Sometimes a flower blooms twice
A/N: as of Jan 20th 2025 I am re editing the first couple of chapters of this story, sorry for the false updates. I just reread the first few chapters and the mistakes are bothering me, so before I can continue I must fix the mistakes. Also as of this day I am Cross Posting to Ao3 under the name KingKliheala, originally posted on my ff . net account Blackfamilheritage.
Chapter one: A second bloom.
A shout of unintelligible words and a flash of green light was all Lily Potter remembered. She sat a on a bench in what seemed to be an ethereal template for the street she grew up on, down the road a bit was Spinners End where her oldest friend had lived. Behind her was her own house, but there was something wrong it seemed like all of the houses seemed incomplete in a way. Some were missing important aspects like balconies, decks and driveways, others were missing whole sides and or faces revealing the furniture inside. The red head realized she could not move or speak when she attempted to stand and shout in surprise. 'What is this place?' she thought as she began to panic. From seemingly nowhere a voice crackled through her mind, "This is the in between world." The voice impossibility began to form into a juxtaposition of light and dark a being that somehow emitted and absorbed light at the same time. "I brought you here upon your death," the inexplicable being spoke again each word shaking Lily to her very soul. With a quick snap of what Lily assumed as a wrist a skeletal hand barley draped in a haunting yellowish white skin that was strained to its limits over the bony digits appeared. Snapping a large battered book appeared in the being's hand. Flipping through the book it spoke once more, "Lily Evans..." He mused as he flipped the pages in search of the information he was looking for. Despite the foulness of the creatures voice Lily was surprised to find comfort in the raspy tone. "Ahh here we go" it announced while still flipping, a few what seemed like minutes passed as he continued to flip. "Quite the file I don't think I can recall the last time a charge had such a long report in their file." The alloy of light and dark began to pace as it read, "do you know how much trouble you and your decisions have caused us on this side of the veil?"
The mass seemed to be waiting for Lily to respond, growing impatient it spoke again it's tone much harsher. "Well?" It asked not realizing Lily still could not speak, it took a few moments and condescending look from Lily for the being to realize what was wrong. "Ahh yes you are still under the effects of the paralytic wave" with a wave of his other hand Lily was able to move once more.
Lily stretched as the force holding her in place was removed, "Paralytic wave?"
"This world is the stopping point before taking your trip to what you mortals may call Heaven and Hell." The arbiter began again, "The paralytic wave is for when a particularly rambunctious soul decides to try and make a mess of the in between world. it prevents anyone good or bad from moving til their arbiter arrives and makes the decision to keep it active or not." The being paused to see if Lily had any other questions, if she did she was not voicing them. "Well on to why you are here and not off to your afterlife," the book it was holding began to flip through pages on its own before coming to a halt on the page The arbiter needed. "It seems you died far too early... You were meant to die at the ripe age of... One moment," he scanned the page again making sure what he was reading was correct. "You should have died at the age of one hundred and thirty two, That's a rather large difference nearly the record." He began manually flipping through the pages while mumbling to himself, "now what could you have done to cause this." As he found the page he was looking for his eyes widened, "What's this?!" He exclaimed while rereading the age stained parchment. "What mortal believes they have the right to change the course of fate!?" He growled. Another snap echoed through the area as the Arbiter conjured a rotary phone and stand. He was no longer paying attention to Lily as he angrily dialed a number on the old ornate phone making it ring with every touch. "Hello Arbiter resources?" He asked barely leaving any time for the being on the other side to answer. "Put me through to the fate affairs office I have a code 666 someone in the mortal world has been messing with my charges fate." The anger surrounding the Arbiter was palpable to Lily, she had never felt anger literally radiate from someone before. The Arbiter before her was so angry he was letting off waves of said emotion, "Hello... Yes a code 666... I know how rare 666 cases are this is no false alarm my charge had her whole life meddled with leading to her untimely death... Case number 12 3742... The name is Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore I also have his case number... The case number of the meddling mortal is 7 347... Okay see you soon." Hanging up the phone the Arbiter let out a heavy sigh placing one bony hand over its face in frustration.
"Forgive me uh... Arbiter, but what do you mean a mortal was meddling in my fate?" Lily asked bypassing her normal want to listen first and ask questions later.
"Arbiter is too formal... Call me Xander" as the Arbiter revealed his identity Lily was able to see the rest of his true form. His near skeletal form obscured from view by a ratty black cloak. The parts of his body that were not covered looked like the hands he had revealed earlier skin taught over the impossibly skeletal hands. Lily had expected something like this but the man's visage still terrified the witch.
A crack of thunder echoed with no lightening to accompany it as two more beings appeared. One was another Arbiter this one was still completely obscured by its "cloak", the other was a being that Lily did not recognize. 'Does their name have something to do in with being able to see their "true" form? Lily thought. It had one eye and was hunched over robed in grey rags, walking with a large walking stick with a carved wooden head at the peak. Lily could not make out the rest of the small cyclops as it was completely hidden by either shadows or the rags.
"Why have you called me Arbiter? Have you twisted someone's fate?" The smaller creature spoke, its voice nearly a whisper. Despite that Lily could hear the being with no issues regardless of the distance between them.
"I have done no such thing you wretched weaver, how is it always you that responds to my inquiries?" Xander snapped back, "My charge's fate was manipulated by that Arbiter's charge." He pointed to the hidden Arbiter.
The sound of nails on chalk boards echoed through the in between as the Weaver turned to look at the hidden Arbiter. "Is what Xander said true Hank?" Lily could not tell what was worse the nails or the Weaver's voice. The thing was not physically intimidating, but now Lily sat in a cold sweat not able to form proper thoughts let alone words.
As the Weaver spoke the hidden Arbiter's name, as was his body. He was a fat bearded man with a similar black cloak as Xander. "What do you mean by manipulated fate?" The man asked flabbergasting Xander and the Weaver. "I thought fate was written by the Weaver's?"
The Weaver began the shake violently, it voice seemed to explode outward. "You imbecile! Have you no memory? Fate is not something that is set in stone it's malleable something that can easily change if not nurtured properly!" Despite not changing size the Weaver seemed to grow tenfold as it yelled. "How could you be so careless! This woman has lost over one hundred years of life due to the two of you! This could have drastic consequences!" Each word made both Arbiter's flinch. "Xander you are one of our best how could you let something like this slide?" The Arbiter asked its voice calming a bit as it spoke to Xander.
Xander sighed deeply before responding, "I honestly don't know I will take full responsibility. I will search my records and make the appropriate adjustments to my scans" Xander responded with a bow.
Lily simply could not fathom what was going on, and she had a feeling that even if she asked she still would not understand fully. "No Xander your fault is minimal compared to his," she said pointing at Hank. "Hank you will report to the head Arbiter and they shall dole out your punishment, and before that all your charge's have been allocated to other Arbiter's until judgment has been passed then you might get them back." The Weaver's tone was harsh with a tinge of disappointment. Hank simply nodded solemnly, "Xander wait here I will return" with that the Weaver left with Hank in the same way they came.
