A War of Nerves

CHAPTER 3: In Which Dams Fall

In a flash, Lily was making for the Hufflepuff goals yet again that night. After scoring the first fifty goals, then Ron and Natalie scoring seventy between themselves, the score was 120 to 20 an hour into the game. No one had seen the Snitch since it flew out of Madame Hooch's hands. The crowd was practically asleep, and with good reason, opening your season with Hufflepuff was hardly challenging. Harry and Linda, the cute little Hufflepuff fourth year seeker, were above the crowd, waiting patiently for the Snitch.

"YEEEHAAW!" Lily shouted as she got another goal past the Hufflepuff goal keeper, a handsome sixth year by the name of Roman Weeks. "That's the way we do it in America! Ow-ow-ow!"

"And it is now 130 to 20 an hour and ten minutes into the game," Rhonda Lane, a sixth year Ravenclaw announced, "Another fantastic shot by the Gryffindor's new American chaser, Lily Merrins. Still no sign of the Snitch-"

Then Harry started a death spiral to the Hufflepuff goal post.

"And I think Harry has seen the Snitch!"

Harry swooped gracefully out into an arch, carrying the Snitch in his right hand. The Gryffindors all cheered and the team went out to greet Harry.

"That was a bloody wicked dive!" Ron said over the crowd.

"Smashing!" Lily said with a mock English accent. "Now lets party!"

"Nice job Harry," said a bashful looking Ginny.

Then Professor McGonagall walked up behind them quickly. "Good job tonight team. Have fun celebrating, but do please try to keep it to a minimum, you have class tomorrow. If you feel you must celebrate further, the Hogsmeade trip is this weekend."

Then she walked off and every one began cheering again, slowly making their way to the locker rooms.

"I'm so hungry!" Ron whined as he pulled on his sweatshirt.

"For once I agree with ya Red, let's go! Party in the Common room!" she grabbed Ron's arm and was followed by Natalie, Orwell, and Henry. She stopped at the door as she noticed Ginny and Harry weren't with her. She shot Ginny a questioning look and Ginny nodded her head. Lily's eyes widened and she ducked quickly out of the room.

"What about Gin and Harry?" Ron said. Lily put her hand over his mouth and leaned close.

"Ginny is going to tell him," she said quietly so that the others couldn't hear.

Ron's eyes got big and he nodded. "But I thought-"

"Not according to Ginny. She says he looks at her different now. You saw how he couldn't keep his eyes off her last night!"

"Yeah but-"

"Oh, be happy for her!"

"I am but-"

"But what?" she asked in an exaggerated voice.

"He's my best friend!"

Lily's eyes shifted back and forth, noting that Natalie, Orwell, and Henry were ahead of them a bit, talking excitedly.

"Come on Ron! They love each other!"

"It is weird though."

Lily rolled her eyes, "Love is blind, haven't you ever heard that?"

Ron looked like he wanted to puke, "Give me a good snogg any day."

"Men are so unromantic!" Lily complained.

A voice cleared behind them and they turned around. It was Roman Weeks, the Hufflepuff keeper.

"Hey Roman!" Ron said cheerfully, he had always been on good terms with Hufflepuffs, hell, everyone was of good terms with Hufflepuff.

"Hey Ron, Lily. Good job tonight."

"Thanks," Ron said, "You did really well. Couldn't believe some of the shots you blocked."

"Yeah, well, not quite enough, eh? You just promise me that you'll play like that against Slytherin," he said smiling.

"You too," Ron said.

During the boys' friendly exchange, Lily had been observing Roman. He was handsome, in a home-grown, country-boy way. Thick blonde hair, strong jaw, large muscles, and shining blue eyes formed his traditionally charming face.

"Yeah, well, just wanted to congratulate you both, good job," Roman said, disturbing Lily's thought.

