Dance With Me?
It was the night of the Christmas Ball. Lily Evans was sitting in her dorm room, feeling dejected. For the past three weeks, she had tried to get James Potter to ask her to be his date to the dance. And yesterday, she found out the reason that James had been ignoring her obvious hints: During her rounds, she caught James and a sixth- year Hufflepuff kissing passionately in a broom closet. She knew that James was bound to move on sooner or later. She had just assumed that it would be before she fell for him. Suddenly, Alice, Marlene, and Dorcas all came bursting into her room. They told her that she had to get ready because the dance was starting in an hour. She told them that she didn't have a dress and that she wasn't going. They responded, telling her that she WAS going to that dance. Dorcas ran down to the common room and returned a moment later with a pristine white garment bag. Inside that garment bag was the most beautiful dress that Lily had ever seen. It was floor- length, strapless, and dark green. The girls quickly forced Lily to take a shower. When she was done, they used drying and straightening charms in her hair. When her hair was its usual curly, it only went down to the middle of her back. But when her hair was straightened, it fell to her waist. They applied make-up that would enhance her bright green eyes. For the rest of her face, they kept it natural. Then they carefully helped her into the dress, being watchful as to not smudge her make- up. When she was finally ready, the other girls scampered off to get themselves ready. When they were all dresses and ready, they headed down to the Great Hall. Lily had made it just in time to open the dance floor with the Head Boy, James Potter. They took to the floor and began to dance. Slowly, other couples began to join them on the dance floor. James's girlfriend tapped on Lily's shoulder, asking if she could cut in. Lily said that she could. The couple began to dance. Lily couldn't bear to see them dancing like that. She ran out of the Great Hall, tears streaming down her face. James saw this and, after excusing himself from his partner, ran after Lily. He found her sitting on the castle steps. He walked up to her and asked her what was wrong. She replied, saying that she couldn't bear to see him and his girlfriend together. He was very confused. James asked her about what girlfriend. She spoke through a fresh wave of tears, saying that the girl he was dancing with was his girlfriend. He replied saying that she wasn't his girlfriend, just one of his friends. She challenged him, asking why they were kissing in that broom closet. He replied with a laugh in his voice, saying that he was miserable that Lily hadn't said yes to go to Hogsmeade with him and that she was just a rebound. She looked at him and saw the truth clear in his eyes. Then, with a courage possessed not within her body, she leaned forward and kissed him. It took him a few seconds to respond, but when he did, it was amazing. When she finally pulled away, she saw something new in his eyes. It was victory. James and Lily walked back into the dance holding hands. A slow song began to play. James said, "Dance with me, Lily?" She immediately replied yes. They walked out to the middle of the dance floor and began to dance. They didn't know this but, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Alice, Marlene, and Dorcas were all watching them from the shadows. Alice, Marlene, and Dorcas turned to the boys with huge smiles on their faces. "I believe that you boys owe us 5 Galleons." The boys groaned and reluctantly handed over the money. The girls took the money and walked away, leaving the boys to wallow in their misery of losing a bet.
(An image of Lily's dress is available on my profile)