It was nearly nine thirty in the evening when Harry, Lilah and Hermione had finished studying. They had started getting their things packed up and prepared to leave when Hermione had whispered something into Lilah's ear.

"Harry," Lilah called out gently. "Go ahead and head on out without us. We'll see you later on."

Harry nodded and proceeded to make his way to Gryffindor Tower.

The two girls giggled softly. "I had no idea you imagined yourself with Harry like that, Lilah," whispered Hermione. She put a finger to her lips. "Lilah Potter... that has a nice ring to it." She giggled again softly.

"He looked really handsome in the mirror," Lilah replied softly. "I'm not necessarily in love with him, but I truly care for him. I find myself drawn to him more and more each day. He's... a unique wizard, Hermione. I'm sure you can tell."

"He is a truly special wizard. And I care about him very much as well." Tears started to fill Hermione's eyes. "He's a terrific friend, but I just don't connect with him like he does with you. It's not right or wrong, but if there is one witch that's in his future, it's you."

"Do you fancy him as well?" Lilah asked as gently as she could. "The way you said that, it sounded quite painful."

A single tear rolled down Hermione's cheek. "Yes, I do."

Lilah tenderly embraced Hermione. "You are very much worthy of his affections, Hermione Granger," she whispered. "But Merlin, we're only first-year students. We should be worrying about homework and making friends and hoping we don't get caught if we sneak out past curfew, not forever love..."

"I know, Lilah," replied Hermione. "And i would be truly happy for you if Harry does become your forever love. You deserve it..."

"Remember what Professor Dumbledore said. That mirror only showed us our desires, and what we saw was hardly a guarantee. He and I may not end up together," Lilah responded sincerely. "We need to focus on what's going on now, because that mirror has ruined careless wizards."

Hermione smiled. "You're right... though I'm not going to lie, I rather enjoyed seeing myself as future Headmistress. But those four-inch heels I saw myself in looked dreadfully painful," she giggled.

Lilah giggled. "Professor Granger... I rather like the sound of that. I can actually see you pull that off."

Hermione tilted her head slightly. "What would you like to do when you've finished school?"

"Erm... I haven't really thought about it much," admitted Lilah. "Maybe work for the Ministry in some capacity? I'm really not too sure yet."

Hermione smiled. "You could be Chief Warlock for all you know."

Lilah shrugged, and saw the time on a large grandfather clock. "Good heavens! It's really getting late. We need to get moving to get to our dormitories, curfew is in a few minutes." The two young witches quickly got up and hugged each other good night before heading off to their respective dormitories.

Back in the Gryffindor dormitory, Harry and Ron were playing a game of wizard's chess.

"You're getting better, Harry, you gave me a scare for sure tonight," Ron said with a nervous grin.

"I'm learning from the best," Harry said with a chuckle.

"You still underestimate the value of your pawns a bit," Ron advised. "They're weak by themselves, but they can protect your more powerful pieces. You tend to leave your bishops, queen, and rooks wide open. A well-placed pawn or two can protect them."

"Thanks, Ron," said Harry. "Try again tomorrow night?"

"You're on," said Ron with a grin.

The next morning at breakfast, Lilah received another note from the school owls.

"Merlin's beard, Lilah, how many letters are you getting?" Susan asked with a raised brow.

"Not as many as you'd think," answered Lilah. "I mean, I send my share of letters too. This one is probably from Professor McGonagall since I owled her yesterday." Susan only nodded in return.

Lilah carefully unfurled the parchment, and sure enough, it was from Professor McGonagall:

"Miss Darling,

Thank you so much for the update. I've been wondering how you and Mister Potter have been doing, and it makes my heart smile to hear that he has finally opened up a little bit. I would advise staying the present course, and based on your next update we can make a more informed decision as far as therapy options go.

Professor Sprout is one lucky head of house. I would have been equally delighted to have you as a Gryffindor, Lilah. If you'd prefer, you may drop by my office this time next week for tea and we can discuss this in person.

Sincerely,

Professor M. McGonagall"

"Oh, by the way, next weekend is Hermione's birthday," said Lilah. "We need to do something really nice for her. Like, really nice."

"What do you have in mind?" asked Susan.

"I'll figure that out today. I'll need to talk to Harry during our free period." She had a slight look of worry on her face.

Susan quickly picked up on this. "What's wrong, Lilah?"

Lilah sighed. "Well, last night after Harry, Hermione and I studied in the library, she and I stayed behind to talk for a few minutes. She was crying..."

Susan threw her a look. "It's about Harry, I take it?"

Lilah nodded. "She's a smart witch. She admitted that she likes Harry too. She also knows that I fancy Harry, and I think she's a bit jealous that Harry and I are a little closer than she and Harry are. I mean, I can't help that, but I also feel rotten because she is a sweetheart, and she deserves his attention just as much as I do."

