The Talented Potter Girl

Chapter 7 Early Christmas Dinner

I am sure you would think that with 27 people you could easily set up a party at Grimmauld Place number 12. I thought so too. Well it was not that easy. Grandma Weasley, aunt Fleur, aunt Audrey and mum did the cooking from morning to afternoon to ensure it was done for the evening. Aunt Angelina, Melody and aunt Hermione did most of the decorating inside the house, with magic. Dad, uncle Ron, Grandpa Weasley and uncle Bill used complicated spells to make the house twice as big. Uncle George, Fred and James covered the garden ground with magic so no creatures could disturb the party. Teddy, Victoire, Molly and her boyfriend Thomas Wilson helped set up the huge party tent outside and Lucy and her boyfriend Ryan McKenzie together with Albus, Rose and (amazing) Frank decorated the inside. Then the rest of us who weren't allowed to use magic did al the other stuff like cleaning, adding small details to the decoration, calling the band, sending out some extra invitations and making sure everyone could land safely at the burrow with any transportation they used. At around 5 in the afternoon we were allowed to go up stairs to get changed because the dinner started at 7.
All the girls were together and while sitting on the bed waiting for our nails and hair to dry after a well-deserved shower I went over the list of who were coming:

The Weasley Family:
Grandpa, Grandma, Bill, Fleur, Victoire, Dominique, Louis, Charlie, Percy, Audrey, Molly, Lucy, George, Angelina, Fred, Roxanne, Ron, Hermione, Rose and Hugo.

The Potter Family:
Dad, Mum, James, Albus and me.

The Lupin/Black Family:
Teddy, Andromeda

The Malfoy Family:
Narcissa, Draco, Astoria, Scorpius

The Scamander Family:
Rudolf, Luna, Lorcan, Lysander

Friends:
Owen, Sarah, Thomas, Ryan, Melody, Ben, Frank, Gabrielle, Melissa Lynth (James' girlfriend), Sofia, Gabriel, Aaron, Annabelle, Brendan and Maria (and others I don't know)

Professors and ministers:
Longbottom, Hagrid, McGonagall, Wood, Binnings, Bloom, Patill and Kingston (and again others I don't know).
While getting dressed we had a very nice, girly time. We talked about everything while being very careful with our dressed that we bought yesterday. Dominique, Molly, Roxanne and me being artistic helped the other girls with their dresses, hair, jewellery and make-up.

We stuck Victoire's hair up on top of her head with a few curls coming out covering her neck and falling between her shoulder blades. Her dress was strapless and light pink that hugged her hips and showed her pregnant belly, but not too much. Beneath her bosom there was a seen through pink material attached covered with flowers, that came down to the floor. Revealing a high slit, it made her dress look slightly oriental.

Dominique had her long purple hair pulled into a loose braid on the side of her face. Her long dress consisted of two parts, a short turquoise top with dainty off-shoulder straps and a long flowing magenta skirt. A thick golden wrap covered her waist.

Molly decided to become the Queen of the night. Her auburn hair was loose showing her massive but beautiful ringlets. Her dress was medieval inspired. Her skirt was a dark blue that formed a small trail behind her. The top of her dress was a light blue with a ruffled neckline and long sleeves. Accessorizing with golden jewellery Molly looked absolutely stunning.

Lucy was totally the opposite of her sister. Instead of the big complicated dress Molly had Lucy's was very simple. Even though it was less fun to make Lucy up I felt she made the right choice since it reflected her personality. The white, covered in tiny pink butterflies, knee length dress with loose shoulder straps was simple and neat, yet a bit playful too. She tied a light pink ribbon under her bosom to match the butterflies. Lucy's strawberry blonde hair was shoulder length and strait and we left it that way because her hair looked very beautiful.

Rose's light blue dress was long and strapless. It hugged her chest and hips and spread beautifully at her feet. We attached a dark blue ribbon under her chest that Rose clipped a light pink rose on to. We made a huge bun of her hair that stood on top of her head except for two large ringlets on either side of her face. We pinned a hair band of roses into her bun. As I looked at her I had to admit she looked very beautiful and I could understand that Scorpius liked her.

