Hey ppls!!! Oh my god she LIVES!!!! Hahaha, yay, I finally updated!!
HUZZAH!!! *raises fist in triumph* Sorry, I REAL busy with a whole lotta
other stuff, but I'm putting some attention back into this fic again, so
don't worry, I'm not brain dead!! I changed the rating to R for the
swearing in earlier chapters, thanks to tsuonae for the warning (^_~) !
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the other characters mentioned in the series, but I DO own Joey and Professor Smith, and . . . whoever else I make up . . . if I owned Harry Potter apparently I'd have more money in cash than the queen of England . . . wouldn't that be nice eh? *sighs* So anyway, to the story . . . um . . . enjoy?
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'WAKE UP! WAKE UP, LILY! WAKE UP! WAKE UP, LILY!'
"Hmmm...?" I mumbled from under the sheets. I peeked out from under them and looked at the clock. Groaning, I reached my arm out and pushed the Sleep button, and cries of, "WAKE UP, LILY!" stopped abruptly. Then I got up, stretched, and put on my robe and slippers.
Yawning, I made my way over to the bathroom, where I turned the tap and splashed cold water on my face, waking me up. Then, still slightly drowsy, I started rummaging in my drawers for my grey uniform pants. "Shit," I muttered, when I couldn't find them. I sighed and settled for the skirt I wore yesterday, which was still lying over the chair by my desk. I grabbed it, along with my blouse, sweater, knee socks, swim suit, towel, and other 'female accessories,' plus the map on which Professor Dumbledore marked the location of the Room of Requirement and my wand. I put it all in my bag and walked out the door.
Quietly, I padded down the stairs to an empty Common Room and then out the hole in the wall. The Fat Lady stirred but then fell asleep again. I followed the map until I came to any empty space on a wall in the middle of a corridor, whish I supposed was where this strange room was. So, feeling rather stupid, I walked by it three times thinking, 'I need a place where I can swim, I need a 25 metre pool, I need a place where I can swim . . .'
After walking past the blank space on the wall, a doorknob appeared, just like Dumbledore said. I grabbed the handle, turned, and pulled it open.
On the other side of the door was a pool like I requested, but that wasn't all. There was also a hot tub filled with bubbling water and an enclosed area, which was a shower (complete with shampoo and shower gel and such) when I went to look. There was also a clock on the wall where I could check the time so I won't be late for my first class.
"Perfect!" I said aloud, and started to change into my suit and put my red hair up. When I was done, I took a deep breath and dived into the pool.
It was great; the temperature was just perfect and I was able to have a really good workout. I've always been a swimmer, ever since I was little. Before my parents died, they would take Petunia and me to the neighbourhood pool, and I loved it there. Petunia didn't like swimming as much as I did, but she would go with me every now and then. I would always beg to stay "just five more minutes" when my mom would call to say it was time to go back home. When I was old enough to go there by myself, I would stay in the water until I was all wrinkly like a prune or until my lips turned blue. "Lily, Lily, what are we gonna do with you?" the lifeguard, Jenn, would say to me. Jenn was really cool; she was like a big sister to me, except one that liked to swim. Even though she's five years older than me, we could always talk about anything. She's just another thing I miss from my life before my parents went.
Ever since my parents died and my sister turned her back on me, my world and my ways of thinking have changed drastically. I no longer show much emotion, except when I'm exceptionally happy or angry. When I'm kinda inbetween, like most days, I just act like I'm the only person in the world and like no one else exists. It works very well; I don't bother people and in turn, people don't bother me. Most of the time. That's when I get angry. And when I get angry it's not pretty, let me tell you. Even though I look timid, I sure ain't. I started taking karate lessons just before my parents died, and I have grown up in a place where violence was always around. The leader of a gang lived just down our street and they would always smoke pot and fight in the alleyway near my old elementary school. I wasn't ever a bully, but if someone got on my nerves, they would get it. Like Broomstick Head.
At the thought of that jerk, I swam faster, letting my anger out as I swam. After a few more laps, I wasn't as angry any more, just a little annoyed. Pausing to take a drink, I looked at the clock. 6:15. 'Hmm, I better get out so I can get to breakfast, I'm starving.'
