Author's Notes: Thank you all for the reviews. I actually got my first flame! Actually, my first five, since the same person left five reviews… Just as a general note, if you do not like my story and review, please leave a relevant critique to improve on the areas you think I am suffering on, and in correct spelling and grammar. Calling me unintelligent really has no effect on how I write, so you might as well just not say it. : ) And I apologize for such the long wait. I had a very, very important audition that basically decided my life that I needed to prepare for. And thankfully, I got in! So here's the next chapter!
PassionatelyFeline: What a long review! And a lot of questions in it, too! Let's see… Scorpius frowned because he was just trying to figure out how he knew the two teachers. Lily didn't really have that deep of a crush; she is only eleven/twelve after all. Right now her feelings for Scorpius go no deeper than he's cute and James said she couldn't talk to him. Besides, didn't every small problem seem like the end of the world when you were younger? Scorpius is a bit of an old fashioned and honorable guy. He would resort to violence to fight for a girl's honor (whether it be Lily or in this case, Carys) but he wouldn't just punch a younger boy because he's bitter. As for Scorpius and Newt, the two grew close their first year when everyone picked on Scorpius for being a Malfoy. Newt was the only one who gave him a chance. Scorpius doesn't make friends very easily; he comes off very aloof with a strong temper. But he does value loyalty and open-mindedness and friendship. Therefore, it is very rare to be considered one of Scorpius' close friends, but the few friends Score does have, he is very close and loyal to. Newt is kind of different too, and Scorpius' likes unique people. So they make a good pair. Also, you may be interested in what I have to say at the end of the chapter.
LavenderExtract: That's so cool! Carys is a very pretty name. I picked it because it was Welsh and I'm Welsh. And you know what? I like it so much that Carys will more than likely be given a bigger role. :]
Ceci_cool_21: Thank you for reviewing. I actually do consider myself to be a huge fan of the series, and I believe you have some of your facts wrong. Fawkes only gave two feathers, but he is not the only phoenix to ever give a feather for a wand. The wand core is, however, definitely rare. So no, Lily does not have Lord Voldemort's wand. Also, Fred is still dead in this story. J.K. Rowling released on her site that George named his first son after Fred (who appears in chapter 2). Also, I did write the Sorting Hat's song. It is different from the Sorcerer's Stone, but probably very similar because I was writing based off that song. However, Lily's conversation with the hat is very different. Lily merely says please, not referring to what she wants, (she never says 'Not Slytherin', like Harry). McGonagall was not meaning to be rude with her comment, and Lily certainly didn't take it that way, so I hoped none of my readers would either. And lastly, I am not English, I am American so I apologize for any of my cultural slips. However, I am sure that there has been a year where it never snowed in October in England.
Chapter 12: Welcome Back
"Lily! Are you ready yet?"
"Coming!" She called back to her mother. She gave herself one last critical look in the mirror; it was a sweltering day in the middle of August. She was dressed as lightly as possible in a thin tank top and shorts. Her hair was up in a ponytail with strands already escaping its tie. Lily did not look much different. She hadn't grown any taller, but her hair was a bit longer and she squirmed in the training bra her mother had started to make her wear, despite Lily's protests she didn't need it. Making a face at herself, she left her room and bounded down the stairs.
Her mother stood impatiently by the back door. They would be Apparating to the Lovegoods house. Ginny and Lily left their house and crossed through the woods behind their home into a small clearing. As Ginny gripped her daughter's hand tightly and turned on the spot, Lily's heart skipped in excitement.
The summer had gone by quickly for Lily. Olivia and Emily had both visited and Lily had gone to see them. The girls had spent most of their time talking, especially about Lorcan. Olivia and Emily were absolutely fascinated with him. He had never been a prominent member of their little group – Lysander generally spoke for the two of them.
