Usual disclaimer apply.
Friends, Companion, Schoolmate, Acquaintance
Mrs. Potter led me straight to a brick wall! Yes, that's our destination. The back of the pub, a place for storing barrels of alcohol. The crazy lady took out her stick thing and looked at me.
"Now, Lily, the place we will be going to next is called Diagon Valley," said Mrs. Potter. She tapped the bricks randomly and the bricks started rearranging themselves so an opening was shown. Father, and Grandma, who were having an intense conversation with Mr. Potter about magic, stopped and gaped at the display like I was. People were bustling around the place going from shop to shop, meeting friends, bargaining the prices of items, and even petting owls! There were children there also. I suppose they are Hogwarts or future Hogwarts students doing their own back to school shopping.
"Daddy look!" I pointed the strange building right in front of us.
"That would be Gringotts bank," explained Mr. Potter. I jumped in surprise since that was the first time he said something to me.
"Your money will be in one of the vaults there Lily," said Mrs. Potter. I followed her to the white building absorbing the site around me. My father and my grandparents stood out from the mass of people because of their clothing but to my surprise, there were children dressed just like me. Well, not exactly like me but close enough, though the girls were wearing pants! It wasn't long before we got to the bank. Mr. Potter pushed the door open to let everyone in. I crossed the threshold and jumped back in surprise and fear. Short green creatures were giving me evaluating stares.
"Don't worry about the goblins Lily," said Mrs. Potter calming my nerves. "They won't bother you unless you are going to steal something." We walked up to the goblin sitting in the highest counter. "Vault four-fifteen please." The goblin looked at Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter, Father, Grandma, and Grandpa, then he stood up from his seat and looked down on me.
"Do you have the key?" asked the goblin. Mrs. Potter brought out two little keys from her purse.
"Oh, and also the Potters' safe too." The creepy looking goblin nodded.
"Gawlin, come and take them to Vault four-fifteen, and the Potters' safe," ordered the goblin, who I supposed was at a higher level than the one called Gawlin. The short green thing led our large groups to three carts connected like a mini train.
"Two to a cart please." Mrs. Potter took me by my hand and we went to the first cart. Father and Mr. Potter were in the middle cart while Grandma and Grandpa took the last cart. Grandma was in a pretty bad mood after that. The ride was bumpy, twisty, and I nearly got sick along with Grandma. Father was a bit green, but Grandpa was never better. I have never seen him smile like that after the ride; he was almost mischievous looking.
"Well, that was a fun ride wasn't it Mildred?" asked Grandpa with glee. Grandma pressed her lips together and snapped right back to her aristocratic self, only in a touchy mood. She sniffed at Grandpa and the cart and followed Gawlin to my vault.
"Is it possible to exchange pounds into whatever currency the wizards use?" asked Father directing the question to anyone who can answer.
"Yes. All you need to do is go to the counter under the sign 'Currency Exchange' and you should be able to change your money," answered our goblin showing his crooked and yellow teeth when he smiled. Not to mention it made Father feel rather dumb when he heard the simple instructions.
"Have this bank ever been robbed?" asked Grandpa out of pure curiosity. Gawlin's smile grew wider and uglier.
"No one dares to rob Gringott's sir. If they get into a vault, they can never get out."
"So robberies are that often but is there an alarm system to inform you of intruders?" I asked since my curiosity was far too great for my shyness.
"No Miss."
"So how often do you check for people who are trapped?" inquired Father using his professional tone.
"About every ten or twenty years," replied Gawlin nonchalantly and his smile getting less pleasant, if it ever was pleasant. Gawlin walked towards my vault and as he put the key in, his answer suddenly dawned on me. What if there was a corpse of a wizard or witch in my vault? Consequently, I felt my stomach lurch and the essence of my lunch come back to me. Gawlin opened to door and looked at me to go and get my money from the mountain of shinning coins.
"Err, Mrs. Potter? How much money do I need?" I looked at her with uncertainty. I didn't even know how much each coin is. Mrs. Potter walked in. She randomly took some gold, silver, and bronze coins.
"The gold ones are Galleons, silver ones are sickles, and the bronze are knuts." She continued to explain the rates for the coins to me, though she was mainly speaking to Father. "Well, we are ready to move on." Grandma looked at me and made a face at thought of going on the ride with those speedy carts and I sympathized. Mr. Potter caught my less than excited look and chuckled.
"I always thought children loved these crazy rides." I stared back at him with my eyes wide. How could any one enjoy the wind hit your face so hard and the jerking of the body at each turn? Well, that is anyone except Grandpa. The trip to the Potters' safe was faster and in no time, I was finally able to smell fresh air.