So I got out and headed for the showers. I washed my hair and myself, then rinsed and dried myself off. I used a drying charm to make my hair dry and another charm to make it straight and non-frizzy. Actually, I had to perform that charm about seven times before it actually straightened. Then I quickly pulled it into a stylish messy bun at the back of my head and pulled a few strands out to outline my face. Before I changed into my uniform I also did a deodorizing spell on myself; I didn't want to smell like chlorine all day.
I changed into my uniform, grabbed my stuff, and went back to the dormitories. When I got to the Common Room, I saw that people were just starting to get up; there were maybe ten or fifteen people there, not including, to my delight, Broomstick Head.
I headed back to my room and put my stuff out to dry in the bathroom. I gathered my school things together into my backpack and then paused. I still had a ton of time before I had to go down for breakfast. I stood there thinking of what I should do, when it came to me.
"Joey! I have to tell him about what Dumbledore said, and anyway I promised both him and Steve that I would write."
So I grabbed some paper and a pen (I always use paper and pens instead of parchment and quills unless I'm told not to; I don't know why, I guess I'm just used to it) and headed down to the Common Room with my bag slung over one shoulder.
When I got down I went to an empty desk and started writing. I told both Joey and Steve about the school, the Room of Requirement, my awesome room, and about Dumbledore. I also wrote about my encounter with this "James Potter" on the train, but only to Joey because I didn't want to disappoint Steve already.
By the time I had finished writing the letters, most of the other students had come down already, including Potter and his friends. I still had time though, so I went back to my room to watch some TV. I put it on a music video station, really loud.
"Yes!" I yelled as the opening sounds of a song were made. "I love this song!"
It was "Faint" by Linkin Park, a really cool punk rock group. I started to sing along. I have to say that I sing really nice, just loud.
'I am a little bit of loneliness, a little bit of disregard,
A handful of complaints but I can't help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
I am what I want you to want
What I want you to feel
But it's like no matter what I do, I can't convince you
To just believe this is real
So I let go, watching you
Turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here cuz you're all that I've got
~
I can't feel the way I did before
Don't turn your back on me, I won't be ignored
Time won't heal this damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me, I won't be ignored . . .'
I sang the entire song, dancing in front of my mirror and using my brush as a mike. As I finished singing, the station changed it to another one of my favourite songs: "The Hell Song," by Sum 41, but I knew that I had to get downstairs and to breakfast. I was about to turn off the TV when suddenly I heard some noise from outside my door. It sounded like a whisper. Smiling mischievously, I grabbed the remote, turned the TV off, and then quickly swung the door open.
There, in the doorway, now lay two boys, whom she recognized immediately as Potter and that other guy, Sirius Black. They had obviously had their ears pressed against the door and when I opened it, they had come crashing at my feet.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" I said in a calm, but icy voice.
Potter and Black looked up, saw me, and then got up quickly, lowering their heads to hide their double blushes.
"Sorry . . ." muttered Black. "We were just wondering what that music was, and...hey, it's you!" "Yeah it's me. Surprise, surprise." "But how come you have this room? Isn't it usually reserved for guests or something?" asked Potter. I rolled my eyes. "Yes, that is correct, and what the hell do you think I am? Geez, Potter," I said crossing my arms, "you're more dense than I thought." Potter scowled at me. "Whatever. You'd better get down to breakfast, it's like 7:15." He started to walk back down the stairs. "Hey, what's with all the muggle stuff? And the punching bag?" asked Black. Potter stopped to wait for his friend impatiently. I glared. "Why?" "Just wondering." I sighed and slung my bag over my shoulder again. Closing the door and going down the stairs, I replied, "I'm a muggle born, so it's only natural that I have muggle stuff with me." "But that eclectric stuff doesn't work on Hogwarts grounds," Black pointed out. "It's electric, stupid. Yeah, well I found a spell that makes them work. As for the punching bag, I punch at it when I'm pissed, which is often. You should be sorry that I didn't have it unpacked on the train, Potter. It would have saved you a lot of trouble."
Potter scowled, again. "What, Mr. Popular, can't stand up to me? A girl?" I mocked sarcastically. Potter's fisted his hands.
"Yes I can, I just rather not, lucky for you."
"Oh yeah?" I scoffed.
"Yeah," he said, stopping and turning to me.
