Chapter One: Head Girl

Dear Miss Evans,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been chosen as the Head Girl this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you know, a great deal of care and deliberation is put into this decision. Your high marks in each of your classes, and dedicated service as Prefect for your house cause us to believe that you were the best choice for this Honor. As Head Girl, we expect you to uphold the ideals you have learned in your years at this school, and provide an example to your classmates.

Please find enclosed a list of your duties, as well as a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress

Lily read the letter for what must have been the thousandth time. Until now, it had all seemed some sort of strange dream, but now, riding on the Hogwarts Express, about to begin her final year, it suddenly felt real.

Sighing, she put the letter on the seat next to her, and tried to find a comfortable position sitting up. She hadn’t slept well the night before, she had been so nervous about her first day, but with her best friend sleeping with his head in her lap, she couldn’t move very much.

She gave up trying to sleep. They only had about an hour ride left anyway. She started to scratch the black-haired boy’s back. He opened one eye and glared at her grumpily.

“Yes?”

“Oh!” Lily put on a face of complete innocence. “Did I wake you?”

“You know that always wakes me up.”

“Gosh!” The red-head smacked herself in the forehead. “You’re right! Gee, I’m sorry. Go back to sleep.”

The slender man sighed. “Fat chance.” He sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Well, I’m up, what do you want to talk about?”

Severus knew her so well. “I just feel so bad about Petunia. She is really honestly mad at me. It’s like she thinks everything I do is meant to take away from her. I don’t know what to do.”

“Lily, it can’t always be your fault.” He put his arm around the petite girl, and she snuggled into his shoulder. “Maybe it’s nothing you did. Maybe it’s just her.”

“Maybe.” Lily was doubtful. She just wished she and her sister got along better. She only had the one, after all.

Severus gave her a big hug and kissed the top of her head. He could be so thoughtful. “You know, you take too much on yourself. You can’t be responsible for everyone else. She’ll get over it eventually.”

The summer had passed quickly. Her sister, Petunia, had surprised them all with the announcement of her engagement to Vernon Dursley, a man Lily was convinced had been made for the tall, blonde, vain twenty-year old. Vernon was shorter than his fiancé, but was barrel-chested and forceful. Lily knew for a fact that one of the reasons Petunia liked him so much was that Petunia looked so slender when standing next to him. For weeks after the announcement, the older sister had made cutting remarks to Lily, the Queen of First Dates, and basked in the glow of her mother’s excitement for the upcoming December wedding.

Then the letter from Hogwarts arrived. Stephan Evans had nearly wept with pride. He adored his clever younger daughter, and thought it marvelous she had come so far in her studies. Petunia’s news was all but forgotten to him as he continued to read books on the wizarding world, and listen intently as Lily patiently explained the homework she had been working on. Goldie Evans insisted that Lily have all new robes and school supplies. No daughter of hers would look anything less than her image of the Head Girl of the most prestigious Wizarding school in the world.

Petunia had been livid. Lily had tried to smooth things over—after all, she hadn’t purposely tried to draw attention to herself—but Petunia refused to forgive her. In Petunia’s eyes, Lily got the best of everything, and Petunia could rot for all anyone cared. Lily knew that simply wasn’t true; the Evans had loved and encouraged each of their daughters, but Petunia could never get enough. Sometimes Lily wondered if Petunia was just mad that Lily had ever been born in the first place. Lily hoped that her leaving for school would give her sister a chance to cool off, but sadly, she wasn’t counting on it.

This time it was Lily’s turn to sigh. “I guess. I just want our kids to get to play together and stuff when they’re growing up, you know? As it is, they’d be totally alienated.”

“Kids? Is there something you’re not telling me about?” the pale boy joked. “Last time I checked you were a student and she was just engaged.”

“Yeah, I know. I guess I think too much.”

“Yeah you do,” Severus said playfully. “So who do you think the Head Boy’s gonna be?”

“It could be a couple of guys. Frank Longbottom, for one—“

“—And James Potter—"

“And Lucius Malfoy.” Lily shuddered. “Sheesh, I hope it’s not him. I don’t like the way he looks at me.”

Severus bit off a short laugh, but Lily didn’t see him narrow his eyes. “Me neither,” he muttered under his breath. Louder he said, “I know. Sorry.”

