A/N::gasp: Me...update...within a week! The world's gonna end! Yes, believe it or not, I have posted another chapter. Nobody die of a heart attack, it is possible. Thanks soooooo much to everyone who reviewed chapter one: Winter Blaze, Paige, Liz Black, and MosingCode. Also, thanks to Winter Blaze for reviewing the first post of chapter 2, and to MosingCode for catching my typos. You guys are awesome! Hope you enjoy chapter 2, and please remember to R/R! Also, remember that I don't own Harry Potter or anyone you recognize, but I do own Becca Potter, Liz Lupin (who's not in this chapter), Tinky the house elf (who isn't here either...that's kinda depressing that no one I own is here...) and...oh yeah! I own the parents too! Damn, I feel special. Anyway...Enjoy!

Sammy Solo

The morning of August thirteenth dawned cool and cloudy, with rain showers popping up all around the London area. Lily climbed out the car when it stopped outside of a small pub on an average London street.

"Where is this bloody place anyway?" Michael asked, looking up and down the road. He glanced down once again at the crumpled paper in his hands. "This is where it says to go, where the hell is it?"

"Right there, Dad," Lily said, pointing at the building in front of her. The windows were smudged with dirt, the door badly needed a paint job, and the sign hanging above the door that read "The Leaky Cauldron" was hanging by one hinge.

"Where?" Michael asked, staring toward where his daughter was pointing. There was nothing but a boarded up house, what was she talking about?

"Right there!" Lily said, pointing again. As she spoke, an older woman stepped out of the pub and approached Lily, her father, mother, and sister.

Michael's eyes widened as the woman stepped out of the boarded up door and approached him and his family. He instinctively stepped back.

"Mr. Evans, I presume?" the woman asked, skipping all pleasantries and getting right to the point. Some would have called her harsh; she would have said she was just getting things done.

"Yes," Michael answered quickly, gaining a little confidence at her frail appearance. "Are you the one who's been sending all these letters?" He stood nearly a head taller than the woman, now not afraid at all, brandishing the envelope like a weapon. "What's all this rubbish about?"

"Indeed, I have been sending you those letters, Mr. Evans. If you'd please follow me, I'll explain everything." She turned on her heel and headed back towards the boarded up building, but as she touched the door, it was no longer a decrepit old building. Before the muggles' eyes, the run down building shimmered and became a pub, complete with a sign reading "The Leaky Cauldron." The Evans' faces lit up in surprise, all except Lily, who had no idea what the others were so surprised about. It was only a pub, after all.

"Please come with me, and I'll explain everything," the woman repeated. Cautiously, Mr. Evans followed her. As he stepped forward to enter the pub, a confused look crossed over his face.

"Violet, doesn't it seem like we've forgotten something else that we had to do today?" he asked, turning to face his wife.

"Why, no, I don't think so…" Mrs. Evans stepped up beside her husband, and suddenly her face clouded over, too. "Then again, it does feel like there's something else…"

"Please go inside," the older woman cut her off. "I'll explain everything as soon as possible." Without another word, she ushered the two adults inside. Petunia followed close behind, the same confused expression coming over her face, but before she could open her mouth the older woman had pushed her inside. Lily went last, but no feeling of confusion swept over her. She strode into the dim light of the pub, feeling the older woman's hand come down on her shoulder as the door closed behind them. "You would be Lillian, then, wouldn't you dear?" the woman asked.

"Yes, Ma'am" Lily answered politely. The woman smiled pleasantly.

"You're going to do wonderfully at Hogwarts, Lily." No longer harsh, the woman's voice had a comforting tone to it.

"Thank you," Lily said. "But I don't quite understand…"

"Okay, then, what is all this?" Mr. Evans asked, stepping over to stand in front of the woman. "Who are you?"

"I am Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," the woman answered. "Your daughter has been accepted into our school. She will, of course, need the proper supplies, and…"

"Wait just a minute," Mr. Evans interrupted. "School of what?"

