Chapter 31
Hogsmeade and Dragons
With the article about Lily having been released, she heard more whispers around the castle, but this time, most of them were good. The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students who had been glaring and hissing at her had stopped and were even asking her how she was doing at times. The Slytherin's were still bullying her, of course, but she knew that would be the case.
The Gryffindor students who had accused her of being a freak, or a pervert, had each found Lily at different times over the week, offering an apology, including McLaggen, who apologised for being an ass, and not understanding her situation. It was an unusual feeling, but Lily was glad for the extra support.
"Okay, so I'm annoyed she got my name wrong, but I'm really glad she got the story out for you Lily," Cedric said, as he sat with Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati for dinner. "It was a hell of a story. I never knew how much it was hurting you inside," he said softly, looking at Lily.
"I guess I never wanted to worry anyone," Lily replied, looking at them. "It… it's been a little easier, thankfully I have my necklace, and the potions to help, but I really feel sorry for the muggles who aren't as lucky as I am. Some of them lose their friends and family when they come out."
"I can't even think why people can be so cruel," Parvati said, before shooting a glare towards the Slytherin's. "Although, with people like Malfoy around, I'm not shocked about it. If he bullies you again, I'll curse him with every hex Moody's taught me."
"I've been tempted," Lily confessed, "but I don't want to make things worse. I mean, I don't have to see him often, thankfully, and most of my time I'm here with you guys, so I feel grateful for that."
"We're always around," Cedric promised. "Oh, I got an Owl from your uncle, he said that Saturday we'll skip training as it's a Hogsmeade weekend. I think he wants to spend some time with you in the village."
"I wouldn't mind seeing him for lunch or something," Lily agreed. "You all coming along as well?"
When everyone agreed, other than Cedric, Lily smiled. "I would, but I… well, I have a date with my girlfriend," Cedric said. The girls whistled softly.
"Come on, spill the beans," Lavender said. Cedric chuckled.
"Ah, yes, I forgot girls love to talk about this kind of thing," Cedric said. Ron chuckled.
"You're not wrong, mate," Ron said, with a smirk. "You and Fleur an item?"
"No, not me and Fleur. Don't get me wrong, she's sweet and everything, but I've been interested in Cho for a while," Cedric replied.
"Cho Chang? Nice choice," Parvati complimented. Lily nodded.
"She's always been nice to me," Lily agreed. "I'm glad, Cedric. You should be happy."
"Thanks Lily. You thought about the ball for Christmas?" Cedric asked. Lily nodded.
"I asked her," Ginny said, grinning. Cedric returned the grin. "I wanted to go, and this way I get an amazing partner."
"Who are you going with Hermione?" Cedric asked, looking at her. Hermione blushed.
"I… well, I… I've been asked by someone, but it's…" Hermione stammered, blushing as she did.
"Hey, you don't have to tell us yet, we'll find out at the ball," Lily told her. Hermione nodded, smiling gratefully.
"Ron and I are going together," Lavender said proudly.
"And Neville asked me," Parvati said, smiling. "He's sweet, isn't it?"
"Oh, he definitely is," Lily agreed. "He's been a good friend."
"He just needs more confidence," Ginny noted. "By the way, does anyone know how to dance?"
"I can teach you; I took dance lessons several summers ago, and I learn every year. I never really knew why my parents wanted me to dance, but now I'm grateful they did," Cedric said. "We can start worrying about dancing after the first task."
"That works," Lily agreed, as did everyone else. As they continued dinner, Lily, still buzzing about the article, had almost forgotten about her fears for the task. Still, how bad could it be? She had plenty of help, and Dumbledore wouldn't let any of the champions do anything too dangerous, would he?
As Lily walked towards Hogsmeade with Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati, she pulled her coat on tighter, the cold breeze striking her skin hard. She hated the cold weather, especially when she was supposed to be enjoying herself, but still, being out of the school, going to see Remus and Sirius for lunch, it was going to be a fun day.
Their first stop, naturally, was the sweet shop, Honeydukes. They always had fun picking their favourite sweets, with Lily picking some treacle for Sirius, as well as Bertie Botts Every Flavoured Beans for Sirius and Remus – she loved seeing the two of them challenge each other at who could keep the straightest face when eating them randomly.
As they were meeting Sirius and Remus in the Three Broomsticks, they headed there after their shopping, which included a couple of new outfits and makeup for Lily, as well as some perfume and earrings that didn't need Lily to get her ears pierced as they stayed on magically.