Xander let out a deep sigh as he turned back to Lily, "I apologize for all this it seems a colossal mistake has been made I'm not sure what's going to happen now."
Lily gave the apparition a horrified look, "What do you mean?" She asked shakily. "Shouldn't you be the one who knows these things!" this time her question had an angrier tone surprising Xander.
"Yes normally you would be right but these events are unprecedented never have I heard of fate being manipulated like this." Xander began to explain sitting on a wooden chair he conjured. "This is beyond me, but do not worry as you did nothing wrong you are very likely not going to have any consequences." This relieved Lily slightly but the Arbiter could tell she was still very nervous. "I wish..." Xander was cut off by another thunder clap this time much louder than either before.
Appearing from nowhere were an Angel of light and dark motif along side the Weaver. "Seems we have a predicament here don't we Xander?" The Angel spoke its voice like a masterfully crafted orchestra calming Lily's nerves completely. For some reason Lily could instantly tell this was the head Arbiter and it was by far the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The Angel like the Arbiter's below it produced light and absorbed it at the same time but this time from opposite sides of the body. It had no features but seemed perfect nonetheless, it was completely inexplicable.
"Yes I should have caught on before it came to this Head Arbiter Ilosi." Xander responded while bowing.
"Fret not Xander you did nothing wrong In fact this case has brought an issue with whole system. So thanks to you I was able to fix the issue," with those words Ilosi stood the lower Arbiter up with a wave of its hand.
"Really!?" Xander exclaimed.
"Indeed, Fate manipulation on this level should have sent alarms off all over the mirror world." Xander stood flabbergasted unable to speak, "And as for your charge she shall receive a second chance, and you may do whatever you see fit to give her what she needs, this is a special case." Both Xander and the Weaver nearly fell over with this news, "with that I must leave I have much to do I need to report this incident to the higher ups and all." And like they came the Angel and Weaver were gone in a clap of thunder leaving the stunned Arbiter and a confused Lily.
"A no holds bar second chance... I don't think that's ever happened before..." Xander lamented aloud.
"So I'm being brought back to life?" Lily questioned her confusion and curiosity getting the better of her.
"Yes but normally you would be brought back at the moment of your death, with this we can not only choose when you will return to your body but you can keep your memories and skills from the previous life." This shocked Lily, not done Xander continued. "We don't have long to prepare you for returning. you can only stay here a week at most before your soul has to return to your body." With a snap a chalk board appeared, "okay first let's go over some things you can do when you return to life to make your life the best it possibly can be." He began to wright on the chalkboard the first thing he wrote was "heritage". "First thing you must find a way to reveal your heritage which has been hidden from you."
This confused Lily, "what do you mean by that?"
"That is something that you will have to discover for yourself. I recommend you speak with the goblins." This is not what the red head wanted to hear but she did not argue. "The second thing is your soulmate he shouldn't be too hard to find he was very close to you In your previous life." Lily began to run through the men in her life before it set on Severus Snape, "Looks like you might have already figured that one out." Xander chuckled, "those are the two most major however you should also prepare for that Riddle fellow who killed you last time round."
"I do have one question before we continue" Lily interrupted. "What happened to the son I left behind? What happened to Harry?" Lily's voice had the unmistakable tang of desperation.
Xander had been expecting this for awhile, he was surprised she had waited this long to ask. "He lived quite the life I can show you the major events in it however it will show both good and bad. And there was alot of bad,"Xander confessed.
Lily simply nodded she hadn't expected this much she had just wanted to know if he was alive. Xander led her through a movie esc tale of her sons life, from his horrible life at the Dursley's to his marriage to the woman he loved. She saw his struggle with the forces of darkness and his friends that had his back. Lily barley was able to keep herself together throughout the story tears freely flowing at some parts anger and happiness at others. At the end of the story Xander gave a final warning "remember these things that happened a lot of them were due to your broken fate so try and forgive those who may have caused your son harm." Lily nodded in agreement. "Lastly for the remainder of the week we will be going over general knowledge of the world you will be returning to, and the changes that occurred due to you not being manipulated by a senile old man."
"Do you know how I was manipulated so I can avoid any other possible manipulation." Lily asked figuring now was the best time to ask all her nagging questions.
"Further manipulation should be next to impossible with the new systems Ilosi incorporated. However you should still avoid any and drink or potion given to you by anyone you don't trust."
"Potions! He gave me potions what kinda of potions and for how long?" Lily angrily questioned.
This was the reaction that Xander had been expecting. "Loyalty attuned to himself, and love and devotion potions attuned to James Potter. Though rest assure James had little to do with the manipulation of your fate he has had nearly as much damage done to his fate as you have." This relieved Lily as she may not still be in love with the rambunctious Gryffindor, but he was at very least her friend. "And as for how long it seems since the first time you and him met." Lily's jaw set in anger but she said nothing, "do you have any further questions?" Lily shook her head no, "very well we will begin your studies."
The week passed quickly and Lily now found herself standing before a pair of rusted gates along side Xander and Ilosi. "These gates will lead you back to the world of the living." Xander spoke his tone solemn, Lily without a word gave the Arbiter a hug surprising the otherworldly being.
"Thanks for everything Xander! I'll miss you, you have been a great friend!" She cried.
Xander not sure what to do patted Lily on the head, "I'll miss you too Lily" he responded awkwardly.
"As lovely this goodbye is, Lily's time is short the gates will be opening soon." Ilosi interrupted gaining the attention of Xander and Lily, Xander blushed and Lily giggled in response. "Lily I wish you best and hopefully we will not meet again for at least one hundred years." Ilosi said beginning her goodbye, "but before you go I have a gift for you." Lily looked at the Angel in expectation, with a snap a small package popped into its hand.
Lily happily accepted the gift, "Thank you Ilosi. but you didn't have to get me anything you two have done so much for me. I should be giving you a gift."
Ilosi waved her off, "You have no time to argue the gates are opening you best be off." As it spoke the gates began to open, Lily rushed forward through the gate.
The young witch turned hoping to wave goodbye but the gates were now completely hidden by mist. "I hope to see you too again one day, when I've lived my life and have many stories to tell." With that the mist began to engulf her taking her consciousness with it.
Lily dreamed for what seemed like years as she was given the memories of the life she was about to live. She saw herself getting sorted into Ravenclaw, and her best friend Erina Dumbledore a distant cousin of the manipulative headmaster. The final things shown to her were her 3rd and 4th year, and lastly a memory of her being given the appointment of 5th year prefect. Once the memories faded to black Lily could hear a familiar voice calling out to her. "Lily! Wake up looks like it's about to rain we better head back."
Lily's eyes fluttered open to reveal Severus looking down at her, "morning." She groaned shaking off the sleep with a stretch and a yawn.