He turned and walked off to the locker rooms, he hadn't changed out of his uniform yet. You need this Lil! Just say, "Hey, wanna have a drink?" or "Can I talk to ya?" You just need some release, it won't mean anything.

"Hey!" she heard herself shout. Roman turned around and gave her a questioning look, she hadn't really talked to him before after all. Ron gave her a strange look too.

"I'll catch up with ya in a bit Red, unfinished business, y'understand?" she said smoothly.

Ron frowned and walked off.

Lily put on her best smile and jogged over to Roman, who was waiting patiently. "So," she said stopping in front of him, "Those were some pretty nice blocks ya had back there."

He nodded his head as they continued to the locker rooms. "That was some pretty fancy broom work you did."

"Why thank ya," she said smiling. Then her lips turned into a suggestive smirk, "I'd bet your broom does some fancy work too."

He stopped dead in his tracks and his eyes widened. Lily smiled , "Ya know," she into his ear, leaning so that her lips were almost touching his cheek, "I sure would like a demonstration."

At this, Roman turned a deep shade of red and walked quickly off to his locker rooms.

Lily sighed, "Damn Hufflepuff's and their damn high morals. Now I'm gonna end up sleeping with Seamus, or Dean. Dean wouldn't be too bad. Hm..."

Then she walked off to the Gryffindor Commons.

Ginny bit her lip as she watched Harry sit on the bench. It seemed to her that he hadn't moved since he had entered the locker room. She went to him and sat down to his left.

"Harry?" she questioned, "What is wrong?"

He looked at her with sadness in his eyes, and a little bit of tiredness. "Nothing Ginny, just thinking," then he paused and looked around, "Where is everyone?"

Ginny was dying to know what he was thinking about, "Um, I think they left to celebrate a minute or two ago."

"Didn't even notice..." he said softly.

Then, for no apparent reason, Ginny was filled by a wave of hate, disappointment, and pain. He didn't notice, that was it. He didn't even notice! She loved him, she had loved him since she laid eyes on him...and he didn't notice. All her years of waiting, of watching, him of course. Him getting girlfriends, him dumping girlfriends, getting dumped by girlfriends. And who did he cry to, her! And who did she go to the dances with, to watch him, Neville! Every kind gesture was magnified in her head and made her think, 'Hey, maybe he is coming around,' only to get pushed aside again. It had always been him, and it always would be.

"Of course you didn't notice!" she yelled, her rage, rage that she suspected she inherited from her mother, boiling over. "YOU NEVER FUCKING NOTICE!"

He looked at her with surprise and confusion, "What is wrong Ginny?" he asked urgently.

She turned to face him. When she saw the confusion in his eyes, she walked up to him placing a hand on his cheek and saying softly, "Wonderful, kind, handsome Harry. You never knew. Never even suspected."

A tear rolled down her cheek, he didn't even know what she was talking about. Then she laughed a weak, chuckle of a laugh. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his, having to stand on her tip toes to do so. When she pulled back, she saw the confusion in his eyes double.

"And apparently blind Harry too. You see, I've always wanted to do that, because, Harry, I love you. I always have, and have a feeling I always will." She took her hand off of his cheek and turned away from him. "I won't bother you again."

Things were moving too fast. She loved him! Then it all made sense. He remembered how she had been so depressed when he was going out with Lavender, and Cho. Harry heard the door slam shut. He ran out after her.

"Ginny! Ginny! Wait!" he ran out onto the dark field between the castle and the Quidditch field. She looked back and began to run.

Harry began to run as well, and while she was fast, he was faster. He caught up with her and grabbed hold of her hand. She struggled and pulled away, but only succeeded in falling to the ground, bringing Harry with her.

He was right on top of her, and she turned her head away, tears streaming down her face, "Don't you think you've done enough Harry?"

"Ginny," he said firmly, determined not to let her slip though his fingers, "look at me."

She didn't.

"Look at me!" he shouted.

Slowly her eyes met his.

