First

- - - First - - -

"...nine and three quaters. Platform nine and three quarters," Lily Evans repeated anxiously as she eyed her ticket. "I'm to walk into the barrier between platforms nine and ten. It just doesn't seem possible," she giggled with uneasiness and disbelief as she looked towards the stone barrier. The idea of walking into, what appeared to be a solid stone wall seemed odd to the young witch.

"Some witch you'll be," Petunia Evans sneered under her breath as she crossed her arms sternly.

"Have a good term at Hogwarts, dear," Rose beamed as she hugged her daughter tightly. "Write to us," she whispered, losing a battle with her maternal emotions and instincts.

"I'll write often mum," Lily answered as she stepped back.

"Be sure and thank your Headmaster for his help. Without him, we wouldn't have known what to do with you," Rose giggled nervously.

"I'll be sure of that," Lily assured her mother.

"Want us to stay and see you off?" Rose asked.

"Oh mum," Lily sighed as she rolled her eyes with slight annoyance.

"Lily's a bright girl and can take care of herself," her father, Alec, said in a bold tone. Lily looked to her father with admiration. He had a skill for knowing what Lily was thinking, a skill developed only with love and understanding.

"Be sure to keep the wrinkles out of your robes. Make certain that cat of yours is well fed," Rose instructed Lily.

"Bye now Lily," Alec interrupted. He leaned forward and kissed his daughter on the top of her head. He turned to look at Petunia who wore a look of jealousy on her thin face and said imperiously, "Say goodbye to your sister."

"Bye," she barked, her arms still crossed in protest. Lily rolled her eyes and snickered at her bitter sister.

"Bye," Lily replied in an equally sour tone, playing at the game of sibling rivalry.

"Stay out of trouble Lily," Rose warned with a firm voice. Lily looked at her mother with a puzzled expression. She had stayed out of trouble for the first eleven years of her life, and intended to do so in the future.

"You haven't got to worry about me," Lily said reassuringly. "Love you, mum."

"I love you dear," Rose sobbed as she hugged her daughter tightly. After a moment, Alec pried his wife away from Lily and lead her away. Petunia left with no hesitation.

Lily starred towards her departing family until she lost their faces amongst the crowd. Her stomach dropped suddenly, doubting herself and her potential as a witch. The idea of attending a school for witchcraft and wizardry was silly. Mathematics and literature were more useful than Potions or Defense Against the Dark Arts. A muggle school, Lily decided, would suit her fine.

Lily pushed her trolley forwards in effort to chase after her muggle family. She glimpsed the barrier between platforms nine and ten, her curiosity in magic renewed. She stood motionless on the spot, torn between magic and muggles.

The decision was difficult and little time remained. Soon enough, her family would leave Kings Cross and return home, and the Hogwarts Express would leave the station bound for Hogsmeade Station. She struggled to inhale a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. Her vibrant green eyes were now dulling behind a thick glaze of tears.

"You alright?" a voice asked in a soft whisper. Lily turned quickly, her panic stricken face met with the warm grin of a young boy.

"I uh," she mumbled, unsure of a response. She smiled politely, and nodded her head after words failed her. Her focus returned to the agonizing decision to be made between her family and Hogwarts. An imaginary clock ticked in her ears, reminding her what little time she had left to choose.

"First time to Hogwarts?" he asked, leaning forward to whisper.

"Yes!" she giggled with excitement. "You as well?"

"Yeah. What house do you want to be sorted into?"

"Uh, not sure. There's Ravenclaw and, uh Hufflepuff," she hesitated, concentrating on the remaining houses. The boy bit his lip a moment as though he wanted to speak and was afraid of consequences.

"Are you...I mean, are your parents Muggles?" he asked cautiously. He lowered his gaze, his dark, untidy hair falling into his eyes.

"Yes," she answered, wondering why he had become nervous. "Afraid I don't know much about magic, witches, or wizards," she giggled slightly. The boy's gaze raised to meet Lily's face, exchanging warm grins with one another.

"Ever have a Chocolate Frog?" he asked eagerly, reaching into a sack perched on top of his trolley.

"No," Lily replied, peering over the boy's thin shoulder to investigate.

