Disclaimer: See the top of chapter 1 & 2. I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.
ATTENTION: TO ANYONE WHO'S INTERESTED, I AM LOOKING FOR A BETA READER FOR THIS STORY. PLEASE TELL ME IN A REVIEW OR E-MAIL IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO SO.
Warnings: AU. Mentions of sexual behavior. Teenage humor. Mature themes. Violence in later chapters. Some foul language. Romance. Creature violence.
Bloodlines: Heritage Year
Chapter 5&6: Coming Home
"It's so nice of your grandparents to give you those lovely clothes."
Whoever said beauty is in the eye of the beholder deserved a nice pat on the back. First of all, this dress smelled old and looked a far cry from lovely. It was the kind of old where you hold your nose and wonder if you'll ever breathe fresh air again. Speaking of breathing, the rag had obviously been created at a time where women learned not to. It felt like she was suffocating under a suit of armor. Emerald orbs narrowed. Boy, what she would give to hit it with a burning hex! Lily felt as though she were locked in a cage-not a dress.
"So much history!" gushed Mrs. Evans. "I think it once belonged to your great-grandmother!"
The redhead growled deep in her throat. "I think it smells like my great-grandmother…"
"But, she's dead."
"Exactly!"
Gloria Evans, with her platinum blonde hair and mint green orbs, possessed a rather appealing nymph-like beauty. She was one of those women for whom you prayed to stay pretty because they had nothing else going for them. At least, that's how Lily liked to think of it. She glanced at her forty-three year old mother reproachfully.
"Lily, you look charming. It looks like you stepped off a cameo pin!"
"You're talking about the kind of pin no one wears anymore, right?" inquired the redhead sarcastically. "We're in the seventies, mum."
Her brow furrowed. "Of course I know it's the seventies, dear. I see it enough on the streets. All those leather jackets, hair colors, and tattoos you youngsters are sporting these days…oh my goodness!" Mint green eyes widened with worry. "You haven't got a tattoo, have you?!"
"Mum-,"
"Is it horrendous? Where is it?"
Lily slapped away her mother's prying hands. "Mum, I don't have-,"
"Then you must have gotten a body-piercing! Open your mouth. Let me see."
"Mother! Can you please calm down for one second? I don't have a tongue ring! See!" Lily stuck out her un-ruptured pink tongue, holding it out for good measure. She'd actually gotten her belly-button secretly pierced just a few days before leaving for Paris. It was a very "hush hush" operation. A pang hit Lily's heart. Her dad would kill her when he found out about it-
If he ever came back.
"You're brooding again," admonished Mrs. Evans. "Do try not to look so dour, baby. You're going back to Hogwarts!"
Hogwarts. Her mother had been saying that lately as though the single word was the cure to everything. Lily's head sunk low. The thought of being at scary-looking Hogwarts Castle with its jumble of towers and turrets, supernatural lessons, talking suits of armor, talkative floating ghosts, and twisting corridors alongside moving staircases was indeed magical. But, nothing could cure the fact that Dmitri Evans, her father, had been missing for the past week and a half. Nothing could change the fact they were back in London as a group, not a family. Lily stayed up late every night, listening to her desperate mother's phone calls to the French and British authorities. Not a soul had seen head or tail of Doctor Evans.
Yet the most frustrating aspect to Lily was the fact that she was only one with a somewhat clue to his disappearance. And, she couldn't say a word about it! What muggle detective would believe a teenage "witch" had witnessed her dad's kidnapping without even getting out of bed?
A new shrill voice cut through her morbid thoughts. "Lily! You're doing it again."
"Sorry," replied the witch without thinking.
Pale grey orbs rolled in annoyance. "Don't be sorry. Just stop it."
"Please forgive me, Petty," sneered Lily "for having feelings."
"Humph. Freaks like you don't have feelings!"
Petunia Fiona Evans was whom Lily considered to be her older sister "in question". Petunia was a tall blonde, skinny string bean with a long giraffe-like neck. She was the nosiest gossip Lily knew and used that neck to the best advantage, craning it around to listen to what the neighbors were up to. Since the first Hogwarts letter, Petunia developed the worst aversion to magic. That's sisterhood for you. One moment you were both cute, cuddly and the best of friends…the next you were kicking each other in the throat.
"Leave your sister alone, Petty. What have we told you about using that word?"
