1Chapter Nine: Rumor of a Dance?

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Students wove through the mass of people on their way to their respective common rooms to drop off their things before dinner. Just as the Marauders, Lily, Jenny, Aphrodite, and surprisingly Peter, sat down after a long day of work work work...a voice came on as if over a speaker. It was McGonagall's voice.

"Will all students report to the Great Hall immediately for a short announcement before dinner. Immediately." Talk erupted from the anxious blabber mouths of the population of Hogwarts in each common room. The Gryffindors all started putting in their two-piece about what they thought was going to be announced. The Hufflepuffs (in which most of the gossiper's dwelled) crossed their common room to join a new group of conversation every fifteen seconds. The Ravenclaws shrugged an occasionally voiced their thoughts about this "announcement". The Slytherins gave each other dubious looks as to whether they thought this new information was worth their time. Nevertheless, every child of the Hogwarts population made their way down their dormitory steps and entered the mob of students flooding the hallway and everyone, in a mere fifteen minutes, had seated themselfs anxiously, but comfortably, in their seat. Before any excited chatter could erupt among the carefree pupils though, Dumbledore clapped his hands for silence.

"Good evening, everyone." he paused temporarily to look at a few individual children before continuing, a twinkle in his eye. "I have heard a rumor that needs to be discontinued. This rumor states that Hogwarts is, in fact, hosting a ball this year–" excited chatter, "I am disappointed though to say that that particular rumor is, in fact, false." collective groaning here issued simultaneously, "But–" there was a hopeful glint in everyone's eyes yet, "We will be hosting an International Endeavour for Magical Cooperation. Or, how many of you will most likely refer to it, I.E.M.C." collective gasp. "But, we will still hold a ball in its honor, in which the theme will be A Style from Any and Every Era." Everyone in the Great Hall cheered just as their goblets filed with pumpkin juice and their plates of chicken and potatoes. Everyone's eyes sparkled and their mouths watered at their long-awaited meal. "Now please; dig in!" Everyone dutifully did just so.

"Wow James...you were almost right! I wonder who started that rumor..." Lily stated as everyone settled into their food.

"My money's on the Hufflepuffs...though Merlin knows where they would hear such a thing." said Sirius.

"I wonder where they've learned it all." Aphrodite responded bluntly. Jenny lightly shoved her.

"Hey, don't be rude Aphy."

"My bad." she said, but with a smile. "Only stating that truth."

"Which happens to cause a bit of damage in your case." Remus whispered loudly enough for the seven friends to hear. Sirius faked tears.

"Shut up, Padfoot." and "Shut up Sirius." and "Shut up Siri-poo." all sounded at the same time, Jenny's remark earning her a few tentative stares, then the whole gang burst into laughter. People gave them envious stares.

"I can't wait to shop for my dress robes!" Lily exclaimed.

"But Dumbledore said that it was whatever style you wanted to dress in, so you don't even have to wear robes if you don't want to." stated Aphrodite matter-of-factly. Everyone raised an eyebrow.

"Well what are you going to wear?" Lily asked incredulously, and before Sirius could help himself,

"Nothing." he grinned cheekily.

"Well, that's a bit bold if you ask me, Padfoot." replied James.

"I sure wouldn't go." said Lily joking. James gazed at her offended.

"You wouldn't go to a nude ball, Lils?" She stared at him incredulously.

"Would you!"

"As a matter of fact—"

"Don't answer that." she said, though with a mile, and pecked him on the lips. "Mmm...gravy?" she asked. His laughter boomed across the hall and was contagious.

"Yes, Lils. Gravy."

"I don't see why you find that funny." he smiled and kissed her, receiving several stares.

"James, you're attracting attention..."

"I can't help that you're beautiful Lils, you know that." she blushed.

"Stop..."

"No really, Lils—"

"Will you two stop flirting so we can carry on a civilized conversation?"

"Yes mum." they replied at the same time, causing everyone to laugh. Remus mock glared.

"So, Aphy, what are you going to wear?"

"How about I show you guys some pictures later?"

"Yay! Window shopping!" Jenny exclaimed. The men shook their heads with smirks.

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"Okay, here it is." said Aphrodite, after rummaging in her trunk for several minutes, the two friends catching phrases like "Where is it?" and "I know I put it in here..." then "AHA!" Aphrodite seated herself on Jenny's bed, between Jenny and Lily and opened a blank, white catalog.

"Um...Aphy? This is a blank magazine." Lily broke the silence.

"Yes Lily, thank you for stated the complete and utter obvious but that's where the magic comes in." she winked.

"What time period Lily?"

