Chapter 2 – Dementors, Misunderstandings and the Sorting Hat

Lily's eyes shot open when the train came to a sudden halt. She felt herself almost crash into the window, but managed to steady herself on time. With a moan of discomfort, she put her hand on the window. A shiver went down her spine when she saw that the glass had steamed up completely, and that the heat of her breath could clearly be seen spewing from her mouth. She moved back a bit, and glanced about the compartment. She saw Hermione's shocked face for a split second, and then the lights went out. They were plunged into darkness, and Lily instantly began to panic. She hated the dark – so much so that she was afraid of it. Clutching her seat, she mumbled almost inaudibly.

'W-What's going on?'

Hermione's voice squeaked back. Clearly, she was just as afraid as Lily was. 'I don't know. We can't be there yet. It hasn't even been an hour.'

It was Ron's voice that she heard next. 'We could have broken down?' he suggested, but his voice was filled with doubt.

Lily heard the compartment door open, and then there was the noise of feet shuffling. After a short squeal, she heard Ron moan. 'Ginny, what are you doing here? Get back into your own compartment!'

A girl's voice replied, 'I was looking for you. I can't see to go back.'

Hermione quickly quietened her down. 'Here, come and sit beside me. Be careful not to trip over.'

Soon Ginny seemed to have sat down, and all was quiet again for a few moments. However, the compartment door had soon opened again. This time, a boy's voice could be heard.

'Sorry guys – It's me.'

Harry spoke into the darkness. 'Neville? Come sit down.'

Lily heard more shuffling of feet, except this time it seemed that this new boy – Neville – had lost his footing. There was a sort of wheezing gasp, and then Lily felt something fall completely on top of her. She squeaked, and tried to push whoever it was off, but it seemed that they were stuck tight.

'Oh no! I'm sorry! I'm stuck on Hermione's foot –' Neville bumbled, clearly embarrassed. Lily could feel his hands either side of her, and she felt her cheeks heat up. He was resting on top of her!

'You're crushing me!' Lily hissed as he crushed himself against her chest. But it seemed that the boy was stuck where he was. A dreaded silence fell upon them excluding the noise of a struggling Neville trying to get himself untangled.

'Quiet!' A voice of authority commanded, and Lily instantly recognised it as Remus. She let out a relieved sigh, but gasped when she realised that Neville was still basically sitting on top of her. If the lights came on now, what would Remus think of her? Desperately, yet as gently as she could, she shoved Neville, hoping that he might fall backwards off her. The boy let out a moan of hurt, but it seemed he still could not pull himself free, and stayed looming over her where he was.

Just as Lily was about to cry out, she felt the air around her turn to almost freezing. It felt as though the very life of the world had been sucked away, and she felt herself become dizzy as she felt the colour dissipate. It seemed as though everything cheerful had gone from her life. Lily felt a single tear roll down her cheek. If Neville was still stuck on top of her, she hadn't noticed. She watched, with horror, as a slimy boned hand gripped the compartment door, and then a cloaked figure appeared with it. It pulled it open, and the cloaked monster glanced inside, seeming to suck at the air with an awful sound to accompany it. Lily felt faint, and leaned against the boy for support. A piercing howl split the air. Neville seemed to stiffen, and squeaked slightly. However, he didn't really seem to take note of her. They were all staring at the cloaked figure, each one no doubt wondering what on earth it was.

'Be gone! None of us here are hiding Sirius Black underneath our cloaks.' Lupin said coldly, but still calm. It was only when further noises could be heard, and Lily heard a thump, that he seemed to remove his wand from his pocket and point it at the monster. 'Expecto Patronum!'

She watched as silver light shot from Lupin's wand, and hit the cloaked monster. It let out a high pitched scream, and flew from the room. A moment later, the lights came back on. Lily gasped, and glanced up to take a better look at Neville, who was still perched above her.

He was a short boy, plump-faced and had short blond brown hair on his head, stuck in all directions. His bright blue eyes stared deep into hers as she watched him, and she blushed profusely. 'Hello,' she murmured, uncertainly. 'Could you please move off me?'