"But mummy," whined the blonde. "I simply don't understand how she could be so ungrateful! I love the dress Nana gave me!"
Lily swiftly turned on a heel to face her sister. "Petunia, you look terrible in that frock and you know it. Stop kissing arse!"
Petunia was swirling around in an evening gown that made her body look like an underfed, ruffled bird. She got the better deal of the two. Lily sniffed. Her dress was from the shining sixties instead of World War II!
"Lily!" reprimanded Mrs. Evans. "Be nice to your-,"
"Can we go home now?"
An uncomfortable silence settled among the three women. Gloria shifted on the canopy bed the most. Somehow her parents had heard of Dmitri's disappearance and subsequently appeared at the door of their humble abode. Now Petunia, a reluctant Lily, and she were in Mayfair-an upper-class residential district in London.
"This is such a nice hotel. You have your own suite! I don't understand why you're in such a rush-,"
"What if dad comes home?"
Mrs. Evans paused. "…I left the number of the hotel on the refrigerator. If-,"
"When."
"When he comes back, he'll call us split-second. You know your father. Always on his toes…" The wife grinned distractedly, becoming lost in one of her love-induced daydreams. "I suppose you have to be when you're a great doctor like he is. I noticed you're wearing his ring darling."
She totally forgot about it. The ring was still glistening on her finger with blazing emeralds and sapphires around a gold band. Lily gazed into the crest of a dark, lunging wolf. The tiny emeralds it possessed for eyes matched hers-a startling coincidence.
Gloria sighed wistfully. "You always were attached to it. I remember one time you took it off your daddy's hand while he was sleeping. Blimey! I thought that man was going to die of worry. Nearly turned the house over looking for it…kept muttering about knights and tables…"
"Mummy," interrupted Petunia. "Can we hop off the love train?"
A rapid blush appeared across the platinum blonde's pretty features. Mrs. Evans apologized in earnest while avoiding her youngest daughter's eyes. Despite the difference in color, those green eyes held the same intensity as his.
"Petty, sweet pea, why don't you get ready for breakfast while I talk to your sister?"
The witch perked up in surprise. Petunia emitted a long growl. She hated missing the latest chitchat, even if she had no business listening to it. Why did her mum want to talk to a freak anyway? Alone? It couldn't be that important that she needed to leave! Gloria Evans settled her oldest child with a stern mint green glare.
"Fine! I see how it is!" hollered Petunia. "You and dad are so proud about having a-a-a-,"
"A witch?" Lily suggested innocently.
"One of those creaturesin the family! I guess I'm the only one besides Nana that sees her for what she truly is!"
Suddenly, Lily's green eyes crossed while allowing a dribble of drool to start down her chin. A long list of babble poured from her mouth. "Abracadabra! Hocus Pocus! Billywigs, frog tongues, and snail's toenails! Zeeka-zoo! Billy Bob's flu! Turn my wicked big sister into a-,"
"AAAAAHHHHH!"
Apparently, Petunia didn't have much else to say because she ran outside faster than a Golden Snidget on a sugar high. Lily snorted as she fell backwards onto the soft bed. She didn't even have her wand out when she was saying all that gibberish. Then, it would've been believable.
"You really shouldn't take the mickey out your sister like that," said Mrs. Evans gently. "She's just not used to-,"
"Whatever. If Petty's not used to magic by now, she never will be. Don't try to cover for her. What did you want to talk about?"
An oversize glossy envelope and two nicely-wrapped packages were thrust onto the witch's lap. She blinked slowly before staring up into her mother's eager face. Revelation dawned on Lily. Birthday presents! She'd been so preoccupied with her dad's…situation that the notion of receiving presents swept right on by. Trying not to look too excited, Lily opened the envelope first. It had an impressive weight to it, like a wedding announcement or something similar.
Dear Miss Evans,
You have officially been accepted into the Helgian Music Institute at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is a much esteemed program that has existed since the creation of the school. During seminar classes, you will be studying and exploring your personal talents in the performing arts of dance, drama, orchestra, and song. Being accepted into the Helgian Music Institute does not mean you are exempt from participating in your regular classes. It will be your responsibility to accommodate both schedules and maintain high standards grade-wise.
Please send your reply by August 28th. We expect-
"But, it's already September and I didn't send in a reply!" cried an alarmed Lily.
