As soon as reaching their home, Hermione went into the library and started to read a book. Ron followed her and sat beside her.
'Do you think that books will help us in getting answers to Harry's questions?' asked Ron.
'Yes Ron. Books are damn useful. Anyway, I am not trying to get answers for Harry's questions. I am more interested in Lilly's painting.' Hermione said.
'Why are you interested in Lilly's painting? Harry said that she inherited his mother's talents.'
Hermione considered it for a moment. Maybe Ron and Harry are right in saying that lily has inherited her grandmother's talents. Even then she couldn't possibly seem to understand how Abby is controlled by Lilly's mind. It was an excellent magic and dangerous too.
'Even in the wizarding world giving life to a painting is weird Ron. It will be better if we have some clue as to what kind of magic is that.'
'Maybe we should simply ask Dumbledore. He might have an idea if such kind of magic existed or not. I am more worried about Harry's scar. Do you think that a part of Voldemort's soul lives within Harry?' Ron asked expressing his worst fear.
'That is impossible Ron. Harry could not feel other Horcruxes nor he could hear Voldemort's thoughts which clearly indicates that the part of Voldemort within harry was destroyed.'
'Then what about his scar prickling again after 22 years.' Ron argued back.
'I think we will have a clear answer for that tomorrow when we talk to Dumbledore's portrait in Hogwarts', Hermione said and immersed in her book again.
Meanwhile in Hogwarts James and Al were having a good time. As promised to her father, Lily haven't painted anything within Hogwarts. She sometimes felt bored and thought of painting again, but decided not to break the promise that she has given Harry and stopped painting. Also, she was afraid of painting again. She still could not think of how Abby has come alive. Its true that she has thought that she needed a friend like Abby.
But she still couldn't work out how her thoughts are coming true. It was even more terrifying when she thinks of how Abby exploded when she thought she don't want her. She sometimes thought of discussing about this with James. But he only annoyed her by saying that she should stop discussing about it within Hogwarts. James and Al don't seem to discuss about this with her and only annoyed her by saying not to paint again. She really needed a friend who will understand her and help her with this. Sometimes she even thought of painting again and to observe what really is happening.
Confused with all these thoughts, she went to Gryffindor common room and sat beside the fire.
'What is it Lily? You seem upset', James joined her.
'James, I want to speak with you' she said
'If it is anything about painting, you should give up the thought Lily' he replied.
'Do you know anything about our grandmother's talent. Dad mentioned it on that day' Lily asked
'Lily stop discussing about it right now. We are in the common room and there is a chance for anyone to know this.' James looked concerned.
'Common James, don't you want to know what really is happening when I paint. I want to paint again and understand this magic'
James considered it for a moment. He too was curious to know what kind of magic Lily possessed. Maybe they should try it now in the boy's dormitory. He looked at Lily and said his idea of trying in his dormitory.
Looking relieved Lily started to paint in James's dormitory. When she was half done, they were interrupted by Al's voice.
'What you two are up to?' Al sounded livid
'We are trying to see what kind of magic Lily possess Al' James replied calmly
But Al seemed to be annoyed and he teared Lily's half-finished painting.
Lily glared at Al and went out. She really could not understand what his problem was. She wanted to know what kind of magic she possess. With all the raging thoughts, she went to the girl's dormitory and shut herself.
Dereck Malfoy was annoyed because he has been assigned the task of following Potters and give any useful information to the Dark Lord. But the task is quite difficult. James and Albus doesn't seem to mingle with him. They hated him and he equally hated them back. However lately, he got a new idea of trying to follow Lily Potter. However, he doesn't know how to approach her without anyone being sceptical about his behaviour. Since Lily and himself were not in the same year, he didn't have any opportunity to talk with her. As of now, his best way is to follow her and get her attention towards him. Thinking about different ways to approach her, he drifted off to sleep.
The next day, Dereck started to follow Lily Potter. She seemed miserable about something and she preferred to be alone. She even avoided her close friends. He thought it is highly unusual. Maybe this is it. Something must have happened in their home which put her in depression. The very thought of this put him on cloud nine. If he gives this kind of information to the Dark Lord, then he will be awarded and one day he will be recognized as the most faithful servant to the Dark Lord.
Since she was alone, he thought that this is the right time to approach her. He didn't want to miss this opportunity. She went into the library and started to read 'Ancient spells and their effects', He grabbed a book for himself and sat beside her. He decided to start a conversation with her.
'Hi Lily, want me to help you with ancient spells?' he asked
Lily looked up and saw Dereck sitting beside her. Dereck has just talked with her in a friendly way. She was thinking whether to give reply to him or not as she very well knows that he and her brothers have a long-time conflict. But deciding that it will be rude not to answer she replied 'No thanks.'
At that precise moment, James potter pulled her out of earshot and said 'Lily, I think we are in trouble.'