Neville seemed to blush a very deep red, and then began to stutter. 'I–I'm s–s–tuck. So very sorry!'

'What do you think you're doing, young man?' Lupin asked, his eyes widening with shock as he surveyed the scene.

The boy squeaked and managed to finally pull himself free, before dashing out. Lily sighed, her cheeks still flushed. Poor Neville. She'd have to remember to explain to Remus that he'd done nothing wrong. It had just been a big misunderstanding. Lupin glanced at Lily, and then turned to face the rest of the people on the compartment. It was only then that Lily realised that Harry was unconscious in his seat. He was slumped awkwardly to one side, so that he was half-rested against Ron. The ginger-haired boy was shaking him, but he did not seem to want to wake.

Lupin stepped across, kneeling down beside them. 'Come, lie him down. Let his rest for now.'

Soon they had Harry lying down, his head on rested on Ron's jacket. He looked troubled in his slumber; his mouth apart, his eyes rolling. He must have fainted because of the Dementor. Lily was surprised that she hadn't also. It was about fifteen more minutes before Harry stirred, and his two friends helped him to sit up. Lupin instantly broke a piece of chocolate and handed it to him. Hermione quickly helped him put his glasses back on.

Harry glanced up, looking bewildered. 'What happened?'

Ron folded his arms. 'You sort of fainted – I thought you were having a fit or something.'

'Eat the chocolate – it'll help.' Lupin broke into their conversation, pointing at the item in Harry's hand.

Harry looked down, and stared at the chocolate for a while. However, he did not eat it. Instead, he stared at the compartment door. 'W–What was that thing?'

Lupin sighed, and replied in an ever so slight angry tone. 'It was a Dementor, one of the guards from Azkaban prison.' There was a pause, but then Lupin made for the exit. 'I'm just going to have a word with the driver,' he bowed his head minutely. 'If you'll excuse me...' With that, he disappeared around the door.

Lily turned her head back to face Harry. He was still staring at the door, ignoring the chocolate in his hands. Carefully, she stood up and walked over to him. 'You'd do well to eat that, you know. If Remus says that it is good for you, you should trust him.'

Harry stared up at her, his emerald eyes meeting hers. There was silence for a short moment, in which Lily felt very uncomfortable, before he placed the chocolate into his mouth. When he'd finished eating, he looked back up at her. 'Much better,' he commented, half dazed. 'Thanks.'

Lily motioned for Ron to move up the seat, and he obliged. She took a seat next to Harry. 'Don't thank me; thank Remus.'

Harry nodded, and then a look of unease came to his face. 'So… I fainted? Did any of you – you know –'

Hermione shook her head. 'No. I felt terrible though.'

The red-haired boy cut in, 'As though I'd never feel cheerful again...'

Lily nodded. 'And that howl. What was it?'

They all turned to her with frowns on their faces, Harry included. She felt her cheeks flood with colour: had she said something wrong?

'I heard a scream,' Harry murmured. 'And then I must have fainted.'

Hermione looked uneasily at both of them. 'I didn't hear anything.'

Ron nodded. 'Me neither.'

Just then, Lupin re-entered the compartment. He came and sat down across from Ron and glanced at Harry and Lily sitting beside each other, before he spoke. 'It seems we're not far from Hogwarts. I'd suggest you all change into your robes. The Dementors have gone, but I'm sure this won't be the last we'll hear from them.'

Lily felt herself nodding, and hoping that she wouldn't encounter the dreadful cloaked monsters again. The howl she heard had brought back far too many bad memories – memories she didn't want to remember. With that overriding thought in her mind, she clutched her robes and went to go get changed.

Her worry about the Dementors was masked by her fear about having to go up in front of the whole school once they reached Hogwarts. What if she fainted? She'd be so embarrassed. After all, she'd have hundreds of eyes on her, and she was so terribly shy. It was one of her qualities she hated the most, and one which she could really do without, particularly now.

