Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 3: My name is Albus Dumbledore

 The next morning, Lily hardly feels any better, though she tries to act as if all is well. She rises as usual, dresses as usual, and readies herself for her day. She runs a wide-tooth comb through her hair and pulls it up out of her face. She puts on what her aunt had picked out for her. Jean shorts and a dark blue off-the-shoulder top with little white flowers along the trim. She trudges down the stairs to sit at the table for breakfast. When her aunt brings her food, she gives her a faint smile and begins to eat. They are all enjoying a quiet breakfast when a knock at the door draws attention. Lily decides she shall answer it and goes to do so. Opening the door, she comes face-to-face, well, face-to-beard, with the strangest man she has ever seen.

He is wearing a maroon dress that reaches his feet with sleeves so long they almost cover his hands. His long beard drags down to his waist along with his long silver hair. His half-moon spectacles seem to twinkle when he smiles at her. Lily stands staring for what feels like an eternity until she remembers that it is rude to stare. Straightening herself, she gives the man a curtsy and a smile.

"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 about Hogwarts."

If the fact that he seemed to know her name despite her mentioning nothing, or the fact that he knew she was eating breakfast, didn't ring alarm bells, the simple word Hogwarts would have done plenty. She turns towards the hall, calling for her aunt Petunia. Petunia comes to the door, blanching when she sees Dumbledore. She is quick to invite him in to sit for tea. Albus looks out of place sitting in the plain sitting room. Petunia goes to get tea and Vernon.

Lily-Kathryn and Dumbledore stare at each other, unblinking for a few moments until Dumbledore looks away, clearing his throat awkwardly as he sits up straighter. It was as though she was piercing his soul. Made his skin crawl. Petunia re-enters the room and sets a tea tray on the coffee table as Vernon and Dudley waddle in behind her. They all squeeze on the couch, Lily between Petunia and Dudley. It is completely unnecessary; they do have so many seats. But Lily will do anything for her aunt, and if sitting together like this makes her feel more comfortable, she will do it. Dumbledore takes his time fixing his tea to his liking and sipping it while they all watch him wearily. With a sigh, he sets his cup down.

He explains that Lily has been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Lily practically vibrates with excitement while the rest of the family pales with mortification. Dumbledore states that he will accompany her to purchase all her school supplies, but asks for an adult supervisor to join them on the journey to Diagon Alley. Vernon instantly rejects the offer, and Lily turns to her aunt hopefully. Petunia smiles at her aunt and agrees to go.

Dumbledore stands with a sigh, moving closer. He holds out his arms. "Take my arms now, and we shall get started."

Petunia is quick to step back, "Let me get my pocketbook." She cannot even go to grab it, but Dumbledore stops her.

"No need, Miss. Potter has a vault in our bank with a trust set up by her parents. There is plenty there to pay for all of her schooling supplies for the rest of her time at school." They all exchange surprised looks. Lily immediately shrugs it off and takes Dumbledore's arm, and Petunia follows suit, albeit hesitantly.

Lily is filled with an overwhelming feeling like someone reached through her back, grabbed the back of her naval, it's very uncomfortable, but doesn't hurt her. The world goes fuzzy, then loopy, then back to normal again. They land on the street, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of London.

They stumble away from the strange old man, and it takes everything in Petunia not to throw up all over the pavement. Lily, on the other hand, doesn't feel nauseous, but she does really, really have to use the restroom. Entering the pub, Petunia takes in all the strange people in the building as Lily-Kathryn to relieve herself. Once they re-group, one more Dumbledore takes them out back. There's a large brick wall. The man taps the bricks in a pattern with his wand. Lily-Kathryn gasps in wonder, the bricks shift and fold impossibly, opening to reveal an amazing alley filled with shops and people everywhere walking in dresses similar to Dumbledore's. Lily tugs at the sleeve of Petunia's shirt until she bends down to listen.