"Witchcraft and Wizardry," McGonagall repeated impatiently. "Now, really, we have a lot to get done today, if you'll please step this way…" She began to cross the room towards a back door.

"Witchcraft? Wizardry? What sort of joke are you playing here?" Mr. Evans demanded, following close behind the woman, his family falling into step behind him.

"I assure you, this is no joke." By this time McGonagall had reached the other side of the room and pushed open the back door. She led the Evans family into a small backyard that was bricked off on all sides from the street beyond. She looked down at Lily, her expression all business once again. "This, Miss Evans, is the entrance to Diagon Alley. Please observe how I enter, for you will need to do this on your own next year." Lily nodded, not quite understanding what she was supposed to be observing. McGonagall reached into the pocket of the long coat she was wearing and pulled out…a stick.

"What are you going to do with that?" Michael asked, eyeing her suspiciously. Ignoring Mr. Evans's question, McGonagall stepped up to the wall and tapped one of the stones with her stick. The Evans' stood, shocked, as the solid brick wall slid aside, revealing a portal into a world that they only could have imagined in their wildest dreams.

Beyond the wall, an alley led away, ending in a brilliant white building that towered over everything around it. Men, women, and children hurried about, wearing different colored…robes, it looked like, but that couldn't be right; one certainly didn't wear robes in public. As they stepped through the portal, the brick wall closed again behind them, leaving the Evans' for the first time in the magical world.

"Welcome," McGonagall said. "To Diagon Alley."

The four stunned muggles followed McGonagall deeper into the alley. The older woman was explaining a few things, but Lily wasn't really listening. She stared in fascination at the wonders around her. There were shops with pet owls in the window, with ingredients for magical potions advertised on the door. Lily watched a pair of dark-haired children sprint across the alley, racing towards the shop with a broomstick sitting in the window.

"C'mon, Becky, can't keep up?" the boy yelled, sticking his tongue out at the girl who wasn't far behind. As he turned back to face front, his eyes caught Lily's. The boy's eyes shone a brilliant hazel, filled with laughter. Lily smiled at the boy, and he smiled back.

"Please keep up, Miss Evans," McGonagall said, grabbing Lily's arm and gently turning her in the direction she was going. "We still have a lot to do today."

"Sorry," Lily said, blushing and following McGonagall once again. But for some reason, she couldn't keep herself from stealing one last glance at the boy with the hazel eyes.

"C'mon, Becky, can't keep up?" James called over his shoulder, sticking his tongue out at his sister. He turned back around, ready to sprint to the finish, but caught sight of a girl standing a few feet away. He slowed his run and nearly tripped over his own feet when she smiled at him, and he smiled back, unable to turn his eyes from the girl's brilliant green ones. Their stare was broken only when an older witch came over and turned the girl a different way. For some reason, James was disappointed when she turned away, and he watched the back of her head until she faded into the crowd.

"Looks like I won!" Bec called, and James turned his attention back to the race. Becca was standing outside of Quality Quidditch Supplies, a triumphant smile on her face. "Why'd you stop?"

"I…uh...I just saw something," James explained lamely, and Bec gave him a skeptical look. Being twins had its advantages, but also its disadvantages: Becca knew he wasn't telling the truth, or at least not the full truth.

"Saw what?" Bec asked.

"Just…something." James couldn't look his sister in the eye.

"James, what…?"

"James, Rebecca, we told you not to run off!" Olivia Potter called as she hurried across the alley to meet up with her children. "It's too crowded, you could get lost."

"Mum, we've been here loads of times," James objected, glad for the distraction from Bec's inquisition.

"Yeah," Bec agreed. "There's no way we could get lost."

"Just…stay with us," Harold stated, not in the mood to argue with his eleven-year-old children in the middle of Diagon Alley. "Now, let's get down to Madam Malkin's and get your robes."

"But Dad!" the twins objected.

"The new Comet is out!" James said, pointing to the shop window behind them where the broomstick was displayed.

