Lily Evans had just walked through the barrier of 9 and 3/4 and was walking towards the train when she heard her name she turned and saw one of her best friends Alexis running towards her.
"Hey Lily." Alexis said, Lily looked at her friend and smiled. She had shoulder length blonde hair that was a mixture of waves and curls so it always looked wild, she was shorter than average but very thin despite her large appetite (which is probably because she plays school Quidditch, etc.), she also had freckles that covered her body.
"Hey Alexis." Lily hugged Alexis and looked at her friend choice of fashion which was a coffee brown knit long sleeved Henley with studded snap placket. Ribbed banded bottom and cuffs with seam across the back; a black plaid woven blazer with ribbed knit insets on sides, sleeves and collar; a red and black checkered knit skirt with adjustable buckles at the sides. Pleating at the front and back. Fully lined with peek-a-boo lace hem; black knit printed over the knee socks with solid reinforced band at the top; black leather lace up boot with suede insets on the front; and a rust colored canvas satchel with two front pockets and two side snap pockets. "Since when do you wear that style? And why is your hair that short? Usually it's to your hips."
"Since my mom dropped me off at the entrance of the train station and I changed in the bathroom. And as for my hair my mom made me chop it off to my chin at the beginning of summer." she replied. Lily nodded and walked to the train with Alexis to find a compartment when they saw their friend Jasmine hanging out by herself, so they entered and greeted their friend. Some time later the compartment door opened to reveal James Potter.
"What do you want Potter?" Lily asked knowing what was going to happen. James looked at her and then looked at Alexis.
"I want Alexis." He said causing all the girls to look at him astonished. "What? It's for Quidditch. Oh and Lils, Diggory was looking for you cause he wants to discuss head stuff with you." Lily and Alexis got up and bid Jasmine fair well, for now. An hour later all the girls were back in the compartment changed in their uniforms and talking about how awesome their seventh year was going to be. As the train pulled into Hogsmeade and the girls climbed off the train they saw the first years being gathered and smiled as they remembered what it was like. Suddenly Alexis was grabbed from behind and picked up into the air causing her to squeal and look at her captor. Sirius was looking at her with a glint in his eye as he put her on his shoulders.
"Why did I only find out now that your birthday is tomorrow?" He asked as Jasmine and Lily looked on with amusement.
"Because you never asked." she replied. "Now if you don't mind I would like to be put down." Sirius lifted her off his shoulders and started to put her on the ground when he decided to do something different. He threw her a little bit in the air and caught her so she was being held in a bridal style position. Alexis's eyes were wide as he walked off with her in his arms leaving James, Lily, and Jasmine staring after them in wonderment.
"Does he have a crush on her?" Lily asked.
"I don't think so." James replied. "I mean he's always acted like that around her." They followed their friends to the carriages where they headed up to the school.
**
Several months later a couple weeks before Christmas break everyone was sitting at breakfast when the owls started swooping in delivering mail. A black owl dropped a black letter in front of Alexis, who stared at it with fear. Sirius noticed and grabbed the letter, Alexis tried to get it back but she gave up when he had started reading it.
"Jeez Sirius why don't you let her read her mail first?" Jasmine said as Sirius's face fell, he looked up from the letter at Alexis, who just held out her hand for the letter and he gave it to her. She read the letter and when she was done she took out her wand looked over at the Slytherin table and burn the letter letting it drop to the floor as she ran out of the great hall.
"Wait, what just happened?" Jasmine asked.
"Her parents are Deatheaters and want her to marry Malfoy even though he is already engaged. Supposedly he's trying to get out of it."
"Wait, her parents are Deatheaters?" James said.
"Yeah, she's tried to run away but her parents always hunt her down and bring her back and she's beaten a lot as well." Lily said quietly. Sirius got up and ran in the same direction as Alexis as the others looked on.
**
The next day in the girls dorms it was quiet and peaceful, that is until...
"ALEXIS! Get your bloody arse up. NOW!" Alexis, who had been sleeping peacefully until now, nearly jumped out of her skin, only to find Jasmine standing next to her. Yawning, she stretched like a cat once out of her bed, before grabbing some clothes and hurried into the bathroom.
"She's going to hold a grudge against you," Lily commented from the floor. "You know she hates to be yelled in the ear, especially by you, Jasmine."
