Hitchhiking to Hogwarts
Chapter 2
All Aboard
" Hi! I was wondering where to get into Diagon Alley. It's my first time, and I'm really not sure." Mick looked down to the soaked girl, and smiled obligingly. Lily followed him out to a courtyard, where he tapped stones opening her eyes to a new world. The wizarding world.
This was nothing to the pub. The old, cramped shops and beams meant just as much to Lily as her future. With eyes lit with delight, Lily stepped onto the stone cobbles. The bustling, busy street was unbelievable. Something different and equally amazing could be found outside every shop! Women, children, teens and men dressed as the witches she had read about in fairytales. Overwhelmed by appeal Lily made it her business to check every place. Instructed to go straight to Gringotts, the unguarded Lily made her way to the marble white building at the far end. Pushing past oddly dressed people, and squeezing between the ignorant, Lily eventually reached the impressive building.
Forgetting her troubles, she walked up the marble steps, finally reaching the top. How her dad would have loved the grand sight. Pushing open one of the adjoining oak doors, she made her way in. Unsure of where exactly to go, she wandered to a towering stand, which a Goblin sat at. Looking up at the ugly creature, Lily asked for directions.
The Goblin had been a little grumpy at first, but had come round when he saw things Lily's way. Hurriedly he took her through winding mines, on a cart. Although at first the ride was sickening, it became enjoyable.
"Vault number 666. This will be your vault. You've already changed your money but do you want to save any?"
"666! What are you trying to do to me?" Lily shrieked.
"Pardon?"
"It's like giving me a mummy's hand you cut yourself! Not clever!"
"Well, take it or leave it, but I have work to do!" Sniffling his snout, he looked at Lily impatiently.
"Fine. I'll leave 50 of these gold thingy's-" Rummaging through her pockets Lily pulled out the money she had exchanged.
"Galleons." The Goblin corrected.
"Yea, and 70 of these silver things-"
"Sickles!" The little man was becoming very agitated, and crossed his arms across his broad chest.
"Uh-huh and I'll keep these bronze ones." Nodding at her decision, Lily handed the money she wished to save, to the now, grumpy Goblin.
"Right, please take a seat; we're going back to the Entrance!" Carefully following out his instructions, she waited for the first sign of daylight.
Once outside in the fresh air, Lily took a deep breath, thirsty for it. One she felt the dizziness leave her, the fiery red head, made her way back through the crowds, stopping off in every listed shop.
The list of books she had been given seemed a little too much. Not being a very studious person, except when it came to all things historical and dead, the only book she was looking forward to reading was 'Hogwarts: a history'. Coming out of Flourish and Blotts, Lily peered at a darkened shop opposite. Curious, she walked towards it, and before she could stop herself, she walked in.
The inside was astounding. Wicca hand made baskets hung from the roof, all trapping defenceless animals. Staring in awe at all the kinds of frogs, rats, cats and owls, Lily did not notice the owner walk in, a smile plastered on her face.
"Hello Child. Can I help you?" Jumping slightly, Lily turned to smile kindly at her.
"Hi, I'm just looking! Wait...do you have any monkeys?" She had always wanted a small thin little monkey, which her father had always denied her. Taking a step towards the counter the lady disappeared, only to return a few minutes later, holding a small Douc langur monkey. Lily recognised them from when she had been to China. Clearly impressed and taken aback by the fragile little creature, Lily asked if she could hold him. Hesitantly the lady allowed her to.
His shiny black shaggy coat was soft and silky. His lower arms and paws were beautiful, being mid length white sleek fur. From his nose to his upper chest was white, with a red tanned boarder. Smitten, Lily let him wrap his fury tail around her arm.
"I'll take him!" Lily announced happily.
"You do know my child that monkeys are not allowed at Hogwarts?" Not entirely bothered, Lily shrugged.
"Rules are there to be broken!" Smiling slightly, the lady took Lily's money, and sold her supplies she would need. Refusing to put him in a cage, Lily allowed him the cling to her shoulder, and hug her neck, scared.
"I'll call you... Binx", she muttered to herself and Binx.
Walking out of the doorway, she collided with someone, causing them both to lose balance, though neither fell.
"Watch where you're going will you?" A tall dark haired boy asked, clearly annoyed. Lily looked at him apologetically.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking!" Finally Lily caught a view of his whole face. He was around 5ft 10, very well built, with dark shoulder length hair tied back. His eyes were a brilliant blue, which bore into Lily's own green eyes.
"It's ok. I'm Sirius Black. I suppose you've heard of me. I mean who hasn't?" Startled at his confident opinion of himself, which Lily despised in a person, answered coldly back.
