AN: Thank you to all who have taken the time to read and review. I have enjoyed reading the reviews and they give me the encouragement I need to continue. Safe to say that this one is a bit on the long side (understatement of the year, I think this is the longest chapter I have ever written). Read and Review!
Disc.: The characters were created by someone else, for the most part... sort of...
Christmas Surprises
Lily walked alone down the corridor, not so much aimlessly, but still without purpose. She smiled, trying to make herself feel better about things but at the moment, she couldn't help but be slightly jealous. If it wasn't for her, they'd not be together, and while she was happy that they were happy, it didn't end her jealousy. She didn't like being jealous of her two best friends, but she did worry. She had just left the two of them laughing and carrying on in the Great Hall.
It was the day before Christmas Holiday, and despite being caught up on almost all of her work, Lily found herself heading to the library. As odd as it sounded, she needed the quiet. She was trying to get caught up with the holiday spirit, but she had begun to feel like a third wheel around them, around everyone. She really was happy that they were so happy. She even could look past the fact that Kate never shut up about Shale when they were apart.
Lily entered the library and found a small table by the window. She tucked herself in the chair closes to the wall and opened the thick book. She rested her arms on the table, head in her hands as she read slowly the words. She hated that she was a little jealous, but she hated it more that it seemed like she was being casted aside, even if only slightly. She sighed and looked up to see Scorpius walk into the library, looking very much like he was hiding from someone as well. He saw her just as she went to hide behind her book.
"Are you still embarrassed about kissing me?" Scorpius asked. Lily looked up at him, her face a mix of embarrassment and resentment.
"It was an accident," she hissed at him. She looked away, focusing on her book. She groaned aloud as he took the seat across from her.
"Lily, it happened weeks ago," Scorpius laughed. Lily looked at him slightly annoyed. "It was cute, but totally nothing, you know? You should move on. You've been acting weird around me since."
"I didn't kiss you on purpose," she defended. "And I've not been acting weird around you."
"Yes, you have," Scorpius said grinning at her. "And it's really cute, really, but I am almost three years older than you. You understand why it wouldn't be a good idea, right?"
"I don't have and ideas about you, and I'm not asking anything of you," Lily laughed. "I can't tell you enough, it was an accident. I meant to kiss your cheek. You turned your head. End of story."
"End of story?" Scorpius challenged. Lily forced herself to grin.
"Yes, end of story," Lily said. She smirked at him and focused on her book. "Plus, you're not my type."
"You're eleven years old. How do you even have a type," Scorpius challenged. She laughed, looking up at him.
"I have a type," Lily said. Heat rose to her cheeks slightly, which did not go ignored by Scorpius. He grinned.
"You're blushing," Scorpius told her. She laughed and ducked behind her book.
"I am not," Lily lied from behind her book. Scorpius pulled the book away from her. She looked at him. "Yes?"
"So, what is your type, then, Lily?" Scorpius asked.
"I'm not telling you!" Lily exclaimed.
"Why not?" Scorpius asked.
"I don't know. Maybe because you're a guy," Lily said emphatically. She frowned at him.
"Yeah, but I'm also your friend," Scorpius said holding her book from her. She laughed.
"What's going on here?" James asked standoffishly. Lily looked at him, seeing Scorpius lay her book down on the table before her.
"Just a friendly chat between two Slytherins," Scorpius smirked as he stood. He knocked on the table with his fist, drawing Lily's attention from her brother back to him. "I'll catch you later in the common room and we can continue to chat."
"Ok," Lily said nodding. He smiled at her and she smiled reactively. Scorpius walked away and James took his seat across from her, scowling. "Don't give me that look, James."
"I don't like the rumors I've been hearing," James said.
"Rumors are just rumors," Lily commented looking back at her brother.
"These rumors have you in Scorpius' bed, kissing him," James said crossing his arms. Lily felt her face go bright red. "So they're true then?"
"It's not what you think," Lily said as her face practically burst into flames.
