Hey Guys! Sorry this chapter has been so long! I've been absolutely overwhelmed with uni work. I've tried to make this a little bit longer, as I've had a few reviews saying that I should. However, my little sister is of the opinion that I should write shorter chapters...so any and all advise is much appreciated! (about other stuff to, not just length :D) Hope you enjoy!
Rach
7. Charming Friends
When Lily woke up the next morning, it took her a moment to place the plush red hangings of her Hogwarts bed. When she finally did, rolling out of bed with a grin on her face, her joy was short lived.
"The others have gone downstairs," Mary said, making her way out of the fogged up bathroom. "You'll miss breakfast unless you hurry."
Lily groaned slightly, staggering over to her trunk. She had been so tired last night, she hadn't bothered putting anything away. She had toppled onto her bed as soon as she'd pried off her trainers.
Tugging her school robes out of the jumble of her possessions, she smiled hopefully at her best friend. "Will you wait for me? 10 minutes, tops!"
Mary eyed her incredulously. "No way will you be ready in ten minutes!" Then, furrowing her brow against further entreaty, she said firmly, "I'm going down in five. You can come if you're ready."
Lily, who was regularly deeply involved in a book in the morning, was well practised when it came to asking her friends to wait for her. She was also something of a master when it came to speedy dressing. These two facts combined meant that 7 minutes and 24 seconds later Lily was half jogging after Mary. She held her shoes in her left hand, the other was trying to ineffectually straighten her hair.
"Mary! Would you slow down?" They were rapidly approaching the last set of stairs, and Lily was hopping, trying to hurry, and to put her trainers on at the same time.
Mary merely sniffed in reply.
Busy fiddling with the laces of her first shoe, she missed a step. She tumbled down the remaining four, landing with a thump at the bottom.
"Lily!" Mary was immediately back at her side. "Merlin Lil, are you ok?"
Lily grimaced slightly as she sat up, Mary's worried face looming over her. She nodded. "I'm ok, just a little bruised." She slipped her feet quickly into her shoes, and pushed herself up, off the stairs. "Turns out shoes are easier to put on sitting down. Who knew?"
Mary, her morning's patience well and truly worn out, tossed up her arms, and strode into the Great Hall.
Lily hurried after her, still smirking slightly. Her friends were, much to her disgust, sitting close to the boys and talking animatedly about which classes they were going to take. Instead of making a fuss, Lily grabbed a piece of toast from the pile and concentrated on eating quickly.
"I want to do healing," Viv said. "I've never been that great at Defence, but this way I'm still helping people, you know?"
Sirius nodded, "James' been thinking 'bout healing too. What d'ya need for it then?"
"Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. I need at least E's in all of them."
"Blimey!" Marly looked up from her bacon and eggs in astonishment. "That's as bad as what I need for auror training."
James, grimacing slightly, agreed.
Sirius was laughingly outlining his and Peter's plan for a pub when breakfast disappeared off the tables. Before Mary and Lily could do more than share exasperated, and hungry, glances, Professor McGonagall had arrived from the staff table, carrying their class schedules.
"Right then. Miss Krane, lets begin with you."
Vivianne smiled easily. "I think my marks are alright, aren't they Professor?"
McGonagall allowed a small smile to escape and tapped a blank piece of parchment with her wand. "Just double checking that you're still set on healing. There you go."
Viv grinned as she examined her classes, but, to Lily's dismay, appeared to be waiting for her friends. Lily did not want to discuss her subject options in front of everyone. Mary, also looking at the table, seemed to fel the same way.
James was quickly cleared for the same subjects, seeming equally set on waiting for his mates.
"Mr Black?" McGonagall looked sternly at him over her glasses. "I don't suppose you've given anymore thought to your carer choice since you decided on," her mouth made a small moue of distaste, "bar-tending?"
Sirius' wide-eyed innocence stood up to Professor McGonagall's glaring for only a few seconds. Rolling his eyes he grinned up at her. "Alright, Alright! Pete and I were thinking about curse-breaking instead."
