Chapter 32 – Summer Day Blues
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Day 1
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Lily stepped through the barrier and looked around the train station searching for Selene Belltower. Carly stood beside her listlessly staring straight ahead but seeing nothing with their trunks in between them. Lily smiled as she spotted a dark-haired woman waving to her. She grabbed the trolley with the trunks and Carly's arm. "Come on Car I found your mum," Lily said as she began walking towards Selene.
Selene met the two girls half-way and hugged Carly. "Hello sweetie," she said, "how has school been?" She drew back when she received no response and looked at Carly's face with worry. "Carly? What's wrong?" Carly again offered no answer as she continued to stare into space. Selene glanced over at Lily hoping for some sort of explanation. Lily sighed and shook her head tiredly. "I'll explain everything when we get back to your place," she said quietly to Selene.
Selene nodded and glanced again at Carly. She frowned slightly before smiling brightly and taking the trolley from Lily. "Right then girls; let's get you home, eh?"
When Carly stepped out of the fireplace in her house she ignored her mother and best friend, walked silently to her bedroom and shut her door behind her. Lily closed her eyes briefly as Carly walked away. She opened her eyes, grabbed her trunk and dragged it upstairs to the guestroom. When Lily walked into the kitchen not long after she found Selene sitting at the table sipping tea. "Care to tell me what's going on now Lily?" Selene asked.
Lily grabbed a glass of water and, nodding, sat down across from Selene. "Okay so Carly's told you about her boyfriend James Potter right?"
"Of course," Selene replied. "Fine boy. I've met his father Walter a couple of times in the Ministry. He'll no doubt be just like his father in time."
"You might not have that opinion when I tell you that he broke up with her last night."
"Oh my poor girl." Selene's eyes flicked sadly to the door. "Do you know why?"
"I've got no idea. But Carly's really upset about it. I don't think she'll get over this soon. She told me she loved him. It was one of the last things she said to me while on the train. She cried herself to sleep and when she woke up this is how she was. Staring at something no one else can see and refusing to speak."
Selene sighed as she finished her tea. "I wish there was something I could do. But there's only one way to mend a broken heart and that's to give herself time."
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Day 4
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Dear James,
I was originally going to address this letter to both you and Sirius, because I have no doubt Sirius is there with you since he apparently spends all the free time he has at your place though I have no idea why, well I've got an idea, but... well I guess this Carly issue is in no way resolved. And that was rather a long run-on sentence.
But that wasn't my point. I'm digressing. Sorry. Before I go on would you like the typical polite opening to a letter? Here it is: Hey James, how have you been? I've been pretty good. Have you been doing much? Because I haven't. The only thing I've done over the past few days is trying to drag Carly out of her room where she has been moping about you. It's been quite a pleasant three days.
I really hope you picked up the sarcasm in that paragraph James because it has not been fun. Carly refuses to leave her room and refuses to speak. She has not spoken one word to either me or her mum since we got here. I had to explain to Selene why her daughter has suddenly lost her voice.
I hope you've realised that I'm blaming this on you. You broke up with her, why I've still yet to figure out. You're the one who has left her like this. I know I told you on the train that I'd calm down but I'm still angry James. I didn't expect Carly to isolate herself like this. I thought she had more sense than to die of a broken heart.
I don't know what to do James. I don't know what it was you actually said to her but I can't take this much longer. I might be furious with you but I'm out of ideas. I've tried everything to get her to talk to me and to leave her room. She won't listen to me. And yes I know that she didn't want to see you over the holidays. But I'm begging you James if there is anything you can do then do it. Please.
From, Lily.
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Day 10
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Lily grumbled to herself as she walked towards Carly's room carrying the clean laundry. "Bloody Carly." She rolled her eyes as she imitated Carly. "'Don't worry Lily, I won't be gone long. I'll be back to help you with the housework.' Well where are you now after I've washed all your clothes and have to put them away?" Lily walked into Carly's room and glanced at the unmade bed and closed curtains. "Screw Carly," she continued talking to herself as she dumped the clothes on Carly's bed. "She can put her own damn clothes away."
As Lily was about to leave the room she spotted an open book on Carly's desk. Lily couldn't help herself and walked over to investigate. As Lily reached the table she recognised the book as being Carly's diary. Lily tried to pull herself away from the desk when she realised this but she couldn't when she noticed that a poem was written on the page the diary was open to. But still Lily wavered. She knew that truthfully this was an invasion of privacy. If Carly had wanted her to read this she would have shown her. Lily bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut as she grabbed the diary, being unable to overcome her curiosity. She opened one eye slightly as she peeked down at the page. After reading the first line Lily opened her other eye in surprise.