"Okay, should we get your Hogwarts uniform first?" I shrugged and Mrs. Potter shrugged as well. "I'll take Lily shopping and Harry, do explain everything to Mr. Evans. I don't want him too surprised about things." Mr. Potter nodded and he led Evans Three, as what I am calling them now, back to Leaky Cauldron. "Oh! Another thing Harry, if we don't meet James and Sirius, they should be at Leaky Cauldron at six." Mr. Potter nodded and continued leading the Evans Three to the pub.
"Now, for some girl time. I have always wanted a girl, but tsk, I get a son," complained Mrs. Potter shaking her head. "Come on, let's go to Madame Malkins for some robes." I gave her my biggest smile since shopping is something new to me. Everything I own, they are either given to me as presents from people I have never met, or Father bought from a tailor that's paid to make me clothes.
Getting fitted my flying tape measurers were very tickling. The tips kept on making me squirm and they ended getting a measurement that was two times bigger than my actual size. I guess that made Madame Malkins mad since she was huffing when she had to do all the measuring by hand and there were about five customers behind me. Then we took longer because Mrs. Potter was fussing about who the robe was too long or the waist should be narrower. The feeling I got when Mrs. Potter was fretting about me was different than when Maria or Bertha clucking about my clothing. Mrs. Potter's complaints were warm and fuzzy instead of annoying. I suppose that is what having a mother feels like. Regarding my mother, I needed to ask a few questions.
"Mrs. Potter?" I asked timidly since she and Madame Malkin are examining my uniform.
"Call me Evelyn Lily, Mrs. Potter makes me feel old." I giggled and nodded when she said "old" since she make her face crinckle like Grandma whenever things reminded her of her age.
"Okay Mrs. Po - Evelyn. Did you ever know my mother or grandmother or great- grandmother?"
"Sorry dear," said Mrs. Potter looking sad, "I have never met your mother or your grandmother. I think my grandmother was friends with your great- grandmother though. But I do know that after Grindelwald was defeated, your grandmother left the wizarding world pregnant with your mother. I can't blame her since her family and her husband were all killed in the fight."
"Uh, who is Grindelwald?"
"He is a dark wizard who killed many people. The headmaster of Hogwarts is the one that defeated him though." Mrs. Potter looked extremely proud when the headmaster was mentioned. Perhaps there is proof to why Hogwarts is the best school in Europe.
After I got my school uniforms, Mrs. Potter took me to Flourish and Blotts for my books. The owner, Mr. Blotts, was more than happy to help me get whatever I need; I even got some books to read in my free time. They weren't fictions, but more like books on extra spells and enchantments.. Mrs. Potter said getting those books would help me a lot on daily things getting the drying charm for drying clothing, or the lighting charm where a little light glows on the tip of my wand. Speaking of wands, that is the store we went next.
"Ollivanders, they make the best wands in Europe," announced Mrs. Potter when we were standing in front of a large wooden sign that said "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C."
"Is it the same person selling the wands?" I asked incredulously. If it was, this person certainly would look like a skeleton by now, and I really didn't want any reminders of Gringotts.
"No, no. It's a family business. Even wizards cannot live this long." Mrs. Potter opened the door to let me in and a little bell sounded. A man who looked like a middle-aged person who has taken too many beating showed up from the back.
"Hello. You must be related to Lily Calla." I looked at him in surprise. How did he know my great-grandmother's name? "You have her eyes," continued the man, which I have gathered by now that he is Mr.Ollivander. "Ahh, yes. I remember. I sold her a glass wand. They were highly rare. I believe it was a dragon heartstring that was in it." I took out the box that contained my grandmother's wand.
"I have it right here." Showing him the box and the content inside.
"Ahh, yes. That wand certainly had its special qualities."
"Doesn't every wand have special qualities?" asked Mrs. Potter crossing her arms over her chest.
"Mrs. Potter! I didn't noticed you," said Mr. Olllivander smiling at Mrs. Potter. "So you brought this lovely lady here?" Mrs. Potter nodded. "Okay, well on with business Miss Evans." I was stumped how did he know my name without asking me? This place is getting creepier by the second. And it was. Flying tape measures came out again. They were measuring almost everything that could be measured on me. The length of my arm, how big the space was between my eyes, length of my nose, even the size of my head! Mr. Ollivander turned around with a box and the tape measures fell to the ground and were lying there like dead snakes.
"Here try this. Maple and phoenix feather, seven and a half inches." He gave the wand to me. I held it in my hand and looked at him for more instructions. "Well, take a wave." I waved and nothing happened. That was completely silly, and then I heard Mrs. Potter.
"Nice wind you started." I looked outside and there was a gust storm.
"Was that suppose to happen?" I asked afraid of the damage I caused.
"Um, not really. Here, Ebony and unicorn hair. It is quite springy," said Mr. Ollivander completely unfazed. I took the wand and waved it. The back storage room got flooded with falling wands as soon as my hand started moving. "Uh, that is quite alright." Said Mr. Ollivander when I looked apologetic. "Mr. Potter made the while store a mess." I turned around to Mrs. Potter and she mouthed I will tell you later.
