Yay! I fixed the format problem!!! Well, sort of. It isn't bunched up anymore. =P Thanky to everyone that hinted at this mistake. This was the only chapter I forgot to check for the format. Many apologies.
Disclaimer: The only thing that belongs to me in this story would be the plot and the non-canon characters. Various people that I do know own the copyright of every thing else, but just to sound more intelligent on this issue, they belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I don't think I am getting money from this since I am not holding a hat and no one has chucked coins at me. The only gain would be . . . my enjoyment in writing this and the reviews I get of how good the story is and the constructive criticism currently lacking in the reviews.
Ha! Got that out of my system. Heehee, I think I have forgotten to put a disclaimer in the last one or two chapters. Oppsy *grins sheepishly*
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Royalty eh?
Chapter Seven: Misgivings
The first week of school went as smoothly as possible . . . for any student who didn't have classes with the first year Gryffindors. It was even worse for me since I was a first year Gryffindor. James, Sirius and their two other friends caused too many disruptions. They call them pranks, but blowing toilet seats, cauldrons, changing people's hair colors, or setting off Dungbombs were what I would classify as highly dangerous and immature actions. I supposed it could be considered something academic since the four boys used what they learned in school to do the so-called pranks.
At breakfast one day, Professor Dumbledore gave five points to each of the students for their display of "Spectacular transfiguration skills" (they changed Lucius Malfoy's robes into a shocking pink bathrobe), but the justice system redeemed itself when the boys all received detentions. Professor McGonnagall blushed red since the headmaster gave her a compliment on teaching her students so well, but that didn't change her usual attitude: we had twenty points taken from our house for the chaos caused. Then again, she may have turned red from anger at the sight of "The Disgraces of Gryffindor" as well. As far as anyone could tell, she was happy that Gryffindor didn't actually loose any points from the Slytherin head or the headmaster at breakfast.
Schoolwork was difficult for me. I spent hours in the library or talking to a teacher or older student for help with the subjects. The idea of magic was still somewhat abstract to me in some subjects and that mental block prevented true comprehension. I had understood all the information since I knew most of the answers, but somehow I could not put it in use. The books didn't seem to help. I tried to stop being hard on myself, as Mandy and Bella put it, after they kept on lecturing me on being compulsive.
"Lily, you have to take things into perspective here," said Mandy rolling her eyes after my fifth complaint of not knowing why asphodel was used in a certain potion. "You have 101% in Potions and the only person beating you is that greasy haired boy from Slytherin."
"Why don't you take thing into perspective as well, Ms. Acra!" teased Bella. "You have the highest grades in History of Magic and you still pour over those reference books like Lily." Mandy pouted.
"That's not the point!"
"Mandy darling, hypocrisy is not your style," said Bella with a highly nasal, and not very well done, interpretation of a Frenchman speaking English.
"Lily, that is what most people would call obsessing over the small things. You're doing great in all of your classes, why bother with the extra pressure?" asked Mandy returning all the attention to me again. I nodded in agreement though what she said had contradicted with what my former tutors had told me, which was that I had to always strive to be better.
We walked towards our common room since we still had an hour before dinner. I didn't know why we were going back, the library was a better place to spend quality time.
"Miss Evans?" called a tall boy from behind me. I turned around blinking like an owl. I didn't know many upperclassmen and most of them were only fifth years from Gryffindor. This boy I had seen ushering students to Hagrid after the train ride. The light caused something on his chest to reflect a brilliant light at me.
"It's the head boy," whispered Bella nudging me to say something.
"Professor Dumbledore wants you in his office." I felt my heart beat faster. Uh-oh, what did I do wrong. Could the Marauder's have done something and blamed it on me? The head boy must have seen my worry, "Don't worry. He only has a letter for you in his office." I nodded my head weakly.
"Right, only letter," Bella teased casually. She probably knows this boy very well, like the five hundred other students.
"Oh, and Bella," the seventh year student added, "your sister wanted to see you. She mentioned something about your bubble or bubbles." A look of confusion spread across his face. But the exact opposite happened with Bella. Her eyes got bigger with recognition and slapped her head muttering about her forgetfulness.
"Bye, I have to find my sister," Bella said and dashed off in the direction of the Ravenclaw tower, though I didn't know how she knew about it, since Ariel was completely unaware of the location of the Gryffindor tower. And I didn't think Ariel would tell her where it was. Erg, too many paintings adorned the walls of this school.
"Um, the headmaster's office," I said dumbly. "I don't know where that is." To my surprise, the head boy was still by me. He led Mandy and I through the halls. We went through to school and at the most inconceivable place we stopped. There was statue of a gargoyle that wasn't nice to look at, but after staring at it for a while, it began to look humorous.
"Licorice sticks" the gargoyle moved aside to reveal a circling staircase. "All you need to do is walk up the stairs and you should find a door in front of you," directed the head boy. "Well, I have to go. Bye."
"Hmm, have fun Lil' . . . or do you want me to go with you?" Mandy added after seeing through my anxiety.