Mrs. Evans patted her daughter's knee. "Your daddy and I already did, baby. Do you remember that dodgy house-maid that spilt cleaner in your hair a few weeks ago? That was actually one of your professors in disguise! Quite a strange woman…fascinated with the microwave…but she was very excited about you!"
Her mouth was agape. "Why me? I didn't apply-,"
"Your daddy snuck tape-recorders in your room to record you singing on your guitar. He was the most excited out of any of us. You know how he loves hearing you sing…that man's your biggest fan."
You know sometimes I wish you would just disappear!
Be careful what you wish for…
Great. Was she going to have flashbacks like that forever? Lily frowned. "Mum, how are we going to afford this? I hear the costs are pretty high up. There's no way I can do this."
"You're on a part-time scholarship." Mrs. Evans explained. "You might have to help out some around the classroom, but that's about it. Promise me when you come home for Christmas you'll sing carols for us like before."
She gaped in astonishment. Her mum was serious about this. "I promise…but-,"
"No buts. I'll leave you to get dressed for breakfast in the Foyer. Are you sure you don't want to go shopping with m-,"
"Positive."
A bright smile did nothing to hide the hurt in her expression. Mrs. Evans didn't understand why her youngest was being so difficult. They had had to drag Lily here tooth and nail. It wasn't like she planned to stay at Claridge's forever. Just until she got back on her feet again…really! Herbert, Jr., her twin brother, was coming for a visit soon. But, Gloria didn't plan to stay for a moment afterwards. That was the plan for now.
"Very well. Um, do remember to open your other gifts. Don't want them going to waste…"
Lily was nonchalantly flipping through a textbook again. "This dress is staying here by the way. I'm not playing Herbert and Cornelia's pretty puppet."
"Alright then. I love you, sweetheart."
She replied the same before her mother left. With a groan, Lily turned onto her back, glowering up at the creamy beige ceiling. Throughout childhood, her mum had been like a distant satellite-always shopping or at a party somewhere children weren't allowed or welcomed. Lily didn't hate her mum. It was just that she felt awkward when Gloria Evans started acting all maternal.
"Miss Evans? Shall I have your attire for today ironed?"
Gunter was one of the butlers that came with staying at a Piano suite at the five-star Claridge's hotel. He was the paragon image of all butlers: tall, grey-haired, neatly dressed, and owner of a mustache that curled on both sides.
"Has your stay been comfortable, Miss Evans?" He watched the teenager reluctantly get up to bounce toward the ornate armoire.
"Uh huh…everything looks nice. You could do with a better record player though."
"I'm afraid we can't have you teenagers "rocking in" too hard."
"It's called "rocking out", Gunter." Emerald orbs rolled. "Here. I'm wearing this today." Lily thrust an outfit and coat into his arms. Pausing, she grabbed it back before lifting it to her body. "Tell me the truth. If I was your granddaughter, Gunter, would you approve of this ensemble?"
The butler eyed his young resident wearily. "The truth? If you were my granddaughter, I wouldn't even let you walk out the house with that on."
Lily let out a hoot of amusement and handed the articles of clothing back to him.
The butler exhaled. His guest's grandparents wouldn't be pleased at all. Claridge's was about to enter a five-star World War III.
September 1st, 1974 is the first time since its creation that the Hogwarts Express would not precisely chug down the tracks at 11 am. And, everything would be thanks to one wizarding, albeit very strange, family.
"ARE YOU PEOPLE MAD?! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!"
"This is my little girl's first year!"
"We woke up a 5 o'clock to get here on time!!"
"Why aren't you moving? I have to get back to work!"
"I'm going to miss my sewing class! ...What?! A man can sew, can't he? Let's see you conjure a sweater!"
"My children are starving!"
"YOU BOY! IF YOU DON'T MOVE YOUR SCRAWNY ARSE OFF THOSE TRACKS…SYLVIA! NO, HE IS NOT A GOOD LITTLE BOY AND YOU ARE NOT THE BEST OF MOTHERS!!"
It was with this act that the Hallows of Manchester again sealed themselves as the weirdest family in all pure-blood society. Once among the most influential of wizarding families, their status had declined as years passed along with their sanity. Fellow, often older, pure-bloods always ended up scratching their heads in confusion when the Hallows were brought up in conversation. It didn't make sense. The family name had some time ago been associated with the best social committees and foundation of abundant popular monuments such as Merlin's Temple. Yet no one could tell the exact year when the Hallow family became plain weird.