"Let's try this one. Yew and unicorn hair, ten inches. Perfect for charm work; very swishy," I held the wand and a light friendly buzz came from it. "Now wave," said Mr. Ollivander almost bracing himself for another disaster. I did as he said and nothing happened. "Why don't we try a spell. That wand has a temper and maybe you should say 'Wingardium Leviosa'. Go on say it and wave."
"Wingardium Leviosa!" I exclaimed and did the wave. The box that contained this wand rose in the air.
"Congratulations Miss Evans, not only did you get your very own wand, but you also mastered one of the elementary charms and the 'swish and flick' movement especially for Charms." I paid for my wand and Mrs. Potter was still beaming when we were outside.
"You know Lily, when James was getting his wand, he was just as troublesome as you, though I must say you causing that wind storm just now proved to be more damaging." I looked at Mrs. Potter hoping she wasn't mad at. Instead of seeing a frown, she had a playful smile. "Come Lily, we still have more things to get for you." The rest of the shopping trip wasn't very exciting. Mrs. Potter and I looked at cauldron after cauldron to find a good one, as the salesclerk said. But if you ask me, they all look the same, black, big, and heavy. The trip to the apothecary was more entertaining you could say. While the old man behind the counter was getting whatever I need, he was telling all about the grotesque things in jars. I was near vomiting for the second time today.
"Ew! Do I really have to use those things for potions?" I asked showing my dislike for the subject already.
"Don't worry Lily, it will be just fine. Be glad that they are dead." We walked past a store displaying a broomstick and lots of people were crowding around the shop window. Actually, I suppose it would be called bad timing since the second we were walking there, a clump of people rushed to the window that had just had a broomstick put there.
"Aaack!" I squeaked in the midst of the crowd. Where was Mrs. Potter? My heart started beating rapidly and a panic attack had started. Questions were swimming in my head. So many what if and maybes. Just then, two boys both ran into either side of me.
"Watch where you are going!" I shouted peeved since I was already somewhat lost, and now I am sandwiched between two complete strangers.
"Sorry!" said a tall boy around me age. He had glasses that shielded his chocolate brown eyes and extremely messy hair, like Mr. Potter. Then the boy on the other side of me apologized also. He had the same colored hair and eyes, but his hair was definitely neater the previous boy. "I am James Potter," introduced the boy whose mop of hair looked like an old mop.
"And I am Sirius Black. At your service Miss." I looked at the second boy strangely. Was he mocking me?
"Lily, where are you?" called Mrs. Potter looking in the opposite direction.
"I am here." At the same time, both boys shouted "Mum!" or in Sirius' case, "Mrs. Potter!" I looked at the boys again. This time, I decided that I had no clue what was going on and stood there like a good wooden pole.
"Oh goodness! James, Sirius! How did you find Lily?" the two boys seemed like they're going to start a wild story about saving a damsel in distress. I decided to switch out of my wooden pole mode.
"Both of them ran into me right after we got separated Mrs. Potter," I replied quickly. Mrs. Potter gave the boys the motherly look that meant did you say sorry.
"Don't worry mum. She isn't hurt," answered James shrugging. Then he turns towards me. "So you are Lillian Evans right?" I nodded. What sort question was that?
"Please call me Lily." Both boys chorused "Hello Lily" I looked at Mrs. Potter wondering where we will be going next.
"Well, Lily, we are just about finished. Oops, no wait. I need to go somewhere real quick. James, Sirius, would you take Lily to the quidditch shop? I don't think she knows much about the sport." That was true. I had no clue what quidditch was and the name sounds more like a fruit than a sport. Before I had gotten out of my thoughts, each of the boys took my hand and literally dragged me to the shop where the broom was displayed.
"Um, what may I ask are we doing here?" I asked wondering what's so interesting about a broom. And why does a housecleaning apparatus was shinny and had a gold plated handle. "I am not interested in housecleaning."
"Welcome to Quality Quidditch Supplies," declared James completely ignoring my complaints.
"They sell all kind of quidditch things," exclaimed Sirius looking like a girl had just gotten her vanity set that she always wanted. I looked at James hoping to see a less lunatic person, and I was right. The boy was certainly more calm and collect.
"Before you give me the grand tour, what exactly is quidditch?" Sirius snapped out of his daydream when he heard that and starting jabbering about the game also know as the best game there is, nicknamed by Sirius Black. I could not understand a word he said since his mouth was going a mile a minute and the words that I could catch were, chaser, snitch, and brooms. James rolled his eyes.
"Siri you are scaring the girl," warned James good-humored manner. "Lily have you ever watched muggle basketball or soccer?" I blink twice and looked at him.
