Lily went through the next month or so fairly mechanically. She regularly met with Voldemort to learn more magic. Most of it was immediately useful to make her seem smart, to aid her daily exploits of keeping Voldemort informed on happenings in the school. Usually nothing of interest happened, but he liked it when she could tell him gleanings from her friends who had parents at the Ministry. She dreaded his next "big lesson," but he didn't mention anything until early November.
"Well, Lily, I think it is time you practiced Crucio again."
She didn't change her expression, but she cringed inwardly.
"Now, Lily," began Lord Voldemort with a tone of warning in his voice. That was never a good sign. "I have trained you," he continued, "to be stronger than your weak feminine scruples."
Lily drew herself up. Was he saying she was weak because she was a girl?
"But I think that some allowances must be made for your age and sex."
Lily wouldn't stand for that!
"Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't do it. I'll show you! I'll do it, and you'll see!" She stopped suddenly, realizing that she had fallen perfectly into his manipulation. She bowed her head and continued in a quiet tone, "I'll do it."
"Of course you will, Lily dear. You i are /i my most faithful servant. Tomorrow night, we will proceed."
Lily was a master of convincing herself. By the next day, she had actually begun to look forward to the night. And that night, when they caught a hapless stray cat, she realized how addictive and strangely enjoyable power can be.
She was in quite a good mood after her first successful solo use of Crucio. Therefore, she was humming to herself as she bustled down to breakfast and didn't see the small, chubby boy in the common room until she had already knocked him down.
"Hullo!" she exclaimed, surprised. "Sorry about that." She extended a hand to help him up. He had a sort of ratty face, and was generally unattractive. She had plenty of time to notice because, ignoring her outstretched hand, he seemed transfixed, staring at her.
"Er... what's your name?" continued Lily brightly. She didn't recognize him, although he must have been in all her classes—he certainly didn't seem to be in an older year.
The question shocked him out of his reverie. "My name's P-P-P-Peter," he finally managed.
"Well, nice to meet you, Peter. Sorry again." And Lily was gone, off to eat breakfast with her friends. Peter followed slowly, taking his place at the fringes of the Gryffindor first-years, where he could listen and try to ingratiate himself as usual. Today, however, was different. At the end of breakfast, Lily came and perched next to him.
"So, Peter," she began brightly. "Do you want to come with us? We're going for a walk around the grounds before class." She gestured to an assorted group of first-years from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Stammering his thanks, he leapt to join them. Giggling, Lily steered him to the front, next to her, and even deigned to talk to him occasionally. She didn't like him at all, but such a servile little person might be useful...
Peter was simply grateful to be included in a group, any group.