Lily Evans and the Gift of the Gods

And read all about her acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Lily and Amanda looked at each other and said, at the same time, "Are you- me too! Wow!"

"Mum! Mum, come here!" Lily yelled.

Lily's mum came running into the kitchen. "Lily? Is everything okay? Are you hurt?" Elizabeth, Lily's mum, asked breathlessly.

"Mum, look at this letter! Amanda got one too!" said Lily excitedly.

Elizabeth read the letter, beaming. "Oh, Lily, imagine you, a witch! Just wait until I tell your father. He'll be so happy!" Elizabeth enveloped both girls into a big hug.

When Elizabeth finally released them, Amanda said, "I've got to go tell my mum. See ya later, Lils!" She ran out the door. Amanda lived just down the street from Lily.

"I'm so happy for you, Lily!" her mother gushed.

"Thanks, Mum."

"I bet the twins will be so excited," said Elizabeth.

The twins were Rose and Harry, who had recently turned nine, about a year younger than Lily. They were as close as peanut butter and jelly. The twins looked very much alike. Lily was pretty, but no comparison to Rose and Harry. They both had blonde hair, and innocent blue eyes, with rosy cheeks.

"Am I a witch?" asked Rose.

"I don't know, you could be," Lily answered. Rose's smile could have lit the room.

Her father Viktor was, as predicted, thrilled about the news. He proposed to take the family out to dinner that night. They had an excellent dinner, sushi, but when Lily got home she was exhausted. Lily decided to take a shower and sleep.

"So, Daddy, what is it we were celebrating at dinner?" Petunia, Lily's fourteen-year-old sister, asked.

"You didn't hear the news?" Viktor asked, shocked.

"What news?" Petunia asked, confused. Blonde haired Petunia was, to be frank, not the brightest child in the home.

"Your sister is a witch!" Elizabeth announced proudly.

"What do you mean, a witch?" said Petunia, narrowing her eyes. "Witches don't exist."

"Yes, they do sweetheart," Viktor explained patiently. "Lily is a witch."

"What a freak," Petunia muttered.

"What, Petunia?" Elizabeth asked.

"I said, oh, how neat!" Petunia replied quickly.

"I've got to go with Lily so she can buy her things tomorrow. Will you be okay by yourself?" asked Elizabeth.

"Of course, Mum," Petunia said.

"And you won't start a fire in the kitchen again?"

"Mum, that was an accident!"

"Okay, Pet, goodnight," Elizabeth said.

Petunia headed upstairs to her bedroom. But she didn't sleep well. She tossed and turned all night, thinking jealous thoughts about Lily.

****

The day had started out the same as the day before at the Potter residence. Katherine Potter yelled at her two children to get up, and was promptly ignored.

"James, Regina! C'mon get up!" Katherine called again.

No answer.

"Those two," Katherine muttered. "Well, they asked for it." Katherine jogged across the spacious house, clutching her wand. She headed up the staircase, and entered the first door she came to.

Inside the darkly lit room, she could vaguely see the shape of a bed. On that bed was a boy. He was sprawled across it, fast asleep. Katherine sneaked up to the bed, wand drawn, grinning evilly.

"Fountainicous," she whispered. A bucketful of water splashed onto the sleeping boy. It had come from her wand. The boy shot straight up.

"Mum!" the boy moaned.

"Good morning, James," Katherine greeted him politely.

"Why'd you wake me up?" James asked.

" It's nine'o'clock. I wanted to spend time with my darling children. Plus, you're making me late for work. You wouldn't get up, so I inspired you." Katherine's voice was full of laughter.

"Yeah, whatever. Are you doing this to Gina too?" James said, sitting up and
pushing black hair out of his eyes.

"Of course! I'm an equal rights mother!" Katherine said, mock insulted.

"Hippie," James countered.

"Never mind, I'll just shake Reg awake, gently," Katherine laughed. Katherine walked across the hall, into her daughter's room.

This light, however, was on. Katherine knocked before entering.

"Hi, Mum," Regina said as her mother strolled in.

"Dang," Katherine said. "You were supposed to be sleeping!"

"I heard you and James. You've got to be quieter when waking people up."

Katherine laughed. "Come on downstairs. Spike made us breakfast. And you have mail." Spike was one of the Potter's house elves. He was James's personal house elf James had even gotten to name him. Spike liked to cook, so he made the family's breakfasts.

