Rachel met Lily in the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Where have you been Lils? I've been looking everywhere for you."
"I had an early dinner." Lily explained.
"Well I need a shower but I'll meet you back here in fifteen minutes and we can catch up?" Rachel asked.
"Sure."
Rachel ran up the stairs to her dorm room. A surprise greeted her as she reached the door. Her trunk was on the floor outside.
"Lily!" she called down to her best friend.
Lily raced up the stairs.
"What's wrong?" she asked, before seeing the trunk. "Shit!"
"I know! Stupid fucks! They kicked me out! Typical!" Rachel sat on her trunk; she was pissed off.
"Look, come and clean up in my room, you can stay there with me until this whole Sirius thing blows over." Lily reasoned with her friend.
"Thanks Lils." Rachel smiled at her friend.
The two girls floated Rachel's trunk down the stairs and were greeted by the sight of the Marauders sitting on the sofas in the common room.
"What happened?" asked Remus, immediately concerned.
"Nothing much," replied Rachel. "Only my roommates just kicked me out. I guess they really took this Sirius thing badly. I thought they'd forgotten and moved onto what the 'New Pink' is." Rachel joked.
The Marauders smiled.
"So I'm letting her stay in my room until it blows over. That's ok, isn't it James?" Lily flashed James her biggest smile.
"Sure Lils, no problem."
"Rach is just gonna go and take a shower and stuff then we'll meet you guys back here?" Lily winked at James who nodded back.
"Ok, see you in thirty?"
"Yup."
And the girls had left the room.
James turned to the Marauders.
"We have half an hour gentlemen. Let's get to work. Padfoot, you get the drinks; Remus, music; Wormy and I will get the guests."
James dragged Peter out of the portrait hole and away.
Remus shrugged at Sirius and began transfiguring cushions into speakers. Once he had finished, he and Sirius moved all the furniture to the sides of the room leaving a space in the middle; he put a soundproofing charm on the room; conjured up balloons and confetti (A/N: Everybody likes confetti!) then left the room with Sirius to get drinks from the kitchen. The House Elves were so eager to please.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rachel set her trunk down at the foot of Lily's bed, she was thankful that Lily had put all her clothes into her walk-in wardrobes. She was far too lazy to unpack. She grabbed her bathrobe and padded down the corridor to use the bathroom.
Lily opened Rachel's trunk. She was going to choose her best friend's outfit and Rachel would wear it whether she liked it or not! She laughed to herself; this was going to be fun.
~*~
Rachel left the bathroom fifteen minutes later smelling of cherries and dripping water along the carpet from the tips of her electric blue hair. She entered Lily's room and was attacked by Lily.
"Sit still Rach! Let me do your hair."
"Just leave it Lils! I'll dry it in a minute! It's not like I care what the Marauders think."
"But you may as well look good."
"Are you trying to impress Potter or something, and I have to dress up too 'cos you don't want to feel silly?"
"No. I just think it'd be a change for them to see you in something other than tracksuit bottoms."
Rachel raised an eyebrow at her friend, who she could only see in the mirror.
"Fine. But leave my hair, I'll do that."
Lily turned her friend around and Rachel finally got to see what her best friend was wearing.
Lily was dressed in flared, hip hugging black jeans and a dark red halter necked top. Her hair curled loosely around her face, framing it. She looked gorgeous.
"Damn! You're going to knock Potter's socks off!"
Lily laughed. "And who says it's Potter's socks I want to knock off?"
"Lily, seriously, I've known you for over six years. I think I know when you like someone."
"Fine! You got me! Don't tell anyone!"
"I wont. You know me. They'd have to beat it out of me!"
Rachel smiled at her friend.
"Oh, and I've already picked your outfit."
Rachel's face dropped.
"You What?! Lily Evans I'm going to kill you! What have you done?!"
Lily grinned sheepishly and motioned towards the bed. Rachel rushed over.
On the bed lay a white vest and an indigo blue denim skirt.
"You expect me to wear that? Lily that skirt is more like a belt!"
Lily chuckled.
"Just trust me Rach. You look great in everything! Even that ratty old beenie that you refuse to throw out; or your school uniform; or in one of the many pairs of tracksuit bottoms you own! You've got a great figure! Believe me I've caught Sirius looking. Show it off!"
Rachel blushed.
"Of course you caught Sirius looking! That fool would screw anything in a skirt!"
Lily laughed. "Just put it on you twit! I wanna see how it looks."
"Fine! But if I look silly I'm taking it off."
Lily turned around to allow her friend to get dressed.
"Ok, you can look."
Lily turned around.
"Rachel! You look amazing! Look in the mirror."
Rachel turned to the mirror, tugging on the hem of her skirt.
"Leave it!" Lily grabbed her friend's hands.
"Sorry. Don't you think it's a bit short?"
"You're just saying that because you've never seen so much of your own legs before!"
Rachel laughed. Lily was right. She did look pretty good. She muttered a quick drying charm on her hair and ruffled it a bit.
"Up or down?" she asked.
"Down." Was the reply, Lily was applying her make-up, just a little mascara, eyeliner and lip-gloss. Less is more.
Rachel grinned. "You're not going to put that on me are you?"
"Of course! Not that you don't look stunning without it."
"Nooooo!" Lily dragged her friend to the mirror.
"Hold still Rach."
Rachel finally stood still long enough for Lily to apply eyeliner and lip- gloss, but when approached with eyelash curlers she jerked her head away.
"What the hell are those? They look like an instrument of torture!"
"Look down." was the command from Lily.