"You're a little girl, Lily, he's a guy," James said concerned. "Look, houses aside, boys our age don't want good things from girls what so ever. Our thoughts and actions are not things I want you to get mixed up in."
"And what thoughts and actions would those be?" Lily asked looking at him. She was genuinely curious. It was James' turn to blush.
"I don't know, really, if I should be the one having this conversation with you," James said shaking his head.
"You're blushing bright red," Lily teased.
"You should ask Mum or Dad about it," James mumbled as he stood, eager to put some serious distance between himself and this sudden line of questioning. "See you on the train tomorrow."
"Oh, and James, it's really sweet that you're so protective, but I think I can handle myself," Lily laughed, waving at her brother. She was curious, what exactly James was talking about, and decided she would ask her parents over winter break.
Lily remained in the library, thankful it was considerably warmer than the Slytherin common room. She tried reading her book, but couldn't focus. She rested her chin on her hand and stared off into space. She let her mind wander over randomness and found herself reliving the events of that night in her head. Her face was on fire from it, she realized and she coughed, nearly choking on the idea. She really had a major crush on Scorpius, more than she thought. She wanted to kiss him again.
"I have to talk to someone!" Lily exclaimed loudly, getting her a dirty look from Madame Pince. Lily didn't care and hurried out of the library in search of someone to talk to. She first thought of Kate and Shale, but knew that neither would have the experience she was looking for. Lily's mind reeled dismissing this or that person for various reasons, and then it hit her, literally. She ran straight into Rose, knocking them both into a suit of huffy armor.
"Where's the fire, Lily?" Rose asked as she pulled herself up off the ground.
"Can I talk to you, woman to woman?" Lily begged with her hands gripped in front of her tightly. Rose looked at her and nodded at once, the two headed into the girls' third floor bathroom
"What's wrong?" Rose asked.
"You have to promise, no swear not to tell anyone, not even James," Lily said. Rose looked at her uncomfortably.
"Lily, James and I tell each other everything," Rose said slowly. "He and I are best friends."
"Please, Rose, I don't know who else to talk to," Lily said.
"Does this have to do with that rumor about you and Scorpius?" Rose asked. Lily turned bright red.
"Please, can I have your word?" Lily begged. Rose hesitated, look at the small girl wringing her hands. Rose sighed and nodded.
"Of course, Lily," Rose said. Rose sat back as Lily talked for ten minutes straight barely breathing between sentences. She was gesturing while she talked, her expression running the gamut of emotions as she replayed everything in detail, adding her thoughts and feelings. Lily took a shaky breath at the end and Rose looked at her. "Merlin, Lily."
"I know," Lily said as she crossed her arms.
"I mean, I understand, I do," Rose said quietly. "Scorpius is good looking and popular, no doubt, but the ages alone are enough to make one worry."
"I know," Lily said defeated.
"And James didn't clarify anything with his whole guys are out for one thing spiel?" Rose asked carefully. Lily shook her head.
"No. He told me to ask talk to Mum and Dad about it," Lily said. Rose nodded slightly.
"Maybe we should sit down, this could take a while," Rose said. Lily nodded. The two opted to sit on the floor under the large windows, facing the door so that no one could sneak up on them talking. "You do know about that whole becoming a woman thing with the cycle starting and what not?"
"Yeah, Dad had to tell me about that," Lily said with her face suddenly on fire. Rose laughed.
"That had to be an interesting experience. I started when it was Dad and I home and I swear I thought he was going to die. He said he'd be back to get help. I thought he'd bring a healer or call Mum or something," Rose said grinning. "I was your age, eleven."
"I know," Lily said glancing at the floor. "Uncle Ron came to get Dad."
"No!" Rose exclaimed, her own cheeks turning pink.
"Yeah, he was all freaking out trying to get Dad to come over there to deal with you," Lily said. "Dad gave him the supplies and sent him back to you. I thought you knew."