"Ginny," he said after a brief pause, "I-"

And then, when every thing else seemed to fail him, his voice did too.

"See," Ginny whispered, "You don't even know what you feel."

He brought his eyes sharply to hers, "I may not know what I feel, but I know what I want. You."

Ginny sobbed, "Do you know how long I've waited to hear that? Do you know the sleepless nights? And even the ones I did sleep, my dreams were on you."

"You'll never need to wait again," he whispered to her. "You'll never need to dream."

"Why?" she asked, her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was so dumb, sorry I made you wait."

It seemed to both to be a painstakingly slow movement, but their lips met. Ginny flung her arms over Harry's neck and pulled him closer to her, happy for once, because she was with Harry.

Lily woke the next morning using some one's chest as a pillow. She looked around and saw it was Dean Thomas. She rolled her eyes and sat up. Dean moaned and rolled over in his sleep, then jetted to life.

"What the hell!" he said.

"Shh," she whispered pulling her hair back, "Ron isn't awake, but he will be soon."

"Did we?" he managed in a chocked whisper.

"No," she said with a sigh, "you fell asleep before I had the chance."

Dean's dark skin managed a blush.

Lily rolled her eyes again and said, "You were drunk and I wanted to take advantage of ya. But the drink took ya before I could."

Dean's eyes got wide, "Huh?"

"Oh, you men think yo' the only ones with large sexual appetites. I even tried Roman, damn Hufflepuff morals. Once again, my sex life deteriorates," sighed.

Dean frowned, "Are you going to tell Parvati?"

"No, I'll leave that to you. I don't care what ya do, unless ya start spreadin' rumors 'bout how I can't even get laid right. It's still a little early, breakfast wont start fo' anotha' hour. See ya 'round," she said slipping out of the bed and casting a look at Ron to make sure he was still asleep.

She quietly stole out of the boy's dormitories. She looked out at the commons and saw a lot of pairing she thought she'd never see. There was a couple of Hufflepuffs that seemed to find their way to their party, a seventh year, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Owen Cauldwell, a fourth year. They had made themselves comfortable with a Patil twin (she couldn't tell which) and Lavender Brown. And surprisingly enough, a sight she thought she would never have the occasion to see something she didn't even think was possible at Hogwarts, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin, wrapped in what appeared to be a loving embrace. It was Natalie McDonald and Blaise Zabini (A/N: Yeah, okay. So JKR didn't help us out much with this one. I really don't know whether Blaise is male of female. I do know that Blaise is an old Welsh name, and it is male.) She smiled at their happiness and decided it would be prudent to get the out-of-housers out before the younger students woke.

She stepped over to Justin and Owen and shook them gently. Justin opened his eyes and looked as though he might shout so Lily covered his mouth, "Don't yell. Just get up and go. Take young Owen with ya," then she smirked, "I hope ya had fun. And would ya tell Roman that I 'pologize, he'll understand."

She patted his cheek and smiled. Then she got up and walked over to Blaise and Natalie. She crouched down and shook Blaise hard enough to wake him, he was a big guy after all. His eyes shot open and he growled at her. She wasn't completely surprised, Slytherins were a possessive bunch. "Shh, I thought you might like to know you have an hour till the lower years get up. Gives you a while to leave."

"Are you-"

"No," she said, cutting his questioning short, "I won't tell a soul." Then she looked at Natalie, "You take good care of her. You are a Slytherin, surely you know what they'll do if they find out."

He nodded and she got up from her crouch. Lily saw that Justin and Owen were slipping out the portrait. She turned as she got to the stairwell and saw Blaise and Natalie. Blaise was kissing her, telling her it would be alright. Natalie nodded and kissed him back, saying something like, 'I promise.' Lily had almost forgotten how Slytherins and Winds were in private. They had feelings, they were open, kind of. And they were above all, gentle to the ones they really cared about.