"No, actually I haven't, and even if I had, you don't look anything particularly special!" Smirking, Lily let Binx clutch her neck tighter.
"You're obviously new then!" Sirius choked, surprised.
"Hey Padfoot, who you chatting up this time?" Another dark haired boy called to him. This one was roughly the same height, and also well built. He had messy black hair, and chocolate caramel eyes, which fixed themselves upon Lily. Catching up to them, Lily looked to the other boy. He was a little smaller, but equally built. His hair was a fair brown, and his eyes a yellowish brown.
Folding her arms across her chest, Lily rested her weight on one foot. " I don't know! But she's new! Hasn't heard of me, or you, or Remus, or the marauders."
Growing impatient, the girl sighed bored, " Should I have?"
"Lady, we're legends. Most girls would die to be in your position right now!" The messy haired boy explained.
"Really? Well lucky me!" Lily sarcastically replied, before trying to move past him. Smugly, he held out his arm, so she could not get past.
"What's your name?" He asked curiously, his eyes gazing deeply at her own.
Sighing, Lily answered, "Lily Evans. And you are?" She was half interested to know who these boys, who thought highly of them selves, were.
" I'm James Potter. This is Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin. So you're new? What year are you going to be in? You look a lil old for 1st year."
" Well, of course I'm not a first year!" She snapped. This only caused the three to burst into hysterical laughter. Groaning, the moody teen pushed past them and headed back to the muggle Streets of London.
Unsure of what time the housekeeper would arrive to pick her up, Lily could do nothing but wait.
She did wait, and wait, and wait. The rain had started again and under her hood, Binx clung to her like a baby to its mother. Smiling at her company, Lily looked around. Finally the familiar black car came into sight. Picking up her supplies, Lily got into the car, and was driven 'home'.
September 1st
Mrs Long had guided Lily to the platform she needed to be on. It confused and surprised Lily to see people disappearing into a wall, but this was the magic world. Grabbing her cases and protecting Binx she ran at the barrier, hoping to god this thing worked.
Relieved to reach the other side in one piece, she dragged her cases aboard the huge train, and began the tough search for a lone compartment; she managed to find one at the back of the train. Dumping her bags on the floor, Lily fell on the seat, smiling at Binxs' attempts to catch his own tail. Finally could breathe a sigh of relief.
Since the day of her father's absence, Lily had been strong, dealing with it. Living with it. This was her chance for a new start. How little did she know?
The train had only just started when three familiar faces and one unfamiliar appeared at the door, and without asking, entered. All were out of breath and laughing so much it looked painful. Trying to ignore them, Lily let Binx hide behind her back.
"Hey...aren't you that chick from Diagon Alley?" Sirius asked, trying not to laugh.
"Yea... what's her name...Lily something?" James recalled.
'Why did this have to happen? Can't a girl have a moment's peace here? I know, fake a headache! It worked in Egypt.'
Shaking her head at her own thoughts, Lily looked to the boy she had not seen before. He was smaller than the rest, with watery blue eyes, and very skinny. Smiling pathetically at him, Lily corrected James.
"It's Evans. Lily Evans…"
"That's it! This is Peter by the way." He pointed, indicating to the other boy. "So, you never told me what year you're going into."
"Fifth!"
" Ohh, we should hook up sometime. We're in fifth." Sirius suggested, controlling his laughter.
"I don't think so!" Lily replied cooly.
"Wow, Jamesie ole pal, it appears we finally met someone who can resist our charms."
"Yea Padfoot, we're either losing our touch, or, she's crazy."
"Crazy", both boys muttered to themselves.
"So, Lily, where are you transferring from?" The guy she knew as Remus questioned. To be honest, Lily just wanted to be left alone. Not plagued with questions. Trying not to let her irritation show, she answered as simply as possible.
"I'm not!"
"Not what?"
"Transferring. This will be my first year at any magic school."
"Oh, that's unusual! You'll have a lot of catching up to do!" Remus explained, more to himself.
"Well, I've read all the books I needed to, which has basic spells and stuff. I'll have extra classes or something."
"Oh. Well, I hope you like Hogwarts. It's a great place, especially with the pranks we pull!" Peter screeched happily.
Deciding to blank out anything they were going to say, Lily began drumming her finger of the seat, focusing all her attention on it.
"So what's your deal? Why haven't you been to a school like Hogwarts before?" Sirius asked, trying to hit her more emotional side.
"What's it to you?"
"I was only asking! You don't have to snap at us." He replied, a little offended. Looking away, Lily muttered sorry.