Severus rolled his eyes in response as he stood and brushed himself off. Lily stared at the teen before her with wonder. It was true she had been not only returned to life but she was fifteen again. Noting Severus was not looking She took a moment to look herself over nothing major had changed. She was slightly more muscular than she remembered but it was not an unwelcome change.
Severus was several steps ahead by this point turning back he saw Lily was still sitting on the ground she seemed to be staring at him. "Have something wrong with your eye Evans?" Severus joked.
Lily glared at him in response, she slowly stood and trotted over to her friend. "We don't necessarily have to go inside a little rain won't kill us." Lily had to admit this was strange it was almost like she was acting through a memory.
"I'd prefer not to get these clothes wet," Severus harshly snarked back. In this moment Lily remembered her friend didn't have many sets of clothes.
"Sorry Sev..." Lily responded with a sigh.
"No I should be apologizing I shouldn't snap like that, you didn't do anything wrong im just irritated at my parents." He lamented taking the last turn towards the Evans home.
"Don't worry about it!" Lily chirped as she followed her friend. As they got within a stone's throw of the house a car pulled up beside them. Petunia leaned out the passenger side giving her sister and Severus a dirty look.
"Lily you best not be bringing the neighbourhood stray home again!" Petunia snarled, "just because mother tolerates him doesn't mean I do."
Lily felt anger boil in her chest, the acts Petunia had committed against Harry in her last life playing through her mind. "Oh bugger off Petunia, why do you always have to be cruel to everyone." Lily yelled louder than intended alerting her mother inside who came to the window to see what was going on.
Petunia stepped out of the vehicle along side her whale of a boyfriend Vernon Dursley in a rage. However she saw her mother in the window and decided to take advantage of the situation. "Being cruel to freaks is a kindness especially if the freak is a beaten stray like Severus here" Petunia said in a superior tone.
Lily wasn't normally one to resort to violence but this time she let her anger get the better of her. Taking a step forward Lily punched her sister in the nose, Lily felt a crunch under her fist. If it were not for Severus Lily would have kept on swinging, with a yank of the back of her shirt Severus pulled his friend away from her sister. Good thing too Vernon was winding up to slap Lily for attacking his girlfriend.
"You slag you broke her nose" Vernon exclaimed as Petunia wailed in the background.
Rose Evans stormed out of the house having seen her younger daughter attack her older sister. "Lily Cassandra Evans what the bloody hell do you think you are doing!?" She yelled as she approached the scuffle.
Lily was not apologetic in the slightest and snarled back at her mother in her anger. "She called me a freak!" Lily shouted back, Rose who was now tending to Petunia's nose turned and glared at her daughter. A series of memories flashed through Lily's mind, they were memories from this world. First showed Lily her third birthday party, everyone was laughing and having fun. Then an angry Petunia walked into the memory, she was upset she was not being thrown a party.
Walking up to their mother Petunia began to whine, "why does the weirdo get a party all she does is make our lives worse." The girl cried loud enough for the whole party to hear.
Rose tried to quietly calm her eldest down unsuccessfully, "Petal please calm down you had your
birthday party in September it's Lily's turn." She tried to reason.
Just then Joseph Evans joined his wife and daughter, "everything okay love?" He asked as he approached.
"Petunia is just having a hard time," Rose explained.
Joe knelt down so he was looking his daughter in the eye, "what's wrong squirt?"
"Lily is ruining everything!" She screamed through tears.
The man looked over to Lily with a sombre look on his face, "Rose can I talk to you for a moment?" With that the Evans parents took a moment away from the party. They were back within minutes, "I'm sorry but something has come up we will have to cancel the rest of the party." Joe announced much to Petunia's joy and to Lily's dread, "But dad!" Was the last thing Lily heard as she returned from the memory.
This memory hit Lily hard, her life so far had not been what I had been in her previous life. 'i didn't think Dumbledore's potions would have affected this part of my life.' she thought as she watched her mother tend to the bleeding nose.
"Lily go clean the attic until I can think of another punishment! Or til your father gets home and he can deal with you." Rose exclaimed pointing to the house, "I have to take your sister to the hospital." Now she turned to Severus "you best head home Lily won't be available for a while she has to learn to act her age." Rose snapped Lily had to admit what she did was wrong, though it did feel good.
Severus gave his friend a apologetic look before turning to leave, "Sev! Thanks for standing up for me with the whale!" Lily yelled after her friend as she turned to walk inside.
"Lily! Go now!" Her mother yelled.
Severus was surprised confused and a little turned on as he walked back to his house, "what's going on with Lily... A first for everything I guess.. though you'd swear she was a Gryffindor!" He laughed to himself. "I never thought I'd see Petunia scream and cry like that" he happily lamented.
Lily looked back on the last thirty minutes or so as she ascended the stairs to the attic. 'Sorry Xander I know you told me to try and forgive, but she's just as horrible in this life.' Lily thought opening the door that lead into the dusty attic. Looking around the room was not too dirty some boxes were out of place, and a layer of dust covered most of the room. "And back to cleaning manually, for now atleast" she sighed. Hours passed as she slowly cleaned the attic, as she did her mind wandered.
Her mind wandered into a dream like memory, she was on the Hogwarts Express. "Hey my name is Erina Dumbledore what's yours?" she heard from behind her, turning Lily saw a young girl with soft brown hair.
In front of the girl named Erina stood an 11 year old Lily, "hi I'm Lily nice to meet you" Lily responded nerves shaking her voice.
The older Lily stared at the the two children before her, 'what is this... I thought the only changes were due to my decisions or reversing Dumbledore's manipulations.' she thought while watching her past self. 'could Dumbledore have done something to this girl in my past life?" A tapping on the attic window brought Lily out of her memory, in the small window in the front centre of the room a small black owl attempted to get inside. Lily didn't recognize the owl but it was oddly familiar, she walked slowly over to the window to let the small creature in.
The owl happily squeaked as it landed on her shoulder presenting the letter that was in its beak. Lily accepted the letter, as she did the owl chirped loudly. "Thank you cutie" she said while giving the petit owl some rubs. At first Lily expected this to be from Severus or maybe Alice, but when she opened the correspondence she discovered it was from Erina Dumbledore.
Dear Lily:
Sorry I haven't written earlier, but my parents wanted to go visit my grandparents in America. And they live so far off the beaten path that even Echo here couldn't find their house at first. Between that and my family trying to fit multiple years worth of "family time" into the two months we are here. I don't think I could stomach another family photo, or group matching outfits. My mom is usually against anything that could make the family look bad but matching outfits is okay...
I just wish I could have spent the summer with you and Sev like we had planned but "family time" is more important. Don't get me wrong I love spending time with my family but this is just asinine.
Though there were a few good things this trip. I ran into Sirius black at one of the many beaches we have visited, he was so much more tolerable without James and the other "marauders." He's still annoying but tolerable. The other thing is we visited the magical creature ranch, that will forever be a highlight of my life.