"Oh, hello, Ginny," a lofty voice said sweetly. Lily opened her eyes – she found closing them made Apparition a tiny bit more bearable. Luna was squatting in the garden wearing Muggle male jeans covered in dirt, a poncho, and a large straw hat with sunflowers adorned to it. Lily felt hot just looking at her.
The Lovegoods lived in a rural part of England, secluded and surrounded by woods. Their house was oddly shaped, sort of like a pyramid, with additions here and there sticking out in the oddest places, clearly held together by magic. It sat on top of a large hill that went sloping backwards behind their house into the dark forest.
"Lily!" Lorcan cried, racing out of the house. He had apparently been watching for her from the window. "What took you so long? Come on!"
He reached forward and grabbed her hand, and tugged her towards the back of the house, waving goodbye to his own mother and Ginny.
"Bye Mum!" Lily cried with laughter as she followed her boyfriend.
"Be safe, kids," Ginny called back, waving lazily as she chatted with Luna.
Lorcan dropped Lily's hand as they went around the house and began down the hill into the words.
"Lorcan, where are we going?" Lily asked as they entered the dark forest.
"You'll see. It's a surprise," He said with a grin. "I promise you'll like it,"
The two walked for nearly half an hour through the forest, chatting about unimportant things. They often hung out in these woods, as they were Lorcan's favorite place, but Lily had never been this far in. Halfway through, the land started to slope upwards again and the grass was more and more interrupted with large stones and rocks. She was just going to ask Lorcan to take a break when they stopped.
"Close your eyes," Lorcan insisted. Lily smiled and obliged. Eyes closed, Lily's smile grew larger as his warm hand encompassed hers. Lorcan led her carefully up the last part of the hill, which was all rock now. They stopped and Lily felt a cool breeze.
"Open them,"
Lily's mouth dropped. They were standing on a giant boulder, at least a hundred feet in the air, looking over a giant sloping drop, almost as if it was a side of a cliff. Large rocks jutted here and there, breaking up the grass and trees. The hill lead down into a small creek, riddled with rocks perfect for stepping across.
"Lorcan, this is amazing," She breathed, standing as close to the edge as possible. Lorcan grabbed her wrist and pulled her back slightly, giving her a sheepish smile. Lily sighed, obliging him and sitting on the edge, her feet dangling off the edge. "How did you ever find it?"
Lorcan shrugged, frowning. "Mum and Dad were having a row. I needed to get out of the house,"
"Oh," Lily said quietly. "Was it bad?"
"The usual," he replied, with a crooked grin. Lily smiled softly back, and looked back out at the creek. As they sat there, listening to the water rushing over the rocks, their summer coming to a close, Lily couldn't help but think how much she enjoyed her summer. She had learned a lot about Lorcan. She learned how talkative Lorcan really was, once he was comfortable with someone; how he secretly didn't believe in the creatures his mother talked about and his brother adored, how he wasn't even sure if his dad believed in them or if he just humored his mum; how his dad was often gone for long periods of time or if he was home, locked in his study, how his parents fought often. Lily had met his father once. He was a large man, quite the opposite of his wife and children. He wasn't mean to her, but he had been very quiet and intimidating. There was something off-putting about the man, but Lily couldn't put her finger on it.
Lorcan reached out and grabbed her hand. He smiled at her. Shaking the negative thoughts away, Lily smiled back, glad that she had spent the summer with Lorcan, and looking forward to their second year.
----
It was the second week of the school year, and Quidditch tryouts were upon everyone. As Lily approached the field with her friends, she felt that nervous, excitable energy she associated with Quidditch, Most of the team was already there. James was gesturing wildly, entertaining the hordes of giggling young girls sitting in the stands. Race rolled her eyes at him, hitting his backside with her broom. James wiggled his eyebrows at her, running his hand through his unruly black hair, making it messier. Albus was sitting in the front row, alone as usual, patiently waiting. Rose was talking to the other Beater, Everett. Luke was standing jauntily with the captain.