Just at that moment, a long haired, bleached blonde haired guy walked through the door, followed by three others.
"Ah, Malfoy, and his little sidekick Snape. What can we do for you? Came to have yourself turned pink this time?" James mused, causing Lily to turn her head back round.
"More like, to settle our differences. Oh, lookie here; another girlfriend. Mudblood no doubt!" At this, James jumped to his feet wand out, as did Remus and Sirius, Peter was lost behind the standing bodies.
Confused, Lily continued to ignore them. Although she knew what a Mudblood was, it did not hurt her. She had suffered far worse to bother. She was strong, and right now, not in the best of moods to put up with it.
" What's wrong Mudblood? Cat got your tongue?" Snape asked laughing.
Lily continued to look pleasantly into space, boiling inside. Why couldn't she be left alone? Why did people have to interfere? One more snotty remark and he'd be on the floor.
Withdrawing their wands, Malfoy and Snape moved further into the cabin, their followers behind.
"Why don't you leave her out of this?" Remus asked defensively.
"Why don't you shut up? We're talking to the Mudblood. She's not even worthy to walk this earth! They're disgusting!"
Sighing inwardly, Lily jumped to her feet, Binx falling back onto the seat. " That the best you can do? Cause I came to an empty cabin to be alone. But no, those four show up, then you. Why don't you just get lost?" Shocking herself at how nasty she had been, she smiled shamefully at them, which they seemed grateful for. "Now, one more snotty comment and I'll whack you into next Tuesday."
Snape raised his eyebrows, while Malfoy, smirked at the Marauders, before continuing to insult the muggle born. " I'd love to but you don't really deserve to be here, so I'm gunna have to do something about that!" Lily just rolled her eyes as Malfoy began muttering something.
The boys however were one step ahead and simultaneously shouted something which blew the Slytherins out of the compartment. Slamming the door, Peter, locked it from the inside. Breathing a sigh of relief, Lily collapsed on the chair next to a cowering Binx, who seemed grateful. Smiling down at him, Lily lifted him onto her lap, and stroked him into a heavy sleep.
Slowly, the Marauders sat down next to her, eyeing up the monkey with concern. "You know you aren't allowed Monkeys. It's against the rules!" Lily looked up startled.
"I don't care! They can scream all they want, the monkey stays!"
"That's what I like to hear. So, now that that's all over, who wants to walk around hexing firsties?" Sirius asked overly excited. Disgusted, Lily turned away, as three of the boys walked out.
Remus remained watching her with curiosity that was too un-nerving for Lily. The rest of the journey was spent talking about the Marauders, until Lily changed into the very uncomfortable uniform. Once both had changed, the other three came in with triumphant looks on their faces.
Groaning, Lily turned back to stroking Binx.
Great Hall
Lily stood outside two huge oak doors, listening to a Professor McGonagall instructing them on what to do, and hiding Binx in her hood.
"You will, when your name is called walk to the front, place the hat upon your head, and once sorted, go to the house table. Miss Evans, you will be announced. Am I understood?"
Murmuring's of 'yes', floated around. As the students entered the great hall, gasps of amazement could be heard. Lily was staring up at the enchanted ceiling, which she found breath taking. While students were sorted, which Lily found fascinating, she half listened to a conversation behind her.
"I can't wait to see James and the other marauders", an excited voice screeched.
"I know! It'd be great if we got to be in Gryffindor with them!"
"Just think of all the fun we could have!" the girl replied.
"He's nothing special, trust me!" The girls looked up at Lily, who in her anger of him, had turned to them.
"He might not be to you, but to us he's-" The first girl began.
"Your god? Idol? He's pathetic, and has nothing better to do, than bully first years. I wouldn't get your hopes up! He'd probably hex you to oblivion."
They both looked stunned, " Well, he's special to me BECAUSE he's my brother!" The smug looks on their faces was returned with one of shock and surprise from Lily.
After everyone but herself had been sorted, Lily waited nervously, every single pair of eyes on her. An elderly man stood, smiling at her kindly. Warmed, Lily hugged herself, hating the cold. Travelling through areas of Russia hadn't been much better for heat, but still.
"I would like to welcome a new student to our school. Lily Evans. She has come here to start in fifth year, from another country. This is a new experience to her, so I would like you all to be helpful and kind. Now I don't know if you knew this or not, but Monkeys aren't allowed in school." Lily felt Binx emerge slowly from her hood, and glare at the Headmaster.
Squeals of excitement and awe caused Lily to mentally roll her eyes. " Well, where ever I go, the monkey goes! Simple as!" Nodding amused, the headmaster indicated to the stand.