I always loved how Roxanne looked. She was so different from us with her dark brown hair, light mocha skin and bright blue eyes. We straitened her hair just a little bit in order to control her wavy hair. She had chosen a light aquamarine dress with poufy straps that lay on her shoulders. The dress just like Rose's hugged her whole body perfectly but widened at the bottom so she could dance. As Lucy she too had a pink ribbon. That was to make the dress elegant and playful.

My dress also consisted of two colours. My long medieval like sleeves and skirt were a shimmering white. The top of my dress was turquoise, with a low square neckline. Beneath my bust I attached a golden clasp and around my hips a celtic styled golden belt. I felt my hair my own colour and made some subtle waves.

We didn't apply too much make-up, just some mascara, eye-shadow, lip-gloss and some eyeliner and blush for Lucy since her dress was the simplest. Once we were ready we carefully walked down the stairs in our matching stilettos and walked into the kitchen to wait for the guest, while being not to bump into anything. Mum came up to me and carefully gave me a hug.

"You look beautiful! What a gorgeous dress, it fits you perfectly. Is Gabriel coming?" I was a bit taken back by her question. How did she know about Gabriel?
"Thanks mum. Yes Gabriel is coming why?"
"Nothing sweetie, just don't do things you don't want to do." I laughed.
"Mum there is nothing between Gabriel and me. We are just friends, nothing more."
"You don't want to be more?"
"No."
"Does he?" I said nothing and tried to not look in our identical eyes.
"Yes."
"Did you tell him no?"
"Well I hinted…"
"Hinting is not enough with guys Lily, if he still is trying, tell him tonight, in a nice way of course." This part of mum was funny, interesting and very strange. I felt my sarcasm bubble up.
"Sure I will tell him in a nice way on Christmas eve." Mum sighed.
"You know what I mean Lily. You can't let him live like this, he needs an answer."
"You're right mum, I will, but I might need your help." Mum gave me a light squeeze.
"I will always be there for you, whatever there is."
"How did you know mum?" Mum laughed at me, her brown eyes sparkling beautifully with her dark blue dress.
"Mother instinct, Lily-flower. Oh dear the first guests. See if you can help your grandmother."
"Yes mum." And I gave her a small peck on the cheek.

I walked into the kitchen where the Potter's and most Weasley's were standing, waiting. The guys were all in suits and it made them look older and quite handsome. I saw dad, James and Albus looking at my outfit, checking if it was appropriate. When they smiled I signed in relief and walked to them.
"Nice dress Lily-flower." Dad said while he struggled with his tie.
"Thanks dad."
"Yeah nice dress Lils." James said smirking. I smirked back and raised a red eyebrow.
"What not sexy enough?" I asked. Albus coughed, James' ears turned red and dad shot me a please-not-now-and-keep-it-appropriate look. Laughing I walked out of the kitchen to welcome the first guests when I froze.

Of course I should've known that the Malfoy's were always on time and didn't mind to be the first ones. Teddy greeted his aunt Narcissa Malfoy then Draco and Astoria. He and Scorpius gave each other a playful punch in the shoulder. I felt my knees go weak by seeing Scorpius. He looked so perfect in his suit and unruly flaxen hair. His silver eyes were mixed with hints of blue. It reminded me of my wand. His very tall body was nearly calling for me and I thought about how perfectly our body fit together during the dance. As he came closer I could smell his cologne. I wanted to touch his face, his lips and smell him but I wouldn't and couldn't. It was driving me insane and he would stay here the whole night, so 5 hours of his concentrated presences. I wish I could just disappear. While the adults were talking and aunt Hermione forced uncle Ron, James, Fred and Hugo downstairs and made them promise to be polite, Scorpius had made his way towards me. I suddenly noticed that none was watching us nor would they see us, which made the situation only worse.

