A/N: I'm in the process of writing future chapters, but due to silly family drama I'm probably going to be a bit behind on uploading them. By the next couple of chapters the bond between my favorite couple will be strengthened as well as between others but you won't see any true development until Lily and her friends are in 4th year. I do promise that that chapters will be good, or I think they will be; I just hope you like them enough to keep it going. I can't promise when they'll be up but as long as I get encouragement from you and feedback it will keep me motivated. I just came back from Disneyland and seeing the love I've been slowly getting has me bringing you chapter 4. Hope you like :) r/r and please give me feedback. I love advice and encouragement. I'm human. Duh.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of the Harry Potter series. Siriusly, do I have to put this disclaimer all the time!
Friends and Family and Silly Slytherins
The following months would prove that his fears were unfounded. It became known that after an altercation between Lily and Priscilla Goyle, Lily had inherited her mother's Bat-Bogey Hex and made sure Priscilla was uglier than before. She was witty and answered all of Priscilla and her friends bitter attempts at insults with an air of superiority which they all hated. She beat them where it mattered: popularity and academics.
After giving Priscilla's best friend Victoria Warrington a box of chocolates which were indeed Puking Pastilles from her uncle's shop, Lily was sent to see the Headmistress for detention. There she encountered the portraits of Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape, former headmasters of Hogwarts, and Albus' namesake. Although he had grudging admiration for the young Potter boy despite resembling his father, Severus Snape was enchanted of Lily, and the words enchantment and Snape were never used in the same sentence ever until DUmbledore admirably put it. But to Snape, she was the replica of Lily Evans Potter, his former best friend and true love. Despite the color of the eyes being different, the portrait found itself determined to help Lily in whatever she needed; when he discovered she was a proud Slytherin, Snape was beyond pleased. She was thrilled to know someone that knew her grandmother and was proud beyond measure that she resembled her not only in looks.
For Lily began to grow a love for Potions which came naturally to her. Horace Slughorn practically wept when he met her for the first time and she began to understand why her father was always embarrassed to be compared to his parents. Along with Penelope, she also excelled in Charms, Transfiguration, and Defence Against the Dark Arts, while Lucy was content with these subjects but she was anxious for Care of Magical Creatures which she will attend in her third year. She couldn't wait to work with hippogriffs and unicorns. They all hated Professor Binns despite their love for History of Magic and Herbology, despite Professor Longbottom's sunny disposition and curious side anecdotes, was not a favourite.
The older Slytherins couldn't help but admire how cunning the Potter girl was and how much the Weasley girl was nothing like her sister nor her other relations. Azura Montegue, a quiet but strong-willed 6th year who was also a prefect, began to see great potential in the young girls and took them under her wing. She would literally give death glares to anyone who even thought of crossing the fearsome threesome (as Hugo lovingly referred to them as); when Priscilla Goyle tried to hex in her in the halls a few weeks after their altercation Azura gave her and her friends detention for cowardly acts unbecoming of a Slytherin. When Arabella Pucey muttered the word blood traitors behind Azura's back, she nonverbally cast the Tongue-Tying spell with such efficiency that only the professors had to undo the spell. Knowing that her specialty was nonverbal spells, Professor McGonagall immediately knew it was Azura who cast the spell and sent for her. When asked by McGonagall why she had cast it, Azrua calmy replied that she was insulted being called a blood traitor by her own House mate after a justified detention was issued to her.
"Honestly, Professor, what was I supposed to do? She has no respect for a prefect as myself and since detention obviously didn't teach her a lesson what was left for me to do? Yes, I could have called for a professor but I was deeply hurt by such vile profanities and slurs. I come from a long line of family members who let pride dictate their actions. I cannot apologize for defending myself from such cruel slander." McGonagall was deeply impressed; the girl reminded her of her deceased friend and fellow Order member Alastor Moody and she was trying to maintain the stir that Lily Potter and Lucy Weasley unwittingly caused. She slightly reprimanded the girl but turned her full force of anger towards Miss Pucey, who happened to be the younger sister of Azura's boyfriend.
Word spread of what Arabella had said to Azura Montague; many of the young Slytherin girls aspired to be her while most of the Slytherin boys adored her and were appalled by such behaviour. Lily was touched, since she never had a big sister before. Victoire was the only one cousin she saw as a big sister therefore she was beyond grateful that Azura had taken it upon herself to look out for her and didn't care that she was a Potter. Ever since being sorted into Slytherin however, Lucy was being ignored by her big sister and it hurt. Molly was ashamed to have a sister in Slytherin who above else proud to being there. Lucy was always sobbing in the common room after hours in Lily's arms of the sadness its causing and Azura was always there to listen. It was her custom after Azura had walked in one night after prefect duty and silently watched the cousins console each other in the early weeks of the school year: Lucy of her sister's treatment of her and Lily's worry on her parents.