Once downstairs, James and Regina found letters waiting for both of them. They immediately ripped the letters open.

"Cool!" James said.

"It's our Hogwarts letters," explained Regina.

"I was wondering when you'd get them. A little late this year, aren't they?" Katherine said, as she ate her oatmeal.

"What, you were worried we wouldn't be accepted?" Regina asked, joking.

"Well, it's not like we wouldn't be," James interceded. "We are purebloods."

It was true. The Potter family was made up of pure wizards, highly known and praised for it. It wasn't that they didn't like Muggle-borns; it just wasn't proper for a Potter to marry one.

"Purebloods, Muggleborns, who is to say who the better wizard is? Purebloods are just too full of themselves."

Katherine, being a Potter by marriage, didn't hold with such pureblood nonsense. Katherine didn't act like a Potter; she didn't look like on either. Most Potters had dark hair, and blue eyes. Katherine had blonde hair and brown eyes.

James didn't hold by Katherine's theory, but Regina supported it fullheartedly.

"You're a pureblood, Mum. Show some respect," James joked.

Katherine laughed.

"Not to change the subject or anything, but can we see if Sirius got his letter?" Asked James.
A knock sounded from the bottom of the house.

Katherine smiled. "Sounds like he's already here."

James ran down into the basement to get Sirius. Sirius Black lived next door to James and Regina. Their houses were connected by their basements. The houses were built by a former Minister of Magic. The tunnel was there in case the Minister needed a quick escape. Now it was used to sneak over to each other's houses.

James reappeared, followed by Sirius Black.

"Hey, everybody. I got my letter," Sirius said by way of greeting. "Ooh, oatmeal and pancakes."

"Yes, Sirius, you may have some," Katherine offered.

"Thanks Mummy," Sirius said. 'Mummy' was Sirius's nickname for Katherine. She had practically raised him, between watching him while his parents worked, and Sirius's spending time with James and Regina.

"Speaking of mum's, how is yours?" Katherine asked, with a touch of concern.

"Well, I kinda think she and Dad are going on a raid soon. They're both all uptight and nervous," Sirius said. His parents were Aurors. They worked against various evil witches and wizards.

"Well, tell her we'll take you to Diagon Alley, ok?" Katherine said

"Sure, Mummy."

Katherine glanced at the clock. "Oops, I'm late for work. See what you kids made me do? Be relatively good, I'll be home at five." Katherine worked as a secretary for William Potter, her husband. William worked at the Ministry of Magic.

"Bye, Mum," all three kids said at once.

Katherine closed her eyes and disappeared to her office.

"So what are we going to do today?" Regina asked.

"Same thing we do everyday, Ginny. Try to take over the world!" said Sirius sarcastically.

Regina wrinkled her nose. "Sirius, if Regina is too long for you, call me Gina. Or Reg. Not Ginny."

"Nope." Sirius was adamant. "You're Ginny, James over there is Jamie, and I am -"

"Stupid?" James suggested.

"Sirius."

"No," Regina said. "You're never serious." James and Regina laughed and slapped high fives.

"You say that like it's an insult or something," Sirius shot back. "Now, onto more important things, who will we be pranking this year?"

Sirius, Regina, and James were notorious prankers. They spent most of their free time plotting what prank they should pull next.

"Snape and his loser friends," James said.

"There is nothing wrong with Severus," Regina insisted.

Sirius ignored her. "I'm thinking we should find someone to prank at the Alley."

James smiled slowly. "Excellent idea. And Reg will do the finding."

* ***

"Did you know Charmayne is a witch?" Lily asked the next day. She and Amanda were sitting on Lily's front porch, waiting to go to Diagon Alley.

"Charmayne Hewitt?" Amanda asked. Charmayne Hewitt had been a close friend of theirs since they were about five years old.

"Do you know any other Charmaynes?" Lily asked. Amanda rolled her eyes. "Her whole family is magical, Charmayne said," Lily continued.

"I always thought they were kind of weird," Amanda agreed.

"Girls," Elizabeth called to them." Time to go!"

Both girls stood and walked towards the garage.

"Where is this place, anyway?" Amanda asked.

"Downtown London. Mum got us a map," said Lily, as they entered the garage.