~*~
They had five minutes to get to the party and they still hadn't decided on shoes.
"I don't see why you're making such a big deal over shoes Lils, it's just Potter."
"It's not me I'm worried about," Lily replied, "It's you, I only have heels, and with skirts 'the shorter the skirt the lower the heel'. It's a rule!"
Rachel smirked, and lent over her trunk.
"Will these do?" she asked pulling out a pair of black and white sneakers. They reached roughly mid-calf and laced all the way up with long black laces.
"Perfect!" Lily squealed.
~*~
Two minutes later wearing their cloaks, the two girls were making their way to the Gryffindor Common Room. Rachel was still unaware of the surprise that awaited her when she arrived.
~*~
"May I take your cloak?" Peter squeaked. He was on the door for the party and was counting the last Gryffindors through the portrait hole, not including Lily and Rachel.
The party was already in full swing. The music throbbed on the dance floor. Remus was glad he'd soundproofed the room. Everybody was holding a drink.
Sirius stood by the wall, chatting to some blonde Gryffindor girl. He didn't even know her name. He didn't really care what it was anyway. He'd gone off blondes; and brunettes. Infact, he only liked blue haired girls now. And there was only one of those. And she'd just walked through the door.
~*~
James made his way to the door to greet Lily and Rachel. He grinned when he saw the expression on her face.
"Yes Rachel, this is all for you." He answered her question before she'd even asked it.
"Wow! Thanks Potter!"
"Well you deserve it Captain, after that amazing victory today. Now, I must apologise to you but I must take this stunning friend of yours away from you and get her and me a drink. I hope you don't mind."
Rachel leaned close to Lily.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" she whispered into her friend's ear and winked at her as James whisked her away.
~*~
James pulled Lily onto the dance floor, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Lily drowned in the music. She lost herself in a world where there was just her and the bass. This time James was there with her. She pressed herself against him and they moved as one to the rhythm of the song. Lily closed her eyes. One hand snaked up, caressing James's cheek, drawing him closer.
James didn't want to let her go. Her smell was intoxicating. He loved the pressure of her hips on his. He loved the way she moved with him.
Both were lost in the sound.
~*~
Sirius watched as James pulled Lily away from Rachel. He pushed off from the wall, totally ignoring the blonde, and crossed the room towards the blue haired girl. She turned and saw him coming towards her so she met him in the middle.
"Well Jay I must say, I do like the new look." He smirked at her.
"Take a picture it'll last longer." She laughed. "You don't think the skirt is too short?" She tugged on the hem.
"Definitely not." Sirius grabbed her hands, pulling her closer. "You look good enough to eat Jay, if I do say so myself." He purred into her ear.
"Oh really?"
She was teasing him again. He hated this. It was like walking on thin ice. One wrong move and he was in it.
"Yes really." He whispered.
"Thanks." She blushed.
They stood in silence for a while.
"Hey, I'm gonna go and grab a drink and find Remus. I'll catch you later, yeah?"
"Sure." Sirius nodded.
Rachel smiled at him, and then moved past him to find Remus.
Sirius watched her as she tapped Remus on the shoulder and his best friend pulled her into a hug. He felt like ripping Remus's head off. Rachel should be laughing and hugging him, not his best friend!
"Sirius?" someone stroked his arm. It was the blonde again.
"Uhh. Hi." He didn't remember her name.
It didn't matter to her. She just wanted to be seen with one of the hottest guys at Hogwarts! She dragged him onto the dance floor and pulled him close, rubbing her body against his.
'Maybe this wont be so bad.' Sirius thought.
~*~
Rachel watched, as Sirius got cosy with some blonde girl, "Emily something- or-other", grinding on the dance floor.
"You alright Rach?" said a voice beside her.
"I'm fine Remus, I'm just amazed at how you guys managed to do this in half an hour." She lied.
"It's nothing, don't mention it."
Rachel took a swig of Butterbeer from the bottle in her hand.
"Wanna dance?" she asked.
"Maybe later?"
She smiled at him. "Ok, don't forget."
Remus nodded at his friend.
"Pete?" Rachel turned to the boy that was skulking behind them.
"No thanks, I don't dance." He mumbled to the floor.
Rachel looked out into the sea of moving bodies. She caught sight of James and Lily looking pretty comfortable together. Rachel smiled to herself, she was glad her friend was happy. However, her smile fell when the sight of Sirius and that Emily girl barred her view of her best friend having a good time. She made a face.
Sirius looked up and caught Rachel's eye. She looked pretty angry. He grinned and pulled the blonde closer, knowing it would make Rachel squirm. Sure enough, Rachel pulled a disgusted face and reached for her bottle of Butterbeer. She downed it and stalked onto the dance floor.
That was it! The final straw! Sirius was going to get the shock of his life! Rachel pushed past him. She nearly laughed out loud when she saw his face when he realised she wasn't directly heading for him, about to rip the blonde's head off.
'Maybe she's not jealous.'
Rachel felt his eyes follow her as she made her way into the centre of the crowd. Once there she began to dance. She closed her eyes and imagined the room empty. She was free to dance however the hell she liked.
~*~
Lily was having the most amazing time. She and James had been dancing for what seemed like forever. She smiled to herself when she felt his hard length press against her thigh. His hands slipped around her waist protectively and pulled her closer. She buried her hands in his hair and brought her mouth to his in an earth shattering, mind blowing kiss.