"You don't have to." Immediately, I felt uncomfortable. I wanted her to come for moral support, but I didn't want her to come since the letter might be private. The short journey up the staircase was silent. When we reached the door to Professor Dumbledore's office, I paused again.
"I'll wait for you outside." I supposed Mandy read my mind again. I know it's cheesy, but I realized she would be my best friend at that moment. Mother told me if something special is built or will happen, there is always a way of knowing. Mandy didn't have to follow me, but she did. Then instead of being next to me every second, she knew when to give me space.
I still hadn't entered so Mandy opened the door and pushed me in.
"Hello, Miss Evans!" said a kind voice. An old man with a silver beard sat behind a desk with many books and parchments spread over it. A phoenix sat on a perch next to his working desk. It seemed like he was reading over the headmaster's shoulder. When the mythical bird noticed me looking at it, its bright eyes met with mine. The interaction seemed like the bird's own greeting to me.
"Hello, Headmaster," I said, embarrassed at the delay of my response since I was too engrossed in his pet.
"I suppose I should call you Lady Lily," the headmaster teased while looking at a paper in front of him. I blushed scarlet. "I received a letter from you father via the Potters' owl." He handed me a packet, which I realized was the letter Father had sent me.
"The Potters' owl?" I asked wondering one: how had my father found the Potters, and two: couldn't the owl have delivered it during mail time at breakfast?
"It seems Mrs. Potter had kept contact with your father after you left."
"Oh." That was all that I said since the answer was obvious. The second time I felt stupid in front of the headmaster.
"You may open it here if you wish." The twinkle in his eye reminded me about Mandy, who is currently standing outside waiting for me.
"No, thank you, sir. May I be excused?" the headmaster chuckled at my question.
"Certainly, Lily. I do not need to keep you any longer." I blushed once again and headed out the door to my waiting friend.
"Hello, Mandy. I didn't mean to keep you waiting," I said with a smile.
"It was only a few minutes, Lily," Mandy replied with an exasperated look, "I'm not that impatient!" Mandy looked at the thick packet in my hands, "I see you got what you came for." I nodded. "Come on, I want to go back to the common room. I still need to finished the history essay." She quickly turned and skipped down the stairs, if that was possible. I had to run to catch up.
"Hey! So do I! Wait!" I called as I ran, "You could have at least given me a warning!" I scolded her when I finally caught up, while trying to catch my breath. To my surprise, Mandy had answered without any strain in her voice.
"Sorry. I was just curious about Bella. And what Ariel wanted to her for." I looked at her in confusion. That was a completely random subject. Not even a little connection to history essays. "Oh right. That was off the wall. I'll close my mouth now." A blush crept onto her cheeks. Shrugging off the confusion, I decided to finish the dash towards the Gryffindor tower.
"Last one there is a rotten egg!" I called happily.
"Hey!" I didn't turn back, but I could hear the indignant Mandy running close behind. Knowing she would most likely be catching up to me, I ran a tad bit harder.
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"Hmm, Miss Speedy Gonzalez, why are you still outside?" Mandy asked me when I was waiting by the portrait of the Fat Lady (Or rather the portrait frame). I moved aside. "Oh. I see." Five minutes passed and the Fat Lady still hadn't returned. "I wonder were she went to? She shouldn't be away from her post for too long."
"Hello there, girls!" said the overly cheery voice of the Fat Lady.
"Hi," I answered politely.
"Is it not such a wonderful day?" asked the portrait.
"Onomatopoeia," Mandy said the password impatiently. The Fat Lady glared at her and looked at me for an answer. "Can you let us in?" Mandy asked impatiently. The portrait opened the door (I guess). Mandy nodded and walked in. I gave the Fat Lady an apologetic before entering.
"Humph. Young children these days . . . They think the world orbits around them. And they have no patience."
I frowned at the mumbling of the portrait. I didn't think the world revolved around me, did I? It might have been a strong possibility since I was raised with people whose lives revolved around me. "Miss Lily this and Miss Lily that" was what I heard everyday. And the change of scenery at Hogwarts was certainly a shock. I never had dinner with so many people, even at my big Debut.
"I am going to go up in my room," I told Mandy, waving my letter as well to show her my reason. She nodded and focused her attention to her book back to get out her notes for the history essay. Hmm, I thought she was curious about Bella… maybe she had more control of her curiosity than I had over mine. My hands were itching to open the letter. After all, it wasn't everyday Father sent me a large packet that was supposed to be called a letter, a name not often accorded with packages of its size.
My dormitory was cozy. Only Bella, Mandy, and I occupied it. Our year had too many Gryffindor girls so we had an extra room. It wasn't as big as the other rooms but it was spacious enough for the three of us. I had requested the bed next to the window since it held a nice view of the lake and courtyard.
I hopped on to the seat by the window and opened Father's letter. Or letters for me as I later realized.
Dearest Lily,
I hope your year is good so far. The owl that carried the sweets you sent us scared everyone in the house. Betsy was furious at the poor animal since she had just washed the window and I suppose the window was too clean. Your poor owl flew into it. Don't worry though dear. It had enough sense to fly into the room and land on your grandmother's lap. The sight was hilarious. I don't believe my mother had ever screamed at such a high pitch.