"Do you have everything?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yep, let's go," Lily said, beginning to feel very excited.

* ****

"So, Gina, you know what you have to do?" James asked.

"Yes," Regina sighed." Find a potential target and report back to you two."

"Good," said Sirius.

"Kids, c'mon," Katherine called. "We have to get going."

The three kids sauntered over to Katherine, looking like triplets. They all had dark hair, and similar faces, but James and Regina had sapphire blue eyes. Sirius's eyes were dark brown.

"We're coming. Are we flooing there?" James asked.

"Of course. Do we have everything?" Katherine asked.

"Yep," the three kids said.

They were standing in front of a huge brick fireplace. Beside it was a large pot, full of shimmering powder. Katherine handed the pot to James.

"Okay, Jamie, you first." His mum handed him a pot. James grabbed a handful of powder and tossed it into the fire. The flames turned green. "Diagon Alley!" James said as he stepped into the flames and disappeared.

"Sirius, you next," Katherine said. Sirius grabbed a handful of the shimmering powder and threw it into the fire. He too said, "Diagon Alley." Regina quickly followed. Finally, Katherine went through.

They landed in a tiny pub. It was dark and shabby, a shady looking place. And the pub was filled with wizards. This was the Leaky Cauldron, entrance to Diagon Alley.

Katherine led the three kids through the pub out to the back. There stood a brick wall. Katherine located a certain brick and tapped it three times. The brick wall opened into a large archway. The archway led to a cobbled street.

"So, kids," Mrs. Potter began," we have to go to Gringotts first. You three need to open your accounts."

"Sure, Mum. After that can we go out on our own, please?" Regina asked.

"Well... okay," Katherine laughed. "I'll just go into work. Use the Floo powder in the Leaky Cauldron to get home."

"Yeah, yeah," James said.

"And if I hear one more witch complaining about the three of you-"

"We'll be fine, Mum," Regina said.

"Alright," Katherine said.

They got their accounts done and took off.

****

"So this is Diagon Alley," Amanda said. She and Lily were standing in the Alley. Everywhere they looked was something new and exciting.

"Look, there's a goblin!" Lily said.

"And a Quidditch supply store!"

"What's Quidditch?"

"No clue, ask Charmayne."

"We have to go to the bank first," said Lily sensibly. She had to be sensible, for her mum hadn't come along. She thought Lily would have more fun without her dear old mum. Elizabeth was probably right.

"Why do we have to go the bank?" Amanda asked, confused.

"Wizards have different money then us," Lily explained.

They headed for the big, white building with a goblin standing by the door. Inside the building was a vast, marble hall. Goblins were sitting behind a long counter, exchanging money and examining precious stones.

They quickly exchanged their English money for wizarding money. The bored goblin explained their method of money in a monotone. He was so unenthusiastic that Lily couldn't remember a word he said.

Once outside Gringotts, Amanda asked, "Where should we go next?"

Lily answered," Let's go get our wands."

****

"That's probably the longest time anyone has ever spent trying to buy a wand!" Sirius said, annoyed.

"It's not my fault I have exotic tastes," Regina shot back.

"Exotic tastes? He had to make a wand especially for you. Fossilized wood and veela hair, eight and 3/8 inches, flexible!" Sirius said. "You took forever."

"Look out, lovers spat," said James.

"What was that?" Sirius asked, his eyes glittering dangerously.

"Well, we have to keep you in the family. We can't adopt you, I won't marry you, therefore you have to marry Gina. We want you to stay in the family," James explained.

"What is this, the Mafia?" Regina snorted.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that, James," Sirius said.

"Maybe we should separate you two," James mused." Regina, go find our prank victims. Once you find them, report back to me!" he ordered.

"Aye, aye, cappy!" Regina saluted James and left.

* ****

Lily and Amanda stood in front of the shop, Ollivanders, where they would purchase their wands. As they stepped in the shop, a bell rang. An old man with wide, pale eyes walked out from behind a bookshelf.

"Hi," Amanda said nervously.

"Ah, more first years. I think you should go first," said the old man. Mr. Ollivander, gesturing toward Amanda. Amanda took a step forward. Mr. Ollivander pulled out a measuring tape and let it go. It measured Amanda in all sorts of places.