"We can come back and look after you've gotten your school things," Olivia said with an air of finality. The kids groaned and grudgingly followed their parents farther into the alley toward the robes shop. Stopping outside the shop labeled "Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions," Olivia and Harold turned to their children.

"Go on inside and get your robes," Harold said. "You're Mum and I will go get your books, then we can go to Ollivander's for your wands. If you get done with your robes before we get back, stay here. No wandering off. Understood?"
"Yes, Dad," the twins said together.

"Good." Harold ushered his children into the store, then turned back and headed in a different direction.

As James and Becca entered the shop, a young witch bustled out of a back room. "Hogwarts, I presume?" she asked, and the twins nodded. "Very well." She reached into the pocket of her robes and pulled out two rolls of measuring tape, both of which immediately began to measure the children for their robes. When the tapes had rolled themselves up again, the witch gently pushed James and Bec into a different room. "I'll be back in a moment, just stay here," she said, and hurried out of the room.

"Well, she was kind of pushy," Bec commented. James nodded in agreement. They turned around, wondering if there was somewhere to sit while they waited, and came face to face with another child. This boy had black hair also, but his was longer, enough to cover most of his cheek, though a black-and-blue spot could be seen through the strands. His grey eyes looked harsh as he observed the two newcomers. James either didn't notice this look, or didn't care.

"Hi!" James said, stepping forward and extending his hand to the other boy. "I'm James Potter."

The boy looked skeptically at James's outstretched hand, as if expecting it to turn into a fist and punch him, but when James didn't do anything, the boy reached out and shook his hand. "Sirius," the boy stated simply. No last name, just "Sirius."

Becca stepped forward and introduced herself, also shaking Sirius's hand. "Are you going to Hogwarts too?" she asked.

"Yeah," Sirius answered. "I'm starting this year."

"Us too," James said, smiling. "Maybe we'll be in the same house."

"Maybe," Sirius agreed, but he didn't sound so sure. Before the conversation could continue, the young witch bustled back in with three sets of robes and practically threw them over the kids' heads. When everyone had been properly fitted and had paid for their robes, the three children strode back out into the sunlight of the alley. James and Bec looked around.

"I don't see Mum and Dad," Bec stated.

"Me either," James said. "Where are your parents, Sirius?"

"They said they'd meet me in the Cauldron when I was done," Sirius answered.

"Don't they wanna help you pick out your stuff?" Bec asked, brow furrowed.

"I don't need their help anyway," Sirius said brusquely, suddenly standing a little taller.

"Well, Mum and Dad aren't back yet," James said, changing the subject. "What do you say we go down to Quality Quidditch Supplies and check out the new Comet?"

"Sure!" Bec said. "Wanna come, Sirius?"

Sirius looked around warily, as if he felt like someone was watching him, but apparently didn't see anything that worried him. "Yeah, okay," he decided. "I'll go." Together the three eleven-year-olds started down the alley. They had only made it a few feet, though, when…

"James! Rebecca!" All three kids spun around to see Olivia and Harold striding towards them, bags of school supplies in their hands. James groaned and Bec rolled her eyes.

"We almost made it, too," James mumbled.

"We told you to wait at Madam Malkin's," Mr. Potter said sternly, stopping in front of his children. "Where were you going?"

"Well, you weren't here yet," James explained.

"And we were getting bored," Becca added.

"So we were going to come looking for you," James finished. Well, at least the first part was true.

"We're here now," Olivia said. "Let's get down to Ollivander's and get your wands." She and Harold led the way toward the shop.

"Did you get your wand yet, Sirius?" James asked. Sirius shook his head. "Wanna come with us and get it?"

"Sure," Sirius said after looking around again. It was only then that Mr. and Mrs. Potter noticed that their children weren't alone.

"And who's this?" Mr. Potter asked.

"This is Sirius," James explained. "Sirius, this is my Mum and Dad."

"Hi," Sirius said simply. Mr. Potter looked him up and down suspiciously. Mr. Potter's eyes were nearly a glare, but Sirius didn't flinch, didn't look away, just stared at the older man.

