Chapter 2

Lily was heading to the common room through the darkness. She glanced at her watch and find out that it was after 9 pm. If Filtch catches her this late out of bed she will be in a big trouble, but she was in so great mood after finally doing her essay that she didn't make big head from it. Deep in her thoughts she realized at the last moment that she heared silent footsteps. Without thinking she pressed herself against the cold stone wall to the shadow. Suddenly old caretaker in shabby robes was walking heavily towards her. He stopped just few foots from Lily. She held her breath. He must have heared me she thought in whisper, because she was shore he would hear it even if it was in her head. Filch sniffed around like a cat. He was slowly looking around with his bulping, lamp-like eyes. Lily's heart missed a beat. Then Filch moved forward leaving girl with ginger hair breathing heavily still in shock. She refused to move for several minutes. Sorting hat placed you to gryffindor you coward she told herself she closed her eyes and took a deep breath for the last time. Lily looked around and walked swiftly on her tiptoes to the seventh floor.

"Fizzy pop," Lily said impatiently to fat lady when she reached her portrait.

Fat lady yawned and opened the entrance not even looking at the person who arrived.

Lily shut the door behind her and looked around the common room. Clara was sitting by the fire hands in her lap. She looked worried. When she realized that Lily was there she jumped from her seat.

"Where have you been?" she nearly screamed,"I thought something bad happened to you or that Filch caught you."

She hugged her tightely.

"I was doing the potion essay in...," Lily bit her lip,"in the library."

"You made it?" asked Clara excitedly pulling away from her.

"Yep," smiled Lily.

"I told you it's not that bad," smiled Clara.

Lily smiled back, guilt burdening her heart.

"Let's go to bed," yawned blue eyed witch and stretched her arms,"I'm really tired."

Lily followed her upstairs.

Later in the bed when all the other girls were sleeping Lily's eyes were still wide open, her mind was full of thoughts. Maybe because she have been sleeping whole evening, maybe because of the meeting with the mysterious portrait. Why didn't I tell Clara about it, about the professer who helped her so much with my work? I don't know the answer to my own question.She sighed loudly. I can tell Al or write an owl to James to Scotland. I'm sure they wouldn't tell anyone. She was just staring at dark ceiling above her for a while. No, they are too protective, they wouldn't like it, what if they would forbid me to go to him again. No, I can't let that happen. but who if not my own brothers .….…I will tell Clara right tomorrow! She is my bestfriend, she knows every secret I have, I share nearly everything with her... No I won't. I can't share THIS with her, what if she would want to go there too. It's my, I found the portrait, not them.

I won't tell. …..…to anyone.

It will be my little secret.

With this thoughts she finally fell asleep.

Next morning it was another beautiful day starting. Sun was shining and ceiling in the great hall was cloudless. Only owls were flying over tables looking for their owners to give them morning post. During breakfast both Clara and Lily behaved like nothing had happend. Brown hair girl was reading Intermediate Transfiguration by Harold Stephen flipping a few words with redhead everytime when she didn't like something she just read. Lily knew that she found 'the library story' trustworthy, so she it wasn't necessary to talk about it anymore.

"U know," said girl with messy brown hair her mouth full of cereals,"I don't think that transfiguration is that easy as he is writing here."

Lily murmured in agreement.

"Not all people can concentrate easily. You know what I mean." Clara said not looking up from the book.

Lily told nothing about it, but Clara obviously wasn't expecting answer because she continued to read.

They finished their food at 8:20 and slowly went to the dangeons. First this morning they had double potions with professor Slughorn.

"Good morning everyone," said Slughorn under his great moustach," today we are going to do anti-paralysis potion, but firstly I must ask you to put your essays on my table I'll have a look on them while you work."

Lily pulled out the parchment from her bag so softly like if it was holy item and put it on professor's desk.

She went back to her table and set on the fire. She pulled out the ingredients and started to work. Instructions were written on the black board. Half a cauldron of water, bring it to boil and add rat tails, wait for two minutes. Lily glanced at her watch and waited. Then stirr five times clockwise,...

Ten minutes befor the end of the class Slughorn spoke," Ok everyone, stop what you are doing and fill a vial with your potion and put it on my desk. Your works, I'm glad to say were really good. Yea your too, miss Potter." He said looking at her with wide smile.

Lily's heart jumped," thank you sir."

"Now, you will bring me essay abou using anti-paralysis potion on monday. you may leave." said Slughorn.

"No," frowned Clara," again? I don't want to read another fifty books to find how to use that potion."

"I know." said redhead with pretending sadness, but she knew who will help her.

Please review if you like it and I will post chapter 3 :)