A/N: Hi everyone! I'm back, after a 5-year long hiatus... This is the story I had always wanted to write, since I first read Harry Potter. So I hope you enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts!


Chapter 1: Mischief and Magic at Platform 9¾

Lily Evans was a whirlwind of anticipation as she zipped her trunk shut, her tiny 11-year-old fingers struggling with the clasp. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, a child's eyes sparkling with excitement, and her fiery red hair framing her face like a fiery halo. This was the day she had been waiting for her entire young life - her first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She could hardly contain her enthusiasm.

There was one person in the Evans household who wasn't quite as thrilled, though – Lily's older sister, Petunia.

"Hurry up, Lily," Petunia grumbled from inside Lily's bedroom door, her lips forming a thin line. "You and your 'magic school.' You'll be leaving me all alone with Mum and Dad."

Lily smiled, trying not to gloat about her departure. "Don't worry, Tuney. You'll have a peaceful year without me around."

Downstairs, her parents were beaming with pride, thrilled that their daughter was finally old enough to attend the prestigious school they had heard so much about.

"Are you sure you've got everything, Lily?" her mother asked, leaning to check her daughter's trunk one last time.

"Yes, Mum, I've got everything," Lily replied, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Her father patted her on the back and said, "You're going to have a great time, Lily. Hogwarts sounds like an incredible place."

As Lily adjusted her school robes, Petunia couldn't help but roll her eyes and make discouraging remarks.

"Really, Dad? She's going to that weird school with freaks and weirdos. What's the point?"

Lily, however, was determined to rise above it. "Petunia, it's not weird, it's magical. And you just don't understand. I'm going to be a witch, and I'm proud of it."

The morning sun shone brightly as the family made their way to King's Cross Station, where Lily was to catch the Hogwarts Express. Her parents were just as excited as she was, making jokes and offering words of encouragement as they reached Platform 9¾. They stood on the platform, the air buzzing with anticipation. Lily couldn't stand still, her fingers tingling with the promise of a magical world waiting just around the corner.

In the midst of the bustling crowd of students and parents, Lily noticed a group of other first-year students who appeared just as excited as she was. Among them was a boy with unruly black hair who was playfully jinxing his friend, causing the bespectacled boy's tongue to swell up like a balloon. Lily couldn't stifle her laughter at the hilarious spectacle.

Not far from them, a quiet and thoughtful-looking boy sat with his nose buried in a book, his fingers absentmindedly turning the pages. Beside him, a lively boy enthusiastically discussed magical creatures with a girl, pointing to a picture in a well-worn book as he explained the fascinating world of Hippogriffs.

Little did Lily know that these seemingly ordinary first-year students would shape her life over the next seven years.

"Who are those boys, Lily?" her father asked, perhaps sensing his daughter's curiosity.

Lily observed the future Marauders for a moment and replied, "I think they're older students, Dad."

"They seem a bit mischievous, don't they?" he remarked with a hint of concern.

"Yeah, but I doubt I'll have much to do with them," Lily said with a hint of uncertainty.

After exchanging farewells, Lily kissed her family goodbye and embarked on the Hogwarts Express. She immediately realised that her best friend Severus Snape was nowhere to be found, and Lily found herself alone with a sense of trepidation.

As she entered a compartment she thought was empty, a rather annoying and creepy boy tried to strike up a conversation.

"Hey there, pretty girl. What's your name?" the boy leered at Lily, eyes shining. "I'm Evan Rosier, at your service."

Lily hesitated but was about to respond when the compartment door suddenly slid open, and a girl named Jada Angela entered, saving her from the uncomfortable situation.

"Sorry to interrupt," Jada said with a warm smile, "but I've been looking for you. Are you Lily?"

Lily's relief was palpable as she replied, "Yes, I am."

Jada handed Lily a crimson red scarf that her mother had sewn for her when she was seven. It was her lucky scarf, and she never went anywhere without it.

"You left this behind," Jada explained. She took one look at the Rosier boy and continued, "Your mother is concerned. Come to our compartment. We have the space, and you can show her you received your scarf."