"Ollivander's wand cores are made up of either unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, or dragon heartstrings," Mr. Ollivander was saying. "On rare occasions we use veela hairs. No two wands are the same and you will never get as good as results from another wizards wand." As he finished, the tape measure crumpled to the ground.

Mr. Ollivander handed Amanda a wand. Amanda held it straight out in front of her.

"Well, wave it around!" Mr. Ollivander snapped. Amanda jumped slightly. She waved the wand; purple and green sparks shot out of it.

"The perfect wand for you," Mr. Ollivander said. "And now for you." He pointed toward Lily.

Mr. Ollivander looked deep into her eyes. Lily gave a slight shiver. "I see a great destiny in you. Do not stray from the path before you." His voice was deep and powerful. "Try this wand," he said, with a sudden change in subject.

Lily stood stunned. "Huh? Oh, okay." She grabbed a wand and waved it around. Nothing.

After a few more wands, Mr. Ollivander held out a promising wand. "Ten and a quarter inches, phoenix tail feather and willow, swishy. Perfect for charms." Lily picked up the wand and waved it. The room filled with red and gold fireworks.

They paid for the wands, and Mr. Ollivander walked them to the door. "Remember what I said," he lectured Lily, "do not stray from the path. Use your powers for good. This will not help only you, but another more powerful wizard."

"Do you know anything about me?" Amanda asked eagerly.

"Your future is yet a mystery. Remain loyal to your friends, that is all I can tell you. Heed my words." The man turned and walked away.

"That was kind of weird," Amanda said. "Why wouldn't I be loyal to my friends. Right, Lily?"

Lily, deep in thought, didn't bother to answer.

****

"So, Reg, have you found anyone to prank yet?" James asked.

"Not yet, I've been making friends," Regina said carelessly.

"Look, Ginny, you've got to get on this," Sirius insisted. "You can make friends later. Right now, do this, okay?"

"Why do I have to? I told you, I'm trying to make friends!" Regina said.

"What's your problem?" Sirius asked rudely.

"You're my problem," Regina said. "You two act like your all important, and I'm your little servant. I'm sick of it. Find people to piss off yourself!"

James looked unimpressed. "Like you can make friends yourself."

"I can and I will."

"Fine, we don't want or need you. But watch out, the people you pick to might friends with just might be the people we prank," James threatened.

"Doesn't worry me," Regina said. She turned and walked away.

*****

After a while, James and Sirius finished getting their supplies. They had noticed Regina with a lot of different people, but mostly one specific guy. Sirius was very indignant when James pointed this out. He cursed James, and James cursed him back. Soon they were running up and down the alley, hexing each other.

James was dodging a fire breath curse thrown by Sirius, and swerved out of its path. He ran into a person. A very greasy person.

"Potter," the person growled.

James looked up quickly. "Snape," he spat. Severus Snape had been Sirius and James enemy for many years. It had all started when James made a remark about shampoo. About how it really does work. And that maybe some people should try it. And Snape had taken offense to that. They had been enemies every since.

Sirius quickly joined James. "Hello, Snape. Did you pay your way into Hogwarts this year?"

"No, some of us got in on pure talent. Their rich parents didn't get them in," Snape shot back.

"Yeah," James agreed. "People like Sirius and I are a minority."

Snape rolled his eyes, unable to find a suitable comeback. "I suppose you are hoping to be in Gryffindor, surrounded by Mud bloods?"

"It really beats learning the Dark Arts," Sirius replied.

"It's a shame you'll have to miss out," Snape said dryly. " I don't suppose Regina has half a brain and wants to be in Slytherin."

Sirius completely forgot he was supposed to be mad at Regina. "All right," he said. "I've had it. Prissy Sapio!"

Snape blinked and looked down. He was wearing a skirt. And he had nice legs. And-

"Black," Snape bellowed, his voice surprisingly high, "you turned me into a girl!"

But James and Sirius had already turned and were running. Snape tried to desperately to catch up with them, but turned his ankle on the high heels he was wearing.

James and Sirius were still running, while looking back at Snape. Not looking where they were running, they ran straight into another object. The object was knocked flat, and the boys landed on top of it.

James groaned. "This hasn't been a good day."

"Sorry to hear it," a voice, decidedly female, replied. "Now, would you mind getting up?" James and Sirius stood up. They looked down at two girls sprawled on the pavement.

