The Potter and the Malfoy

The Other Potter

The first thing Lily Potter noticed about King's Cross Station was how loud it was.

The second thing she noticed was that her brother was already annoying her.

"You're going to be late," Harry said, glancing at the clock.

Lily rolled her eyes. "We've been standing here for ten minutes."

"Exactly."

"You've said exactly three words to me in the last five minutes."

Harry gave her a look. "I'm nervous."

Lily's expression softened.

Harry Potter didn't get nervous often. At least, he didn't admit to it.

"It's your fourth year," she said. "You've done this before."

"Yeah, but you're coming this time."

"And that's supposed to make you nervous?"

"Maybe."

Lily smiled.

For the first time, she was actually going to Hogwarts.

She had spent an entire year wondering what the castle was like. She had heard Harry's stories about moving staircases, ghosts, professors, Quidditch matches, and the Great Hall.

But hearing about Hogwarts wasn't the same as seeing it.

And today, she finally would.

Lily adjusted the strap of her bag and looked toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten.

"So that's it?"

Harry nodded.

"Just walk through?"

"Just walk through."

Lily stared at the barrier.

"That seems suspiciously easy."

Harry laughed.

"Come on."

They pushed their trolley forward.

Lily took a breath.

Then she ran.

For one terrifying second, all she could see was the solid wall.

Then-

She stepped through.

A scarlet steam engine waited on the other side.

Hogwarts Express.

Lily's eyes widened.

"Whoa."

Harry smiled.

"Welcome to Hogwarts."

---

Finding a compartment wasn't difficult.

Finding one that was empty was another story.

Harry eventually found one with Ron and Hermione, and Lily followed behind, carrying her trunk.

Ron looked up.

"Is that Lily?"

Lily raised an eyebrow.

"Last time I checked."

Ron grinned. "You're taller."

"I've grown."

Hermione smiled warmly. "It's nice to finally meet you properly."

"We've met before," Lily reminded her.