STRAYED
It seems like I'm the only one who can save you
The only one left, to hold you, comfort you and tell you everything is going to be okay
But I don't think so, I don't think I'm the only one, I don't think I can do all that
I'm only one person, I'm only me
I can't seem to rush to rescue wherever you'll be
I'm only one person and you are another
Distance pries us apart; I'm cold when you're not home
I can't seem to fix us
We're like pieces of broken china scattered across the sand
I can't seem to reach you, you're so far away
Why can't you come closer to me, we're so far away, I can't feel you here
The first time I met you feels so long ago
The first time I kissed you is way past yesterday
I can't understand why you're so far
Can't you see I need you here, right next to me?
I'm drowning in my own sorrow
I feel frozen inside, I paused my feelings for you
Please come back to me, I need you
Right here...
After reading the poem through Lily had to sit down and read it again. None of Carly's previous poems had ever been so intense or powerful. As she was closing the diary after reading the poem a second time a piece of parchment fell out of the back. Lily picked it up, intending to place it back where it came from but her eyes were immediately drawn to the name at the bottom. James Potter.
Caroline Josephine Ross you need some damn tough love. Do you have any idea how your current actions are affecting the ones around you? Lily is going out of her mind with worry about you and from what she's implied your mum's the same. Lily actually had to ask me for help. This is Lily Evans we're talking about, she doesn't accept help.
So I don't care how much you hate me right now but I'm telling you to get off your ass, start living again and stop scaring the people who love you with your bloody apathetic wallowing.
Bloody hell James, subtle much? Lily thought as she put the letter and diary back where she found it. Lily picked up the laundry basket and began talking to herself once more. "I wonder when he wrote that. I suppose Carly got it a few days ago, that's when she finally came out of her room. Well I guess no matter how blunt and harsh James was with that letter, it did work." Lily sighed. "He'll probably never let me forget how desperate I sounded and that I was practically begging for his help in that damn letter I sent. Stupid James."
When she reached her room Lily took out a piece of parchment to write a note. After jotting down only two words she gave the parchment to her owl and sent it off.
Thank you.
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Day 15
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Lily hummed lightly as she walked next to Carly down the streets of London. Carly glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. "What are you so happy about that you need to hum?"
"I was humming? Hadn't realised that." Lily smiled as she looked through the shop window beside them.
Carly looked at her again when she heard Lily singing under her breath. "Alright just what is it that you're singing?"
"Hmm? Oh! The Beatles."
"The Beetles?" Lily could just hear Carly spelling it wrong. "Sounds like insects."
Lily turned to her friend in shock. "You mean you haven't heard of them? Please tell me that in all the six years I've known you I've introduced you to the amazing wonder that is The Beatles. I mean I was devastated when they broke up in 1970. You know what, remind me at some point and I'll play my records for you. They're a huge muggle singing sensation."
"Uh whatever you say Lily." Carly rolled her eyes. Apparently coming clothes shopping had put Lily into one of her super-hyper-moods (as Carly had dubbed them three years earlier) where she was happy and excited about everything. The two girls had already been shopping for three hours though without actually purchasing much and Carly's feet were in immense pain from all the walking. She was glancing around at the muggles rushing to wherever they were going as Lily continued to ogle the dress in the window when she spotted a sign up ahead. "Hey Li. My feet are killing me and I'm starving. The Leaky Cauldron is up the road so let's go get some lunch."
Lily nodded as she moved away from the window though still staring at the dress. "I really want that dress," Lily sighed.
"Lily if you really want it so much why don't you just buy it?"
"Because I can't afford it. Besides I could use the $200 that it costs for dress robes for the Yule Ball."
Carly stared at Lily stunned as they entered The Leaky Cauldron and went to the counter to order. "You're actually willing to go to the Yule Ball this year? I don't have to find some way to convince and entice you to come?"
They smiled at Tom behind the bar as they left to find a table. "Nope. It's our last year at Hogwarts Car. I want to have as much fun as possible. So I am very much willing to go to the Yule Ball."
"Well that's great." Carly hesitated slightly. "You don't need to go into Diagon Alley do you Li?"
She must be afraid that she'll run into James, Lily thought. She nodded. "Yeah I do, sorry. I need to pick up a couple of books for Advanced Charms and Potions."
"Advanced Potions and Charms? Don't you already have those?"
"No I've got the ones for NEWT level."
Carly blinked in confusion. "You've lost me."
"Well you know how I want to get a job in the Department for Research into New Spells and Potions when I leave school? I was talking to McGonagall about it at the end of last term. She told me that my best chance of getting an internship there was to take Advanced NEWT Potions and either Advanced NEWT Charms or Transfiguration. So that's what I'm doing. I'm dropping all other subjects except for Transfiguration and Defence."