Lily's worries were for nothing since Harry Potter was happy that his daughter was happy with her placement and knew his daughter would be the pride of her House. Lucy's sadness increased throughout the year but with Lily's love, Penelope's devout friendship, and Azura's affections manage to assuage her pain. As Lily pointed out to her their first night at Hogwarts, Lucy belonged in Slytherin with her and Penelope. Deep down she was an ambitious girl who knew how to talk her way out of anything, a gift taught to her by Lily. She liked being with her cousin and Penelope most of the time but her best friend was fellow Slytherin Diego Zabini, who at times would join the other girls to combat Priscilla and her friends, who was also his big sister MariaBella.
The House had become wary of her Priscilla and her friends but tolerated them because of MariaBella, who was universally well-liked. But the devotion was to Azura Montague, who was one of the most beautiful girls of her year, and her steady friendship with the fearsome threesome had the House mostly ignoring the presence of Priscilla, Arabella, and Victoria. Lily befriended Azura's boyfriend Adrian Pucey Jr., who taught her some valuable lessons of Quidditch and showed her some tricks on the broom to help her get on the House team for her 2nd term.
Lily was happy with her House. She wore her uniform with pride and manage to always incorporate green and silver in her regular clothing, but Penelope and Scorpius' demandrf she wear blue since it brings out her hair and eyes more to which she acquiesced. Lily began to see in Scorpius a best friend to which she can count on and in turn Scorpius was becoming friendlier with his cousins, finding himself surprised that they are actually nice girls. Despite the pranks they would pull on them occasionally, he and Albus found themselves protective of them along with Lily.
The girls began to befriend others from various houses; Lily and Penelope became close with Georgiana Longbottom who was in Hufflepuff while Paulina and Lyla were close with Lucy, Diego, and another first year from Ravenclaw, Amira Davies. By the end of the school year, these group of friends were inseparable and meant the world to each other; but one couldn't deny the kinship between Penelope Nott and Lily Potter and Paulina found herself a best friend in Albus as well, despite her crush on him as well a confidante in Lyla Thomas.
Throughout the year Lily was breaking away from the shadows of being Harry Potter's only daughter, Scorpius and Albus were making their own history. Eliza Wood, captain of the Gryffindor team found a pair superb Beaters in the best friends. From what her father, Oliver Wood, told her the two of them reminded him of the immense talent that the Weasley twins had when they were his beaters at his time at Hogwarts. It seemed odd to some that Albus chose to be a Beater rather than a Seeker like his father, but just like his sister, appearances were deceiving. His thin frame showed no mercy to anyone in his path and with Scorpius at his side they were practically unstoppable. Lily would cheer for them whenever they didn't play Slytherin and James found it a sore spot that his baby sister was just as loyal to her House just like she was to her family. James being a superb Keeper and Louis, Eliza, and Jack Thomas as Chasers, the Gryffindor team obliterated any opposition for the Quidditch finals. Whenever Albus and Scorpius walked down the halls, they were always congratulated and praised. As the year came to a close, things began to slightly change.
Slytherin house, having the youngest Potter and a Weasley who gave them pride they haven't had in so many decades, stopped taunting Scorpius. There were still some jabs but they weren't as hurtful before. They were too busy boasting about Lily Potter, Penelope Nott, and Lucy Weasley, and how valuable they became to all of them. Priscilla, MariaBella, Victoria, and Arabella tried to battle Lily, Penelope, and Lucy but the first year trio always won. Even when they didn't win, the rest of the elder Slytherins, not forgetting their attitude towards Azura, would give the antagonistic girls the cold shoulder and mock them when they would mess up in Potions and in D.A.D.A. which were their worst subjects, while Lily and Penelope flourished. Lucy had begun to like Transfiguration more as the year progressed; it kept her busy until it was time to deal with dragons and other magical beasts. Paulina, who was the best at Transfiguration, always argued with Lucy on who was the better. Albus was proud of his little sister and Scorpius was pleased to have a decent relationship with his twin cousins. James had begun to admire his baby sister, and made sure to let the school now that should anyone hurt her, they would pay.