A twinkle appeared in Albus Dumbledore's eyes as parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents flocked around the scene of the commotion. The old man knew the situation was serious; he couldn't help but find it comical.
"Mrs. Hallow, may I ask why you and your son are holding up the Hogwarts Express?"
Sylvia Hallow blinked up at him owlishly with big grey eyes before turning them adoringly to the young lad in her arms. She patted him on the head affectionately like one would a dog.
"FOR THE LAST TIME, SYVLIA, HE IS NOT BEING A GOOD BOY!" yelled Charlus Potter. "WHAT IN MERLIN'S…CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN, WILL YOU?!"
A laughing pair of dark-haired twin girls ran wildly about his feet. Apparently, they were playing a game of tag. Yes, indeed, as one might guess the Hallows were delaying the train. Not with magic, mind you. Nope. The story went that the young Hallow heir had plopped himself right in front of the violet steam locomotive just as the whistle rang at 11. Strangely enough, he was physically unmovable despite men's efforts. And, the lad didn't listen to bribes, jokes, or threats. It'd only gotten worse when his mother chose to keep him company at around 11:10. She was also unresponsive to bribes, jokes, or threats.
Mr. Potter growled. "My James should've been on his way to school by now! This makes no sense for them to do this, Albus!"
"Everything happens for a reason, Charlus," responded the Headmaster calmly. "I'm sure Mrs. Hallow will move her children once we all find the right way to…communicate."
"It's not like the chit doesn't understand English! Can't you tell she's ignoring us?"
"Of course. But, once we find out what reason she is ignoring us for, then perhaps we can alleviate the situation. You know how Sylvia is, Charlus. Always the dreamer…" The silver-haired wizard turned toward the stubborn Hallows. "Mrs. Hallow? Sylvia? You remember me, don't you? I'm your old Headmaster! Remember Hogwarts?"
The wispy blonde witch kept patting her son while offering him a chocolate frog.
Mr. Potter removed his glasses to wipe his face with a handkerchief. "Albus, it's obvious this is worse than useless. You're better off talking to that boy than her! Matter of fact, we might as well just let the children walk to Hogwarts. It'll be dark by the time whatever they're waiting for happens!"
The boy…the boy…waiting…there's an idea…
Dumbledore focused on the lad sitting beside Mrs. Hallow. Despite the morbid countenance, he was a very cute fellow. A neat mass of dark brown hair was square-cut on his brow. When tapped on the shoulder, a fair, elfin face with a perfectly upturned nose and knife-sharp cheekbones turned upward. One could easily predict that he would grow tall and slim like his father, but right now the lad was rather petite. Treth Hallow would be entering his third year at Hogwarts…if they could get him off the train tracks.
"Mr. Hallow? Yes, Mr. Ha-Mr. Hallow…look over here…yes, yes…no, right here…" Dumbledore grinned as he finally got the boy's attention. He gazed into mournful eyes. "Ah, my boy! Why such a long face? You wouldn't happen to be waiting for-,"
"DAMN YOU, HERBERT AND CORNELIA! DAMN YOU! I'LL KICK YOUR OLD ARSES IF YOU MADE ME MISS THIS TRAIN!!"
Unfortunate pedestrians, who weren't quick enough to move, were pushed out of the way with a loud "pardon me" or "sorry" or even "I'm walking here!" The new visitor appeared to be having difficulty between breathing and pulling a large worn trunk. Just before reaching the luggage compartment, she fell in a blur of red hair.
Lily let loose with her father's favorite curse as she tripped over her own feet. "BLAST!"
Mothers bristled whilst covering their young children's virgin ears. The redhead paid them little mind as she threw her luggage on the immobile Hogwarts Express. She coughed as violet smoke entered her lungs. This was entirely Hebert and Cornelia's fault! They'd done it on purpose, damn them! Stopping here…buying a few tokens there…checking on the jewelry store…turning back because of a forgotten umbrella…Blast! Lily slammed the door down in rage, kicking it for good measure. It would've been nice having sweet, chubby grandparents that baked goodies and got her where she needed to go on time. NO! She got stuck with Herbert and Cornelia.
Lily opened one of the entrance doors only to have it shut in her face. What the-
"JAMES POTTER! OPEN THIS DOOR!"
