Author's Note: Hello Ladies and Gents! May I present to you the next
installment of Lily Without Hogwarts! I will try to keep my updates to the
weekends, but even then I might not be able to. I've just started typing up
the 3rd notebook and writing in the 4th. So there is still a lot left. Now
for the disclaimer: I own nothing. or rather very little. Most of this is
J. K. Rowling's beautiful creation and most credit goes to her. Now for the
thank yous:
I o u a name- You've been added to the mailing list, thank you for your review! I'm glad you liked it.
Zebragurl- Yes, werewolves are great. *cackles* James blew it big time, and he might keep blowing it. I have no idea. If you skip the death chapter I will be saddened because I'm going to work exceptionally hard on that to stick to cannon and there will be other things in it as well.
Elfin Child- It's been written and I think it's decent; it might get tweaked when I type it up, but I'm not sure. It all depends how things go. This chapter is all Lily.
Black Snow- First time eh, well, since you gave me such a great compliment with the eloquence thing I shall forgive and forget, as long as you review more!! Please?!
Lily Rose- In her dream Lily was shopping with Alice in Muggle London on purpose for a certain thing, keep reading and you'll find out what. and as it is, I'm not even sure I'm going to make Lily precognitive.
Ggal- Are you sure Lily's actions were irrational? *smiles knowingly before cackling* In Lily's mind she was being rational, but who knows? You'll hopefully understand after this chapter, but maybe not. I don't know.
BeCkY6- Snazzy eh? Cool, it's snazzy! And yes you have said it's weird, in a good way, but I'm glad you like it.
Mockingbirdflyaway- I'm glad you don't blame Lily and she will meet many people of many colorful ideals both good and bad, but you probably won't know which is which. or will you?
Poetbrit- Thank you and good luck with your own story hun.
Black-cat-on-the-wall- I will try to update as often as possible with school having started again. Please be patient. Thank you for the review!
EbonyQuill- You've been put on the mailing list, though how often I will use it I do not know. I'm glad you love it, and I hope you love the coming chapters as well.
MegHarts- Lots of drama, which seems to be my strong suit with this story lately, because I don't seem to get the comedic parts very good. *sighs* Or maybe I'm paranoid. Who knows? I hope you like the addition of a new character in this chapter.
Midnights shadow of insaneness- Oh don't worry about it. I'm glad you like the chapters and I hope you like this one too.
Chapter Thirty-Three: Friend or Foe?
Lily got off the bus in a densely populated area of London and tried to think of where she could go. Her thoughts traveled directly to Diagon Alley. She thought that if they found out she'd run that she would stick to Muggle London so she made her way to The Leaky Cauldron.
She walked inside the pub and looked around slowly taking in her surroundings before she made for the archway into Diagon Alley. Remembering what James had done on their trip to get her wand, Lily pulled it out of her bag and tapped the third brick on the right and the archway opened revealing the wonder known to wizards as Diagon Alley.
Lily meandered slowly down the alley toward Gringotts Wizarding Bank to convert her muggle money into Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. She had gotten an idea as she'd walked into Diagon Alley to buy a cloak so that she didn't standout so much in the wizarding world. She made her way back to Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions and entered the shop with the tinkle of a bell.
"I'll be right with you," a kind voiced witch called from the back of the shop and moments later came rushing forward brushing her hair out of her face and smiling brightly. "Can I help you?" the woman asked with a smile.
"Do you sell cloaks?" Lily asked with a smile of her own; the woman's cheerful mood was infectious.
"Yes of course," the witch said with a pleasant smile and led Lily over to a series of racks. "Is there something specific that you're looking for Miss?" the witch asked and looked Lily over thinking about what cloak would suit the red-headed girl best.
"Something relatively cheap," Lily replied embarrassedly and brushed some of her hair out of her face bringing her flushing cheeks into view.
Madam Malkin smiled and pulled a tape measure from one of the pockets of her robes and measured Lily from shoulder to shoulder and shoulder to toes before leading Lily over to a stool and platform. "Wait here a moment, I will be right back," she said and went into the back room and proceeded to dig around there for a few moments before coming back with a dark emerald green cloak that she put over Lily's shoulders with a flourish. "How does that feel?" Madam Malkin asked with a curious smile.