It wasn't long before the train stopped a second time, except this time there was a hoot of owls and scramble of feet as people struggled to get out of the train. Clearly, more than just their compartment had had a visit by the Dementors. It seemed that the train was empty in about ten minutes, and she stood on the platform at Hogsmeade Station beside Lupin. He helped her pick up one of her cases, still carrying his briefcase in his other hand. Together, and with Harry, Ron and Hermione, they made their way over to the magical carriages. They were pulling themselves, and she looked at them with wonder. She already knew that she was home.

She watched her three new friends and Neville, who went a deep scarlet as he passed them, enter one of the carriages before her and Lupin's. As they enjoyed their own carriage ride Lily glanced up, shocked to see two fierce Dementors guarding the giant gate outside Hogwarts. She shivered and turned to Lupin, who was watching them cautiously. It seemed that they even put him on edge.

It wasn't long before they'd unloaded all of her belongings and stacked them with the others. She and Lupin began to walk up the steps, but stopped when they heard the sound of Harry, Ron and someone else's voice. Lily didn't recognise the owner of the third voice, but when she looked she saw a boy with silver, blond hair and piercing dark eyes. He looked up when they approached.

'Is something the matter?' Lupin asked.

The boy with blond hair met her gaze with a scowl, and then looked up at Lupin and spat sarcastically, 'Nothing, Professor.'

Lily grinded her teeth to stop her from saying something she'd regret, and watched the boy go. Who did he think he was? Harry put a hand on her shoulder and smiled both warmly and comfortingly, before they headed up the steps. There to meet them was an older woman. She waved her hand when she saw Lupin.

'Ah, Professor; how have you been? Do you have –?'

Lupin pointed to Lily, and then replied calmly. 'I've been quite well. Thank you, Professor McGonagall.'

The older woman smiled. 'It's nice to have you back, I must say. No need for the formalities now, Lupin. You may call me Minerva.' She reached forward, and shooed a few third years, including Ron into the hall, before she brought Lily, Harry and Hermione to stand beside her. She addressed Lily, 'Well, welcome to Hogwarts. I daresay I've heard a lot about you. If you'll stay here whilst the first years make their way and you'll be taken in to be Sorted first,' a pause, and then she turned to Hermione and Harry. 'I'd like word with you both, if you'd please follow me.'

Lily bit her lip but nodded. Lupin put a hand on her shoulder, and smiled comfortingly. 'I wouldn't worry, Lily. You'll be fine.' He then spoke to McGonagall for a moment, and then walked into the Great Hall with the rest of the pupils. Clearly, he was going to go take his seat. Another moment, and then Harry and Hermione were off following McGonagall down the corridor. Lily wondered what that was all about. Perhaps something to do with the Dementors? In any case, she was too worked up to really give it much of a thought.

Soon she saw the first of the first years making their way up the steps. Her heart thudding in her chest, she watched as they all stopped in front of her, and stared expectantly.

'You're a bit young to be a Professor, aren't you?' one suddenly bumbled.

Lily blushed, and made to speak, when another cut in. 'Don't be silly! She's not a teacher. She's in school robes, see!'

They all stared expectantly at her, and she explained quickly. 'It's my first year here, but I'm fourteen. I'm going first when they begin to Sort.'

One boy gasped. 'Wow, so you've been expelled from your other school and have come here? That's so amazing.'

She made to shake her head and correct him, but she was interrupted by the sound of Professor McGonagall's voice – clearly, she was back. 'Calm down, now, and listen. When we go into the Great Hall, your name will be called. When that happens, you will come and sit on the stool I place at the front. After that, I will put the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be put into a house. Go and sit on your house's table afterward.'

Lily listened very carefully, going over the instructions in her head so that she didn't get it wrong. She decided she was going to stick to the left side of all the first years but at the front, so that it looked like she would be leading them up for now at least. She realised the great double doors were opening, and Professor McGonagall beckoned for them to follow. As they entered, Lily instantly saw that all heads turned to them. She felt colour already flooding her cheeks and glanced straight ahead, ignoring whispers of 'isn't she too old to be a first year?' Soon they were at the front, and she stood to the left to let some more of the first years through. Professor McGonagall took up a piece of rolled parchment, but then quickly spared a glance at Lily and spoke.