“That’s okay.” Lily gave him a quick hug. “If it wasn’t for you I never would’ve made it through DADA or Potions. I promise to make time to help you out in Tranfiguration this year. You’ll get it.”

“Hope so. McGonagall’s new, but she’s tough.”

“Amen to that.”

The two sat together in silence for a few minutes. Watching the dark shapes fly by in the dark outside the window.

A knock came at the door.

“Come in!” Lily shouted.

Frank Longbottom poked his head into the compartment. “Hi! How are—I knew it!! Lizzie I told you!”

“Lemme see!” Lizzie Craven pushed Frank aside and peeked in as her boyfriend pointed at Lily’s Head Girl Badge.

The pleasant-faced boy smirked, and pinched the bubbly blonde. “You owe me ten galleons. He winked at Lily. “I knew it’d be you. Liz thought it would be Ethelyn Spriner.”

Lizzie rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll owe you.” Frank pulled a face. “You didn’t think I’d actually have that kind of money on me, did you?” She laughed. “Besides, you lost the bet on the Head Boy, so I’d say it’s even.”

“You would.”

“Wait,” Lily interrupted. “You know who the Boy is?”

Frank and Lizzie looked at each other and smiled. “No,” they said in unison.

Now it was Lily’s turn to laugh. “Never play poker. Seriously, who is it?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Lizzie teased.

“It’s not Malfoy, is it?”

Frank made a face. “No, thank heavens. Can you imagine that git as Head Boy? I’d leave the school!”

Severus sighed, and Lily could tell he was starting to get annoyed with the teasing. “Well, that’s good enough for me! I’ll see you later, okay?”

The playful couple took the hint and left to find another group.

“I don’t get why they have to make a game of everything. Can they never be straightforward about anything?” Severus shook his head. “Them, Potter and his friends—“

“Is that why you hate James so much?” Lily interrupted. She’d been trying to find out since May. For some reason, he never wanted to talk about his sudden and unreasonable hatred for the Gryffindor pack.

Severus stifled a laugh. The sweet girl was terrible at subtlety. Why did she think that if he caught her off-guard he’d let it slip? He’d given his word to Dumbledore, and he’d never betray his schoolmaster. Even if he wanted to...no matter how much he was tempted...

He tried hard to glare at Lily. “No. Stop asking.” Lily’s lower lip poked out in a slight pout. Severus chuckled. “That won’t work either. How ‘bout I read to you?”

Lily’s eyes brightened, and she automatically dug into her friend’s bag for his collection of Shakespearean sonnets. She could never resist his voice. Even at seventeen, it was quiet and low... “I still haven’t heard you sing,” she reminded him.

“Not now.”

“You promised. When?”

Severus took the book and opened it up. “Sonnet 116, if I remember correctly.”

Deciding not to press the issue, Lily settled back onto the seat. I’ll get him another time, she thought. “Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments...” She’s already asleep, he thought, as he continued to read. She’s so beautiful when she sleeps. The thoughtful man liked that Lily never flaunted her good looks. She probably doesn’t know how gorgeous she is with those sparkling eyes. She didn’t ever wear make up, and her shoulder-length hair was always pulled into a ponytail. Severus hoped she never changed. She was just so honest, so kind.

Severus thought back to when he’d first started tutoring her in DADA six years ago. She had been hopeless. Lily just couldn’t imagine that anyone would want to use their talent for evil. “What was the point?” she had asked. “The muggles are doing enough to screw up the world without magic, it’s stupid to add our power to the mix.”

“That’s exactly what it’s about,” Severus pointed out. “Power. There is always someone who wants everything done his way so he can get all the glory and adoration—or fear. DADA is all about counteracting it so everyone is more equal.”

“But we’ll never be equal. Each of us wants different things and has different abilities. I’d try to fight for those who are weaker than I—“

“While someone else may want to exploit them,” Severus finished.

Lily had thought about that for awhile, before nodding. “I’ll just have to take your word for it.”

“And I’ll be patient.” Severus hadn’t meant to sound so condescending, but fortunately, Lily laughed. For some reason, it helped him to relax. He hadn’t liked the idea of tutoring someone—especially someone in his own class—because he didn’t like strangers and he didn’t like to be teased. Many of his classmates thought him severe and humorless. But Professor Eggington had insisted. Somehow, even after a few hours, Lily had been able to overlook his defensive exterior, and draw out the sensitivity he didn’t want laughed at.

