Chapter 2: Lessons, Laughter, and a Last Name
Lily lay in her dormitory, bathed in the soft, silvery glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains. The room was a realm of tranquillity, her dorm mates lost in the enchanting embrace of their dreams. But for Lily, sleep had become a fickle companion, a gateway to a world of enigmas and queries.
"It's your first night, Lily. You should probably get some sleep," her inner voice gently reminded her. "You'll need it."
The clock on the bedside table blinked 1:00 AM. It was unlike her to stay awake for this long.
As her eyelids grew heavy, she surrendered to the irresistible allure of dreams. However, the dream she slid into proved unlike any other she had experienced before. It beckoned her toward a distant, eerie light, an inexplicable yearning pulling her through the boundless darkness.
With each step, the luminance intensified, dispelling the obscurity that had cloaked her. And there it materialized—an enigmatic artifact, elongated and shimmering, pulsating with an unearthly vitality.
An inexplicable urge led her toward the light.
Intrigued and compelled, she reached out, her fingers making contact with its surface. A surge of warmth and power coursed through her, leaving her awash in emotions she couldn't fathom. It was as if the artifact acknowledged her, weaving an unspoken bond.
She raised the artifact high, the world around her transforming in a mesmerising whirlwind. The darkness receded, unveiling a chilling and mysterious landscape. She found herself in a haunting forest, its trees adorned with eerie, luminescent leaves. Strange and unsettling creatures emerged, moving with an eerie grace towards her.
Suddenly, the dream shattered, and Lily awoke with her heart racing. Like that, the dream had fractured like a fragile illusion. The enigmatic connection with the unknown artifact lingered heavily in the room, an item Lily had never seen or known, a presence she couldn't shake off easily.
It felt like mere minutes had passed, yet when she glanced at the clock, it read 7:00 AM! She had been asleep, but it was as if no time had passed at all. The promise of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her surroundings. It was a new day at Hogwarts, a place filled with magic and mystery, and Lily was eager to explore it.
As she began to gather her thoughts, a gentle touch on her shoulder startled her. She turned to see Mary McDonald, one of her new friends, leaning over her.
"Sorry to wake you, Lily," Mary whispered apologetically, "but you won't believe what's happening in the common room."
Lily quickly rubbed her eyes, her sleepiness giving way to curiosity. "What's going on?"
Mary's eyes widened with concern. "The boys…" she said, her voice filled with exasperation. She knew Lily would immediately understand the boys in question. "They've found a diary belonging to a first-year girl who I think was sorted to Slytherin, and they're reading it aloud to everyone in the Gryffindor common room. It's... It's not a very kind reading."
Lily's sense of justice flared, and she jumped out of bed. She knew the boys would be trouble but targeting another first-year and making fun of her diary crossed a line in her code of morality. She couldn't stand by and let them torment someone, especially when it was someone as vulnerable as a new student.
"Lead the way," Lily said firmly, determined to put a stop to this unkindness. Together, they left the dormitory and headed down to the common room.
The Gryffindor common room was a cosy and inviting space. It had a warm, homely feel with its plush scarlet armchairs and crackling fire in the hearth. The golden Gryffindor banners hung proudly on the walls, adding a touch of regal charm to the room.
The morning light streamed in through the windows, casting a warm and inviting glow. Students were gathered in a semi-circle, their faces lit with excitement and anticipation, resembling an eager audience in a theatre. In the centre of attention were James, Sirius, and another boy with mousy brown hair who huddled together on one of the plush couches. They were animatedly leafing through a diary, their expressions a mix of mischievous delight and amusement. The onlookers couldn't help but be drawn to the spectacle, their attention fixed on the unfolding drama.
"Dear Diary, today I saw that Rabastan Lestrange, the most handsome boy in Slytherin, looked at me in the Great Hall," James, with a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes, read aloud in a mocking, exaggerated voice. "I think he may be in love with me. I hope he kisses me! Love, Lavinia."
The room erupted in laughter, and Sirius added, "Oh, dear Lavinia, Rabastan Lestrange wouldn't be caught dead near you, let alone in love with you."
The boy with mousy brown hair and small watery eyes chimed in, imitating a girlish voice, "But, Diary, I saw him look at me. It must mean something."
Their laughter only grew louder, but not everyone in the room was sharing in the amusement. A fourth boy, who sat slightly apart from the trio, looked on with a mix of disappointment and discomfort behind a book he was reading. It was clear he wasn't pleased with their behaviour.
Lily turned to Mary with a raised eyebrow. "They're really doing this?"
Mary nodded, her lips forming a thin line. "Yes, and it's not right. That diary is private, and they're mocking her feelings. Someone needs to stand up for her."
Lily couldn't agree more. It was moments like this that reminded her why she had chosen to be in Gryffindor. She approached the boys, her expression stern.
"James, Sirius, and you," she pointed at the unfamiliar boy, "making fun of someone's diary is a low blow, even for you."
