Chapter Text
Lily was pleased to find Angelina and Alicia easy to talk to; they told her stories of their own sorting ceremonies and first year nerves. After awhile of unpacking, Lily was ready to crash. She was exhausted from the traveling, but Becca, of course, had other plans.
"Time to mingle!" She called as Lily folded and put away her last pair of pants.
Lily groaned, "Can't it wait until tomorrow?"
Becca ignored her, grabbing Lily's arm and pulling her out of the room. The common room was surprisingly lively given the late hour. The excitement of being back at Hogwarts clearly outweighing any exhaustion.
A low whistle climbed over the sound of chatter and a voice called, "Aye, Becca!"
Becca smiled wide and snapped her head toward the voice, "Hey, boys!" Lily followed her eyeline to find the speaker. She landed on the trio of boys she saw from the train window, all of which lounged on the chairs near the fire.
"New friend?" One of the twins asked.
Becca grabbed Lily, "Boys, this is Lily. Lily, this is Fred, George, and Lee," she pointed as she named them. Lily held up her hand in an awkward wave.
The twin on the left, Fred, winked, "Charmed."
The other twin bowed his head with a smirk, and the third boy, Lee, crossed his arms, "Miss American, aye?"
Lily gave a tight smile, "I was born in London, actually."
Fred gave a short laugh, "American accent, American girl."
"Ignore them," Becca chimed in, "They're assholes to everyone."
All three of the boys fiend mortal offense, clutching their chests. Lily smiled as she watched Becca roll her eyes. "Be nice to her, I want to keep her," Becca said.
Lily chuckled, "Keep me? Like a pet?"
Becca opened her mouth to reply, but Lee cut her off, "Good luck with that one, mate," he said playfully, gesturing to Becca, "you may have just signed your death sentence." Becca stuck her tongue out at him, letting the insult roll off her back.
Lily laughed at the exchange, "I think I can handle her, but thanks for the concern." As Becca went on to banter with the trio, Lily's attention drifted across the room. Near the bookshelf on the other side of the common room, a messy haired boy with round glasses and a scar upon his forehead was talking animately to his friends.
"That's Harry," Fred said at her shoulder, following her eye-line. She jumped, startled, not having realized he moved. "You know, Harry Potter? The boy who lived and all that. Just a normal kid, really."
Lily smiled politely back at Fred, but she didn't answer. She was running through her mind on whether or not to introduce herself. Part of her wanted to talk to him, form some type of connection. But he didn't know her, not really. And she didn't remember him, not clearly. She was longing for family in an unfamiliar place, and Harry felt like a small thread tying her to her mother.
She shook her head, deciding to worry about it a different night. When she turned back toward the group, Fred was still next to her, watching her. Becca, George, and Lee were now joined by Angelina, lost in a conversation about this years Quidditch tryouts.
"Well then, Miss America," Fred said, grinning, "what do you think of Hogwarts so far?"
"It's alright," she shrugs, "Different from Ilvermorny."
"Better different or worse different?"
"Juries still out," Lily said with a smile.
Fred grinned wider, clearly amused, "Give the defense some time to prepare an argument before you get the verdict."
Lily laughed softly, "Alright, I'll withhold my judgement for now."
"Don't worry, one week with us and you'll definitely have a strong opinion on this place. Though, whether good or bad..." he winked at her as he trailed off.
Just then, Becca came over, tawny curls bouncing with each step, "Fred, are you being nice?"
Fred held his hands up in mock surrender, "I'm always nice."
Becca rolled her eyes and turned towards Lily. "Mhm, sure you are," she called over her shoulder. Fred chuckled under his breath as he walked back to the boys and fell into his own chair.
Lily let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head at the banter. Becca plopped down on the couch, pulling Lily down with her and nudging her gently. "Ignore him. He's harmless... mostly."
"Mostly?" Lily raised an eyebrow, glancing toward where Fred had settled, still smirking.
"Yeah, just don't get caught up in one of their pranks. Although, it's nearly impossible."
"I'll try my best," she said through a yawn, letting herself sink into the couch.
Becca gasped dramatically, and Lily jumped at the sudden sound. "I can't believe I haven't asked—what's your class schedule?"
Lily dug into her pocket and pulled out the neatly folded parchment she'd received from Professor McGonagall after the feast. "Here," she said, handing it over. Becca took it eagerly, scanning the sheet.
"We have Charms together! Oh, and Transfiguration!" Becca continued scanning the sheet. "Looks like you have Potions with Fred. Hard to say if he'll be a good partner—he's wickedly good at it when he isn't trying to intentionally blow the potion up."
Lily raised an eyebrow, "Yeah... maybe I'll just find a different partner."
Both girls laughed, the sound lighter than any other in the room.
Lily tried to stifle another yawn but failed, her exhaustion finally winning the battle, "Well, I think I'm going to turn in for the night."
Becca stood, "Yeah, I suppose I will come with you. I'm absolutely knackered!" Her cheerful voice not matching her words.
The girls stumbled through sleepy goodnights before heading to their dormitory. Lily changed quickly and slid under the covers, both excited to sleep and nervous for the following day. "Thank you, Becca," she said, glancing to the bed nearest her.
"Whatever for?" Becca asked, but both girls knew what Lily meant.
"For being my first friend here."
"First and best! Goodnight, Lily."
"Goodnight, Becca."