Plot Summary (in case you've forgotten): In her final year at Hogwarts, the lonely Lily Evans is faced with a new challenge and a new fear. Slowly she begins to see the world through a new light, regaining her self-confidence, and finding a group of friends she could trust forever. This is told through the eyes of Lily Evans, and is not your average LJ fanfic. I try to keep to the real story as much as possible.
Chapter 2: Thestrals
As Head Girl, I was required to accompany Potter in a carriage to school. Undoubtedly, I was subjected to an awkward silence for the forepart of the journey, but was, undeniably happy that for the first time since fourth year, I was able to actually have someone sharing my carriage, who wasn't a second or third year asking for help. But even so, I felt extremely awkward with just having Potter, the self-proclaimed genius, beside me. So, I decided to ignore it, and concentrated on the beauty of Hogwarts, as it lay down in front of me.
It was hard to even dream that this would be the last time I would be taking this journey to Hogwarts. It was the last time that I'll be having to face a first day, when everything in Hogwarts looks so enchanted, almost as if it came out of one of the old fairytales that my father used to read to me in bed. However, the façade that seemed to lay the grounds upon which Hogwarts rested, were not the simple truth. Under the mask of beauty of the grounds, and the so-called peace between the houses, rivalry was building, and turmoil was growing. Historically, as I could tell you quite easily, Hogwarts had fallen apart in some sense, due to the squabbles between Slytherin and Gryffindor when the school was founded. It was no wonder that these were the two houses who were still creating a division in the school. Nonetheless, I had started to attempt to smooth over this so-called division, but had not succeeded, and with Potter now Head Boy, that was not likely to change. I sighed.
I turned to briefly glance at Potter, wondering what kept him so quiet, but immediately was washed over with the waves of sorrow that flowed from him. It was remarkable, in a sense, that Potter could feel such strong emotion. His face showed the lines of too few hours to sleep, and a general hollowness. I found it surprising that even such a teenage "rebel", or rather, stuck-up prat, could even feel so much emotion. It, in an odd way, was slightly comforting, whilst also remaining horrific to him.
It was at this point, when my eyes quickly turned from him, that he first spoke since his outcry, "I can see them now." He said softly.
I turned to face him again, not knowing what he was talking about. "See what?" I replied, attempting to remain gentle.
He shivered, and pointed to the front, "They're beautiful, Thestrals." He attempted a smile, but it was hidden under the crusts of misery that covered his face. I sat there shocked. It had happened in front of him, his own parents died at his feet! I shuddered, trying to think of something to say. I really wanted to just touch his face, or give him and hug and tell him everything was going to be okay, but knowing him, he would take that as a indication that I had 'fallen in love' with him.
So I held my hands together, and said quietly, "It's a good sign."
He looked at me frowning. "What are you on about Lily?" he spat out as if I'd just cursed him. I moved backwards, I couldn't really speak, fearful of his words, and yet retaining a strong confident face.
I decided to finish my comment, so that his anger would not last too long. "It indicates you're accepting death. Although you'll-" I gulped, just wanting the conversation to be finished, "-you'll never forget the experience, you will be able to move on. It shows your strength James," I added trying to convince him that my words were not meant to be harsh in any manner.
His brow returned to normal, and he stared at the Thestrals again. I sighed, relieved that the conversation had ended, and feeling really uncomfortable sitting near him. Not a word was said until reaching Hogwarts Castle.
It was to Professor McGonagall's office that we were next to head. As usual, Potter was slightly confused, and I practically had to drag him to her office, as he was extremely saddened at the prospect of having to miss the Sorting Ceremony. However, after much deliberation, I finally managed to get him there in one piece.
It was upon that moment that we entered the office, that I was once again tormented by someone's emotional strain. Professor McGonagall had never seemed that old, that aged, as I saw her then. The summer seemed to have worn her out, shown her true age, and woken her into the misery of the world that was outside the walls of Hogwarts. Nonetheless, her behaviour had not changed. The strict lines that marked her composure and attitude stayed put, and the tone of her voice showed no sign of fatigue.
"I have called you two here as to give you some indication of what is required of your behaviour this year. Although I am sure Professor Dumbledore has already had some words with you, I trust that his word were light, and rather, silver-lined, with his sense of humour. Undeniably, this is not exactly what is expected of you."
She turned towards Potter. "Mr. Potter, as you should know, being Head Boy does not allow you to abuse that power, and torment any member of the Slytherin house. Nor does it, in any way, allow you to use this power to try to 'shake' the grounds of Hogwarts, with what you call a 'prank'. Your power was given to you because you are expected to behave responsibly. However, I am sure, you will fulfil those duties well, or you would have not been selected as Head Boy."