"Muggle?"
"Non magic," said Sirius offhandedly, finally a bit less deranged.
"I have heard of them, but I never watched them before," suddenly feeling embarrassed at knowing so little about sports.
"What?" asked Sirius, back in his crazed personality. "Have been living in cave for the first eleven years of your life?" I looked at him offended.
"For your information, I did not live in a cave. I live on the Evans Estate for as long as I can remember." I knew it was highly childish to fold my arms and pout, but this Sirius person really made me mad. I am a civilized person living in a house, not some Neanderthal whose favorite tool is a bat (ooh, a bat sounds like the perfect accessory right now. One whack to Sirius for every stupid thing he says or does). If someone had to be a Neanderthal, it had to be Sirius.
"Okay, don't fight," cut in James. He then began a more methodic approach at explaining the game. First it was the players, then the rules, then the tools used in the game, which were flying brooms, snitch, bludger, bat for hitting bludgers, and the quaffle. When he finished, I noticed Mrs. Potter waiting outside with two owl cages in her hand and walked towards her leaving James and Sirius to whatever they were bickering about.
"Hello Mrs. Potter!" I said happily since I wanted to escape the company of the two boys arguing about whether Chudley Cannons was better, or the Wasps (perhaps it was bees, or maybe hornets, I don't know, they were just insects with stingers.)
"I suppose I will never be able to have you call me Evelyn," sighed Mrs. Potter finally giving up. "Here I bought you an owl." She bent down handed me a cage with a very tiny owl inside napping. "The person who sold this said he may be small, but he is quite fast." I looked at the adorable little bird one more time before saying my thanks.
"Thank you, but you really shouldn't have gotten me an owl."
"Nonsense Lily. An owl is mandatory when it comes to delivering mail. They can find a person from anywhere." I still looked reluctant. "Take it Lily, think of it as my birthday present to you." I said another thanks I then my brain backtracked again. How did she know today is my birthday? People here seem to know too much about me.
"Don't worry Lily," continued Mrs. Potter noticing my expression, "The headmaster told me." She stood up and called James and Sirius.
"Thanks for the owl mum," said James holding the other larger owl who looked indignant at being passed from person to person.
"Okay, everyone. We have to go," ordered Mrs. Potter.
"Where is Dad?"
"At Leaky Cauldron." I walked next to Mrs. Potter while James and Sirius skipped in front of us. Those two boys are actually the first boys I have ever talked to and now I am afraid of what the others are like.
Postscript: I know I said there will be a ball, but shopping just took long. There definitely will be the ball next chapter. Maybe a debut of Petunia and her mother.
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Now personal thanks:
Slinkimalinki: Thanks for the compliment and I know I have grammar problems. You see, in my first language, there weren't past tenses of words. All you needed to do was indicate when the action is performed. I'm thinking along the lines of:
I NEED A BETA READER!!!!
Lilyengraved: I sure hope the story is going somewhere. Thanks for the urge to write more.
Sendirella: I wouldn't call this ficcy awesome but thanks for the compliment no less. :P
AshliRyTe: Gee, since you asked so nicely, I certainly will continue.
Liz the Laugh: Good to know that this is interesting. I tend to have to same habit as you when I don't feel like reading certain parts. That might be why my history knowledge has gaps of a few hundred years.
Sunkisses643: Thanks for the review, and don't worry, I have the future chapters planned out already so I will be posting but read the note on the bottom. It will explain my predicament about updating.
LittleEar BigEar's sis: Thank you soo much for making me one of your favorite authors. You are now my very best friend (j/k), but thanks again. You have no idea how much it means to me (fine, call me sentimental, that is just the way I am).
Lisa: I meant for this story to be a different take since I got the idea when I was half conscious because of my cold medicine. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement.
Jackie: Cute? It is cute?! Nah, I didn't mean it in an unfriendly way. It is just I never thought it to be cute. Oh well, I should expand my perceptiveness a little more.
Moon Princess: Wow, I am getting a lot of "this is great". Thanks for reviewing! Hope you will like this chapter as well.
Taylorwitch02: I appreciate the compliment! Those four words mean so much to my self-esteem.
Pink Panther: Thanks for the praise. I will explain more of the relationship between Lily and Petunia later, maybe even in the next chapter. I intend for this to be close to the series but if some changes must be made because it won't fit my plot, I certainly hope you will be able to over look that.
General Note: Oh, I am going to cry. I would be back in school tomorrow; yep it starts on a Thursday. This would be the time I wished I were home schooled instead of going to a stupid college preparatory school. Well, this will mean I can't update as often or be able to put my ideas into words as often. Let's hope the next chapter will come out by the weekend.
Shortened version: I will update maybe one or twice a month on average. Sorry, school comes first.
