"Quills down," McGonagall ordered sharply. Lily let out a sigh as she set hers down; she'd only gotten halfway through her essay on the last page of the test. She wished somebody had told there'd be one in their first week back, she would have prepared more.

"You'll be fine, Lily," Hermione whispered reassuringly. "McGonagall knows how long you've been out, she'll mark you fairly."

"We'll see," Lily grumbled as their Head of House collected her paper. McGonagall gave it a quick look over, then moved on to Hermione's. Hermione, of course, got a nod of approval and a smile, but that was typical; Hermione was always her favourite student, everybody knew that, even if both professor and student ever tried to deny it.

"Maybe she'll give you some extra credit if you ask?"

"Maybe," Lily mumbled.

"What did you get on that first question?" Hermione asked.

"Skipped it," Lily said as she stood from her seat. The great bell was ringing overhead, signaling the end of classes.

"Oh."

One of the Prefects was already waiting by the door, waiting for the second years to follow him. He'd drop off them off at the Charms classroom, then escort the students in there to somewhere else. Lily didn't envy them, anymore. They all seemed so tired lately. She tried having a chat with Penelope the one time she saw her, but the girl had dark bags under her eyes, and could only manage one-word responses. Lily felt bad for her.

"Mrs. Weasley's going to kill me," Lily said miserably. She dragged her feet as they exited the classroom last. Nobody would take their seats at the front of the next class. Everybody seemed to understand that Hermione and Lily were friends again, even the students from other Houses, and so their spots were always left open.

"I really think you should talk to McGonagall, she'll-"

"She can't help me practice, Hermione, she has to patrol the castle like every other Professor," Lily interrupted. She'd already asked Flitwick about their lessons, and he confided that there'd be no extra time to do so, and reiterated as sternly as he could muster that she was not to practice the Reflection Charm without his permission. She'd be lucky if she could still pull it off, it'd been two months since she last tried it. She was itching to try it out.

"Maybe you could go with her?"

Lily snorted. "Fat chance of that, Gran'll just accuse me of trying to learn all their patrol routes so I can sneak by."

"I don't think anybody is sneaking with that man around," Hermione said. "I think he can see through the walls, Lily."

"I know he can see through walls, Hermione," Lily confirmed. That did give her an idea, though, but it'd have to wait until she could catch the man alone.

"That doesn't make me feel any better about it," Hermione said nervously. "Some of the girls are talking about him watching them go to the bathroom."

"They're just talking, Hermione," Lily said. "Even if he is, he's probably just checking to make sure we aren't murdering each other in there, and he'd be watching the boys, too."

"That really doesn't make me feel better."

"Do you think Binns will notice if I don't show up?" Lily asked. "I really need to get some studying done."

Hermione sniffed, and Lily took that for a "he won't, but I definitely will." Figures. She couldn't get away with anything now that Hermione was her best friend again.

At least Charms was going well. Lily wasn't even really behind in the class, since she had already been so far ahead in the first place. It was the same for Potions, although Snape refused to simply give her credit for the Potions that she'd missed. He was making her brew them during her free time, to bring in upon completion for grading. She had a Rain Proofing Potion brewing upstairs right now, as a matter of fact. The book said drinking it would make you rain proof, but Lily had no idea what that actually meant. She was eager to try it out.

Herbology, on the other hand, was now an absolute nightmare without Neville. She and Ron both were now relying entirely on Hermione's knowledge to succeed in the class. It was one of the only classes Ron wasn't being a mopey prat about, the only other being Potions. Professor Sprout didn't seem to be as energetic in their class as she had been before, and her instructions weren't quite up to snuff, either. From what Lily could glean from the chatter of the Hufflepuffs near her (since they weren't talking to her, she had to eavesdrop), the professor was frequently up all night tending to the mandrakes, just in case the Ministry failed to secure that shipment. Lily was just happy they had a backup plan. Things always seemed to go wrong around here.

History of Magic Lily attended, but hardly paid attention to. She'd just borrow Hermione's notes later, then do her homework based off those. Hermione never let anybody copy, but she had no problems lending out her references. That was to be taken advantage of, in Lily's fine opinion. She spent the class time going over her Transfiguration work while Hermione occasionally shot her disapproving glares. She couldn't help it, though. It was either that or go to sleep. She was simply incapable of listening to Professor Binns.

The Defense classes were just as miserable as they always were, and Lily was thankful they only had them twice a week. Lockhart was becoming unbearable with all the talk about the upcoming Dueling Club. Not to mention how he kept trying to make excuses to Lily for her disappearing skeletal system and subsequent trip to the hospital. Lily had no clue why the Governors still allowed him to be here when he was an active danger to her safety.