'This year, we have a third year student joining us. When the Sort commences, they will come up first,' the older woman smiled slightly, and then unrolled the scroll in her hands. Lily's heart was thudding. At first, she thought she would not say her name, but then there it was, clear as day. 'Lily Evans.'

Shakily, she walked up to the front. Her eyes stayed fixed on the little stool in front of her, and soon she'd sat down. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. That way, she wouldn't have to look at all the people staring at her. The hat was placed on her head, and there was a brief silence that ensued around the hall.

Then suddenly, she heard the hat's voice: low, stern and somewhat scheming. 'Interesting… very interesting! I remember sorting a girl not so different from you some time ago! Now, let's see… It's obvious where I am going to put you!' Lily bit her lip in anticipation. 'GRYFFINDOR!' A smile came to her lips, and she stood up as the hat was removed. There was a thunderous applause and cheering as she made her way over to the Gryffindor table, and sat down further up where she could see Harry. When she was seated across from them, she looked up and met Harry's gaze. He was bewildered as he stared at her, and she frowned. Without speaking, she turned her head to watch as the rest of the Sort took place, shocked when she locked eyes with some familiar blue eyes.

'Oh, hello!' she whispered.

Neville was sitting beside her and blushing again, but he whispered back. 'Hi…' he seemed to half trail of, and he blushed even more profusely. He offered his hand for her to shake–

'HUFFLEPUFF!' the hat shouting loudly, followed by applause.

Lily took Neville's hand, and shook it. 'It's nice to meet you,' she smiled warmly.

The blond-haired boy seemed to recover from his initial embarrassment, and then grinned in return. 'Welcome to Gryffindor.' Just when Lily had thought he'd calmed almost completely with her prescence, he blushed faintly again.

Lily looked down, and realised he was still shaking her hand rapidly. 'Uh, Neville… you can release my hand now,' she whispered. He dropped it instantly, and muttered his apologies. She shook her head. 'It's fine – don't worry.'

There was silence for a second. 'GRYFFINDOR!' The hat bellowed, and another younger girl joined the table.

Neville leaned back a bit, and then breathed out. 'You… remember my name?'

Lily raised an eyebrow. 'Of course! How could I forget?' she almost giggled, remembering the incident on the train. Neville seemed to realise what she was laughing about, and blushed again. She put her hand on his comfortingly. 'You don't have to be embarrassed, Neville. I know it wasn't your fault.' However, this action just resulted in Neville going so red that she thought he might faint.

The Sorting continued, Lily trying her hardest to keep a straight face. She was just so ecstatic to be in Gryffindor! But she surely wasn't that brave.

'RAVENCLAW!' The hat interrupted her thoughts.

More silence. A young boy approached the hat, a scowl on his features. He sat down on the stool and barely had to hat rested on his head, when the hat shouted: 'SLYTHERIN!'

Lily watched as a few of the Gryffindors stuck their tongues out in distaste, and heard a few boo under their breaths. Clearly, Gryffindor and Slytherin were two teams that simply didn't get on.

She turned her head when she heard someone hissing her way from the Slytherin table. 'Potter, Potter! Is it true you fainted? You actually fainted!' It was the boy with silvery blond hair again, and he was mimicking a faint action. Harry was doing his best to ignore him it seemed, and Lily wondered if this Slytherin boy bullied Harry often.

Ron clenched his fist on the table. 'Shut up, Malfoy.'

Malfoy. Lily committed the name to memory, and watched as the Slytherin boy turned back to face his own friends, laughing harshly. She'd have to be careful of him. He didn't seem like the very nice type at all from what she'd seen so far. In fact, none of the Slytherins seemed very charming. Perhaps that's why the Gryffindors disliked them so much. But she couldn't be sure – not yet. She'd make sure to ask Neville later.