"This will always put a smile on your face. I know I can't help but smile when I've got a Chocolate Frog for myself," he explained, handing a small box to Lily.

"Thank you," she chuckled with gratitude, studying the box. Without biting into the sweetness of the candy, Lily smiled.

"Bet it's scary. Not knowing much about witches and wizards and suddenly discovering you are one."

"A bit," she sighed. There was a sudden silence and Lily realized she no longer heard a ticking clock. She looked forward to discovering the undiscovered world of magic. There would be broomsticks, wands, and quills. All were far more exciting than bicycles or pencils.

"Lily Evans," she abruptly introduced herself, extending her hand forward. A proper introduction was a simple way of thanking the stranger for his kindness.

"James Potter," he chuckled, taking her hand in his and shaking it slowly. "Hogwarts Express won't wait. We ought to go," he warned, glancing at his watch. Lily took a deep breath, looking towards the barrier between platforms nine and ten. "Let's go together," he suggested, noticing how uncomfortable she was.

The two pushed their trolleys forward, aimed at their target. James looked at Lily a moment, chuckling at the obvious apprehension worn on her expression.

"Ladies first or would you rather I go?"

"Uh, ladies first," she answered in a hoarse tone.

"Not to worry. I'll be right behind you. Go ahead and get a run going into the barrier," he said, sharing another grin with Lily. Not wanting to suffer the consequences of hesitation, Lily moved forward quickly. There was a brief sensation as she traveled through the stone. The blackness that surrounded her quickly dissolved into Platform Nine and 3/4.

Lily was one step closer to Hogwarts.

The platform was filled with students rushing to board the train, greeting one another after a summer apart, and meeting for the first time.

"Alright?" James asked suddenly after stepping through the barrier. Lily nodded excitedly, her fears of attending Hogwarts transfigured into anticipation. They pushed their trolleys towards an attendant who loaded their belongings onto the train.

The pair climbed onto the Hogwarts Express silently, observing their fellow students. They walked the length of the train, searching for an appropriate compartment. The whistle sounded and the train lurched forward. Lily temporarily lost her footing and knocked into James, sending him crashing to the floor.

"We ought to get seated," said James, chuckling as Lily helped him to his feet.

A muffled voice shouted, raised faintly over the train-produced noise. Lily and James looked at one another as though asking if the other heard the shouting.

"Get a look at that! Someone's chasing after the train!" Lily giggled, amused with the unfortunate situation. Through a narrow window at the rear of the train, a student ran clumsily, struggling to reach the train that was gaining strength and speed.

Not knowing what to do, James took the initiative upon himself to lend a hand. He rushed to the door at the end of the train, and slid it open. The student had made progress and was within reach. Soon, however, he would tire and the Hogwarts Express would speed away.

"Hold onto my arm," James ordered Lily as he leaned out slightly. He reached his free arm forward to the student who was motivated by fear of being left behind. Simple enough, he grabbed James who pulled him onto the train. After a moment of premature celebration, the student slipped, nearly tumbling out of the train. The quick reflexes of James pulled him to safety as Lily shoved the door closed.

"Whoa," the student sighed as he fought to catch his breath. "What a way...to start my first year," he snickered. "I'm Sirius Black," he said breathlessly as he offered a trembling hand forward.

"James Potter," he introduced himself. "This is Lily...er, sorry. I forgot your last name."

"I'm Lily Evans," she giggled.

"Nice to meet you. Thanks for the hand," Sirius chuckled, amused with the dramatic situation now behind him. His dark hair was matted against his face, the sweat gathered on his forehead acting like an adhesive.

"You've left all of your belongings!" Lily exclaimed, worrying for the sake of others.

"Someone assured me they'd be sent forward. I can only hope," he snickered.

"Couldn't you have found another way to Hogwarts?" Lily asked with uncertainty.

"I suppose, but I couldn't miss the Sorting Ceremony."

"I wouldn't doubt you'll be sorted into Gryffindor. Takes a cauldron full of bravery to chase after a speeding train!" James exclaimed, impressed with his own bravery.

"What house do you belong to?" Sirius asked, hunching over in an effort to relax.