"Hey," He said uncomfortable. I said nothing but just gave him a nod since I didn't trust my voice.
"I like your dress and your hair and well you just look wonderful tonight." I blushed and smiled a little.
"Thank you. I…um like your tie." I had to say something and his red with gold tie caught my attention.
"Thanks Lily." We stood in silence and I played with my hair twisting it in my long fingers.
"Lily?" I looked at him and saw his silver eyes looked pleading. "Please give me a chance. I will explain everything."
"You had 4 and a half years to explain yourself, so don't you think this is a bit too late?"
"You don't understand Lily!"
"Maybe I don't want to understand."
"You must think so bad about me but if you would let me explain you will see I am not who you think I am."
"So you are not the git you left me because of rumours and the guy would loves my cousin and is using me as a distraction and you have an explanation for the way you have treated me?"
"Rumours and distraction? What are you talking about besides Rose broke up with me."
"Of course I know about the break up idiot, but you still love her. Now how about you just leave me alone and stop following me Malfoy for you don't deserve to explain yourself to me especially after the dance." I turned and walked away and it hurt so badly. Ever tried to separate two very strong magnets, well that's what it felt like. I passed Rose and the just arrived Frank who were making out on the couch. I clenched my fist and walked passed quickly. I joined the others in the kitchen again as we started to fill up all the wine glasses that we would start putting on the table and serve.

Dad came towards me carry a tray with four glasses of champagne.
"Lily, could you give these to the Malfoy's please?" I pulled a face.
"Why? Because I am the only Slytherin right now and you want to make them feel at home?" I know that was mean but my mood had been ruined. Dad looked at me surprised.
"What is the matter Lily-flower?"
"Nothing dad, I guess I am just tired." I lied and took the tray. Carefully I walked over to Mrs and Mr Malfoy and his wife. Scorpius was standing with Louis, Dominique, Albus, Rose and Frank.
"Would you like a drink?" I asked politely. They looked up and smiled.
"Thank you." Mr Malfoy said and his wife and Narcissa smiled at me. I gave them a smile before putting the tray down, getting the two glasses a walking over to Scorpius.
"Malfoy, my dad told me to give you this." I said and tried to sound like James. Yet Scorpius smiled at me and took the glass.
"A toast?" He asked me raising his glass. Albus came into action immediately.
"Hey, no way Malfoy, she's 15. Lily your 15, underage."
"Really Al, I am glad you know my age." I said lifting my glass.
"Come on Al, Lily's old enough." Dominique said and Louis nodded. Rose looked thoughtful.
"Maybe you shouldn't Lily."
"Oh come on Rose, you were drunk when you were 13, remember in the common room. I had to carry you to your bed, yet you refused to let me go." Frank smirked. Rose turned red and I saw Scorpius' stare harden. It must have been hard to know that she cheated on him but hearing that it had been already going on in the first year of their dating was obviously hard for him too. Scorpius lifted his glass at me and I did the same. We touched each other's glasses for a second before taking a sip of the champagne. Since I normally wasn't allowed to drink so this was new for me. It tickled my tongue and I savoured the taste. Eagerly I took another sip. Scorpius laughed and Dominique, Louis and Frank smiled. Albus looked horrified as I drank more and more while Rose wasn't really sure what she was to think. I lifted my glass again for a toast. As he leaned towards me I hissed in his ear:
"This is just to annoy Al so don't get any ideas Malfoy." And I took another sip of the champagne without looking him in the eye.

Around 7 we went to all sit on the long tables set up in the garden. The teenagers on one table, adults on the other and the very small children had a small table next to the adults. We were with about 70 people in total. I sat between Gabriel and Sofia with Louis opposite me and Scorpius and Dominique at his sides. It seemed as if Scorpius was playing a game with me and it felt exciting that none knew what was going on between us yet his piercing eyes made me uncomfortable. Gabriel seemed to notice and kept me talking, which I didn't mind because then none would see that I wasn't eating a lot or at least I thought so.
"Lily why aren't you eating?" Scorpius again, it was beginning to annoy me.
"The desserts are the best Malfoy." Scorpius wanted to say something back but Gabriel cut it.
"Lily I think we should perform something tonight." And he sent a glare in Scorpius' direction.
"That would be really cool Lils. You guys should do that so we can hear how good you guys are. I am sure mum would love to hear something else than the music Grandma plays every year." Louis said and the others who could hear nodded eagerly. I wanted to but felt bad for the band we had hired for the night.
"We have a band tonight Louis, we can't just cut in. They are good by the way, no grandma's music this year I promise you."
"Oh come on Lils please." James joined the conservation and Melissa smiled. Dad told me that when he saw Melissa he had to laugh. "All the Potter's fall for red heads." he had said. Melissa had short red hair, fair skin with some freckles and bright green eyes. She was the new Lily Evans. The family now used the joke and call Melissa Lily. Melissa didn't mind, she was strong and had a short temper, exactly right for James. She could control James if she wanted to. She had this night already become part of the family in my eyes.
"Let Lily do what she wants." She said and I was very grateful for that. The others seemed to give up and were very disappointed.
"Fine maybe we'll do it and we can always send in requests." I said defeated and Louis and Gabriel seemed satisfied.