She turned back to me. "On the other hand Miss Evans, I am sure you will be able to keep the school in order. However, keep the fights with Mr Potter to a minimum, as you want to set a good example to the following years. I am certain that you shall do well. Remember not to be overly harsh to those who have treated you wrongly, and to keep your calm, then you shall be an excellent Head Girl."
She faced us both now, looking at us in turn, "You will do well, I am sure. Good luck!"
As she turned away, I knew I wanted more answers to the puzzlement of the harsh reality of 'Lord Voldemort', and I knew also that she was the only person I could ask. So I held her back, asking to speak with her alone. Potter was becoming a bit impatient, so I told him that he could return to the hall if he wished. But his pale face haunted me, so, without his permission, I performed a quick cheering charm on him, so that he would not look as horrific to the rest of the school. He left quite cheerfully then, and I turned back to face Professor McGonagall.
"Er. Professor, I was just wondering, could you tell me more about this wizard named 'Lord Voldemort'?"
The remaining colour drained from her face, and I knew that I had touched a soft spot. I was about to say that she shouldn't bother, when she spoke. "Lily, it is best that you know, and I am frankly quite relieved that you asked me. Not surprisingly, Mr Potter knows much about him, and should you want any more answers after I have told you what I know, it is best to turn to him for answers." I nodded, urging her to carry on. "For the past five years, The ministry has known of Voldemort's growing support, but have done nothing about it, believing that they were harmless. Voldemort's, actions have been quiet until recently. He has worked hard to gain a group of followers over the past years, slowly gaining power. The previous Minister had not recognised the need for immediate measures to stop Voldemort's rise, and he first thought of it merely as a rumour. But this summer marked the first evidence of the true nature of Voldemort, and it has not been nice. The Ministry has spend its time doing nothing else, but fighting the chaos that Lord Voldemort has been creating."
With a flick of a wand, she had a glass of water in front of her. She continued, and once again had my full attention.
"Voldemort's powers have not yet reached their peak. He has a large following, and will easily be able to attract more. His aim is simple- to get rid of all the 'half-bloods' and 'muggle-borns' from the Wizarding World. He has no fear of the Dark Arts, just as he has no fear of murder. His aim is a holocaust, a removal of all those who he considers inferior. Most of our information is rumour, nothing can be held for certain. The only way we can find out if anything had happened, is what is left behind: a mass of dead cold bodies, and the Dark Mark."
She lowered her head, the first signed of her weakness. I looked at her quizzically, "The Dark Mark?"
"An image portrayed above where the murder has occurred. It is a Skull with a snake as a tongue, and creates an aura of fear: though that could be simply from what it signifies." She peered at me through her glasses, and sipped her water.
"How many so far?" I asked, feeling the agony of Death pulling down on my body.
"5 Aurors, 36 Wizards, 39 Witches, and 24 children. Muggles should be about 30 to 40. We cannot fully count those, as they are not under the Ministry's jurisdiction." She coughed, and I took it as a sign to leave. "Thank you Professor."
I was shaking, quivering with the absurdness of this situation. Everything felt wrong, felt unreal. I simply could not believe that there was someone out there who wanted to cause so much harm. What was running through hi mind? How could he even start hating people he didn't know? I just could not accept his existence, could not accept that everyone was under threat, by someone they had done nothing wrong to.
By the time I had finally arrived in the Great Hall, the Sorting Ceremony was about to finish, as "Whitlem, Orionus" walked towards the Sorting Hat. I took my seat next to an over-cheerful Potter. And waited for Dumbledore's opening speech.
"Unlike previous years, I have decided, even though the most of you are famished, to open this year on a serious note. There are a few, this year, that have not returned yet, and I am certain many of you know why. If you do, please explain to those who do not. If you shall receive any Ministry letters following the same lines, you should proceed to talk to either of our Heads, or a prefect who should help you to find us. This year will have problems; there will not be peace. However, I am certain that all those who attend this school, will remain, even if their views are divided, at peace. On that note, I also wish you all a Happy and Prosperous new year. Now, dig in!"
The meal was a success. Laughter and sweet voices rang through the walls of the Castle, as well as the occasional question, 'what was Dumbledore talking about?' Those who were sad were cheered up by the happiness in the air. The new were relaxed through the guidance and help of the elders. The new year had begun better than was expected.
Author's Note: There you go, second chapter. Not at all my favourite chapter- a bit dry and not well written- not too happy with it L
Thanks also to:
Whimsical Firefly- Thanks for another review. I hope this chapter puts thing back into context- it's the best way I could do it!libyanauthor- Thanks! My vocabulary is actually quite limited, at least I think so.
WindigoSoul- Thanks. I just think Lily isn't as frivolous as many people like to create her as.
LilyZWnam77 Aie, thanks so much. I'm really appeciate you comment, but I'm sure there are a couple of errors somewhere!
Thanks for reading. Please Review and tell me if you liked it or not, and where I can improve. Thanks