Lily swayed slightly testing the cloak's fabric before turning to look in a mirror on the sidewall. The fabric practically shimmered in the light. The green of the cloak contrasted beautifully with the fiery red of Lily's hair, made her eyes practically glow and her pale skin shine. "Wow," Lily whispered and smiled at her reflection. She looked stunning, but she also knew that she couldn't afford it. "How much is it?" Lily asked quietly and looking longingly at her reflection.
Madam Malkin smiled kindly and knew instantly that the money didn't matter. This girl was meant to have the cloak she'd been hoarding in her back room for years. She asked, "How much have you got?"
Lily whipped around, the cloak flowing easily around her and confirming the shopkeeper's thoughts. "What?" Lily asked astonished at the question because the cloak was surely expensive.
"Madam Malkin smiled warming and asked again, "How much money have you got?"
"About three galleons and a few sickles and knuts," Lily whispered quietly and wondered what was happening.
Madam Malkin's smile never faltered. "I'll give the cloak to you for two of those galleons," she said and touched Lily's arm lightly.
"You're serious?" Lily asked a moment later when she was able to speak again.
"Yes I am," Madam Malkin said. "I've had that cloak in this shop for many years waiting for the right person for it. You're it and the money doesn't matter," she said and touched Lily's cheek lightly.
Lily smiled broadly and dug in her pocked for the money handing over the appropriate amount to the woman. "Thank you so much," Lily said and the witch's smile seemed to get brighter as if she was radiating sunshine.
"It's nothing," Madam Malkin said and bent down to check the hem of the cloak but to mending or re-hemming was needed; it was absolutely perfect. "You're all set," she said holding out her hand to help Lily down from the platform.
Lily picked her bag up from the floor and asked, "What is your name?"
"Madeline Malkin, I own this shop," she answered still smiling as she put the two galleons in the register.
"My name is Lily Evans, thank you for your kindness," Lily replied and felt a rather overwhelming desire to give the woman a hug.
"It was my pleasure. Good luck Miss Evans," Madeline said with a warm gleam in her eyes.
"Thank you again," Lily said and left the shop drawing the hood of the cloak up to cover her hair that was a beacon to anyone looking for her. She stepped back out into the alley and began to wander along looking at the fascinating shops but not really watching where she was going.
Lily wound up running right into a dark haired witch about her age. The impact caused them both to fall to the ground the strange girl cursing on the way down. Lily quickly got to her feet, "I am so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," Lily apologized and held her hand out to the girl who was looking downright murderous. When the girl with all the dark hair looked up at Lily, Lily felt a startling flash of recognition.
The strange girl did too and did her best to hide it because she didn't know Lily from Adam. "Well that's obvious," the girl said angrily as she got to her feet without Lily's hand to help her.
Lily couldn't help looking hurt and she wondered why. "Do I know you?" Lily asked and the girl who was about to head away.
"I rather doubt it as I don't know any insufferable klutzes," the girl snapped and dusted off her black robes.
The girl's rude words brought dozens of pictures and memories to Lily's mind. "Catherine," Lily said just under her breath and the girls' eyes widened considerably.
"How do you know my name?" Catherine asked wondering who in Merlin's name the girl was and why she knew her name.
"I-I just remembered it," Lily said aloud and dozens of random facts about Catherine Mcgeogehegan flashed through her mind.
"Remembered it? How could you remember it if I've never even met you before?" Catherine asked indignantly wondering if she should pull out her wand and made the odd redhead go away.
"It's a rather long story," Lily said quietly looking at Catherine sheepishly.
'Long story?' thought Catherine and she looked into Lily's green eyes and felt as if she were looking into the eyes of a very good friend, of which she had very few. She looked at her watch and her curiosity got the better of her. "I've got the time if you have," Catherine said with a very small smile.
They walked to The Leaky Cauldron and took a seat in a darkened corner with two butterbeers and a small plate of sandwiches. "Start with your name so I know who I'm talking to," Catherine said before taking a swig of her drink.
"My name is Lily," she paused and glanced around uncertainly, there was nobody close enough to their table and she finished even more quietly, "Evans."
Catherine couldn't help but notice Lily's suspicious glance around the pub and asked, "You in some kind of trouble girl?" There was a subtle Irish lit in her voice.
"Not really, I just don't want the wrong people to overhear," Lily whispered before taking a bite of a turkey sandwich.