A tall, bespectacled figure appeared behind the glass. Obviously, the boy was holding the door shut with magic because whenever she pulled he would wave cheekily at her. Another masculine figure came up next to him. Cackling, this one blew mist onto the window and spelled out the letters, "GO TO HELL".
"IS THAT YOU BLACK? THIS ISN'T FUNNY! LET ME ON BEFORE I CURSE WHAT YOU CALL TESTICLES INTO A JAR!"
A growling Lily returned the rude finger gesture the two gave her.
"Miss Evans?"
"Not now, I'm busy!"
"Miss Evans?"
"I said not n-," She gasped in surprise as a blur tackled her exposed legs. "Oh, hello! Did you miss me, sweetie?"
To the crowd's amazement, bizarre Treth Hallow clutched the loud teenage girl almost desperately. A strange sight indeed…the Hallows were infamous for keeping to their manor and themselves. But, here was the heir holding on tightly to a muggle-born, refusing to let go.
"I was trying to warn you Miss Evans," explained Dumbledore with twinkling blue eyes. Lily blushed while kneeling to the third-year's short eye level. Men whistled or eyed her interestedly as she raked a hand through her red curls. The wives and girlfriends in the audience stomped on their companion's toes as a reminder that they were taken.
"Sorry professor…I didn't recognize your voice." She focused on her younger classmate. "Hey Treth, why didn't you owl me over the summer? I told you my parents are used to them. My sister doesn't even scream as loud anymore."
He shrugged, gazing at her with big olive green eyes.
"I know you have an owl. What happened to it?"
He slowly shook his head.
"It flew away! That's terrible."
A chilling grin formed on Treth's face. He pointed at himself and then his younger twin sisters whom had again started up their game of Ring-Around-Mr. Potter.
Lily released a light, uneasy laugh. "…you played with it…well…at least you know what happened to the poor bird! Come on let's get on the train. Bye, Mrs. Hallow! Bye Martha! Bye Ethel!"
Thankfully, the two idiots had abandoned the doors by now. Lily waved at the remaining Hallows as she grabbed Treth's hand and led him inside. Another wizard was slapped by his wife as he titled his head to look up the redhead's miniskirt. A low growl sounded from the Hallow heir that was covered by an earsplitting train whistle. Parents immediately began waving their restless children goodbye as the tardy Hogwarts Express chugged out of Platform 9 ¾. Albus Dumbledore apparated away with a small chuckle.
"Such sweet mistress…so nice to my boy…"
Charlus blinked. It was an unspoken rule among pure-blood society that Sylvia Hallow never spoke to anyone. In fact, Lord Potter couldn't even recall hearing her voice during all his years on earth. It suited the woman. Quiet, low, and wispy.
"Her powers are growing stronger. Men are staring. Hmm…does she realize the changes?" whispered Mrs. Hallow. "My Treth will help …he's good Ocular…perhaps she will keep him around…"
The violet-eyed wizard eyed the witch, wondering if she was speaking to herself or him. "Yes, lovely. But, don't you think she's a bit rough around the edges? Hardly much of a lady from what I just saw! Now Madeline vonArrow-,"
"Wench!" Mrs. Hallow's voice suddenly took a deeper pitch. "Family trounces around…making decisions…causing problems…creating chaos…"
"I assure you that Miss vonArrow is nothing short of a lady. Why, I was just thinking of asking my James-,"
Big grey orbs stared at him sternly. "Not his destiny. Die fighting!"
"Right then," Charlus backed up. "Jolly good. I've a meeting to attend with the Head of Magical Law Enforcement." He puffed up prouder than a peacock. "Good man, he is. Seeking my wisdom and experience in the field! Why, with my help he could become the next-,"
Pop! With that, Sylvia Hallow departed the emptying platform. Lord Potter unexpectedly found himself staring into the dark, brooding eyes of his twin tormentors. Bustling Boggarts…
"Unicorns," said one simply as if it were the solution to the world. The other nodded.
He plastered a fixed grin. "Interesting. Um…is your mother-,"
Pop! Sylvia Hallow appeared again, grabbing each daughter by hand. Whispering in their ears, she didn't even blink at him as she disapparated off.
CHAPTER SIX
"Anything from the trolley! Aaaaaanything from the trolley! Anything from the…" The plump witch with her cart of sugary goodies paused. "I suppose there's no point in asking you dearies, eh?"
Lily tossed a cheeky wink. "Nope, but thanks for trying! We do accept donations."
