Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 10

 The next morning after class schedules are passed out and all of the children compare their schedules.

"You have Care of Magical Creatures during my break!" Lily squeals, "I'm going to ask Hagrid if I can sit in on his class and spend time with you all."

Pansy gasps in joy, "Go ask him! That would be so fun!"

Standing from the table Lily skips to the front of the Great Hall, Severus pauses his eating. He expects his little flower to come up to him and stops in shock as she skips right past him up to Hagrid.

"Hiya Hagrid!" Lily happily exclaims. Breakfast ends and everyone begins to leave.

Hagrid stands and the two begin to walk, "Hello, Lily. Wha' can I do fer ya?"

Due to the sheer mass of his hand Lily holds onto one of his fingers as she dances down the hall beside him. "I was wondering if it would be alright for me to join you during your Care of Magical Creatures class? I don't have any class during that time and I think it could be really fun."

Hagrid thought on it for a moment before speaking. "I don' see why no', jus' make sure i's alrigh' with an adult. Professor Mcgonagall should be free 'bout now."

Lily smiles brightly and hugs Hagrid, "Thank you Hagrid, I'll see you later!" She takes off down the halls of hogwarts. Past paintings that greet her and ghosts that wave at her. She darts down many sets of stairs, relishing in the cold air wafting around her, the biting chill a welcome friend. Making her way through the twisted corridors she comes to a familiar door. Cracking it open she peaks in to see many a sixth year working on potions quietly, Professor Snape adroitly perched at the front of the room, grading papers. Passing the different tables she stands in front of his desk, holding onto the edge.

All whispered chatter stops as she passes, over a dozen sets of eyes following her every move.

"Miss. Lily, to what do I owe this most gracious pleasure?" Severus asks, leaning forward onto his elbows, chin resting on his clasped hands.

Kathy pulls out her class schedule and sets it on his desk, sliding it over to him. "Well professor, during my free period," She points to her free period, "I was wondering if during my free period I could go to Hagrid's class? I know it isn't available for second years but I didn't have anything going on during that time and I think it's a really interesting topic." She sends him her best puppy dog eyes and a soft smile.

Severus lets out a chuckle, starting an onslaught of whispers and mumbled words. "I suppose that is something I could allow, as long as you promise to be careful and keep me updated."

Thanking him with a joyful shriek, the class jumps at this disruption and she covers her mouth. With a whispered apology she grabs her schedule, setting it in her pocket. Bidding Severus goodbye she leaves to get ready for her other classes of the day.

Once her free period finally arrives she scuddles down to Hagrid's Hut, being the first one there he leads her to the small meadow. When he goes to gather the rest of the students, Lily walks over to a large boulder near a tall tree and climbs on top of it. Sitting by herself she takes in the fresh air, the smell of the forest surrounds her, a gentle breeze caresses her face, pushing her baby hairs not contained in her ponytail around, the coldness of the rock seeps through her leggings. The peaceful sound of wind blowing through the branches, rustling the leaves, is interrupted by the tumult of voices overlapping. Looking out where Hagrid left she sees him coming back leading a large group of students into the clearing.

Waving at her friends a large group of Slytherins mozy over, surrounding her rock. Draco leans back against her rock, relaxing as she runs her hair through his hair. Pansy had been teaching her how to braid so Lily began to braid strands of Draco's hair in the back. (I think of Hiccup from HTTYD.) As the class starts getting settled Draco sets his book strapped in rope on the rock.