"We're first years as well," Lily answered. "Let's get a seat," she suggested, noticing both James and Sirius appeared exhausted.

- - -

After several hours passed, the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop at Hogsmeade Station. The compartments slid open as students filed out, some anxious and eager, others fearful and nervous.

Sirius and James had maintained a steady conversation for the duration of the ride while Lily had remained silent and observant. Both boys were from wizarding families and had a passion for Quidditch, a sport she knew little about. There was an immediate bond between the two boys, a bond magically built on more than common interests.

"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" a voice hollered above the bustling students. Sirius, Lily, and James were wide-eyed with wonder as they faced a man who towered above all. " 'ello there," he greeted, holding his lantern over their heads to illuminate their awestruck faces.

"Hello," they replied in unison.

"Ter the boats! Firs' years follow me ter the boats!" Hagrid ordered.

The trip across the lake was amazing, though not as impressive as stepping into the Entrance Hall for the first time. The architecture was spectacular and grand. The ceilings towered above, supported by great stone pillars. Lily suddenly sensed magic pulsing through her veins.

After announcing a series of orders, Professor McGonagall led them into the Great Hall. Lily understood in an instant why it was called the Great Hall. There were candles floating above, an enchanted ceiling, and tables running the length of the hall.

James nudged Lily gently in the arm, gesturing to a wooden stool with an old hat perched above. The Sorting Ceremony would begin. Adams, Stewart was first, sorted into Hufflepuff.

"Black, Sirius!" Mcgonagall announced. Sirius looked a moment to James as he stepped forward, afraid the two would be separated into different houses.

Sirius sat on the stool as Professor Mcgonagal lowered the Sorting Hat onto his head.

"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat shouted in an instant. Sirius' fellow Gryffindors applauded as he took a seat at the table. Anxiously, Lily awaited her turn, hoping she would be sorted into a house with one of the friends she had made.

"Evans, Lily!" Professor McGonagall called out. Lily took a deep breath and sat on the wooden stool. Before the Sorting Hat was lowered onto her head, Lily noticed James smiling encouragingly.

"Ah, bright girl, loyal girl, brave girl. I see ambition, striving to prove yourself as a witch," the Sorting Hat whispered into her ear. There was a pause, a deep silence. Lily's stomach dropped, wondering why the Hat was having difficulties deciding on an appropriate house. "Yes. Yes. You know what you must do. Gryffindor!" the Hat shouted. She looked to the Gryffindor table, now cheering and welcoming her to the house. She joined her housemates quickly, greeted with an encouraging pat on the back from Sirius.

She had a lingering concern that could not be ignored. Where would James be sorted? Patrick Eric (Hufflepuff), Amanda Faute (Ravenclaw), and Julia Grant (Ravenclaw).

"Lupin, Remus!" McGonagall announced. Snickers were scattered through out the Great Hall, amused with the poor appearance of Remus.

Remus looked, in Lily's opinion, to be a skeleton among the living. He was a tall boy with thin, slouching shoulders and deep, hollow eyes. His complexion was frightfully pale, looking ill and malnutritioned. The Sorting Hat took only a moment before declaring, "Gryffindor!"

Before joining the Gryffindors, Remus glanced over his shoulder towards the staff table. Dumbledore leaned forward in his seat and nodded slightly, his applause more forceful and encouraging. Remus smiled and apprehensively joined his housemates.

"Hello there Remus," Sirius chuckled, shaking Remus's hand.

"Hi," he replied shyly, his gaze avoiding eye contact with others. The ceremony continued. Anne Manny (Gryffindor), Marcus Mite (Slytherin), Robert Nichles (Hufflepuff), and Jenna Patsen (Gryffindor).

"Pettigrew, Peter!" Professor McGonagall shouted. A short boy with a round face sat on the stool, prepared to be sorted. His eyes were narrow and his nose fell to a point. His full cheeks reddened as the Sorting Hat was placed onto his head. While being sorted, Peter eyed the Slytherin table. Lily didn't doubt Peter had made friends with students who already were or had been sorted into Slytherin. She hoped the Sorting Hat would be kind enough not to separate him from his friends. She also hoped the Sorting Hat would be kind enough not to separate James from his friends.