"No!" Rose said covering her face for a minute. "How embarrassing!"
"Yeah, well, I was sitting right there and I started asking questions, and my dad explained that part of life for me. At least originally you had Aunt Hermione to explain it to you, even if Uncle Ron was the one who had to rescue you."
"Um, true," Rose said. The two sat there silently for a moment before bursting into embarrassed laughter. The both couldn't but imagine the look of the look of Ron Weasley with his face bright red with embarrassment and discomfort.
"So, you were going to explain things?" Lily prodded gently.
"Yeah," Rose said taking a deep breath. She proceeded to explain the whole 'birds and bees' conversation, adding warning of not practicing safe sex. Lily was quiet, taking it all in, without saying a word. Rose gave her the most straight forward, uncensored information including information that Lily hoped to have never heard in her life.
"Wow," Lily said after Rose stopped talking. She looked a little green.
"Yeah, it's a lot of information," Rose agreed.
"I… I don't think I will ever want to do that," Lily said rather uncertainly. Rose grinned.
"I don't know, with the right guy it might be good," Rose said. Lily looked at her.
"Um, have you?" Lily asked. Rose blushed but shook her head.
"I want to be a bit older, you know," Rose said. "I want it to be with the right guy."
"I still don't think I will ever want to," Lily said. Rose patted her shoulder.
"Well, now you know what guys are usually after," Rose said. "So, stay out of Scorpius' bed and definitely don't go around kissing him."
"Do the feeling ever go away?" Lily asked.
"The feelings of wanting to kiss him? Yeah, sometimes," Rose said. Lily hesitated.
"When I become a woman, can I come to you if I have any questions?" Lily asked. Rose hugged her.
"You're my little cousin, of course you can come to me," Rose said hugging her. "And trust me, cousin; I'll keep your secrets."
"Thank you Rose," Lily said hugging her tighter.
"What's family for?" Rose asked.
"And you'll not tease me, will you?" Lily asked.
"About being in love with Scorpius? Not a chance," Rose said. She grinned as they parted. "At least not in front of anyone but us."
"Thanks Rose," Lily said. The girls stood to leave the bathroom. "Hey Rose?"
"Yeah?" Rose asked.
"When did you get your breasts?" Lily asked hesitantly. Rose looked down to the front of her shirt.
"When I was about your age," Rose said. "Don't worry. You'll get breasts and a period before you know it and you'll rue the day."
"Rue the day?" Lily asked confused.
"Trust me, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when it happens to you," Rose laughed gently. "I have to go get some things ready for the Christmas Holiday, but I'll see you on the train."
Lily sat at the table, eating breakfast with her brothers and for the first time since she had left for school it felt like the good old days. James was actually grinning at her, taking enormous bites of his cereal, chewing it up and showing it Albus and Lily. Both of them would start laughing until one of their parents looked over at them, then the three of them were straight faced as if nothing was happening. The minute Harry or Ginny would look away; they'd start in on it again.
"Look, the post," Ginny said absentmindedly as she threw open the window. She continued to look half asleep and sip her coffee. A large barn owl soared in, dropping the random letter in the bin before flying out. Ginny growled some foul word and fished them out of the rubbish.
"I've tried moving it, the owl still insists on dropping it in there," Harry said gently as Ginny thrust the letters into his hand and went back to sipping her coffee. Harry flipped through, ready to close the window Ginny left open when a magnificent golden eagle soared it lazily and landed before Lily. Hesitantly, nervously, she took the letter attached to his leg.
"Ooh, Lily's got a love letter," Albus teased. Lily rolled her eyes and looked at the handwriting. She wasn't familiar with it, the elegant loops and swirls of the letters. She opened it slowly, wishing that her family wasn't staring at her. She glanced at the ornate silver parchment, written upon in emerald green ink.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"We've been invited to the Slytherin Christmas Ball," Lily said hesitantly. She looked up at her parents. "All of us. The parents and siblings of Lily Potter are hereby invited to 191st annual Slytherin Christmas Ball for all Slytherins and Alumni."