The trio looked up in surprise. They hadn't noticed Lily's approach, and James's cheeks turned a shade of red.
Lily wasn't finished. "Imagine how you'd feel if it was your secrets and feelings that were being mocked. It's unkind, and it's time you stopped."
The boy afar nodded in agreement; his disappointment was evident in his eyes. Lily hoped her words would serve as a reminder to everyone that bravery should be used for the right reasons, not to humiliate others.
But the boys laughed even harder, and James, never one to back down from a challenge, retorted, "Oh, come on, Evans. It's just a bit of fun. Can't be serious all the time, can we?"
His right-hand buddy, Sirius, chimed in with a mischievous grin. "Exactly! Besides, who's going to know? It's not like she's going to find out."
Mary, who had followed Lily, crossed her arms, and spoke firmly. "That's not the point, and you know it. It's about doing what's right even when you think no one's watching."
Lily didn't waver. "Mary's right. Being a Gryffindor means standing up for what's right, even when it's not easy."
The boy with light brown hair and a pale face who had been silently observing behind his book, finally spoke, his voice tinged with disappointment. "She's right. Making fun of someone's private thoughts isn't what Gryffindors should be doing."
The room fell into an awkward silence. James, Sirius, and the unfamiliar boy exchanged glances. It was clear that Lily's words had struck a chord, even if they weren't ready to admit it.
Finally, James closed the diary and stood up. "Fine, Evans. We get it. We'll stop."
Sirius and the other boy reluctantly nodded in agreement. With their laughter silenced, the common room returned to its previous tranquillity.
Lily, satisfied with the outcome, offered a small smile to Mary and returned to her dormitory, her faith in Gryffindor's values reaffirmed. But before she went, she picked up the diary. She'd make sure it found its way back to its owner.
Lily continued with her morning routine, as if the encounter with the Marauders had been nothing more than a minor disruption. She washed her face in the basin, brushing away traces of fatigue, and then tidied her wild red hair into a neat ponytail.
As she dressed in her Gryffindor robes, she couldn't help but wonder about the diary. It was a peculiar incident, and she felt a sense of responsibility to return it to its owner. After all, she knew first-hand how important one's private thoughts and feelings could be. But there was something else bothering her, and she knew this because the hairs on the back of her neck were standing up again…
In the common room, she overheard the voices of James, Sirius, and the two unnamed boys. They seemed to have moved on from the diary and were now discussing their plans for the day. Lily took a deep breath, determined to focus on her own journey at Hogwarts.
With a look in the mirror, she made her way to the Great Hall for breakfast, her thoughts shifting from her mysterious dream and the exasperating diary incident to the ordinary realities of a new school day.
Lily entered the Great Hall, the scent of freshly prepared breakfast filling the air. The hall was a grand sight, with its high ceilings and long wooden tables covered in a dazzling spread of food. The ceiling itself was bewitched to resemble the sky outside, and today, it displayed a clear blue morning with a gentle breeze.
She spotted her friends Jada and Alice already seated at the Gryffindor table. They waved her over, and she joined them, her appetite rekindled by the lively atmosphere of the hall.
"Morning, Lily!" Jada greeted her with a cheerful smile. "What just happened in the common room? We heard those rascals were up to some mischief."
Alice nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it sounded like quite a circus. Anything interesting?"
Lily couldn't help but chuckle as she realised how quickly word seemed to travel in the school. She recounted the events of the morning and how she had confronted James, Sirius, and the other boy. She was glad to have friends who were just as passionate about upholding Gryffindor values.
After sharing the story, Jada asked, "So, what's on your agenda today?"
Lily pulled out her timetable for the year, a parchment filled with a schedule of her classes. Her eyes scanned the paper, finding today's classes:
Monday
Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall - 9:00 AM
Charms with Professor Flitwick - 10:15 AM
Break
Potions with Professor Slughorn - 11:35 AM
Lunch
Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Nighthaven - 1:00 PM
Break
Herbology with Professor Sprout - 2:15 PM
"Looks like a full day ahead," Lily commented, a mix of excitement and anticipation in her voice. "I can't wait to get started."
As they enjoyed their breakfast, the trio discussed their upcoming classes and made plans to meet up afterwards to tackle their assignments. Hogwarts was full of magic and mysteries, and they were determined to embrace it all.
The gentle tones of a bell ringing in the distance signalled the start of the first class of the day.
"Transfiguration, here we come!" Alice said with renewed enthusiasm, and the girls gathered their bags and headed toward the classroom.
As they made their way through the bustling corridors, Lily couldn't help but mull over the realisation that had struck her earlier.
James Potter knew her last name. He had paid enough attention to Lily to catch her last name in the midst of all of this.
It was such a small detail, but for some reason, it had a strange effect on her. She felt a nervous flutter in her stomach, and annoyance at herself for feeling this way. It was just a last name, after all, but she couldn't deny that it left her curiously jittery.