Susan nodded. "She does strike me as being a bit self-conscious. She's bright and she knows it, but she doesn't think she's very pretty. And that couldn't be further from the truth. She's truly a beautiful girl, Lilah, and maybe finding a way to help her see that would be a wonderful birthday gift."

Lilah smiled. "I'm used to being complimented for my looks. Even Snape admitted I had a pretty face, though he also said he felt like slapping it. I don't think Hermione gets told that she's pretty very much, aside from her parents. And you're right, she is a beautiful girl and she needs to know it. I'll see if I can learn a charm or two and boost her self-esteem."

"I hope so too, as those beauty charms aren't easy, especially for firsties," replied Susan. "But you're a very talented witch, and if Hermione can learn one, so can you."

Lilah beamed at Susan.

Lilah and Harry met under the oak tree again during their shared free period that day.

"Hiya Harry," Lilah said with a warm smile.

"Hi there, Lilah," Harry replied with a smile of his own.

"I didn't see you this morning at breakfast. I missed you," said Lilah.

"I missed you too," replied Harry. "I'm sorry I didn't see you earlier."

"That's okay Harry," replied Lilah. "How's Hermione doing?"

"Erm, okay I s'pose," replied Harry. "She seemed a little sad this morning. Not her usual bubbly self."

Lilah sighed. "I think I know why. And it has to do with what I saw in the mirror last night."

Harry looked at Lilah with anticipation in his eyes. "So, does that mean you'll tell me what you saw?"

"Yes, Harry," replied Lilah, albeit rather reluctantly. "I saw you and me in the future, we looked about twenty five or so, and I held a baby girl in my arms. Our baby girl, Harry."

Harry's jaw dropped. He was completely dumbstruck.

Lilah continued. "I told Hermione, and I think she's a little jealous. She's very fond of you too, Harry. She's a bit jealous of our relationship because you look at me differently than you look at her. She seems to have picked up on that; I'm sure she thinks you like me more."

Harry could only stare. He still couldn't find any words, he wasn't even sure how he felt.

"She is a beautiful girl, Harry. You need to be a little extra nice to her - I'm not saying that you're not already, but she needs your attention. She needs you to tell her that she's beautiful. She doesn't mean to, but she compares herself to me and she keeps finding herself in second place. She's not second place, Harry, and it's you she needs to hear that from. Not me, not Susan - you."

Harry shook his head. Words finally emerged from his mouth. Softly, deliberately. "You saw us. Together?"

Lilah did not take her eyes off him. "Yes, Harry, I did. But that's not the point. You need to take care of Hermione and make her feel special. She's got a birthday coming up next weekend and I also need you to help me with that."

"With a child?" Harry's confused tone suddenly turned almost accusatory.

"Harry, it was what my heart desired at that moment. It's not a reality, and I'm not going to chase it because Professor Dumbledore said it was a fool's errand anyway. It may or may not happen, but Harry, that's enough about you and me. You need to be there for Hermione today. You need to make her feel special, feel beautiful. She needs you."

Harry threw Lilah a quick look of disgust, shook his head in frustration and then got up and walked away.

"Harry, wait up, please..." Lilah begged. "Please don't be upset with me."

Harry did not respond. He walked back toward the castle.

Lilah stayed behind, sobbing.

Harry went to the Great Hall and found Hermione already seated at the Gryffindor table.

"Hey there, Hermione. How's it going?" Harry asked.

"Okay, I guess," replied Hermione.

Harry looked into Hermione's liquid brown eyes. "Do many people tell you that you're pretty?"

Hermione shook her head 'no'.

Harry smiled broadly. "You're a beautiful little witch, Hermione Granger. And I'm not just saying that. I mean it."

Hermione started sniffling. "Not as beautiful as Lilah. Her hair, her eyes, her teeth... all much prettier than what I have."

Harry embraced Hermione. "Don't compare yourself to Lilah like that. You know that she loves you like a sister. She's not your competition. You are not second place to her in anything. You're one incredible witch and I wouldn't trade your friendship for anything."

A tear fell down Hermione's cheek. "You really mean that, don't you Harry?"

"Of course I do," replied Harry.

Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry and sobbed gently. "Thank you, Harry, from the bottom of my heart. I don't get called 'beautiful' much but it makes my heart smile to hear someone say that and really mean it."

Harry held Hermione in his arms for a couple of minutes. He enjoyed being her rock, her happy place.

Harry then broke the silence. "I... talked to Lilah earlier today. She told me what she saw in the mirror last night."

Hermione awaited Harry's elaboration with bated breath.

Harry sighed. "She saw us, together, with a... little girl. Our little girl."

Hermione nodded. "She told me that last night. How did you take it?"