It wasn't much longer before Lily saw that the headmaster Albus Dumbledore had stood up to address the hall of students. Lily only knew who he was because of all the letters they'd received whilst at Remus' house, and her werewolf almost father – she liked to see him that way – had often told her just how much of a great wizard Dumbledore was. She, being in inquisitive young witch, had asked many questions and so she had a rough idea of what the old headmaster looked like as well.

'I would like to have your attention before the feast begins. Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the new members of staff we have this year. Please everyone welcome Professor Lupin who is to take the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts.' The hall clapped, and Lily was extra enthusiastic, even letting out a small cheer. 'And secondly, it is to my great pleasure that I may inform you that our own Rubeus Hagrid is to take up the position of Care of Magical Creatures, due to Professor Kettleburn retiring to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs.' Again, but this time a louder round of applause, and definitely more cheers. She smiled when she realised that the cheers were mostly coming from the Gryffindor table, more notably from Harry and Hermione. When there was silence once more, Dumbledore continued. 'I would also like to tell you about the guards of Azkaban that patrol outside the school grounds. Though I have been assured that they will not disturb out day-to-day activities, I'd ask that you be very careful. A Dementor will not distinguish between the one it hunts, and the one which gets in its way. Therefore, I tell you to use extreme caution. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving. Give them no reason to harm you,' there was a pause and murmurings. Neville glanced at Lily, and she was sure she wore an uneasy expression similar to his own. Dumbledore's wise voice interrupted any thoughts that could enter her head. 'That is all. Let the feast begin!' With that, he waved his hand and the tables filled up with food.

Lily's eyes widened as she examined the table of delicacies. She saw a plate of different coloured tarts – fruit, she assumed. It was further down the table than she could reach, but she stood up and reached past Neville anyway. She'd almost got the bowl when Neville quickly grabbed it himself, and offered her it. She smiled warmly and picked up two colours that she wanted, and sat back down. Lily was thinking about what else to get, and Neville was picking up different plates and offering them to her. He seemed very eager to help her get her food. Carefully, she poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice and sipped a bit, putting it down on the table again.

'When's your birthday?' Neville asked suddenly.

Lily glanced up. 'July thirty-first,' she put her food down, and turned to face him. 'What about you?'

Neville's grin widened. 'July thirtieth! That's good. We can celebrate together next year.'

She nodded in amusement. She'd never seen someone so excited to learn that someone had a birthday so close to them. Neville was still chattering away. 'I know someone else who was born on July thirty-first. Who was it –?' His arm shot up as he made to rest it on the table, but it smacked into her glass of pumpkin juice and the drink toppled over, spilling over the table and dripping onto her. Neville almost jumped from his seat, beside himself with embarrassment. 'Oh no! I'm so sorry, Lily. I'll cast a spell to –'

She waved a hand for calm. 'Please, Neville. Just sit back down. It doesn't matter; I can clean it up with one of the cloths on the table. It's only spilt a bit on my skirt.'

The boy complied, and retook his seat. He jabbered on whilst she wiped most of the mess up, and kept mentioning about how truly sorry he was. He seemed to be getting distressed, and more so when Lily stood up from the table.

'I'm just going to ask for a word with Remus.' She explained. Neville looked confused, and she quickly went into more detail. 'Professor Lupin – the teacher on the train.'

Neville paled at the thought of having to confront Lupin after what had happened, and nodded worriedly. Perhaps he thought she was going to tell Remus that he'd spilt drink all over her now as well. However, that wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to talk to Remus about a few things going over in her mind. Firstly, about the Dementors and why they were stationed here. Secondly, about this Malfoy boy and how he seemed to be treating Harry, and thirdly an explanation for Neville, so that the poor boy wasn't victimised in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classes – though Lily really doubted Lupin could victimise anyone anyway.

Lily made sure that the best part of her skirt was almost dry, before she walked towards the teachers table at the very front. She guessed that not many students dared approach the table unless instructed, but she really did need answers. She hoped she'd be forgiven this time. Spying Remus sitting beside another man further down, she carefully made her way over. At first it seemed that her werewolf mentor did not notice her. He seemed to be staring into his empty goblet, examining it intently. The man next to him however, was staring at her intensely with his black eyes. His gaze made her feel uncomfortable, and she chanced a glance at him herself.