Catherine raised her eyebrows suspiciously. If the girl was on Voldemort's hit list she wasn't sure if she wanted to associate with her but Catherine's curiosity outweighed her caution and she asked, "Who is after you?"
Lily looked troubled for a moment. Who was after her? Surely James would be looking for her by now, but was anyone else after her with less then pleasant intentions? Lily's intuition screamed out and affirmative yes but she had no idea who. "Well I know that James is bound to be looking for me, but other then him I haven't any real idea," Lily answered in a voice just above a whisper.
Catherine's mind raced at the peculiar answer. "James? Do you mean Potter?" Catherine asked her brown eyes glinting angrily in the dim light.
"Yes I do," Lily spat out. "I hope to never see that insufferable bastard again," she said with a scowl.
"What did he do to you?" Catherine asked her curiosity at its peak. Catherine wondered suddenly why she felt very inclined to find Potter and do a Severing Charm on a certain appendage of his just for angering the stranger sitting in front of her. It was very peculiar indeed and she was anxious to get to the story.
Lily's eyes flashed momentarily and she said, "He was a moronic bastard to me! Thinking I had any interest in Remus is just despicable. Then I remembered something about him and I left. I hope he never finds me."
Now Catherine's mind was reeling. It was like a bad Muggle soap opera come to life. "Lupin? This is becoming confusing. Maybe we should just stick to the reason we came to talk about in the first place Lily," Catherine said knowing full well that any tirade about James Potter could last for hours, possibly even days.
"Right, sorry," Lily muttered quietly.
"Oh, don't be sorry. Potter has always been a thorn in my side. But on with the 'long story'," Catherine said and looked expectantly at Lily to begin.
Lily sighed. "Alright," she said and drew the hood of her cloak forward to hide her face a little more. "I'm a witch-,"she said and Catherine snorted.
"That's not surprising girl, you're in The Leaky Cauldron," Catherine said sarcastically and Lily scowled at the interruption.
"Just listen Catherine," Lily said and her eyes glinted with the candlelight beneath the shadows of her cloak.
"Okay, sorry," Catherine said unable to suppress a smirk.
"I only found out I was a witch this week," Lily said leaning forward and whispering so quietly Catherine had to strain to hear.
"What?" Catherine said the smirk now replaced by a look of astonishment. She unconsciously fiddled with the handle of her wand that was tucked into the pocket of her robes.
"I was supposed to go to Hogwarts," Lily said quietly.
"But only this week? Where have you been? Didn't you get your letter?" Catherine asked her words rushed and just loud enough to hear. She realized that discretion was needed now more then ever.
"I didn't get my letter. It was burned before it reached my hands," Lily said lightly and looked extremely angry.
"Who? Why? How?" Catherine asked, never had she been more confused or astonished in her life.
"Voldemort," Lily whispered and wondered if Catherine was going to run from her seat.
"What?" Catherine asked her eyes wide and she realized her thoughts about Lily being on Voldemort's hit list weren't unfounded.
"He stole my letter and claimed that I didn't want to attend Hogwarts. Then he some how faked my death," Lily whispered and took a sip of her butterbeer to alleviate the dry mouth she was beginning to get.
"You've got to be kidding me?" Catherine said she'd never know anyone to successfully trick Albus Dumbledore.
"I'm completely serious," Lily said with a sigh and watched Catherine for signs of wanting to flee, surprisingly she didn't see any.
"So how did you find out?" Catherine asked eagerly.
"A complete accident. I'd left my sisters house and was here in London trying to get some sleep in a park when a cat came up to me and its owner was calling out to it, looking for it. The woman, Arabella Figg, took me in and for some reason or another told Albus Dumbledore about me," Lily paused noting Catherine's sour look at mention of Arabella. She raised her eyebrows questioningly. "You don't like Arabella?" she asked even though she had a suddenly feeling about why the answer would be no.
"Not in the slightest," Catherine muttered angrily. "Figg and I have irreconcilable differences," she said preferring to get back to Lily's tale rather than dwell painfully on the past.
"Sirius," Lily whispered her eyes widening as she looked toward the door of the pub. Sirius Black was standing there looking around and Lily turned her head and hid in the shadows further.
"Pardon?" Catherine asked her own eyes widening in wonder as how Lily knew, but she caught Lily's gaze and saw that Lily was referring to the man himself who was striding towards Tom's post at the bar.