Their first year at Hogwarts came to a close and it was truly a memorable one for the girls; they couldn't wait until they came back despite anxious to spend the summer with their families since they all stayed during the other breaks. As Lily began to pack up her belongings, she reread her correspondence with her parents. They were shocked along with the rest of the family she was sorted into Slytherin, but as her uncle George pointed out, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. He always knew she was a mischievous one and knew how to play her role of victim to perfection and that's why she was his Lilykins. Eventually the shock wore off and as reports of her studies and the occasional detention notices came to them, they were immediately proud of their daughter. She smiled as she read her father's confession that he was close to being sorted there too but at the time he had heard such bad things about it, he was terrified on going. In the end he did prove he belonged more in Gryffindor and he knew that Lily, being her sneaky self, indeed belonged there. He had written that he was happy that his daughter had a best friend but friends outside the realm of the House and she was unknowingly closing the gap that had existed so many years at Hogwarts between the houses. She then reread Draco Malfoy's letter, which she was surprised to have received but was happy to see it also contained a few lines from Astoria,
Dearest Lily,
Two years ago I was beyond stunned when I learned my son was sorted into Gryffindor, but I soon realized he belonged there. Trust me when I say when I heard of your placement from my giddy wife, shut up Draco. Hello Lily! Stori, stop it. Its my turn for the present time. Yes, darling. Oi. Moving along, your placement, Lily, was by far the most shocking and bizarre occurrence from that blasted hat. Needless to say, you are full of surprises. My own mother was pleased and even cracked a joke at your father's expense. Which, by the way, he loved and shared it everyone else, who oddly enough didn't find it so funny. But Lily, I have heard from Scorpius you are bringing such life to my former House and I thank you for that. It is truly amazing on what that Sorting Hat knows and its beyond smart for anyone's good. Lily! Oh darling congratulations! I hear you are the best Potions student to have graced Hogwarts since Professor Snape and your grandmother herself! My sister and I cannot wait to have you and Penelope over during the summer. My sister was beyond shocked when she heard of Paulina and yourself but the shock now has subsided to indifference and excitement. I personally miss having girls around the house and with you and the twins over, it would bring me such joy. Your friendships with my nieces give me such happiness and from what Penelope writes, Daphne can't wait to meet you as well. What about Theodore? Who cares? Lily might. I doubt it, Draco. Now stop interrupting. Don't worry of Mr. Nott, dearest Lily. Run Lily and take Penelope and Paulina with you. Draco Malfoy! Enough! If she's a true Slytherin she won't be afraid. Draco, stop it. Now. Lily I send you well wishes and hope to you seen soon. Its time for me to slither out. Stupid git. I am so sorry for that, darling. He's run away now. But he can't hide forever. I've already asked your mum to spare you for a week to spend here at Malfoy Manor with Albus so just owl me whenever you decide on coming and I shall make sure Penelope and Paulina are here. Bring Lucy along too. Sincerely Astoria.
Lily couldn't stop laughing at this letter; it was her favourite. She knew that if the public were to ever read this they would no longer doubt how truly good the Malfoys were. But of course, the world can't be perfect. Her own brother couldn't let go of the notion that Sorting Hat made a mistake and mismatched two of its students. Lily would always laugh but once she glared at James he would busy himself with talking of Quidditch. But he still taunted Scorpius and with great forbearance he would give as much as he got, which didn't help James' cause since Lily was quick to defend him as well as Albus. James always cursed the day Albus and Scorpius and Rose became friends and his baby sister became a Slytherin. She heard Penelope hollering for her and she knew it was time speed up the process. She waved her wand with a definite flourish and said,
"Locomotor trunk!" And within a few seconds all her things were nicely packed away in her trunks. Penelope came bounding in and glared daggers at Lily,
"You told me you didn't know that charm!" Lily smirked and retorted,
"I lied."
"Then I have to kill you." Penelope threatened and Lily guffawed. Just as Penelope raised her wand she yelled,
"Expelliarmis!" Her wand flew into Lily's hand easily and Penelope scowled.
"That was cheating. Your father only made that move a trademark; of course you know it well. Brat." Penelope muttered before linking her arm with Lily's.
They each skipped to the Great Hall for breakfast. Today no one cared of Houses, at least among the friends. At the Gryffindor table everyone was seated: James, Eliza, Louis, Fred, Rose, Albus, Scorpius, Paulina, Amira, Georgie, Lyla, Lucy, and Diego. Lily noticed that Molly was at the Ravenclaw table and Lucy looked frustrated. She sighed as she figured the sisters fought again. Molly was convinced that Lucy convinced the hat to place her in Slytherin instead of Ravenclaw.