James was blown away. His hold on her waist tightened, and they moved together to the music. Eventually she pulled back and grinned at him, licking her lips. James wanted nothing more than to grab her and kiss her again but he knew he should take it slower. He didn't want to ruin the best thing he'd ever found. He took her hand gently and led her off the dance floor. She looked as though she could use a drink.
~*~
Remus looked up when Lily and James approached him.
"Butterbeer?" he asked them.
"Two please Moony." James nodded.
Lily looked around.
"Remus, where's Rach?" she asked.
"Dancing." Was the reply.
"With Sirius?" James asked. He'd seen them talking somewhere.
"No Prongs, Padfoot's dancing with Emily Brookes." Remus motioned with his bottle.
"So where's Rachel then?" asked Lily.
"Over there." Peter squeaked, pointing to the centre of the dance floor.
Lily laughed. "Trust Rach. Has to be the centre of attention!"
She grabbed James's hand and hauled him to the centre of the floor.
~*~
Both Lily and James's eyes widened when they reached Rachel.
"Woo! Go on Rachel! Shake that thing!" a male voice called above the music.
Rachel smiled.
Lily caught her friend's eye.
Rachel winked at her. Lily laughed and then jabbed James in the ribs.
"Oi Potter! I'm over here!" She joked.
James put an arm around her waist.
"I've never seen Rachel so. so." He couldn't finish his sentence.
Lily raised an eyebrow.
James was lucky. At that moment Sirius turned up.
"What's happening over here then?" he asked.
James just pointed.
Sirius turned. His jaw dropped. Without saying a word, he pushed past Lily and James.
~*~
Rachel smirked. She knew he'd arrive sooner or later. She closed her eyes as Sirius snaked an arm around her waist from behind.
"Is this a private party, or can anyone join?" he purred into her ear.
His voice sent shivers down her spine. Rachel just slipped a hand up and around his neck, pulling him closer.
Not that Sirius was objecting! He placed both hands on her waist, and guided her hips to the rhythm he wanted to follow. She smelt so good, of cherries and something else he couldn't quite place his finger on. He began to wonder if she tasted this good.
Rachel could feel his warm breath on her neck, as his mouth got closer and closer to her skin.
'She's not pulling away. This is good.'
~*~
Suddenly the music stopped.
The crowd dispersed.
"Mister Black! Miss Jay! What in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?" the furious voice of Professor McGonagall cut through the silence in the room like a knife (A/N: I've always wanted to use that simile!).
Rachel jumped away from Sirius as if she'd gotten an electric shock. Sirius grinned sheepishly.
It was James who spoke first:
"It's my fault Professor. I suggested we have a party to celebrate Gryffindor's victory this afternoon."
"I did not ask for your story Mister Potter." McGonagall snapped. She was not happy. "I asked Miss Jay and Mister Black." She turned to them. "So if one of you would care to explain." She tapped her foot impatiently.
Sirius opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.
"We were dancing Professor." Rachel beat him to it.
"You call that dancing?" Professor McGonagall shrieked.
"Yes. I do."
Professor McGonagall was stunned. She hadn't expected one of her favourite students to be talking back.
"I might have expected it from you Mister Black." She talked down her nose to Sirius. "But Miss Jay! Are you really swayed that easily?"
"I was just having fun Professor. I needed to loosen up. Sirius was just helping."
Professor McGonagall's face turned scarlet with anger. She swept out of the room without a further word. Rachel looked around. She, Sirius, Lily, James and Remus were the only people left in the room. She snorted. At the first sign of danger everyone else always ran off! Typical!
Remus began clearing up; he made the bottles of Butterbeer disappear with a flick of his wand. The rest of them began to push the furniture back into place. Soon the room was back to normal. The five of them collapsed on the sofas infront of the fire.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted." Said Lily, smiling at James.
"Who said the party was over?" he asked.
"McGonagall." Said Remus. "I've never seen her so mad."
Rachel laughed. "That's because she can't dance!"
The group laughed.
"And you call that dancing?" Sirius mimicked the Professor.
"You weren't objecting!" Rachel retorted.
"She's right Padfoot." Interjected James. "No complaints from your end."
Rachel yawned, causing Lily to start.
"Sleepy Rach?" she yawned.
Rachel nodded. The girls stood.
"We'd better get going then."
The guys stood too.
"I'll see you in a bit, yeah?" James asked Lily, hugging her.
"Sure Potter." Lily nodded. "Night guys." She called to Remus and Sirius, whilst collecting her cloak.
"Night." They replied in unison.
"Goodnight Remus." Rachel hugged him goodbye. "Thanks for the party."
"No problem." Remus smiled at her.
"Goodnight Jay." Sirius hugged Rachel, "Don't worry, ok?" He whispered to her. You know where I am if you need me." He inhaled her unique scent once more before releasing her.
Rachel winked at him. "Thanks Black. It's been fun."
"You sure you don't want to spend the night here on the floor with me?" he questioned, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Dream on Black!" she laughed.
"See you in a bit Potter." she called over her shoulder as she followed Lily out of the portrait hole and down the corridor.
The Marauders sat back down on the sofas grinning.
"I told you Prongs." Sirius stated, "She wants me."
"Are you sure she wasn't just drunk?" asked James.
"Nah! She is falling for me hook, line and sinker."
"Are you sure you're not just falling for her?" Remus questioned.
Sirius looked irritated and shook his head.
"Cos that Emily girl is pretty hot." James chipped in.
"Is that her name?"
"Yes, you sit behind her in Transfiguration."
"Do I?"
"It looks like you've gone off blondes Padfoot." James laughed.
"So what if I have? They're too ditzy for me anyway, I need someone with an intellect to match my own." Sirius puffed out his chest.
