Fandom(s): Harry Potter
Pairing(s): James Potter/Lily Evans
Warning(s): alternate universe; female!Harry (Haley); time travel; het; pure-blood customs; pure-blood society; pure-blood traditions; good!Peter Pettigrew; evil!Severus Snape; temporary character death' mentions of random pairings; and mentions of original characters
Summary: At the start of her fifth year, Lily met the new transfer student, Haley.
A Tale of Two Lilies
Sixth Year
Sixth year started with Lily arriving to King's Cross station early. She shared a final and tearful hug with her parents before crossing between Platform Nine and Platform Ten. On the over side of the barrier, she spotted a few friends amongst the crowd on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
After a quick look around, Lily boarded the Hogwarts Express. She started by searching the train for a friend. There was an hour and a half before the train departed from the station, and she didn't need to report for the Prefects' meeting for two hours.
Somewhere in the middle of the train, Lily found a familiar face. Haley Pnarcissus was stretched across one bench with her black cat, Selene, curled up on her knees. The girl was busy thumbing through a book.
With a smile, Lily stepped into the compartment, "Morning, Haley."
"Hey, Lily," Haley said, glancing up from her book. She offered the redhead a smile before returning to her book. "How was your summer?"
While they had exchanged letters over the break, about once a week, the letters were rather vague, mostly about the homework. They shared a little about summer, mostly about the weather and family. It was a hot summer with some record breaking temperatures.
"Busy," Lily answered, taking a seat across from her friend. "Petunia's boyfriend proposed, and mum and dad don't approve."
Haley nodded. According to Lily's letters, her sister was in a possessive and controlling relationship that she was convinced was the love of her life. No one approved of Vernon Dursley, Petunia thought Lily was trying to ruin her chance at happiness because Lily couldn't stand to have someone happier than she was – or something like that.
"Maybe they'll talk some sense into her, now," Haley said with a shrug.
Lily sighed sadly and she nodded. Petunia might be willing to listen if 'Perfect Lily' wasn't around to be compared to – though she would still be compared. For some reason, Petunia felt she had never measured up.
"How's Severus?" Haley asked. According to Lily's letters, her childhood friend was gone most of the summer.
Lily shrugged. "He won't talk to me," she whispered. It hurt. While Lily was popular and she had a lot of friend, Severus was her first friend and she loved him dearly, like a brother.
Haley's green eyes narrowed and a look of mischief crossed her face.
Shaking her head, Lily glanced elsewhere in the compartment. There were times when Haley resembled Potter. It was the look of mischief and some facial features.
...
The train ride to Hogwarts went rather smoothly. Lily attended the Prefects' meeting and she listened to the Head Boy and the Head Girl before returning to Haley's compartment. A few others stopped by, exchanging words with Lily or sharing a brief visit before skipping off to find other friends and classmates. There would be plenty of time to catch up when they got to Hogwarts.
The Welcoming Feast was as long and boring as ever. Lily was seated across from Haley, a few places down from Potter and his friends. Like her housemates, Lily clapped when a new student was Sorted into Gryffindor. After the Sorting came the huge feast.
Finally it was time to leave the Great Hall. Lily followed behind the first years as other students rushed to the Gryffindor Tower. Haley was among them, but unlike the others, she knew the enw passwords due to her friend.
...
When Lily entered the dorm, she found her roommates were unpacking and laughing together. Each turned to greet Lily. Haley was in the middle of fluffing Selene's pillow as she glared at her cat.
That was something that fascinated Lily. The relationship between Haley and her cat seemed odd – even for magic. There were times Haley was talking with her cat before storming off. Selene merely turned her attention to grooming her paws.
Slowly, one by one, the girls turned in for the night until it was only Lily and Haley still up.
"When can I see your animagus form?" Lily asked, turning to her friend.
Haley paused. "Soon," she replied. "I'm showing it off to the older students this week, so I'll show you before that."
Nothing further was discussed on the subject before Haley and Lily turned in for the evening.
...
Two days later, Haley was dragging Lily up to their dorm. She shoved the redhead in and locked the door behind them.
Lily stared at her friend, debating what to say, when she caught sight of the look on her face. There it was, the Potter look of mischief. Before Lily could say anything, Haley began to shrink and her body started to change. Lily's eyes widened when she saw a black panther take Haley's spot.
The panther sat down and she started to groom her paws.
Watching, Lily found herself collapsing onto Haley's bed. She knew her friend was an animagus. Haley had said so on multiple occasions. But seeing it was something else.