"Alright, listen up!" Clint called. He had a strangely high-pitched voice for such a large man. "I want all the people trying out to sign their name and position on this list," here, he held up a large clipboard before sitting it next to Albus, "—and sit in the front rows. Everyone else, to the back!"
Emily wished Olivia, Hugo and Lily good luck before heading to the back rows with the twins. Many students were congregated in the back, and not only Gryffindors. The colors from all four houses could be seen. Lorcan touched Lily's elbow, gave her a smile, and followed his brother.
The potentials quickly signed the sheet before sitting down. As Clint silently read over the sheet, Luke read over his shoulders.
"Lily Potter? Who is Lily Potter?" Luke guffawed. Lily frowned and raised her hand. Luke smiled and high-fived some friends. "This will be a piece of cake,"
"Plymbton, get your friends off the field," Clint said, sighing. Luke saluted him with a snigger, before pushing his friends away.
Lily's frowned deepened.
"Okay!" Clint called. "We'll start with Chasers. I want all Chasers up, and do a couple laps around the field just to warm,"
"Well, that's me," Olivia stood. She closed her eyes and took a deep, shakily breath. Opening her eyes, she headed towards the small crowd gathering on the field.
"Good luck!" Lily cried after her. Hugo just grunted. He was sitting stock still next to Lily, his hands gripping his seat so hard his knuckles were turning white. His face was just as pale, as well as tinged with green and shining with sweat.
"Hugh, breathe," Lily whispered. He merely grunted again.
The two watched as the Chasers flew in circles. Clint then had them race across the field and back, timing their speeds with the help of Rose. Olivia succeeded here, as she was very fast and agile on her broom. Her turns were sharp and impeccable. James has come in first, while Race had barely secured second, with Olivia right on her tail for third. Race scowled at Olivia, looking her up and down.
However, when Clint had them practice passing the Quaffle as they flew around, Olivia started slipping. She fumbled twice, and her face was red by the end of the practice.
"Alright, Lane, Finley, Ainsley, and Colton. Thank you very much, you're free to go." The four Gryffindors dropped to the ground, scowling as they were cut, and left the field. They left behind James, Race, Olivia and three other students smiling in the sky. Olivia smirked as she realized she had passed the first round.
The Beater tryouts came next. Hugh's faced turned even greener as he stood up and headed to the field. As the beaters started warming up, Lily was nervous for Hugo. He had always had a bit of a nerves problem, and Hugo's strength in Quidditch lay in his partnership with Rose. It was as if the two siblings could read each other's minds, and plan moves together silently, and perhaps playing with his sister gave him a bit of an ego boost.
He was fairing all right. Clint had the Beaters race anyway, even though speed wasn't as important to Beaters. Hugh was towards the front by the finish, and when Clint did the first round of cuts, Hugo survived. The next section was batting practice, and as the Beaters as whacked the balls back and forth between each other, Hugo seemed to settle in to a rhythm. Clint blew the whistle and cut another group of Gryffindors, leaving behind Rose, Everett, Hugo and another broad seventh year boy. Hugo looked positively faint at being left in the final group.
"Seekers and Keepers!" Lily's heart jumped into her throat as Clint called for the Seekers. She approached the field, her heart pounding loudly in her ears. Luke, Albus, and a fifth year girl approached Clint.
"It's just the two of you for each position, so there won't be any cuts. You'll be automatically placed into the scrimmage."
They nodded. Clint blew the whistle again and the remaining hopeful gathered around him.
"Congratulations, you've made it this far. We'll have a scrimmage game as the final round. You can expect the list up within a few days. On the right, please, we'll have Noemie, James, and Olivia as Chasers, Rose and Everett as Beaters, Luke as Seeker, and Carileen as Keeper. Everyone else to the left,"
Lily smiled at Hugo as they crossed to the left. He grimaced at her, looking back nervously at Olivia. Lily shrugged and glanced around at her team. Hugo's other Beater was not the boy he had been practicing with, but a broad seventh year she didn't know. Hugo stood next to the boy and stared up at him; he towered over the short Hugo. Albus patted Hugo on the back and chuckled as he saw the pair of Beaters. Race was talking to the other two chasers, a fifth year named Gabriel, and a fourth year named Asher. Clint blew the whistles and they all mounted their brooms.
