Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 6

At last, the day has arrived, the last day of Marge's visit. The week went by relatively quickly, Lily enjoyed her dance classes, and all her spare time was spent either hiding from their family with Harry or doing a puzzle, or playing video games with Dudley. This day is like the rest. Arriving home from dance class Lily rushes into the house, changing out of her dance-wear.

She goes to Harry's room and invites him to go to the park with her, during this busy week it is hard to find time to get away and she figures they both could use a break.

"I think that's a great idea," Harry tells her, going under his bed and opening the loose floorboard. "If you could grab a bag we can bring some of the snacks my friends sent me."

Lily gets him a bag and he fills it with all sorts of treats. While he does that Lily sneaks downstairs to where her aunt is in the kitchen, baking cupcakes for Dudley and his 'little friend's' play date planned for the next day. Lily picks the two biggest cupcakes from the rack of freshly made ones and rushes back up the stairs giggling as she hears her aunt's half-hearted berating. Reaching upstairs she pulls on her sweater, places Claude in a pocket, and watches as Harry drops the bag out of the window, into the bushes below.

Exiting the house Harry grabs the bag and the two are on their way. Lily passes him his cupcake and they enjoy them on the way, every so often giving a bit to Claude.

Arriving at the park they swing on the swings, talking about their days and sharing bits of information they've received from letters.

"Ron and his family are supposed to be getting back from Egypt any day now, it was really exciting, he was telling me this story about how Fred and George tried to lock Percy in a tomb and..."

"Art's moving to America which isn't the greatest because I'm really going to miss him but there are many interesting things in America that I know he'll just love besides ..."

"And then Hermione and her parents went on a vacation too, I don't remember where but I know it's really far away but ..."

"I know you aren't the biggest fan of Draco but he and I are trying to work out a time to go to Diagon Alley together, and I'd love it if you would come along..."

"Absolutely not! I cannot stand that prat, he's just so..."

Lily sits, bored listening to Harry drone on and on about all of Draco's negative personality traits, unable to stand it anymore she rushes out. "Harry, I know, I know you two don't get along, and I know you had some argument when you first met. I know he gets on your nerves and you both share insults. But please, it's been three years. Can't you put your differences aside and get along for one day? For me?"

Harry looks down in shame, "Alright, for you."

Moving from the swings the two go to the jungle gym sitting together in the tube. They pull out Harry's different snacks and enjoy them immensely. At the sight of the sky changing colors, they both pack up their things and head back to their aunt and uncle's house.

Sneaking back through the front door they dart up the stairs to prepare for dinner. Showering and doing their hair routines and Lily does her skin routine. She pulls on a sundress, making sure her hair is pulled out of her face, curls flying free.

"Lily dearest, it's time for dinner," Petunia calls up the stairs.

Descending the stairs she calls back, "Coming Aunt Petunia."

Lily sits at the table, sipping on her lemonade as Petunia barks orders for Harry to grab their food.

Dinner is going well, Marge and Petunia talk a lot, and Harry keeps his cool. Everything is fine. It isn't until Harry starts gathering the dishes from a dessert that things take a turn for the worst. Lily is standing by the sink, washing a plate when she hears it.