A/N: Hey you guys! I'm so so sorry this update took ages. Unfortunately, the competitive swimming season has just started. Which means Katy has just lost a fair amount of free time. However, I will do my absolute best to update every week, if not every two weeks.

I was a bit hesitant earlier to update after seeing a LOT of Carlotta Meloni hate on Tumblr, and how negatively a lot of fans reacted to James with an OC. However, the positive reviews you guys left me really helped me a lot. It reminded me that people do enjoy it, and even if people don't like Violet, there will always be some people who do.

Thank you so much, my loyal readers, new readers, reviewers, watchers, and favers. You mean so much to me, you really do. I love you all!

Read, Review, and Enjoy!

xoxo

-Katy

"No, Potter, I will not go to the Ball with you," Lily Evans repeated for the umpteenth time that week. It was only October 3rd, and James was trying to secure Lily as his date for the Halloween Ball. He pouted, whining,

"But Evvaaannnsss..."
"But nothing!" she snapped. Lily linked her arm through Mary MacDonald's, whispering to one another about God Knows What. Remus and Violet sat underneath a tree on the grounds, watching the scene unfold. It was only just two days ago that the bright orange, pumpkin-shaped invitations had fluttered from the candle-lit ceiling that morning. Some of them landed in peoples' oatmeal, much to their displeasure, but news of the Ball was exciting. Something to focus on other than tests or homework.

And of course, what was more exciting than a new setting to pull pranks on fellow students to the Marauders? Nothing, that's what! Except, you know, alcohol and pretty girls. But pranking was still high up on the list.

Remus put his essay that was due in two weeks away, and looked to Violet,

"Vi, if Alejandro doesn't ask you to the Ball, would you go with me? I don't have prefect duty, surprisingly enough, and I'd like to at least dance with a friend during the slow dance instead of standing with Sirius and James. Not that I don't like them, of course , I just don't like listening to Sirius make out with some random girl while James complains about not being with Lily."

"Of course, Re. Even if he does ask me, I'll save a dance for you. Promise," Violet assured, holding out her pinky. Remus smiled and hooked his pale pinky finger with hers.

"Thank you, Vi."

"What are friends for?"

Remus chuckled,
"I suppose pranking people, if you have my friends. Oh, that's right, you do." Violet laughed. She leaned back against the tree trunk. She stared up at the branches, and squinted up further. There appeared to be a shape sitting on a branch a few feet above their head. The shape swung down, making Violet jump.

Sirius promptly revealed himself from his hiding spot in the tree, his dark hair containing some leaves in it. He looked between the two chatting, and smirked.

"Get it, Moony," he chided with a wink, "I didn't know you had a thing for older women."

Remus rolled his eyes and elbowed Sirius in jest,

"That's enough now."

However, Sirius was one to love banter, and merely continued.

"He's got a shrine dedicated to you and everything. He tried to pay off Marlene McKinnon to steal your knickers. He'll destroy you!" Sirius warned, waving his hands and mimicking Sybil's Trelawney's Bi-Weekly Death Predictions, "He will eat your soul!"

Violet laughed. As far as she knew, the only thing Remus could successfully destroy was the hopes of other people who wanted their way into recognition for straight O's. He'd never hurt a fly. Remus was a sweetheart.

"Yes, thank Merlin you were here to save me, Sirius! Merlin knows what would have happened with this maniac around poor, defenseless me!" She cried, her voice heavy with sarcasm. Violet held up her hands, as though Remus were going to attack her. She didn't notice Remus' slight falter in his attitude.

"Defenseless you? As far as I know, there was only a flyer out for the Halloween Ball, not Opposite Day," James teased as he rejoined the group. Sirius winced, and whistled in disbelief,

"Opposite Day jokes? You're losing your touch, mate." James gave him an aghast look, placing his hand over his heart.

"Why I never!"

"It's probably because Lily's rejected him, unfortunately," Remus pointed out.

"Ah, the firecracker. Yes, she is my Muse, after all." James sighed, once more laying his hand over his heart, "Under love's heavy bourbon do I sink!" he cried dramatically.

There was a moment of silence, and immediately after Remus and Violet burst out into laughter. Sirius sat there looking confused, and James looked quizzically at Remus and Violet. "What? I wasn't trying to be funny!"

"Under love's heavy bourbon!" Violet burst into laughter once more, but Remus had more self-control and calmed himself.

"Prongs, it's not bourbon. 'Under love's heavy burden do I sink'. I don't think Romeo drank bourbon."

"No way! I read Shakesmeare! It was totally under bourbon. I'm James Potter, I'm always right. Reed the Know-It-All told me, as a matter of fact." James folded his hands and puffed out his chest proudly, assuming he'd be praised for making nice with Violet's love interest.

Violet, slightly wheezing, informed him,

"I think he played a trick on you, James. It's seriously not bourbon."

What? WHAT? Someone had dared play a trick on the magnificent and wonderful James Potter?

"Yes, Prongs, apparently so," Sirius said.

Oh. So James had said that out loud. Well, at least he was on point. James sighed, and leaned against the tree, chewing his lip in thought. His revenge prank had to be perfect. Absolutely greasy-git proof, Evans proof, and most importantly: Violet proof. He knew that Violet wouldn't let him get away with pranking Reed. It had to be a time when she was busy. James knew Reed would ask Violet to the Ball. Which meant that if he wanted to prank him at the Ball, and go for a public humiliation option, Violet would suffer, too.

He mulled over his thoughts, racking his brain for an idea. In that moment, anyone could've sworn they saw a light bulb turn on over James' head had they been paying attention and not chatting. He had a breakthrough!

"Well," James announced, pushing himself off the tree, "Reed isn't worth my awesome time and effort at the moment. Right now, I have more important things in mind," he sat down beside Violet, and smiled the innocent, James Potter smile that he knew Violet could never resist.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Violet raised an eyebrow at him. Not so much in confusion, but in amusement. James just had the best expressions.

"Vi, will you go the Ball with me?"