then thinking of something. "When did you eat last?"
Lily waved her hand and said, "I'm not hungry. Won't be until I wake up."
James nodded his head before picking Lily up. He carried her in the house and up to her room, which was stifling hot. "You can stand this?"
Lily shrugged and said through her chattering teeth, "It's nice. I actually feel it when I'm under a few blankets as well."
James just shrugged and put Lily in her bed, though he covered her with a few more blankets than usual. He kissed her forehead and whispered, "Goodnight Lily Flower."
Lily smiled and said, "Good night James."
James smiled as well and walked out of the room, glancing one last time at Lily. Just before he closed the door Lily called out, "The room next to mine on the left. All three of you stay in it."
James nodded and closed the door behind him as he went to get his friends.
~*~
The next day - it was around 5 in the afternoon when they woke up - the boys found Lily to still be asleep, but clothes set out for them. They changed, and went to Lily's door.
Sirius eased it open gently and looked in, a smile coming across his face. Remus poked his head in as well, a smile also coming to his face. James moved over, and both of his friends pulled their heads out to make room for him.
Lily was lying on her bed, all of her blankets still around her, but one hand was on her pillow, open as if waiting for something to be put in, her hair was splayed out around her face, and one long, creamy white leg was sticking out from beneath the mountain of covers.
James was practically drooling, so his friends shoved him in and gently closed the door. James gulped and moved closer to the bed, his urge to just run a hand over her leg becoming quite bothersome.
James sat on the edge of the bed and brushed some of Lily's hair away from her face. Lily's eyes moved under the lids, but she didn't wake. James took Lily's hand in his own, entwining their fingers together. Lily opened her eyes and blinked sleepily up at him. "James? What's going on?"
James smiled lightly and said, "Our dear friends decided to send me in to wake you up."
Lily smiled slightly before realizing something. "I am still in my bathing suit."
James nodded his head.
"I am going to be freezing!"
James rolled his eyes and Lily stuck out her tongue. James made to grab it, but Lily was too fast. She smiled as she reached for her wand. James grabbed it and handed it to Lily, who smiled gratefully. She muttered a few words and was soon dressed in a pair of black pants and a charcoal gray sweater. She pulled on her combat boots and pulled her hair out of her face before moving to her door.
She stopped by her mirror and sighed sadly. James came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. Lily nodded her head and moved to her door, but it opened before she got there. She raised her eyebrow at Sirius, who was the one to open the door. "Remus dared me."
Lily rolled her eyes before going up to Remus and pulling him down to her height by his ear. Sirius noticed how much shorter than Remus Lily was, so he turned to James and asked, "Remus is an inch short than you, right?"
James nodded his head and Sirius continued his questioning. "Lily's about five inches shorter than Remus, right?"
James again nodded. Sirius grinned wickedly and called, "Lily, can you come here a minute?"
Lily let go of Remus and skipped to Sirius.
"What?"
Sirius pulled Lily's hair out of the ponytail before inspecting the length.
"Sirius, what are you doing?"
Sirius handed Lily the ponytail holder back before saying, "Nothing, nothing."
Lily looked at him for a minute before her eyes flashed and she stumbled a bit. "Oh, food. Need it."
She waved her wand and started to drink from the goblet that formed in front of her as she walked to the kitchen. Just after she got there Lily fell into a seat. "Holy fuck monkeys!" (My ALL TIME favorite expression!)
Lily turned to Sirius and asked, "You don't think?"
Sirius shrugged and Lily groaned. Remus and James looked at each other and shrugged. Lily looked up and asked, "What do you want?"
The boys all said something at the same time and Lily waved her wand. Whatever they asked for was in front of them. The boys dug in while Lily steepled her fingers under her chin. She thought for a little while before standing up. "It can't be."
Sirius rolled his eyes and said, "You never got exact colors before."
Lily threw her hands up and exclaimed, "It can't be!"
Sirius again rolled his eyes and went back to eating. Lily came up behind him and put her head on his back. She put her hands on his shoulders and just stood there. "This is a very comfortable position, you know."
Sirius rolled his eyes while James and Remus laughed.
"Sirius?"
Sirius looked over his shoulder to see Lily looking at him with fear in her eyes. "Is that what this is?"
Sirius blinked before turning around. "It could be."
Lily moaned before standing up straight. "Never mind! I don't care!"
Sirius raised an eyebrow and Lily fell flat on her back. She landed in midair and hovered while saying, "You're right! I do care!"
Sirius laughed before picking Lily up by her waist and setting her so her feet were on the ground. "Don't worry about it. Everything'll be fine."
Lily sighed before jumping up. "Ok, what're we going to do today?"
~*~
The rest of the week was spent at Lily's house or out with Lily at some club. The four were better friends than ever, and it was with sad hearts that the boys left. James kissed her on the forehead and said, "For every night."
Lily nodded, then pouted slightly. As if reading her mind, James hugged Lily and said, "Of course, I'll still do it at school."
Lily smiled and turned to Sirius and Remus, who were watching with amusement in their eyes. Lily smiled back, and the three left just as Brian and Petunia were walking in the door.
~*~
The rest of the summer, with the exception of going to Diagon Alley, was incredibly boring for Lily, and dull for the boys.
It was finally time to board the Hogwarts Express, and Lily was both happy and sad. She was going back to her true home, yet it was her last year there. Lily frowned as she boarded the train and put her things in the Head Student compartment, she had found out in her letter, and went to find her friends.
She finally found them at the back of the train, discussing pranks and how in the hell James got Head Boy. Lily walked in and sat down waving hello. She stifled her fifth yawn that morning, and Remus noticed.
"Go to the Head Student Compartment and go to sleep."
Lily looked at her friend she considered a brother and blinked. "Huh?"
Sirius snorted while James smiled slightly.
"I think he means you look about ready to fall asleep on your feet. You should go and catch up a bit."
Lily shrugged and teleported there, noticing that the couch looked very comfortable.
~*~
Another chapter! Almost done now! Hope you liked it, and thanks to all of my reviewers. I'll have more up soon, school just started - Oh joy! Oh rapture! - so I'll finish this as soon as possible. Reviews are nice!
SORRY ABOUT THE WAIT!
Kristin, Zoe Lefebvre, Sabre-X
THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!
BTW:
Facere-Scire means: make-known! ; )