One of the great perks about being friends with Treth Hallow was that you were guaranteed an endless supply of sweets. He was the son of Maximilian Hallow, taciturn owner of magical Europe's largest candy production factories. A strange occupation considering the family's…unique charm. The redhead grinned down at the small lad hugging her waist. She'd grown used to his affectionate displays of friendship. It was actually kinda cute considering the fact she was his only friend at Hogwarts and vice versa.
"Nemaha…" mumbled Treth sleepily. That was his nickname for her. Lily had no bloody idea what it meant but obviously it was good in "Treth-tongue". They managed to get an back compartment. The ever-rolling view from the window held the sun's rays shining on the green grass; leaves plummeted elegantly from the trees in preparation for winter season. Lily popped a pumpkin pasty into her mouth, sighing blissfully. Relaxing anywhere anytime was a favorite hobby.
So I'm a little left of center.
I'm a little out of tune
Some say I'm paranormal, so I just bend their spoon
Who wants to be ordinary in a crazy, mixed-up world?
I don't care what they're saying…as long as I'm your girl-
"Oy! Lookie here Padfoot! Evans is singing to her itty bitty booooyfriend!!" The intruder made sure to emphasize the last word in the most aggravating way possible.
James Potter was the most popular boy at Hogwarts. He was tall with a mop of untamable black hair. His striking hazel eyes, filled with laughter, were covered by round glasses. James was famous for his ability to make anyone laugh. Yet one couldn't let charm fool you. This boy changed girls faster than his socks. He was Captain and star Chaser of the Quidditch team and unofficial leader of Hogwarts' residential pranksters, the Marauders. James also happened to be the bane of Lily's existence and kept that award for five years in the running.
"Potter! Why don't you do us all a favor and get lost and stay there!"
"Certainly not all of us a favor, Evans. You know it hurts to hear someone talk to your best mate like he's a criminal." Another boy leaned lazily against the door pane. "But, I suppose you wouldn't know."
"Hold on. Let me check…" Lily pretended to look around. "Yeah! No one invited you into this conversation, Black."
Sirius Black was James' right hand man and almost every witch's wet dream. He was a bit taller than James and possessed mocking electric blue eyes. His silky black hair reached the base of his neck, falling onto his face with a casual elegance. The redhead cursed whoever made him so damned handsome and then had the nerve to tell him about it. Mr. Black was the official heartbreaker around Hogwarts. If you thought James was bad with girls, than Sirius was even shoddier. He once dated four girls in one day.
"Still got a mouth on you, eh?" James sneered. "You should be happy we came to see you."
"Where's a camera when ya need it?"
"Chit."
"Prat."
"Harlot."
"Bastard!"
"Bitch!"
Remus Lupin crept up behind his friends. "It's been five years, ladies and gentlemen. Can we all just get along?" He was very sensible; Lily believed Remus was the mastermind behind the cleverest pranks. He was good-looking but rather pale with sandy blond hair and sad light brown eyes. Adding to the eighteenth-century street urchin effect were shabby plain brown robes.
"I didn't see you in Diagon Alley, Evans." Sirius declared, ignoring his friend. "Think you're too good to shop among us?"
"I'm so happy you were looking for me! How about this? You stop being a nosy git and I'll start bumping into you. Oops…never gonna happen!" Lily smiled a bit too sweetly. "Buck up, Black! Maybe when hell freezes over."
In reality, the reason she didn't go this year was because Cornelia hired a wizard working at the hotel to go shopping in Lily's place. As a favor…green orbs rolled. Right.
"Last time I checked loners weren't at the top of the lists."
"Get out, Potter!"
His smirk was handsome yet cruel. Handsome? Where'd that come from? She shook her head. Potter wasn't handsome to her. Any good looks he could've possessed in Lily's eyes were shadowed by arrogance. "Did I hit a nerve, Evans? Or are you protecting your little boooooyfriend?"
"Treth's not my boyfriend!" cried Lily. "Besides, when did you care who I date? Jealous?"
"Please, my girlfriend is a lady."
She stroked her chin in thought. "Hmm…by lady…do you mean lapdog or lap dancer?"
A long mahogany wand pointed between her eyes, but Lily could care less. Her own was aimed at his temple. That came with being rivals for so long. They knew each other's moves too well. James knew she would fight because of her exploding temper. Lily knew James would fight because he was a chauvinist pig protecting his momentary girl-of-the-hour. Being on the train wouldn't deter them because it wasn't like they'd not dueled in public before.