A/N: So, what are your thoughts on Catherine? Let me know if you like her or not as she's an OC of sorts. I hope you also liked the chapter. I'll try to get the next one out soon as well. ~Frankie~
I o u a name- You've been added to the mailing list, thank you for your review! I'm glad you liked it.
Zebragurl- Yes, werewolves are great. *cackles* James blew it big time, and he might keep blowing it. I have no idea. If you skip the death chapter I will be saddened because I'm going to work exceptionally hard on that to stick to cannon and there will be other things in it as well.
Elfin Child- It's been written and I think it's decent; it might get tweaked when I type it up, but I'm not sure. It all depends how things go. This chapter is all Lily.
Black Snow- First time eh, well, since you gave me such a great compliment with the eloquence thing I shall forgive and forget, as long as you review more!! Please?!
Lily Rose- In her dream Lily was shopping with Alice in Muggle London on purpose for a certain thing, keep reading and you'll find out what. and as it is, I'm not even sure I'm going to make Lily precognitive.
Ggal- Are you sure Lily's actions were irrational? *smiles knowingly before cackling* In Lily's mind she was being rational, but who knows? You'll hopefully understand after this chapter, but maybe not. I don't know.
BeCkY6- Snazzy eh? Cool, it's snazzy! And yes you have said it's weird, in a good way, but I'm glad you like it.
Mockingbirdflyaway- I'm glad you don't blame Lily and she will meet many people of many colorful ideals both good and bad, but you probably won't know which is which. or will you?
Poetbrit- Thank you and good luck with your own story hun.
Black-cat-on-the-wall- I will try to update as often as possible with school having started again. Please be patient. Thank you for the review!
EbonyQuill- You've been put on the mailing list, though how often I will use it I do not know. I'm glad you love it, and I hope you love the coming chapters as well.
MegHarts- Lots of drama, which seems to be my strong suit with this story lately, because I don't seem to get the comedic parts very good. *sighs* Or maybe I'm paranoid. Who knows? I hope you like the addition of a new character in this chapter.
Midnights shadow of insaneness- Oh don't worry about it. I'm glad you like the chapters and I hope you like this one too.
Chapter Thirty-Three: Friend or Foe?
Lily got off the bus in a densely populated area of London and tried to think of where she could go. Her thoughts traveled directly to Diagon Alley. She thought that if they found out she'd run that she would stick to Muggle London so she made her way to The Leaky Cauldron.
She walked inside the pub and looked around slowly taking in her surroundings before she made for the archway into Diagon Alley. Remembering what James had done on their trip to get her wand, Lily pulled it out of her bag and tapped the third brick on the right and the archway opened revealing the wonder known to wizards as Diagon Alley.
Lily meandered slowly down the alley toward Gringotts Wizarding Bank to convert her muggle money into Galleons, Sickles and Knuts. She had gotten an idea as she'd walked into Diagon Alley to buy a cloak so that she didn't standout so much in the wizarding world. She made her way back to Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions and entered the shop with the tinkle of a bell.
"I'll be right with you," a kind voiced witch called from the back of the shop and moments later came rushing forward brushing her hair out of her face and smiling brightly. "Can I help you?" the woman asked with a smile.
"Do you sell cloaks?" Lily asked with a smile of her own; the woman's cheerful mood was infectious.
"Yes of course," the witch said with a pleasant smile and led Lily over to a series of racks. "Is there something specific that you're looking for Miss?" the witch asked and looked Lily over thinking about what cloak would suit the red-headed girl best.
"Something relatively cheap," Lily replied embarrassedly and brushed some of her hair out of her face bringing her flushing cheeks into view.
Madam Malkin smiled and pulled a tape measure from one of the pockets of her robes and measured Lily from shoulder to shoulder and shoulder to toes before leading Lily over to a stool and platform. "Wait here a moment, I will be right back," she said and went into the back room and proceeded to dig around there for a few moments before coming back with a dark emerald green cloak that she put over Lily's shoulders with a flourish. "How does that feel?" Madam Malkin asked with a curious smile.
Lily swayed slightly testing the cloak's fabric before turning to look in a mirror on the sidewall. The fabric practically shimmered in the light. The green of the cloak contrasted beautifully with the fiery red of Lily's hair, made her eyes practically glow and her pale skin shine. "Wow," Lily whispered and smiled at her reflection. She looked stunning, but she also knew that she couldn't afford it. "How much is it?" Lily asked quietly and looking longingly at her reflection.