"Sorry, I have to go and eat breakfast now," I laughed out loud, repeating the excuse that he used earlier to try to get away from me. "Hope I don't see you in class." And with that, I walked off, laughing.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The first week went by rather uneventfully. I continued to use the pool on a daily basis. That room became quite useful, actually. One time, I was so tired from staying up late in front of the TV, so I asked the room to have a bed and have the room stop time outside, so that I got a good three hours of sleep and I wasn't late for class that morning.
Potter and his gang avoided me and I avoided them like a plague. It figures. I usually sat in the back of the classrooms, staring off into nowhere. Dumbledore was right; I was very much ahead of everyone else my age. I answered every single question correctly and performed spells and charms flawlessly. The first thing that was new to me was this potion Professor Quentin introduced on Friday...
It started off like any normal class, with students chatting away and laughing with each other. Only I was sitting in the back, silently. When Quentin entered the classroom (which was in the dungeons), the class immediately dispersed and went to their own seats. All was silent.
"Good afternoon, class. Today, we are going to brew a potion called the Revealing Fear Potion. It reveals the thing you are afraid of most, hence the name. If the potion is brewed correctly, when you drink it you should have flashes of your worst fears in front of your eyes and in your mind. The reason why such a potion even exists is so that the drinker can somewhat 'prepare' him or herself for the future, should they be faced with this fear, for some people only know some things in general that they are afraid of. Most people do not even know what their minds truly fear until they drink this potion.
"Alright, then? The instructions are on the board," he said, flicking his wand at the blackboard. "Begin."
After some shuffling in bags for potion ingredients, we began. I was, naturally, the first to be finished. Quentin noticed this, as I was sitting at my desk, motionless, while the rest were still hard at work.
"Miss Evans!" he called, snapping me out of my daydreaming. "I see that you are finished. Hmm," he said, sniffing and looking at my potion. "Smells right . . . looks right . . . would you care to demonstrate your potion for the class? You will not have to tell them what you see, just if it worked."
I stared at him.
"Well, go on!" he urged, waving towards the front of the room. My face blank, I filled a vial of the blue-green potion and walked to the front of the class. The students watched me, waiting. I vaguely noticed Potter and his friends on the left side of the room. I took a deep breath, then downed the potion.
It tasted like ginger ale, only bitter. A few moments passed when nothing happened, then, suddenly, I felt a strange sensation, as if I was being separated from my body, but at peace. Then suddenly, all I saw was darkness.
I was standing in a dark room. It had a bed with two motionless figures in it. I supposed they were sleeping. Suddenly there was a crash, a blinding green flash, and two, high-pitched, blood-curling screams. As the green light went right past me, I caught a glimpse of the two figures' faces.
Mom. Dad. Oh god . . .
I then heard another scream. It went on and on, like someone being tortured. And then an insistent-sounding voice. "Lily! Miss Evans!"
My eyes shot open. I then realized that that other voice was my own, screaming bloody murder. I immediately closed my mouth and stopped yelling.
I felt dampness on my cheeks and I realized that tears were streaming down my face uncontrollably. I also noticed that I was trembling on the ground. I got up, wiping my eyes quickly. I stood there, shaking.
"Miss Evans? Did it work?" The teacher seemed more insistent on if it worked than if I was alright.
I shot him a murderous glance. "Yes, sir." I hissed. And I silently strode back to my seat.
Quentin was quite taken aback by my response, but quickly turned back to the class. "Well, there you have it. Since I see that no one else has completed their potions, I would like everyone except Miss Evans to write me an essay about three of the ingredients in this potion and how they contributed to the effects of the potion. That is all."
Just then the bell rang. I quickly pointed my wand at the rest of the potion in my cauldron, muttering a few well-chosen words so that it disappeared. I put all my stuff into my bag and strode quickly out the door, the first one out, as usual. But this time I had a good reason. I needed out. I had to get away from the pairs of eyes that were staring at me.
I was already in the Common Room when I heard a voice call out, "Lily! Hey Evans, wait up!"
I spun around to see Potter running up to me, panting. He must have chased me all the way back here.
"What the hell do you want, Potter?" I hissed, just like I had to Quentin. I really just wanted to be alone right now.
"Whoa, cool your jets there, Evans, I was just wondering what it is you saw that made you scream and writhe on the floor like a worm." He grinned as he said this. The grin promptly disappeared at the look on my face. It must have been a face of either pure hatred or of pure pain, I don't know, I was feeling both at the moment. I bit my lip, stalling.