"Wow, I didn't know they had a ball," Ginny said looking at Harry for confirmation. Harry shrugged.
"Where's it being held, honey," Harry asked looking at Lily. Lily read it over and felt her face flush slightly.
"Malfoy Manor," Lily choked out.
"I'm not going," James said shaking his head. "Not a chance."
"If James' not going, I'm not going," Albus piped up. Lily kicked him under the table and turned to her parents.
"Please Mum. Please Dad," Lily begged, her hands gripped in front of her. "I'm a Slytherin and this is so important to me."
"I don't know, Lily," Ginny said. "I mean these will be Death Eaters and…"
"Not every Slytherin is a Death Eater!" Lily said jumping up angrily. "Just like every Gryffindor wasn't a hero! Peter Pettigrew was a Gryffindor and he served up Grandmother Lily and Grandfather James to Lord Voldemort himself."
"Lily, you will not talk to us that way," Ginny snapped at her youngest child.
"But it's true!" Lily cried. "If every Slytherin is bad and should be hated and feared; then I'm bad, I should be hated. I should be feared!"
"Lily, I never said… Lily! Come back here!" Ginny called as Lily ran upstairs, her bare feet falling silently on the stairs. Lily jerked opened her bedroom door and slammed it loudly, throwing herself across her bed. She felt the tears betray her as she thought about it. The more she thought about it, the more the tears came until her pillow was damp.
"Lily?" Harry asked quietly as he entered the room. Lily didn't move or indicate that she knew he was there, just continued to let the tears silently stream down her face. She was going to be the only Slytherin that didn't attend the ball, not with parental support. Harry sat on the bed, resting his hand on Lily's back. "Look, your mother didn't mean for it to come out like that way. You have to forgive her for that. Your mother can't help that she lost her brother and hasn't really gotten over it, just like I lost my parents. It's hard to let go of the past."
"She hates me," Lily sobbed.
"Your mother doesn't hate you," Harry said.
"She hates that I am a Slytherin," Lily cried.
"I admit, it was a shock to have you sorted into Slytherin, but its' where you belong," Harry told his daughter. "Powerful witches and wizards can sprout from any house, just like dark witches and wizards. I know you will always make the right decision, Lily. Of all my children, I worry about you the most… and yet, I worry about you the least."
"I really want to go to this ball," Lily said sniffling as her father sat her up and hugged her. "Even if I have to go alone, I just don't want to be the only Slytherin that doesn't go."
"I can guarantee that you are not going to go anywhere alone, not at eleven years old. Let me talk to your mom and see what we can come up with," Harry said.
"Thank you, Daddy," Lily said as her father released her.
"You're welcome, pumpkin," Harry said as he left her side and her room.
It was to no surprise to Lily to find herself and her mother standing in a dress shop later that week. She knew her father would fight tooth and nail to make her happy, and he had succeeded in convince Ginny into agreeing to at least make an appearance at the ball. The shop owner knew immediately what the two would need for the ball and immediately went to work finding Ginny a simple gold ball gown with maroon-ish red accents. Ginny was thrilled with the way it looked, as well as supporting her Gryffindor heritage. Once Ginny was settled, the shop keeper looked at Lily, sizing her up.
"You, my dear, a dress has already been put on hold for you," the shop keeper said simply. Lily looked at her mother confused, but Ginny didn't have any answers and instead shrugged at her.
"We didn't put any dress on hold," Ginny explained. The shop keeper nodded, but said nothing more as she disappeared into the back. Ginny continued to sit as the shop keeper came out, carrying a large bag.
"It is a one of a kind dress," the shopkeeper told them as she unzipped the bag. Ginny and Lily both gasped at the magnificent dress the shop keeper procured from the bag. It was emerald green, floor length, with tiny silver buttons along the back. It had silver trimmings and looked elegant.
"It's beautiful," Ginny said with her voice full of awe.