All of Gryffindor was up and ready for the Dueling Club come Saturday morning. Lily was almost surprised, but she supposed it was mandatory, even if it was unnatural to see this many people milling about so early in the morning. There weren't any tables or chairs left, but Lily had no qualms what-so-ever about joining Katie in sitting on the carpet near the fireplace, even if the Prefects (and Hermione) eyed them disapprovingly. The carpet was quite comfortable, actually, with how thick and soft and red it was. If she didn't have a nice mattress waiting up above for her, she might have considered napping upon it sometime soon.

McGonagall looked very tired when she came to fetch all her kids, and that was a feeling that was clearly matched by Flitwick, based off the way he was leading the Ravenclaws down the wrong corridor as they all made their way downstairs. Only the timely intervention of the Head Boy saved their House, but they were now behind the Gryffindors. The Slytherins and Hufflepuffs were already in the Great Hall when they arrived, but that wasn't really a fair comparison, since both Houses were basically right next to the thing.

The hall was bigger than normal, Lily was pretty sure of that much. The tables were completely gone, and there was a series of long stages stretched across the length of the room, seven in total. Lily supposed those were the dueling platforms, although she had no idea if that was the actual term for it. Flitwick looked pretty excited to see them, at the least. So did Katie as a matter of fact, who was absolutely giddy.

"Merlin, I wonder what we'll be learning," Katie said as her feet danced in place. Lily couldn't help but smile at it; the enthusiasm was contagious.

"I just hope somebody else is picking," Lily said with a gesture towards Lockhart, "or we won't be learning anything."

"You're no fun," Katie said with a pout.

"If I may have your attention, ladies and gentlemen," Lockhart began with a broad smile. He gestured to Professor Snape standing at his side. He looked just as tired as the other professors (sans Lockhart, who looked well rested), but also oddly excited.

"Professor Snape has agreed to a small demonstration before we begin," Lockhart continued. "Don't worry, you'll still have your Potions Master after I'm done with him."

"I hope Snape kills the prat," Lily muttered as the two professors bowed to each other. They were (or, at least, Lockhart was) saying something, as well, but Lily couldn't catch it from where she was standing,

"Lily!" Hermione said harshly.

"Joking, Hermione," Lily said. "Although, I could settle for a maiming."

She heard Ron snort nearby, which made her feel a bit pleased.

"Expelliarmus!" Snape shouted. Lockhart's short wand flew from his fingertips, and Snape snatched it from the air with his long, greasy fingers, his beady eyes scanning the disapproving crowd as if he dared them to give their jeers. Lily, for one, clapped loudly, which only seemed to confuse the man.

"I suppose you'll have to settle for a bit of embarrassment," Ron said from behind as Lockhart bowed awkwardly to the students around him. Lily noticed Snape did not hand him back his wand before leaving the stage.

"Better than nothing," Lily said with a satisfied smile.

"Now," Lockhart said loudly, "we've divided up seven stages for the seven years, starting with the first years on the left wall and the seventh on the right. Each year will have a Professor to assign dueling partners, as well as instruct on age-appropriate spells. I will be taking the second years myself, so feel free to ask any questions!"

"Wonder why he chose us?" Lily said with a sigh. She gave a quick hug to Katie before the older girl walked off, then strode over to where the other second years were standing. She went ahead and climbed up on the stage, since she already knew what was coming. Best to get it over with. At least she'd be getting plenty of practice, she supposed. She highly doubted Lockhart would ever let her off the stage.

"Now," Lockhart said as he addressed the second years around him. He squinted his eyes together as he searched the crowd. "Where's Lily?"

"Already up here, Professor," Lily said politely.

"Ah, there you are!" Lockhart let out a chuckle as he wagged her finger at her. "Wanted to get a head start on your peers, eh? Well that's all good, Lily, all good. Just don't go thinking you're that much better than everyone, they don't tend to like that, believe you me."

"I'll keep that in mind," Lily said as she eyed a nearby group of Ravenclaws. Even Padma Patil looked upset at the comment. She didn't at all dare to look at the Slytherins; some were still on her side, but none of the second years ever were, not since she refused to eat Parkinson's cake. How was she supposed to know that it was strawberry and not poison?

"Now, who wants to give it a shot, first?" Lockhart asked loudly. "We'll play a King of the Hill match. Whoever is the last remaining on stage after our time is up will be the winner!"

"What's the prize?" Malfoy asked snidely.

"A full collection of my works, signed by yours truly, of course," Lockhart said with a bright smile. "Now, who wants to give it a go, hmm?"