"I . . . it . . . just leave me alone, Potter," I whispered, detecting a tremble in my voice. Potter opened his mouth to say something, but I ran up the stairs to my room before he could and before I burst into tears, which I did as soon as I closed my door behind me.
This was weird; I haven't cried a tear since . . . since mom and dad died. But I never knew how it happened. Now I know. Now I know what my worst fear always was. The truth. A witch or a wizard did it. They killed my parents . . .
I just collapsed onto the floor, shuddering with painful, heart-wrenching sobs. I cried for a long time. When I regained my composure to the best of my ability, I checked myself in the mirror. My eyes were red and puffy, and my lip was swollen from where I bit it. In short, I looked horrible. I guess I would just have to keep my head down.
I was still sniffling when I went down to supper. I passed Potter on the way. He again opened his mouth to say something, but then stopped and decided against it. He must have seen my eyes. Shit.
Dumbledore. I had to talk to Dumbledore.
I ran up to the table at the end of the Great Hall, and whispered quickly, "Sir, can I talk to you? Privately?"
Sensing the urgency in my voice, he rose immediately and said, "Of course, Lily. Follow me to my office."
When we arrived, I spilled everything. I told him about my parents, about how Petunia hated me, about what I had seen with the potion. When I mentioned the potion, Dumbledore made a sudden, surprised movement.
"Quentin made you drink a Fear Revealing Potion???"
I sniffed. "Y-yes, sir."
"Goodness, then the rumors are true..." he mumbled. There was a long pause. "Not to worry, he will be disposed of," he then said brusquely.
I looked up. "Why, sir?"
"Quentin has been rumored to be a Death Eater, and to try to drive people who are close to me insane. He must have somehow found out about our little chat that first night, you do remember? And that potion is very dark magic; it is not and never will be in the school curriculum. I must say that I am terribly sorry; I am truly shocked by his actions."
"So what he said about the potion was a lie?"
"Yes, I am afraid so. May I inquire on something in what you saw?" he asked gently.
I stiffened. "Uh . . . I guess so . . ."
"I wonder . . . if your parents were murdered by a witch or a wizard . . . and if Quentin is a Death Eater . . . then perhaps . . . perhaps it wasn't your parents they intended . . ."
My eyes widened so much I thought they might pop out. I shook with fear. "Sir . . ." I managed to squeak out. I cleared my throat. "Uh . . . may I stay at the Hospital Wing tonight? I'm not feeling well . . . but I think I should be fine by tomorrow . . ."
"Yes, go on ahead . . . I am sorry if it is my comment that upset you. But bear this in mind . . . it may not be true. It is simply a possibility, alright? And a very slim one at that."
"Yes, sir, thank you sir," I said and rose unsteadily, feeling my knees quake.
"Here, let me help you," he said, also rising and holding my arm and shoulder steadily.
Despite my half-hearted protests, I was also really grateful that he helped me. I felt dizzy, weak, sick to my stomach, and...vulnerable. For the first time I my life, I did not feel safe. I was shaking all over and so distressed that I didn't even notice where Dumbledore was leading me to. I mean, I knew that it was the Hospital Wing, but I didn't see where it was. I was too far away already . . .
His voice snapped me to a slight attention, though. "Excuse me! Will you escort Miss Evans to the Hospital Wing please? I need to have a chat with Professor McGonagal about a certain teacher..." he trailed off, and I felt a new pair of hands holding me up, firmer and stronger ones. I walked about ten meters before I almost collapsed, but these new pair of hands held me tight. They felt . . . comforting . . . warm, and somewhat reassuring.
They led me to a room. I can't give any details, I was feeling really lightheaded now, and I could barely keep my eyes open. I was handed a cup of some kind of liquid, and told to drink it. After that, I was set on a bed, and before I drifted off into dreamland, I heard a soft voice . . .
"I'm sorry . . . "
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So there's the next chappie . . . . ummmm ya . . .
Also, I re-posted chapter two so that it was easier to read, not in one big blob like it was before. AND also, nobody flame me, I know this chapter sucked, but it has it's reasons for its existence . . . the thing with Quentin was pointless and blah but I needed some way to get the plot moving . . . . so yeah . . . .
Thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers, I must say that I LOVE reviews and hearing from you people out there, so do not hesitate to give me more than one ^_^ hehehe . . . . yay reviewers!!! Cancan227, tsuonae, Tyster, and Swishy Willow Wand, you guys rule!! And Alex, you too *wink* hehe luv you all, please review this fic, and again sorry for the delay, it WILL be faster now . . . Alex will probably MAKE me go faster lolz!!