Shortened of the shortened version:
Rate of update = Hermione + schoolwork
Friends, Companion, Schoolmate, Acquaintance
Mrs. Potter led me straight to a brick wall! Yes, that's our destination. The back of the pub, a place for storing barrels of alcohol. The crazy lady took out her stick thing and looked at me.
"Now, Lily, the place we will be going to next is called Diagon Valley," said Mrs. Potter. She tapped the bricks randomly and the bricks started rearranging themselves so an opening was shown. Father, and Grandma, who were having an intense conversation with Mr. Potter about magic, stopped and gaped at the display like I was. People were bustling around the place going from shop to shop, meeting friends, bargaining the prices of items, and even petting owls! There were children there also. I suppose they are Hogwarts or future Hogwarts students doing their own back to school shopping.
"Daddy look!" I pointed the strange building right in front of us.
"That would be Gringotts bank," explained Mr. Potter. I jumped in surprise since that was the first time he said something to me.
"Your money will be in one of the vaults there Lily," said Mrs. Potter. I followed her to the white building absorbing the site around me. My father and my grandparents stood out from the mass of people because of their clothing but to my surprise, there were children dressed just like me. Well, not exactly like me but close enough, though the girls were wearing pants! It wasn't long before we got to the bank. Mr. Potter pushed the door open to let everyone in. I crossed the threshold and jumped back in surprise and fear. Short green creatures were giving me evaluating stares.
"Don't worry about the goblins Lily," said Mrs. Potter calming my nerves. "They won't bother you unless you are going to steal something." We walked up to the goblin sitting in the highest counter. "Vault four-fifteen please." The goblin looked at Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter, Father, Grandma, and Grandpa, then he stood up from his seat and looked down on me.
"Do you have the key?" asked the goblin. Mrs. Potter brought out two little keys from her purse.
"Oh, and also the Potters' safe too." The creepy looking goblin nodded.
"Gawlin, come and take them to Vault four-fifteen, and the Potters' safe," ordered the goblin, who I supposed was at a higher level than the one called Gawlin. The short green thing led our large groups to three carts connected like a mini train.
"Two to a cart please." Mrs. Potter took me by my hand and we went to the first cart. Father and Mr. Potter were in the middle cart while Grandma and Grandpa took the last cart. Grandma was in a pretty bad mood after that. The ride was bumpy, twisty, and I nearly got sick along with Grandma. Father was a bit green, but Grandpa was never better. I have never seen him smile like that after the ride; he was almost mischievous looking.
"Well, that was a fun ride wasn't it Mildred?" asked Grandpa with glee. Grandma pressed her lips together and snapped right back to her aristocratic self, only in a touchy mood. She sniffed at Grandpa and the cart and followed Gawlin to my vault.
"Is it possible to exchange pounds into whatever currency the wizards use?" asked Father directing the question to anyone who can answer.
"Yes. All you need to do is go to the counter under the sign 'Currency Exchange' and you should be able to change your money," answered our goblin showing his crooked and yellow teeth when he smiled. Not to mention it made Father feel rather dumb when he heard the simple instructions.
"Have this bank ever been robbed?" asked Grandpa out of pure curiosity. Gawlin's smile grew wider and uglier.
"No one dares to rob Gringott's sir. If they get into a vault, they can never get out."
"So robberies are that often but is there an alarm system to inform you of intruders?" I asked since my curiosity was far too great for my shyness.
"No Miss."
"So how often do you check for people who are trapped?" inquired Father using his professional tone.
"About every ten or twenty years," replied Gawlin nonchalantly and his smile getting less pleasant, if it ever was pleasant. Gawlin walked towards my vault and as he put the key in, his answer suddenly dawned on me. What if there was a corpse of a wizard or witch in my vault? Consequently, I felt my stomach lurch and the essence of my lunch come back to me. Gawlin opened to door and looked at me to go and get my money from the mountain of shinning coins.
"Err, Mrs. Potter? How much money do I need?" I looked at her with uncertainty. I didn't even know how much each coin is. Mrs. Potter walked in. She randomly took some gold, silver, and bronze coins.
"The gold ones are Galleons, silver ones are sickles, and the bronze are knuts." She continued to explain the rates for the coins to me, though she was mainly speaking to Father. "Well, we are ready to move on." Grandma looked at me and made a face at thought of going on the ride with those speedy carts and I sympathized. Mr. Potter caught my less than excited look and chuckled.
"I always thought children loved these crazy rides." I stared back at him with my eyes wide. How could any one enjoy the wind hit your face so hard and the jerking of the body at each turn? Well, that is anyone except Grandpa. The trip to the Potters' safe was faster and in no time, I was finally able to smell fresh air.