"Yes, it is," the shopkeeper said proudly. "Sterling silver buttons, you don't see that kind of attention to detail."
"We… we can't afford a dress like that," Ginny said. Lily looked at her almost pleading, but knew her mother was right. A dress like that couldn't be affordable by any standards. Lily felt her heart and stomach battle between wanting the dress and knowing that she couldn't have it.
"It's already been paid for," the shopkeeper said simply as she pulled out a pair of matching dressing slippers.
"What? By who?" Ginny asked in disbelief.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Potter, but I have strict rules about confidentiality and my cliental," the shopkeeper said. She smiled at Lily. "Let's get you into this dress and see if we need to do anything. The client seemed certain that nothing would need to be done."
Lily took the dress and headed into the dressing room, removing her clothes until she stood there in just her knickers. She frowned at her boyish figure as she pulled the dress on, carefully. The shop keeper helped Lily button the tiny little buttons. Lily was a bit embarrassed and shy about having her back exposed until the buttons were secure. She stepped out in to the mirror circle so that her mother could see.
"Oh, Lily," Ginny said. "You look so pretty."
"I have to say, it's a perfect fit," the shop keep said nodded. "I was hesitant when I saw how light you were in the top, but the dress cut wouldn't work with much more."
"She'll grow," Ginny defended quickly. Lily frowned.
"Of course she will," the shopkeeper said as she saw Lily's frown. "Petite is beautiful, though, so hopefully you won't grow too quickly. Oh, to be nine again."
"I'm eleven! Almost eleven and a half," Lily said. The shopkeeper looked at her and quickly hid her surprise.
"Oh, honey you will grow," the shopkeeper said quickly. "Some of the most beautiful flowers take longer to bloom." Lily laughed, thinking about the fact that her name was a flower name and how she was being compared to a flower that had yet to bloom. "Well, everything is set. The dresses will be delivered in a few days time, just before the Slytherin Ball."
"I wonder who would have gifted you such a lovely dress," Ginny murmured as the two sat in the Leaky Cauldron after leaving the shop. Ginny watched as heat crept up Lily's neck and cheeks but she hid behind her butter beer.
"Dunno," Lily said. She felt herself get warmer; the thought of only one person who could have done it came to mind. She pushed him from her mind, refusing to think about it. Scorpius had been clear, they were only friends.
Christmas morning, the morning of the ball, came without warning, to Lily who had first thought the day would never come, then that it was coming too quickly. Lily bound down the stairs shortly before dawn, banging on her brothers' doors as she sped past them into the living room of their home. She flipped the switch on the coffee maker, knowing the smell would drive her mother from bed. Lily squealed with delight, the mounds of packages surround the trees. She mentally went over it, first presents with the family, and then Rose and Hugo would come over for breakfast. The seven of them would go to Grandma Weasley's for midday meal. James and Albus would stay with Grandma Weasley while Lily and her parents came home to ready for the Slytherin Ball.
"Merlin, Lily, the sun is not even up," James complained as he rubbed his eyes, descending the stairs sleepily.
"The sun is never up, it seems, and anyways, it' Christmas! Happy Christmas, James," Lily said as she threw her arms around her brother, nearly knocking him down. He grabbed the table to steady himself and laughed as Albus bumbled down after him.
"Happy Christmas, Lily," James laughed. "Now, let go."
"A'right," Lily sighed, letting him go. She hesitated and jumped on Albus, hugging him until he started coughing.
"Happy Christmas, Lily," Albus gasped. "Merlin, you're going to kill me."
"Lily, let go of your brother," Ginny mumbled as she stumbled down the stairs. "Coffee! My children for some coffee!"
"Mum, you can't trade us for coffee," the three laughed. Ginny had already begun pouring her cup to the brim.
"Happy Christmas, kids," she said after she had taken a long swig of the coffee. The three attacked her, embracing their mother. Harry came down, delighted to see his family smiling and grinning.