"Don't you mean someone to deflate your ego?" Remus questioned.
Sirius shot him a dirty look.
"What about you Moony, I haven't seen you with any girls of late." James laughed. "What's happening there?"
"That's cos I've got my eye on a special one." Remus smirked.
Sirius felt his stomach drop.
"Well, what house is she in?" James questioned.
Sirius stood up, he didn't want to hear the rest.
"Tired Padfoot?" Remus asked. The subject of girls forgotten.
"Yeah." He lied. "Night guys." He called over his shoulder as he made his way up the stairs.
~*~
"So," Lily said as they entered her room. "What was going on with you and Sirius?"
"Oh no Lily Evans! I want to hear about you and Potter."
"It's nothing." Lily shrugged, removing her shoes.
"Oh please! Nothing does not have grinding sessions with James Potter."
Lily blushed.
"A ha! I knew it!" Rachel leapt onto Lily's bed and bounced up and down. "Lily and James sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Lily with the baby carriage!" She sang before collapsing. "Catch my drift?" she winked at her best friend. "Or would you like me to draw you a diagram?"
Lily laughed and pushed Rachel off the bed.
"Shut up! We're just friends."
"Friends with benefits? I saw you kiss him! Just because I was dancing with Martin Wood, who I must say does live up to his name, does not mean I wasn't looking out for you!"
"You were dancing with Martin Wood?"
"Yes I was, but you were too preoccupied with Potter to notice!"
Lily looked at her toes.
"So, is he any good?" Rachel asked.
"I've got two words for you: Hell Yes!"
Rachel shrieked with excitement. "And?"
"What do you mean 'And'?"
"Well, are you going to do anything about it?"
"I'm going to Hogsmeade with him this weekend."
"When did you get time to arrange this? Last time I saw you, you had your tongues down each other's throats!"
"The other night." Lily mused.
"So, he just asked and you said yes? You've been turning him down since fifth year. What made you change your mind?"
"Uhh." Lily wasn't sure what to say.
"You've kissed him before haven't you?" Rachel pounced.
Lily nodded.
"Why in Merlin's name didn't you tell me?"
"I never had the time. We're both so busy now. I mean, you've got Quiddich and I've got Head Girl duties." she trailed off.
Rachel pulled her best friend into a hug.
"Well, we've got time now. Tell me everything!"
Lily laughed and began to explain the night in the Library with the Firewhiskey.
~*~
When James entered his Common Room five minutes later he could hear shrieks of laughter coming from upstairs. He smiled to himself and made his way up the stairs.
James knocked on Lily's bedroom door.
"Just a minute." A muffled voice called from inside, James assumed it was Rachel's and sure enough the blue haired girl stuck her head around the door thirty seconds later dressed in an oversized Quiddich shirt with the Gryffindor lion emblazoned on it, a pair of grey shorts were just visible occasionally making an appearance from under the long hem of the shirt.
"Yes?" she asked, ruffling her hair.
"Is Lily in? I wanted to say goodnight."
"Yup." Rachel disappeared behind the door again.
Two seconds later, Lily Evans was pushed out of her own bedroom and the door was slammed behind her.
Lily laughed. "Hi." She blushed.
"Hi." James replied.
He drank in her appearance. She was wearing baggy grey tracksuit bottoms and a black tank top. Her hair was piled on top on her head and her face was void of make-up. James thought she looked stunning. Well, he always thought she looked stunning. Lily blushed when she caught him staring at her. The familiar butterfly feeling in her stomach was back.
"I just wanted to say goodnight." His voice was husky.
Lily smiled. "Goodnight then Mister Potter." She was laughing inside as she turned to go back into her room.
James grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him.
"I think you've forgotten something Miss Evans." He purred into her ear.
"Really?" asked Lily innocently. "What's that?"
James pressed his mouth against hers urgently in reply. He smiled against her lips when he felt her respond. He licked her lips and was granted with entry to her mouth. She tasted minty. He chuckled against her lips and she pulled away.
"Something funny about my kisses Potter?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, it's just that you taste of toothpaste."
Lily smiled at him.
"Goodnight James."
"Sweet Dreams Lily."
She turned and went into her room, closing the door softly behind her.
James smiled to himself and walked down the corridor to his room.
"Oi Potter!" a voice came from behind him.
He turned and was greeted with the smiling face of Rachel Jay.
"You called Mon Capitan?" he replied, in a dodgy French accent.
"Come here Potter." Rachel beckoned him towards her.
James walked to the girl and towered over her 5ft 7 frame with his 6ft 1 one. Rachel grabbed the front of his shirt and dragged him down so that their noses were level.
"If you hurt Lily," she growled. "I will hex you so badly you and your offspring will spend the rest of your lives in agonising pain. Do you understand me Potter?"
James would have laughed at her if he had thought she was joking but the look in her chocolate brown eyes told him otherwise.
"Yes." He croaked, the twisted front of his shirt was cutting off his air.
"Good." Rachel released him. "Sleep Well Potter." she called over her shoulder as she made her way back to Lily's room.
~*~
Three hours later Sirius Black was still awake. He lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He could hear Remus soft breathing from the bed next to his and Peter's snoring from the other side of the room, even with the curtains around the bed drawn. He rolled his eyes. This was going to be a long night.
~*~
James was making his way to the bathroom when he saw a shape flit across the landing. He squinted, cursing himself for not putting his glasses on. The shape made its way down the stairs to the Common Room, and James followed. He grabbed it when it tried to leave through the portrait hole.