Taking longer to sort Peter than any other student, the Hat proclaimed, "Gryffindor!" The Gryffindor table again cheered encouragingly, welcoming another first year to their house.

"Uh, hi. Um, hello," Peter stuttered as he took a seat.

Ignoring Peter's presence, Lily's attention focused on James as he was sorted. He seemed nervous, afraid of being sorted into Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin. After suffering an agonizing, though brief wait, the Sorting Hat announced, "Gryffindor!"

"Welcome to Gryffindor, James!" Sirius laughed as he and James exchanged high fives. Lily smiled, overjoyed to see James had been sorted into Gryffindor.

"When do we eat?" James sighed as he took a seat. Lily giggled under her breath, amused to see the nerves of being sorted had quickly dissolved into hunger pains.

"I'm hungry," Peter added as he gazed at James for a moment.

"I think I've lost my appetite," Sirius moaned as he gestured towards the student about to be sorted.

"Snape, Severus!" McGonagall shouted. Lily's stomach dropped as she saw Severus, a boy with dark, greasy hair and an icy gaze.

"Slytherin," James and Sirius joked in unison, stirring laughter from students who heard their comment.

"Slytherin!" the Hat announced.

"Should have bet on it," Sirius sighed, certain Sickles, Knuts, or Galleons from students could have been gained on the accurate prediction.

After three more students were sorted, Dumbledore rose to his feet and silenced the students with a calm gesture of his hands.

"I have a few start of term announcements before we may feast. Students are prohibited from the Dark Forest and will suffer detention or possible expulsion by a staff member, or severe injury or death by a creature of the Forest. It is in your best interest that you follow this rule and make no attempt to test or break it," Dumbledore warned.

Lily trembled, wondering what sort of creatures were lurking about the Forest. She overheard James mention Cenotaurs to Sirius as the two snickered.

"Professor Sprout has planted a Whomping Willow on the grounds of Hogwarts. Detention and a severe lashing from the Willow will be suffered for any student in the vicinity of the tree."

"Why would Professor Sprout plant such a dangerous tree on the grounds?" Lily groaned. She noticed Remus suddenly uncomfortable in his seat, equally uneasy with the mention of the Whomping Willow. Lily and Remus looked at one another, exchanging a look of fear and curiosity with the tree. After a moment, Remus shifted his eyes to Dumbledore.

"Let the feast begin," Dumbledore finished. In an instant, empty plates and goblets were filled with fine cuisine and drink. Still a mixture of nerves and excitement, Lily didn't have much of an appetite to feed.

"You ought to eat," James advised Lily as he shovelled a forkful of food into his mouth. "Food's great."

"No thanks," she giggled as a bit of food fell from James's mouth.

"Hey Remus," Sirius began, kind enough to swallow his food before speaking. "you ought to eat something," he said, stirring muffled laughter. If anyone needed to eat, Lily thought, it was poor Remus.

"I'm not hungry," Remus answered, smiling weakly.

"You feeling alright? Maybe you ought to go to the Hospital Wing and..." Sirius suggested.

"Don't worry about me. Nothing's wrong," he snapped in response.

"Maybe a little rest..."

"I'm not tired. Please, leave me alone," Remus sighed. James and Lily exchanged looks with one another, uncomfortable with the bickering.

"Can't wait for the Quidditch season!" Sirius chuckled, quickly changing the subject and ignoring Remus.

"Gryffindor hasn't won the Quidditch Cup for two years now," James complained. "That's gonna change as soon as I make the house team."

"That's rather ambitious for a first year," Peter said, sipping form his goblet.

"Ah, no openings on the Gryffindor team," Sirius added. "Your ambitions are going to have to wait a year," he chuckled.

"Ever been on a broomstick Lily?" James asked.

"No, but I'm looking forward to it," she giggled with enthusiasm.

"I broke my arm just last year taking a ride on my father's Shooting Star," Sirius said with a sly grin. There was pride in his voice as though it were a medal or trophy to have broken bones.

"I had an accident experimenting with some potions at home," Peter began.

"What sort of an accident?" Lily asked eagerly.