She nodded, about to hand his timetable over when Sirius interrupted, suddenly hard-faced. "I'd like to take a Muggle Studies NEWT too, if I can."
Lily blinked, almost as shocked as the transfiguration Professor. She wondered, sadly, if Sirius would ever feel that he had truly escaped his family.
"Of course Black. So that's Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Muggle Studies." He nodde,d, but before she could pass over both his and Peter's (slightly emptier) timetables, Peter spoke.
"Professor? I- uh, I'd like to continue with potions. You know, if I –uh, can?" The slightly chubby boy's nervous demeanour was hugely different to that of his friends.
Professor McGonagall frowned slightly. "That's six subjects Peter. NEWTS are very challenging-"
"B- B- But Sirius is-"
"Mr Black is, and always has been, most talented with his wand. If he applies himself, he is more than capable." Her nostrils flared slightly as she looked at Peter. "You, on the other hand…" She trailed off slightly. "It's charms that you have the most trouble in, perhaps if you-"
"We'll help him Professor," Remus interceded on behalf of his friend, "with the charms. And Pete's rather good at Potions and Arithmancy."
"He has the marks." Sirius and James were sitting straight in their seats, obviously annoyed.
"Very well, Pettigrew. But if, as I suspect, you need to drop a subject, please come and find me. Without your friends!" Still obviously annoyed, she turned to face Marly. "Miss McKinnon? You still ant to be an aurur?"
Marly nodded firmly. "Yes Professor. Charms, Transfiguration, Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts. And Runes as my fifth please."
Professor McGonagall nodded, obviously unsurprised by Marly's choices. She handed over the newly filled timetable. "So that leaves the more difficult Mr Lupin, Miss Evans and Miss MacDonald." She looked at May. "Have you got your choices ready?"
Mary blushed slightly, pink creeping into her pale cheeks. "I-, I'm still not really sure yet…" She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
"Honestly! It is not that difficult MacDonald! What do you want to do after school?"
"What do I-? I really don't see how that's relevant Professor!" Mary's voice shook slightly, but her face was hard. Lily quickly placed her hand on Mary's.
"Not relevant! Miss MacDonald I-"
Mary snatched her hand back from Lily, standing angrily. "Yes not relevant! I want to get married, and have kids! I want to run a shop. Sell books, or have an apothecary, or- But that's not relevant! Coz there's a war on Professor," Mary looked down slightly, lowering her voice again. "There's a war on. So I'll learn what I'm told, and I'll fight where I'm needed. But don't ask me what I want."
Lily stood, moving quickly to stand close by. She didn't try to touch her friend, but Mary leaned in towards Lily, drawing strength as she took a deep breath.
"Potions." Her eyes were closed, her voice strained as she got herself under control again. "Potions, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures and Defence against the Dark Arts," she said, her mouth quirking slightly at the irony.
Professor McGonagall opened her mouth slowly. Lily, unsure whether she was going to apologise or assign a detention (you could never quite tell with Professor McGonagall), spoke first.
"Me next." Her voice wobbled slightly as she looped an arm around Mary's waist, smiling as her friend, her sister, sagged into her. "Potions of course! And Charms. And Runes, Arithmancy and History of Magic." Lily bit her lip slightly.
"History of Magic! You've got to be kidding! You'll be the only one in the bloody class!"
Lily didn't bother replying to Potter. "Er, Professor?" She could already see the sympathy on McGonagall's face, but she had to ask anyway. "I- I-" she sighed, holding Mary tighter, drawing strength this time. "I wanted to do Transfiguration. I- I know I don't have the marks but" she couldn't meet her teacher's eyes.
"I'm sorry Miss Evans. I'm well aware that you know the coursework, but I don't accept people with less than an E…"
Lily smiled tightly, keeping careful control of her temper. Mary had already lost it this morning, and none of it was Professor McGonagall's fault. "I understand. I- uh, I just thought maybe, I dunno, if I had a tutor or something…" her voice trailed off.