Well that's enough about me, how are you? Did you ask Sev out yet? If not then you better get on it before the summer melts away ha-ha. Seriously though you don't really want to go another term dancing around each other. So get on it before someone else nabs him, like me hint, hint.
Looking forward to hearing from you Lil.
Love Erin.
Lily read and reread the letter, as she did memories of Erin rushed through her mind. "So it seems this Erina or Erin is a old friend of Sev's and mine." Lily tucked the letter into her pocket, before turning to clean the rest of the attic. As she turned she saw the patriarch of the Evans family Joseph Evans.
"I get a call at work that you broke your sisters nose and now you are here. Not even attempting to finish your punishment." Joe growled.
Lily had never seen him this angry before and despite her mental age being in her mid twenties she felt like a child being scolded.
"I'm sorry I was cleaning then Echo came to the window with a letter from Erin, I was just about to continue." She explained hastily, Joe eyed her with a mixture of disappointment and skepticism.
"Okay just continue, come down for supper when you are done and not before." Lily nodded solemnly and returned to her work.
Hours went by with much progress made, it was nearing supper time and Lily could smell pork chops and potatoes cooking. The smell made her stomach growl, "Don't betray me now, I'm almost done." She growled back, its response was more growling. Lily sat down on a box with a huff knocking another over with her elbow. Lily reached for her wand to stop the falling boxes, but it was not there. It was tucked away with her school supplies, 'oh yeah the underage magic act..." The boxes had broken open and scattered photos and keepsakes over the attic floor. "Good job Lily make your job harder why don't you." She lamented while picking up photos, some were of the whole family all smiling wide. Others of important events, one caught her eye it was a photo of people she did not recognize. One was a tall black haired man wearing a dark blue almost black tuxedo, the other was a woman holding a small child. She looked suspiciously like Lily did in adulthood during her last life. "What in the world?" She voiced aloud taking a closer look the child in the woman's arms was Lily. The combo of red hair and brilliant green eyes was unmistakable, "I never expected this when Xander told me there were secrets to my heritage." Turning the photo over revealed three names Cassandra, Lily and a name that had faded over time. And the text saying 'To Rose from our family with love." Lily didn't know whether to be angry or happy. "Mum and Dad are not my parents at all..." She thought aloud, minutes turned to hours as she stared at the photo as of it would give the answers she was looking for.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, "Lily are you still in here?" Rose asked from the door. Before slowly opening, Lily could only stare at her "mother". Noticing the look on Lily's face she grew concerned. "Lily honey what is wrong?" She asked while approaching.
Lily held out the photo so Rose could see it, "What is this?" Pain was evident in the teenage girls voice.
Rose wanted nothing more than to rip the photo from her hands and tell her it was a mistake but she could not. "It's a long story can we talk about it after we eat?" Rose responded her voice low and regretful.
"No! I want to know what this is about, how could you never tell me I was adopted?" Lily almost screamed, she knew she wasn't acting as someone with her life experience should but at this point she could care less.
"Let me start at the beginning..." Rose sighed, "I met your mother when we were only young children before she went off to Hogwarts." Rose began while grabbing a dusty chair to sit on, "we shared everything when we were together Cassandra and myself. Being a half blood she also shared the fact she could do magic, to say I was surprised was an understatement." She laughed hoping to calm the tense atmosphere, Lily simply stared at her expecting more. "After going to Hogwarts Cassie and I continued to spend our summers together, until the summer of her final year." Pausing to gather her thoughts Rose let out a breath she didn't even know she had been holding. "Her seventh year she met a man and fell in love, I only know his nickname of Rick she gave as they got married in secret because of some danger." Again Lily looked at Rose expectantly, Rose felt like she was being scolded by her mother. With a shake of her head she began again, "About a year later I received that photo." Rose gave another pause this time to wipe tears from her eyes, "Not more than a month later Rick showed up on our doorstep with you asking for us to take you in."
It took many moments for Lily to process the info she just had dumped on her. "So you were my mothers friend?" She asked in disbelief, a nod from Rose was all the response she received.
Before anything else could be said Joe stormed into the room, "what's going on here? I thought you were going to grab Lily and come back down for dinner?"
"Lily knows we are not her parents." Rose responded with tears freely flowing from her eyes.
Joseph was shocked his face went through every expression from mad to happy, "Then that creepy
bastard can come and get his daughter." Both Rose and Lily looked at the man in shock, "what do you expect me to continue providing for your friends mistake."
"You can not mean that Joseph? we have raised Lily as ours since she was left here." Rose argued.
"Exactly it's time her own father did the same, turning to Lily he spoke once more. "You may grab anything of yours but I want you out." Joe's tone left no room for argument, Lily looked at the man she had always known as her father in disgust.
"All I'll be grabbing is my school stuff!" Lily growled as she stormed out of the room. Petunia was eavesdropping outside of the door when Lily exited, she nearly jumped out of her skin as Lily opened the door to the attic.
"Lily what's going on?" Petunia asked with a nasty yet concerned tone.
"Ask your parents!" She snapped as she walked passed the brunette.
"What do you mean by tha.." Petunia was cut off by Lily slamming the door to her old room.
Lily angrily gathered clothes and her school supplies, ending with her wand. A chirp from Echo earned Lily's attention, "oh Echo I forgot sent you here." She said while running her fingers through the birds supernaturally soft feathers. "I should write Sev and Erin" she thought aloud, looking over to her quill and parchment on the desk she wordlessly and without her wand cast a writing charm. This charm would take her prominent thoughts and write a cohesive letter, essay or anything else the caster desired. As the charm did it's work Lily finished packing everything she would need in her trunk she then shrunk it with a snap. "As useful as wordless wandless magic is I need to get more used to it" she scolded herself. When the charm finished her two letters she stored the parchment and quill, giving both letters to Echo Lily gave the bird a snack before letting it go with its parcels. Echo chirped as she flew off, "what a day" Lily lamented aloud as she looked around the room. Tears began to sting her eyes, with a shake of her head Lily steeled her nerves. "You can't break down now Lily atleast get out of here first" she almost chanted. Her eyes set on a wrapped present on her desk, "Ilosi's gift can't forget that, maybe I'll open it when I get wherever I'm going" she half-heartedly laughed. Lily took a moment to think over what she should do, "I guess I'll take the night bus to Diagon Ally and find a place to sleep after that." Lily took a deep breath before exiting her old room, Petunia and her mother were standing outside.
"Lily I'm sorry..." Rose began, however Lily ignored her and continued downstairs and out to the street.
Petunia followed her out, "You are just going to leave without as much as a goodbye we are still sisters no matter what they say." Petunia shouted at Lily, "I'm not mad about the punch, I know we don't really get along... But I don't want you to leave."
