Author's note

Oh. My. God. 43 views? In one week? That's unbelievable! Thank you all so so much, I hope you're enjoying this. I love you all lots and lots *internet hugs*. This chapter is dedicated to Willow Lark and Madame Dobby, who reviewed Chapter 1. Thank you both so much.

DISCLAIMER

Nope. I don't own this. Nope. I don't make any profit. Some of this is taken directly from the original Harry Potter books. All hail JK Rowling!

Chapter 2 – A visit

Over the last few weeks, Lily and Severus had become no less than best friends. Every afternoon, they met up at the park and sat under the big willow tree, chatting about magic, muggles, and everything in between.

"It is real isn't it? It's not a joke? Petunia says you're lying to me. Petunia says there isn't a Hogwarts", Lily asked quietly. Lately, she had been worried and hurt by her dissolving relationship with her sister.

"It's real for us", said Severus. "We'll get the letter, you and me".

"And it will come by owl?"

"Normally. But you're a muggle-born, so someone from the school will have to come and explain to your parents."

"Does it make a difference, being a muggle-born?", Lily asked inquisitively.

At this, Severus hesitated. Yes. It does. His mind raced as he contemplated the options he had… but he could not let her know. Not yet. She was too innocent, too excited. His black eyes moved over her pale face, her dark red hair.

"No. No, it doesn't make a difference. You've got loads of magic; I saw that".

The two children carried on in this fashion for a while, Lily sucking up every bit of information she could. Amused by this, Severus wondered whether she'd be in Ravenclaw. It was highly possible… It was now five o'clock. The children parted ways, and Severus watched as Lily's fiery red hair disappeared in the distance. He shivered. He did not want to go home. Anything but going home. He sat under the tree, playing with a leaf until it was dark. Then, he slowly got up, and made his way home. No, not home. His way to his house. Home was supposed to be a place of safety. This was everything but that. He slowly opened the door, and tiptoed his way upstairs. His father was already passed-out drunk. Severus sighed in relief; there would be no beating tonight. His back was still sore from yesterday… Tobias had not appreciated his dinner. Not enough salt. Too much sauce. He was never happy.

As the month passed, their friendship grew. Before she knew it, it was the 29th January, and Lily couldn't be more excited. It was the eve of her eleventh birthday. She had trouble getting to sleep that night. Various emotions went through her as she lay in her bed. What if it was all a lie? What if she wasn't a witch? What if she had been dreaming? After hours of thinking, the young emerald-eyed girl closed her eyelids and fell asleep.

She woke up at eight o'clock on the dot. It was her birthday! Lily brushed her long red hair, put her favourite green dress on (her father said it brought out her eyes) and ran downstairs. There, she was greeted by a loud "Happy birthday, Lily!" and much hugging. She smiled and sat down for breakfast. Towards eleven, whilst she was reading a new book, she heard the doorbell ring and her heart skipped a beat. Was this it? The teacher from Hogwarts? She ran to the door but her father had beaten her to it. Richard Evans opened the door, and had to blink a couple of times to take in who was standing in front of him. A rather sever-looking woman wearing square spectacles and an emerald cloak. Her black hair seemed to be drawn into a tight bun, but Richard was not sure, for she was wearing a tall… what looked like a witches' hat.

"Sorry, where are my manners", he finally managed to speak. He stuck his hand out and shook hers. "Richard Evans. And you are?"

"I'm Professor McGonagall, but please, call me Minerva. I have come to talk to one Lily Evans who has been offered a place at the school I work at."

Lily was standing behind her father, and her eyes were gleaming with excitement. It was real!

"Do come in, Professor. It's a pleasure to hear this."

McGonagall smiled and entered the Evans household.

"Violet, dear, this is Professor McGonagall, Lily has gotten into her school!"

Mrs Evans smiled and greeted the professor. They all sat down and had cups of tea.

"Now, this may come as a shock to all. I work at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Is this a joke? It's our daughter's birthday, you know. This isn't funny". Richard was not amused. Violet, on the other hand, covered her mouth in shock. Her daughters' stories were true. It had happened months ago, but she remembered it clearly. Lily's dancing flowers. Petunia being scared.

"No, magic is real. But before I demonstrate some, you must swear not to talk about this to anyone. Our ministry has very strict rules about muggles knowing about magic. Muggles being non-magical folk such as yourselves."

"Yes, I swear.", Violet spoke quickly. She eyed her husband and he gave in.

"Okay. I swear. But this better be real."

At this, McGonagall took her wand out of her pocket and waved it at her cup of tea.

"Wingardium leviosa", she said firmly, with an emphasis on the "o". The teacup was levitating. The Evans gasped. This wasn't a hoax. Lily, who had been peeking behind the door let out a gasp too. McGonagall smiled at her.

"Lily, do come in. This concerns you more than anyone. You're a witch."

Lily grinned and ran to sit between her parents. McGonagall then proceeded to tell them about Hogwarts, the houses, and how to get onto platform nine and three-quarters. Although Lily already knew most of this, she nodded and smiled at the right times. The professor then handed Lily an envelope. It was thick and heavy, made of yellowish parchment, and the address was written in emerald-green ink. There was no stamp. Turning the envelope over, her hands trembling, Lily saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake surrounding a large letter "H". Hogwarts.

"Happy birthday, Lily. I'll see you on September the first." At this, they heard a "crack", and McGonagall was gone.

Petunia had been listening to the conversation. Her eyes swelled up and she felt tears, hot and salty, run down her face. This was not fair. How come Lily got everything? The looks, the brains… and now the magic.