"Who wants to do presents?" Harry asked flippantly, much to the cheers of the children. For twenty minutes, it was sheer chaos in the Potter house. Squeals of laughter and cheers of delight filled the house. In a part magic, part muggle household, it meant that the kids got gifts from both ends of the spectrum. Harry and Ginny wanted to make sure that their children didn't have the issues that Ron had had the first few years he had lived in the muggle world.
"Happy Christmas, all," Ron said as he entered through the back door. For once, Hermione didn't admonish him for knocking, just shrugged at Ginny as she entered. Hugo and Rose came in, excited to talk about the toys and clothes that they had received, both magical and non-magical. Hermione had brought a plate of cookies for the kids to eat later, after breakfast, which she and Ginny had already set the pots and pans in motion. Normally, they'd have done it themselves, but the women were enjoying their holiday, as well, and so the pans were put on autopilot with minimal supervision.
"Lily got some bras," Albus teased as the kids sat off from the adults who were engaging in lively chatter and sipping coffee.
"Why?" Hugo asked. "It's not like she's got anything to put in it."
Lily wanted to haul off and punch them both, but knew that it could get her grounded from the ball. Instead, Lily rolled her eyes and slipped a few Ton-Tongue Toffee in the regular toffees, knowing that by the end of the day, Hugo and Albus would have polished off the entire tin of toffees. She smirked, knowing that Rose had seen Lily commit the act of cousinly treason, yet said nothing.
"Look, the hawk's back," James said pointing out the golden hawk that was pecking at the window. Lily worried that she was being uninvited to the ball and her stomach twisted into knots as Harry opened the window. A small parcel, about the size of a pastry box was attached to its legs and Lily immediately freed it of its burden. The hawk flew out without another word. Lily looked at the box, spotting movement in one of the dark holes that had been drilled into the sides of the cardboard box.
Something white swiped at Lily's shaking fingers as she untied the twine that bound the box. She felt her heart racing as she jerked off the top. Her scream punctuated the quiet of the house as she reached into the box and scooped up a tiny fluffy white mass of hair.
"Someone sent you a dust ball?" Albus said, though his speech was a bit muffled from the enlarged tongue. Ginny shook her head and handed him and Hugo the antidote, knowing all too well that they had managed to get into some of the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes.
"No! It's a kitten!" Lily squealed as the kitten mewed. She held the familiar little kitten to her as if it was a little baby and fished the piece of paper out of the bottom of the box.
It read:
Come to find out that the kitten isn't a girl, so I named him Asher. I couldn't think of what to get you, my friend, and then it came to me. Literally. Ash dropped him in my lap while I was mulling it over. I am one who believes in signs, so… Asher is yours. Happy Christmas.
Lily didn't even bother asking her parents, just hugged the kitten to her cheek, snuggling it. The kitten seemed intent on getting off the silver and green ribbons that Scorpius had tied around its neck. Lily pulled them free, her fingers caressing the emerald green collar with the silver bell and tag on it. She loved him, immediately. She had loved him at birth, and now she had him as her very own kitten. She didn't want to ever put him down but Ginny put her foot down about Lily holding him while she ate breakfast so the kitten was put down on the floor with a saucer of cream and a bit of leftover fish from the night before.
After breakfast, the kids headed out to the room above the garage where the kids spent most of their time watching movies or hanging out on any given day. It was a great recreation room with oversized chairs and couches. Lily carried Asher in her arms like a baby, to which the kitten didn't mind, having grown familiar with Lily at the school. The kids goofed off until it was time for them to floo over to Grandma Weasley's house. As usual, the house was warm and full of family festivities. Lily nearly forgot about the ball until Harry tapped her shoulder.
"If we are going to have time to fancy ourselves up, we need to get going," Harry told her. Everyone wished Harry and Ginny good luck among the enemy, only realizing two second too late that Lily was a Slytherin. Embarrassed, they followed up that they were kidding, but Lily scowled and was eager to be the first person to floo back home. Asher was there to greet her, purring and rubbing up against her. Harry and Ginny were right behind her. Asher hissed at them and Lily scooped him up, heading straight up to her room to start changing.
