A/N: Anyone who reads this, I would really appreciate any type of review. Bad or good, doesn't matter. Thanks.
Lily awoke and sat up roughly in bed. Sweat was pouring off her body as she tried to slow her breathing. Birds were chirping outside, and the sun had just made its way over the horizon. The only thing on Lily's mind though, was the face she had seen beneath the robe.
Though her memory seemed to be drifting away and the fine details of the dream were lost she could remember two things. First, the face she had seen at the end was none other than the dark-haired, green-eyed boy she had thought provided some comfort in the dream. To see him lying like that, and to know that it was him underneath the robe chilled Lily even with the warmth of the sun falling on her.
Secondly though, was the way she had felt when the light had poured through her body and out the other end of the piece of wood she was holding. She had felt drained, and weak, like she was slowing fading away. Almost like she had poured every amount of energy and life she possessed into those two horrible words. She could almost feel the after effects of the dream.
She lifted her hands in front of her face and noticed they were shaking violently. She felt like she had run a mile and she was still sweating profusely. All she wanted to do was lie back down and try to go back to sleep. To forget what she saw. The image was still with her though of the lifeless eyes. Lily visibly shivered and got up from her bed. She went to her closet and pulled out her robe. She tied the rope around her waist and went into the bathroom. A nagging feeling in her mind made her think that she was forgetting something, but she tried to shake it off, and instead turned on the shower.
She turned the water to as hot as it would go and undressed. Before she stepped into the shower though she spared a glance at the mirror. Though it was beginning to cloud because of the steam she could still see that her face looked almost gray. She could see slight circles beginning to form under her eyes, and her hair looked limper than ever.
She looked away as she pulled back the curtain. The water rushed over her and she arched her back slightly as the heat of the water hit her bare skin. She sighed and leaned back into it. Nice, hot showers always made her feel better and she quickly grabbed the shampoo.
After about ten minutes she reached for a towel and was about to step out when she remembered what it was that her mind had been trying to remind her of. She was supposed to go with Charlie to Diagon Alley, and they were picking her up at 9am.
She quickly wrapped the towel around her and dried her hair. She ran into her room and grabbed her backpack from under her small desk. She threw it onto her bed and unzipped it. Then she moved over to her dresser and yanked the drawers open. She quickly tossed random clothes onto her bed and began stuffing them into the open backpack, while still trying to hold up her towel. She ran around her room picking up various other items such as a pair of shoes, and a hidden tube of lip gloss that she had stashed under a board on the bottom of her closet. She then grabbed the few dollar bills she had managed to also keep hidden and shoved them roughly into the front pouch.
She finished by rummaging through the scattered clothes left in her drawers and decided on a green tank top, and black shorts. She quickly put these on and grabbed her pair of sandles. A look at the clock told her that she had a half an hour before Charlie and her mother would arrive.
She was just about to go back into the bathroom when she noticed a piece of parchment hanging out of the edge of an open drawer. She quickly picked it up, barely registering the weight it had accumulated, and placed it gently into the front pocket of backpack along with her American money.
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As soon as she had finished drying her hair she zipped up her backpack and swung it over her right shoulder. She turned around to take one last look at her room; not knowing how long she would be gone. She then turned and carefully unlocked her door, looking behind her for one last glance, she closed the door to her past. Looking down the stairs for her future.
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She walked purposefully down the stairs and looked around the living room before heading for the kitchen. The smell of coffee had spread throughout the downstairs and she could almost taste it with every breath she took.
The scene that met her eyes as she entered the kitchen looked normal. Her godfather was sitting at the table with a newspaper opened and resting on his lap, with a cup of coffee in front of him on the table. Her godmother was sitting across from him with one leg crossed over the other, holding her coffee cup with both hands. She gave her a small smile before focusing her attention back on her coffee.
Lily set her backpack down against the doorframe and walked over to the counter. She reached into the cupboard and took down a glass. She then made her way to the refrigerator and took out a jug of orange juice.
For several minutes everyone simply sat or stood in silence. Lily's godfather, Eric, was the first one to speak.
"Where do you think you're going?" Lily took a large swig of her orange juice before carefully replying, "Charlie invited me to go to her house to spend the night." Eric ruffled his newspaper loudly.
"When did she ask this?" Lily's eyes widened slightly while she quickly tried to come up with a reasonable response. She soon found one. "She asked me the other day but I forgot to ask you." Eric looked up at her skeptically. He soon resumed reading the paper though. Silence fell again. Lily started to become more nervous each moment that went by. To stop the silence that seemed to be crowding in around her she tried to continue the conversation.
"Is it okay if I spend the night at her house? Charlie and her mother should be here any minute. They said they would pick me up at 9:00." Lily regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth. By telling her godfather that she had already agreed to go indicated to him that she was going to leave with or without his permission. She saw his cheeks redden slightly with rage.