"So you're only taking four subjects?"
"Yep. It's going to be so much work though. The Potions and Charms courses are so difficult that there are only three people in the Potions class and five in the Charms. I'll probably be dead by the end of the year."
"So that shouldn't take too long in Flourish & Blotts."
"I also need to go to Madam Malkin's. I want to begin looking for dress robes. And I was hoping you could help me."
"Lily I'm not really in the mood to go shopping in Diagon-"
"Look Car I know you're afraid we'll run into James but-"
"Who said I was afraid? I don't care if he's there. I don't care one iota about James Potter."
Lily hid a smirk. "Great then. Cause I need your help with dress robes. I've got no idea what colour or style or anything to get."
Carly tilted her head thoughtfully. "I'd say a dark colour definitely."
"No black."
"No black," Carly agreed smiling. "I think probably a navy or deep green. Not sure what style though. We'll have to see what there is."
After they had eaten and bought Lily's books the two friends arrived at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Lily began to browse through the racks as Carly asked Madam Malkin what they had in navy and green dress robes. Lily was looking at some light blue work robes when she heard Carly yell, "Li I've found the perfect robes. Meet me at the dressing rooms."
When Lily got there she found Carly standing next to Madam Malkin who was holding some sort of dark green material. After slipping into the dress Lily stepped out from behind the curtain and looked at herself in the mirror. She bit her lip as she smoothed her hands down the dark satin. Carly grinned as she placed the matching cloak around Lily's bare shoulders. Lily smiled softly at her reflection. "It's gorgeous," she murmured as she continued to move her hands over the fabric. "How much is it?"
"175 Galleons," Madam Malkin replied. "It looks wonderful. It suits you perfectly."
Lily's face had dropped when she heard the price. "I can't afford it," she sighed mournfully. "I've only got 100 Galleons in my account."
"Lily you have to get this dress no matter what. I'll give you the other 75 Galleons."
"No! Carly I can't accept that amount of money."
"You can and you will. You can just pay me back when you're allowed to touch that trust fund of yours next March."
Lily hugged Carly. "Thank you so much. You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for." Lily grinned as she glanced in the mirror once more.
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Day 20
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As she walked into the large lounge room Lily hummed lightly. She moved one lounge back towards the wall then did the same with the other leaving a well-sized space directly in front of the fireplace. Lily set up her tape player and inserted a cassette. As the music began to play she sat down on the wooden floor and began to stretch out her muscles.
Lily had decided that she would spend the morning dancing before Quidditch practice with Carly in the afternoon. She couldn't remember the last time she had gotten the chance to dance for an extended period of time that wasn't in a disco. She supposed that it had to have been a couple of months at least.
After a good twenty minutes of stretching and warming up (when she was younger Lily's dancing teachers had pounded into her head all the harm she could do herself if she hadn't sufficiently warmed up before dancing) Lily moved into her starting position and began a routine when she heard a Bee Gees song start up. She spun, leaped and dropped to the floor. Lily moved gracefully through the steps of her dances, sometimes with sharp, jagged movements, other times creating soft, flowing lines with her body.
Lily had been dancing on and off for almost an hour when she suddenly stopped in the middle of a turn. The previous song had just ended and now she was listening to their song. She placed her foot down and turned slowly to face the stereo. The music drifted slowly, almost hauntingly, around Lily and echoed through the room.
It was her parents' song. The one they had always told her that they had first danced together to. Lily fell slowly to her knees, staring at the stereo. She hadn't listened to this song since the night she had been informed that her parents had been murdered.
Lily's whispered words were so soft that they were drowned out by the music. "Mum, Dad. I'm sorry. This is all my fault. If I hadn't been a witch then Voldemort wouldn't have gone after you." Lily grabbed onto the floor as tears began to pour down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I miss you so much," she choked out past her closed throat. For a split second as Lily knelt there, her body shuddering from her sobs, she could have sworn that she smelt her mother's perfume and her father's cologne, the scents floating in the air with the sweet notes of music.
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Day 26
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Dear Tiger Lily,
Like the new name? James came up with this one. So how are things going over there in the House of Ross? I'm willing to bet you've done absolutely no work so far. Am I right? Am I? Am I?
Ignore him Lily. Sirius is just being an idiot again. But then again that's nothing unusual. Anyway, you would be very proud of us, as we have finished all the assigned homework. Yeah, fine, no point trying to lie. We've done as little as you have i.e. none.