This professor had pale sour-coloured skin and a large hooked nose. His hair was greasy and shoulder length, and as black as the coal she described as his eyes. He seemed to stare at her with a strange expression on his face, but she could not place it. She waited for a few moments, but each second that ticked by made her feel more and more uncomfortable; so she cleared her throat, and Remus finally noticed her and looked up.

'Oh goodness me, Lily! How long have you been standing there? Sorry – I was in a world of my own then. You should have got my attention earlier.'

She shook her head as Lupin took to his feet. 'No, Professor,' she smiled. She already liked calling him by his new title. 'I have only been here for a few moments, and I would actually just like a quick word if you don't mind. I didn't want to disturb you, of course. You looked like you were deep in contemplation.'

Lupin smiled warmly. 'You are of no disturbance to me. Come; let's talk in private, shall we?' He edged out of his seat and walked around the table to her. Before they left, Lupin spoke to the other teacher over his shoulder. 'You have made most enjoyable company, Severus. We must speak again sometime – perhaps even after Lily here has finished discussing with me. However, I do feel quite tired. I may retire for the night, in fact.'

Professor Severus Snape took his goblet into hand and swivelled the thick red substance that was there, his eyes trained on Lupin for a moment. 'I do wish that I could agree with you, Lupin. However, I do think that the girl is quite eager to speak with you, and your conversation might go on for some time. So it is highly likely I will not be seeing you again this eve, but rest assured that I will see to it that your potion is made by the time this week is up.' Snape's eyes glinted in the low light that emanated from the bewitched ceiling, and for the briefest moment he seemed to catch Lily's emerald eyes and stare into them intently. It looked like he would say no more, and so Lupin made to lead Lily away. However, Snape's voice softly travelled across to them. 'Welcome to Hogwarts, Ms. Evans.'

Lily half-stopped, and turned her head minutely, so that she could see that Snape had tilted his head in her direction. She shook her head, and replied. 'Thank you, Professor.'

Lupin seemed to be quite stiff beside her, and he quickly directed her away. He seemed to suddenly be acting very uncomfortable. They made their way right down to the exit of the hall and out through the doors, before he turned to her.

'Congratulations, Lily.'

She frowned. 'Congratulations?'

To her surprise, Lupin's eyes lowered. 'You're in Gryffindor. Aren't you pleased?'

After her realisation, she gasped and nodded enthusiastically. 'Of course! I've made so many friends already…'

Lupin leaned back a bit. 'Was there something that you wanted, Lily? You must be particularly eager so as to approach the staff table – it's not something I could see you doing.'

Lily clasped her hands behind her back. 'About the Dementors and a few other things.'

He nodded his head understandingly. 'The Dementors will be here until Sirius Black is caught. Did I not tell you about that?'

She shook her head. 'No, you didn't. Who is Sirius Black?'

The Professor shrugged. 'You shouldn't be concerned with him. What else did you want to speak about, Lily? Otherwise, you should re-join the feast.'

She thought for a moment about telling Lupin about the Malfoy boy, but then realised that it wasn't really any of her business. If Harry wanted to, he could tell a teacher himself. But Lily did need to talk about a particular boy. 'Rem– Professor,' she corrected. 'I wanted to make sure you understood about what happened on the train. I mean with the boy, Neville. He had only tripped over Hermione – the girl in the compartment. I didn't want you to misunderstand about his intentions. He was so terribly sorry and embarrassed afterward.'

Lupin smiled. 'I see,' a pause allowed his smile to widen into a grin. 'You can assure him that his worries are unfounded. Now you should really go back to the feast, Lily. I think I may go and get some rest myself.'

She frowned and leaned forward a bit, resting her hand on his arm. 'I hope you're alright, Remus. You're acting a bit odd. Is there something you yourself would like to speak about? You know that I'm here for you.'

