March 25th, 1972

Tuney,

I can tell you anything, I know. But that doesn't mean I want to hurt your feelings when I do or make you upset. I will admit, the castle is cool. It's rather confusing though, have I mentioned that the staircases move? Every time I think I have them figured out, them move again and it can be rather frustrating. Luckily, I haven't been late to class because the staircase moved and blocked my way. But I am afraid it might happen in the future. I'll cross my fingers that it won't. And I am honored! But Tuney, I know you'd do anything for me. Just like I'd do anything for you. Alice doesn't have a sister and I feel bad for her. She doesn't know what she's missing out on!

Fine, I'll drop it. But just because this bloke didn't like you doesn't mean another one won't! It'll happen and you'll forget all about me, away at school and all, when you get a boyfriend and get busy with that. Black and Potter… The more I learn about them, the less I like them as well. It really irritates me that they can be so rude and mean and people think they're funny. I know it doesn't have to be me that puts them in their place, but I might be the only one who cares enough to do so. We'll see.

Love,

Lily

April 7th, 1972

Lily,

You haven't mentioned the moving staircases, that sounds incredibly unnecessary. Why on earth would anyone need staircases to move? I don't understand that. If I had magic, I wouldn't waste my time enchanting staircases, I don't think. I also hope you never are late to class because of that. It doesn't seem like it would be very fair to be late because the school itself is stopping you. Maybe they have some sort of spell in place to prevent that from happening, when it's class involved. I also feel bad for Alice. Maybe you can be her honorary sister at school, so she knows what it feels like. Because I agree, she's missing out on a lot.

I'd never forget about you. But I think getting a boyfriend would be rather difficult, where you're concerned. What on earth would I tell him about you? Especially if we ever got serious? Am I even allowed to tell people, like the man I end up marrying? Well, where the two idiots are concerned, just be careful. Stopping them from teasing other people doesn't really matter much if they just start teasing you instead. Be careful.

Love,

Tuney

April 20th, 1972

Tuney,

I'm not sure why there are moving staircases. Someone, at some point thought it was a good idea, I suppose. It probably took some serious magic, for the charm to still sustain itself on its own. So I guess that's kind of cool, if you think about it. And maybe that's true. I think it's more likely the school is testing us to make sure we can figure out how to get to class no matter what. But we'll find out, if I ever get stuck on the wrong end of a staircase. I like to think all four of us are each other's honorary sisters in our room here. We get along so well. Some other people have issues with the people in their rooms, but we haven't had any so far. I'm really excited. But maybe it helps that we share a room at home, I'm used to being with other people.

I don't know if you can tell someone about me. I guess if you were getting married, he'd be part of the family and we're allowed to tell family. So maybe once you're married, he can find out about me. Luckily, it will probably be a little while before we have to worry about marriage. Can you imagine, being married? I think it's rather gross. Boys are gross. Tuney, if I managed to get Potter and Black to stop teasing even one kid, it'd be worth it. It really would. I can handle them, some people can't.

Love,

Lils

May 2nd, 1972

Lily,

Yeah, I guess that's impressive. I still don't get it though. And that might be more likely. A test of the wits of the students, of sorts? And that sounds really nice, Lily. It's good to have friends that you can count on. It's also good you're still getting along well. It probably did help, giving you experience with living with other people. Some people never have shared a room before they go off to school, so you were ahead of the curve there. Do you ever get tired of always being with the same people though? It sounds like you live with these girls and attend classes together. I suppose you do homework and hang out together outside of class. That's a lot of time to spend with the same people. Do you have other friends?

Yes, we won't have to worry about marriage any time soon. Don't worry about that. And you should still think boys are gross, don't stop thinking that! And I know you can handle it. It doesn't mean you have to though. I just don't want you to get hurt trying to protect others.

Love,

Tuney

May 13th, 1972

Tuney,

No, I don't really get tired of my friends. We do spend quite a bit of time together though. I have some friends in other houses, like Sev. I don't have any other friends in Slytherin. But there are some very nice people in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Sometimes we do homework after dinner together, or hang out on the weekends. It's a good time. I think I'm going to miss them all terribly when we leave for the summer. I am sad to leave them, but I'm excited to come home and see you! Christmas was ages ago, it feels like. I'll be home the second week of June. You'll be at the station to pick me up, right? I can't wait to see you. It'll be amazing.

Don't worry, I'm not ready to start thinking about dating like some of my friends are. They're obsessed with boys and I think it's silly. And I'm not going to get hurt, you worry too much for your own good, Tuney. I promise, I can take care of people and myself.

Love,

Lily

May 28th, 1972

Lily,

Well, that's good that you're branching out. Still friends with Snape, I see. You hadn't written about him in a while, I was wondering if something had happened between you two. He didn't do anything mean, did he? I know you're going to be sad, but you've spent the whole school year with them! Now it's our turn to have you back, it's going to be so fun. I promise, we can do everything we used to. A new flower shop opened up down the street, I think you'd like going there. We can go as soon as you come home, if you'd like. Of course I'll be at the station. I think it'll just be me and Mum though, Dad has to work that day. But he'll be home for supper. I've missed you so much.

Being obsessed with boys is silly. They're just like girls except a lot denser at most things. And I think I worry just the right amount for both of us, because you apparently never worry at all. Just be careful.

Love,

Tuney

The people were bustling around the station, people in strange robes walking past Petunia and her mother. They stood there, two pillars of otherness amidst the culture neither one of them was a part of. The train approached the station, steam billowing behind it. Petunia arched onto her tiptoes as students started pouring out of the doors along the train, watching for the flash of bright red that would lead her to Lily.

It took a few moments of searching, but then Petunia saw her. She was chattering excitedly to a few girls around her, face bright with amusement and Petunia smiled reflexively. You couldn't help it, with Lily. She just had that effect on people.

"Lily!" she called, waving her hand in the air. Lily's face turned upwards to catch Petunia's eye and she grinned, saying a quick word to her friends before she bounded over to Petunia. Their arms were around each other in a heartbeat, Petunia clutching her tighter than she had hugged anyone in a long while. She took a deep breath in and caught a scent of Lily's strawberry shampoo. She closed her eyes and smiled into Lily's hair, only letting go when Lily moved to take a step back.