Remus was meant to come round the other day but he's sick. He's caught a summer cold, the silly bugger. Sirius keeps going on and on about how he's meant to be immune to illnesses since he's a wolf. I tried to explain to him that Remus is only a wolf one night a month while the rest of the time he's human and therefore still susceptible to human diseases.
Ah shut up James! Get off your high horse. He's got no idea what he's on about Lady Lily. But moving on I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I've found myself a lovely lady friend. She's quite fond of me as well.
Stop lying Padfoot. Tell Lily the truth: that you met a twenty-two year old in the town and have yet to stop following her around like the little puppy dog you are. Seriously Lily what happened was one of Da's mates has his niece staying with him for the summer and we were introduced to her. Of course for Sirius it was love at first sight and since then he keeps trying to find lame excuses to bump into her. Of course, Elizabeth (that's the girl's name) thinks he's just a nice kid. Sirius seems to have forgotten the tiny insignificant detail that Elizabeth already has a boyfriend.
Boyfriend, schmoyfriend. She'll figure out what she's missing soon enough. Let's see what else? Peter's been grounded. Apparently his parents weren't happy with the amount of detentions he's been getting. And I don't think they were happy with his marks either so we haven't heard from him since the start of summer.
And that's pretty much a complete update of the lives of The Infamous Hogwarts Marauders. I am the only interesting person here Lily as I have been the only one with proper news since Remus is sick, Pete is grounded and James has been doing absolutely nothing.
Until the time we write again we are eternally,
James Potter and Sirius Black
The Dynamic Duo of Potter Manor
P.S. I was going to cross out that last line except Sirius is threatening me with castration. – JP
P.P.S. I am not! – SB
P.P.P.S. How's Carly? – JP
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Day 32
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Lily looked up from her breakfast as Carly moved away from the window. Carly passed a letter to Lily as she sat down at the kitchen table. "School letters," she said. "Yours feels heavier than mine for some reason."
Lily raised an eyebrow. She opened the envelope and pulled out a badge. Lily's eyes widened as the pin rested innocently on her palm. She sucked in a breath and held it as she pulled out a letter and read:
Dear Ms Evans,
I am pleased to inform you that you have been chosen as Head Girl of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for this school year beginning September 1976 and ending June 1977. You will be informed of your immediate duties in the attached sheet. These will be added to and further explained in a meeting with myself and Professor Dumbledore after classes on your first day back. We hope that you will be willing to accept the responsibilities that come with this position.
Yours sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
All her air left Lily in a rush of breath. "No. Way," she said in disbelief. "No bloody way. There has to be some sort of mistake."
"Li? What happened?"
Lily threw the Head Girl pin to Carly. "They made me Head Girl!" Lily was beginning to sound hysterical and distraught. She stood up and began pacing, throwing her hands around as she spoke. "Me! What were they thinking? I don't deserve to be Head Girl. I'm irresponsible and lazy and I never do my work and… and… and it just shouldn't be me."
Carly stood and grabbed Lily's hands forcing her to stop walking. "Lily, why are you so worried? You're Head Girl and you'll be great. Despite claiming to be lazy and irresponsible, neither of which you are by the way, Dumbledore and McGonagall can see past that. You, Lily Evans, are a strong witch, fiercely loyal and extremely trustworthy. Think about it Li. The situation with Voldemort isn't going away and in times like these those are the qualities that the teachers are going to be looking for in the student leaders. Dumbledore doesn't want some Deatheater in the most powerful role a student can gain in the school."
"But-"
"No buts Lily. You'll do fine. In fact you'll do better than fine. You will probably end up being the best Head Girl Hogwarts has ever seen."
Lily bit her lip nervously. "Do you really think I can handle it Car?"
"I don't think so. I know so."
Lily smiled slightly as she picked up the pin. "Well here goes nothing I guess."
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Day 38
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Voldemort on a Rampage
During the past week the Dark wizard who goes by the moniker of Lord Voldemort has become far more active. In the past week alone there have been the deaths of six muggle-borns as well as two Ministry officials.
At a Ministry of Magic press conference held yesterday Armando Viento, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had this to say: "The British wizarding community has nothing to worry about. This new Dark wizard, this Lord Voldemort, is not a threat. We have our best Aurors searching for him and he will soon be brought to justice. I repeat, there is nothing to worry about."
However, here at the Daily Prophet we believe there is plenty to "worry about". From what we've been able to uncover Voldemort has slowly been gaining supporters and killing wizards and muggles alike for the last six years.
The Ministry is currently refusing to release any details concerning the nature of these recent murders but from what little information we've received, we have discovered that they were both slow and horrific. Due to the extensive wounds and trauma suffered by the victims prior to their deaths the Prophet has been prohibited from publishing photos or explicit descriptions.