"Whatever," Jasmine said, fishing out her attire for the day. Lily sighed. Why was she always the first one ready? Now, all she could do was wait for the slower two. This time, Jasmine was, surprisingly, faster than the blonde. As always, she had completed her look with the usual side ponytail and light makeup. Today, she was clad in a pink halter-top and a jean skirt that went to mid-thigh, and flip-flops adorned her feet. The shower turned off, and 5 minutes later, Alexis came out of the bathroom with wet hair. She was, unlike her preppy fashioned friend, wearing a knit tank with draping chains on the neckline and embroidered on the sleeves with cut out racer back and longer hem at the back, a woven blue plaid jacket with ruffled collar and front and patch pockets with button placket on the cuffs and with pleat on the back and button tab closure on the front, stretch knit leggings with sheer lace insets, distressed leather boot with cinched front and seamed details, floral lace gloves with scalloped edges, and topped off with a two tone fabric and metal chain link braided together to make a headband that was mostly hidden by her now, waist length, wet curls. The other two were starting to leave when...
"Wait a sec! I still have to dry my hair!" Alexis yelled after them. Sighing, Lily turned and whipped her wand out. She muttered siccarit and Alexis' hair was back to its normal wild curly state again. Now late for breakfast, the three girls hurried downstairs, hoping to at least get some toast.
---
"Hm... I wonder if Snivellus is too heavy for Wingardium Leviosa!" Sirius joked, causing Peter to laugh. The other two rolled their eyes. James Potter, being 'more mature', didn't stop them insulting the Slytherin, but he made no move to help them in their little joke. And Remus, the ever-nice one, was reading yet another book, and paid no attention to their future prank. The more childish two left the other two, making their way to where a certain Slytherin was. "Wingardium Leviosa," Sirius muttered, being the one who could actually do the spell, pointing his wand at the unsuspecting teen. Nothing happened.
"Well, we'll just have to go back to our normal one," Sirius sighed. He was about to wave his wand.
"Black! Stop right where you are! How many times do I have to tell you this! It's a sign of not respecting your peers," A female voice yelled at him. Lily and her two friends came towards him, cursing him and accusing him of what he was about to do.
"Sorry Lilyflower!" He called jokingly, grinning cheekily.
"Shut up! Detention this Friday!" With that, the three girls left. But not before Sirius had winked at Alexis, causing her to stick her tongue out at him.
"And another one to add to the list!" Sirius sighed exasperatedly. Peter looked at him weirdly, but decided that it yet another one of his strange antics. The two of them made their way back to the rest of the Marauders and sat down.
"What did you do this time?" Remus asked, looking at them expectantly.
"Nothing!" Sirius held his hands up in an innocent way. When Remus continued to stare at him, he sighed, "Fine! I was about to do what I usually do, but Lilyflower came and stopped me."
"For Merlin's sake Sirius! You really have to stop that! Grow up, Padfoot!" James cut in, leaving the others to stare at him.
"Uh... Prongs? Are you ok?" Peter squeaked. Yes, even Peter knew this was not James' usual behavior.
"Yeah, Prongsy. Are you ok?"
"I'm fine!"
---
"Oh my god! Lily!" Jasmine rushed upstairs, calling her best friend.
"What?!" Lily asked as Jasmine came into the room.
"There's a ball next Sunday!"
"Oh, you realized when?" Alexis came in.
"Uh... Just now..." Jasmine said sheepishly. Alexis and Lily shook their heads at their friend's slowness.
"Hogsmeade trip this Saturday, so we can go buy our dresses!" Jasmine squealed.
"I'm not going," Alexis stated, sitting down on Lily's bed, along with Jasmine.
"You are!" The Head Girl protested. Alexis glared but was defeated, they would make her come anyway.
---
"Hurry up, Alexis! Merlin, what's taking her so long?" Jasmine grumbled. Just as the other people, namely Lily and Alice Longbottom, who had decided to go with them, were leaving, Alexis came rushing down the stairs, landing with a bump. "Thank you, Alexis! Now can we go?" Jasmine was impatient to get to Hogsmeade, an excuse to spend god-knows how much money.
"Yeah, sure." The group of four left the Common Room, and made their way to the Great Hall, before leaving the castle for Hogsmeade. As soon as they arrived, Jasmine jumped out of the carriage, eager to do some shopping for the upcoming party. Alice soon followed with Lily, and Alexis trailed behind, the least eager to shop. The four made their way to Madame Tilley's Dresses For All Occasions. A short queue outside the shop showed that many people were waiting to be fitted.