"Not very well, I'm afraid," replied Harry. "I got up... and walked away."

"You didn't," gasped Hermione.

"I did," Harry confirmed. "I'm not proud of it, but I'm not sure how I feel about what she saw."

Hermione glared at Harry. "You didn't have to like it, Harry, but you owe her better than that. It's just a fantasy, Harry. It's not set in stone, Dumbledore said as much."

"What should I do then?"

Hermione looked like she was about to give Harry an earful. Her expression then softened a little. "You should apologize, for starters. Walking out on her like that was not sweet, Harry Potter. You're better than that. You better do that soon, too."

Harry bowed his head in shame, and headed to the Hufflepuff table.

"Hi, Lilah," Harry said in a soft voice.

"Hi, Harry," Lilah replied, still sniffling a little.

Harry signed. "I feel really bad for walking out on you like that. I'm so sorry. I guess I wasn't expecting that... but it was really only a fantasy so I shouldn't have taken it as badly as I did. Will you forgive me?"

Lilah beamed. "Of course, Harry. I can't stay upset with you. You're my best friend, remember?"

Harry chuckled. "You're my best friend too, Lilah." The two friends embraced warmly.

He continued. "Why don't you come with me to the Gryffindor table? I know Hermione would love to see you."

The two friends went back to the Gryffindor table. "Hiya, Hermione!" Lilah greeted.

"Oh, hiya Lilah!" Hermione said. "I see you two made up. I'm so glad to see that."

"Me too," replied Lilah. "I don't like it when Harry and I are upset with each other."

"Me three," added Harry. "And thank you for talking some sense into me, Hermione."

Hermione smiled warmly at Harry. "You're my two best friends. And thank you for telling me that I'm beautiful, and meaning it. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve friends like you two."

That evening, Lilah scrawled away again with quill and parchment.

"What is it with you and letters?" Susan asked, half-jokingly.

"I'm writing to my mum and dad this time," replied Lilah.

"Ahh, replied Susan. "Have you written to them since you arrived at Hogwarts?"

"I haven't," Lilah responded. "I think I've been here long enough now to write them a proper letter, don't you agree?"

"It's been almost two weeks, so probably," agreed Susan.

"Dear Mum and Dad,

I miss you. I want you to know that I am doing very well at Hogwarts. I was sorted into the Hufflepuff House, and have a very good roommate in Susan Bones. She's a sweet girl, and she comes from a wizarding family so she already knew a thing or two before she came here, so it's nice to know someone that has a bit of a head start."

Lilah paused for moment, thinking for what to write next She tapped her quill against her chin, deep in thought.

"I have some other great friends that are Gryffindors, another house at Hogwarts. One is Hermione Granger, and she is a super sweet girl. She's very studious, and we often spend our free time going over class work together. We also like reading fantasy and mystery novels, so we have quite a few things in common. She is truly a very pretty girl, but I don't think she really believed it until today. Harry and I both let her know that she was beautiful and the way she looked at us, well... she knew we meant it. Her eyes said it all."

Lilah bit her lip a bit. Now how to bring up Harry...

"And there's this boy, Harry. Harry Potter. Like Hermione, he is also a Gryffindor. He is the kindest, gentlest soul I know. He might be the closest friend I have here, actually.

I really wish I knew him better, as there is so much he hasn't told me yet. He came from a rather awful household, actually. He was raised by his aunt and uncle and they openly favoured his cousin. He didn't even have his own room, he slept in a cupboard under the stairs of all places! He never had any friends until I met him, and he looked so small and frail - my heart goes out to the poor thing. He definitely seems to be attached to me because I was the very first friend he ever had, but I don't mind because he is such a sweetheart. He, Hermione, Susan and I are all friends and we often spend our meals together. It's my favourite part of the day when we're all together. No worries, just four friends talking and laughing. It's a very happy place for me.

I hope you are doing well. I miss you, and can't wait to see you for the holidays. Please write back whenever you can.

Love,

Lilah"

She carefully folded the letter and placed it inside an envelope, already addressed to her parents, Paul and Janet Darling in Chiswick, London. She sealed it and placed it in her robe pocket for the school owls to deliver in the morning.

Susan then arched an eyebrow. "Now are you ready to go over our Potions assignment together? We need to have the ingredients list memorized by tomorrow."

Lilah nodded. "I think so, Susan. Sorry it took so long, I just had a lot on my mind and I had to put my thoughts on paper. It's been less than two full weeks, but it seems closer to two years since I last talked to my parents."

Susan grinned. "I get it, Lilah. I didn't mean to rush you. I forget that you're Muggle-born sometimes, even though you're even more gifted than I am. I'm sure it's a hard transition."

Lilah nodded. "It's tough, yes, but having some great friends helps for sure." She smiled at Susan radiantly.