When the desserts came I went to the bathroom to miss the first round of cakes and when I wanted to go again Scorpius' eyes kept me down. I caught his silver eyes and a knot formed in my stomach and I had a feeling he knew what I was doing. He didn't say anything yet though. My cat Snow saved me. I felt her walk past my leg and the others looked shocked under the table. I laughed and picked her up, stroking her again my chest. I made my way through the tables and inside to bring her to my room. My room was covered with dark green walls and silver decoration. On the walls hang posters of muggle and wizard bands also posters of my favourite Quidditch teams the Holly Harpies, where mum played before she got James. I carefully put Snow down on my bed and she made herself comfortable on one of the pillows. I tickled her between her ears and let out a sigh. Snow heard and looked at me curiously before walking into my lab and lying down. Suddenly there was a knock on my door and his velvet, low; sexy voice came through the door.
"Lily? Can I come in?" Scorpius asked and I felt a strange yet exiting feeling come up.
"Arghh honestly Malfoy you are not suppose to be this stubborn." I said and he laughed while opening the door ever so slightly.
"How should I be then?" He caught me of guard for a second and he appeared in the door opening for me to admire.
"What do you want Malfoy?" I asked harshly focusing my eyes on Snow. Scorpius chuckled.
"You?" I shot up furiously and Snow hissed at me for scaring her but I had all my attention on the Malfoy heir.
"I was serious Malfoy!"
"Me too." My wand was out.
"We have already covered that topic so if it's that then get out, no get out anyway, I don't care what you have to say to me."
"No Lily wait…I mean…I didn't mean that…well I did but…" His fingers went through his hair, "I wanted to make sure you are alright." He finally said and looked at me.
"Why would I not be okay?"
"You weren't eating and I thought you were feeling sick but if you're not and just trying to loose weight or something then don't because…because you're perfect." He avoided my eyes. We stood in silence for a while and it became very uncomfortable. Finally Scorpius looked at me again and right at that moment I changed my eyes blue like Rose's to see his reactions. He looked slightly taken back before he sighed. "Why do you keep doing that?"
"I am a Metamorphmagus, I can do whatever I want."
"You are not being yourself!"
"How can I be myself, I am a none, an outsider, a disgrace to the Potter and Weasley family, a Metamorphmagus who hasn't found her appearance yet, I'm a Slytherin, now you tell me how I should be myself because I don't even know who I am!" I shouted and my sight became slightly blurry. "I am the youngest and first female Potter in ages, the first Potter and Weasley to come in Slytherin. I live in the shadows of my utterly perfect, most graceful, absolutely gorgeous cousin Rose and the others. The only friends I had, left me because of Truth or Dare and I've been hanging out with guys for the past 5 years. My family cares for me but other than being overprotecting they pay no attention to me. I don't have the courage to tell my best friend that I don't love him like he loves me and I am furious that none has ever pointed out that I am fat so really if you are looking for our family's perfect I bet she's downstairs her snogging absolutely, amazing, awesome, handsome, crazy boyfriend. Now get you bloody ass out of my room!" I cried and horrifying tears trickled down my cheeks.