Lily needn't be asked twice. She eagerly accepted the offer, and the two girls made their way to the other side of the train.

"Thanks for coming to my rescue. I couldn't take much more of that," Lily sighed gratefully as she sat down, clutching the scarf in her hands which reminded her of her good luck.

"No worries. I only wish someone would do the same for me in such a situation," Jada joked.

Lily winked and replied, "You bet."

As the train journey began, she met two other girls in their compartment, Alice Prewett, and Mary McDonald. The girls began chatting about their expectations for Hogwarts and the wizarding world.

"Any of you have a favourite spell?" Alice asked.

Jada grinned and said, "Accio is the most convenient, isn't it? No more fetching things by hand."

Mary, the shyest of the group, piped up, "I...I like Lumos. It makes the darkness go away."

Lily, too, shared her love for a particular spell. "I love Lumos, too. It's like carrying around a piece of starlight."

"What about you, Alice?" asked Jada.

Alice's eyes lit up with excitement. "My favorite spell? It's definitely 'Alohomora'."

Lily looked curious. "Why 'Alohomora'?"

Alice grinned. "It's all about breaking barriers and discovering the unknown. Life is full of locked doors, and 'Alohomora' reminds me that I have the power to open them all."

Jada smirked. "So, you're a rebel at heart."

Alice nodded and smirked back, her strong-willed spirit evident. "Exactly."

As the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station after nightfall, a surprising and chaotic event occurred. A group of mischievous pixies managed to infiltrate the train carriages, causing havoc and laughter as students tried to catch them. Lily, Jada, Alice, and Mary found themselves working together to corral the playful pixies, and in the midst of it all, their camaraderie began to form.

Amid the commotion, James Potter, along with Sirius, Remus, and Peter, passed by the carriage, amused by the chaotic scene. James couldn't resist a playful comment as he observed the girls. "Having a bit of trouble, ladies?"

Lily, her patience worn thin by the pixie escapade, shot him an annoyed look. "Oh, not at all, we're just giving these pixies a Hogwarts tour. Quite the welcome committee, don't you think?"

James, with a mischievous grin, retorted, "Well, they do seem to have a fondness for newcomers. Must be your charm."

Jada chuckled, finding the exchange entertaining, while Alice and Mary exchanged glances. The playful banter between Lily and James was both intriguing and exasperating. Lily sighed and ignored the boys, who playfully went along their way.

Stepping onto the platform after wrangling pixies, Lily, Jada, Alice, and Mary were met with a lively atmosphere. The students chatted and bustled about, getting ready to disembark. Lily watched the activity around her with a sense of wonder.

Yet, the evening took another unexpected turn. Just as the girls stepped outside onto the platform, the same rowdy group of students, led by James Potter, marched by, laughing and joking.

James noticed Lily and her friends, and with an arrogant grin, he couldn't resist the opportunity for a bit of mischief. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, throwing it into the air. In an instant, a thick, impenetrable darkness enveloped the area, leaving everyone disoriented and stumbling.

Lily's annoyance was palpable. She found herself standing right next to James, though neither of them could see a thing in the sudden darkness. "What in the name of Merlin are you playing at?" Lily snapped.

James's voice, laced with arrogance, replied, "Just adding a little excitement to the evening. Don't you think it's more fun this way?"

Despite the darkness, Lily had a sense that James was rather attractive, but his arrogance was a glaring distraction. "Fun? It's downright irresponsible and immature! What kind of wizard does something like this?"

A moment later, the darkness lifted as James performed a counter-spell. The surroundings came into view once more, and Lily noticed that a few other students were also irritated by James's antics.

Jada, Alice, and Mary exchanged puzzled glances, but Jada introduced herself to James, trying to maintain civility. "I'm Jada, and these are my friends, Lily, Alice, and Mary."

James bowed confidently. "James Potter, at your service."

One thing was becoming clear to Lily very quickly. She did not want any boys at her service during her time at Hogwarts.