Sitting at a table, ordering butterbeers for themselves, the group were laughing and smiling when Rita Skeeter appeared. "Lily, darling! How are you enjoying your day?" Rita asked.
"It's going great, Miss Skeeter. Would you like to join us?" Lily asked. Rita smiled as she sat down at the table.
"Please, call me Rita. These must be your wonderful friends you spoke of," Rita said. Lily introduced the group to Rita, and then smiled at her.
"Rita, thank you for writing the article, it was wonderful," Lily complimented. Rita seemed to blush slightly.
"Oh, Lily, sweetheart, it's me who should be thanking you. I've never had so much research to do, and honestly, it's so fascinating and wonderful to learn about," Rita said. She took Lily's hand. "Has the bullying stopped yet? I wrote Dumbledore and told him what I thought of that fact."
"The Slytherin's haven't stopped, but the rest of the school who had been harassing and bullying me apologised. I struggled to stay calm when I read the story; the muggles you spoke to… I just…" Lily started, but Rita held up a hand to stop her.
"I know dear, and please, don't focus on that; the last thing I want to do is trigger any dysphoric episode for you. Apparently, it can be easily done. Now, between us here, I might have… helped the people I spoke to a little, as best I could. I just want to do so much more," Rita admitted, looking at Lily still. "You really are brave, facing everything you are and still being so sweet and caring. It's an inspiration, and honestly, I'd like to write more stories about your transition, if you'll let me? Maybe once a month, we could correspond, and I can update everyone on how you're feeling and how the transition is going?" Rita asked, and Lily could hear the hopefulness in her voice. As much as Lily had been warned how bad Rita could be, in that moment, Lily saw an amazing ally, and a chance to give others their time to shine.
"I'd love that, Rita," Lily beamed as she spoke. "I can keep a daily journal and send it to you if you like?"
"Lily, that would be wonderful!" Rita exclaimed happily, as Madam Rosmerta brought her a drink over. "I've had so many letters from people telling me how wonderful the story was, and you should be getting some fan mail as well soon. Lily Potter, the face of Transgender Witches and Wizards everywhere!"
"That…" Lily started, welling up, unsure what to say.
"That's so kind of you, Miss Skeeter," Hermione said, looking at her. "I just… I know Lily hates the fact she had to hide away for so long, and I've been wondering how many others there are like Lily, scared to be themselves."
"Hermione, sweetheart, I've been wondering the same thing. As Lily said, there are some at Beauxbatons, but to think that Lily is the only one in Britain… no, there are others who are scared, and I want them to feel safe enough to talk, and open up, so I've got a little column going in Witch Weekly, where Witches and Wizards can write in about how they feel about learning about Transgender people, and with little bits of information about Gender Identity, about Sexual Orientation… it's about time the wizarding world started proving itself better than the muggles!" Rita exclaimed.
"I loved what you wrote about Bagman," Ron said, smirking.
"Well, that idiot had it coming, daring to insult Lily like that!" Rita's eyes seemed to shine as she spoke.
Lily sniffed softly and looked up as Rita wiped a tear away from her eyes. "Lily, you speaking to me and telling me about yourself is going to make a huge difference to people. There is fear about You-Know-Who, but you're giving so many people hope," Rita said kindly. "People always think of me as cold and calculating, willing to do anything for a story. To be honest, they used to be right, but after what I've learnt… I can't be that way anymore, not now I've found out how people are being treated."
"That's very kind of you to say, Miss Skeeter," Sirius's voice spoke up from behind them. Lily saw Sirius and Remus standing near them, before they sat down at the table. "I want to thank you for the wonderful story. It's nice to see Lily's story out there."
"It's my pleasure," Rita said. "I'd love a few words with both of you sometime soon, get your view on how to help Lily, and how you've been handling everything?"
"I'd like that," Sirius agreed, with Remus nodding. "We're both staying in the village for the rest of the school year, so there'll be plenty of time."
"Wonderful, I'll make sure to set a time to speak with both of you," Rita looked very pleased with herself as she looked at the group, but before she could speak, Moody and Hagrid neared the table.
"Lily, sorry for the interruption, but can I borrow you for a mo?" Hagrid asked. Lily nodded, got up, and walked just outside with Hagrid.
