Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. *sighs disappointedly*
A/N: Hiya, thank you to everyone who reviewed for my last chapter. Now, quick question, I'm just curious, but how old do you guys reckon I am? It would be cool to see what you think.
Now that bout of randomness is over, enjoy the chapter! xx

When I wake up in the Leaky Cauldron the next morning, I feel strangely empty.
Empty, and slightly hollow, like there's something missing.
I feel like I could stay in bed forever, not moving, wallowing self-deprecatingly.
Still, I get up, yawning and stretch, going into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Brushing my hair, I put on a white blouse with a pale pink skirt and tights, and pack up my handbag with what I'll need for the day. After pulling my favourite cream jumper, I sling my bag over my shoulder, eyeing my wand on my bedside table mistrustfully, and stop next the dressing table, hand automatically reaching out for my charm bracelet. My hand hovers over where it sits, lying on top of my plain white handkerchief.
I couldn't decide whether to bring it or not last night, while I was packing. I finally wrapped it up and slid it into the front pocket of my satchel, trying not to feel guilty, fifteen minutes later.

Biting my lip, I walk past it, tucking my bracelet-less hand into my pocket.

"Morning, Lily!"
"Good morning."
As soon as I get down to the bar, the nice witch from two doors along beckons me over to sit with her, so I take the seat gratefully, not wanting to sit alone. Shaking my head at her offer of toast, I sip my coffee and try to ignore how good her breakfast looks, deciding to buy something to eat later. When I've finished my coffee, I stand up, bid the kind woman goodbye, and walk out of the Muggle side of the Leaky Cauldron; I changed over most of my wizarding money last night.

The shops are as busy as can be expected on a Saturday morning, streets bustling, car horns blaring out over the indistinct chatter filling the high street. Blinking rapidly and stepping out of the way of a few shoppers, I shake my head to clear my daydream and set off down the street, hand hovering protectively over my handbag. After a few minutes, I spot a promising-looking coffee shop, and turn to go and enter, but I am knocked backwards by a pretty dark-haired lady, who stops to steady me.
"Oh, sorry, hon...Lily?"
Her voice is incredulous, and I squint at her.
"Marjorie?"
"Oh, how are you?"
She embraces me lightly, kissing me on the cheek, and I smile widely.
"I'm fine, thank you. Wow, I haven't seen you in what, five years?"
"Oh, of course. You went off to that boarding school in Scotland, didn't you?"
Marjorie was one of Petunia's friends from primary school.
"Yes. You look excellent."
The woman flashes me the sight of her left hand, showing off her engagement ring, which is about a big as a Puffskein.
"Ooooh, who's the lucky fellow?"
"John Griffiths. Wonderful man, manager of his own DIY business."
I frown, trying not to smile.
"So, where are you off to?"
"I'm going to see Petunia, funnily enough. We're meeting up for tea at the Tailor's Teapot, just down the road. You're welcome to join us, if you like."
"I..." I take a second, hesitating, and she seems to take my silence as an answer.
"Excellent. Let's go, then."

Linking arms with me, Marjorie starts to drag an only slightly protesting me along with her.
The tea shop is grand and sophisticated, and I feel small and under-dressed as Marjorie pulls me over to a small table in back, where none other than my favourite sister sits, blonde hair in an elegant French knot, designer heels worth more than our entire old house. As soon as she sees me, she lets out a little horrified gasp, and I bite my lip, looking at her apologetically.

"Oh, hallo, Petunia."
"Ah...hello Marjorie." She says regally, completely ignoring my existence.
"It's simply splendid to see you. I bumped into dear Lily this morning, and she practically begged to come along."
I roll my eyes.
"Isn't that...lovely." Petunia seems to swallow back a rude retort, and I start to fidget with the tablecloth as we sit down.
"Tea and crumpets for three, please." Marjorie waves her hand absently at the waiter who comes over to take our order, and he bows his head before going to get it for her.

"So, Petunia, dear, how is darling Vernon?"
"He is...excited for the wedding."
"Oh how wonderful. Now, Lily, are you engaged."
"Not yet, no."
"Lily's boyfriend is a bit, ahem, different. He is unemployed, you see. Living off benefits."
"He is not."
My voice is low, and quiet, humming with anger.
"No?"
"No, Petunia dearest. He is not."
"So tell me, Lily darling, what is so special about...Jimmy, was it?"
Her voice is cold, biting, and Marjorie's head swivels back and forth, peering at us curiously, like she's watching a violent tennis match.
"James." I hiss. "James Potter, and he is studying at the moment. Top of his class."
"Oh, really? I could swear that he didn't seem too bright."
"That's rich, coming from the fiancée of that fat old walrus."

It explodes from my mouth before I can stop it, and Marjorie gasps, looking panicked.
"I think I'll go. It was nice to see you, Marjorie."
I turn and storm out of the restaurant, wringing my hands, breathing furiously, wishing all the more that I had someone to comfort me.
After that, it takes an hour of high-speed walking to finally calm me down.

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She-who-loves-fanfiction xx