Blaise stood up and he saw Lily watching him. He gave her a brief nod and left the common room. Natalie came up the stairs, near to tears and Lily nodded. And though she didn't know Natalie that well, she took the sixth year into her arms and said, "Don't worry darlin', 's all gonna be alright."

"He isn't like the rest of them," she sobbed into Lily's chest.

"I know," Lily said comfortingly.

"And he would never hurt me. I saw it in his eyes this morning. I don't know what he, or I, would have done if some one saw us like that. We wouldn't be able to see each other, I pretty sure I would die without him. Now isn't that pathetic?"

"No, darlin' it isnna pathetic. I think it is wonderful. How 'bout you goin' and gettin' a bath? I bet as soon as ya get clean, every thing will be right as rain," Lily cooed.

Natalie nodded, "You won't-"

"No, not a soul." Then Lily frowned, "Now get goin'," she said semi-sternly.

Lily was heading for her rooms when she heard a voice coming from Ginny's room, a male voice. Lily smiled and wanted to walk away, but curiosity got the bet of her and she creaked the door open. She smiled again when she saw Harry and Ginny talking in bed, no one else in the room because Ginny and Natalie were the only two female sixth years. They appeared to have stayed up all night, or at least, the fact they had their clothes on still suggested it. And the dark lines under Ginny's eyes told Lily she had been crying, probably a lot. And it time is going just as it is supposed to. Next, Ron and Hermione.

Lily ducked out the door and made her way to her rooms, Finally! A little time for me. I feel like Mother Fucking Theresa here! Like I didn't take care of everyone at Salem's already. Argh! I need sleep...or sex...whatever.

Lily clambered into her bed and fell asleep.

The next few weeks passed in a blur for Lily.

She, Ginny, Ron, and Harry went to Hogsmeade and got in a fight with a bunch of Slytherin sixth years over their match that was going to be at the end of November. Two of the Slytherins were sent to Madame Pomfrey with severe burns on their faces from when Ginny set their hair on fire. Ron and Harry both ended up with broken arms, they had been hit by a disarming spell by Draco and his cronies when they showed up to the fight for support. Lily had done a Freezing spell on Crabbe and Goyle to keep them from beating up Orwell and Henry, who had seen the fight and decided to join in. Lily ended up in the infirmary after that because Draco had aimed a shoving spell her way, throwing her into the Shrieking Shack. They had all gotten detentions for that fight, but most of the Slytherins got off easy because Snape was the one who broke it up.

Then they played Ravenclaw in late October, and won 240 to 30. There was another celebration afterwards of course, but not quite as big as the Hufflepuff one. People tended to stay in their dormitories after that particular party. In fact, Professor McGonagall only had to come up twice to settle the Gryffindors down.

And then everyone got excited over the upcoming Halloween Feast, apparently the second best feast of the year to the Yule Ball. Soon the Great Hall was decorated with its customary floating jack-o-lantern heads. All of the ghosts were out and about, especially Peeves, who seemed to be having a grand old time tormenting an unfortunate group of second years.

That night, Ron, Lily, Harry, and Ginny were sitting at the Gryffindor table waiting for Dumbledore to make his Halloween speech. The places were set and the ghosts were about and everyone was hungry.

"I'm hungry!" Ron complained.

"Yes, we know Ron," Ginny said, leaning into Harry some more. She and Harry were officially 'going out.' Practically the whole school knew, no thanks to Lavender Brown, who had in a jealous fit tried to make their pairing look like a scandal. Unfortunately for her, it backfired and everyone oohed and aawed at their relationship.

"Red, yo' gettin' pretty predictable," Lily said with a smile.

Ron pouted for a bit and said, "I just wish he'd hurry up, that is all."

"May I have your attention please!" Dumbledore called, drawing everyone's attention. "Happy Halloween! Today is a day for happiness and recreation, there will be events on the Quidditch field after the feast. After the games there will be a Prefects meeting. I only have a few more words to say, and they are: hibbity-dibbity, spork, and lillipit. Thank you and enjoy the feast!"