Lily stopped her sisters rant with a hug, "I love you Petunia but I think it's too late I've already been kicked out I don't think there is any going back now." Lily broke the hug with a smile, "goodbye Petunia i will come visit sometime." Petunia nodded while fighting back tears before she re entered the house. Lily now stood on the sidewalk staring at the wand in her hand. "Here goes nothing" she said as she summoned the night bus.
Not more than a moment later the bus came to a screeching halt in front of the teenager. The sliding doors slammed open revealing a plump man with glasses, "wher'd ya like ta go?" The man nearly yelled spittling all over Lily as he spoke.
"Diagon Ally please" Lily said nervously regretting her decisions.
"Well git on den!" He laughed, the laugh was more like a harsh wheezing rather than any laugh she had ever heard. Steeping onto the bus Lily was immediately thrown back into the lap of a sleeping passenger.
"Sorry!" Lily exclaimed as she stood, the man she had landed on just smiled at her.
"You can sit on my lap anytime sexy" he sneered while licking his lips.
Lily suddenly felt sick to her stomach, but before she could tell him off he was already asleep. She avoided all the other passengers on her way to the back, after sitting on a worn bench she wordlessly and wandlessly cast a protective charm over herself. "I should have just taken a regular cab..." She thought aloud as she looked around, the bus was beyond in disrepair it looked like it was about to fall apart. The people weren't much better, they all looked like they were either homeless or didn't care they looked so. Lily was on edge the whole ride, thankfully it was not a long ride with the speed the bus carried.
Stepping off the bus Lily found herself on the outskirts of Diagon Ally. Even in her previous life she had never been to the part of the market. This was the part of the Ally where most of the shop owners lived judging by the amount of houses mixed in with the small shops. Down the road Lily spotted a small inn, "hopefully they have food as well." The red head stated as she heard her stomach growl. As she approached the inn she got a better look at the old building, despite its age it was in great condition. It looked like it had been pulled directly from a fairy tale, if she were not in the situation she was in it would be a dream to stay in such a inn. There were two large flower beds filled with every flower Lily could think of, and some she had never seen before. Walking through the door Lily saw a busy pub, she ignored the looks she received and continued on her way the the front desk.
The person manning the desk looked the teen up and down suspiciously, "hello I would like to rent a room for the next few nights" Lily announced.
"Ya sure young'n where your parents at?" The woman at the counter questioned.
"I'm an orphan.." Lily lied earning a side glance from the woman.
"Well then it'll be two galleon a week or ten sickles a night" she said while producing papers. "Just sign the waiver here" the woman pointed to the bottom of the page. Lily handed the woman her payment for the week and signed her name. Accepting the paper and payment she pointed to a hall that led out of the pub "your room number is 12" she said while handing the key to Lily. As if she was reading the young girls mind she spoke again. "Meals are included in the price of your room, if you would like something to eat ring the bell In your room and someone will bring you some food."
Lily Bowed lightly as she thanked to receptionist, she slipped through partying tables towards where she was directed. Making it to her room she inserted the key into the lock, the lock unlocked without even a turn. "Hmm that's an interesting charm" Lily said with a smile, as she opened the door Lily felt like she had been transported to medieval fantasy. The room had a rugged yet charming bed in the centre of the room, the bed had beautiful animal furs over a down mattress. In the corner of the room was a hardwood armoire, next to it was a small desk of the same dark brown wood. The other side of the room had a small table for tea and meals, on the table was a bell. Beside the table was a more modern looking door, which she later discovered to be the washroom. being to tired to unpack Lily just placed her trunk in the armoire, being beyond hungry at this point having not eaten anything since breakfast. Lily took a seat at the table before ringing the bell, not more than a moment later a plate of roast beef mashed potatoes with gravy and corn on the cob along with a cup of pumpkin juice. Lily wasn't sure what she was expecting, but this was not it. However the young redhead happily ate the food, as if on queue Echo tapped at the window as Lily finished eating. She had been hoping to go to bed after eating but she wouldn't think of leaving the little owl. She opened the window with a wave of her hand letting Echo in, she carried two letters. After Echo perched on the desk Lily walked over to the armoire to retrieve treats for the obviously tired owl. Echo happily ate the treats Lily gave her as
Lily read Erin's letter.
Dear Lily:
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK DO YOU MEAN? Your "Dad" kicked you out because you found out they aren't your parents.
How could anyone do that! You are lucky I just got back from America I'll come see you, where are you staying? Do you have a place to stay? Mom says you can stay with us if you don't have other plans.
Please write back ASAP!
With love and concern Erin Dumbledore.
Lily could feel the worry radiating from the letter. She felt bad, despite her barley knowing Erin save vague memory's she could feel the bond between them.
Casting the same writing charm to respond to Erin Lily set to reading Severus' letter. She was not looking forward to reading it as he was probably mad at her for leaving without him. Opening the letter revealed a hastily written letter, the penmanship haphazard and unfocused completely juxtaposed to Severus' regular correspondence.
Lily
Please tell me you are okay, that bastard of a man that called himself your father better not have hurt you.
Or I swear to Merlin I'll rearrange his nervous system so he could never lead a normal life again.
For some reason that threat made Lily laugh, after regaining her composure she set to reading the rest of the letter.
Please respond ASAP I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you.
Because I love you Lily...
Lily knew how Severus felt from her previous life, but she was surprised to see him open up like that. this time there were no potions to come between them, and Lily was happier than she had been in a while. She quickly penned a response to Severus, she explained she had planned on returning for him after she got settled. Ending the letter with love Lily she beckoned to Echo, the small owl flew over to Lily happily. After another treat for the road she sent Echo off with her letters.
With all that done Lily felt a wave of exhaustion sweep over her, she nearly fell asleep at the desk but at the last second she managed to move to the bed.
Lily's sleep was riddled with pleasant dreams of her and her friends. The sun poking through the window shades brought Lily from her slumber. Looking around the room Lily couldn't help but feel lonely, she couldn't remember the last time she had woken up with no one else around. In her previous life she had roommates all throughout school and she had married James Potter the summer they graduated.
Wandering over to the washroom she decided to have a shower, after dressing Lily once again rang the bell. A plate of bacon eggs and toast appeared along with a glass of orange juice. "I could get used to this" Lily laughed, "though it's not like I can afford to stay here for too long." Lily sighed as the reality set in, she was 15 with no job and minimal savings in Gringotts. "I'm sure I can sell charms services while under a aging charm but I'll have to be careful." With a snap lily summoned her coin purse, she glowered at the light weight of the cloth bag. Pouring it out into her hand she counted the palm full of coins, "Three galleon sixteen sickles." She sighed "I'll have to make a trip to gringotts, can't live on this for long." Her goal for the morning now set Lily decided to explore Diagon Ally and make her way to gringotts as she did. Opening the door to the rest of the inn Lily was not expecting to hear a familiar voice call her name or at least her old name.