The Ministry is telling you not to worry. But we say that you should begin to retrain in your defensive spells. It's beginning to look like we've got another Grindelwald on our hands.
Story by Leith Lupus.
Lily closed the newspaper and gazed out across the backyard. "It's getting worse."
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Day 42
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The two girls had been slowly working through their Potions homework when Carly brought up a topic she'd been thinking about a lot over summer. She set down her quill and said, "Hey Li do you think it's possible to fall in love more than once?"
Lily looked up and saw how serious Carly appeared. Lily put down her pen and closed her textbook after marking her page. "Yes I do believe it's possible to fall in love more than once. I mean look at your parents. They were in love and married but they got divorced. And now your dad's happy and in love again and remarried."
"So if you believe that people can fall in love with more than one person then you mustn't believe in soul mates."
"Oh I believe in soul mates though not in having one true love. Probably sounds strange coming from me, the girl who delights in being single and scorns love."
"You know Li I always wondered about that…" Carly trailed off hoping that Lily would explain her reasons.
Lily picked up her pen and began to fiddle with it. She kept her eyes focused on the pen so she wouldn't have to meet Carly's. "I've only ever admitted to this once before. Last summer I was thinking about love one day and Peter found me in James' library. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't try to think of an excuse and instead just blurted out what I was thinking. I told Pete that I was afraid of love because it was the unknown. I think my exact words were something along the lines of love being an unknown big black hole that I was scared of falling into. It was something I didn't understand and it frightened me.
"Over the past year I've actually spent a lot of time thinking about this and I've narrowed down just what it is about love that scares me so much. I'm afraid that if I fall in love I'll lose myself. I'm afraid that I'll lose my individuality and identity and simply be one half of a couple and nothing more." Lily finally looked at Carly and smiled. "But enough about that. What were we talking about before?"
"Soul mates. So tell me exactly how do you believe in soul mates yet still think that we can love more than one person in our lifetimes?"
"Simple. People can fall in love with someone who isn't their soul mate."
"Well that's just great isn't it? What's the point of having a soul mate if that person isn't who you're going to spend the rest of your life with?"
"Well it's a nice idea isn't it? That there's one person out there that you're destined to be with."
Carly shook her head. "I never knew you were such a romantic Lily. I wouldn't have expected it from you."
"You're telling me you don't believe in soul mates?"
"No I don't. Like I said, what's the point if your 'soul mate' isn't the one you're going to fall in love with?"
"Look the way I see it is this: you can fall in love with anyone you want. The heart wants what the heart wants, right? But if they're not your soul mate then you'll fall out of love. It might be weeks or years but eventually you will fall out of love. However, when you fall in love with your soul mate you never fall out of love."
"Lily, why exactly do you believe in soul mates, apparently so vehemently?"
Lily bit her lip and looked out the window, away from Carly. "Because… everyone needs something to believe in."
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Day 46
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Lily sat in the window seat of the room which had gradually become hers. She sighed lightly as, looking out at the rain, she laid her head against the window before smirking. Lily had found out that today was the day that her sister lost her surname of Evans forever. It was Petunia's wedding day and Lily found it fitting and quite filled with karma that Petunia's outdoors ceremony was being washed out. She couldn't help but feel at least a small bit of triumph that Petunia's day was starting off so horribly.
Lily could remember that as a young child Petunia had been her hero. She had looked up to Petunia and wanted to be just like her. One particularly vivid memory she had was from when she was four years old. She had followed Petunia around for days carrying a certain doll and asking "Petoona" to play with her. And every time Lily had held out the doll to her older sister Petunia had taken it and sat down on the floor to play with her again and again.
When she had been nine and Petunia thirteen, Petunia had experienced her first real crush on a boy. She had told Lily all about how cute and nice he was. His name had been Robert Marsters and Petunia had completely planned out what her marriage to him would be like. Petunia would wear a white, full-skirted gown with a lace veil while Lily, as bridesmaid, would be in a deep blue, floor-length dress. Petunia would be carrying a bouquet of white orchids as she walked down the aisle of the Catholic church around the corner on their father's arm. Lily couldn't help but wonder if Petunia had kept any of her original teenage plans since so many of them had changed.
Back in those days Petunia had been a sweet, kind and caring girl. She used to have dreams. She had wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer and become a strong career woman. Petunia had begun to change when she fell in with the "popular" girls at her high school when she was thirteen. She had become more superficial and focused on boys and clothes rather than school or the piano. Petunia had also begun to be less accepting of people who were different. Never mind that she was Catholic and the daughter of an Irishman living in London.