"G-g-guys? I think Prefects are comin-OW! OW! OW! OW! OW!"
The Marauders and Lily watched in amazement as small awake Treth Hallow threw bigger Peter Pettigrew on the floor and began kicking him mercilessly. He was a chubby boy who resembled a rat with his watery blue eyes. His daily schedule revolved around following the Marauders, eat, worship his friends, sleep, and study for all tests and still fail. The only reason Peter wasn't picked on was because of his belonging to the most popular clique at school. A reason Lily to this day never understood.
"Help me! Help me!" wheezed Peter. "Don't just stand there, Prongs! Padfoot! HELP!" A particularly hard kick met his plushy side. Why did these things always happen to him?
Sirius growled like a dog. "Get off him, Hallow! Let Wormtail go before I-OY! LET ME GO! ARE YOU MAD? PRONGS! MOONY! MOONY!"
"CALL OFF YOUR BULLDOG, EVANS!" roared James.
Remus exhaled slowly, massaging his temples as he watched his other two friends being pulled into a head-lock. One had to admit that Hallow boy was quite the multi-tasker. Prongs was under one arm, Padfoot the other, and he had poor Peter still suffering a good beating. The sandy-haired boy glanced behind him to see Lily laughing freely at their misery. Why couldn't they be friends?
The brawl was soon broken up by the Head Girl's whistle and the Head Boy's jelly-legs jinx at Treth. Lily grabbed the third-year to stop him from clumsily charging forward. Treth was a persistent little blighter.
James Potter hurriedly put himself together. "This isn't over Evans! You and your weird boyfriend are going to get it!"
"Is this the part where you break into song?" mocked the redhead. "Serves you right!"
Hazel eyes narrowed as they glowered across at the pair of dazzling emerald. Dazzling? Where'd that come from? He didn't think Evan's eyes were dazzling. James shook his head. Any appeals those eyes might've held were smothered by jealousy or hatred. At least, that's how it's always been.
"All right! Off you lot go! Nothing to see here." cried Reginald Watson, the Head Boy.
Glowering at Lily, three of the four Marauders stomped off. She sighed tiredly as the words "prank fest" entered her hearing. Great. Another year. Another pain.
Ambrosia-Head Girl-Pinkerton screeched before stomping off. "Lupin! Evans! May I remind you that it's your duty as school prefects to control your peers? Hurry upand change into your robes for the meeting!"
Remus waved a goodbye which Lily stiffly returned. They were on neutral ground. Treth gazed up at her, worry shining in his olive green orbs.
"Nemaha okay?"
"Nemaha's okay." Lily confirmed, patting his head. He held it on there for a while. They'd been friends since he took a bat-bogey curse for her in his first year. People wondered why he devoted such loyalty to Lily. She herself didn't know why, but appreciated it greatly. It felt like Treth was meant to be there. That someone to watch your back. Someone who didn't think she was weird for eating breakfast in the Great Hall with pajamas on.
Lunatics like the two of them were meant to stick together.
Tears fell like a waterfall. Everything was wrong! Nothing felt right anymore. She couldn't feel accepted without feeling rejected. Whenever she was praised for good work, she felt wretched. It was like the whole world was spinning out of control…plunging ahead! And for once, Antoinette lacked the power to stop it.
The massive Duclaires residence doubled as a museum. The Château de Rêves, or Castle of Dreams, was crowded daily with ministry workers, diplomats, administrators, security aurors, and the general public on Mondays and Thursdays. She despised Mondays and Thursdays. While the people were not allowed near private wings, Antoinette could still hear nearby gasps of wonder. Tabloid photographers bribed guards with money to the point where she applied makeup before millions like a pretty puppet on display. It took forever to get from one location to another because etiquette demanded she nod, chit-chat, smile, or make guests feel welcome. Thankfully, today was Tuesday.
She didn't bother taking a blundering carriage. The run was forever exhilarating. Antoinette expertly untied the back laces of her unyielding corset. She left her robes half a mile back. It was like releasing a coat of armor-a heavy burden she wasn't ready to carry. Within minutes, a familiar gleaming surface appeared in the near distance. A loud splash resonated when Antoinette dived into the pond as naked as the day she was born.