Madam Malkin smiled kindly and knew instantly that the money didn't matter. This girl was meant to have the cloak she'd been hoarding in her back room for years. She asked, "How much have you got?"
Lily whipped around, the cloak flowing easily around her and confirming the shopkeeper's thoughts. "What?" Lily asked astonished at the question because the cloak was surely expensive.
"Madam Malkin smiled warming and asked again, "How much money have you got?"
"About three galleons and a few sickles and knuts," Lily whispered quietly and wondered what was happening.
Madam Malkin's smile never faltered. "I'll give the cloak to you for two of those galleons," she said and touched Lily's arm lightly.
"You're serious?" Lily asked a moment later when she was able to speak again.
"Yes I am," Madam Malkin said. "I've had that cloak in this shop for many years waiting for the right person for it. You're it and the money doesn't matter," she said and touched Lily's cheek lightly.
Lily smiled broadly and dug in her pocked for the money handing over the appropriate amount to the woman. "Thank you so much," Lily said and the witch's smile seemed to get brighter as if she was radiating sunshine.
"It's nothing," Madam Malkin said and bent down to check the hem of the cloak but to mending or re-hemming was needed; it was absolutely perfect. "You're all set," she said holding out her hand to help Lily down from the platform.
Lily picked her bag up from the floor and asked, "What is your name?"
"Madeline Malkin, I own this shop," she answered still smiling as she put the two galleons in the register.
"My name is Lily Evans, thank you for your kindness," Lily replied and felt a rather overwhelming desire to give the woman a hug.
"It was my pleasure. Good luck Miss Evans," Madeline said with a warm gleam in her eyes.
"Thank you again," Lily said and left the shop drawing the hood of the cloak up to cover her hair that was a beacon to anyone looking for her. She stepped back out into the alley and began to wander along looking at the fascinating shops but not really watching where she was going.
Lily wound up running right into a dark haired witch about her age. The impact caused them both to fall to the ground the strange girl cursing on the way down. Lily quickly got to her feet, "I am so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," Lily apologized and held her hand out to the girl who was looking downright murderous. When the girl with all the dark hair looked up at Lily, Lily felt a startling flash of recognition.
The strange girl did too and did her best to hide it because she didn't know Lily from Adam. "Well that's obvious," the girl said angrily as she got to her feet without Lily's hand to help her.
Lily couldn't help looking hurt and she wondered why. "Do I know you?" Lily asked and the girl who was about to head away.
"I rather doubt it as I don't know any insufferable klutzes," the girl snapped and dusted off her black robes.
The girl's rude words brought dozens of pictures and memories to Lily's mind. "Catherine," Lily said just under her breath and the girls' eyes widened considerably.
"How do you know my name?" Catherine asked wondering who in Merlin's name the girl was and why she knew her name.
"I-I just remembered it," Lily said aloud and dozens of random facts about Catherine Mcgeogehegan flashed through her mind.
"Remembered it? How could you remember it if I've never even met you before?" Catherine asked indignantly wondering if she should pull out her wand and made the odd redhead go away.
"It's a rather long story," Lily said quietly looking at Catherine sheepishly.
'Long story?' thought Catherine and she looked into Lily's green eyes and felt as if she were looking into the eyes of a very good friend, of which she had very few. She looked at her watch and her curiosity got the better of her. "I've got the time if you have," Catherine said with a very small smile.
They walked to The Leaky Cauldron and took a seat in a darkened corner with two butterbeers and a small plate of sandwiches. "Start with your name so I know who I'm talking to," Catherine said before taking a swig of her drink.
"My name is Lily," she paused and glanced around uncertainly, there was nobody close enough to their table and she finished even more quietly, "Evans."
Catherine couldn't help but notice Lily's suspicious glance around the pub and asked, "You in some kind of trouble girl?" There was a subtle Irish lit in her voice.
"Not really, I just don't want the wrong people to overhear," Lily whispered before taking a bite of a turkey sandwich.
Catherine raised her eyebrows suspiciously. If the girl was on Voldemort's hit list she wasn't sure if she wanted to associate with her but Catherine's curiosity outweighed her caution and she asked, "Who is after you?"