But at that point Petunia had still had time for her baby sister. It wasn't until the summer after Lily's tenth birthday that everything changed drastically. When Lily had received her letter of invitation to Hogwarts and then had it confirmed by a kind witch that it wasn't a hoax Petunia had freaked out. Petunia had refused to speak to Lily for the rest of the summer and didn't say good bye when Lily had left for Hogwarts.
Every holiday that Lily had come home after that she had been ignored by her sister. But while Petunia had refused to acknowledge Lily's existence, Lily had observed the changes in Petunia's attitude. From the dreaming girl with big ideas she had become snobby, elitist and dreamed only of marrying a rich man who could provide her with a nice home. Lily had felt sad not only because of the loss of the wonderful close relationship the sisters had once shared but also for the loss of the person Petunia had previously been. Years earlier Petunia had been her own person and was willing to work for the things she really wanted in life. But over time she turned into yet another of the mean school girls who looked down on her.
And now here was Petunia at twenty years of age getting married to a man who was training to take over his father's company. She wasn't a lawyer, she wasn't a doctor, and she wasn't a career woman. Instead Petunia was ending up a housewife.
As much as Lily hated Petunia for the way in which she had treated her for years, she couldn't help still feeling some of the love for her big sister which had grown in her since she was a little girl. For that reason Lily hoped that Petunia felt some love in her married life and that this wedding wouldn't lead to a completely loveless marriage.
Lily watched as the raindrops ran down the windowpane. She breathed lightly on the window and glanced at the small fog that was created on the glass. She lifted a finger and drew a small heart in the patch of fog. Inside the heart she wrote the letters PE VD. Lily watched the heart disappear with the fogged area of glass as thunder began to rumble outside.
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Day 51
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Lily walked into the living room wearing a pair of shorts, a t-shirt and a light-weight, short-sleeved robe and carrying her broomstick. "Hey Car you up for a bit of training?"
Carly looked up from her schoolwork. "Well…" She glanced from Lily to her books and back again.
"Oh come on Car you've still got plenty of time to finish it before school starts again."
"Well okay. Just hold on a bit while I change."
Lily bounced slightly on the balls of her feet and transferred her broomstick from one hand to the other. She desperately needed to work off all the nervous energy that was filling her body. She was feeling incredibly jittery and something was tickling at her senses. It was almost as if something bad was happening or about to happen to someone she loved. A long five minutes later, which were filled with Lily fidgeting and constantly glancing at her watch, Carly reappeared, ready to go.
Once outside the two girls mounted and flew into the air. As they began to toss a Quaffle back and forth Carly remarked, "So since you've dragged me away from my schoolwork I'm curious as to when you're going to do yours."
"I've already started," Lily replied.
"No way. You start homework more than one day before it's due? Never."
"It's true I have. I didn't exactly do great in the final exams. I mean I still got good marks but they had slipped. I'm going to have to do extremely well this year if I'm going to get the job I want so I've decided to actually work and put in an effort."
Carly snorted. "Yeah right Li. I'll believe that when I see it. You've got good intentions now but I bet the minute we get back to Hogwarts you'll return to being the same old typical Lily."
Lily didn't reply as she grabbed the Quaffle and began flying as fast as she could to the end of the garden pretending to dodge opposing players. When she reached the end she made a sharp 180 degrees turn and headed back the way she had came. As she approached Carly, Lily lobbed the Quaffle over her head, ducked underneath her, caught the Quaffle again on the other side and made as if to throw it through a goal hoop. After watching the imaginary Quaffle sail through the imaginary hoop Lily turned back to Carly once more. "Thanks for having so much faith in me Carly," she said with a faint hint of bitterness.
"It's just that you've said before that you were really going to put an effort in and do the work but then you never do."
"But I really mean it this time."
"You've said that before too."
Lily scowled as she let out a small growl. She sped down to the ground and jumped off her broom when she was still a few feet away. Throwing the Quaffle into the bag of balls, she began to dig around for a practice Snitch. As she did, Lily pulled two golf balls from her pocket. Turning slightly she chucked them as high and as far into the sky as she could. "Catch!" Returning to looking through the bag Lily started muttering curses under her breath. "Finally," she murmured when she finally found the practice Snitch at the very bottom of the bag.
Lily grabbed the Snitch and walked a few steps closer to where Carly was hovering in midair and tossing the golf balls up and down. Lily held the Snitch up a bit and programmed it to begin timing once it had been flying for one minute. "Car drop the balls to the ground then close your eyes. I'll tell you when a minute is up and you can begin looking for the Snitch."