"Miss Evans, " Professor McGonagall said, her face softening slightly. "You don't need a tutor. If it weren't for," her gaze flicked to the boys, hardening imperceptibly, "certain circumstances, we both know you would have gotten an O." She sighed. "I'm sorry Lily, even if we had any tutors available…I couldn't…"
Lily did her best to smile, knowing that it came out as more of a grimace. "It's alright Pro-"
"I'll do it."
Every head in the vicinity swivelled towards Sirius Black.
He smirked, sweeping his fringe casually to one side. "I'll tutor Evans. She knows most of it anyway, and Transfiguration is my best sub-"
"Black!" Any softness in McGonagall's face disappeared. "I don't know who you think you are! I do not accept anyone with les than an E into my NEWT classes, whether you involve yourself or not! Especially when it was your fault in-"
"It's ok." Lily didn't move her eyes from Sirius. For all that he had smirked as he offered his services, and for all that his face set in amused disdain while McGonagall yelled, there had been a moment when guilt, and hurt, flashed across his face. "It's ok," she said again, meeting his eyes. She gave him a tentative smile, before turning back to her Professor. "Could I have my timetable please?"
Then, smiling encouragingly at Remus (she was angry at him, but he looked so pale, she led her still quivering friend back to their dorm.
After walking Mary to Herbology, Lily made her way to the library. Instead of relaxing like the other sixth years with a free period, she sat alone at a back table, 2 thick texts in front of her. However, for all her seeming work ethic, she was simply sitting, straight backed, staring at her timetable.
"Whaddaya doing in the library?" Marlene asked, plonking down beside her. "It's the first class of the year. You can't possibly have homework!"
"Hey Marly." Lily smiled, obviously amused. "I'm working out my timetable." She shook her head, bewildered. "I have three free classes today. Three!"
Madame Pince, the middle-aged librarian, glared at Lily as she walked past.
"She hates you." Marly whispered.
"I dunno why. I'm a straight O student. Well, almost. She should love me!"
"Miss Evans!" Madam Pince was back, leaning over their table, and scowling in a way that, Lily was sure, was responsible for her immature wrinkles.
"She hates you," Marly murmered again as the Librarian swooped off to chastise an unfortunate seventh year, "because you're noisy, and fun, and a million times prettier than she ever was."
By this time, both girls were smothering laughter.
Lily finally got herself under control enough to say, in a broken whisper, "Guess that explains why she likes you then…"
Marly, after taking a playful swipe at Lily's arm, remembered her original question. "So what are you doing then?" She pulled Lily's book towards her.
Lily, ignoring her momentarily, began quickly filling in her timetable's empty slots.
"Lily?! Why do you have these?"
Lily looked up., sighing. "Well, I'm, uh, learning wandless magic." She aimed a smile at her friend. "And I'm timetabling it in, so I have no excuse for procrastinating."
Marlene, instead of responding, grabbed Lily's timetable from the desk in front of her.
Lily winced. "And, um, and I'm teaching myself NEWT level Transfiguration too. I, uh-"
"Mental! Mad as Wendelin the Weird you are!"
Lily blushed, but looked pleadingly at Marlene. "I don't suppose that I could copy your notes?"
Marlene, after gaping like a fish for a good 30 seconds, finally spoke. "Ask Viv. My writing looks like chicken scratchings. And even if you use your rune decipher-ing skills," she smirked slightly, "they still don't make sense."
Lily laughed. Marly, like herself, was an Outstanding Ancient Runes student. Unlike Lily, Marly claimed it was because she practised reading the unreadable whenever she had to read her handwriting.
"Alright then. I've still got 40 minute of my spare left, and I want to do some reading, yeah?"
Marly grinned, obviously not in the least insulted. "Oh! You wound me Lily!" The two were capable of going on like this for hours, one increasingly blunt, the other increasingly melodramatic. "I merely craved your company after an anguished summer apart-"
"Marly."