The Professor chuckled, and shook his head. 'I am fine, I assure you. Just tired from the journey. I'm sure Neville is awaiting your return, Lily. He did seem quite fond of you – though he did seem to get quite over-enthusiastic.' He coughed lightly, and raised an eyebrow. 'I do hope you aren't completely soaked in pumpkin juice.'

Lily blushed lightly, and then rapidly shook her head. 'Don't be silly, Remus! He's just very welcoming, unlike a few of those Slytherin…' She scowled, and pointed down the corridor. 'Off with you! I won't listen to this nonsense you're coming out with any longer!'

Remus lowered his eyebrows. 'You can't address a teacher like that, Lily!' But he was already turning to leave, his face still half-amused.

She waited until he'd passed around the corner before she turned back to the Great Hall's huge doors. Walking back through, she was unsurprised to see that many of the students were making to leave for their common rooms, she guessed. She spied Neville getting up from his seat, and glancing around warily. She quickly passed through the crowds, and came to be at his side. The boy's eyes met hers, and he smiled rather awkwardly.

'Do you want me to show you to the common room?' he stuttered slightly.

Lily nodded. 'Oh. That'd be great, thanks.' She took Neville's right side, and together they began to walk back out of the hall again. The two stayed near the group of Gryffindors making their way toward the common room too, and not much conversation passed between them. It wasn't until they reached the bottom of the stairs leading up that Neville stopped.

'Oh, no! I can't remember what the new password is!'

She stopped too, but then turned back to the group of Gryffindors ahead of them. 'Come on, let's let them open it and we can find out when we get inside. Hurry, Neville!' She gripped his hand, and they ran up the steps together. However, it seemed they were too late anyway. The group of fourth years had passed into the common room, and the door was once again locked. The fat lady on the portrait in front of them stared at them intensely, yet somewhat annoyed too.

'Password?' she asked.

Neville seemed to bumble for a bit, trying to remember. 'Caput Draconis… no, that was first year. Wasn't it Wattlebird? Oh no. That was last year, wasn't it?' Just when Lily was about to go find someone who might know the password, Neville suddenly spat out: 'Fortuna Major! That's it! Fortuna Major.'

The fat lady raised a delicate eyebrow and reluctantly swung open, revealing the scarlet common room. She and Neville walked inside and she was shocked to find a room full of eyes pointed at her, all expressing curiosity she guessed. Trying to ignore the fifty or so people watching her, and walked over to Hermione, who was standing beside Ron near to the fire. They were deep in discussion it seemed, and didn't notice her and Neville until they were right beside them.

Lily cleared her throat uncomfortably. 'Hermione… I was wondering if you – that is the girls who share your dormitory and you – wouldn't mind terribly if I took one of the spare beds, if you have one of course.' It was a terribly awkward speech, but she didn't see who else would let her take a place in their dorm.

To her shock, Hermione smiled understandingly. 'I'm sure Parvati and Lavender would have no problem. You can take the bed by the window. None of us particularly like heights, you see.'

Lily smiled. 'Oh, yes. That's great. I love heights.'

Hermione frowned, and then turned back to Ron. Lily turned back to Neville.

'I'm going to go up and see which bed they mean, and then get my things sorted.'

Neville nodded understandingly. 'I'll wait here. Or I'd better go up myself. Early morning tomorrow.'

Lily smiled slightly, and sped over to the spiralling staircase that led up to the girls' dormitory. After she'd made her way up she spotted the door which had Hermione's name underneath, shocked to see that underneath the three girls' names was her own name, already printed in bold gold writing. Somewhat unnerved, she passed through the wooden door and looked about the room.

She felt a strange feeling of contentment pass over her when she saw the scarlet curtains and the matching bedcovers, Lily walked over to the bed nearest the window. There she threw herself upon the bed with a giggle, and rested her head on the plump pillow. She couldn't believe that she was here, at Hogwarts. Everything was perfect. She just needed to get her belongings, and then she'd almost be completely settled. She turned over on the bed, looking to her bedside table. On it was a small golden barn owl, its head tilted almost full around to face her. Lily shot up startled, and reached out to take the small envelope from its beak. It hissed as she tugged at the corner, but loosened its grip. Carefully, she opened the envelope and pulled the letter out that was inside.