After awhile, having tired themselves out by going through more drills, Lily and Carly decided to head back inside. Despite her physical exhaustion Lily's mind was still racing as were her still jittery nerves. Lily felt like she could collapse right then but she still felt like she needed to be doing something. She knew something was about to happen, about to go wrong but Lily had no idea what it was or how to stop it.
Carly glanced at her best friend. "Lily are you okay? You're not yourself today. You seem really nervous and hyped up."
Lily bit her lip and shook her head. "I've got this really bad feeling. Something awful is going to happen and soon and I can't stop it."
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Day 57
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Carly sighed in relief as she pushed away the last piece of her finished summer homework. Stretching out her stiff back she glanced around her bedroom before shifting her gaze to the box on her bed. She stood up and lifted the lid off the box. The first thing Carly was confronted with was a photo of her and James in a hand-painted frame.
Carly sat down on her bed and held the photo closer to her face. She could remember the day it was taken. It had been near the end of winter back in February. The teachers had forced the students outside during the break claiming that since it wasn't snowing they should take advantage of the fresh air. James had snuck up behind her and suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist. He had startled her and so Carly had turned her head to the side only to find James grinning down at her. It had been at that exact moment that Lily had taken the photo. Afterwards Lily had developed the photo the muggle way, explaining that as a still photo it better expressed the mischievous nature of the moment as well as the warmth between the two rather than if it had been constantly moving.
Carly narrowed her eyes and jumped to her feet in anger. Using as much strength as she could she threw the photo frame at the opposite wall. Upon impact the glass frame shattered and the photo floated to the floor amid the broken, jagged shards. Picking up the next thing from the box, a crystal rose, she threw it at the wall as well.
She felt satisfied as she looked at the fragments of glass that littered the floor in the corner of the room. She turned when she heard a knocking on the door and heard her mother call, "Carly? Is everything okay in there?"
"Yes Mum. Everything's fine."
She heard murmuring outside (Lily must be out there too, Carly thought) before Selene continued. "Are you sure? I thought I heard something breaking."
"Oh it's nothing. I was just cleaning out my wardrobe. I accidentally dropped a box and something smashed. I checked to see what it was and it was just an old frame I didn't want anymore."
"Well okay than." Selene didn't sound completely convinced but Carly ignored this hoping that her mother wouldn't pry any further. "Patricia just Flooed. Apparently there's an emergency at work and they need me to fix it so I'm going to have to go into the Ministry for awhile. I'll be back as soon as I can to make dinner."
"That's fine Mum. I'll see you later then."
During the conversation Carly had continued to riffle through the box finding letters, scraps of parchment which had been passed during class, more photos and a small teddy bear. A small growl escaped her throat as she stomped over to pick up the fallen photo, cutting her feet on the broken glass along the way. Carly ignored the pain and the blood that was staining her carpet as she chucked the photo back into the box with all the other hope-to-forget memories before creeping over to the door. She put her ear against the wood hoping to hear if Lily was still outside.
When she couldn't hear a sound Carly slowly opened her door a fraction and peered out. Seeing that the coast was clear Carly moved quickly down the hallway and stairs and into the kitchen. After grabbing a box of matches she trudged outside and skipped behind the group of trees in the back corner of the yard.
Carly emptied the contents of the box onto the ground and arranged it into a pile. She lit a few matches and placed them onto the collection of letters and photos. She watched as the fire twisted and burned, the teddy bear also eventually catching alight. "Damn you James Potter," she muttered as she watched the fire grow. "I hate you."
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Day 61
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Dear Lily,
I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this. Mel is in the hospital. He was attacked four days ago near our house and managed to stagger home. Your uncle and I were able to help Mel get to that magical hospital before he passed out. The doctors took him away and have been treating him but he only woke up yesterday morning. Mel explained to us that he was attacked by people that he called Deatheaters and asked me to get in contact with you.
Mel wants to see you dear. As soon as you get this letter please come in to St Mungo's and see us. I've asked David to wait down in the lobby for you so that there will be someone there when you arrive.
I hope to see you soon.
Love, Aunty Tiffany
Lily dropped the letter on the table and sat in shock. Mel had been attacked? How was that possible? Why? Lily was too stunned for her mind to recognise the obvious answers to her questions. A minute later she glanced down at the innocent piece of paper in front of her and suddenly the rest of the world came rushing back. Lily jumped up and ran into the lounge room. She needed to find Selene or Carly immediately. Not being unable to find them on the bottom floor of the house Lily was about to head upstairs when she spotted someone through a window. Taking a better look Lily was almost ready to shout with relief as she recognised the two figures outside as Carly and her mother.
She dashed outside to the backyard and, without giving either Selene or Carly a chance to ask what was going on, said urgently, "I need to get to St Mungo's right away."