Laughing and splattering, she swam several laps alongside the fishes. The Collar of Amphitrite glowed happily. Beauxbatons Academy of Magic with its stuffy atmosphere, sniveling classmates, and spinsterish, sour-faced teachers was just two days away. The maids were already packing her off and she couldn't have cared less. Right now, Antoinette wouldn't have cared if her Ministre father or crowd of gentlemen walked past. This was how life should be. Floating and suspending blissfully in time like waves in the ocean.
"YOU'RE NOT TAKING HER!"
The little girl's cries grew louder.
Sounds of clashing metal and bright lights filled her once peaceful nursery.
Muffled yells filled with pain echoed. He was pinned to a wall.
Fangs glistened.
The full moon shone.
Blood spilt.
Then, all the weeping child could hear was a siren's fading promise.
"I will find you."
"Evans? Evans? Wake up. We're about to go in. Evans!"
As an emerald eye snapped open, Dedalus Diggle accidentally knocked off his pointed black school hat. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to ask "oddball Evans"? She looked pretty irritated at being woken up. The last thing Dedalus wanted was to be hit by one of her creative jinxes. But Lily only yawned, gazing about the chattering crowd of robed adolescents with boredom. She also wore the "beloved" Hogwarts uniform: long plain black work robes that hid the feet. The lack of creativity was so uninspiring….
"McGonagall making us line up again?" Lily didn't bother hiding another un-ladylike yawn.
The sixth-year nodded. "Y-yes."
"Thanks for telling me."
"Uh, um, Miss Evans? I was hoping you would allow me to escort you inside."
Dedalus flinched when those striking orbs rolled over him. Lily exhaled. Most of the time, she walked inside by herself when they did this dim-witted ceremony. During entrance line up, they were supposed to partner boy-girl. Because no one wanted to be seen with famous James Potter's sassy rival, people usually avoided her like the plague. This year, though, Dedalus wasn't the first lad to ask. When did she become Miss Popular?
"I-I-I mean I just assumed it might be nice. Since we're in the same year…same House and all…"
She looked around. Treth for once abandoned Lily to link arm-in-arm with another Hufflepuff-this one a pretty second-year girl. Ah! They grow up so fast…
A loud creak resonated throughout the area. The great oak doors were opening.
"Righty-o then. Let's go!"
Ignoring protocol, Lily grabbed Dedalus by an arm. All of the students marched inside House-by-House. Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and then Slytherin. It didn't matter how many times she did this. Lily would always be struck by the magnificent size and beauty of Hogwarts. The Entrance Hall was a large, cavernous room, lit by old-fashioned torches that glowed with an eerie light. Its ceiling was so high up that it appeared barely visible. A familial sense struck Lily. She briefly let go of Dedalus's arm to rub her father's bejeweled ring. Everything would be okay that sense said.
Those bad things-the dark dreams, daddy's disappearance, Herbert and Cornelia taking over, the physical aches, the strange new people, the blank Book of Shadows, the burning guilt-
It all didn't matter. For right now, at least, because Lilyanna Evans was home.
AN: FOR THOSE WHO ARE WORRIED: LILY AND JAMES WILL GET TOGETHER. HERE'S SOME QUESTIONS I DID WANT YOU GUYS TO THINK ABOUT WHILE READING. (E-MAIL/REVIEW ME IF YOU THOUGHT OF THEM OR NOT.) YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS BUT, IF YOU'RE CLOSE, I'LL PROBABLY ANSWER THEM FOR YOU. I'M JUST CURIOUS AS TO WHAT MY READERS ARE GUESSING!
Why was Dmitri upset when he lost his ring? If so, why'd he give it to Lily?
Will Mrs. Evans stick to the plan?
What is an Ocular? Why is Treth so protective of Lily? Why did he (hilariously) attack innocent Peter instead of Sirius or James?
What incident sparked Lily and James dislike towards each other? (Hint: I've already told you.)
Why are men/boys suddenly attracted to Lily? (Hint: No. It's not just 'cause she's pretty.)
Here's the toughie. Why can Lily openly discard her confining dress, but Antoinette has to hide somewhere to do so? (I know. Probably none of you thought about that. But, if you did, grab a cookie! That theme is important.)
If you care, tell me what else you were thinking about. Even if it was something like, "Why is this so long?", "That grammar is awful.", or "Ha ha! Peter got kicked!"
GREAT LOVE TO ALL READERS!!