Lily wondered if it'd be in her best interest to take a fall so she wouldn't have to be up here long. That idea left her very quickly once nobody decided to volunteer. A few students even avoided her gaze. Now it felt personal.

"Well, then, Lily, I suppose we'll let you pick your opponent, then, since there's no volunteers," Lockhart said.

"Parkinson," Lily barked out. She wanted to get some fun in before she got too tired to continue. She knew her limits; there was no way she'd make it to the end.

"No," Parkinson replied sharply with a look of indignation.

"What's wrong, Parkinson?" Ron jeered. "You a Pansy?"

"Say that again, Weasley, I dare you," Pansy said coldly. Lily thought that if looks could kill, Ron would be on the floor right now. The Slytherin had pride, though, since she was now climbing onto the stage, giving Lily an even worse look. "Let's get this over with, Heiry."

"Fine with me," Lily said as she bowed low, wondering how long it took the snakes to come up with that one.

"Ah, good, you know the etiquette already!" Lockhart said. "Now, you, too, Pansy, then just- there you go, a few paces now- alright, now, at your ready! Remember, aim only to disarm!"

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Lily thought. She'd done plenty of dueling practice with Flitwick and Penelope, and she supposed it only made sense for the eldest of a Pureblood family to know the rules, even if Pansy's stance was a bit shaky. Lily decided to let her take the first move.

"Aqua Eructo!" Pansy shouted as a jet of water erupted from her wand. Lily had to admit, she didn't see it coming, but it clearly wasn't a spell Pansy was used to, as the stream ended very quickly. Lily didn't even have to move to avoid it.

"Cantis," Lily countered with a quick swish of her wand.

"Immobolus," Pansy sang. Lily prepared to cast a shield, but the other girl's spell never came. She took that as her chance to sneak something new in, as Pansy started singing the first line of the school song.

"Anteoculatia," Lily said with a smile. Pansy's hands shot up to the sides of her head (while she was still singing, bless her). It was, unfortunately, no use, as her hands couldn't hold back the antlers that were now growing from her skull. They didn't grow very far, unfortunately; that was Lily's first time using the spell, and she didn't know quite how much power to put into it. It was enough to make Pansy run off the stage in near tears, though. Lily almost felt bad about the way that Gryffindor and Hufflepuff were laughing at her, but Pansy was a monster.

"You'll pay for that, Potter," Malfoy called from the crowd. He attempted to climb on the stage, and Lily was ready for it, but Lockhart placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Now, now, Draco, you'll get your turn," he said with a smile. "Let's cycle each House, at least. Pick somebody from Ravenclaw, Lily! I'd like to see my old House succeed."

Lily only knew one of the Ravenclaws by name, unfortunately for Padma. Lily took it easy on her, at least. She clearly didn't want to up there at all, so she just disarmed her in one quick move so she could move on. She still looked upset at that, too, so Lily clearly wasn't doing herself any favours up here. Ravenclaw looked almost mutinous. Even Parvati looked a bit upset about the turn of events, which meant Lavender was also upset with Lily. Lily gave her a smile, though, and Lavender couldn't hide her own.

Lily didn't know the Hufflepuff boy who stood up next, although she was certain that he was in their Herbology class. The Hufflepuffs kept cheering for "Justin," which got the Gryffindors cheering, in turn, for "Lily." Lily glanced over to the third years, giving a quick wave to Katie, who was watching her matches instead of paying attention to the two third years in front of her.

"Expelliarmus!" Justin shouted, knocking Lily out of her daze. She had to scramble to block it with a quick Protego, which earned a few gasps from those around her; it wasn't a spell that a second year would normally know. It was certainly enough for Justin to leave himself open, as his spell rebounded into a random direction. Lily was pretty sure it hit one of the first year combatants on the stage over.

"Circumrota," Lily whispered so as not to give it away. Justin spun on the spot, turning his back towards her, lost his balance, and dropped his wand. Lily didn't expect that result, to be honest. She'd been ready to disarm him. Still, though, a win was a win, and now Hermione was eagerly climbing the stage to join her. Ron seemed disappointed about that, but he'd get his turn. That thought even gave her an idea, assuming she was still up here to face him.

Hermione, at least, gave it a decent effort. She had a lot of book knowledge, but practical exercises were always where she was weakest, since she could never make up her mind on what spell to go for. Lily accidentally knocked her over with a simple Knockback Jinx, but she at least held onto her wand long enough for Lily to disarm her. She didn't even seem upset about it. As a matter of fact, she seemed excited to be defeated so soundly. Lily wished there was enough time in between rounds to have a chat. She wanted to give the other girl some pointers. She made a mental note to save them for later.