"What are we going to do? There's so many people, and we're going to be wasting time just waiting," sighed Alice, noticing the many girls outside the shop.
"Let's go to the Three Broomsticks, then go to Belle's," Lily decided, "Then we can go to Tilley's."
---
Two hours later, Lily and the others made their way back to Tilley's, to find that at least no one was standing outside, waiting to find a dress. As they entered, four girls came up to them.
"Hello, I'm Marie, that's Cecile, that's Belle, and that's Giselle," The tallest introduced them, "You are looking fur dresses for ze ball next Saturday, are you not?" She said with a light French accent.
"Yes," Jasmine said.
"We shall help you get your dresses ready," Belle said. Unlike the others, she had brownish hair, and was significantly shorter. Just then, an older woman came from the back room.
"Vell, oo are zis people? Come for dresses? Zen you ave come to ze best place!" The jolly woman said. "Let's start viz you," She said, pointing at Jasmine. "Vat is your name, darling?"
"Jasmine."
"Such a lovely name!" Madame Tilley leading Jasmine away, leaving with Giselle and Cecile. That left Marie and Belle with the other three girls.
---
The sun was still high in the sky when the four girls left the shop, saying goodbye to the five French.
"I just love my dress!" Alice squealed, along with Jasmine. Lily rolled her eyes at the two, whilst Alexis stayed quiet. To be honest, she quite liked her dress, but wouldn't admit. Whilst the others were fussing over their costumes, Alexis had stayed mute, listening to them.
**
To say that the Great Hall was magnificent was an understatement. As students came in, they were struck with awe and excitement at the amount of effort put in for it. The theme of the ball was Midsummer's Night, with roses and other 'romantic' flowers hung up in wreaths around the large room. Round tables, seating two to six people, were lined up against three sides, whilst a long table for the staff faced the entrance. Soft music played in the background, the band conducted by a tall and willowy woman. So far, no one was dancing. Everyone milled around, greeting each other. Suddenly, a loud voice boomed throughout,
"May we have the Heads dance the first dance," Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, as the pretty redhead, and a taller brown-haired male made their way to the middle of the room. Everyone retreated backwards, so that all could see. A dance struck up.
"You look wonderful, Lily," Her partner said in a husky voice. What he said was true. Her sleeveless, even strapless, dress turned from a light grass green shade, to a dark forest green. Somewhere in between, around her waistline, an emerald green band outlined her curvaceous shape. A pair of high-heeled strapped sandals adorned her feet, whilst dangling emeralds hung from her ears. The redhead started to feel a bit uncomfortable, with all attention on her, and her pervy dance partner. She smiled slightly.
"Thank you, Di- Amos," Lily corrected herself, though she caught the slight frown that instantly disappeared. Soon, most of the people gathered were dancing. That was most.
---
James Potter looked at the dancing Heads with disappointment in his hazel orbs. And then he saw Lily smile up at Diggory. But he could tell it was small and forced. Amos Diggory was a bit like James himself. Handsome and knew it, using it to his advantage. He was, in basic words, a player. The only one who could beat Diggory at playing with girls, was probably Sirius. But, everyone loves Sirius. Those whom Amos had broken the hearts of hated him now, even more than they had disliked Sirius when the dog had cheated them on.
"Hey Prongsy," A breathless voice came from the stag's right. Grinning next to him, Sirius sat down in between James and Remus.
"Hello," James replied in a depressed sort of way.
"Prongsy, Prongsy, Prongsy..." Sirius said, shaking his head a little
"Don't 'Prongsy' me, Padfoot."
"Prongsy, Pro- Anyway. The dance has ended. Jasmine was the most amazing dancer. Oh Merlin. You shoul-" Sirius realized that his friend had disappeared. "Ok. Fine. Don't listen to little poor Padfoot. I'll go fi- Oh. Hi Jasmine."
"Hey Sirius," Jasmine sighed, sitting in the seat that was previously occupied by James. "Lily sure didn't enjoy dancing with Diggory. Oh look... I wonder why Alexis is dancing with Malfoy." Sirius's eyes scanned the room and saw Alexis struggling against Malfoy's grip and if you weren't looking close enough you'd think they were dancing.
"It doesn't look like she's enjoying it." Sirius said under his breath causing Jasmine to look at him and see him glare at where she knew Alexis and Malfoy were and sighed looking at the table. Sirius took his eyes off the dancing and looked at the table as well. A few minutes passed in silence between them. And finally Sirius got up claiming he wanted something to drink leaving Jasmine alone at the table with Remus who was glancing at her occasionally.