Self consciously, Lily sat herself on the stool, and placed the hat on her head, Binx clung to her shoulder, looking at it as though it was pure evil.
' Lets see... Lily Evans! Do not be alarmed! I know things even you don't about yourself! You have travelled a lot with your father, who has recently disappeared. You have a great mind for anything archaeological, historical or dead, which is...interesting. Yet, with all this, I still do not know where to put you. Hmmm... I see a future for you in...GRYFFINDOR!"
Once the hat had bellowed out all it wanted to, Lily jumped off the stool, and walked shaken, to the table which was clapping and cheering. Sighing, she plonked herself, next to a lone girl. She seemed more than grateful for the company.
"Hi... I'm Charlotte, but everyone calls me Lotte! Fifth year!" The girl declared holding out her hand, after pushing her glasses back up her nose. The girl had a thin face, with big glasses, which made her face look even smaller. The glasses protected brown eyes, which glowed with warmth. Her hair was a wispy light brown, tied back in a messy bun.
Taking her hand, Lily shook it hesitantly. "Lily Evans."
" I know!" Lotte, giggled a bit, before continuing, while both filled their plates. " It must be really scary coming to a new school. I'd be petrified, but you seem calm. I bet inside you just want to rip yourself apart?" Lily looked from her food, which Binx was eating, to Charlotte shocked.
"Well...errr.."
"Oh…goodness! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel worse! I sometimes just get so carried away I don't know what I'm saying", after a nervous laugh, she looked down at her plate.
Smiling slightly, Lily replied, "Well, it's ok. I'm not that bothered. You didn't make me feel any worse. I mean nothing was as bad as being sat on the train with those idiots", she said, looking to the marauders, Lotte following her gaze. "Then inadvertently telling his sister how much of a bad person he was!"
Lotte was still in shock that they had sat with her. "They are the most popular people in school. I mean look at them!" They looked over to the 6 sat laughing. The two girls Lily had interrupted were sat with them.
James it appeared had spilt something over Sirius, who had thrown it back. Shaking her head Lotte continued. "I think it's disgusting the way everyone fawns over them. They're just so full of themselves." Stabbing a bit of chicken on her plate, Lily nodded in agreement.
"So what's Hogwarts like? I mean the teachers and lessons?"
Lotte began ranting again about how the Slytherins head was biased, Lily only managed to get his name when Dumbledore stood up again.
"Silence please!" A eerie silence fell upon the hall as the old man continued. "I have a few important notices to make. Firstly the Forbidden Forest is called Forbidden for the simple fact it is, forbidden. I don't feel I have to express myself on this point." He said looking to the four boys Lily knew. "Secondly, Caretaker Filch has asked me, to tell you that, anyone who is found holding anything he counts as offensive, such as stink bombs, will be given a detention, by him. And we have a new teacher. Professor Arcane will be teaching Defence against Dark arts, and I hope you will make his stay here a welcome one! Now once you have finished, will you please return to your common rooms."
Clapping could be heard from around the room, with exception of the Slytherin table. Confused, Lily just looked around the room, taking in everyone. After a few minutes, people began to file out of the room. Lily, unsure of where to go, followed Lotte, through the castle to the Common room.
"Password?" The portrait asked. Lotte brought her hand to her forehead.
"I never found out! What was I thinking? Erm..." Lily, who was holding Binx, looked to Charlotte sympathetically. Already she liked her, and her forgetfulness.
"Well well… let's see, we have Charlotte Trelawney, and our favourite little red head, Lily Evans, who seems to think me a pathetic idiot. Shame, I thought we were getting on!" Rolling her eyes, Lily turned to face the Marauders, as did Lotte.
"What do you want?" Charlotte asked grumpily.
"To get in! So if you would just move!" Sirius replied, equally as grumpy. Obligingly, the two moved, James throwing Lily intrusive glances. As everyone else walked through, she turned to him.
"What do you want? Why do you keep looking at me as though I'm some kind of alien?"
James gazed softly at her, looking deeply into her emerald eyes. " Just wondering what I did for you to call me pathetic! Care to explain?" He pulled her through the portrait hole and to the front of the girls stairs by her lower arm.
"Why do you think? I heard from your friend what you get up to and you went out hexing 'firsties'." Grouchily, Lily pushed his hand away.
"Fine have it your way. I'll give you till tomorrow afternoon to settle in!" He said, brushing past her, leaving Lily to wander to her room, puzzling it.
Thanks for reading, and to everyone who reviewed. :)
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Love Miri