"Ms. Evans? What are you doing here?" The voice questioned, turning to the source Lily spotted the half goblin half wizard professor, Fillius Flitwick.
With surprise still gripping her Lily spoke, "Professor Flitwick! You scared me" She responded. Flitwick simply eyed his student waiting for a response, "its a long and incomplete story professor."
Fillius looked at the red head with skepticism, "well then do you mind joining me for tea and we can discuss this situation."
The charms professor always had a way of knowing when someone was trying to pull the wool over his eyes. Despite herself she found herself following the middle aged wizard. He led her to a table In the pub area, as she sat he took the seat across from her. Moments passed in silence, "Mrs Evans I am your Professor you can trust me. Did something happen at home?"
Lily could swear the half goblin was psychic or something, "well first of all, I'm not an Evans."
Fillius cocked his head in confusion, "Can you elaborate?"
"Yesterday I found an old photo," reaching into her robes she produced said photo. "This photo" she handed the picture to the professor, "when I asked about it my adopted mother told me the people in the photo were my parents and myself."
Lily was about to continue when Flitwick interrupted her, "this woman... Shes Cassandra Horrath she was in her seventh year when I started working at Hogwarts."
"She and my adoptive mother were good friends outside school. I was told she met my father either during her seventh year or in the summer of the same year." This seemed to intrigue Flitwick, "well when I asked about the photo my adopted mother told me everything she knew. But when my adoptive father learned I knew of my heritage he kicked me out of the house."
"Merlin's beard! Why would he do that?"
"According to him he was done with providing for another man's child." Lily responded with a shrug, this angered the small professor.
"Have you told anyone else about this?" He growled barley able to keep his anger in check. Lily had never seen her favourite professor like this before, yeah he had scolded kids but at most he would raise his voice.
"Only Severus Snape and Erina Dumbledore."
"Good, will you be staying in this inn for a while?"
"I'll be here for a week at the very least, I prepaid for the week, speaking of which why are you here at this inn?" She asked a little suspicious thinking Dumbledore may have sent him. "I thought most professor's lived at the school full time?"
"Normally that would be true, however my family owns this inn and my mother asked for my help with their food delivery bells." Flitwick responded with a smile.
Lily was surprised to say the least, "oh wow, did you cast the spells on the locks as well?"
"Yes I did it's quite the useful charm, can't be picked magically either." His smile only widened, as much as id love to chat about charms for the rest of the day I do have one question. Lily tilted her head in response, what are your plans are you going to try and find your birth father and mother?"
Lily took a long drink from her tea, giving her a moment to think of a response. I need to go to Gringotts today anyway I was going to ask for a heritage test while I was there."
This surprised the half goblin, "How do you know of such a test?" Those words sunk into Lily's mind in a way she didn't think was possible. Xander had told her of the test when she was in the in between world, she hadn't thought that it might not be general knowledge. "I mean a Muggle born should have no knowledge of such things." Almost as if he were reading her mind he answered her next question before it could be voiced, she knew he was not reading her mind as her Ligilimancy defences hadn't even been prodded by the head of Ravenclaw house.
"Is there something wrong with me knowing?" Lily questioned, "I mean would the person who told me get in trouble?" She if questioned was intending to lie and say either Severus or Erin were the ones to tell her, as long as it would cause them no harm that is.
"Oh no nothing like that, you see the pure bloods in power don't want certain knowledge commonly available." Lily visibly calmed, "One of those things is that every muggle-born is actually just from a squibbed out line of magical blood." Lily just looked at the professor with false confusion, "So to stop long lost family members from coming out of the woodwork with their hands out."
"So all the secrecy is just to save the pure bloods money" Lily laughed flabbergasted she was scared in the first place, her logical mind knew from the beginning that wizards especially those in charge didn't really think of anything but their status and money.
Filius stretched as he stood, "Now as lovely as it would be to stay and discuss the foolishness of this society we live in I have quite a few errands I need to complete today. I return to the castle tomorrow and I have things I need for the upcoming semester." With the speed of the champion duellist he was he produced his wand and conjured a small business card like paper on the table between them. "If anyone at Gringotts gives you trouble give them that they owe me one and that is one of those IOU's, it should alleviate any issues."
"Thanks I don't know what to say" Lily nearly whispered as she picked up the card. It was on pristine white card stock with gold ink that seemed to dance around the card, the text in the middle simply read 'Gringotts'. By the time she looked up from the card Flitwick had already left, Lily pouted "I understand he had to go but really." Lily finished her tea as she stood, 'I best get to Gringotts I shouldn't put this whole heritage test off for too long...'
Lily was about half way to Gringotts when she heard someone calling her name, "Lily there you are!" It was Erin she was down the road from her coming her way, beside her was Severus looking far worse for wear. 'He must have been up all night...' a wave of guilt washed over her, 'I was so angry I didn't think about how just disappearing on the one person I should never abandon... Some soulmate I am huh.' seeing the pain she had caused the man she loved, she couldn't help but try and make up for it, Lily once in range threw her arms around Severus' neck and hugged him tightly.
"I'm sorry Sev I should have told you in person, I was just so angry I wasn't thinking straight I just wanted to get out of there." Severus was stunned to say the least though he still returned the hug, this was not the first time the red headed witch had hugged him but this one was different. He couldn't put his finger on what exactly was different but he was not complaining, he had been hoping there was more to the Love Lily exit to her letter and nearly confirmed it. He was about to respond saying it was okay that he was just thankful she was okay when she pulled away slightly. Not even having a chance to register the fact that he wished the tight hug had lasted longer Lily planted a light kiss on his lips before breaking the embrace with a blush. She had not intended to go that far at first but her mind was overloaded with desire as soon as she hugged the skinny dark haired wizard. If she had not broke the embrace when she did Lily could not guarantee she wouldn't rip his clothes off in the middle of the Ally.
Severus stood stunned for several seconds, while Erin looked at her friends with a near lecherous glare. Erin walked closer to Lily to whisper in her ear, "You know I was joking when I said id ask him out right? You didn't need to claim him in front of me like one of those Gryffindor girls." Her joking tone seemed to grate on Lily's nerves more than it should.
"Oh sod off Dumbledore" Lily laughed lightly punching her friend in the arm.
Severus recovered from his stupor to see the 'Violence' before him, "Now Erin I wouldn't pick a fight with this slugger here she did just break her sisters nose yesterday after all" He joked.
Erin looked at her friend with wide eyes, "wait you broke Petunia's nose?" Lily simply shrugged, "Well its not like it matters its unlikely you will see her for a while if not ever again." It was clear to Lily Erin did not have much tact, but that worked well for her. "Okay greetings and fun has been had, but what are you planning to do? Do you have a place to stay? Have you thought about looking for your family?"
Lily lightly smiled as her friend rambled her questions, she was beginning to see why she was friends with this girl. "Well its usually nice to let a person answer one question at a time but here I go. In order, I'm on my way to Gringotts to get some money out, I'm staying at an inn owned by surprisingly Professor Flitwick's mother. Your third question goes back to my first answer Flitwick suggested I get a heritage test at Gringotts."