Lost in thought, they reached the classroom for their first Transfiguration lesson. Lily took a deep breath and pushed her initial surprise out of her mind. There would be plenty of time to figure out James Potter and the mysteries of Hogwarts. Right now, she had a class to focus on and a world of magic to explore.
The three friends entered the Transfiguration classroom with eager anticipation. The room was spacious and well-lit, its walls adorned with peculiar objects, each bearing a resemblance to something else. Clocks that turned into birds, and teapots that transformed into tortoises, provided a visual introduction to the world of Transfiguration.
Rows of wooden desks faced the front, where a stern-looking witch in emerald green robes stood. It was Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor House and the Transfiguration teacher.
"Ladies and gentlemen, kindly take your seats," Professor McGonagall instructed in her no-nonsense tone. The students quickly settled into their desks, Lily, Jada, Mary and Alice finding a spot near the front, eager to make the most of their first Transfiguration lesson.
As the professor began her lecture on the fundamentals of transfiguring objects, the classroom door creaked open. James Potter and his two companions strolled in, displaying an unapologetic casualness that irked Lily. She couldn't help but wonder why they were late on the very first day of classes.
Lily could hardly contain her annoyance. Her focus wavering, her gaze would drift towards the latecomers, a simmering resentment building inside her.
Professor McGonagall turned her attention to James and his friends. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. …" she glanced at the unfamiliar boy with mousy brown hair, "Pettigrew, it seems you have a knack for making an entrance. Care to share with the class what kept you?"
James grinned, his hazel eyes gleaming with mischief. "Apologies, Professor. We lost track of time while admiring some of the Hogwarts architecture."
The professor's expression remained stern. "Ah, Mr. Potter, admiring the architecture is indeed a noble pursuit, but I trust you've now learned that our Transfiguration classroom is the most wondrous structure at Hogwarts, deserving of your punctuality."
James's grin faltered for a brief moment as he acknowledged the sharp wit of his Transfiguration professor. The rest of the class stifled their laughter.
"Now, take your seats."
The only available desks were the ones next to Lily, and her friends. Lily couldn't help but roll her eyes as they took their seats. James's grin only widened as he caught her reaction.
"Ah, Evans, I didn't expect to see you here," James said with an air of mock surprise. "Did the magic of Transfiguration draw you in, or did you just want to be closer to me?"
Lily's irritation flared. "You must be awfully full of yourself to think I'd come to class just for the pleasure of your company," she whispered.
Jada and Alice exchanged concerned glances, realizing that Lily was far from thrilled about this development. Professor McGonagall, ever perceptive, caught on quickly to the situation.
"Since you're seated next to each other, Mr. Potter and Miss Evans, I'll pair you for today's practical exercise," she declared, her gaze fixed on Lily.
James couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to stoke the fire. "Wonderful! A chance for us to work together, Evans. I'm looking forward to it."
Lily clenched her jaw and focused on her desk. It was clear that Professor McGonagall had picked up on the tension between them and was using the practical exercise to encourage cooperation.
"As partners, you'll work on transforming a matchstick into a needle. Transfiguration requires focus and precision," Professor McGonagall explained, handing a matchstick and needle to each pair of students. "This is your chance to prove that you can set aside any differences and work effectively."
James leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's try to make it through this without hexing each other, Evans."
Lily's response was a curt nod as she concentrated on the matchstick in her hand. She was determined to excel at this task and show that she could rise above their differences.
The tension in the air was palpable as the class began the practical exercise. For Lily, it was a test of both her magical abilities and her ability to tolerate James Potter. As they focused on their Transfiguration, the room around them seemed to blur, leaving only the matchstick and needle in their hands and the challenge that lay ahead.
At the end of the lesson, Lily and James had successfully transformed their matchstick into a needle, but it was a silent victory, one without the usual celebratory exchange of words. As the class dispersed, Professor McGonagall approached them.
"Miss Evans, Mr. Potter, Transfiguration is an essential discipline that requires cooperation. I trust you understand its significance. This partnership is an opportunity for growth," she said, her gaze unwavering.
Lily nodded, her annoyance at James not abated, but she understood the professor's point.
As Professor McGonagall turned away, James, unable to resist the temptation to tease, muttered just loud enough for Lily to hear, "Don't worry, Professor. I'm confident we'll learn to cooperate. After all, the more time Evans spends with me, the luckier she is."
Lily clenched her jaw, her resolve hardening. James had just squandered his chance to make amends or gain any favour.
The following class, Charms, saw Lily taking a seat as far away from James as possible, putting a significant distance between them in the classroom. She focused on the intricate spellwork being taught and allowed the enchantments to transport her into a world where James Potter was just a distant figure.
With a fresh determination, she vowed to herself to keep her mind free of those peculiar dreams, to ensure the first-year girl's diary found its way back to its owner, and to stay as far away from James Potter as humanly possible.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed Chapter 2! Let me know what you think :)