The panther stopped grooming her paws and turned her green eyes to Lily. The wild cat got up, onto all four paws, and slowly made her way to Lily. She stopped in front of the human. The next thing Lily knew, there was a large cat rubbing itself all over her legs.
Lily laughed, reaching down to pet the black panther.
...
The next day there were rumors circulating around the castle by lunch. Instead of Professor McGonagall showing off in her NEWTs classes, it was Haley. There were several different accounts, and Lily didn't bother paying attention to any. She had Transfigurations on Wednesday, first thing in the morning. She was looking forward to the lesson.
Lily had fun watching the other students. Some believed the rumors and they were pestering Haley to transform while other students didn't believe the rumors and rolled their eyes every time someone mentioned the rumors.
One reaction that interested Lily was Potter and his friends'. They seemed torn about what to believe.
...
On Wednesday morning, Lily entered the Transfigurations classroom. She arrived early and she grabbed a seat in the front row. There were only a few other students in the room. As she unpacked her bag, Lily glanced around the room, observing her classmates and looking for any sign of Haley.
Movement near Professor McGonagall's desk caught Lily's eyes. She turned her attention to the desk and watched. The shadows around the desk were moving. Based off of the movements, it looked like Haley's panther tail was moving, up and down.
Over the next ten minutes, other sixth year students entered the classroom. Lily was joined by a few of her friends. Potter and his friends entered the classroom and took they took their favorite seats in the middle of the room with Potter and Black seated in between Pettigrew and Lupin.
The time for class to start came and went. The other students started to get a little restless. Professor McGonagall was never late. It was well known she hate lateness. As the students started to make noise, talking amongst themselves and complaining about their professor's tardiness.
Lily continued to observe the shadows around the professor's desk. As the students started to grow more restless, the tail movement stopped. Lily was willing to bet Haley changed positions.
Ten minutes into class, the students were irrirated. Some were starting to pack up their things while others started pulling out other homework. Potter and his friends were pulling out spare parchments.
The next thing anyone knew, there was a giant cat jumping onto Professor McGonagall's desk, letting out a fierce roar. Several students dropped their belongings, and others cried out in shock or fear. Lily jumped and fell out of her seat.
A moment later, Professor McGonagall appeared in the classroom. Knowing the Transfigurations professor, she was probably under a Disillusion Charm. When the professor appeared, the black panther shifted into Haley. She smiled, kicking her legs as she sat on the professor's desk. She hopped off the moment Professor McGonagall started her lesson.
...
After Transfigurations class, Haley's popularity skyrocketed. It seemed as thought everyone wanted to talk to her. Everyone was interested in becoming an animagus until Haley started talking about the process. It was a long process that took years to accomplish, and not everyone had the potential to become an animagus.
There were a few students determined to try, at least. Lily was among them as were a few Slytherins, including Severus Snape and Regulus Black.
With permission from Headmaster Dumbledore, Haley and Professor McGonagall started a club to educate students about the animagus process and to help them begin it. The meetings took place in Professor McGonagall's classroom every Sunday afternoon, before dinner.
...
Before Lily knew it, weeks were spending by. She was busy with her homework, Prefect duties, and the various clubs she was in. The Gryffindor versus Slytherin Qudditch game came and went with Haley catching the snitch in a steep dive that sent Regulus Black crashing into the ground.
On Halloween, Lily attended Professor Slughorn's party. The Potions professor was trying to recruit Haley for his Slug's Club, but Haley had no interest in joining. While the Slug's Club would offer connections, Haley saw it as selective and elitist. Because of the club, students were getting connections, and Professor Slughorn held access. He had the power to make someone, and he was very selective in who he let in.
Haley attended the party with Lily. While she had no interest in the party or joining the club, Haley was interested in interrogating Professor Slughorn about a former member, a Slytherin named Tom Riddle.
"What did Riddle do when he left Hogwarts?" Haley asked, staring at Slughorn with unblinking green eyes.
The professor stuttered before trying to change the subject.
"But, professor," Haley began, unwilling to let the topic go, "I want to know what happened to Riddle. He was such a promising student – top of his class, Prefect, Head Boy. I can only imagine what he could have done after leaving Hogwarts."
Hearing about such a promising former student interested in other students. Some students went onto to check the school records, finding an award for Special Service to the School. As Haley said, for such a promising student, Tom Riddle did nothing after leaving Hogwarts.
...
