Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 4 (Edited)

During the weeks before term Lily-Kathryn read her way through all of Harry's school books, even the boring ones. Her two favorites were Magical Drafts and Potions and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. She went to Harry's room to return A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration when she noticed him packing his trunk.

"You're packing already?" She asked, eyes filling with tears.

"Yeah, I'm sorry Kathy," Harry said, pulling her into a hug. "I'm going to miss you." "I'll miss you too." She cried.

They stood there, hugging until Hedwig suddenly landed on Harry's shoulder, a handkerchief in her claw. Lily gave a watery giggle as she took the handkerchief from the owl.

"Your bird is surprisingly smart," She told Harry, watching him awkwardly try to move with a bird on his shoulder.

"She is, it's like she understands how we feel," Harry stated, pondering the wisdom and humanity present in Hedwig's eyes.

"Do you want some help packing? How are you going to get to the station?" Kathryn asked, using the handkerchief to wipe her tears and blow her nose. She held it out for Harry to take, which he did, albeit hesitantly.

"I am almost done, I've got it, but I wouldn't mind the company. I need to ask Uncle Vernon if he will drop me off at the station, he's going to be so supportive I bet." Harry stated sarcastically. Lily giggled while sitting on Harry's bed petting, Hedwig. "Oh definitely." She laughed. The two children stayed in Harry's room for hours talking and joking around, making the most of their time together before Harry left.

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One night, a few days after Harry and Lily had their chat, Harry approached Vernon while everyone was watching a show. He asked Vernon to drive him to the train station and was shocked when he received a yes. Once Vernon learned that the station number was 9¾ he laughed at Harry. Lily was so excited to gowith and drop him off but unfortunately came down with a cold the night before.

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The morning Harry was to be dropped off he snuck into Lily's room to see her sitting up in bed, wrapped in blankets, holding her teddy close. He walked over and gently sat on the side of her bed. She looked at him, eyes red, puffy from the tears spilling out, face flushed with fever. Even with tears running down her face and off her chin she still smiled at him. Kathryn reached under her pillow and pulled out a letter with Harry's name on it in elegant script with a heart. Harry looked at her with confusion as she handed him the letter.

"This is for you to read on the train, I am going to miss you." Harry smiled at her trying not to cry too.

"I am going to miss you too Kathy, I will write as often as I can." Harry pulled Kathryn into his arms, the two stayed like that. Calm, quiet, as their tears rolled down their faces.

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The Dursleys dropped Harry off at the station, after wandering around lost he ran into the Weasley's, who helped him onto the platform. It wasn't until he was sitting in his compartment with Ron, eating candy and chatting, that he remembered the letter in his pocket. Pulling it out he smiled at the familiar script.

Dear Harry,

I hope you got to your train without any issues. I miss you already and you're right downstairs. I hope you have a wonderful year at Hogwarts. Please do not forget that I am always here for you if you ever need anything. I want to hear all about your first day, your friends, any strange magic food you come across, just, everything! If you happen to send me a book or two I would not complain either.

Love you,

Lilly-Kathryn

Harry smiled after finishing the letter and put it back in his pocket, looking out the window.