"Is it okay if Sirius comes with us to Ollivander's, Dad?" James asked. Mr. Potter studied Sirius for a few more seconds before nodding.

"Yes, it's fine," Mr. Potter said, and began walking again towards the wand shop. They arrived within a few minutes at a narrow and feeble looking shop, identified in gold letters above the door as "Ollivander's: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C." A bell tinkled as Harold pushed open the door, leading his family and his children's new friend into the shop. An old man with pale eyes was standing behind the counter, smiling as if he had been expecting them.

"Welcome," he said in a soft voice, addressing all three kids at once. "Here for your first wands?"

"Um...yes," Becca said, trying to be polite despite the chill running up her back. The store was old and dusty, and Bec couldn't help but feel like she was being watched.

"Very well. I am Mr. Ollivander," the man explained. He reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a tape measure similar to the one they had seen in Madam Malkin's. This measure, too, worked on its own, recording everything from the length of their arms to the distance between their eyes.

"Oh, that'll do," Mr. Ollivander called over his shoulder as he began pulling boxes off of the shelves behind the counter, and the tape rolled back up and fell onto the floor. Arms loaded with boxes, Mr. Ollivander stepped around the counter and faced the three children. "What's your name?" he asked Becca.

"Becca Potter," she said, pulling back slightly from the creepy old man but not breaking eye contact.

"Becca Potter," Ollivander repeated. "Well, Ms. Potter, why don't you try. . ." he reached into one of the boxes. "This one." Becca grabbed the wand, but before she had a chance to wave it at all, Mr. Ollivander had snatched it out of her hand and given her another one. After going through three more in this fashion, she grabbed another. Immediately, warmth spread through her fingers and into the rest of her body. She swished the wand out in front of her, and red and gold sparks flew out the end and exploded into fireworks before their eyes. "Wonderful!" Mr. Ollivander exclaimed. "Oak, 10 ½ inches, with a dragon's heartstring in the core. A little weak with charms, but otherwise very well rounded. Very well, who's next?" He stepped away from Bec and stood in front of her twin brother. "And who are you?"

"James Potter," James said confidently.

"Well, Mr. James Potter, let's see what we can do for you." Mr. Ollivander took James through only three wands before one of them finally produced the expected sparks. "Well done!" Mr. Ollivander cried. "Mahogany, 11 inches, also with a dragon's heartstring in the core. A wand very good for transfiguration." He passed by James and came to his third customer. "And you are…"

"Sirius," the boy answered quickly, no doubt or fear in his voice at all. Mr. Ollivander's eyebrows raised slightly as he studied the boy.

"Okay, Mr. Sirius, what do we have for you?" Sirius went through the most wands-a total of twelve- before one finally produced sparks. "Very nice indeed," Mr. Ollivander commented. "Pine, 11 2/3 inches, with a phoenix feather in the core. An excellent wand for dueling." He leaned down a little and stared into Sirius's grey eyes. "This is a warrior's wand, Mr. Black," he said quietly so only Sirius could hear. Sirius looked stunned at the fact that this strange old man could know his last name. "It shall be interesting, though, to see who it is you are fighting, now shouldn't it?" Sirius didn't answer, and Mr. Ollivander stood up; he obviously hadn't been expecting an answer. Their wands paid for, the Potters and Sirius stepped out of Mr. Ollivander's and back onto the Alley.

"Now can we go to the quidditch store?" James asked eagerly.

"Yes, now we can go to the quidditch store," Mr. Potter replied.

"Yes! Race you!" Becca called, and started off in a sprint down the alley. James chased after her, with Sirius not far behind. As they neared the store, dodging in and out of shoppers, James pulled ahead. Sirius put on an extra burst of speed, determined to beat his new friends, when suddenly…

SLAM!

"Hey, watch it!" Sirius yelled, stumbling slightly but continuing to run. The small, mousy boy he had bumped into was on the ground, rubbing his knee. His blonde hair was all in a mess, and streak of dirt was visible beneath his blue eyes. Sirius looked back just long enough to see a much larger figure-probably the boy's father- stride over and menacingly gesture at the boy before he was at Quality Quidditch Supplies where Becca and James were waiting for him.