"-and I find you jilting me for," she paused, checking the book in front of her, "Wandless Magic for Dummies by Sirius Lee Thicke. You've got to be kidding! Who has a name li-"
"Actually, I'm jilting you for The Magic Within: The Theory of Controlled, Wandless Magic. Bugger off will you?"
Marlene gave a sorrowful gasp, and staggered towards the exit. She was obviously in the midst of a very painful, and fake, death. Lily, still laughin to herself, opened her book to the first page.
An Introduction to Wandless Magic
Despite the fact that wizarding children often use wandless magic, it takes much study and dedication to become a true master. While neither are truly necessary, it is highly recommended that before you begin attempting magic wandlessly, you make some attempt at both non-verbal spells as well as ley-line visibility. To aid in this process, the first few chapters of this text are dedicated to the basics of those topics. If you are already proficient in them, please skip to chapter 3.
Lily blinked slightly, and re-read the paragraph. While she could cast non-verbals spells, it had taken a year's hard work, and she still took a few tries for most spells (her stunner and shield were exceptions). As far as Ley-Lines were concerned, she had read a minute amount about them last year, but she definitely couldn't see them. Sighing she returned back to the book.
Before proceeding any further, you must be warned. Truly studying wandless magic involves much danger. There is a greatly increased risk that when emotionally charged (and not yet having mastered wandless magic) you lose control of your magic. This can result (in extreme cases) in in magical exhaustion, and even death. While it is not required, we recommend that you learn occlumency concurrently, in order to protect yourself and those around you.
Lily quickly scanned the remaining four pages of the introduction; they did nothing more than repeat and rephrase the same warning. Sev and Lily had tried to learn occlumency together. While he was naturally talented, Lily had never managed more than the simplest of blocks. Her emotions were always too close to the surface.
Frowning, and unsure of the best course of action, Lily flipped to chapter 2. Professor Flitwick had done nothing but encourage her last year…and yet, if she lost control of her magic…
Shaking her head firmly (after all, as a child she had done little more than play with flowers!) she returned to her reading.
Ley Lines are at the base of all magic: the manipulation of them by incantations, potions, and even magical plants and animals, result in the manipulation of the world. Potions are generally used for more complex and subtle permutations than say, transfiguration. The reasons for this, while fascinating, relate more closely to arithmancy, and are not covered until chapter 12.
Lily rubbed her eyes. Maybe she should have started with the book for Dummies? Pulling her exercise book towards her, she began taking careful notes, thoroughly enjoying the smooth feeling of her ballpoint.
Before one can begin those wandless alterations to the ley lines, it is imperative to learn to see them. It is recommended that the following spell is cast non-verbally. While a wand is not necessary, holding it relaxed in one hand may aid the early castings. The charm (Pareo Verum),is, in itself, only an aid. This feat can be performed with concentration and the focusing of ones mind. It is difficult to explain the manner of viewing the world that allows you to see beyond mere physical manifestations, to the magical core within. While the ley lines are visible, do not attempt to move them without reading further. To end the charm, simply release your focus.
Lily's scowl had been darkening the entire way through the chapter. Lily had focus and determination in spades, but she had been warned about being emotional. And it had always been Sev, and even Mary, that could focus without linking it to their emotions.
She turned the page, studying the picture shown there. It was a forest, but instead of looking like any forest Lily had ever seen, this one was made up of glistening silver strands. They were too thin to have any colour where they criss-crossed in the air, but when they converged into the trunk of a tree, or the heart of an owl, they were a twisted silver.
Lily never knew how long she spent staring at the glinting forest, but the bell rang before she had a chance to even try the spell. Shaking her head as though trying to wake herself, she gathered her books together, and, after checking her timetable, headed towards the charms classroom.
She was, surprisingly, met at the door by Remus. "Lily! Listen, about patrols, are there any days you can't do?"
Lily looked at him coolly for a second, knowing exactly what was coming. She often wondered if claiming that she too needed the night of the full moon off would break through his outer shell. "Nope. I'm all good."
