Chapter Five
Dear Mum and Dad
I got to Hogwarts safe, though not entirely happy. Knowing James, he's probably already written you about what happened, but I may as well tell you in my own words and defence.
Okay. I was sitting up there, with the hat on looking at everyone – James, Al, Rose, Hugo… and the hat was taking a long time! Then when it spoke it said… it said I was in Slytherin!!
It was terrible, Mum! Everyone at school is flipping out, and I feel so guilty. Then Sarah Parker and I sent Scorpius Malfoy flying, and I was sure we had got in trouble though it wouldn't have been that bad being expelled because at least I wouldn't have to be a Slytherin… did I mention Sarah is the same, she should have been in Ravenclaw? But then Sarah showed McGonagall the Unforgivable Curses and I was positive we were dead meat right there and then, but before I knew it, we were in second-year Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts, and we didn't get in any trouble!
Don't go praising me, Dad, like I know you will. This is horrible! In case you've forgotten I'm still in Slytherin. I just killed the Potter name in less then five seconds.
Maybe something will come up, and you'll have to pull me out of Hogwarts, hmm?
Maybe…
Please?
Lily
She put the tear-stained parchment into an envelope and sealed it, fastening it to Screech, her owl. Biting her lip, Lily watched the owl take off and soar out the window, over the castle walls and out of sight, to her last hope of escape.