"What's wrong, Hagrid?" Lily asked.
"Meet me at my cabin tonight, at midnight, and wear your cloak," Hagrid whispered softly. Lily looked into his eyes and nodded as she saw the serious look in them.
"Okay, I will," Lily promised. She headed back into the pub after, the whole group spending lunch talking and enjoying food and drinks together. Lily felt happy that Rita was becoming a friend; yes, she had heard bad things about her, but Lily knew that if her story could make someone like Rita Skeeter want to help, then anything was possible.
With midnight fast approaching, Lily told Hermione and the others that she was heading out, and where to, with Hermione insisting that she go with Lily. Thankfully, the cloak could hide two people, so the two of them got dressed and quickly snuck out of the castle, heading to Hagrid's hut.
As they got there, they revealed their presence to Hagrid, who smiled and told them to wait for a moment as he was waiting for someone else, but to remain hidden. Lily noticed that Hagrid was wearing what smelt like strong aftershave.
"Hagrid, who are you meeting?" Lily asked, but Hagrid hushed her and told her to hide under the cloak. Lily and Hermione watched in amazement as Madam Maxime arrived, wearing a nice coat and… perfume? Lily and Hermione looked at one another.
"Is this a date?" Hermione whispered. Lily shrugged; a part of her hoped it was, since Hagrid deserved happiness.
Lily and Hermione followed Hagrid, as he spoke to Madam Maxime about some of the creatures in the forest, and how she'd love what he was about to show her. As they neared a large clearing, Lily and Hermione jumped when they heard a deafening roar.
In the clearing were a lot of wizards, as well as four large dragons! Was this the first task? Lily looked at Hermione, suddenly very afraid as one of the dragons sent out a wave of fire into the air.
"Hagrid, keep back; we've got them restrained for now, but we need to be careful," a familiar voice said. Lily saw Charlie Weasley approaching Hagrid.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" Hagrid asked Madam Maxime, who seemed as entranced as Hagrid.
"Why did you bring her for? The champions aren't supposed to know what they're facing," Charlie said, frowning.
"Jus' thought she'd like to see 'em," Hagrid replied, still enraptured. Charlie chuckled.
"Really romantic date, Hagrid," he teased. "How's Lily? I didn't dare tell Mum what she'd be facing; she already had kittens about the tournament. 'How can they let her enter? She's too young? What are they thinking?" Charlie did a good imitation of Mrs. Weasley.
"She's a strong lass, and she'll be fine. So four, is it? One for each champion? Do they have to fight 'em?" Hagrid asked.
"Just get past them, I think," Charlie replied. "I don't envy whoever gets the Hungarian Horntail, she's the toughest of the lot."
"How's Norbert?" Hagrid asked, seeing a bunch of dragon's eggs, and looking at them longingly.
"I've got them counted Hagrid," Charlie warned sternly, knowing Hagrid. "And Norbert's actually Norberta."
"She's a girl? How can you tell?" Hagrid asked.
"Well, they're a lot more vicious, and her giving birth was a strong indication," Charlie said, smiling again. Lily and Hermione nodded to one another, before turning and leaving. As they headed towards the castle, they saw Karkaroff racing towards the Durmstrang ship. They ignored him and headed straight for the common room. As soon as they were there, they took off the cloak, and sat down, with Lily gasping for breath.
"What… what the hell… how am I supposed to get past those things? They could eat me alive!" Lily exclaimed, tears of fear welling up in her eyes. Hermione wrapped her arms around Lily, hugging her tightly.
"Lily, it's going to be okay," Hermione soothed. "We've got training later with Sirius and Remus; they'll know what to do."
"I… I'm… how can I do this, Hermione? I'm going to get killed, I know it!" Lily exclaimed.
"No, you won't. Listen Lily, we'll all learn how to deal with dragons. You saw those wizards shooting spells at them, right? That means there's a spell to handle a dragon, and if anyone knows it, then it'll be Remus and Sirius," Hermione tried to reassure her friend. "And look, worst case scenario, the rules say you have to enter, but you won't be alone. I'll be there, ready to come to your aid if I need to," Hermione promised. "I know Ron won't let you be alone out there either. We'll all be there, whatever it takes."
Lily hoped so; the panic in her chest was starting to fade, a little, but she hoped that Hermione was right, otherwise whoever it was that put her name in the goblet would get their wish, and Lily would be dead.