So ya . . .
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the other characters mentioned in the series, but I DO own Joey and Professor Smith, and . . . whoever else I make up . . . if I owned Harry Potter apparently I'd have more money in cash than the queen of England . . . wouldn't that be nice eh? *sighs* So anyway, to the story . . . um . . . enjoy?
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'WAKE UP! WAKE UP, LILY! WAKE UP! WAKE UP, LILY!'
"Hmmm...?" I mumbled from under the sheets. I peeked out from under them and looked at the clock. Groaning, I reached my arm out and pushed the Sleep button, and cries of, "WAKE UP, LILY!" stopped abruptly. Then I got up, stretched, and put on my robe and slippers.
Yawning, I made my way over to the bathroom, where I turned the tap and splashed cold water on my face, waking me up. Then, still slightly drowsy, I started rummaging in my drawers for my grey uniform pants. "Shit," I muttered, when I couldn't find them. I sighed and settled for the skirt I wore yesterday, which was still lying over the chair by my desk. I grabbed it, along with my blouse, sweater, knee socks, swim suit, towel, and other 'female accessories,' plus the map on which Professor Dumbledore marked the location of the Room of Requirement and my wand. I put it all in my bag and walked out the door.
Quietly, I padded down the stairs to an empty Common Room and then out the hole in the wall. The Fat Lady stirred but then fell asleep again. I followed the map until I came to any empty space on a wall in the middle of a corridor, whish I supposed was where this strange room was. So, feeling rather stupid, I walked by it three times thinking, 'I need a place where I can swim, I need a 25 metre pool, I need a place where I can swim . . .'
After walking past the blank space on the wall, a doorknob appeared, just like Dumbledore said. I grabbed the handle, turned, and pulled it open.
On the other side of the door was a pool like I requested, but that wasn't all. There was also a hot tub filled with bubbling water and an enclosed area, which was a shower (complete with shampoo and shower gel and such) when I went to look. There was also a clock on the wall where I could check the time so I won't be late for my first class.
"Perfect!" I said aloud, and started to change into my suit and put my red hair up. When I was done, I took a deep breath and dived into the pool.
It was great; the temperature was just perfect and I was able to have a really good workout. I've always been a swimmer, ever since I was little. Before my parents died, they would take Petunia and me to the neighbourhood pool, and I loved it there. Petunia didn't like swimming as much as I did, but she would go with me every now and then. I would always beg to stay "just five more minutes" when my mom would call to say it was time to go back home. When I was old enough to go there by myself, I would stay in the water until I was all wrinkly like a prune or until my lips turned blue. "Lily, Lily, what are we gonna do with you?" the lifeguard, Jenn, would say to me. Jenn was really cool; she was like a big sister to me, except one that liked to swim. Even though she's five years older than me, we could always talk about anything. She's just another thing I miss from my life before my parents went.
Ever since my parents died and my sister turned her back on me, my world and my ways of thinking have changed drastically. I no longer show much emotion, except when I'm exceptionally happy or angry. When I'm kinda inbetween, like most days, I just act like I'm the only person in the world and like no one else exists. It works very well; I don't bother people and in turn, people don't bother me. Most of the time. That's when I get angry. And when I get angry it's not pretty, let me tell you. Even though I look timid, I sure ain't. I started taking karate lessons just before my parents died, and I have grown up in a place where violence was always around. The leader of a gang lived just down our street and they would always smoke pot and fight in the alleyway near my old elementary school. I wasn't ever a bully, but if someone got on my nerves, they would get it. Like Broomstick Head.
At the thought of that jerk, I swam faster, letting my anger out as I swam. After a few more laps, I wasn't as angry any more, just a little annoyed. Pausing to take a drink, I looked at the clock. 6:15. 'Hmm, I better get out so I can get to breakfast, I'm starving.'
So I got out and headed for the showers. I washed my hair and myself, then rinsed and dried myself off. I used a drying charm to make my hair dry and another charm to make it straight and non-frizzy. Actually, I had to perform that charm about seven times before it actually straightened. Then I quickly pulled it into a stylish messy bun at the back of my head and pulled a few strands out to outline my face. Before I changed into my uniform I also did a deodorizing spell on myself; I didn't want to smell like chlorine all day.
