II
Lily, Cokeworth, 1971.
Just as Severus said, Lily got her letter three days after her birthday. Severus got his first, delivered by a giant owl.
Lily's letter was delivered by a stern-looking woman who turned into a cat and introduced herself as Professor Minerva McGonagall.
She was feeling ecstatic. The day she was going to Hogwarts was nearing; the sooner she was in Hogwarts, the sooner she would find her sister.
Lily sat still as Professor McGonagall explained everything that needed to be done; her books, uniforms, and how to get to the magical market called Diagon Alley.
They planned to go to Diagon Alley with Severus on the first day of August.
It was months away, but Lily had been waiting for three years. Six months was nothing compared to the sleepless night she had been having; she could wait.
Every night ever since she knew the truth, Lily had been looking at Petunia's photograph. She often wondered what Petunia would look like; would she have chubby cheeks like Lily, would she catch her when Lily fell, or would she allow Lily to slither to her bed when Lily had a nightmare?
Lily prayed to God, magic, and everyone who heard, to let her be with Petunia.
Days rolled, and spring changed to summer. Lily, Severus, and his mother were in the back of her parent's car to London. Diagon Alley was behind a small dinky pub called Leaky Cauldron.
Her parents were initially unsure as they were passing people dressed strangely compared to Professor McGonagall. Still, after Severus' mother tapped on a brick and it opened itself to a crowded market, their confusion turned to excitement.
They changed money at the bank and got their wands and robes. Lily and Severus went to a bookstore called Flourish and Blotts while their parents went to get other things needed for their school years.
The books were loitering on the floor and stacked to the ceiling. Looking at so many books, Lily felt overwhelmed.
"You wanted to find some other books, right?" Severus mumbled, holding her hand and squeezing it to bring Lily back to reality. "I will find our schoolbooks. You can ask the clerk about the book you wanted to know."
Lily nodded but didn't let go of his hand. Severus' hands felt like an anchor, holding her in place.
"Okay,"
They parted ways, and Lily went to the clerk on the side of the store. Some older kids paid for the books, and Lily waited for her turn. After a while, it was her turn.
"Hello, first year?" The clerk kindly asked. "The books should be in the back."
"My friend already went there," She said. "Do you happen to have a book on how to find someone?"
The clerk raised her brows. "We do not have that kind of book here, little miss."
Lily stared at the clerk; a dejected feeling crept inside her.
"The Ministry might have such a book. Or even Hogwarts' library." The clerk continued. Maybe she felt bad looking at Lily.
"Thank you," Lily muttered before running to the back; her eyes were dry, and she refused to cry.
It was too early to give up.
She would only cry when she found Petunia.
Lily, Hogwarts, 1971.
Lily was sorted to Gryffindor, while Severus was in Slytherin.
At that time, Lily didn't know what happened, but she felt there was a change in the course of their friendship.
But she was happy. She befriended many people, like Marlene and Mary. Both of them had blonde hair and blue eyes. For a second, Lily pretended that both of them were Petunia.
It was unfair for both of them, but Lily had to do it. It was the only thing that kept her alive at this point.
Daddy pretended Petunia never existed, and Lily couldn't even talk to Mummy about it without upsetting her. The only one she could talk to was Severus, but they even now had different schedules.
It was frustrating.
Lily was an average student, but she was good at memorising. And most of her lessons now involved memorising the correct spelling and ingredients.
And Lily had Severus to help her. Every time she needed him, Severus was there, ready to help.
Lily decided to be Professor Flitwick and Professor Slughorn's favourite. Professor Flitwick taught charms; if Lily played her card right, he might tell her the spell to find someone.
Professor Slughorn taught potions, but Severus said he had many connections as far as people in the Ministry. If Lily and Severus could get into his little club, they could say something at the right time, and Professor Slughorn would give them something she wanted.
But for now, she had to work on her transfiguration essay that was due tomorrow.