"I coulda won, if that rat hadn't gotten in the way," Sirius said, his confident air not shaken at all by his collision.

"I still had you beat," James argued.

"No way!" Sirius protested. "I could have…"

"Guys, look!" Bec interrupted. She was pointing to the broomstick in the window of the shop. The three kids practically drooled over the newest addition to the Comet line. It was rumored that the Chudley Cannons had ordered a set of these for their players to use in the playoffs. It was a beautiful broomstick, to be sure, and was said to be a favorite of professionals and amateurs alike, and…

"SIRIUS BLACK!" James, Becca, and Sirius all jumped and whirled around as the booming voice sounded from behind them. Pounding towards them was one of the largest men James and Becca had ever seen. His cold grey eyes seemed to stare not at, but through them as he approached. "What did I tell you boy?" the man asked, towering above Sirius threateningly. "Get your things and meet us back at the Cauldron, not stand around and waste time! Now get going!"

"But…" Sirius tried to interrupt, but the man cut him off with a wave of his hand.

"Do not talk back to me, boy, you're in enough trouble as it is. Get going before I…"

"What's all this?" Mr. Potter came up beside his children and their friend. "Is there a problem?"

"You stay out of this, Potter," Mr. Black snapped. "This doesn't concern you."

"It obviously does, Black," Mr. Potter retorted, spitting the name. "You seem very close to my children to be yelling like that."

Mr. Black looked down, just noticing James and Becca standing there. "Ah, so these are the two young Potters," he said in a mock-sweet voice. He turned his glare back to Mr. Potter. "Keep them away from my son, and I won't have to be near them. Now come, boy." He swept away, pulling is son behind him by the wrist.

"Bye, guys," Sirius whispered as he stumbled to keep up with his father.

"Bye Sirius," James said, and Becca waved, both looking rather dejected. Olivia stood beside her husband, grabbing his arm.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"Menelaus Black," Mr. Potter answered.

"Oh," Mrs. Potter said simply. Harold watched Menelaus's back until he disappeared through the brick entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, then he turned around and kneeled in front of his children.

"That is not a man you want to trifle with," he said sternly. "The Blacks are not decent people, and they do not understand niceness or feelings. At all costs, stay away from the Blacks and their kind. Do you understand?" James and Becca nodded. "Good. Come on, let's go home."

As he followed his family back toward the Cauldron, James wondered if his father had meant Sirius too, when he said to stay away from Blacks. Sirius had been nice enough, and it had been fun to spend the day with him. Maybe Sirius was different from the other Blacks, and maybe James had just made his first new Hogwarts friend.

It had been a long, strange day for Lily Evans, and she lie on her bed that night, reading through one of her new books. She was fascinated by her new school things. The pictures in the books moved, she could do magic with the stick--wand, she corrected herself-- she had bought from that strange old man. . .it was all so different, but so exciting. In a few weeks she would be leaving her life behind to start a new one full of magic and excitement…she couldn't wait.

"Still reading about all that rubbish?" Lily looked up to see Petunia standing in her doorway, a scowl on her face.

"It's not rubbish," Lily argued. "It's real, you saw it for yourself."

"I think it's completely ridiculous," her sister said. "Did you look at the way they were dressed, listen to the things they were talking about? They were all mad!"

"Mum and Dad think it's good," Lily said.

"Mum and Dad are just playing along," Petunia sneered. "Really, they know as well as I do that you aren't special in any way. You're. . .you're abnormal, that's what you are. And now you're going to go to a school that will teach you how to be even more abnormal. You'll fit in quite well, I'm sure you'll enjoy it." With a vicious smirk, Petunia turned and walked into her own bedroom across the hall. Lily blinked back tears from her bright green eyes and turned back to her book.

Petunia was wrong. She could do magic, and she would go and make friends and be happy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Deep down, Lily knew that's where she really belonged.