13

Chapter 13

The Patronus

Lily's POV

The feast was fantastic as always. Harry seemed to be feeling a little better. Ron and Hermione had brought him back sweets and treats. I brought him back a butterbeer.

"Save it for when you need to cheer up. This always makes me feel better."

He smiled a bit and gave me a one armed hug. As we approached the common room, there was a large crowd.

"Probably Neville's forgotten the password again." Ron said.

"Hey!"

I smirked because Neville was standing right behind him. I heard Percy Weasley shouting and continually reminding people he was head boy. I really wanted to hit him with a book.

"No one is to enter this common room until it has been fully searched." Percy said.

Ginny Weasley came down to us.

"The Fat Lady! She's gone!"

I couldn't see anything.

"Harry, Ron, give me a boost."

They picked me up and my eyes widened. Someone had slashed the portrait with a knife. They put me down and I told them what I saw.

"Serves her right, she was a terrible singer."

I smacked him upside the head.

Draco's POV

Slytherin house was told to report to the great hall. I had no idea what was going on. Lily found me and I ran to her.

"It's Sirius Black, he's in the castle." She said.

My eyes widened and I hugged her. I knew Black was looking for her brother.

"Lily!"

I growled and Potter dragged her away.

Lily's POV

"I thought I told you to stay away from him."

I narrowed my eyes.

"You can't tell me what to do, Harry. He's my boyfriend."

"And Snape allows that?"

"Allows what?"

My eyes widened and I slowly turned.

"When were you going to tell me this?"

I sighed and looked down.

"Well, there's no need to discuss this tonight. Come with me, you're staying in my office."

I nodded but Harry held me back.

"She can stay here. I'm her brother."

"And I am her father! Don't question me, Mr. Potter." Dad snapped.

"James Potter is her father."

"Just stop! Both of you." I said.

I went back to Draco and he put his arms around me.

"Lily, please come with me." Came dad's voice.

I stepped back and nodded. Dad looked right at Draco.

"If you ever hurt my daughter, I'll make you wish you were never born."

Draco's face paled.

"Yes, sir." He said.

Dad nodded and then took me down to his office.

"Now, no one will be able to get in here except for me."

"Is Sirius Black after me too?" I asked.

He sighed and looked at me.

"Possibly. But he won't touch you, I promise."

"But why is he after Harry and I?"

There was pained look in his eyes.

"I think, maybe it's time you knew the truth. Lily, Black is the one who betrayed your mother and father."

"You are my real father."

"As I was saying, he was the one who practically led the dark lord to them. He's the reason they're dead."

I didn't know what to say.

"I'm just gonna go to bed." I said.

He slowly nodded. Tears welled in my eyes and I hugged him. I would never know my mother or James because of that murderer. Dad held me close and tried to keep me calm.

"I know it hurts. But you needed to know. I'd rather you heard it from me."

I nodded and then looked at him.

"But I still have you. And Black would stand no chance against a wizard as powerful as you."

He smiled and stroked my hair.

"And you always will. I promise you that. Now get some sleep, you'll be perfectly safe in here."

I hugged him again.

"I love you daddy."

"And I you. And remember, your mother loved you very much and she always will. And the same goes for James."

I knew that my dad didn't like James Potter, I just didn't know why.

"Tomorrow morning I'm going to teach you a spell. The Patronus charm."

I nodded and he conjured a sleeping bag before leaving the room. I heard something breathing and drew my wand.

"Who's there? Come out!"

Nothing happened.

"If that's you Black then come out! I'm not afraid of you!"

A large black dog came out. I smirked and lowered my wand.

"Sorry. Today has just not been my day."

I sat down and the dog came up next to me. I smiled and he pushed his head into my hands. I pet him and then sighed.

"Life must be so much easier as an animal. Maybe I should just make myself an Animagus."

I stopped petting him and slowly smiled.

"You know, I think I will. I'd be unregistered but hey, I'd like to have a little fun. It could come in handy too."

The dog wagged his tail and I smile.

"You think I should do it too? I'm going to, and I'll start tomorrow."

I got into the sleeping bag and the dog laid his head on my stomach.

"Well, goodnight."

I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Dad brought me an empty classroom the next morning.

"Now, this is very advanced magic, but I know you can do it. You need a happy memory. Focus on it and speak the incantation, Expecto Patronum."

I nodded and took a deep breath. It was hard, but on my fifth try I managed to create something.

"Excellent! Keep going." Dad said.

I held it for as long as I could. When I couldn't hold it any longer, I put my hands on my knees.

"Excellent, Lily!"

I smiled.

"That's enough for today. You did very well and I'm extremely proud of you."

I nodded and stood up straight.

"With practice, your patronus will be able to take on a from. Like so,"

He cast the spell and a silvery doe danced around me. It made me smile and laugh. When it disappeared I looked at dad.

"I'll keep practicing."

"Don't push yourself too hard."

I hugged him.

"I won't. I love you dad."

He told me he loved me and then I left.

Now, time to work on the Animagus.