"Potter! Get off me!" an angry Rachel elbowed him in the ribs.
He released her and she fell to the floor with a dull thud.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" he hissed through the darkness.
"Out." She replied curtly and turned to leave again.
"Where?" he whispered grabbing hold of her wrist.
"None of your business! Now let me go Potter!" Rachel struggled.
"Does Lily know you're gone?" James asked.
"No," was the reply. "I've made my bed and left her a note that I wanted to get some flying done before breakfast."
"So where are you going?" James asked again.
"I'm not going to tell you Potter! Now please just let me go."
James could barley make out her eyes through the darkness, pleading with him. Her voice wavered, she seemed afraid.
"Fine." He released her wrist.
Rachel opened the portrait hole once more.
"James?" she turned back to him. "Please don't tell Lily I've done this." She begged. "It's just something I have to sort out, ok?"
"I wont tell her Rachel. Now go before I change my mind."
The portrait hole clicked shut behind her and James was left staring at the wall. Silently he crept up the stairs and to his bedroom where he fell into a dreamless sleep.
~*~
The next morning Sirius woke with a start. It seemed to him that he had only just managed to close his eyes before he was woken again. He could hear Peter's out of tune singing drifting from the bathroom. He groaned and forced himself out of bed. It was a Hogsmeade Weekend after all. He dragged his tired body to the bathroom door.
"Wormy! Get out of there!" he bellowed, banging on the door with his fist.
He heard the water shut off and ten seconds later Peter exited the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.
"All yours Padfoot." He squeaked. (A/N: I hope you all enjoy my rat references to Peter. The little shit!)
"Thanks," Sirius muttered and pushed past the boy.
Once inside the bathroom Sirius locked the door behind him and turned on the shower. He stripped off his boxers and stepped under the warm water.
~*~
Lily sat down next to Rachel at breakfast.
"What time did you get up this morning? She asked her friend, helping herself to toast.
"About twenty past five." Rachel replied. "You?"
"Half seven." Answered Lily, spreading marmalade on the toast she had just buttered.
Rachel smiled at her.
"Morning Ladies." Sirius Black plonked himself down opposite the two girls and was soon joined by Peter, Remus and James.
Rachel nodded in recognition, but didn't look up.
"Morning James." Lily smiled at him.
James returned the smile.
"So," Sirius continued, "We're all going to Hogsmeade today then?"
Peter nodded enthusiastically. Remus smiled and reached for the jam.
"Didn't I tell you Padfoot? I'm taking Lily out today. But we can all meet in the Three Broomsticks at four thirty if you want?"
A hurt look crossed Sirius's face, but he quickly hid it.
"Sounds great." He grinned. "It'll give me a chance to get to know Jay a bit better."
Rachel looked up from her cornflakes.
"Sorry to rain on your parade Black, but I'm not coming to Hogsmeade this week." Rachel made to get up from the table.
Lily grabbed her arm. "Look Rach, I'm going to let you in on a secret. The Halloween Ball is going to be a big fancy do. I'm getting my dress now, it'll save me rushing to find one later. Come with me. James wont mind waiting a few hours, infact he can go off and do whatever with Sirius."
Sirius's face brightened at the mention of his name.
"If that's ok with you James?" Lily questioned. She didn't want to ruin their first date.
James Potter turned on his famous 100-Galleon smile.
"Of course Lily. I'll meet you by The Three Broomsticks at half past twelve?"
"Great!" Lily leant across the table and kissed him on the cheek.
"Ooh! Public Display of Affection!" Sirius sang.
James punched him on the arm.
Rachel rose from the table. "I'll see you guys in a bit."
She left the Great Hall.
"Look! Food!" Sirius helped himself to pancakes.
~*~
Two hours later Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Rachel and Peter (A/N: I've got no idea why he's coming too!) were on their way to Hogsmeade. As soon as the girls' feet touched the cobbled street Lily dragged Rachel in the direction of the nearest Dress Shop, despite Rachel's screams of protest.
The Marauders made their way to Zonko's Joke Shop to stock up on Dungbombs and other weird and wonderful things.
"Hey Prongs! Look at this!"
Peter held up a jar containing a green liquid in which was suspended a hand. Remus made a face.
"That's revolting Wormtail!"
But James and Sirius begged to differ.
"Very nice Wormy. Very nice."
Peter cringed at the nickname Sirius had given him. It was bad enough they called him Wormtail because it represented his Anigmus but to shorten it to "Wormy". He would have thought Sirius Black would have more style than that! Obviously he thought wrong!
Sirius snatched the jar and shook it. The green liquid bubbled and the hand twitched.
"Cool!" James exclaimed, and grabbed the jar for a closer look.
~*~
Rachel sat filing her nails outside the fitting room of the third Dress Shop Lily had dragged her into. This time Lily was sure she'd found the perfect dress. Of course, that's what she'd said in the other two shops they had visited! Rachel was bored. She hated shopping, well, unless it was for broomsticks, or books, or Quiddich Equipment.
"Hurry up in there Lils!" she called.
"Just a minute!" came the muffled reply from behind the curtain.
Rachel had just begun to count the ceiling tiles for the third time when she heard the curtain draw back on the rail.
Lily stepped out from behind the curtain, and twirled for Rachel to see.
"Shit Lils! You look gorgeous!" was Rachel's excited response. "We've found it! We've found it!" she sang and danced on the spot.
Lily admired her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit, Rachel was right. This was it!