As they continued on their way to the boats that would take them across the Black Lake, Lily couldn't help but wonder what kind of first impression this enigmatic young wizard had left on her. She also suffered from a tingling sensation at the back of her neck. It was a familiar sensation that often accompanied moments when she felt like she had missed an important detail, like something was on the tip of her tongue, just out of reach. Yet she couldn't quite place the source of this unease.

As they boarded the boats, the excitement continued to build. Finally, they had arrived at Hogwarts, and the first-years were led into the castle by Hagrid.

They entered the Great Hall, where Lily eagerly awaited her turn to be sorted into her house, casting curious glances at the Sorting Hat. The towering ceiling, adorned with floating candles, seemed to stretch infinitely into the night sky. The long tables were filled with students from the four houses, all eagerly awaiting the Sorting Hat's decision.

The ceremony started with first student's name, "Abrahams, Lavinia!", who was immediately sorted into Slytherin.

"I'd rather die than get sorted there," Jada whispered to Lily.

"Angela, Jada," called out Professor McGonagall, as if she had heard her.

Jada was an intriguing witch with a vivacious spirit and a quick wit. She had already made quite an impression on Lily with her charming and warm personality. As she approached the stool and the Sorting Hat was placed on her head, Lily's heart raced. The Sorting Hat, after a moment's contemplation, called out for all to hear, "Gryffindor!"

A thunderous applause erupted from the Gryffindor table as Jada took her seat, grinning from ear to ear. She had been sorted into the house known for its bravery, courage, and a sense of adventure – traits that suited her well. She exchanged excited glances with her new housemates and felt an immediate sense of belonging. Lily felt happy for her.

"Black, Sirius!"

This boy, on the other hand, had an air of nonchalance as he walked up to the stool. He had the smug look of confidence and a hint of mischief in his eyes that left many unsure of where the Sorting Hat would place him. The hat, after a long pause, declared, "Gryffindor!"

"Great," Lily thought internally. It appeared that Mr. 'Arrogant' Potter's closest companion had found his place in the very house where she had just witnessed her new best friend, Jada, being sorted into.

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers once more. Sirius flashed a charming smile and took his place among his new housemates, including Jada. He seemed right at home in Gryffindor, a house known for its boldness and a disregard for rules when necessary.

"Evans, Lily!"

Deep in thought, Lily jittered when her name was called. Finally, it was her turn to be sorted. She approached the Sorting Hat with a mixture of anxiety and hope. As the hat settled on her head, their conversation began.

"Ah, Miss Evans, a spirited one, aren't you? A bit of Gryffindor bravery, a touch of Ravenclaw wit, but where do you truly belong?"

Lily hesitated; her mind was filled with doubt. "I'm not sure," she replied inwardly. "I want to be with my friends, but I also want to be smart."

The Sorting Hat chuckled, "No need to fret, my dear. In the end, it's your choice. It's not about where you belong but where you choose to grow."

As Lily faced her moment of decision, the hat offered its final encouragement, "I see courage in you, Miss Evans. Great courage… Yes… to choose your own path. How about it? Are you ready to be a Gryffindor?"

With newfound confidence and courage, Lily nodded and whispered, "Yes."

Lily took her place at the Gryffindor table, sitting beside Jada. The Sorting Hat's encouragement had been the final push she needed to make the choice that felt right. Across the Great Hall, she watched as Alice joined the Gryffindor table as well.

As the sorting ceremony continued, all eyes were on the next student to be sorted:

James Potter.

He had made quite the impression with his earlier antics, and the anticipation in the Great Hall was palpable. James approached the stool with an air of confidence, just like his best friend. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and it seemed to take its time considering its decision.

In the Great Hall, Lily watched with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. She couldn't deny that James was charismatic and had a certain charm, but his arrogance and mischief had rubbed her the wrong way. She had yet to fully form an opinion about him.

Finally, after a moment of deliberation, the Sorting Hat proclaimed, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and applause. James grinned, his charismatic smile lighting up the room, as he joined his new housemates.

Lily observed the scene with mixed feelings. She couldn't help but feel a hint of disappointment that James had been sorted into Gryffindor, as she wasn't sure how to deal with his larger-than-life personality. She exchanged a glance with Jada, the pair sharing a look of uncertainty about what this would mean for their time at Hogwarts.

