Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 3 (Edited)

The next morning Lily feels a little better, she gets up as usual and dresses ready for the day. Brushing her hair she ties it up into a messy bun, slipping on a pair of shorts with a dark blue off-the-shoulder top with white flowers around the trim. Skipping down the stairs and into the dining room she walks over to the table and gently sets herself in a chair. Aunt Petunia walks over and sets a plate of eggs and toast in front of her. Tucking in she looks up at the sound of a knock on the door, she stands and goes to the door, opening it she comes face-to-face well, face-to-beard, with the strangest man she had ever seen. He is wearing what looks to be a maroon dress that reaches down to his feet with sleeves so long that they almost cover his hands. He is wearing half-moon-shaped glasses with eyes that seem to twinkle, he has long white hair and a beard to match. Lily stands there staring for what feels like an eternity until she remembers that it is rude to stare, straightening up she curtsies and smiles. "Hello," Lily chirps. "How can I help you?"

"Good morning, Miss. Potter, terribly sorry to interrupt your breakfast. My name is Albus Dumbledore and I am here to speak with you, your aunt, and your uncle."

Lily furrows her brows in confusion at the mention of her name and the fact that he knew she was eating breakfast. Turning inside Lily calls for her aunt, Petunia comes to the door, blanching when she sees Dumbledore. Inviting him inside they all sit in the sitting room; Petunia leaves to get tea with Vernon. Lily and Dumbledore stare at each other, unblinking for a few moments until Dumbledore looks away, clearing his throat awkwardly as he sits up straighter. Petunia re-enters the room, closely followed by Vernon and Dudley, and sets a tea tray on the coffee table. They all squeeze on the couch, Lily between Petunia and Dudley. Dumbledore takes his time fixing his tea to his liking and takes a sip while everyone watches him carefully. Dumbledore sighs and sets his teacup down.

He explains that Lily has been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Lily is beyond ecstatic while everyone else is mortified. Dumbledore then states that he shall be taking her to a place called Diagon Alley where she can buy all of her school supplies. Petunia sits up, ready to protest when Dumbledore cuts her off.

"Of course, your family is more than welcome to come along if they so choose." Vernon instantly rejects the offer and Lily whips around to look at her aunt hopefully. Petunia agrees to go.

Albus stands suddenly and moves closer to the two, holding out his arms. "Take my arms and I will take you now so we can get started shopping."

"Let me go get my pocketbook," Petunia says, getting up to leave when Dumbledore holds his arm up, blocking her way.

"No need, Miss. Potter has a vault in our bank with enough money for all of her schooling supplies for her entire time at school." Petunia and Lily share surprised looks. Lily shrugs it off and takes Dumbledore's arm, Petunia follows suit, albeit hesitantly.

Suddenly it feels as though someone is pulling on the back of their navels. As they land outside of a pub in the hustle and bustle of London, Petunia is filled with the urge to empty her stomach on the sidewalk but pushes the feeling down. Lily on the other hand felt fine, if not for the sudden urge to use the restroom. They all enter the pub and Petunia takes in her surroundings while waiting for Lily-Kathryn to relieve herself. Once they all are together again Dumbledore takes them out behind the pub and taps on the stone wall with his wand. The bricks in the wall shift and slide until there is an opening leading to an amazing alley filled with shops and people walking in the strange dress-like contraptions Dumbledore is wearing, albeit less sparkly. Lily tugs at the skirt of Petunia's lavender dress until she bends down to her height to listen.

"Why are they all wearing those funny dresses?" She whispers, looking confused as her aunt giggles. "Those are not dresses dearest, they're robes," Petunia runs her hand through Kathryn's hair as she stands back up straight. "You will be getting a pair or two of robes too."