"Okay, should we get your Hogwarts uniform first?" I shrugged and Mrs. Potter shrugged as well. "I'll take Lily shopping and Harry, do explain everything to Mr. Evans. I don't want him too surprised about things." Mr. Potter nodded and he led Evans Three, as what I am calling them now, back to Leaky Cauldron. "Oh! Another thing Harry, if we don't meet James and Sirius, they should be at Leaky Cauldron at six." Mr. Potter nodded and continued leading the Evans Three to the pub.
"Now, for some girl time. I have always wanted a girl, but tsk, I get a son," complained Mrs. Potter shaking her head. "Come on, let's go to Madame Malkins for some robes." I gave her my biggest smile since shopping is something new to me. Everything I own, they are either given to me as presents from people I have never met, or Father bought from a tailor that's paid to make me clothes.
Getting fitted my flying tape measurers were very tickling. The tips kept on making me squirm and they ended getting a measurement that was two times bigger than my actual size. I guess that made Madame Malkins mad since she was huffing when she had to do all the measuring by hand and there were about five customers behind me. Then we took longer because Mrs. Potter was fussing about who the robe was too long or the waist should be narrower. The feeling I got when Mrs. Potter was fretting about me was different than when Maria or Bertha clucking about my clothing. Mrs. Potter's complaints were warm and fuzzy instead of annoying. I suppose that is what having a mother feels like. Regarding my mother, I needed to ask a few questions.
"Mrs. Potter?" I asked timidly since she and Madame Malkin are examining my uniform.
"Call me Evelyn Lily, Mrs. Potter makes me feel old." I giggled and nodded when she said "old" since she make her face crinckle like Grandma whenever things reminded her of her age.
"Okay Mrs. Po - Evelyn. Did you ever know my mother or grandmother or great- grandmother?"
"Sorry dear," said Mrs. Potter looking sad, "I have never met your mother or your grandmother. I think my grandmother was friends with your great- grandmother though. But I do know that after Grindelwald was defeated, your grandmother left the wizarding world pregnant with your mother. I can't blame her since her family and her husband were all killed in the fight."
"Uh, who is Grindelwald?"
"He is a dark wizard who killed many people. The headmaster of Hogwarts is the one that defeated him though." Mrs. Potter looked extremely proud when the headmaster was mentioned. Perhaps there is proof to why Hogwarts is the best school in Europe.
After I got my school uniforms, Mrs. Potter took me to Flourish and Blotts for my books. The owner, Mr. Blotts, was more than happy to help me get whatever I need; I even got some books to read in my free time. They weren't fictions, but more like books on extra spells and enchantments.. Mrs. Potter said getting those books would help me a lot on daily things getting the drying charm for drying clothing, or the lighting charm where a little light glows on the tip of my wand. Speaking of wands, that is the store we went next.
"Ollivanders, they make the best wands in Europe," announced Mrs. Potter when we were standing in front of a large wooden sign that said "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C."
"Is it the same person selling the wands?" I asked incredulously. If it was, this person certainly would look like a skeleton by now, and I really didn't want any reminders of Gringotts.
"No, no. It's a family business. Even wizards cannot live this long." Mrs. Potter opened the door to let me in and a little bell sounded. A man who looked like a middle-aged person who has taken too many beating showed up from the back.
"Hello. You must be related to Lily Calla." I looked at him in surprise. How did he know my great-grandmother's name? "You have her eyes," continued the man, which I have gathered by now that he is Mr.Ollivander. "Ahh, yes. I remember. I sold her a glass wand. They were highly rare. I believe it was a dragon heartstring that was in it." I took out the box that contained my grandmother's wand.
"I have it right here." Showing him the box and the content inside.
"Ahh, yes. That wand certainly had its special qualities."
"Doesn't every wand have special qualities?" asked Mrs. Potter crossing her arms over her chest.
"Mrs. Potter! I didn't noticed you," said Mr. Olllivander smiling at Mrs. Potter. "So you brought this lovely lady here?" Mrs. Potter nodded. "Okay, well on with business Miss Evans." I was stumped how did he know my name without asking me? This place is getting creepier by the second. And it was. Flying tape measures came out again. They were measuring almost everything that could be measured on me. The length of my arm, how big the space was between my eyes, length of my nose, even the size of my head! Mr. Ollivander turned around with a box and the tape measures fell to the ground and were lying there like dead snakes.
"Here try this. Maple and phoenix feather, seven and a half inches." He gave the wand to me. I held it in my hand and looked at him for more instructions. "Well, take a wave." I waved and nothing happened. That was completely silly, and then I heard Mrs. Potter.
"Nice wind you started." I looked outside and there was a gust storm.
"Was that suppose to happen?" I asked afraid of the damage I caused.
"Um, not really. Here, Ebony and unicorn hair. It is quite springy," said Mr. Ollivander completely unfazed. I took the wand and waved it. The back storage room got flooded with falling wands as soon as my hand started moving. "Uh, that is quite alright." Said Mr. Ollivander when I looked apologetic. "Mr. Potter made the while store a mess." I turned around to Mrs. Potter and she mouthed I will tell you later.