"You have to be a good boy, Asher, while Mummy's at the party," Lily told the kitty as she scratched his ear and under his chin. The cat purred loudly, sounding like a mini motor boat. Ginny entered Lily's room holding a box.
"I want you to wear this," Ginny said as she pulled out a silver and emerald necklace.
"But, how?" Lily asked looking at the simple necklace.
"We have Slytherin far enough back that we don't think of it, but when you were sorted, it just seemed fitting that you should have a bit of that part of you," Ginny said as she finished buttoning Lily up. With the necklace on, Lily looked like a princess. Her silver stud earrings were simple, so as not to take away from the dress and the necklace.
"Wow," Lily commented as she looked at her reflection. Ginny grinned as she styled Lily's hair in to the soft waves that apparent had bred into her from Harry's wild hair and Ginny's straight hair. Ginny fished two ornate hair pins out of the box, fixing them into Lily's hair. The silver contrasted beautifully with the dark auburn of her hair.
"Your Grandma Weasley wanted you to have the whole box, so there," Ginny said looking at her young daughter.
"Thank you, Mum," Lily said hugging her mother. She looked at her reflection. "Um, do you think I can wear some make up?"
"I think you'll have to stick to lip gloss," Ginny said grinning as she fished a tube of tinted lip gloss. Lily shook her head and picked up her cherry lip balm.
"This'll do," Lily said slipping it into her little purse. "I'm ready when you guys are. Asher, behave." The kitten purred loudly from Lily's bed.
Lily looked stunning when she entered the gates to Malfoy Manor. She walked ahead of her parents a little, eager to arrive. The driveway had been swept of the snow, and Lily was nearly tempted to run through the doors but she maintained control over the excitement. There was a man who waited at the door and Lily hesitated, the man looming over even normal sized guest as they approached.
"Names?" the man asked bored.
"Potter, Lily and parents," Harry said quietly as he held onto Ginny's arm.
"Very good, follow me," the man said dully. Lily followed behind her parents. "The child proceeds first as the Slytherin student or alumni."
"Ok," Lily said suddenly shy. She stepped between her parents and followed. The man stopped shortly at the top of the stairs that over looked a grand foyer. Lily was impressed and nearly knocked the man aside, only missing him and rolling down the stairs by Harry's swift grab. Lily looked at her father and wordlessly thanked him.
"Presenting Miss Lily Potter and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter," the man bellowed, startling Lily. A ripple of polite claps punctuated the chatter and then everyone returned to what they were doing. Lily carefully walked down the stairs, mindful to not trip. She missed the last step and fell straight on her face. To make matters worse, Scorpius had just stopped to talk to Elena Goyle.
"Are you ok?" Scorpius asked as he helped her up.
"Yeah," Lily said quickly as her face turned bright red. Scorpius smiled and nodded.
"Watch that last step, it's a long one," Scorpius warned. "I think I saw the first years congregating over by the ice sculpture."
"We'll be mingling," Harry told Lily before wandering off, disappearing in the crowd. Lily wanted a chance to thank Scorpius but didn't want to do it under the watchful eyes of her parents or other Slytherins. Lily wandered over towards the other first years, and for a bit she forgot that her parents were there or that she intended on thanking Scorpius for Asher.
"It's getting hot in here," Kate said winking at Shale. "Shall we go for a walk? Lily'll come and be our chaperone."
"Er, yeah," Lily said though she really didn't want to wander outside without her cloak. Dutifully, Lily headed out the doors following after Shale and Kate. She stood on the patio while Kate and Shale disappeared from sight. Sighing, Lily looked up at the darkening skies as fat; fluffy snowflakes fell, clinging to her hair and eye lashes.