I changed into my uniform, grabbed my stuff, and went back to the dormitories. When I got to the Common Room, I saw that people were just starting to get up; there were maybe ten or fifteen people there, not including, to my delight, Broomstick Head.
I headed back to my room and put my stuff out to dry in the bathroom. I gathered my school things together into my backpack and then paused. I still had a ton of time before I had to go down for breakfast. I stood there thinking of what I should do, when it came to me.
"Joey! I have to tell him about what Dumbledore said, and anyway I promised both him and Steve that I would write."
So I grabbed some paper and a pen (I always use paper and pens instead of parchment and quills unless I'm told not to; I don't know why, I guess I'm just used to it) and headed down to the Common Room with my bag slung over one shoulder.
When I got down I went to an empty desk and started writing. I told both Joey and Steve about the school, the Room of Requirement, my awesome room, and about Dumbledore. I also wrote about my encounter with this "James Potter" on the train, but only to Joey because I didn't want to disappoint Steve already.
By the time I had finished writing the letters, most of the other students had come down already, including Potter and his friends. I still had time though, so I went back to my room to watch some TV. I put it on a music video station, really loud.
"Yes!" I yelled as the opening sounds of a song were made. "I love this song!"
It was "Faint" by Linkin Park, a really cool punk rock group. I started to sing along. I have to say that I sing really nice, just loud.
'I am a little bit of loneliness, a little bit of disregard,
A handful of complaints but I can't help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
I am what I want you to want
What I want you to feel
But it's like no matter what I do, I can't convince you
To just believe this is real
So I let go, watching you
Turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here cuz you're all that I've got
~
I can't feel the way I did before
Don't turn your back on me, I won't be ignored
Time won't heal this damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me, I won't be ignored . . .'
I sang the entire song, dancing in front of my mirror and using my brush as a mike. As I finished singing, the station changed it to another one of my favourite songs: "The Hell Song," by Sum 41, but I knew that I had to get downstairs and to breakfast. I was about to turn off the TV when suddenly I heard some noise from outside my door. It sounded like a whisper. Smiling mischievously, I grabbed the remote, turned the TV off, and then quickly swung the door open.
There, in the doorway, now lay two boys, whom she recognized immediately as Potter and that other guy, Sirius Black. They had obviously had their ears pressed against the door and when I opened it, they had come crashing at my feet.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" I said in a calm, but icy voice.
Potter and Black looked up, saw me, and then got up quickly, lowering their heads to hide their double blushes.
"Sorry . . ." muttered Black. "We were just wondering what that music was, and...hey, it's you!" "Yeah it's me. Surprise, surprise." "But how come you have this room? Isn't it usually reserved for guests or something?" asked Potter. I rolled my eyes. "Yes, that is correct, and what the hell do you think I am? Geez, Potter," I said crossing my arms, "you're more dense than I thought." Potter scowled at me. "Whatever. You'd better get down to breakfast, it's like 7:15." He started to walk back down the stairs. "Hey, what's with all the muggle stuff? And the punching bag?" asked Black. Potter stopped to wait for his friend impatiently. I glared. "Why?" "Just wondering." I sighed and slung my bag over my shoulder again. Closing the door and going down the stairs, I replied, "I'm a muggle born, so it's only natural that I have muggle stuff with me." "But that eclectric stuff doesn't work on Hogwarts grounds," Black pointed out. "It's electric, stupid. Yeah, well I found a spell that makes them work. As for the punching bag, I punch at it when I'm pissed, which is often. You should be sorry that I didn't have it unpacked on the train, Potter. It would have saved you a lot of trouble."
Potter scowled, again. "What, Mr. Popular, can't stand up to me? A girl?" I mocked sarcastically. Potter's fisted his hands.
"Yes I can, I just rather not, lucky for you."
"Oh yeah?" I scoffed.
"Yeah," he said, stopping and turning to me.
"Sorry, I have to go and eat breakfast now," I laughed out loud, repeating the excuse that he used earlier to try to get away from me. "Hope I don't see you in class." And with that, I walked off, laughing.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The first week went by rather uneventfully. I continued to use the pool on a daily basis. That room became quite useful, actually. One time, I was so tired from staying up late in front of the TV, so I asked the room to have a bed and have the room stop time outside, so that I got a good three hours of sleep and I wasn't late for class that morning.
