When Lily finally returned to the Gryffindor common room on Monday, November 30th, 2020 after being cleared by Madam Pomfrey , she felt her insides warm as she entered to thunderous applause and chants of "Lily! Lily!" from everyone present.

Fred, Roxanne, Rose, and Pamela were standing close by, having been amongst those who had chanted her name.

James, Albus, Hugo, Devon, Ainsley, Stephanie, and Samantha, meanwhile, all had their wands held aloft with Go Lily! in hot pink lettering emanating from the wand tips.

This made Lily's heart glow and she said, "Thanks for the warm welcome!"

"There's no Hogwarts without you, Lily, " chorused James, Albus, Hugo, Devon, Ainsley, Stephanie, and Samantha.

"And there's no me without you, " replied Lily, "I am delighted to see you again. Forgot the sickness, the loneliness was the worst part pf the last two weeks."

"It's taking of fiber of discipline we have not to run up and hug you, " admitted James.

"That does suck, " admitted Lily, "I honestly hate social distancing. But it's necessary. I'm just glad to see you again. But thank you very much for that cassette you sent me last Sunday. That was a huge uplifter for me."

"That was Samantha's idea, " revealed Hugo.

I'm not surprised, " smiled Lily, "I suspected all along it was probably her idea. This simple yet heartfelt welcome back is making me feel better than I've felt for a long time. I'm not surprised though. You lot are loyal beyond belief."

"You will be surprised by this, " replied Devon, "Hogwarts postponed the announcement of this year's competition until today. Classes today are canceled and the announcement will be made at lunch."

"So I actually get to hear the announcement as it happens?" said Lily eagerly.

"Yes, " confirmed Devon, "And look who got special permission to come today."

And Gary, Todd, Miles, Rachel, and Courtney came trotting up to them.

"It's almost lunchtime, " said Courtney, looking at her watch.

And with that, the group, with Lily back, happily headed for the Great Hall. .

Lily was grinning broadly. She had her circle back and now she had something to look forward to.