February 24, 1974

Lily was confused.

No, confused wasn't the word she wanted.

Angry? No, not quite. Irritated? Closer, but no.

Jealous? Definitely not.

Hurt? There it is.

Lily could pinpoint why she was hurt right away.

Although, of course, she'd never admit it.

Potter and his friends were stealing Raina away from her.

She wasn't normally someone who'd get upset over something like that, but it was different with Raina.

Sure, she had a lot of great friends. Marlene, Dorcas, Alice, Severus - just to name a few.

But Raina was...different.

Raina was the first person she connected with at Hogwarts. If she was asked, Lily would say that Raina is her best best without hesitation.

Raina had been acting weird lately. She always chose to sit with Potter and Black at meals and in classes.

However, she would ask Lily to sit on her other side.

"Hey, Lily!", Raina called to her one day, as they were walking to Potions.

Lily sped up and walked with Marlene. Raina caught up to her.

"Can I sit with you today?"

Lily was quiet. As Marlene entered the classroom, Raina grabbed Lily's arm.

"What's wrong?", she asked.

Lily shook her head.

"Lily, please, talk to me. You've been really distant lately. I need my best friend back."

"Then maybe you should sit with Potter, Black, and Pettigrew."

Raina looked genuinely confused.

"What? Lily, just because I've been hanging out with them more doesn't mean I don't like you anymore.

"I miss you, I really do", Raina continued. "Do you want hang out in Hogsmeade this weekend?"

Lily smiled. "Sure. Sorry about that, I - I just miss you."

Raina smiled as well and linked her arm with Lily's.

"I missed you, too."

Kind of sappy, I know, but I wanted Lily to be in this a little more. Thanks for reading!