Lily Evans and the Marauder's Secrets

Chapter 1: Head Boy

Author's Note: HUGE acknowledgements to everyone who helped get this story to where it is! To my alphas Tyler and Marin for being the best cheerleaders and idea people; my wise wise betas and writing community Jess, Katiebeth, Holly, Emily, and Aubrey who literally keep me going; JK Rowling for the Wizarding World; and fellow fanfic writer BC Daily who doesn't know it but whose fic Commentarius inspired this one.

I want to note that my intention with this fic is to write a story that feels like it could have been the precursor to the HP books and have therefore done extensive research to make sure this fic doesn't directly contradict book canon. That said, though I keep as close to canon as possible, I do take some liberties here and there to fill plot holes/questions with what made sense based on my research & knowledge. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!

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I always hear the capital letters of "Head Girl" when Mum says it. Really, she's more thrilled I'm Head Girl than I am. And unlike me, she thinks Dumbledore has made the right choice.

"Write us often, Head Girl," she says now.

I kiss her on the cheek. "Don't I always?"

Dad laughs. "I think only every day would be often enough for your mother."

Mum looks offended. "Lily's my baby! And such a big year she has in front of her! Those NEWT tests and Head Girl duties... oh, I'm so proud of you, sweetie!"

"I know Mum," I grumble, but really, I'm grateful for her belief and pride in me. Goodness knows my inferiority complex can use all the bolstering it can get, even if it is from my mother. "And I'll try to write more this year, though I may be too busy to get a letter home every day."

"You do what you have to do, kiddo." Dad ruffles my hair and pecks me on the cheek. "Just keep that busyness confined to school stuff. I don't need any more boys in our family right now!" I grin at him. Neither of us are fond of Petunia's boyfriend Vernon who, unfortunately, seems more and more like he might become a permanent fixture in our family.

But the mood dips at the subtle reminder of Petunia. She isn't here, obviously; she's refused to come send me off for the last two years. Today the excuse is an outing with Vernon and his sister, and I told Mum not to worry about it. If Petunia doesn't want to be here, I'm not going to force her. I'm not going to further highlight how me being magic is what divided our family in the first place.

"I'll try and keep my distance, Dad. Fight off all those suitors who have been hounding me." I let the sarcasm bleed into my words. I went on like two dates last year. Once Potter stopped mock-asking me out all the time after fifth year, my date invitations have been pretty low on the ground.

"Well, don't scare them all away, Lils," Mum says. "I wouldn't mind you bringing round a nice bloke to balance us out. I know your friends think highly of that James Potter... maybe this'll be your year?" Mum's eyes twinkle mischievously. She's heard plenty about Potter. Merlin, I can't stand him.

"Mum!" I roll my eyes. "I'm going to take that as my cue to leave. I want to beat the prefects to the train anyway."

Thankfully, neither of my parents continues the boy issue.

"We love you Lils!" Mum says, and Dad bear-hugs me.

"See you at Christmas!" I blow them a last kiss and head for the train door, pushing my trolley loaded with my trunk and my brand-new barn owl Barnaby, a Head Girl congratulatory present from Mum and Dad.

The train sits scarlet and alive on the tracks, billowing thick white smoke across the platform, obscuring my fellow Hogwarts peers. I get flashes of lives around me as I walk: a first-year girl already in her robes and begging her parents to write her, the hiss of a cat protesting being shoved in a basket, the raucous laughter of a recently reunited gaggle of Hufflepuff fourth years.