Very well, I think you know enough about your owl. I am certain you would like our reaction to those sweets you sent us. Grandfather loved those jellybeans you sent us (Thank you for the warning!). I had gotten one flavored with minced onion. Grandmother liked the cakes. Maria tried the pastries and she would like to know the recipe.
Ah yes, I certainly shouldn't forget two important reasons for this long letter. Here is the first: you are needed at home early. I sent a letter requesting permission from the headmaster to allow for you to come. I know you do not favor balls and large gatherings, but my colleagues are quite interested in you. We need to make a convincing story about your absence. Grandmother almost went in shock when the powerful stuffy men (as your mother called them) invited our family to the Christmas gala. They informed me that the party is strictly for fun, so no political talks.
Do you remember Daria and her daughter Petunia? I have decided to invite them to stay with us. Petunia is, after all, my daughter as well and I believe they have lived away from us for long enough. Besides, Maria said you lacked a mother figure in you life and Daria is the perfect woman for the position. I know she isn't like your mother, and I am not asking you to replace her. Just give Daria a chance.
That should be all. I will write you when there are any updates. Everyone misses you. Please write more often. School may be busy but you shouldn't forget family, dearest.
Love,
Your Father
That must have been one of the longer letters Father had written to me. There were also little notes from Grandmother, Grandfather, Maria and the rest of the household inside of the packet.
Grandmother asked me to write more and wished to see me soon. I thought she was planning on having me leave school earlier. The news of my following my mother's ancestors' steps must have been a shock. Grandmother didn't seem to like witchcraft and when her only grandchild was a witch, life disagreed with her completely. At least she didn't treat me too much like how she treated others who were scandalous in her view.
Grandfather had asked me to bring more of Bertie Botts- Every Flavor Jellybeans home when I return. I hadn't been able to find out where I could buy more so that would be a task for me. Maybe I could ask Bella about it. Or I could send Mrs. Potter some money and ask her to buy some for me.
Maria seemed to be even more of a worrywart now that she couldn't oversee my every activity. Most of her letter interrogated me on whether or not I dressed warm enough, if I had strained too much on my heart, if I was eating well, and she was quizzing me on my Muggle studies. The reason the packet was big was also because of the scarf Maria crocheted for me. I supposed Mrs. Potter had told Maria that red and gold were the Gryffindor colors since that was the theme of the scarf. Or maybe she skimmed through my Hogwarts, a History, as she made little lions on the ends of the scarf for decorative purposes.
The wand that had belonged to my great-grandmother was also in the packet. Father had put a note on it telling me that I should have it in safekeeping. And if my own wand ever decided to go berserk, I should be able to use my great-grandmother's wand. I didn't think it was possible for me to use the wand since Mr. Ollivander said the wand chose its owner. The glass wand chose my great-grandmother; I didn't think it would choose another master; even me, her descendent.
I decided to write a short letter to Father, Grandfather, Grandmother, and Maria answering their multiple concerns. I didn't say anything about Petunia and Daria since I didn't really have a good start with Petunia. I thought I had offended my sister with the first syllable I uttered at my public birthday/introduction party.
Burma was ecstatic when she first saw me. I thought my owl had a hyperactive disorder. She was always bouncing of the wall or her cage. The first time I used her, which was sending the candy to Father, Burma made her cage jump into the air. The piece of cookie she took from me probably made her situation worse. She dashed out the window like lightning. This time she was a little calmer, though she did expect cookies from me. I had to promise and beg her to take the mail, send it, and then come back for treats.
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Author's Babbles: Read carefully only if you want a humors glance of my life. Otherwise, just skip to the section beginning with "Part Two" ending with "left it hanging"
A minor discovery I made a few weeks ago: Did you know that potatoes breathe? Along with other veggies too! Aah! I can't believe they are alive too.
Ah, pertaining to this ficcy, or on to subjects even remotely connected . . .
This is the first part of chapter seven. One of my betas said it was too long. Fourteen pages total, but hey, I initially had twenty-two pages. Had to cut down a lot of detail and I still think there's too much detail. Now you know what I did during Thanksgiving break. ^_^
Part Two: Flying, yippee! I finally got there – and to think I had started with that scene. And of course, Bella answers some questions and endures laughter. Believe it or not, it is much more exciting. And sorry, I left it hanging. My fingers, heads (the little voices in my head must have heads somewhere), and eyes needed a break. Just typing stuff for school is exhausting enough. And I assure you the next chapter is the same length, so I thought I should cut it down – I do not want the readers to be blind! =P
NOTE TO PEOPLE WHO DO REVIEW: Please tell me any comment you'd like. Knowing that someone hates something about my story make me soar. Now I would at least know what to change or look for. Do tell me if this ficcy is proceeding too slowly. And of course, suggestions are welcome!
I would like to all who helped me with my questions about the first cousins and cousins twice removed. Now who would like to take the challenge of explaining seconds cousins and third cousins??