Malfoy tried to climb up next again, but Millicent Bulstrode got there first. Lily ended that duel as quickly as she could, since Bulstrode ran right for her, as if she was going to use fisticuffs over spellwork. It was almost a close one; Lily would never be able to break out of a hold by the much larger girl.

The next Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs Lily didn't know at all, but they went down all the same. With how quickly she was prevailing, she was starting to wonder if she'd make it to the end, after all. Her hands were starting to sweat from the nerves, and she took a chance to wipe them on her robes. She didn't want to go dropping the thing. That'd be a loss by default.

Ron got his turn next after Parvati held off Lavender. He seemed a bit nervous about it, and Lily briefly considered going easy on him. She had something to show off, instead.

"You go first," Ron said after they bowed.

"Can't," Lily said. "You have to go first, or I can't show you the thing."

"The thing?"

"You know," Lily reiterated. "The thing."

Ron stared blankly at her for a moment, right before his face broke into a smile.

"What spell should I use?"

"Anything, just pick one," Lily said impatiently. Flitwick was currently occupied instructing the first years at the stage next door, and she didn't want him to notice that she was breaking the one rule he'd given her.

"Tantellegra," Ron cast.

"Reddimitto," Lily countered, flicking her wand upwards just as it met the clear wave Ron sent out from his own. There was a brief distortion in the air as it made its way back to Ron. Then the boy started dancing in place, unable to stop his own feet from moving to a silent groove.

"Wicked," Ron said shakily as his wild dance continued. He didn't even seem to notice the other kids laughing at him.

"Lost your marbles there, Weasley?" Malfoy called out.

"Why don't you get up here, Malfoy?" Lily asked. "I'll do the same to you."

"Now, now, Lily," Lockhart said, "You have yet to disarm your current-"

"Expelliarmus," Lily said. Ron's wand went flying, clattering off somewhere near the edge of the Great Hall. Lily wasn't even sure if her spell had done it, or if Ron had accidentally tossed it during his motions. He waltzed off to go find it, Malfoy slowly taking his place on the stage. He didn't seem anywhere near as confident now that he was up here, facing Lily himself.

"Scared, Malfoy?" Lily asked as they bowed.

"You wish, Heiry," Malfoy said snidely. Lily glanced up at him sharply, but the boy was already turning away.

I hate that name, Lily decided as she began to take her steps.

"Rictusempra!" Malfoy shouted before Lily even started to turn. She doubled over as the air left her lungs in a great, loud laugh, turning to face the blonde Slytherin as she wiped tears from her eyes. He shouted another spell at her, but she couldn't hear him over the sound of her own laughter.

"P-Protego," she managed to choke out. The Shield Charm was far weaker than she would have liked, but whatever Malfoy sent at her, it was enough to block. Still, though, she couldn't get enough air in her chest to launch a counterattack.

Malfoy sent another two spells at her, one she moved out of the way for, and the other she failed to reflect. That one turned out to be an Itching Hex (Scabigo, quick thrust downwards with the wand). She transferred her wand from her right hand to her left, giving the now freehand a brief scratch with the Vinewood.

"Tarant- tallegra," Lily said, a chuckle interrupting her incantation. Malfoy's feet briefly tapped in place, but he smirked at her as he regained control.

"Serpensortia," he shouted, pointing his wand high into the air. Lily had no idea what that spell did, but she found out quickly enough, as a great, fat, long, black serpent flew from the tip, landing with a thud on the stage between them. There were a couple of shouts of surprise from the audience, and even a few screams that Lily thought were way too overdramatic.

"R-really, Malfoy?" Lily chuckled. "A s-snake?"

"What's the matter, Heiry?" Malfoy called back. "Scared?"

Lily lifted her in wand into the air, just as Malfoy had done, and cleared her throat loudly as she forced a last laugh back down into her chest.

"Serpensortia!"

Another snake materialized in the air in front of Lily, flying to meet Malfoy's in the area between them. There were a few more screams, and this time, Lily had to agree with them just a bit.

"Mine's bigger, Malfoy," Lily said with a more genuine chuckle. It was a great boa constrictor (or, at least, Lily assumed so based off of pictures she'd seen back in Muggle schooling), and it was easily twice the size of Malfoy's. Malfoy certainly didn't seem happy about this turn of events, as her snake was now crushing his with its massive girth.

"Very funny, Potter," Malfoy said with a disgusted sneer (her snake was now in the process of swallowing his). "I'll just let you deal with it, then."

