Secrets Can Kill: Waiting in the Dark

Chapter Two:

Surprise, Surprise!!

Lily raced up the spiral staircase, ran past Mack and flung herself on her bed. Mack marched up to her, "What exactly did he call you for??" she demanded with a smile, "It wasn't the lizards. . .was it?"

"No but I had the strangest feeling that he know anyway. You know Clarke. (sounds like someone else you know) He wanted to talk to me about an opportunity," Lily told her.

Lily made herself comfortable as he told Mack about her conversation with the headmaster. When she finished she looked at her expectantly.

Mack just stared.

"Ya know, that's awfully similar to my reaction," Lily joked.

"Wow. So are you gonna go?" Mack asked.

"I don't know. On the one hand, I would love to get away from Rob!"

"What did that jackass do now?"

"He got me alone in the hallway and I think. . .I think he tried to kiss me."

Lily put her finger in her mouth and made a gagging noise while Mack pretended to hurl.

"I swear, that boy thinks he's God's gift to women. One day he's going to get a rude awakening!" Mack said after her hurling fit.

"Kinda like the one that I gave him," Lily said between laughs.

"Whaddya mean?" Mack asked confused.

"I kicked him!"

"Where?"

"Mack, honestly. Where else would I kick Rob?" Lily replied, now doubled over with laughter.

"Ooo, that's gotta hurt," Mack managed to get out before doubling over beside her friend.

Mack stood up clutching a stitch in her side from laughing so hard, "Well, come on Lily, it's time for dinner."

"You go on, I'm not hungry."

"I know you better than that Lily. I'll bring you back something," she told her, turning toward the exit.

"Thanks!" Lily called after her as Mack disappeared down the stairs. She lay her head on her pillow.

Just thinking about her mom and sister got Lily into a bas mood. Lily's mom was a muggle in England, she met Lily's father and they married. They had Petunia who showed no evidence of magical blood, then Lily, who was so obviously magical. There was no way that Lily's mom could deny what her father was so she divorced him. He took Lily and move to Salem. Lily's mom kept Petunia and stayed in England, she hated all magic (that's where Petunia got her small mind from). Lily had always thought of that side of her family as traitors, but no matter what she thought of them, or what they thought of her, they were still her family, and she loved them.

Lily sighed and got into her pjs. She snuggled under the covers and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Lily woke up to the sum streaming in the window above her bed. She jumped out of bed, dressed, and raced down the stairs to Clarke's office. It seemed as if while she was sleeping, her mind was still working. She had reached a decision.

Lily reached the narrow stairs and muttered, "Universal Tides" It didn't look like anything happened but Lily knew it had. She walked up the steps to the large oak doors that she had stood in front of many times before. She knocked.

The doors opened and Lily was greeted by the warmness of Headmaster Clarke.

"Ahh, Lily. Please come in," he told her gesturing inside. Once they were settled he added, "I take it that you've reached your decision?"

"Yes, sir. This isn't easy for me but. . .I've decided to go."

"Well, this is pleasant news but are you sure this is what you want to do?"

"I'm sure, as you know, my education is very important to me. Besides, I can also visit my mother."

"Yes, I know all about your family situation," Clarke paused for a moment, "Now, about your 'condition'?"

"All I can hope is that no one puts two and two together. It is kinda hard to point out." Lily told him.

"Yes, yes, well, I'll speak to Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster at Hogwarts. Now, you'll be leaving first thing on Sunday. I suggest you begin to pack." he responded.

"Thank you, sir," Lily said and exited the office.

Back in her dorm, Lily began magically packing her trunk.

"I'm really gonna miss you, Lils," a voice said.

Lily turned around. "I'm really gonna miss you too, Mack," exclaimed Lily, running to Mack and throwing her arms around her neck. They stood like that for a few minutes, silent tears running down their cheeks. They made a mutual agreement not to cry anymore and to keep in touch. After all, what are friends for?

"So, when are you leaving?"

"Sunday morning."

"I hope no one finds out."

"Well, you have the same problem as me and you and I have been successfully keeping it a secret for four or five years now."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right," Lily joked.

Mack smiled, which in turn made Lily smile.

Sunday morning came with a somber feeling in the air everywhere. Headmaster Clarke and Mack escorted Lily to the train that would take her to the airport. Lily hugged Mack once again and surprisingly did the same for Clarke, which he returned.

With on last look back she stepped on the train and almost fell back again from what she saw.

"Not you!" Lily exclaimed.