From what Lucy told Lily the hat had struggled where to place her because she was smart but also ambitious like her father. She had told Molly this but she refused to believe it. She knew her Uncle Percy was an ambitious man and that was a trait passed to Lucy; she like Lily was tired of everyone expecting her to be someone she wasn't yet or at all. Her parents were also shocked she was in Slytherin but as they realized she was one of the smart students and started up tutoring sessions for all, they eventually moved on from the shock, much like everyone else had. Rose was shooting daggers at Molly's back and from the stiffening from the latter's posture, she knew she was in for a battle with not only Rose but Victoire.
Lily always felt a kinship with Victoire; she was the fun loving cousin, an almost big sister that she never got to have, who was fiercely loyal to those she loved but also just. She had written to her sometime after their Christmas break of how Molly had been treating Lucy and wanted advice. Victoire didn't appreciate the fact Molly was shunning her younger sister. Lily learned that her uncle Percy had defected from the family many years ago just before the beginning of the Wizarding War which lasted until the Great Battle of Hogwarts. Victoire urged her to bring up that fact at the next family gathering and she would back Lily and Lucy 100%. Lily told her she would think about it before acting on it, but deep down she was conspiring a plan. She had told Rose of what she learned and Rose was angrier than before. She caught Rose's eye and seeing the pleading in Lily's eyes made her stop glaring, but kept shooting death glares at Molly. She muttered so only Lily could hear,
"I'm so happy she didn't get Head Girl." Lily chuckled softly and Rose lightened up again and forgot about the matter for the present moment. As Lily sat down Scorpius offered her toast. Smiling at him she took the toast and realized it was already lightly buttered, like she always liked it. Her smile grew wider as she looked at him,
"Thank, Scor! You know me so well. I love it." She began to chew it while she scooped some eggs and bacon, missing the knowing look the twins shared. Scorpius also missed it; he was preoccupied on how much Lily's smile affected him. He was shaken from his thoughts when Lily began to laugh and she spoke to him again,
"I forgot to share with you the letter your father sent me awhile ago. Remember I told you of it?" She asked and he nodded with a big smile. His grey eyes twinkled and said,
"You promised me I could read it, Lils. You Slytherins are always so dodgy."
Albus laughed while Lily glared at him in annoyance. She took a piece of the toast he had given her and threw it square in his face. Penelope and Paulina sniggered while everyone else began to scatter in fear of a food fight. Scorpius picked up a piece of his muffin and threw it back which had Lily laughing along with the twins and her brother. Rose begged for some manners and peace of mind while she ate her own breakfast and the rest of the friends ate and chatted before it was time to leave. Lily stood up and showed Scorpius the parchment of the letter his parents wrote. He made to take it but Lily snatched it back and taunted him,
"Typical Gryffindor beater: all brawn no brain!" And she ran off with Scorpius in fast pursuit. Albus roared with laughter while the twins shared a look that had them each giggling. Soon it was announced the carriages were ready to take them to the station and the remaining students made their way out of the Great Hall. Louis and James grabbed the leftover pieces of bacon while Hugo drank his pumpkin juice in one go. Rose and Amira looked disgusted while Albus shook his head and began to talk with Frank and Nigel about their classes and how they did. Just when they arrived they saw Lily taunting Scorpius with the letter and he was torn between annoyance and amusement. Albus hollered for his sister and best mate; Lily finally gave up the letter while she ran to meet up with Penelope, who was further along than Paulina. Scorpius jogged up to Albus and muttered,
"I am wishing right now Lily was in Gryffindor; the girl can run fast. I am scared on what she can do on a broom." Albus shook his head and replied,
"Even if she does make the team next term should she try out, we still have a superior team. Besides, I doubt she is that good on a broom." Paulina, who had been walking in front of the boys, whirled around and faced Albus with a look of anger in her eyes,
"You're going to regret that statement, Potter. You and James and your cousins don't give her the credit she deserves. I can't wait to root for her when she does play for Slytherin."
Paulina huffed off leaving the two boys gaping in equal shock for different reasons; Scorpius knew she was right and had to make sure the team was prepared when Lily does make the team. Albus was shocked that Paulina could actually be scary. The sweet demure girl had the quiet temper of a snake; he could see why she could have been a Slytherin had she had heart in it. It left him feeling unbalanced and light-headed. Scorpius saw his friend's expression at Paulina while she joined her twin and Lily and had to stifle a laugh.
"Come along, Potter. We have a summer to get our game perfect."