The dress was simple; it had thin straps and went down to gently brush her toes. A slit ran up the side of it reaching just above her knee. Her red hair stood out boldly against the pure white of the dress but Lily didn't care, for once she was glad it stood out, that she stood out. She wanted to be noticed.
'James Potter, Eat your heart out!' she thought.
"Potter is going to have a heart attack when he sees you in that." Rachel laughed.
Lily laughed along with her friend.
They left the shop ten minutes later with the dress and matching shoes. Lily was practically skipping.
"We have to get you one now!" she prodded her best friend. "You didn't think you were going to get out of it did you?"
"Damn!" Rachel muttered under her breath. Oh how she hated shopping!
"Lils," she asked as her friend dragged her through the crowded streets. "What's the time?"
Lily looked at her watch.
"Merlin!" she gasped. "It's twenty past twelve!"
Rachel's arm was nearly pulled from its socket as Lily dragged her back the way they had come.
~*~
James scanned the crowds for Lily and Rachel.
"Can you see them Padfoot?" he said to Sirius who was standing next to him.
"Yup." His best friend replied having finally sighted the blue haired girl and her best friend.
Seconds later a breathless Lily and an even more breathless Rachel were standing infront of him.
"Sorry we're late." Lily panted.
"Don't worry about it." Said James, extending his arm to her.
Lily took it gratefully and waved goodbye to Rachel and Sirius as James led her away.
Rachel watched as Lily and James disappeared into the crowds of people.
"Butterbeer?" asked a voice from behind her.
She turned and was greeted with the smirking face of Sirius Black. Her eyebrows rose in question.
"Where are Remus and Peter?" she enquired.
"Why? Scared to be alone with me Jay?"
"No." she scoffed, "I just want to know."
"They've gone to the Book Shop. Remus wanted to get something for a friend and Peter went with him." Sirius explained.
"Oh." Rachel replied.
"Butterbeer?" he asked again.
"Sure," she smiled at him. "Why not."
~*~
James pulled Lily through the crowded streets of Hogsmeade. Lily got lost trying to remember just how many lefts and rights they had taken but James seemed to know exactly where he was going. Finally they reached their destination.
James had taken her to a tiny café, hidden within the maze of streets. He opened the door for her, and ushered her inside. The smell of warm croissants and hot chocolate invaded her senses making her mouth water in anticipation. They sat down at the table and almost instantly a waitress appeared.
"Would you like something to drink?" she asked politely.
"Hot Chocolate please Marie." Said James, winking at her.
"And for you Miss?"
"The same please." Replied Lily.
The waitress sauntered off with a little extra wiggle in her walk. Lily snorted.
"Something funny Evans?" James asked.
"No," Lily giggled. "Just another one falling for the old Potter charm."
James grinned at her. "You sure you haven't fallen for it?" he reached for her hand across the table and held it in his own.
Lily felt tingles run up her arm. She smiled at James and he smiled back. The butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
"Has anyone ever told you that you have the most beautiful eyes?" he whispered to her.
Lily blushed. "No, but there's a first time for everything."
James grinned. "You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen." He stated.
"Thank you."
James leaned in to kiss her. The moment couldn't have been more perfect.
"Hot Chocolate?" the waitress appeared again.
James cursed under his breath.
"Thank You." Smiled Lily.
"So," said James after the waitress had gone. "What's in the bag?" he motioned to the shopping bag Lily had at her feet.
"Oh nothing." Lily pushed the bag under the table with her foot.
"And 'nothing' requires a big bag does it?" asked James, reaching under the table and trying to have a look.
"No peeking Potter." she kicked the bag under her chair and out of reach.
"Aww! No fair!" James pouted.
Lily giggled. He did look pretty cute like that.
~*~
"Urg! I did NOT need to know that Black!" Rachel pulled a face.
Sirius laughed. Rachel smiled at him.
"Are you laughing at me?" she questioned.
"No." Sirius put on the most innocent face he could.
Rachel laughed at him. "That's pathetic!"
"No it's not!"
"Yes Black, it is."
Rachel glanced at her watch. "Where the hell are Remus and Peter? James and Lily are going to be back soon."
She rose from her seat.
"Where are you going?" asked Sirius standing too.
"To find them you fool."
And with that Rachel wandered into the crowds. Sirius tossed a few coins into the ashtray on the table and hurried after her. He found her standing outside a shop, gazing in through the window.
"What?" he asked, baffled.
"Lily will be so proud of me!" Rachel grinned and before Sirius could ask any more questions she had darted inside.
Sirius rolled his eyes and followed her in.
"Women!"
Twenty minutes later a beaming Rachel exited the shop, Sirius trailing behind her.
"Come on Jay, at least let me have a peek!"
"No! Sodd off!"
The arguing pair made their way back to the Three Broomsticks where they found Lily, James, Remus and Peter waiting for them.
"We'd better go." Said Lily. "We don't want to be late back to school."
Peter nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
The group of six left the Three Broomsticks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once back at school, Rachel dragged Lily up to the Gryffindor Common Room. She wanted to know how her date with James had gone.
"Well," Lily began. "He took me to this tiny café, where we ordered Hot Chocolate, he told me I had beautiful eyes and tried to look in my shopping bag. Anyway, I wouldn't let him."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aww! No fair!" James pouted.
Lily giggled. He did look pretty cute like that.
James laughed along with her.
"What are you thinking?" Lily asked him.
"What's in that bag." He replied, "You?"
Lily smirked at him.
"Oh just something I shouldn't be thinking." She winked at him and took a sip of her drink.
"And what's that?" James purred.
"Well if I told you it wouldn't be much fun for me would it?"