"Right, of course. I, uh, I'm going to need the 16th off; my Aunt Lizzie's getting married and-"
Lily looked at him disdainfully. "How odd. I thought your Aunt Lizzie died in fourth year." She turned, slipping into her usual seat, beside Mary. Honestly, could the boy not even keep track of his fake relatives? How he thought no one knew was beyond her.
Ignoring his stuttered explanations ("Oh, no, that, uh, that was my, uh, Great Aunt Lizzie. Named after her though. The younger one that is…"), Lily smiled at Mary. "How was Herbology?"
Grinning, apparently recovered from this morning, Mary replied easily. "Good actually. Not as good as a class off, but you know I've always liked plants."
"True. You should've been named after the flower."
Mary gave her a disgruntled look. "That wasn't even funny. Honestly Lil, losing your touch."
"Alright class!" Professor Flitwick was seated at his desk, the usual pile of books beneath him, adding some height to the diminutive man. "I'm going to make it an easy first class for you, just some revision." His voice was squeaky, oddly childlike when compared to his wrinkled face. "I want you to pair up, and practice silencio. It's the same sharp jab, for people too." He clapped his hands twice, then, hopping off his chair, began to make his way around the group.
Lily sighed, turning to Mary. "You wanna go first?"
"Nah. May as well have you master it," she said, "then I can have the rest of the lesson."
In actual fact, Mary was quite good at Charms, but Lily was something of a prodigy. It was the same way Potter was for Transfiguration, that Sev, no. That Snape was for Potions.
"Alright. Silencio! Did it work?"
Mary mouthed silently.
Lily laughed, "Guess so then." She waved her wand easily over her friend. "Ordinarius."
"Trust you to get it first shot. Silencio!"
Lily shrugged, ready to explain that they had done the spell last year. She found, however, that she was unable to speak.
"Hah! I did it too! Brilliant!" Mary grinned. "And Potter and Black haven't yet. And neither-"
Lily waved one silenced hand in front of Mary's face.
"-has Marly, or Viv! Remus has, of course. And Snape, git. But-"
Lily stared at her friend. Seriously, how long could she talk for on her own? Rolling her eyes, Lily pointed her wand at herself. 'Ordinarius.' She opened her mouth- nothing. 'Ordinarius.' Still nothing.
"-Ooh, look, even Stebbins hasn't, and he's a Ravenclaw! I love-"
Scowling, and concentrating just how much she'd like her voice back, she waved her wand at her neck. 'Ordinarius!' And it worked. "Mary you great prat! You left me silenced. You do realise that you just monologued! For 5 minutes!"
Mary looked at her for a second, cocking her head so that her straight black hair streamed to one side. "But you're talking? Didn't it work?"
Lily looked at her for a second. "I unsilenced myself. Eventually. Non-verbally," she added, at Mary's still slightly blank expression.
"Show off." Mary said petulantly. "Silencio!"
Lily, annoyed by now, glared at Mary, mouthing quite a few profanities.
"Good! So, as I was saying, I love it when Gryffindors beat-"
Lily's wand jabbed. 'Silencio!' She grinned as Mary's mouth kept moving. It was like, she thought happily, pressing mute on the TV, except much more satisfying. Mary didn't look pleased.
Lily grabbed a piece of paper suddenly, scribbling to Mary. Wanna silence other people? Flitwick can't blame us, we can't even say the incantation…
Mary skimmed the note, before giving Lily a measuring look. She nodded.
The two of them spent a highly enjoyable lesson, irritating the hell out of everyone else in the room. It hadn't taken Mary long to get the hang of casting a silent silencio, and once she had it, she delighted in driving Marly and Viv (who were also partners) to distraction. The best part, in Lily's opinion, was that every time a student had gotten Professor Flitwick's attention, they would give them back their voices.
As all the other Gryffindors had transfiguration next, Mary and Lily headed to the library. Lily had been planning to spend the time studying her own Transfiguration, but with Mary sitting beside her, both still on a high from Charms, she couldn't quite bring herself to. Their good moods were still lingering at lunch time, with the two girls smirking knowingly at each other every time one of their friends wondered about the prank.