He clapped his hands and the tables were filled with delicious food, most of which Lily, Harry, and Ginny didn't even get to see thanks to Ron. As everyone finished eating, they filed out to the Quidditch field to see what the 'recreation' was.

As it turned out, there were several games to be played and contests to be won. However, early on in the evening, Harry and Ginny stole away, leaving Ron and Lily to themselves.

"There they go," Lily said as she saw Ginny and Harry leave.

"This is really good ice cream," Ron said happily.

"Ya know Red, someday, yo' gonna find the perfect girl for you an' fall in love. An' then she will kill herself."

"Will not!" Ron shouted spraying a bit of ice cream on Lily's face.

She wiped it off and said, "Yes, Ron, I think she will."

"Whatever. Hey! Where are Harry and Gin?"

Lily opened her mouth a couple of times, then shook her head and sat down on a bench to people watch.

Ron sat next to her, still working on his ice cream, which had seemed to switch its colors to yellow and pink. "So..."

"Ya, know Red, you need a girlfriend."

Ron almost gagged on his ice cream. "What!?!?"

"How 'bout her?" Lily said pointing to a short blonde.

"Too short. Why do I need a girlfriend?"

"Yo' entirely too free. All men should be bound down by an iron chain ta a girl, a girl who will keep them in line. Now what 'bout her?" Lily said gesturing to a cute little brunet.

"She is a fourth year, never date anyone who is three years younger, it is weird. And they do not! I don't see a guy chained to you!"

"That is 'cause they aren't chained yet. Stop avoidin' the question. Now how 'bout her?"

"Pansy! She is a Slytherin!"

"Her then?"

"Too tall, she is practically six foot."

"I'm almost six foot."

"Are not."

"5'9, six foot, what is the difference? What 'bout her?"

"I don't date dogs Lily."

"Not her, the one beside her."

"Oh. No."

"Why?"

"Um...it is rather embarrassing..."

"Don't want ta here it. Her?"

"Eww! Millicent! She is practically a man!"

"So is there a single girl in the whole school who ya would go out with?"

Ron seemed to think about this for a while and said, "No."

Lily's eyes went wide, "A guy then?"

At this Ron jumped up and fell backwards over the bench, his now violet ice cream flying. "Fucking Christ NO! That is disgusting Lily! Agh!"

Lily put her hands up in a symbol of surrender. "Okay, okay. Ya' needn't get so protective. I wouldn't even have cared if ya were, two of my good friends are lesbians, it never bothered me."

"Lesbians?" Ron said, his eyes widening. "And they kiss and everything?"

Lily raised an eyebrow at him and said, "Yes."

"Wicked!"

Lily rolled her eyes. Then it hit her, "Oh, I understand now."

"Understand what?" Ron said nervously as he sat down again.

"Ya said ya don't like anyone at this school 'cause the person doesn't go to this school. They go to Salem's, don't they."

Ron got very red. "No," he said, then cursed himself because he wouldn't have believed himself if he was someone else.

"Oh Hermione!" Lily said in a mocking, high-pitched voice, wrapping her arms around herself. "Don't leave for Salem's. I die without ya! Don't leave me for the crazy sex addicted American boys attending Salem's who happen to be very good looking and friendly! Don't!"

"Shut up!" Ron said, punching her in the arm.

"Hey! That hurt! I was just kiddin'!"

"Yeah, well, it was only a small crush anyway. Lets find Harry and Gin," then he paused to think, "Actually, lets not. I might loose my manly appetite. Besides the fair is practically over."

Ron stood up and offered Lily his arm. She took it gingerly and they set off down the field to the castle.

"What do we have here? Weasel and Bitch Queen."

Ron and Lily turned around to see none other than Malfoy and his following.

"Did I disturb a moment? So sorry." Draco said in a mock sad voice.