Selene stood up, crossed to where Lily was standing and made her sit down. She nodded to Carly and murmured, "Go get some Floo powder ready." Selene returned her attention to Lily and said gently, "Lily explain to me what exactly is going on please."
Lily nodded, took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself down and replied, "I just received a letter from my aunt that said that my cousin Mel is at St Mungo's because he was attacked by Deatheaters. I need to get there to make sure that he's okay."
Selene placed a hand on the girl's shoulder as a reassurance. "I'm your cousin is fine now. St Mungo's have some of the best Healers in Britain. Carly and I will go with you to see him if you want."
"No that's alright." Lily shook her head. "Aunty Tiffany said that my Uncle David would be waiting at the check-in place for me. I'll be fine."
Selene smiled slightly. Now that Lily had calmed down a bit it was obvious that she was trying to put on a brave front. "If that's what you want dear. Come on let's get you inside and to the hospital."
When Lily stepped out of the fireplace at St Mungo's she immediately spotted her uncle standing looking a little uncomfortable surrounded by so many magical people. "Uncle David!" Lily yelled as she hugged him. "It's so good to see you. How have you been? How's Mel? Is he okay? Can I see him?"
David Evans chuckled. "Whoa slow down sweetie. One question at a time. I've been well, Mel is doing fine now and yes you can see him." He turned and began to head upstairs to a different level, Lily following beside him. As they walked they made small talk about school and work. "I didn't see you at Petunia's wedding," David commented.
"I wasn't invited," Lily replied shortly.
"Oh. Of course." David looked at his niece speculatively. "I take it then that Petunia still hasn't accepted the fact that you're a witch?"
"No. And she's never going to either."
David wanted to say more but the conversation ended as they had reached Mel's room. He opened the door and Lily stepped in glancing around. She didn't notice her aunt approaching them as her eyes landed on Mel lying in the bed. He was absolutely covered in bandages and different coloured gels and pastes. Lily knelt down beside the hospital bed and realised that Mel was watching her. "Oh God Mel," Lily whispered, horrified, "what happened? What did they do to you?"
Mel tried to smile and lighten the atmosphere. "This is nothing Lily. Just a couple of bruises."
"That is not just a couple of bruises," Lily scowled. "Tell me what happened and don't you dare lie to me Melvin Edward Evans."
He sighed. "Fine I'll tell you. It was Mum and Dad's anniversary so I'd been driving out to their place for the weekend. My engine went dead just as I was entering the town so I left the car at the mechanic and decided to walk to the house. A few streets away a group of wizards surrounded me and began hexing me. I tried to fight back but there were too many and I ended up like this."
"Are you sure they were Deatheaters?"
"I'm positive."
"Have you reported it?"
"Yeah there were a couple of Aurors here yesterday."
As she spoke with her cousin other thoughts were running through Lily's head. She remembered that it had been Voldemort who murdered her parents. She remembered the energy-draining necklace Malfoy had gotten from Voldemort and put around her neck. Now Voldemort's Deatheaters had attacked Mel and from the condition he was in were probably intending to kill him though why they stopped Lily didn't know. And that was when it her. It was all too much of a coincidence. Voldemort must have been targeting her. Mel's attack was because of her.
Two large tears rolled down her cheeks. "Mel I'm sorry," Lily choked out. "This is my fault. It's because of me that you were attacked."
"Lily no! How could you think that? Why would you think that?"
"Because there's things from this school year that I haven't told you." Tears were now streaming down Lily's cheeks but she tried to hold them and the sobs back so that she would be able to speak. She explained to Mel what she had found out about her parents and about the necklace. "So you see? It's like they're targeting me or something. And they found out you're related to me so they went after you. This is my fault!"
"Lily it's not your fault. Stop saying that."
Lily's emotions finally got the better of her and she broke down crying. She laid her head on the bed and kept muttering, "My fault, my fault" through her tears. The bed sheets did little to muffle the sound of her agonised and wrenching sobs. Mel looked at his parents, helpless to do anything to relieve Lily of her pain and guilt except continually stroking his hand through her hair.
A/N: (chuckles nervously) Yes I know that it's been a very long time since I last updated. But truthfully I've got good reasons. Aside from having a lot of trouble with different sections in this chapter I also had my final year 12/university entrance exams to study for. But the chapter is here now and I'm hoping that the length will make up for the fact that it's been about 7 months since I last posted. I really am very sorry.
I did not write Carly's poem. A girl that I knew two years ago (hehe, I've been planning to use that poem for two years now) did and she was nice enough to let me use it.
Anyway hope you enjoyed it. :)