"Let's try this one. Yew and unicorn hair, ten inches. Perfect for charm work; very swishy," I held the wand and a light friendly buzz came from it. "Now wave," said Mr. Ollivander almost bracing himself for another disaster. I did as he said and nothing happened. "Why don't we try a spell. That wand has a temper and maybe you should say 'Wingardium Leviosa'. Go on say it and wave."
"Wingardium Leviosa!" I exclaimed and did the wave. The box that contained this wand rose in the air.
"Congratulations Miss Evans, not only did you get your very own wand, but you also mastered one of the elementary charms and the 'swish and flick' movement especially for Charms." I paid for my wand and Mrs. Potter was still beaming when we were outside.
"You know Lily, when James was getting his wand, he was just as troublesome as you, though I must say you causing that wind storm just now proved to be more damaging." I looked at Mrs. Potter hoping she wasn't mad at. Instead of seeing a frown, she had a playful smile. "Come Lily, we still have more things to get for you." The rest of the shopping trip wasn't very exciting. Mrs. Potter and I looked at cauldron after cauldron to find a good one, as the salesclerk said. But if you ask me, they all look the same, black, big, and heavy. The trip to the apothecary was more entertaining you could say. While the old man behind the counter was getting whatever I need, he was telling all about the grotesque things in jars. I was near vomiting for the second time today.
"Ew! Do I really have to use those things for potions?" I asked showing my dislike for the subject already.
"Don't worry Lily, it will be just fine. Be glad that they are dead." We walked past a store displaying a broomstick and lots of people were crowding around the shop window. Actually, I suppose it would be called bad timing since the second we were walking there, a clump of people rushed to the window that had just had a broomstick put there.
"Aaack!" I squeaked in the midst of the crowd. Where was Mrs. Potter? My heart started beating rapidly and a panic attack had started. Questions were swimming in my head. So many what if and maybes. Just then, two boys both ran into either side of me.
"Watch where you are going!" I shouted peeved since I was already somewhat lost, and now I am sandwiched between two complete strangers.
"Sorry!" said a tall boy around me age. He had glasses that shielded his chocolate brown eyes and extremely messy hair, like Mr. Potter. Then the boy on the other side of me apologized also. He had the same colored hair and eyes, but his hair was definitely neater the previous boy. "I am James Potter," introduced the boy whose mop of hair looked like an old mop.
"And I am Sirius Black. At your service Miss." I looked at the second boy strangely. Was he mocking me?
"Lily, where are you?" called Mrs. Potter looking in the opposite direction.
"I am here." At the same time, both boys shouted "Mum!" or in Sirius' case, "Mrs. Potter!" I looked at the boys again. This time, I decided that I had no clue what was going on and stood there like a good wooden pole.
"Oh goodness! James, Sirius! How did you find Lily?" the two boys seemed like they're going to start a wild story about saving a damsel in distress. I decided to switch out of my wooden pole mode.
"Both of them ran into me right after we got separated Mrs. Potter," I replied quickly. Mrs. Potter gave the boys the motherly look that meant did you say sorry.
"Don't worry mum. She isn't hurt," answered James shrugging. Then he turns towards me. "So you are Lillian Evans right?" I nodded. What sort question was that?
"Please call me Lily." Both boys chorused "Hello Lily" I looked at Mrs. Potter wondering where we will be going next.
"Well, Lily, we are just about finished. Oops, no wait. I need to go somewhere real quick. James, Sirius, would you take Lily to the quidditch shop? I don't think she knows much about the sport." That was true. I had no clue what quidditch was and the name sounds more like a fruit than a sport. Before I had gotten out of my thoughts, each of the boys took my hand and literally dragged me to the shop where the broom was displayed.
"Um, what may I ask are we doing here?" I asked wondering what's so interesting about a broom. And why does a housecleaning apparatus was shinny and had a gold plated handle. "I am not interested in housecleaning."
"Welcome to Quality Quidditch Supplies," declared James completely ignoring my complaints.
"They sell all kind of quidditch things," exclaimed Sirius looking like a girl had just gotten her vanity set that she always wanted. I looked at James hoping to see a less lunatic person, and I was right. The boy was certainly more calm and collect.
"Before you give me the grand tour, what exactly is quidditch?" Sirius snapped out of his daydream when he heard that and starting jabbering about the game also know as the best game there is, nicknamed by Sirius Black. I could not understand a word he said since his mouth was going a mile a minute and the words that I could catch were, chaser, snitch, and brooms. James rolled his eyes.
"Siri you are scaring the girl," warned James good-humored manner. "Lily have you ever watched muggle basketball or soccer?" I blink twice and looked at him.
"Muggle?"