"And what made you assume that I would allow you to go with her?" He had set the paper on the table somewhat harshly and some of his coffee had tipped out of the cup and splashed messily onto the table. Lily's mind meanwhile was attempting to work overtime. She knew she had to find a way out and she hoped she was right in executing the first idea that came to her mind.
She squared her shoulders defensively and set her glass on the counter. A quick look at the clock told her she only had to hold him off for another 5 minutes or less. She began making her way over to her backpack, never turning her back on him. His eyes only shone anger, and what seemed like a slight hint of amusement. This last emotion angered Lily and she stopped before she reached her bag.
"You don't scare me you know" she said, sounding braver than she felt. "Oh really?" his voice held only mocking and he had stepped around his chair as he began making his way across the kitchen. Lily took a small step back then held her ground. "Really" she replied defiantly.
"Why is it that you think your unafraid of me now?" He had also stopped his advance and was now sizing her up. "Because..." A wide smile made its way across her face. "You wouldn't try anything in front of strangers would you?" His predatory look vanished for a minute and was replaced with apprehension. The sound of a car door closing, and heels on the cement outside made him rethink his options.
Lily picked up her backpack and moved toward the door. The sound of a knock sounded when she was a few feet from it. Then the voice of Charlie's mother sounded through the door. "Lily, are you ready to go? Hello? Is anyone home?!" Another knock sounded and Lily moved to open the door. She put on a genuine smile as she was met with a piercing gaze from Charlie's mother.
"I'm right her Mrs. Renault, I'm ready to go now." Lily tried to move past her to the car but a hand caught her shoulder. She tensed immediately but put on a strong face and turned around to face her godfather.
"Yes? Is there something you wanted Eric?" His scowl was enough to freeze her in place, but instead of replying with anger he simply smiled back at her. "No, just to give my goddaughter a hug before she goes." He smiled at Charlie's mother and pulled Lily to him. She tried to push away without being to obvious but he held her too tight, and she barely had room to maneuver. He bent down so that he was right beside her ear before whispering to her.
"You wait until tomorrow little girl. Just wait." He then released her and put on his smile again. Lily felt like she needed another shower. She brushed her arm casually and turned to go to the car. Charlie's concerned face in the backseat was the first thing she saw. She sighed before opening the car door and sliding onto the leather upholstery.
"Everything okay? What was that?" Charlie asked as soon as Lily had buckled her seat belt. "It was nothing and anyways I don't care. And yes, everything is fine. I'm leaving this place and never coming back." She looked up at the house before her with hatred. Never had she thought an inanimate object could hold so many horrible memories, or so much pain. And yet, this place had managed to do so. It's bright yellow paint and white shutters promised happiness and comfort and instead supplied only anger and resentment. Lily could feel bile begin to rise in her throat but she quickly swallowed and forced it back down.
Charlie's mother had begun making her way back toward the car and was soon inside. She buckled quickly and started the car. When they were a little ways away from the house she finally spoke.
"Lily, are you alright?" Lily tore her gaze away from the window and looked into the rearview mirror. She was met with another concerned gaze. This look though was more piercing than her friends had been. It seemed like it was searching for more than just a simple explanation.
"Yeah, I'm okay Mrs. Renault." Charlie's mother continued to look at Lily through the mirror. Lily sighed resignedly and shook her head. "You know what, I wasn't okay. But I can honestly tell you that now that I'm away from that house the world seems a whole lot brighter to me." She gave her a small smile and looked back out the window.
For awhile everyone in the car was silent. Lily looked out the window and Charlie was listening to a CD on her portable CD player. After about an hour, Lily looked forward with a crease on her brow. "Mrs. Renault, if you don't mind me asking, can you tell me where we are going?" Charlie hit the stop button, and pulled her headphones off. Charlie's mother looked back at Lily with a wide smile. "We, Lillian, are going to Wizard Central. A place called Diagon Alley." Lily smiled before asking, "I know, but what I meant to say was, where is this Diagon Alley. How are we going to get there?"
Mrs. Renault slowed the car and traveled along the shoulder a little ways before stopping and unbuckling. She turned sideways in her seat and opened her purse. After rummaging around for a few minutes she pulled out what appeared to be a long white envelope with red writing. Lily had seen the type of envelope before and it knew that it usually held airplane tickets. She had seen her godfather take them down with his suitcase every time he went out of town on business.
Mrs. Renault pushed back the flap and pulled out a piece of heavy paper. She then passed it into the backseat to Lily. Lily took it with slight enthusiasm. As she looked at the ticket she read that it was leaving to go to London, and the take off time was at 1:30pm. "London?" Lily asked in amazement. "Yep" Charlie replied with a smile. "Diagon Alley is in London? But how? I mean, how can they hide something that you say can house wizards in London? Won't the... muggles was it?...see them?" Mrs. Renault sighed lightly. "You certainly have a lot to learn about us Lily. Don't worry though, you'll know everything shortly." With that she turned back around and started the car again. Charlie went back to her music and Lily continued to look at her ticket. A feeling of excitement and apprehension began to build up and question upon question presented itself to her. 'So much to learn' thought Lily as her eyes refocused on the scenery outside.