I pressed my eyes shut and turned around and stared angry at my wall waiting for the sound of him closing the door but it didn't come, instead he came towards me and before I knew it his arms were around me. I between my snobs and hiccups I tried to tell him to get out but he just held me tighter. Scorpius whispered soft words in my ears trying to comfort me. He rubbed my arms carefully, turned me around and pressed me against his chest. He bent down so my head could lie on his shoulder and he stroked my hair on top of my head.
"No one is perfect, I know, but to me," he pulled me away and stroke away a few strands of my hair, "you are the most perfect girl I have ever known Lily Luna Potter and ever since the incident in the common room I've been trying to tell you that." And he touched my forehead with his own. I looked at him in the eye. He meant it every single word he spoke was true. Suddenly I felt our body pressed against each other and noted how close we were and how close his firm yet soft lips were. We moved even closer and I could nearly feel his lips on mine while they were still only a centimetre or 5 away from me. My eyes fluttered shut and I waited. We were so close, we had been so close but we were ripped apart by footsteps coming closer and it seemed as if someone threw ice-cold water over me. I wrung myself out of his arms just in time for Gabriel and Albus to fall in. They looked from me to Scorpius who were standing still quite close and noted my wand in my hand. They pulled their own out and pointed them on Scorpius who raised his hands in air.
"Al, Gabriel relax, Malfoy and I were having a discussion about Quidditch." I said and put my own wand back. The boys followed my example but didn't leave.
"Holly Harpies or Cambridge Canons?" Albus asked Scorpius with narrowed eyes.
"Cambridge Canons." Scorpius said and Albus shock his head while walking away and I laughed. I pulled both blond guys away with me by their wrists. While walking down the wide stairs I felt Scorpius' fingers brush against mine and I slightly opened my hand to feel their warmth but so that none could see. Dinner was nearly over and in front of Scorpius I was forced to eat a piece of marzipan cake, which was the best dish of the whole dinner. With one wave of Grandma's wand the table was clean and everyone seated themselves somewhere close to the stage where the band so playing. Along the way I slipped past Victoire and pulled her with me inside the house.

"Vic I need your help." I pleaded and Victoire chuckled.
"I didn't know I would be repaying you a favour so quickly. What's the matter?"
"Well you see I have liked Scorpius ever since I saw him at the station when we brought away Al and,"
"And when he dated Rose we guys stopped being friends and it just got worse. He's been trying to get your attention but you kept refusing him until now." I stared at her for at least a minute or so.
"How…how did you know?" I asked and Victoire smiled guiding me further into the house so none would hear us.
"Did you forget that Teddy and Scorpius are family? Both their grandmothers who are sisters have contact with each other again and they all get along very well. Scorpius would always tell Teddy everything, knowing that Teddy would never spill anything. So Scorpius told him that he fancied you in his first and second year but also that Rose was a good friend of him too and that he couldn't decide. Eventually he choose Rose because he barely knew you and you were two years younger than him and the most protected. But when you finally came to Hogwarts he started to fancy you again but he kept loyal to Rose and didn't want to screw up their relationship. He thought that by keeping away from you he wouldn't be tempted to like you anymore. He noticed that you rightfully became cold to him. Scorpius would write long letters to Teddy how confused he felt and angry every time he saw you and Gabriel together because he knew that Gabriel fancies you for quite some time now. He also knew that Rose was cheating on him and it basically destroyed him because he did love her. Yet of course with their break up, not only did he still have the trust of James and Al but he also became good friends with Louis. He felt horrible when you were so angry with him in the common room and felt he deserved it. Of course he also wrote about what happened during the Christmas dance and how he couldn't control himself at that time and found himself incredibly stupid. In other words, you have bewitched him ever since he saw you at platform 9 ¾. Of course now he is in last year he knows there would be difficulties when he is gone and he is unsure whether it would not be better not to get involved with you because it would cause so much pain for both. Oh Lily I could keep going."
I stared at her for surely 5 minutes at least to let all the information get absorbed into me. He had loved me as long as I had loved him yet I had been so ridiculously stubborn. I suddenly thought back about my 11th birthday not because of the disaster but the book I was reading when my family picked me up. Pride and Prejudice had always been my favourite book but that it had, had influence on my life was new to me. I certainly had been way to proud, more proud than any Malfoy heir had been.