Lily glanced at the snake, which was done consuming its prey. She noticed how silent the rest of the Great Hall was, now that all eyes were on the second year stage. She supposed it must have been very strange for not just one, but two, snakes to be conjured during a duel. Snape looked positively delighted at this opportunity to reprimand her, as he was strolling over, wand outstretched in his hand, in practical glee.

"Don't worry, Potter," he said as he neared their stage. "I'll get rid of it for you."

Lily's serpent reared up as it approached the edge of the stage. It was staring directly into the eyes of a Hufflepuff boy, the same one she'd just dueled with moments before. Justin's face grew pale, his eyes wide as they flickered between the snake and Lily, his hand reaching for the arm of a nearby companion.

"Stop!" Lily yelled out as she raised her wand. "Don't touch him!"

"POTTER!" A gruff voice yelled out from nearby. Lily turned as she heard the clunking of Mad-Eye's false leg drumming up the stairs. She turned back to face the snake, to make sure Justin was okay, but he was now only looking at her with an expression of fear and disgust.

"What are you playing at?" he asked loudly.

The rest of the crowd was dead silent, Lily finally noticed, with all eyes on her, including the snake's, which had its head tilted curiously, as if it was a dog awaiting another command from its master. Malfoy was staring at her with his mouth hanging open in complete bewilderment. Snape was stuck midstride, one leg raised as he was climbing the stage. He looked horrified. Lily glanced around for a friendlier face, but Ron and Hermione looked just as terrified as the rest of the crowd. Lily glanced over towards the third years, towards Katie, but she had her mouth covered with a hand from shock.

Mad-Eye clamped a hand on Lily's shoulder, his other waving his wand towards Lily's serpent, which promptly vanished with a hiss. He shoved Lily forward, towards the Entrance Hall, pushing her past all of the scared looking students. The only ones who didn't seem scared were the Slytherins. Some of those were looking at her in awe.

"Professor," Lily finally managed to say as they made their way up the stairs," I was just- I was trying to-"

"Not another word, Potter," Mad-Eye growled. "Not until we get to Dumbledore."

"But-"

"Not another word, Potter," he repeated firmly. Lily could feel tears coming to her eyes. She didn't know what she did to earn this reaction, but she was certain that she was about to be expelled and, if Ron's reaction was anything to go by, she wouldn't be allowed to stay at the Burrow afterwards. The thought of going back to the Dursleys filled her heart with dread.

Mad-Eye led her up to the seventh floor, his magical eye flickering around cautiously as they made their path, never once stopping as it scanned their surroundings. Lily kept her silence, just as she was commanded. She needed the time to think about how she'd convince Dumbledore not to send her away. She still had no idea what she'd even done, no matter how hard she thought about it. Lily didn't even notice Mad-Eye speak the password to Dumbledore's office, nor did she notice him lead her up the spiral staircase. It was only when she heard Dumbledore's soft voice speak from beyond the door in front of them that she realized she was out of time.

"Enter," he said. Mad-Eye pushed the door open, then forced Lily through first. Lily stopped in the center of the room staring at her feet, while Mad-Eye stood directly behind her. She thought she could hear his eye spinning in the socket, still searching for something.

"Good morning, Lily," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? Didn't get in trouble again, did you?"

"No, Professor," Lily mumbled. "I- I don't know why I'm up here."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Lily, I don't know if you'd believe the number of times I have been told that by a student who knew precisely what they did."

"She's right this time, Headmaster," Mad-Eye growled. Lily looked up just in time to see the Headmaster make the briefest look of surprise she'd ever seen.

"What do you mean, Alastor?" he asked calmly as he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

Mad-Eye cracked a smile, which really only unnerved Lily even more.

"She's a Parselmouth, Albus," he said. "Just talked to a Boa in front of the entire school."
"Did she now?" Dumbledore asked with the same calm inflection. The only thing that betrayed his excitement was that he, ever so subtly, leaned forward as he spoke.

"She did," Mad-Eye confirmed.

"I'm a what?" Lily finally found the voice to say.

"A Parselmouth, Lily," Dumbledore said quickly, "is a witch or wizard who has the uncanny ability to speak with snakes. It would, it seems, appear that you are one yourself, even if you do not realize it."

"How- how can I speak a language without- without knowing that I speak it, Professor?"

"It doesn't matter right now, Potter," Mad-Eye said rudely. "All that matters is that you are one, and it tells us everything we need to know about the attacks."

"It does?" Lily asked in surprise.

"It does," Dumbledore said happily.

"It's a basilisk, Albus," Mad-Eye said excitedly. "Just like I thought. Potter's been hearing it in the walls."