He read a few more sonnets, then looked at 116 again.

True love, he thought, must begin with friendship. Two people who really know each other and understand each other. Only then can there be real trust, and love is worthless without trust. He sighed. If only they were in the same house, but now that she was Head Girl she would have been in a different common room anyway. Oh well. He sighed. There’s always tutoring. Severus half-smiled to himself. He wasn’t doing badly in Transfiguration at all. He only pretended to so he could spend more time alone with his darling Lily, not that they really needed a reason to be together. She enjoyed his company as well. It was just one more excuse. Severus just wished he had the courage to tell her how he really felt. They talked about everything else, after all.

A voice echoed through the train: “We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes’ time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately.”

“Lily,” Severus whispered softly. “It’s time to get up. We’re almost there. Are you ready?”

“No,” Lily groaned, her eyes still closed. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

“Okay. Here’s my hat.”

The red-head burst out laughing. “Ew! Sev that is so gross!”

The tall Slytherin winked and said, “Okay, here’s your hat.”

She nearly fell on the floor she was laughing so hard. As soon as she could breathe again, she choked out. “Thanks anyway. I think I’m feeling better.”

“Glad to hear it. Let’s go.” Severus pulled her up and pushed her through the door.

Lily took a deep breath and walked off the train. Luckily, her robes were covering her shaking knees, but she wasn’t sure if her smile looked genuine. Why am I so freaked out? It’s just a huge responsibility, with everybody wait to see if I screw up. She hoped she’d feel better once she found the Head Boy and talked to Professor Dumbledore. I she could just make it through the first night. . . .

“Hullo there, Lily!” A booming voice sounded behind her.

Even before she turned around she was saying, “Hello Hagrid! Ready for a new year?”

Hagrid grabbed her hand and shook it enthusiastically. “Yep. Are you? Looks like some congratulatin’ is in order.”

Lily blushed until her face was the same color as her hair. “Thanks—“

“Oi! Lily! I just heard!” James Potter was pushing his way up next to Hagrid. His Head Boy badge was gleaming. He grabbed Lily by the waist and swung her around. “Wa-hoo! This year’s gonna be wicked!”

“Hi James—“ Lily managed to force out, before he put her down.

James was already on to the next person. “Hello Severus.” He extended his hand, ignoring the paler man’s scowl. “How was your summer?”

“Fine,” Severus answered. He could be civil if he had to. If Lily was going to be co-heading with this boy, he had to learn to get along, or he’d never get to spend any time with her. He gave the wild-haired Gryffindor’s hand one shake, nearly jerking James’s arm off. “Yours?”

“Never better.” James flashed a smile at the still glowering Severus, before turning back to Lily. “Sirius is saving a carriage. Wanna come with us? It’s right in the front so we can hurry up to Dumbledore’s office before the Sorting Ceremony.”

“Sure,” Lily agreed. She turned and saw the look on her best friend’s face and frowned faintly. What was his problem? James was being perfectly charming. “Coming Sev?”

Severus hesitated a moment. The last person he wanted to share a carriage with was Sirius Black. He would never forgive that man for that incident last year.

But just as he was about to refuse, he heard a chilling voice behind him. “Severus, dear chap. Won’t you join us?”

Just as he thought, Lucius Malfoy and his loyal followers were standing directly behind him. Malfoy’s pale blonde hair gleamed in the moonlight. And though he had been speaking to his fellow Slytherin, he was looking at Lily. Severus struggled to keep from shoving the smaller man away from the darling girl.

Severus was faced with a choice. He could either ride with the Gryffindor pack—who he hated more than anything—or with Malfoy, who he didn’t trust. There was something about Malfoy that made Severus nervous. Maybe it was the way the pointy-face boy could appear out of nowhere unexpectedly, or maybe it was the knack he had for saying one thing, but meaning another. . .

Malfoy smirked. “Come now, we have to catch up on the summer, don’t we?” He laid his hand on the taller man’s shoulder.

Which turned out to be his mistake. Severus smiled faintly and said, “We have all year, Lucius. I’ll see you at our table.” He grabbed Lily’s arm and guided her in the direction James had taken.

“Later then!” Malfoy called out.