Potter and his gang avoided me and I avoided them like a plague. It figures. I usually sat in the back of the classrooms, staring off into nowhere. Dumbledore was right; I was very much ahead of everyone else my age. I answered every single question correctly and performed spells and charms flawlessly. The first thing that was new to me was this potion Professor Quentin introduced on Friday...
It started off like any normal class, with students chatting away and laughing with each other. Only I was sitting in the back, silently. When Quentin entered the classroom (which was in the dungeons), the class immediately dispersed and went to their own seats. All was silent.
"Good afternoon, class. Today, we are going to brew a potion called the Revealing Fear Potion. It reveals the thing you are afraid of most, hence the name. If the potion is brewed correctly, when you drink it you should have flashes of your worst fears in front of your eyes and in your mind. The reason why such a potion even exists is so that the drinker can somewhat 'prepare' him or herself for the future, should they be faced with this fear, for some people only know some things in general that they are afraid of. Most people do not even know what their minds truly fear until they drink this potion.
"Alright, then? The instructions are on the board," he said, flicking his wand at the blackboard. "Begin."
After some shuffling in bags for potion ingredients, we began. I was, naturally, the first to be finished. Quentin noticed this, as I was sitting at my desk, motionless, while the rest were still hard at work.
"Miss Evans!" he called, snapping me out of my daydreaming. "I see that you are finished. Hmm," he said, sniffing and looking at my potion. "Smells right . . . looks right . . . would you care to demonstrate your potion for the class? You will not have to tell them what you see, just if it worked."
I stared at him.
"Well, go on!" he urged, waving towards the front of the room. My face blank, I filled a vial of the blue-green potion and walked to the front of the class. The students watched me, waiting. I vaguely noticed Potter and his friends on the left side of the room. I took a deep breath, then downed the potion.
It tasted like ginger ale, only bitter. A few moments passed when nothing happened, then, suddenly, I felt a strange sensation, as if I was being separated from my body, but at peace. Then suddenly, all I saw was darkness.
I was standing in a dark room. It had a bed with two motionless figures in it. I supposed they were sleeping. Suddenly there was a crash, a blinding green flash, and two, high-pitched, blood-curling screams. As the green light went right past me, I caught a glimpse of the two figures' faces.
Mom. Dad. Oh god . . .
I then heard another scream. It went on and on, like someone being tortured. And then an insistent-sounding voice. "Lily! Miss Evans!"
My eyes shot open. I then realized that that other voice was my own, screaming bloody murder. I immediately closed my mouth and stopped yelling.
I felt dampness on my cheeks and I realized that tears were streaming down my face uncontrollably. I also noticed that I was trembling on the ground. I got up, wiping my eyes quickly. I stood there, shaking.
"Miss Evans? Did it work?" The teacher seemed more insistent on if it worked than if I was alright.
I shot him a murderous glance. "Yes, sir." I hissed. And I silently strode back to my seat.
Quentin was quite taken aback by my response, but quickly turned back to the class. "Well, there you have it. Since I see that no one else has completed their potions, I would like everyone except Miss Evans to write me an essay about three of the ingredients in this potion and how they contributed to the effects of the potion. That is all."
Just then the bell rang. I quickly pointed my wand at the rest of the potion in my cauldron, muttering a few well-chosen words so that it disappeared. I put all my stuff into my bag and strode quickly out the door, the first one out, as usual. But this time I had a good reason. I needed out. I had to get away from the pairs of eyes that were staring at me.
I was already in the Common Room when I heard a voice call out, "Lily! Hey Evans, wait up!"
I spun around to see Potter running up to me, panting. He must have chased me all the way back here.
"What the hell do you want, Potter?" I hissed, just like I had to Quentin. I really just wanted to be alone right now.
"Whoa, cool your jets there, Evans, I was just wondering what it is you saw that made you scream and writhe on the floor like a worm." He grinned as he said this. The grin promptly disappeared at the look on my face. It must have been a face of either pure hatred or of pure pain, I don't know, I was feeling both at the moment. I bit my lip, stalling.
"I . . . it . . . just leave me alone, Potter," I whispered, detecting a tremble in my voice. Potter opened his mouth to say something, but I ran up the stairs to my room before he could and before I burst into tears, which I did as soon as I closed my door behind me.