"BOO!"
"AH!" Jasmine screamed, but relieved herself when she realized it was only her blonde friend, Alexis. The blonde wore a thick-strapped dress that ended at knee-length. The top half was more like a strappy corset, going inwards at the waist. This was light blue, whilst below the well-defined waistline that was a royal blue. A pair of blue flat sandals on her feet, and a pair of diamond-shaped sapphire stud showed on her earlobes. Jasmine could be described as the most girlish of the three. Her dark pink, nearly purple, dress was, like Lily's, strapless. But as well as that, it was barebacked, showing her toned skin. On her feet were also a pair of strapped high-heeled sandals, identical to Lily's apart from the fact that these were even higher, making the original 5'4" girl look 5'9".
"Hey, Jas," Alexis sat down next to Jasmine, downing a glass of Fire whiskey.
"Uh... Alex, how many have you drank?" Jasmine asked worriedly, eyeing the liquid carefully.
"Just the two," Alexis replied off-handedly. "Don't worry, Jas, you and I both know that I can contain my alcohol."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just look after yourself. I'm going to go dance." Jasmine waved goodbye to her friend and pulled Remus after her, on to the dance floor. Alexis rolled her eyes, and proceeded to grab another Fire whiskey.
"Nuh uh, Alex. You've had enough already," Lily's voice came from behind, holding down Alexis' hand. Grinning, Alexis patted the seat next to her.
"So how did your dance go?" She laughed lightly. Lily's face scrunched up in disgust.
"Urgh... It was horrible. How the hell did someone like that end up Head Boy! I had to stop myself before I called him Diggory. But of course, being the Head Girl, I have to be 'nice' to him. Ew..."
"How did he end up HB? Because he's got good marks, like James, Sirius and Remus."
"Uh, I would actually rather have Sirius as Head Boy as him," Lily said it with so much disgust, that you could've mistaken him for James. Alexis grinned evilly.
"Ah, but would you rather have James as Head Boy?"
"Who wouldn't?" Lily scoffed.
"Really!" Alexis raised an eyebrow, laughter shining in her eyes. They shot to the other side of the hall, where the said boy was. Not alone though. Alexis smile dropped a bit.
---
"So, James, have you given up on Evans?" A sickening sweet smile played on the brunette's face. He smiled half-heartedly down at her, his arms wrapping around her waist.
"Maybe," He said after a pause. The smile disappeared. James hurriedly continued, "I'm not sure yet."
"But, you've been chasing after her for 6 years. And she's said no every time. Aren't you going to give up?"
Not in a million years, He thought. "I'm still not quite sure," He replied cautiously. His hazel orbs travelled downwards. He groaned inwardly. If only this was Lily, it would've been perfect.
"But, James," She moaned. "I think you should move on."
"Stop it, Jessica. I'm just not sure!" He was getting irritated. Evans was the reason why he was here, but he didn't want to actually talk about Evans. He wanted her, craving her since he first laid eyes on her. The song ended. James left.
---
Alexis frowned. 'Why on earth was he dancing with the year's slut?' When she turned to face Lily, she noticed that the redhead's face had grown solemn and....sad. Interesting. Very interesting. And then, Lily left as well, also out of the Great Hall.
**
The cold winter's air hit James as he stepped onto the balcony. Dancing with Jessica Cunningham had definitely not worked. His mind went back to the reason as to why he had decided to do just that, probably to try and get a certain redhead jealous. He was hurt, seeing Lily dancing in the arms of another male, even if it was forced. And especially since it was his 'other nemesis'. Soft footsteps broke him out of his thoughts. The door opened, revealing Lily. She went to lean against the railing, staring into the distance as if in thought. Right now, James thought to himself, she looks so beautiful. Her body of red and green blended in with the setting sun, yet contrasted against it. A light breeze toyed with her auburn hair, the curling strands around her face. Anyone would want to claim her, right this second. But (luckily, James though), no one was here. There was still that small single chance of gaining her. Slowly, the hazel-eyed boy mad his way, silently towards her.
"Hello, Lily," He whispered, his lips barely touching her ears; he went to lean against the railing next to her. She jumped, just that tiny bit, but he caught it, smirking inwardly. Eyebrows furrowing, she tensed, her eyes remaining on the setting sun in the distance. But still she mad no sound. James sighed in frustration, large hands running through his hair. "I'm sorry," He tried again.