"Well then were almost there, no time like the present you know I love mystery's." she proclaimed as she began marching towards Gringotts. Both Lily and Severus looked at each other in exasperation shaking there heads they followed there friend. As they walked Lily reached out and grasped Severus' hand, said teen looked towards the girl however she was looking ahead as if it were something they did every day. He was not complaining but he did not know what had caused this change in Lily's demeanour, things had begun to change in fourth year. It began when they had accidentally touched hands early in the year, Lily pulled away. At first it seemed like she had been repulsed however in hindsight he realized she was embarrassed, 'could she actually share my feelings?' Severus after how his parents showed their 'love' he couldn't believe that anyone would truly love him.
Severus' thoughts were cut off as they entered the wizarding bank, the queues were rather short thankfully but there seemed to be some kind of confrontation. A man argued with the guards as they dragged him out, the Goblin guards carried large (for them) enchanted silver halberds. They had the man by each arm dragging him on his knees across the polished stone floor, the man had light brown hair and eyes and was wearing light grey robes. Severus leaned over to one of the other on-lookers, "What did he do?"
"He pulled his wand and threatened the teller when the teller told him he had no money left in his vault." The group of teens had assumed the man was being removed from the building, but he was taken into another magically hidden hallway.
Lily knew the man probably would not survive this encounter, she felt sympathy but the man had apparently threatened the teller and this is Goblin land despite it being bank for witches and wizards. She approached the next free teller with Severus and Erin behind her, "Hello my name is Lily Evans" she nearly cringed as she used her old last name, she was still livid with her adoptive Father. "I would like to withdraw 10 galleons from my vault."
The goblin eyed Lily, "Wand." Lily outstretched her wand, the goblin waved his hand over it. "Very well" with a snap a small bag appeared, handing it out to Lily she accepted the bag. "Is that all?"
Lily shook her head no, "I also require a Heritage test."
The Goblin's eyes widened, this was not something that was asked everyday. Normally only Pure bloods ask for these and only when they were marrying someone that may be to close of relation. "I must say that is an odd request, I must ask why?"
"I recently discovered I was adopted, i was told my mother died while I was young I just wish to meet my father." she was hoping she could just talk her way out of this hoping to save the IOU for a 'Rainy day'.
Standing from his seated position Lily was half expecting him to call over the guards, instead he smiled a toothy grin. "You know I may not fully believe you and I don't know how you know about this but its not my job to regulate who gets the test. My name is Rancor you and your friends follow me we can preform the test." Lily smiled as she waited for the Goblin to come around the desk, he motioned for them to follow him.
He lead them out of the main bank into a back room, the room was styled in browns and silvers. Book shelves lined the walls, and in the middle of the room was a large wooden table inlaid silver channel. The channel was in the shape of a large swirling star with twelve points. "You friends must stand back any interference with the ritual will be unpleasant." Both Severus and Erin stepped back without argument intent on seeing such a secretive ritual. "I'll need you to hold your hand out, I'll be cutting it so be prepared." Lily was surprised she was expecting to be ordered around however this goblin was at least trying to be cordial. Lily extended her hand with confidence, with a flick of his wrist Rancor was holding a atheme. He quickly ran the blade over her open palm, "allow about a handful of blood to drop into the table." It only took a moment for enough blood to gather, Lily allowed the blood to seep from her fingers onto the table. It magically gathered into the grooves of silver before multiplying to fill the whole design.
Once the blood had stopped moving Ragnar ran the tip of the blade down the middle of the table, as he did it began to rise from the wood forming letters. "The blood will form into your family tree allowing us to see your complete heritage." Rancor explained, the teens watched in awe as names were formed. Most of the first names were completely unintelligible, then many were unremarkable. It quickly came to the last two names Cassandra Horrath, and the final name surprised everyone. Godrick Slytherin, "Well I guess my instincts are still as sharp as ever. I knew there was something special about you." Rancor laughed, "Daughter of the Eldest son of Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw never thought I'd see a day like today."
The three teens nearly fell over at the Goblins casual tone, "That can't be possible a son of a founder would be at least a thousand years old." Severus exclaimed his surprise getting the better of him.
"Well that's what happens when you are a vampire a born one at that." Rancor spat as of it were common knowledge.
Erin looked over to her friend who was staring off into space, obviously trying to work this new information out in her mind. "Lily you okay?" She asked more rhetorically than anything she knew her friend was anything but okay.
"I'll live..." She mechanically responded, 'no wonder Xander was so insistent. but I was hoping it wouldn't make me famous or anything, Guess that's out the window.'
A knock on the door made everyone save Rancor flinch, without waiting for a response a near elderly goblin barged into the room. "What in Boh's name did you do Rancor?"
"Found an heir to two of the founders houses, I assume you brought the rings with you?" Rancor seemed like he was bragging to the other goblin.
"It's my job ain't it?" He growled as he handed Rancor two rings. As he turned to leave he mumbled something about a lucky bastard.
"Grouchy old coot was faster than I thought he would be" Rancor chuckled he handed Lily the two rings. "Those are your heir rings," Lily looked at the goblin in confusion. "As the heir to both Ravenclaw and Slytherin you receive two rings to allow you access to anything that would be your inheritance. That includes vaults, properties and possibly more."
Lily mechanically nodded, she stared at the two rings for a moment before placing them on the index and middle finger of her right hand. The rings magically formed to her fingers, as they did they began to glow. As if accepting her the glow began to fade and Lily felt a surge of magic flow through her. 'What was that?' she thought to herself, she suddenly realized that all eyes were on her. This left her feeling self conscious, "can you guys quit staring at me please you are making me nervous." Lily lightly snarked.
Severus looked away nervously, "sorry!" This made Lily feel bad it was really more meant as a joke she wasn't scolding him.
Erin glared at her friend harder, "well I'm sorry for being interested that my best friend is the granddaughter of two of the most famous witches and wizards in history."
Lily was about to respond when Rancor stood, "I am assuming that you would like to visit your vaults, and I'll have you owled a list of your properties." 'vaults as in plural' Lily thought to her self in disbelief, a little voice told her it was probably one for each family but Lily had a feeling that was not the case. Lily trailed behind the group as Rancor led then towards the cart that would take them to her vaults.
Severus noting Lily's change in demeanour slowed to speak with Lily. "Hey Lily how are you doing?" He asked his concern clear in his tone.
Grasping his hand Lily smiled at him, "just a bit overwhelmed." Severus smiled back at the redhead, Lily felt her heart begin to melt at the sight of the normally stoic Severus smiling. A smile just for her nonetheless, "I'm just happy you were here, that makes it better." Severus blushed heavily but did not respond other than grabbing Lily's hand and giving it a light squeeze. It did not take long for the group to reach the cart, Severus helped Lily into the cart earning a knowing look from Erin. She didn't say anything just smiled at her best friends.
