Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 6 (Edited)

Getting out of bed the next morning Lily-Kathryn rushes about her dorm; not bothering to wear the uncomfortable, frumpy uniform she pulls on a blue plaid skirt with a baggy green shirt tucked in, pairing it with some heeled boots. It's not like anyone can see what she's wearing under her robes, she might as well feel cute. Unable to braid her hair like her cousin, she settles for a messy bun. Making sure all of her books are packed away in her bag she gathers Claude out of his basket she gets ready to leave. As she looks around she notices that her dorm room is empty except for one bed in the far corner of the room. Walking over to it she taps the sleeping girl on the shoulder and watches as she rolls over to face her.

The clear beads in her dark braids clink together as she shifts, and bright blue eyes stare out from an angular face. She sits up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Hello, I'm Lily-Kathryn, everyone calls me Kathryn. I'm sorry to wake you up but I didn't want you to miss breakfast. Especially not on the first day, we're supposed to get our schedules." Lily twists her fingers together, looking towards the wall. Was this a bad idea? I should've just minded my own business.

The girl smiles suddenly, "Girlypop, you are totally fine. Thank you for waking me, I would hate to miss breakfast." Leaping out of bed she holds out a light umber hand. "I'm Arianna Sanderson, but you can call me Ari." Shaking her hand Kathryn smiles.

"It's nice to meet you, do you want to walk to the great hall with me?" Suddenly feeling shy she mumbles her invitation and refuses to make eye contact.

"I'm meeting a couple of my friends down by the lake before class starts, but I don't mind walking you. Let me get dressed real quick and we can go." Lily gives her her privacy, sitting in the common room with Claude curled up in her lap. She isn't waiting for long when Ari comes gliding down the stairs in poofy black cargo pants and a fitted white crop top with a tiny sunflower on the front. Her black-heeled booties make a slight tapping sound with every step. She has her school bag over one shoulder and her robe on the other arm. As they walk through the dungeons to the Great Hall Lily-Kathryn is struck by how short she is in comparison to Ari.

"Hey Ari, if you don't mind me asking, how tall are you?" Ari looks down at the girl and lets out a giggle.

"Girlypop, I am 5 '3, and a half" Lily nods, which explains that.

Arriving at the Great Hall Kathryn and Ari part ways, with a promise to meet up at lunch. Seeing Draco about halfway down Slytherin table she walks over and taps him on the shoulder. "Can I sit with you?" She looks away, worried he will laugh at her.

Draco smiles at the small girl, "Of course, have a seat."

Sitting down she pulls Claude out of her bag and sets him on the bench between her and Draco. Claude looks around with wide eyes, taking in all of the sights and sounds around him. Placing his front four paws on the table he stands up, looking at the different foods. Lily pushes his head until he is sitting back down. "You need to hold on little man, I'll get you something."

Draco watches Lily make a tea saucer of eggs and blood pudding and a small bowl of milk. "What is that?" He asks, watching Claude warily.

"Oh! Sorry Draco, this is Claude. He is my pet chupacabra, I didn't want to leave him locked up in my room all day so I'm going to take him to class with me." Noticing Draco's face, she pats his arm gently. "Don't worry, he doesn't bite."

Everyone continues to eat their breakfast as their head girl and boy pass out their schedules. Looking towards hers, Lily-Kathryn munches on buttered toast thoughtfully.