Trampled Lilies

Life under the attentive eye of Nanny Fee had never been an easy one for young Lily Evans. After her second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Nanny had begun watching her more and more carefully. Lily always had to be diligent about when and where she did her homework, as even the mention of school caused Nanny to sigh and shake her head.

"I cannot believe your parents," She'd complain as she cooked for Lily. "I'd never have let you into a school full of such nonsense, but they just look at it as a way for you to make their lives easier."

Lily didn't mind her parents and their curious ways. In fact, it was the exact opposite. She enjoyed the questions they'd ask and the requests they had. She was always ready to impress them with her latest achievements, ready to accept the recognition for her hard work.

Lily's older sister, Petunia, was a different story. Petunia, or Nia as Lily called her when they weren't arguing, sided with Nanny Fee. After Lily's first year of school Petunia loved to rub it in how Lily must have gotten the odd trait from being dropped too many times.

It was a warm summer day near the end of July when Lily finally realized her home life was changed for all eternity. She was resting underneath the big oak tree in their backyard and finishing her Astronomy homework for the summer. Lily yawned, she had been up almost the entire night staring at the sky.

Twelve-year-old Lily bit her lower lip and finished her last sentence before packing her books and paper back into her bag. Her parents didn't protest to her magical schoolwork, but they were at their jobs and Nanny Fee was in charge.

"It's poppycock," She'd hiss at Lily if she got to lay her beady eyes on a spell book. "If you were mine I'd burn it all, right here."

Lily swung her book bag over her thin shoulder and began to skip back to the house. She could see Petunia meticulously finishing a crossword and Nanny Fee rolling dough for a pie. Lily quietly slipped in the back door, trying to be as unnoticeable as possible.

"Is that you Lily?"

Lily cringed at the sharp tone in Nanny Fee's voice. She sidestepped into the view of the kitchen, careful to keep her books out of sight.

"Yes, Nanny. It's me." She shifted her weight, uncomfortable at the thought of being under another interrogation.

"Come here," Nanny Fee ordered, not looking at Lily.

Lily bit her lip again, trying to decide how to keep her homework safe from harm. Petunia narrowed her eyes at her sister, clearly aware of Lily's suspicious behavior.

Lily tiptoed up to Nanny, trying to keep her books behind her back. She glared silently at Petunia, silently ordering her to keep quiet. As if accepting a challenge Petunia smirked at her younger sister and yanked the book bag from Lily's hands.

"Nanny!" Petunia yelled in a shrill voice, standing up so suddenly that her chair toppled over. She rushed over to their Irish Nanny, shoving the books in her face. "Look at what Lily was doing!"

Nanny unhurriedly pulled Lily's Astronomy book from it's hiding place, as if dragging out the suspense of the moment. Lily tried to control the dread that was slowly filling her.
"Lily Aradia Evans," Nanny Fee said in a low angry voice. "What have I told you about practicing witchcraft?"

"That it's evil and unforgivable and that I'm going straight to hell," Lily mumbled in a monotonous voice.

Nanny Fee pulled the papers out of the book, tearing them to shreds. Lily's jaw dropped, she tried to grab her homework from Nanny's hands, but was shoved the floor.

"Don't!" She cried out as she slid across the floor. "I worked for days on that! It's due right when I go back to school!"

Nanny looked back to her and tossed the remains of Lily's homework into the wastepaper basket.

"This filth won't be allowed while I'm in charge," She hissed before slapping Lily across the face with all of her might.

Lily's green eyes burned with tears, she grabbed her now torn book and hurried up to her room. Her parents would be home soon and they'd never believe the story of Nanny Fee destroying Lily's book and ruining her homework. They'd pat her on the head and tell her to stop making things up, that's the way it was in the Evans household.

With the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs, Lily hurried onto her bed, shoving anything pertaining to magic under her blankets and pillow. She grabbed a Nancy Drew book, something she'd never actually read, and tried to look casual.

"Lily?" Petunia stuck her head in the door. Lily glared at her sister.

"What do you want?"

Petunia quietly shut the door behind her. She sat on the floor below Lily's bed, looking up at her younger sister.

"I want what's best for you. And that school, the things they teach you…"

Lily sighed, resting her head against the wall. "That school is more of a home to me than this place is. Mum and Dad are always demanding things I can't give them and Nanny…" Lily's voice trailed off.

"Is an old brad who thinks she knows what's best for you. And Lily," Petunia stood, climbing onto Lily's bed. "She's right. No good can come of you casting spells and zipping around on a broomstick."

"Nia…" Lily whispered, quickly brushing away a hot tear.

Petunia's gaze softened as she wrapped Lily in her arms. "Just stop. It'll all be easier if you stop."

"I can't…"

Petunia stood, swiftly pulling Lily's wand from under the blanket. Lily's green eyes grew wide with fear.

"Nia, don't…"

Petunia hardened her gaze. "It's for your own good."

With that she snapped the wand in two and dropped in onto the floor. A single stream of gold sparks danced upward before fading into nothing. Lily's sob was caught in her throat as she grabbed a spare bit of parchment and quill.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

Once again I'm writing to you to inform of my family difficulties. You see, today my sister broke my wand and our Nanny ripped my Astronomy paper up into shreds. If you could send me another wand and inform Professor Sinistra of what happened that would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Lily

She hurried to the window and sat on the ledge, waiting for the owl that she knew would soon come. This was the fourth letter of the summer she'd sent to McGonagall for help. The wise Transfiguration teacher had told Lily she was aware of Lily's home situation and would help in any way possible.

So Lily endured the torment at home, always dreaming about Hogwarts. Wishing for the days when she didn't have to hide who she was.