The first girl James noticed was pretty, in a head cheerleader way. She had long, curly blonde hair, and clear blue eyes. The other girl was a cute red head, with big green eyes.

"Sorry 'bout that," Sirius said, ever charming. He helped both girls up. "We weren't really looking where we were going."

"Obviously," said the blonde, dusting herself off.

"Don't be so rude, 'Manda," the other girl said. "Hey, guys. My name is Lily Evans, and that is Amanda Parker."

"Sirius Black," said Sirius, "and that, is my best bud, James Potter. Sorry to run into you like that."

"It's all right," Amanda said. "Nice to run into you."

"Hey, do you guys want a sucker?" James asked. Sirius realized what James was doing, but it was too late.

"Sure," Lily said.

James smiled as he handed the girls the bright red suckers. They smiled and thanked him. The suckers were in their mouths for only a few seconds before they started screaming.

"James Potter!" Amanda shouted. "What on earth did you do?" She stuck out her tongue. On it was a hole, about the size of a quarter.

James and Sirius smirked. "It's just an Acid Pop," Sirius explained. "As soon as you finish the sucker, your tongue will go back to normal."

"Devil child!" Amanda cursed. "Do you do this to every girl you meet on the street?"

Lily just frowned, looking torn between wanting to cry and wanting to smack James. This made James feel kind of bad. "Come on, Amanda," Lily said dejectedly. "Let's go."

Lily turned and left peacefully, but Amanda kept looking back and giving James the evil eye.

Sirius watched them go, then turned towards James. "Why'd you do that?"

James shrugged. "Sirius, it was just a prank."

"We were supposed to find evil people like Snape to prank, not people like them. They're gonna hate us now. I know it doesn't matter to you now, but it will. Mark my words."

"You have to admit, it was pretty funny, watching Amanda scream," James said.

Sirius grinned. "Yeah, it was. Let's go home. Ginny can catch up with us later."

*****

"I can't believe what that kid did!" Amanda said angrily.

"Maybe he's not always like that," Lily said sensibly.

"Yeah, well today he was an arse! He better watch it at Hogwarts!" Amanda blazed.

"Let's go get our books now," Lily said, trying to change the subject.

They entered the book shop and bought all the books on their list. Seeing all the books inspired Amanda. She had been wondering what to get Lily for her birthday. She had an idea. Revenge.

"Lils, you know how your birthday is next week?" Amanda asked cheerfully.

"Nope. I forgot the most important day of my life," said Lily sarcastically.

"Well, I'm going to get your present now. I'll even give it to you today," Amanda said graciously.

Lily smiled. "Really? Thank you so much!"

"Yeah, I know, it's sweet of me. But you have to leave. Shoo. Go buy an ice cream."

Lily left the store and headed over to an ice cream place she had spotted earlier. There was a bit of a line. Sighing, she took her place at the end.

She noticed two people in front of her, talking and laughing. They looked to be about her age, or at least the back of their heads did. The boy had light brown hair. The other person, a girl, had long, dark hair.

Lily wasn't really listening to them until she heard the boy say, "Are you feeling better about James yet?"

"Excuse me," Lily said. The two children turned around. "I couldn't help hearing you, but are you talking about James Potter?" Lily was addressing the boy.

"Yeah, why?" the boy asked.

"That person gave me a sucker that burnt a hole through my tongue!"

"Oh, he did? He must have found someone to prank without me. Sorry 'bout that." The girl spoke for the first time. Lily looked at the girl and gasped. She looked exactly like James, except more feminine. She had his dark blue eyes, the same facial features, everything. She was completely gorgeous.

The girl noticed Lily's startled expression. "We do look a lot alike, don't we? I'm Regina Potter. James's twin sister, unfortunately. And that is Remus Lupin. Nice to meet you-"

"Lily Evans." Remus and Regina had reached the front of the line. They quickly ordered and turned back around.

"Sorry about James, Lils, can I call you Lils? He wanted to find someone to prank," Regina said.

"Yeah, call me whatever you want. And it's okay, it didn't bother me. But what'd he do to you?"

"He was being bossy while I was making friends. And being annoying," Regina said.