This was weird; I haven't cried a tear since . . . since mom and dad died. But I never knew how it happened. Now I know. Now I know what my worst fear always was. The truth. A witch or a wizard did it. They killed my parents . . .
I just collapsed onto the floor, shuddering with painful, heart-wrenching sobs. I cried for a long time. When I regained my composure to the best of my ability, I checked myself in the mirror. My eyes were red and puffy, and my lip was swollen from where I bit it. In short, I looked horrible. I guess I would just have to keep my head down.
I was still sniffling when I went down to supper. I passed Potter on the way. He again opened his mouth to say something, but then stopped and decided against it. He must have seen my eyes. Shit.
Dumbledore. I had to talk to Dumbledore.
I ran up to the table at the end of the Great Hall, and whispered quickly, "Sir, can I talk to you? Privately?"
Sensing the urgency in my voice, he rose immediately and said, "Of course, Lily. Follow me to my office."
When we arrived, I spilled everything. I told him about my parents, about how Petunia hated me, about what I had seen with the potion. When I mentioned the potion, Dumbledore made a sudden, surprised movement.
"Quentin made you drink a Fear Revealing Potion???"
I sniffed. "Y-yes, sir."
"Goodness, then the rumors are true..." he mumbled. There was a long pause. "Not to worry, he will be disposed of," he then said brusquely.
I looked up. "Why, sir?"
"Quentin has been rumored to be a Death Eater, and to try to drive people who are close to me insane. He must have somehow found out about our little chat that first night, you do remember? And that potion is very dark magic; it is not and never will be in the school curriculum. I must say that I am terribly sorry; I am truly shocked by his actions."
"So what he said about the potion was a lie?"
"Yes, I am afraid so. May I inquire on something in what you saw?" he asked gently.
I stiffened. "Uh . . . I guess so . . ."
"I wonder . . . if your parents were murdered by a witch or a wizard . . . and if Quentin is a Death Eater . . . then perhaps . . . perhaps it wasn't your parents they intended . . ."
My eyes widened so much I thought they might pop out. I shook with fear. "Sir . . ." I managed to squeak out. I cleared my throat. "Uh . . . may I stay at the Hospital Wing tonight? I'm not feeling well . . . but I think I should be fine by tomorrow . . ."
"Yes, go on ahead . . . I am sorry if it is my comment that upset you. But bear this in mind . . . it may not be true. It is simply a possibility, alright? And a very slim one at that."
"Yes, sir, thank you sir," I said and rose unsteadily, feeling my knees quake.
"Here, let me help you," he said, also rising and holding my arm and shoulder steadily.
Despite my half-hearted protests, I was also really grateful that he helped me. I felt dizzy, weak, sick to my stomach, and...vulnerable. For the first time I my life, I did not feel safe. I was shaking all over and so distressed that I didn't even notice where Dumbledore was leading me to. I mean, I knew that it was the Hospital Wing, but I didn't see where it was. I was too far away already . . .
His voice snapped me to a slight attention, though. "Excuse me! Will you escort Miss Evans to the Hospital Wing please? I need to have a chat with Professor McGonagal about a certain teacher..." he trailed off, and I felt a new pair of hands holding me up, firmer and stronger ones. I walked about ten meters before I almost collapsed, but these new pair of hands held me tight. They felt . . . comforting . . . warm, and somewhat reassuring.
They led me to a room. I can't give any details, I was feeling really lightheaded now, and I could barely keep my eyes open. I was handed a cup of some kind of liquid, and told to drink it. After that, I was set on a bed, and before I drifted off into dreamland, I heard a soft voice . . .
"I'm sorry . . . "
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So there's the next chappie . . . . ummmm ya . . .
Also, I re-posted chapter two so that it was easier to read, not in one big blob like it was before. AND also, nobody flame me, I know this chapter sucked, but it has it's reasons for its existence . . . the thing with Quentin was pointless and blah but I needed some way to get the plot moving . . . . so yeah . . . .
Thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers, I must say that I LOVE reviews and hearing from you people out there, so do not hesitate to give me more than one ^_^ hehehe . . . . yay reviewers!!! Cancan227, tsuonae, Tyster, and Swishy Willow Wand, you guys rule!! And Alex, you too *wink* hehe luv you all, please review this fic, and again sorry for the delay, it WILL be faster now . . . Alex will probably MAKE me go faster lolz!!
So ya . . .