"Oh fuck off Malfoy," Lily sighed. "Ya'd think that they just let every in here these days, Red. Lets go, I'm feeling ill."

"Oh, don't go!" Malfoy cried, "We were just getting started, I wanted another chance to insult you before you went to bed."

Lily sighed again and said, "Take your best shot Malfoy. I doubt I'll care."

Draco smiled and as he was about to say something, Lily interrupted, "Oh, time's up. Can I schedule ya in tomorra'? How 'bout noon? In the library? Be sure ta hold yo' breath till I get there, I promise not to be long."

Then she and Ron were off.

"He is up to something, he is a Death Eater you know," Ron said.

"I know. I saw him...never mind where I saw him. I have to talk to Dumbledore."

"Hey!" Ron said, grabbing her arm, "What?"

Lily stayed calm, "I just have to see him."

Ron eyed her suspiciously. "You know, everyone thinks I'm dumb. Maybe I am, but I'm not blind. You are up to something, you know something."

Lily gritted her teeth. She had gone against the rules making actual friends with the people at this school. Auntie Hermione had told her to get close enough, but not too close. But it was hard. She knew these people! Knew them since she could walk and talk! How could she not be friends with them? Then she made the decision. Some one had to know the full truth. Why not dear old Uncle Ickle Ronnikins?

"Where are we going?" Ron asked.

Lily placed a hand over his mouth and led him by the hand deep into the forest. When they got a little of a mile in, having winded around quite a bit, making sure to loose anyone who might be following, she stopped and took her hand off of his mouth.

"There are spiders out here you know," Ron said uneasily.

"Whatever. I'm going to be trustin' ya with some very important information, so shuddup."

She looked him in the eyes for a minute and then said, "Ya rememba' when Hermione got her letta' ta Salem's?"

Ron nodded.

"Well, do ya how someone was suppose to be sent in her place, another transfer?"

Ron nodded again.

"I'm not that transfer Ron."

Ron's eyes widened. "Who then, are you?

Lily continued, "I'm tryin' to find the rat at Hogwarts, the person who's been gettin' information over ta Voldemort. It...it is fo' yo' future. I'm, well, let's just say that I'm not from 'round here."

"Yeah, you're from America."

Lily frowned, "I'm tryin' explain this ta ya as best I can. I'm not from this time, Ron."

At this, Ron 's eyes grew wide. "Like, you're from the future?

She nodded. "Ron, I'm from the future where Voldemort defeats Harry next year. Then steals his body. Voldemort is close to ruling the world when I come from. But there is hope still. Salem's, the school in America, set up a defense system that seems to work. Now the three thousand that are loyal to Dumbledore live there. I'm training there now, have been for a year and a half. I've been gettin' information, lookin' fo' opportunities, like this, ta get inta Hogwarts and get that spy," she said. When she saw the confused look on Ron's face she said, "Hermione invented a Time Turner that only responds to my finger prints and is advanced enough for one person to go back in time, to change events, to save the world."

"Who are you?" he asked quietly.

"Lily Potter," she answered simply.

Ron looked at her, his face totally blank. He was right, he wasn't completely stupid. Lily wondered if he would explode, or take it calmly. She thought she would prefer it if he were to explode. Whenever he was silent about things, it wasn't good.

"Harry's daughter."

She nodded.

"Ginny's daughter."

She nodded.

"My...my niece?"

She nodded again.

Ron took a deep breath and said, "Can you prove it?"

Lily shook her head. "Ya only have my word, unless ya want ta see my watch."

Ron nodded his head and Lily took out the Time Turner that her aunt had invented. It was an old fashioned pocket watch, gold with a gold chain. But the date was the most important part. Hermione had etched in her name and her birthday on it, as a sort of birthday present. Lily handed Ron the watch.

"September 22, 1998," he read.

"Look Ron, this has to be a secret, I'm not kidding. If Mum or Dad find out about this, I'll never be born. Then I'll fade out of existence. I have to be born."