It was Lily's turn to order. She got a Mocha Almond Fudge with Chocolate Frogs. The order was quickly filled, and Regina asked Lily if she wanted to sit with them. They sat at a patio table with an umbrella on it. They spent a few minutes talking and eating ice cream. Lily and Regina really got along. Lily was glad to have met them.

"Oiy, Lily!" Lily looked up to see Amanda waving.

"Amanda, come here! I have people I want you to meet!" Lily called back.

Amanda came over and sat down in the empty seat across from Remus.

"Amanda, this is Regina Potter and Remus-"

"Potter? As in related to James Potter?" Amanda interrupted.

"Yep, we're twins in fact," Regina said cheerfully.

"Did you hear what he did to us?" Amanda asked, slightly panic-stricken. She obviously thought Regina was just like James.

"Yeah, dreadfully sorry 'bout that. Typical James," Regina said apologetically.

Amanda seemed to decided that Regina was okay. Not like her brother. Not about to burn a whole through her tongue. "So you want your present now, Lil?"

"Present?" Regina echoed.

"My birthday's next week," Lily explained.

"Oh, I have to get you something!" Regina said.

"Why?" Lily asked. "You've known me less than thirty minutes. You don't need to get me anything."

"No, but I want to," Regina said. Lily shook her head disbelievingly as Amanda handed her a bag. "Go on, Lily, open it."

Lily carefully opened the bag. Inside was a book. Lily picked it up. The book was titled 1000 and 1 Ways To Get Revenge (Legal Version).

Lily started laughing uncontrollably. "Legal version?"

"I thought the illegal version would be hard to come by," Amanda said seriously.

"Are you using this on James?" Remus asked.

"That's why I bought the book," said Amanda.

Regina snapped her fingers. "I know what to get you! C'mon you guys, follow me!" She stood from the table. Lily, Amanda, and Remus quickly followed.

"I am taking you to the best store in Diagon Alley," lectured Regina, "with the exception of Madame Malkin's store." Regina turned sharply into a store made out of, what appeared to be, blue bricks. Once they had entered the building, Regina turned to face the other three. "Behold, Zonko's." Zonko's, as Regina explained, was the top joke factory in all of the UK. It had invented Biting Teacups and the Whoopee Cushion. As Regina explained this, she browsed through the store. Suddenly she stopped. "Here it is!"

"What is it, Reg?" Remus asked.

"It is The Beginner Prankers Kit to Ultimate Mayhem," Regina said. "Dungbombs, Wet Start Fireworks, it has everything." Regina strolled up to the cashier, and purchased the item. Regina turned and handed it to Lily. "Happy birthday, Lils!"

"Thanks, Regina."

"Call me Reg, or Gina. And your welcome."

Remus glanced at his watch. "Uh oh, I was supposed to Floo home an hour ago. See you guys at Hogwarts." He gave Regina a friendly hug good-bye, and waved to every one else. Then he left.

"So have you guys got your school robes yet?" Regina asked Amanda and Lily.

Lily shook her head.

"Great!" said Regina. "Neither have I. We'll go to Madame Malkin's. She has the best robes!"

They headed back down the street, passing stores. "Do one of you have your letter?" asked Regina.

Amanda grabbed hers out of a nearby pocket. Regina turned to the supply list. It said:

Uniform, first years will require
1. Three sets of plain work robes
2. One pointed hat for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak

"I knew it!" Regina said. "We can wear whatever color robes we want!"

"What do you mean?" asked Amanda, snatching the letter.

"It doesn't specify a color. We could buy lime green robes, and they couldn't do anything about it!" Lily said, catching on.

"They won't care?" Amanda asked.

"They will. They'll change the rules," Regina said.

"So why do it?" said Amanda.

"To prove we can," Regina replied. "The store is right here." She turned into a semi-large red bricked building.

"First years?" a tall, pretty woman called out to them. She had a vague Brooklyn accent.

"Hey, Malea," Regina said.

"Regina? Hey, honey. You three getting your robes?"

"Yeah, all three of us," Regina replied. She obviously knew Madame Malkin.

"All right. Linake, Nadia, you two grab one of the girls, I'll measure Regina," Malea instructed. All three girls were placed on stools, where they would be measured.

"So, doll, didja figure out the loophole in the dress code yet?" Malea asked. "I've been waiting years for someone to find it."