As October turned into November with colder temperatures and wet weather, Lily remained busy with school and her friends.
With the knowledge of pure-blood courting, Lily recognized the signs of Potter growing more serious. This year, he didn't ask her out at every turn and he didn't pester her too much. When they socialized, Potter was polite and he tried to act mature. While he still pulled pranks, they were no longer humiliating to other students and he was leaving Severus alone, as long as Severus left Potter and his friends alone.
Unfortunately, it seemed Lily was wrong about her childhood friend. Severus wasn't just a victim. He sought Potter and his friends out, and he tried to start several fights with them. Potter walked away while Black and Pettigrew charged in.
...
Lily went home for the winter holidays, like usual. This year, Petunia was away on holiday with her fiance, Vernon, and his family. Most of the break, Lily spent with her parents. She made time to work on her homework and to write her friends, especially Haley.
This year, Haley was off on holiday with her family. She didn't reveal too many details, but she sounded excited about the trip. Apparently, they were headed to some small town called Little Hangleton. According to Haley's letters, she was learning about that former Hogwarts student, Tom Marvolo Riddle. Haley promised to share the information when they returned to Hogwarts in the new year.
For Christmas, Lily received a ring from Potter and Haley gave her a blank journal. Lily knew the significance of both gifts. Potter gave Lily a promise ring, which she attached to a chain around her neck. She was touched by the gift, but she wasn't ready to date Potter, yet. First she needed to feel comfortable calling him James. In pure-blood traditions, a lady only wore select rings: her promise ring, her betrothal ring, her engagement ring, and her wedding ring.
Haley's gift was more than a journal. It was a way for Lily to document her spells and her potions. In her free time, Lily found ways to improve some potions and she was trying to craft spells. Haley gave her a Grimoire. In a pure-blood family, Grimoire were closely guarded secrets and they were passed down within the family. No one outside of the family was allowed access to the Grimoires. Even within a family, not everyone was allowed access to the Grimoires.
...
When Lily found Haley on the train, she was shocked by her appearance. Haley looked exhausted with dark circles around her eyes. Her hair was shorter, and it appeared to be singed in some places. Her skin tone was several shades lighter, making her look pale.
"What happened?" Lily asked, looking over her best friend.
"Oh, it's nothing," Haley declared, waving her hand.
Lily glared at the other girl, not believing her. It sure looked like something.
It wasn't until they were an hour into the train ride that Haley pulled out her wand, casting a few spells.
"You'll never believe what I found," Haley declared, turning her attention to Lily.
Lily looked over at her friend, giving her her full attention. "About Tom Riddle?" she guessed.
Haley nodded, a smirk growing on her face as a familiar look of mischievous passed through her eyes. "Apparently, he claimed to be the Heir of Slytherin," she stated, "just like that Dark Lord wanna-be."
Eyes narrowed, Lily studied her friend. Lord Voldemort was hardly a Dark Lord wanna-be, but she didn't say anything. She knew Haley thought Voldemort was some kind of joke.
"So that led me to conclude Tom is the Dark Lord," Haley announced. With her wand she wrote Tom Marvolo Riddle before flicking her writst, rearranging the letters to form I am Lord Voldemort.
Lily's eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat. This was a dangerous conversation.
"I went to Little Hangleton because there was a muggle named Riddle," Haley explained. She told Lily about the muggle family who were found dead in the 1940s. The family consented of Thomas Riddle, his wife Mary, and their son Tom.
In her search, Haley found Tom Senior had married a woman named Merope Gaunt. The Gaunt family lived in Little Hangleton. Merope's father, Marvolo, was imprisoned at Azkaban for attacking a Ministry official named Bob Ogden, and Merope's brother, Morfin, was also imprisoned, for attacking muggles, notably one Tom Senior, and attacking Ogden.
"The Gaunt family are known descendants of Salazar Slytherin," Haley added.
After Marvolo and Morfin were taken to Azkaban, Merope and Tom Senior married. At some point, Senior left his wife and he returned home to his parents. Merpoe died after childbirth and she named her son Tom Marvolo Riddle. Tom Junior grew up at Wool's Orphange in London.
"I find it ironic that Tom is the child of a muggle and a squib," Haley stated, "and he's fighting for pure-blood rights."
...
The truth of Tom Riddle the Dark Lord Voldemort was all over the castle by the end of the week. Even though Lily couldn't prove it, she knew Haley was behind it. She passed her information onto someone else, probably a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin.