"Hmm...well...I've always had a soft spot for the 50's...?"Aphrodite held the catalog directly in front of her face and said, clearly and in a strong voice. "50's. dresses. formal. reveal!" instantly ink started the form curly words at the top of the page and eventually spelt: Lady Katerina's All Wear/Any Year Attire. Pictures popped onto the page and Lily looked at them with zeal and anticipation. Aphrodite smirked at her friends hungry expressions and they looked up at her expectantly. Aphrodite's tinkling laugh met their ears.

"Lady Katerina is my aunt. She's filthy rich and has finally found a way to spend her money to benefit others. I also have a discount, being her favorite niece and all."

"Aphy..." Jenny said weakly, looking at the glossy pictures as if she were taking her last breath and this was the last thing she'd ever see, "People will be crawling all over you for this!"

"Nope. Only my closest friend are allowed to share my discount. And besides, my Aunt only gives out her flyers and catalogs to her richest or best costumers. Oh! And relatives of course." The three girls immediately set to work on their choices.

"First of all, which color looks best on me?" Jenny asked.

"Hmm...I think...red...and yellow. The yellow brings out your highlights but the red makes you look hot."

"What about me?" Lily interjected.

"Green of course!"

"Dark or light?"

"Hmm...that's tough...both make you look awesome. Dark is sophisticated but light is fun."

"How about we see what we come across and anything we like we'll keep a tag on?"

"That's brilliant Jenny!"

"I was born to do this!" she said dramatically then turned to Aphrodite. "But I don't want to wear anything from the 50's...maybe a bit more modern is the way I want to go...anyway, what colors would look best on her, Lily?" Aphrodite suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"Guys...anything is fine, I don't want something fancy–..."

"Nonsense!" Jenny insisted. "Blue of course...maybe pink. But no orange..." each girl shook their head grimly. "Orange was made to torture all fashion." each girl nodded. "So...ooh! I love that design. Read the specific outline Aphy." Aphrodite leaned closer and read the tiny print.

"Adorable shirtwaist dress from the 50's in a medium weight cream color silk sprinkled with tiny pink roses with green leaves. Kimono style pintucked shirtwaist bodice has 3/4 sleeves with button french cuffs, peter pan collar and white pearly button closures. Full skirt is gathered at waistline. Side metal zipper closure. Belt and petticoat added for display purposes. Not included unless asked for specifically. Yes girls I think one is exceptionally lovely."

"Aphy, it would look wonderful on you!" Lily said persistently.

"Me? Guys...really...do you think so?"

"Yes! The color would look beautiful on you! I'm writing its number down." said Lily picking up a pad and pencil and immediately scribbled away. "What's next?" she said, acting like an receptionist. Jenny gasped. "What? What do you see?"

"That necklace would look beautiful with your dress Aphy! Look at it." This time Lily read the tiny-lettered paragraph next to the picture.

"Sweet little vintage choker has white molded plastic flowers with diamond centers. Oh Aphy, isn't that just lovely? It would look smashing with your dress!"

"Okay. Then that's what I'll wear." Lily and Jenny squealed.

"Okay Lily, what about you?" They spent the next ten minutes looking through the catalog but Lily found nothing to her liking."

"Oh...tush. Nothing would look good on me. And I really do like their style. Oh well. A different era I presume?"

"You presumed right Sherlock. What next?" Jenny rased her hand. "Yes, Jenny?" Aphrodite dragged on dramatically.

"I want to wear a floor length velvet gown." Aphrodite spoke to the magazine and again, pictures, though completely different, appeared on the page. Jenny took one look at it and she smiled as radiantly as the sun.

"That one." She jabbed her finger at a dress that was blood red with lighter red swirls, was spaghetti strapped with a low neck that showed a lot of cleavage, then a slit that ran up the leg and stopped mid thigh on the left side.

"Jenny Mara! That's completely slutty!"

"Yes...but Sirius will drool." Lily and Aphrodite shook their heads grimly.

"Now...for you." Jenny had a mad glint in her eyes. Lily backed away.

"Oh no you don't! I'm not wearing anything like that!"

"It would please James."

"Isn't that your mission in life?"

"To please him?"

"Well...yes–I mean no–I mean–STOP PLAYING WITH MY HEAD! I want something decent alright?"

"Oh..alright Lily, but you spoil all the fun..." Lily glared then had an idea.

"How about something medieval?" Each pair of eyes sparkled simultaneously. They changed the style then flipped through the pages, Lily smacking the page so as to stop the ferocious turning. They looked at the page and Lily knew.

"That's the one guys. I know it."

"Fenella, celtic for fair, has a beautiful ivory velvet bodice, with draped neck and copper coloured celtic embroidery. It is matched with a crepe fishtail skirt. Lily, that dress is perfect and it would hug all your curves. It'll look really sexy on you." Lily laughed and Jenny's remark.

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Okay, I am SO sorry this took forever to update. I was wondering where this story was going but then I had a strike of genius! The exchange student people thing where the people come, which I will go into further detail in the next chapter. Review please!

Denierure