"Well maybe I could make it fun if you told me."
Lily looked at him over the top of her cup and raised her eyebrows. James just stared back. Slowly she set her cup down on the table and moved her chair closer to him, her eyes never leaving his. Their noses were almost touching.
"I'm sure you could." She whispered.
James smiled at her; his hand stroked her cheek gently as he leant in to kiss her.
Fireworks exploded behind Lily's eyelids. This was amazingly perfect. He was amazingly perfect. This couldn't get any better. It wasn't rushed and desperate like the other kisses they had shared, this was slow and meaningful.
Eventually, the two broke apart. James smiled his lopsided grin at her.
"Was that what you were thinking?" he asked her.
Lily smiled at him.
"Not even close Potter." she whispered.
James's eyes widened.
"What do you say we go?" he suggested.
Lily rose from her seat and grabbed her bag. James left a few coins on his saucer and together they walked out of the café.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"And we went to the park and talked for hours. It was amazing." Lily finished her story with a dazed look on her face.
Rachel smiled. "Well, considering you left me in the company of Sirius Black I had to fend for myself. Do you have any idea how difficult it is not to hit that guy?"
Lily laughed. "You didn't seem to mind last night."
"It was just dancing Lils. I did the same with Martin Wood. Nothing special."
Lily smiled at her friend. "I worry about you sometimes Rach. I really do."
"Don't bother, whilst fending for myself I came across something that will save you time and make you smile."
For the first time, Lily realised that Rachel was holding a shopping bag.
"You didn't!" She gasped.
"I did." Rachel smiled at her. "And I had Black pestering me!"
"Has he seen it?"
"No. Why would I want him to?"
"No reason." Lily grinned. "So, let me see."
Rachel stood and got out her wand.
"I learnt this in the shop." She winked at her friend and whispered a few well-chosen words. Seconds later Rachel was standing infront of her friend with a huge grin on her face. Lily's face lit up with excitement. She applauded.
"It's fantastic!"
Rachel twirled so that Lily could see the whole of the dress. The crushed black velvet material seemed to shimmer in the glaring light of the Common Room. The dress was floor length, with a split up the left side that reached almost to her hip, the right side of the dress trailed slightly on the floor. Although Rachel's long blue hair covered most of her back, a good four inches of her back was still on show.
"And you tell me I have no taste!" Rachel laughed.
"No I tell you that your green beenie is tasteless!" Lily replied.
The portrait hole began to open and Lily whirled round in surprise as the Marauders stepped into the room. She turned back to Rachel but was shocked to discover that she had already changed her clothes back to what she was wearing before and was calmly pulling her ratty green beenie over her ears. She winked at Lily who breathed a sigh of relief.
"Did you miss me?" came a voice from behind her.
Rachel turned and was greeted with the smirking face of Sirius Black.
"You wish!" she scoffed and pushed him off the back of the sofa where he had been balancing.
"Oof!" he exclaimed as he hit the floor.
"Come along Black, we've got Quiddich Practice to get to!" she stated, rising from her seat. "You to Potter." she prodded James with her foot.
James looked up from where he had been sitting, whispering things into Lily's ear. He stood to attention.
"Yes Ma'am!" he saluted her and after kissing Lily on the cheek hopped out of the portrait hole.
"See you later Lils!" Rachel called over her shoulder as she dragged Sirius out of the room.
"Bye!" said Lily and lay out on the sofa, she was exhausted.
(A/N: Happy New Year to you all! I was going to do a Quiddich Practice Chapter mixed with a bit of Halloween next. What do you think? Read & Review! Luv~ Raven x.)
"Where have you been Lils? I've been looking everywhere for you."
"I had an early dinner." Lily explained.
"Well I need a shower but I'll meet you back here in fifteen minutes and we can catch up?" Rachel asked.
"Sure."
Rachel ran up the stairs to her dorm room. A surprise greeted her as she reached the door. Her trunk was on the floor outside.
"Lily!" she called down to her best friend.
Lily raced up the stairs.
"What's wrong?" she asked, before seeing the trunk. "Shit!"
"I know! Stupid fucks! They kicked me out! Typical!" Rachel sat on her trunk; she was pissed off.
"Look, come and clean up in my room, you can stay there with me until this whole Sirius thing blows over." Lily reasoned with her friend.
"Thanks Lils." Rachel smiled at her friend.
The two girls floated Rachel's trunk down the stairs and were greeted by the sight of the Marauders sitting on the sofas in the common room.
"What happened?" asked Remus, immediately concerned.
"Nothing much," replied Rachel. "Only my roommates just kicked me out. I guess they really took this Sirius thing badly. I thought they'd forgotten and moved onto what the 'New Pink' is." Rachel joked.
The Marauders smiled.
"So I'm letting her stay in my room until it blows over. That's ok, isn't it James?" Lily flashed James her biggest smile.
"Sure Lils, no problem."
"Rach is just gonna go and take a shower and stuff then we'll meet you guys back here?" Lily winked at James who nodded back.
"Ok, see you in thirty?"
"Yup."
And the girls had left the room.
James turned to the Marauders.
"We have half an hour gentlemen. Let's get to work. Padfoot, you get the drinks; Remus, music; Wormy and I will get the guests."
James dragged Peter out of the portrait hole and away.
Remus shrugged at Sirius and began transfiguring cushions into speakers. Once he had finished, he and Sirius moved all the furniture to the sides of the room leaving a space in the middle; he put a soundproofing charm on the room; conjured up balloons and confetti (A/N: Everybody likes confetti!) then left the room with Sirius to get drinks from the kitchen. The House Elves were so eager to please.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rachel set her trunk down at the foot of Lily's bed, she was thankful that Lily had put all her clothes into her walk-in wardrobes. She was far too lazy to unpack. She grabbed her bathrobe and padded down the corridor to use the bathroom.