"Non magic," said Sirius offhandedly, finally a bit less deranged.
"I have heard of them, but I never watched them before," suddenly feeling embarrassed at knowing so little about sports.
"What?" asked Sirius, back in his crazed personality. "Have been living in cave for the first eleven years of your life?" I looked at him offended.
"For your information, I did not live in a cave. I live on the Evans Estate for as long as I can remember." I knew it was highly childish to fold my arms and pout, but this Sirius person really made me mad. I am a civilized person living in a house, not some Neanderthal whose favorite tool is a bat (ooh, a bat sounds like the perfect accessory right now. One whack to Sirius for every stupid thing he says or does). If someone had to be a Neanderthal, it had to be Sirius.
"Okay, don't fight," cut in James. He then began a more methodic approach at explaining the game. First it was the players, then the rules, then the tools used in the game, which were flying brooms, snitch, bludger, bat for hitting bludgers, and the quaffle. When he finished, I noticed Mrs. Potter waiting outside with two owl cages in her hand and walked towards her leaving James and Sirius to whatever they were bickering about.
"Hello Mrs. Potter!" I said happily since I wanted to escape the company of the two boys arguing about whether Chudley Cannons was better, or the Wasps (perhaps it was bees, or maybe hornets, I don't know, they were just insects with stingers.)
"I suppose I will never be able to have you call me Evelyn," sighed Mrs. Potter finally giving up. "Here I bought you an owl." She bent down handed me a cage with a very tiny owl inside napping. "The person who sold this said he may be small, but he is quite fast." I looked at the adorable little bird one more time before saying my thanks.
"Thank you, but you really shouldn't have gotten me an owl."
"Nonsense Lily. An owl is mandatory when it comes to delivering mail. They can find a person from anywhere." I still looked reluctant. "Take it Lily, think of it as my birthday present to you." I said another thanks I then my brain backtracked again. How did she know today is my birthday? People here seem to know too much about me.
"Don't worry Lily," continued Mrs. Potter noticing my expression, "The headmaster told me." She stood up and called James and Sirius.
"Thanks for the owl mum," said James holding the other larger owl who looked indignant at being passed from person to person.
"Okay, everyone. We have to go," ordered Mrs. Potter.
"Where is Dad?"
"At Leaky Cauldron." I walked next to Mrs. Potter while James and Sirius skipped in front of us. Those two boys are actually the first boys I have ever talked to and now I am afraid of what the others are like.
Postscript: I know I said there will be a ball, but shopping just took long. There definitely will be the ball next chapter. Maybe a debut of Petunia and her mother.
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Now personal thanks:
Slinkimalinki: Thanks for the compliment and I know I have grammar problems. You see, in my first language, there weren't past tenses of words. All you needed to do was indicate when the action is performed. I'm thinking along the lines of:
I NEED A BETA READER!!!!
Lilyengraved: I sure hope the story is going somewhere. Thanks for the urge to write more.
Sendirella: I wouldn't call this ficcy awesome but thanks for the compliment no less. :P
AshliRyTe: Gee, since you asked so nicely, I certainly will continue.
Liz the Laugh: Good to know that this is interesting. I tend to have to same habit as you when I don't feel like reading certain parts. That might be why my history knowledge has gaps of a few hundred years.
Sunkisses643: Thanks for the review, and don't worry, I have the future chapters planned out already so I will be posting but read the note on the bottom. It will explain my predicament about updating.
LittleEar BigEar's sis: Thank you soo much for making me one of your favorite authors. You are now my very best friend (j/k), but thanks again. You have no idea how much it means to me (fine, call me sentimental, that is just the way I am).
Lisa: I meant for this story to be a different take since I got the idea when I was half conscious because of my cold medicine. Anyway, thanks for the encouragement.
Jackie: Cute? It is cute?! Nah, I didn't mean it in an unfriendly way. It is just I never thought it to be cute. Oh well, I should expand my perceptiveness a little more.
Moon Princess: Wow, I am getting a lot of "this is great". Thanks for reviewing! Hope you will like this chapter as well.
Taylorwitch02: I appreciate the compliment! Those four words mean so much to my self-esteem.
Pink Panther: Thanks for the praise. I will explain more of the relationship between Lily and Petunia later, maybe even in the next chapter. I intend for this to be close to the series but if some changes must be made because it won't fit my plot, I certainly hope you will be able to over look that.
General Note: Oh, I am going to cry. I would be back in school tomorrow; yep it starts on a Thursday. This would be the time I wished I were home schooled instead of going to a stupid college preparatory school. Well, this will mean I can't update as often or be able to put my ideas into words as often. Let's hope the next chapter will come out by the weekend.
Shortened version: I will update maybe one or twice a month on average. Sorry, school comes first.
Shortened of the shortened version:
Rate of update = Hermione + schoolwork