"On my mark. One… two… three!" The group pushed off the ground and Lily allowed her broom to carry her high above the pitch, whereas Luke sat idly by his Keeper. Lily frowned. If it was one thing her dad taught her, it was to stay above to get the bird's eye view. As she flew lazy circles around the pitch, she had a hard time concentrating as she kept looking back to check her friend's performances.
Olivia had a couple spectacular scores as she was able to speed through the other teams Chaser and dodge the Bludgers effortlessly to score. However, that also seemed to be her problem. Once she had the ball, she refused to let it go. There were a few times Lily witnessed Olivia be forced by Bludgers to drop the Quaffle into the hands of Race or Gabriel instead of passing to Noemie or James who were wide open.
Hugo seemed to be okay. He was doing all right, hitting the balls hard at the Luke, Carileen, and the Chasers with the exception of Olivia. He seemed unwilling to hit the ball too hard in her direction, perhaps for fear of her retaliation off the pitch. There was one nasty moment in which while trying to avoid hitting Olivia, Hugo slammed the Bludger into James.
Forcing herself to focus, Lily rose a few inches higher into the air. Luke flew by her quickly, laughing as he stopped next to her.
"What are you doing, Potter? Admiring the view?" Lily scowled. "I guess it doesn't matter if you just want to make it even easier for me,"
"You're right," She responded, suddenly smiling. "This is just too easy,"
And she took off towards Carileen's goal post, where the Snitch was hovering in the spot Luke had just vacated to mock her. Lily gripped her broom with one hand as she reached out with the other to catch the Snitch, Luke swearing feet behind her. She flattened herself against the broom and flew through the goal to catch the Snitch fluttering innocently behind it. She raised the Snitch into the air, the wings still fluttering in her hand, and Clint blew his whistle, signaling the end of the game.
As Lily hit the ground, a wide grin spread across her face. Some twenty feet away, Luke landed with a scowl. He threw his broom angrily against the ground before stalking off. Lily couldn't help but giggle at him.
Tired, sweating, but happy, Lily ran off to where her friends were waiting, a handful of strangers around Hugo and Olivia congratulating them as they went. Hugo was frowning, still pale and tinged with green, whereas Olivia looked smug. Emily was shaking her head and patting Hugo on the shoulder.
"Hugh, ignore them. You did well," she said. "You don't have any reason to be upset with yourself,"
Lorcan turned as Lily approached. He waved at her.
"Lily, you were great!" He exclaimed. Emily nodded.
"Yes, you were. I've never seen you play seriously before. It was quite incredible. You're very talented,"
"Of course, she is," Hugo scoffed under his breath. "Bloody Lily Potter, famous Lily Potter."
Lily's eyes widened.
"Hugh, what--?"
"Forget about it," he said roughly. "I'm going to get lunch,"
And he, too, stalked off. Lysander looked after him.
"I better go with him," he said. "Good job Lily, Olivia,"
He jogged away to catch up with Hugo.
"What was that about?" Lily asked, hurt.
Emily opened her mouth to speak, but Olivia shrugged and spoke first.
"Who cares?" She said. "It's Hugo, he's always moody. I'm hungry, too. Anyone want to go to Hagrid's for some lunch?"
Emily scowled at her, but Lorcan nodded, and the four began to leave the pitch, Lily with her brows furrowed. They had barely walked a few feet before James called.
"Lily!" He waved, standing back in front of the stands, in which a couple groups of students still sat. "Come here!"
She groaned, "You guys go. I'll meet you at Hagrid's,"
Olivia nodded and kept walking, Emily and Lorcan following her, looking back over their shoulders at Lily, unsure.