"You know, a child like you shouldn't be outside without a cloak on," a man said in a drawn sort of way. Lily jerked her head and looked at the elderly man with the gaunt face and sunken, dull tin eyes.
"I only stepped out for a bit of air," Lily explained.
"You're Potter's daughter, aren't you? You look a bit like him and that Weasley girl," the man said.
"I am Lily," she said extending her hand. The man shook it slightly, almost as if afraid to touch it.
"Pleasure," he said. "I am Mr. Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father."
"I thought so," Lily said looking at the old man. "You look like Mr. Malfoy a lot, I mean Mr. Draco Malfoy."
"You know my grandson, Scorpius," Lucius said. It was a statement, not a question.
"Yes, sir," Lily said. The man's eyes flashed slightly red with warning.
"I have big plans for my grandson. I won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of that," he said coolly. "Do you understand?"
"Not really, sir," Lily said honestly. The man stepped closer, his cane in one hand, her arm in the other.
"I want you to stay away from my grandson," Lucius said. "There have been some nasty rumors and I will not have him tarnished. You may have been sorted Slytherin, but your worth has yet to be proven."
"What's going on out here?" Scorpius demanded as he stepped out onto the patio. Lily looked at him, almost a little frightened by the intensity of Lucius' words. Scorpius saw his grandfather release Lily's arm and step away.
"Nothing," Lucius said forcing a smile at his grandson.
"Lily?" Scorpius asked. Lily glanced at Lucius Malfoy quickly but shook her head.
"Nothing," Lily said quickly.
"Don't stay out here too long," Lucius said as he entered the manor. Scorpius looked at Lily concerned as he walked towards her. She started to walk away, but Scorpius caught her arm.
"What just happened?" Scorpius asked.
"Nothing," Lily said quickly. She looked away from him, over the snowy gardens.
"You can't lie to me, Lils," Scorpius told her.
"Your grandfather just wants me to stay away from you," Lily said simply. Scorpius frowned.
"He's not the boss of me," he said. Lily shrugged but didn't look back at him. He scratched the back of his head for a moment. "Hey, did you get my furry little Christmas gift?"
"Yes," Lily said as her face suddenly lit with happiness and excitement. Scorpius smiled. "Oh, he's perfect Score, he really is. I couldn't have asked for a better present. I love him."
"I'm glad you like him," Scorpius said.
"You were behind this dress, weren't you?" Lily asked uncertainly. Scorpius grinned but said nothing, at first.
"I don't know what you mean," Scorpius said as he fought and failed to suppress his grin. Lily threw her arms around him, catching him off guard.
"You are the best kind of friend," Lily said hugging him tightly.
"I'm glad you like it," Scorpius said. "I just wanted to make sure that there was nothing keeping you from coming to the Slytherin Ball."
"Thank you," Lily said still in his arms.
"You're freezing," Scorpius said after a minute. "We ought to get you back inside."
"I'm supposed to be chaperoning Shale and Kate," Lily said. Scorpius shook his head.
"I won't have you catching your death at my grandfather's manor to baby sit them," Scorpius said.
"Ok," Lily said. She waited though he made no move to move away from her and toward the crowds inside. "What?"
"Mistletoe," Scorpius said nodding to the arch that they were standing in.
"Oh," Lily said. Realization flooded over her and nerves twisted her insides.
"Well, it would be bad luck not to," Scorpius said as he put his hands on her face. "The things friends will do for other friends, just to keep the bad luck away." Lily grinned nervously but closed her eyes. She felt the soft pressure of Scorpius' lips on hers and mentally she counted the seconds that seemed to creep by. He released her after a good ten seconds.
"Gee, what a good friend you are, indeed," Lily teased and she headed back inside, her cheeks rosy, though it was undeterminable from the cold or the kiss. She glanced back at Scorpius, thankful she had chosen to wear the cherry lip balm. She grinned and disappeared from his sight.
'Let him remember my taste of cherry lip balm,' Lily thought with a grin as her parents waved to her, signaling that it was time to head on home.