"An explosion. The damage to the kitchen was rather costl," he bragged, gaining immediate acceptance from James and Sirius. "Mum was furious."

"I'm sure the punishment wasn't as severe as the punishment is for rulebreaking here at Hogwarts," Sirius sighed.

"You intend on doing alot of rulebreaking?" Lily asked, struggling to stifle her giggle. Sirius did not utter a response, yet spoke a thousand words with the mischievous grin on his face.

"Pettigrew is it?" James asked, his face appearing to concentrate on the question.

"That's right," Peter replied.

"Your father work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?"

"He does!" Peter exclaimed. "Do you know my father?"

"Met him about a month ago. My father works for the Department of International Magical Cooperation. Dad took me to the Ministry of Magic when work was slow. He gave me a tour of the departments and introduced me to loads of people," he explained with excitement.

"My father works in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts division of the Accidental Magic Reversal Department," Sirius added. Lily's mind struggled to decipher the conversation, knowing little about the Ministry of Magic. "What's your father do, Remus?" he asked in an attempt to include Remus.

Remus sat quietly, making no effort to answer Sirius.

"Remus?" Peter asked kindly for his attention. Remus mumbled and lowered his gaze. Looks were exchanged between Sirius, James, Lily, and Peter.

"What does your father do, Remus?" Sirius repeated, leaning closer in case the answer was again in the soft tone of a whisper.

"I haven't got a father," he answered forcefully. "He died just last year."

"I'm sorry, Remus," Lily sighed, offering condolences. Lily wondered if the illness that claimed his father was the very illness that Remus appeared to suffer. Lily felt poorly, imagining how it would feel not to have her father.

Lily looked to James who attempted to smile despite the low feeling that lingered. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small box that James had given her earlier that day.

"Remus, someone told me that Chocolate Frogs always put a smile on their face," she explained, handing the candy to a reluctant Remus. Instantly, he smiled.

"Thank you," he replied shyly. James looked at Lily as his cheeks blushed with color.

After the plates were empty and goblets no longer full, students exited the Great Hall bound for their common rooms and dormitories. Stella Marus, Gryffindor Prefect, led the first years to Gryffindor Tower. After approaching a portrait of a fat lady in a pink dress, Stella said, "Cobblestones." The portrait swung open, revealing the Gryffindor Common Room to wide eyed first years.

Activity in the common room was minimal, most students in their dormitories preparing for bed and classes the following day. Lily stood in front of the fireplace with Peter having a discussion about the professors at Hogwarts. James and Sirius made an obvious effort to talk to Remus. They believed that his bitter attitude was a disguise for his fear and anxiety of attending Hogwarts.

"I just know History of Magic will be dull," Peter groaned.

"You'd better pay attention in Potions. We don't want any more explosions," she joked as they chuckled lightly. Lily yawned, stretching her arms above her head.

"Get some sleep, Lily. Today was exciting but tomorrow is going to be work," Peter advised, yawning himself.

"Goodnight, Peter."

"Goodnight," he spoke in a whisper as Lily crossed the common room to the spiral staircase leading to the dormitories.

"Lily," James called out as he rushed to meet her. She stood on the staircase, waiting for him patiently and feeling a pleasant flutter in her stomach. "You alright?"

"I'm tired James," she giggled. "Uh, thanks for," she hesitated. She wanted to thank him for being so kind and considerate, making her smile, and most importantly, being her friend.

Lily was unable to find words, but James knew what she would say. There was an understanding between them that would leave them inseparable, bonding them in friendship.

"Sweet dreams," James chuckled, tucking his hands into his pockets and walking away. She dashed up the staircase, her cheeks blushing furiously.

Her expectations of Hogwarts had been high though she had suffered doubts about herself and magic. Little time had passed since she stood at Kings Cross station afraid and preparing to make a decision between life as a witch, or life as a Muggle.

One boy, showing his concern, convinced her to board the Hogwarts Express, bound for the school of witchcraft and wizardry. As she climbed into bed she thought of why it was that she trusted James. What had he said or done that convinced her to trust him?

Without having an answer to why or what, she somehow knew that she would follow him anywhere. Leaving behind life as a Muggle was a good decision, the right decision for Lily.