Ron seemed to turn this over in his mind as well as the watch in his hand. "I won't tell anyone," he conceded.

Lily let out the deep breath she had been holding and hugged him tight, "Thanks Uncle Ron. I knew I could always depend on you."

Ron flinched. "Just don't call me that again."

Lily eased off of him, "Sorry. You just...never mind. It is nice to have someone else who knows. Let's go."

"Yeah," Ron agreed, starting off to the castle.

When they weren't too far away from the castle, they began hearing a giggling noise.

"What the hell could that be?" Ron asked.

"I don't really know. I could guess...I guess."

"Harry!" a delighted shriek said.

Ron's face got very red, "On second hand, didn't you say you needed to see Dumbledore? Let's go."

"Oh, but they are so cute," Lily said, staying in place. Ron grabbed her forearm and pulled her along. "Yo' no fun!"

He practically drug her the whole way to Dumbledore's office. "We are here, do you want me to wait?"

"Naw, ya go on 'head. Albus an' I got a lot ta talk 'bout," Lily said with a wave of her hand.

"Okay, you know the password?"

"Lemon Tongue Twisters."

The wall opened into a stair well and Lily started up it. Then she paused, "Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks...for listening I mean."

And even though she couldn't see him, she knew he was blushing, "Um, your welcome. Bye Lily."

"See ya tomorra' Ron!" she yelled, heading up the stairs.

As soon as her hand touched the handle of the door, she heard the headmaster's voice. "Miss Lily, so nice to see you again, thank you for coming."

Lily sat down on a comfortable pink chair and crossed her legs Indian style. "'S always a pleasure ta talk ta ya Albus. Now what did ya want ta discuss?"

Dumbledore sat at his desk for a moment, examining her over his moon shaped glasses. She, unlike many of his own students, didn't flinch at his piecing stare, rather welcomed it with a smile. One of the many reasons he was sure that she should be in Gryffindor. "I wanted to discuss this," he said, picking up the mysterious black box.

"Oh," she said raising an eyebrow, "Did ya figure out what it does?"

"No," he sighed, taking off his glasses and putting them on the desk. "I have deemed it necessary to call on a colleague of mine, I believe you know her, Cherry Woodsrow."

"Oh, Cherry! I'm sure she'd be happy ta help ya. She talks of ya so fondly ya know," Lily said cheerily. "She always said that Headmasters from different schools should meet mo' of'en."

"I just wanted to go over again how you found the object, anything that might help in the discovery of the object's origin, etc."

"I'd be happy ta help Albus," Lily said.

"Tea?" the headmaster asked.

"Please, one spoonful of sugar," she said, accepting the cup.

"Albus!" a shriek said from the fireplace. "Albus! We have an emergency!"

It was Madame Pomfrey's head, floating so it seemed, in the fireplace.

"Of course Madame Pomfrey, I'll be there in a moment," Dumbledore said, then turned to Lily when he reached the door, "I'm sure you can take care of yourself for a while. Help yourself to anything."

Lily nodded and the headmaster left. She sighed and gingerly picked up the box and examined it. The last time she saw it was when she had retrieved it from the lake. It really hadn't changed that much. It was six inches tall and six inches wide and had a black, glossy finish. Ebony perhaps? she thought. Or perhaps obsidian. She ran her fingers down the sides of the box, it was smooth all over. Then an odd silvery inscription began to show on its surface.

"Oh, fuck," Lily said out loud. Unable to put it down, she watched as a silvery mist came out of the inscriptions and began massing in the air. It seemed to flow about her for a while in an inquisitive manner. She thought it smelled vaguely of mint.

Then a door opened and Severus Snape walked through the door. He was immediately assaulted by a shimmering silver mist.

"Don't...move," he heard Lily say.

"What is the meaning of-"

He was cut off by a suffocating feeling as the mist plunged into him. The last word he said was, "Damn."