Lily looked troubled for a moment. Who was after her? Surely James would be looking for her by now, but was anyone else after her with less then pleasant intentions? Lily's intuition screamed out and affirmative yes but she had no idea who. "Well I know that James is bound to be looking for me, but other then him I haven't any real idea," Lily answered in a voice just above a whisper.
Catherine's mind raced at the peculiar answer. "James? Do you mean Potter?" Catherine asked her brown eyes glinting angrily in the dim light.
"Yes I do," Lily spat out. "I hope to never see that insufferable bastard again," she said with a scowl.
"What did he do to you?" Catherine asked her curiosity at its peak. Catherine wondered suddenly why she felt very inclined to find Potter and do a Severing Charm on a certain appendage of his just for angering the stranger sitting in front of her. It was very peculiar indeed and she was anxious to get to the story.
Lily's eyes flashed momentarily and she said, "He was a moronic bastard to me! Thinking I had any interest in Remus is just despicable. Then I remembered something about him and I left. I hope he never finds me."
Now Catherine's mind was reeling. It was like a bad Muggle soap opera come to life. "Lupin? This is becoming confusing. Maybe we should just stick to the reason we came to talk about in the first place Lily," Catherine said knowing full well that any tirade about James Potter could last for hours, possibly even days.
"Right, sorry," Lily muttered quietly.
"Oh, don't be sorry. Potter has always been a thorn in my side. But on with the 'long story'," Catherine said and looked expectantly at Lily to begin.
Lily sighed. "Alright," she said and drew the hood of her cloak forward to hide her face a little more. "I'm a witch-,"she said and Catherine snorted.
"That's not surprising girl, you're in The Leaky Cauldron," Catherine said sarcastically and Lily scowled at the interruption.
"Just listen Catherine," Lily said and her eyes glinted with the candlelight beneath the shadows of her cloak.
"Okay, sorry," Catherine said unable to suppress a smirk.
"I only found out I was a witch this week," Lily said leaning forward and whispering so quietly Catherine had to strain to hear.
"What?" Catherine said the smirk now replaced by a look of astonishment. She unconsciously fiddled with the handle of her wand that was tucked into the pocket of her robes.
"I was supposed to go to Hogwarts," Lily said quietly.
"But only this week? Where have you been? Didn't you get your letter?" Catherine asked her words rushed and just loud enough to hear. She realized that discretion was needed now more then ever.
"I didn't get my letter. It was burned before it reached my hands," Lily said lightly and looked extremely angry.
"Who? Why? How?" Catherine asked, never had she been more confused or astonished in her life.
"Voldemort," Lily whispered and wondered if Catherine was going to run from her seat.
"What?" Catherine asked her eyes wide and she realized her thoughts about Lily being on Voldemort's hit list weren't unfounded.
"He stole my letter and claimed that I didn't want to attend Hogwarts. Then he some how faked my death," Lily whispered and took a sip of her butterbeer to alleviate the dry mouth she was beginning to get.
"You've got to be kidding me?" Catherine said she'd never know anyone to successfully trick Albus Dumbledore.
"I'm completely serious," Lily said with a sigh and watched Catherine for signs of wanting to flee, surprisingly she didn't see any.
"So how did you find out?" Catherine asked eagerly.
"A complete accident. I'd left my sisters house and was here in London trying to get some sleep in a park when a cat came up to me and its owner was calling out to it, looking for it. The woman, Arabella Figg, took me in and for some reason or another told Albus Dumbledore about me," Lily paused noting Catherine's sour look at mention of Arabella. She raised her eyebrows questioningly. "You don't like Arabella?" she asked even though she had a suddenly feeling about why the answer would be no.
"Not in the slightest," Catherine muttered angrily. "Figg and I have irreconcilable differences," she said preferring to get back to Lily's tale rather than dwell painfully on the past.
"Sirius," Lily whispered her eyes widening as she looked toward the door of the pub. Sirius Black was standing there looking around and Lily turned her head and hid in the shadows further.
"Pardon?" Catherine asked her own eyes widening in wonder as how Lily knew, but she caught Lily's gaze and saw that Lily was referring to the man himself who was striding towards Tom's post at the bar.
A/N: So, what are your thoughts on Catherine? Let me know if you like her or not as she's an OC of sorts. I hope you also liked the chapter. I'll try to get the next one out soon as well. ~Frankie~