"Yeah, I did. What colors should I get?" Regina asked.

"Blue, definitely, to match your eyes. And silver," Linake said.

"Sapphire blue," Nadia agreed. She waved her wand and two clothes appeared, one deep blue, one silver. Nadia tossed them to Malea.

"Now the redhead-"

"Lily," Regina interceded.

"Lily needs a green like her eyes. And I'm thinking a pearly white for the other two robes. You're each getting three, right?" Linake, who was fitting Lily, decided.

"Three, yeah," Amanda said, speaking for the first time.

"You, honey, are a goldish yellow, it sets off your tan. And a light pink," Nadia said.

The girls were quickly finished, and they paid for their robes. Regina suggested they get owls before going home, and the other two agreed.

At the pet store, they browsed in the owl section. After a few minutes, Amanda decided on a white owl with purple eyes. Regina got a black owl with green eyes, and Lily's was tawny with blue eyes.

"So what are you naming yours?" Amanda asked, as they waited in line at the register.

"Mine is Samwise," Regina said immediately.

"From Lord Of The Rings? Why did you pick that name?" asked Amanda.

"Because he's my least favorite character," Regina said, not bothering to explain further.

"Well, then, I'll just name my Frodo," Lily decided.

"And mine's name will be Merry," said Amanda.

"Okay, whatever floats your boat," said Regina.

After that, Lily realized it was time for her to meet her mother.

"Bye, you guys," Regina said. "See you at the train to Hogwarts. Owl me, okay?"

"Sure, Gina, bye!" Lily called over her shoulder as she and Amanda left the Alley.

****

"That was a great day," Sirius said happily.

"Yeah. And we found our prank victims," James added.

"Lily and that Amanda chick? They won't take that to well," Sirius predicted.

"Then we can have a prank war."

"Yeah, okay."

"So, do you think Reg is still mad?" asked James, with a touch of concern.

"Knowing Reg, probably not until we beg her forgiveness. Shouldn't you know that? Having lived with her your entire life?" Sirius said.

"I refuse to beg her forgiveness," James said. "She can hang out with that boy forever for all I care."

"Yeah, I agree," said Sirius, lying through his teeth. It was obvious that he wanted to apologize to Regina.

James, being thickheaded, walked over to the fridge. He pulled it open. "Yum, cake!" he said as he pulled it out. James set the cake on the kitchen counter where he and Sirius were sitting. "Want some?"

Sirius nodded. James grabbed two spoons out of a nearby drawer. The two boys started pigging out.

The cake was half gone and the boys were still going strong when Katherine walked into the kitchen.

Now Katherine was looking particularly charming today. Her hair was up in a complicated bun. She was wearing her best satin dress robes. She looked charming and elegant.

But when Katherine walked into the kitchen, she saw a sight no hostess ever wants to see.

"James Potter! That cake was meant for dinner tonight. You and Sirius demolished it. We're having guests and no desert!"

James and Sirius looked at each other guiltily. So that was why the frosting was so pretty!

"Don't you two have anything to say for yourselves?"

Sirius smiled sheepishly. "What's for dinner?"

James cowered, expecting his mother to explode. But she did something even more unthinkable.

Katherine collapsed onto the floor, laughing. "Sirius, you are too cute!"

"I think Mum's lost it," James whispered.

"You mean you don't think I'm cute?" Sirius asked, mock-insulted.

"You two, walk down to the bakery and buy a cake. A nice cake. We're having Dumbledore over for dinner," Katherine said.

Sirius asked, "Dumbledore himself?"

"Yeah. Sirius, you can stay for dinner. You should meet the headmaster early. You two will be spending a lot of time in his office, I predict," Katherine said.

*****

When Lily got home, she was not in the best of moods. True, she had made two new friends. But her tongue was still aching from the Acid Pop. And when she was showing her owl to her mother, it pooped on her hand.

To take her mind off of things, Lily decided to look through her prank items. Dungbombs, types of trick candies, frog spawn soap, and other crazy stuff. A small piece of parchment caught her eye. She picked it up carefully, expecting the worst. Lily read the paper.

It was the ingredients to a truth potion. Lily had everything she needed. All she had to do was put the potion in an unsuspecting person's drink. That person would truthfully answer every question asked to them. Lily grinned evilly.