"The vaults lay deep in the catacombs among the oldest Gringotts vaults." Rancor announced as he started the cart, this seemed to intrigue Erin. Ever the historian Rancor was more than happy than to explain why they were so deep. "There is quite the history between the gringotts goblins and the family's of Ravenclaw and Slytherin." He began as they passed what seemed to be goblins taming a dragon, "We here at gringotts owe both families a great dept, for if it were not for your grandparents it's believed that we would still be at war with wizards." Erin was on the edge of her seat as they listened to the history lesson, Lily however was hanging onto Severus like it was the last thing she would ever do. She never did like these contraptions but something about the driver giving a lecture on history made her even more scared than she normally would be. Severus didn't mind the death grip Lily had on his arm, he was on cloud nine. He had gotten a hug, a kiss and was now holding hands with the girl he loved a little pain was nothing.
As the cart came to a stop Lily began to loosen her grip on the young Slytherin's arm, "Sorry Sev..." Lily apologized noticing the nail marks on his arm. Severus just waved her off, it was a small price to pay in his opinion.
"So around fifty years before the founding of Hogwarts, The Goblins of Gringotts were approached by the four founders. Were they not the powerful witches and wizards they would have been killed on the spot." Rancor continued his tale as he led the down dark ancient halls, "so the founders and goblins of gringotts began discussing a ceasefire. the founders wished for a alliance," Rancor abruptly turned down a hall mid sentence. This new hallway was in much better condition than the rest of the catacombs, along the walls were suits of armour every four meters or so. "They wanted to build, a School and in return they would help build whatever the goblins asked for." Rancor came to a stop at the end of the hall where a massive gilded set of doors plated in enchanted silver stood. "Our ancestors agreed, and gave what they thought would be impossible to build. This bank Gringotts a place where Goblins could and would be respected by wizard kind." Rancor turned to the teens who were all now listening intently, "I mean what Goblin would ever believe that they could help them build a bank where wizards would keep their wealth." The Goblin was now smiling, this probably would have normally slightly disturbed the teens but they were to entranced in the story. "The founders even agreed to help the Goblins first. In the eyes of the Goblins this was a win win either they got what they wanted or they got to mess with some powerful Wizard and Witches." A chuckle escaped his lips, "But those crafty wand slingers had a plan. They helped the goblins build the bank and put all their wealth in the bank. Then as the build for Hogwarts was being planned they went to all of the noble families and let it slip that They had borrowed from this amazing new goblin bank for the build of their new school." Rancor paused to shake his head, "this had the elite scramble to Gringotts to be ahead of the curve not knowing they were being duped until it was too late."
"That's ingenious!" Erin exclaimed, "using their own greediness against them."
Lily had to agree thought she did not voice it as her attention kept being drawn to the doors they seemed to be calling her. Absentmindedly Lily walked forward letting go of Severus' hand as she did, the compelling force getting stronger as she approached the door. Once she was in range she placed her right hand on the door, as she did the door began to open. The sudden movement of the large stone doors made Lily jump back. The doors finished opening to reveal a large room with several neat piles of gold. The walls were lined with massive book shelves reaching nearly to the roof of the cavernous room. There were many pedestals holding artifacts some were surrounded by magical barriers others were just displayed openly. Lily's mind could not believe what she was seeing, there was more money here than she could ever spend and the artifacts probably hadn't been seen in a thousand years. "Whoa." Severus managed to breath out, no one else was even able to say a word for several minutes.
"This is beyond anything I could have ever imagined." Lily said with a sigh, she began to walk into the vault. Despite her literally owning everything in the vault she still felt greedy even looking at the expensive items.
Erin rushing past her brought Lily out of her stupor, "do you know what these artifacts are Rancor?" She asked as she approached one of the pedestals. She turned around to see the goblin had disappeared, "where did he go?"
"He left to get some paper work or something, he said he would be back in a few minutes." Severus responded, Erin was about to touch the artifact before her. The artifact was a sheathed blade about a foot long, it was completely unassuming with a leather wrapped handle and a polished hand guard and sheath. "I wouldn't touch that if I were you, you don't know what it does." Severus warned. Ignoring the warning Erin attempted to grab the handle of the sword, an invisible force stopped her before her hand could reach the handle. A flash of light exploded from the blade knocking Erin back into one of the piles of gold, Lily who had been wandering around the vault noticed her friend flying through the air.
"Erin!" She exclaimed rushing over to her friend with Severus in tow. Erin was laying sprawled out over the now messed up gold pile, are you okay."
Erin stared at the two teens with an exasperated look on her face, "sure I've been here for five minutes and your vault is already trying to kill me." Both Lily and Severus laugh, "stop laughing and help me up!" She growled, Lily reached out a hand with a smile plastered on her face. Erin's face was a nice shade of pink as she stood, "please don't tell anyone about that."
"What the fact you can't listen to good advice," Severus verbally jabbed.
Lily shook her head at the teen boy, "now, now fight nice you two." Lily said with a laugh as she tried to pull Erin up, however Erin used this chance to pull her friend into the pile of gold coins. As she fell Lily instinctively grabbed Severus' hand and pulled him down with her in attempt to stop herself from falling. All three teens were now basically wrestling in the pile of gold coins, by the time they had managed to regain composure Rancor had returned.
"You three seem like you have recovered from the overwhelming information of this afternoon." Lily and Severus scrambled to their feet, while Erin simply laughed as she stood. Rancor was holding a gilded piece of parchment which he handed to Lily, "I managed to push the process of finding your properties and was able to compile a list."
Lily scanned the page it easily had fifteen properties, some houses others business's. Their curiosity getting the better Severus and Erin both inches forward to read over Lily's shoulder. The names of the property's were basically nonsense, she would have to spend time later cataloguing what each property was and it's function. "Thank you Rancor, I'm not sure what I could do in return for your help today. I haven't even paid for the test yet" she admitted.
A softer smile than he had shown before now donned Rancor's lips, this was not a scheming smile as would be normal but a genuine smile. "This experience has been more than payment enough, I will gain great influence in the Goblin world due to being the one to find you." Rancor began, "However I do have one favour to ask." Intrigued by this Lily cocked her head to the side indicating for the goblin to continue. "Will you and your friends do me the honour of joining my family and myself for dinner? My wife and children would love to meet you."
The three teens were taken aback by the offer, none of them had ever heard of such a invitation. "That sounds wonderful" Lily chirped in response, inwardly she was hoping that Goblin food wasn't completely inedible.
Erin was basically bouncing she was expecting to learn a lot at this dinner. "I've never had Goblin food before, it will be interesting!"
"If Lily wants to go I'm happy to go as well and I'll never say no to a free meal." Severus said with a shrug, Lily smiled at the black haired teen grabbing his hand to lightly squeeze it.