"So here she is, famous Lily Potter," James smirked as Lily got closer.
"What does that even mean?" She cried.
"Come on, Lils. You're a Seeker. Dad was a Seeker, a bloody good one at that. You're dad is Harry Potter!" James stressed the name. "People saw you play, and, naturally, started making comparisons,"
"Don't worry," Rose said. "We all got it at first, but the attention goes away,"
"Rosie, don't kid, we all know you don't have a sense of humor. No one thinks you're famous," James said, running his hand through hair. Rose scowled at him, and pulled out her wand.
"I'll show you famous, Potter!" She cried, as James took one look at her wand and began to run away. "Come back, you coward!"
She chased after him, screaming obscenities and Lily giggled. Rose looked quite mad chasing him, brandishing her wand, her bushy hair everywhere. She could hear James laughing loudly as he rounded the corner and disappeared out of sight, Rose soon following him.
Chuckling to herself, Lily picked up her broom and started walking to Hagrid's.
"I wouldn't say you're famous quite yet, Potter, but you're all right," someone said in a silky voice behind her. Lily turned. Scorpius was sitting in the front row, with Newt walking back and forth on the row behind him, holding his arms out to keep balance. He slowed and looked up when he heard Malfoy address her.
She frowned. It wasn't the first time she had seen Malfoy this term. While on the train, he had stopped outside her compartment, unbeknownst to her friends, and upon making eye contact with her, he smirked and tilted his head, lifting his chin, as if daring her to come out into the crowded hallway. She has scowled and turned her back to the door, and when she looked back over her shoulder, he was gone.
"My name is Lily," she said. Malfoy stood up and took a step closer to her and she took a step backwards. He paused and looked at her, tilting his head to the side slightly as he surveyed her.
"You haven't earned that, yet," he said softly with a small smile. Newt quickly shot him a look.
"Earned it?" She shrieked. "I think I've had quite enough with you! You haven't even apologized!"
"Apologized?" He said, raising his voice. "Why should I apologize? I didn't do anything wrong!"
"Scorpius," Newt said, warning him.
"Oh yeah?" Lily laughed bitterly. "If you didn't curse my broom, who did? I know you know!"
Scorpius frowned, but said nothing.
"Exactly," She said. "You may not have cast the spell, but you know who did it, and you're letting that first year take blame for it,"
"McGonagall knows Carys didn't do anything!" He said furiously.
"But she still doesn't know who really did it! The boards of governors are pressing her to punish that little girl for the crime! I bet you already knew that though, with your father on the board," She scoffed. Scorpius struggled on the verge of speech.
"Potter—I can't—you don't—there's no proof!" He yelled.
"Forget it, Malfoy," She said, backing away. "Just forget it!"
She turned and ran off towards Hagrid's.
"Potter!" He yelled, but she didn't turn. He stood there, looking slightly lost. He turned to Newt, who merely shook his head and raised his hands as if in defeat. Scorpius glanced once at Lily's retreating figure, before scowling and stalking off towards the castle, Newt following behind him.
Author's Note: That was Chapter 12. Hope you enjoyed. It was a lot shorter than I planned, but I wanted to get something up for you guys to read. I'm having a hard time coming up with enough events to fill Lily's second, third and fourth year. I may end up skipping ahead to her fifth year, or maybe just her fourth, but I'd rather not. I'd rather give you guys some more things to read. I've just been having trouble getting things to work. I had a lot of information about the Scamander family I wanted to put it that just didn't fit… Ah well. Please review, anyway!
A random tidbit for some people. I shape my characters around their birthdays and their astrology signs. Some people may not believe in them, but I like to look at them. So go back to the first chapter and read everyone's birthday to find their sign and look up the personality traits! You'll get a better idea of the characters. That's also why Hugo is only born six months after Rose… ooops! And for anyone who is wondering, Scorpius is a Scorpio. Not only because of the name, but also because of his passion. ;)