"Why?" Her delicate voice questioned.
"For being an arrogant prick, for asking you out, too many times, for pulling all those pranks, for loving you," His voice softened on the last statement. The redhead tensed even more, causing her eyes became harder. It was as if she was trying to block everything and anything out, and to not admit anything. "I should've realized earlier that you really did hate me." He turned to leave.
"James," She called softly. He faced her now, listening with a questioningly look to urge her on. She took a deep breath and continued, "I never actually hated you. Hate is a very strong word. Even to describe you. Too strong perhaps." She stopped for a second.
"Yes," He agreed.
"Yes, I was a little annoyed and angry with you at times. But over the past year, you really have grown up more. Mature even. Diggory shouldn't have been made Head Boy," She said, the last sentence more to herself than anyone. But with his sharp ears, James heard.
"I agree." It should've been you, Lily thought to herself, as a few minutes of surprisingly comfortable silence passed between them.
"Dance with me." It was more of an order than a question. It had been so easy to say a straight 'no' to James before. So what was stopping her to say 'no' this time?
**
"Hey! Where's Lils gone" Jasmine asked Alexis, noticing that Lily had disappeared. Alexis shrugged, not knowing the answer herself.
"She just disappeared."
"And so has James," Jasmine grinned deviously. Alexis shook her head,
"Don't even think about it, Jas. You of all people should know by now that Lils hate Potter. I mean, come on! We've been best friends with her for the past seven years!"
This time, it was Jasmine who shook her head. "Alex! That's exactly it. You should know that it's just a mask for her true feelings." Finally catching on, Alexis grinned as well.
"You don't think tha-"
"Yes." Alexis had a look of shock, before grinning like her brunette friend.
"What are you two grinning like that for?" Remus' voice came from behind them. Jasmine jumped slightly, but relaxed when she noticed it was only the kind Marauder.
"Noth- Oh fine," She sighed, when the Marauder gave her a look that clearly said 'I don't believe you!' She whispered in his ear about what she and Alexis were thinking.
"You don't seriously think that, do you?" Remus shook his head in disbelief. Alexis and Jasmine both nodded furiously. "Merlin, you two! The things you come up these days."
"I'm being serious!"
"No, darling. I'm Sirius," the said boy's voice came from behind them. The three rolled their eyes, before greeting the 'Casanova of Hogwarts.
"That's so old, Sirius."
"Really?! It's only 18 years," Sirius joked, wrapping an arm around the brunette. Alexis shot a look of disgust, before turning away. Jasmine noticed and moved out of his arms and on to the other side of Remus. Sirius watched her then his eyes fell on Alexis and he noticed she wasn't looking at him. He went to her side and leaned his arm on her shoulder like she was an armrest.
"So what have you two lovely ladies been talking about, whilst I was gone?" He asked, being the 'lovely gentleman' he was. Alexis looked at Sirius's arm and then at Sirius, who was looking back at her.
"Nothi-"Jasmine started, but Alexis quickly interrupted by whispering in his ear, "Lily likes James." He gasped, feigning a look of shock. Alexis punched his gut playfully.
"So you're saying that she, all along, didn't like me?! Oh Merlin!"
Whilst all that fun had been going on, the two that were mentioned danced silently and in unison with each other. The rock music that played inside (the soft music had been changed halfway through the party) had been blocked out from their mind. No music played, yet they found a rhythm that fitted both. When then stopped, Lily felt breathless. 'What am I doing here? Why am I still here? This is James Potter that I just danced with. JAMES POTTER. Why did it feel so... perfect?' These questions ran through her head.
"Lily, I will ask one last time. I won't ask anymore. Will you be my girlfriend?" Her heart stopped. His heart stopped when she gave her one-worded answer.
"Yes." He smiled and pulled her into a kiss.
**
Sirius looked at Alexis and offered his hand for her to dance and she accepted. Once they were on the dance floor they looked in each other's eyes.
"So are you going home tomorrow or are you staying here?"
"I'm going home... I have too." She said sadly.
"One day we'll find a way to get you out of there." he said causing Alexis to smile.
"Your sweet."
"I try." he said cockily.
"And you ruined the moment."
"Oops." Alexis rolled her eyes as Sirius smiled at her tightening his grip on her waist pulling her closer.