A week later, the story was printed in The Daily Prophet. Each and every one of Haley's claims was backed up with evidence supplied to the newspaper and varied by the reporter and the editor.
A number of Dark families started to distance themselves from the Dark Lord while others declared the story to be false. There was no way a half-blood could be that powerful.
After the articles were printed, Slug's Club meetings were filled with questions about Tom Riddle. Professor Slugborn did not want to discuss his former pupil.
...
More times passed. Lily kept a closer eye on her best friend. There was something about Haley that Lily was starting to pick up on. Haley knew a lot. She knew a lot about current events and she spoke in a mysteriously knowing tone, like she knew what happening before it happened.
The real tip off came when Haley suggest Lily's family go on a holiday to France for the spring holiday break. Lily wrote to her parents, asking if they could visit France and her parents were quick to agree. It seemed that they won an all expense paid holiday. Over the holiday, the Evans' house blew up.
That convinced Lily of one thing. Haley was from the future.
Because of how much she knew, Lily discarded the idea of Haley being a Seer. There was no record of a Seer that powerful. In fact, the Sight drove most Seers insane. The more powerful the Sight, the quicker the Seer turned insane.
The only logical conclusion was time travel.
...
Of course, Lily didn't ask Haley. She had to be careful about this. So, Lily started to review everything she knew about Haley. There were her features, dark hair and green eyes. the passing looks of mischievous were familiar. The sad tone she used when she spoke about her family, though it was clear she loved and missed them. Her Quidditch skills and the way she flew. There were so many other little things, like the way Haley buttered her toast in the morning – it was just like Potter.
That led Lily to think about her relationship with Potter. A lot of it was Haley's doing. She was pointing Lily in Potter's direction.
It wasn't until June that Lily was certain about Haley's identity.
Haley was Lily and James' daughter.
...
Lily's conclusion about Haley led to a few changes. Lily started calling Potter by his given name, and she wore the promise ring.
"What changed?" James whispered to Lily one afternoon in the library. His hand was on top of hers and his thimb brushed over the promise ring on her ring finger. His tone was desperate sounding.
"I realized something," Lily answered.
"What?" he asked.
"I want our daughter," she replied.
James smiled. "She helped you too?" he asked.
Lily nodded. So, James knew the truth about Haley.
...
It was clear to both Lily and James that Haley was changing something. They had no clue what, and they weren't sure if they wanted to know. It had to be something horrible, and Lily knew it was connected to Tom Riddle. It was like she knew something happened to herself and James – something like death.
...
A week before the term ended and summer began, Lily and James cornered Haley in the empty common room one night.
"What are you doing?" Lily asked. "What are you trying to change?"
Haley's eyes narrowed and she glanced back and forth between Lily and James. "Of course you figured it out," Haley muttered, shaking her head. "I was told you were the smartest witch of your generation."
Lily's heart snuck at Haley's words and her tone. That confirmed her suspicions. She died.
With a sigh, Haley answered, "Everything."
Lily glanced at James and they shared a look. Both wanted more answers, but they weren't going to push.
Acting on instinct, Lily pulled Haley into a tight hug. "You're coming home with me this summer," she stated.
Haley's arms wrapped around Lily as James put both his arms around them.
This fanfiction is a part of The Halloween Collection, which is a collection of unrelated ficlets, oneshots, and full-length fanfiction stories that are related to a Halloween themed word prompt, which is listed at the end of each story.
Type: Full-length - four chapters
Prompts: Black cat, death, and shadows
The Halloween Collection
One: Accord de le Destin (general)
Two: Her Niece and His Goddaughter (general)
Three: Love on Her Arm (Bill Weasley/Hyacinthe Potter)
Four: Of Flames and Snow (Jon Snow/Hedera Waters) [Crossover with Game of Thrones and A Song of Fire and Ice]
Five: A Tale of Two Lilies (general)
Six: Bonds of Family (general)
Seven: Just a Glance (Jacob Black/Heather Potter) [Crossover with Twilight]
Eight: Shine Bright (Danny Williams/Helene Potter) [Crossover with Hawaii Five-0]
Nine: Whispered Conversations (Ron Weasley/Helenium Potter)
Ten: Emmett Cullen: Triwizard Champion (Emmett Cullen/Roselia Hale, Harry is Emmett) [Crossover with Twilight]
Eleven: Enchanting (Abraxas Malfoy/Halesia Potter)
Twelve: Eclipsed (Tom Riddle/Heliconia Peverell)
Thirteen: Silent Symphony (general)