'Dear Miss Evans,

Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Your case and belongings have been unpacked, and your new Gryffindor house uniform has been sorted and is now in your second draw down from the top. I have also taken the liberty of buying you this owl as Professor Lupin has informed me that you have been otherwise busy, and buying an animal for your Transfiguration lessons has slipped your attention.

If you should need any more assistance do not hesitate to contact me.

Professor M. McGonagall

Head of Gryffindor House.'

Lily read the letter through a second time, before quickly yanking her second draw from the top open. As the letter told her, her uniform was all ready for tomorrow. The lion crest of Gryffindor was stitched onto all her robes and her new red and yellow tie was lying on top of them, as well as her plain grey skirt and shoes. Of course the robes she had on now would have to have the Gryffindor crests stitched on also, but she could do that after she'd settled in a bit. So she changed out of her robes and snatched up her baggy sleeping top and shorts. After she gently stroked her new owl's neck, she changed and went over to the window and looked out of the tower.

Below she could see the many lights of the castle, most already seeming to dim as she stared intently at them. She wondered how late it must be getting, and wondered as to what she'd be getting up to tomorrow. Not leaving the window, she reached around and opened a few of her drawers, finding her timetable wrote neatly on a sheet of white parchment. Looking down at this new piece of paper, she read aloud her timetable for the following day.

'Lily Evans, third year student. Timetable is as follows:

Monday

9:00 Care of Magical Creatures

10:00 Divination

Break

11:00 Transfiguration

Lunch

Break

13:00 Potions

14:00 Defence Against the Dark Arts.'

'Be careful!' a squeal came from the other side of the dormitory, causing Lily's head to snap up just as she finished reading the last words. A girl with long plaited black hair, tanned skin and dark brown eyes was staring at her with horror etched onto her features.

Lily tilted her head and then glanced back to the glass, shocked when she felt a hand wrap around her arm and drag her away from the window. The girl was staring at her as though she'd done something terribly wrong. Lily glared at her. 'Is there something the matter?'

The girl shook her head, exasperated. 'It's dangerous to sit so close to the window! We're so high up that if you fell –' the girl stopped herself. 'It's dangerous.'

Lily stood up and shook her head, sliding her timetable back into her drawer. 'I'm perfectly safe. I am sure that the windows are enforced with some magical barrier, so that something as that doesn't happen,' she stopped and then quickly offered her hand. 'Anyway – my name is Lily Evans. Hermione said that I could take the spare bed in this dorm.'

The dark-haired girl raised a delicate eyebrow, but shook her hand anyway. 'I'm Parvati Patil. Welcome to Gryffindor! And of course I don't mind if you share our dorm. It's Lavender you'll have to get approval from.'

Lily nodded, and then walked over to her bed. Parvati seemed to stare at the window for a few moments, before she turned and walked over to her own. It wasn't long before Hermione joined them also, bumbling on about how she had sorted her new timetable and was excited about all the new classes. Lily listened for the most part, but was more interested when Lavender came into the room. The blonde girl stared at her with eyes ever so slightly narrowed, before she stalked across the room and settled onto her bed. Lily guessed that she wasn't one to trust strangers, but she was sure they'd get on eventually. When the three of her roommates calmed down, Lily settled back underneath her bedcovers. She spied Hermione sitting on her own bed, a fluffy ginger cat and a thick book on her lap entitled, 'The Standard Book of Spells' – obviously, this was one girl who really loved either reading, or revising and learning. From the title of the book, Lily guessed the latter.

It wasn't long before Lily succumbed to sleep, and fell into a slumber full of mysterious dreams. Beneath it all she saw a single man in the distance, calling out her name in pain. Yet every time she made to approach the stranger a giant wolf replaced his place, and she screamed for her life as she sprinted backwards.