Meanwhile, Sirius Black, who had been cheering for James with gusto, clapped him on the back and said, "Nice one, James!" It was clear that James and Sirius had a close bond.

Lily couldn't help but wonder what kind of dynamic James and Sirius would introduce into the house.

"Snape, Severus!"

As her childhood friend's name was called, Lily's heart skipped a beat. The tall, dark-haired boy she had known for years stepped forward.

He placed the Sorting Hat upon his head, and the hat's brim fell low over his eyes. The Great Hall remained in a hushed silence as the hat pondered its decision. Lily's eyes never left her dear friend, searching for any sign of reassurance. She wanted nothing more than for Severus to join her in Gryffindor, to share this new adventure and the friends she had already made.

However, her hope dwindled as the hat announced its decision. "Slytherin!"

A mixture of disappointment and understanding washed over Lily. She knew that Severus had a fierce ambition and a thirst for knowledge that could rival anyone's, yet she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling of seeing her closest friend sorted into a house that had a bad reputation.

As the applause for Severus's sorting erupted from the Slytherin table, Lily's thoughts wandered to the train journey to Hogwarts. She recalled her expectation that Severus would find her, as he had promised, but he was nowhere to be seen. The pang of disappointment cut deep. Not only was Severus sorted into a different house, but he hadn't even joined her on the train as he had said he would.

As students settled into their respective houses, the Great Hall came alive with the sounds of chatter and the clinking of dinnerware. Lily found herself sitting at the Gryffindor table, sandwiched between Jada and Alice, and across from Mary.

To her surprise, James Potter had chosen a seat beside her. He seemed to be in high spirits, chatting and joking with his fellow friends. As the conversation flowed around her, Lily couldn't help but feel the same sense of unease from before, but she still couldn't figure out why.

As she observed James, a sudden epiphany struck her. She remembered his arrogant grin when the pixies had caused chaos in their compartment, and it all started to make sense. She leaned closer to Jada and whispered, "Jada, do you think James had something to do with those pixies on the train? It can't be a coincidence that they mocked the chaos, and now he's in our house."

Jada raised an eyebrow and glanced at James. "You might be onto something, Lily. He did seem rather pleased with himself during the sorting."

Lily, with a hint of suspicion in her voice, decided to address the elephant in the room.

"Potter, right?" she asked James suddenly, pretending to be unsure about his name, who looked surprised to be addressed by Lily out of the blue. "I couldn't help but notice that you might be involved with those pixies on the train. Care to explain?" Lily asked, her tone measured, yet challenging.

James grinned, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Ah, the pixies. What can I say? We do like to keep things interesting."

Lily felt her aggravation growing. His nonchalant response only fuelled her anger. "So, you're not denying it, then? You're proud of causing chaos and disrupting everyone's journey to Hogwarts?"

James leaned in closer, his arrogant demeanour even more pronounced. "Well, darling, the world can be quite dull without a bit of mischief. You might want to get used to it."

His best friend, Sirius, nodded in agreement, eyes glittering with amusement. "Yep, it's all part of the Gryffindor spirit, you know."

Lily couldn't believe the arrogance and lack of remorse in their response. Her aggravation had grown into full-blown frustration.

She was now determined to keep her guard up in the company of James Potter and Sirius Black.

With a heavy heart, Lily pondered the future. Her closest friend was now in Slytherin, and her new housemates, James Potter, and his troublemaking friend Sirius Black, seemed to be a world apart from the Severus she had grown up with. Lily was left with a tangle of emotions, longing for her old friend and pondering the uncertain path ahead at Hogwarts.

As their first night came to an end, Dumbledore, the headmaster, rose to his feet and delivered a warm welcome to the new students, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges that lay ahead.

In this twist of fate, Lily was ready to embrace the unknown journey that awaited her at Hogwarts. The Sorting Hat's decision may have divided her from her closest friend, but it had united her with a new and diverse group of companions. Only time would reveal the significance of the connections she was forging and the adventures yet to come.


A/N: Looking forward to your comments about this first Chapter! Let me know what you think so far. :)