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As soon as Mrs. Renault had parked the car she popped the trunk and began taking out her luggage. Charlie had also gotten out of the car and began sorting through her things as well. Lily simply stood beside the open trunk watching them frantically unloading their things onto the sidewalk. She managed a small smile as she looked at a plane passing overhead. This would be her first time on an airplane and her stomach had begun twisting itself into tight little knots. She took a deep breath and noticed that everything that was in the trunk was being picked up and loaded onto a trolley.
She looked down at her measly little backpack and realized how unprepared she was for what was to come. She forced down the feelings of insecurity and fear and began walking toward the swinging glass doors.
When they arrived at the check-in counter the woman behind the desk asked for ID and Lily noticed that a slight frown had appeared on Mrs. Renault's face. As she dug into her pocket and extracted her driver's license she looked the woman in the eye and asked, "Do they need to show ID as well?"
The woman's face creased slightly and said, "Yes actually it would be better if they showed it." Lily heard Charlie suck in her breath as she looked at her mother with an alarmed face. For a moment, Lily didn't know what the problem was, and then it dawned on her. She didn't have an ID. She began to panic and looked at Mrs. Renault quickly for assurance. She was met with a steady and reassuring gaze.
Mrs. Renault smiled slightly and told Lily evenly, "Go on Lillian look in your front pouch for your ID." Lily was confused, and she showed it. But Mrs. Renault's gaze didn't waver and before Lily looked in her backpack she distinctly saw Mrs. Renault mumble something under her breath with her hand in her jacket pocket.
Lily unzipped the front pouch cautiously and was surprised to see a small, white, laminated card with her picture and name on it. Her mouth opened slightly but quickly closed it when she thought of how stupid she looked. She handed the card to the airplane information officer with a shaking hand. She took it and looked it over quickly before handing it back with a smile. Lily released the breath she had been holding, as did Charlie and her mother.
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Soon after they got off of the plane, Lily was standing on a street corner in the rain holding her backpack to her chest as tight as she could. Both Charlie and her were shivering and Charlie's mother was waving her hand wildly in the air trying to catch the attention of a cab driver.
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45 minutes later they were exiting the cab and the rain had stopped falling. Lily looked around to find herself on what looked like an ordinary street. Though it was bustling with people shopping and talking, nothing seemed out of the ordinary to Lily's eyes. She looked up at Mrs. Renault with questioning eyes, but she was looking happily up the street with a glint in her eye.
She put her arm around Lily and her daughter and guided them up the street and into a crowd of people. Soon, Lily felt like she was lost in a sea of legs. She knew she wasn't short for her age, but there were so many people that she couldn't tell left from right or vice-versa. She clung to Mrs. Renault's leg like it was her lifeline and Mrs. Renault simply put a little pressure on her shoulder to reassure her. "Don't worry you two, we're almost there." Lily frowned an tried to get a clear view of her new guardian's face. "Almost where?" But she never received a reply.
After 5 more minutes of squeezing through crowds, and trying to avoid shop venders, they arrived beside a bookshop. Lily looked through the dusty windows and sighed in awe. What seemed like thousands of books, were stacked wall to wall inside the shop. Lily had always loved books but had only gotten a chance to read them at school.
She suddenly felt a light tug on her arm and looked up to see Mrs. Renault smiling. "We're here" she said breathlessly. Lily looked around. She didn't see anything special.
A frown made its way across her lips as she turned back around. Suddenly, right in front of her was what looked like a dingy pub. The sign over the door read, 'The Leaky Cauldron.' Charlie's mother had began making her way toward the door. Lily pulled to try and free her arm from her grasp. Charlie's mother stopped immediately and gave her a strange look.
"This can't be it" Lily said defiantly. Mrs. Renault cocked her head to the side in question. "What do you mean dear?" "I mean, this can't be it!" The anger in Lily's voice had begun to rise as she looked at the dirt on the tiny window in the doorway.
Meanwhile, a look of understanding was plastered on her guardian's face. "Lily.." she began calmly. Lily pulled back slightly. "Lily, listen to me. Look around you. Look at the people, what do you notice." For a moment Lily continued to look at her with a look of disbelief and anger. Then, she turned her head slightly to examine the crowd of people behind her.
The bustling crowd was wandering aimlessly right and left on both sides of the street. People were walking into the bookstore, and restaurants, but no one seemed to even acknowledge the Leaky Cauldron. 'It's was almost like they can't see it' Lily thought. She looked back at her friend's mother in awe. "Can they see it?" Lily asked aloud. Mrs. Renault looked at her with a smile, and shook her head. Lily turned around again as if in shock.
There they were, simply walking past the one place that was of any interest to see. She turned around with determination written on her face. "Let's go" she said and grabbed Mrs. Renault roughly by the hand. She didn't know what to expect but it certainly wasn't what she saw.