Lily opened Rachel's trunk. She was going to choose her best friend's outfit and Rachel would wear it whether she liked it or not! She laughed to herself; this was going to be fun.
~*~
Rachel left the bathroom fifteen minutes later smelling of cherries and dripping water along the carpet from the tips of her electric blue hair. She entered Lily's room and was attacked by Lily.
"Sit still Rach! Let me do your hair."
"Just leave it Lils! I'll dry it in a minute! It's not like I care what the Marauders think."
"But you may as well look good."
"Are you trying to impress Potter or something, and I have to dress up too 'cos you don't want to feel silly?"
"No. I just think it'd be a change for them to see you in something other than tracksuit bottoms."
Rachel raised an eyebrow at her friend, who she could only see in the mirror.
"Fine. But leave my hair, I'll do that."
Lily turned her friend around and Rachel finally got to see what her best friend was wearing.
Lily was dressed in flared, hip hugging black jeans and a dark red halter necked top. Her hair curled loosely around her face, framing it. She looked gorgeous.
"Damn! You're going to knock Potter's socks off!"
Lily laughed. "And who says it's Potter's socks I want to knock off?"
"Lily, seriously, I've known you for over six years. I think I know when you like someone."
"Fine! You got me! Don't tell anyone!"
"I wont. You know me. They'd have to beat it out of me!"
Rachel smiled at her friend.
"Oh, and I've already picked your outfit."
Rachel's face dropped.
"You What?! Lily Evans I'm going to kill you! What have you done?!"
Lily grinned sheepishly and motioned towards the bed. Rachel rushed over.
On the bed lay a white vest and an indigo blue denim skirt.
"You expect me to wear that? Lily that skirt is more like a belt!"
Lily chuckled.
"Just trust me Rach. You look great in everything! Even that ratty old beenie that you refuse to throw out; or your school uniform; or in one of the many pairs of tracksuit bottoms you own! You've got a great figure! Believe me I've caught Sirius looking. Show it off!"
Rachel blushed.
"Of course you caught Sirius looking! That fool would screw anything in a skirt!"
Lily laughed. "Just put it on you twit! I wanna see how it looks."
"Fine! But if I look silly I'm taking it off."
Lily turned around to allow her friend to get dressed.
"Ok, you can look."
Lily turned around.
"Rachel! You look amazing! Look in the mirror."
Rachel turned to the mirror, tugging on the hem of her skirt.
"Leave it!" Lily grabbed her friend's hands.
"Sorry. Don't you think it's a bit short?"
"You're just saying that because you've never seen so much of your own legs before!"
Rachel laughed. Lily was right. She did look pretty good. She muttered a quick drying charm on her hair and ruffled it a bit.
"Up or down?" she asked.
"Down." Was the reply, Lily was applying her make-up, just a little mascara, eyeliner and lip-gloss. Less is more.
Rachel grinned. "You're not going to put that on me are you?"
"Of course! Not that you don't look stunning without it."
"Nooooo!" Lily dragged her friend to the mirror.
"Hold still Rach."
Rachel finally stood still long enough for Lily to apply eyeliner and lip- gloss, but when approached with eyelash curlers she jerked her head away.
"What the hell are those? They look like an instrument of torture!"
"Look down." was the command from Lily.
~*~
They had five minutes to get to the party and they still hadn't decided on shoes.
"I don't see why you're making such a big deal over shoes Lils, it's just Potter."
"It's not me I'm worried about," Lily replied, "It's you, I only have heels, and with skirts 'the shorter the skirt the lower the heel'. It's a rule!"
Rachel smirked, and lent over her trunk.
"Will these do?" she asked pulling out a pair of black and white sneakers. They reached roughly mid-calf and laced all the way up with long black laces.
"Perfect!" Lily squealed.
~*~
Two minutes later wearing their cloaks, the two girls were making their way to the Gryffindor Common Room. Rachel was still unaware of the surprise that awaited her when she arrived.
~*~
"May I take your cloak?" Peter squeaked. He was on the door for the party and was counting the last Gryffindors through the portrait hole, not including Lily and Rachel.
The party was already in full swing. The music throbbed on the dance floor. Remus was glad he'd soundproofed the room. Everybody was holding a drink.
Sirius stood by the wall, chatting to some blonde Gryffindor girl. He didn't even know her name. He didn't really care what it was anyway. He'd gone off blondes; and brunettes. Infact, he only liked blue haired girls now. And there was only one of those. And she'd just walked through the door.
~*~
James made his way to the door to greet Lily and Rachel. He grinned when he saw the expression on her face.
"Yes Rachel, this is all for you." He answered her question before she'd even asked it.
"Wow! Thanks Potter!"
"Well you deserve it Captain, after that amazing victory today. Now, I must apologise to you but I must take this stunning friend of yours away from you and get her and me a drink. I hope you don't mind."
Rachel leaned close to Lily.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" she whispered into her friend's ear and winked at her as James whisked her away.
~*~
James pulled Lily onto the dance floor, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Lily drowned in the music. She lost herself in a world where there was just her and the bass. This time James was there with her. She pressed herself against him and they moved as one to the rhythm of the song. Lily closed her eyes. One hand snaked up, caressing James's cheek, drawing him closer.
James didn't want to let her go. Her smell was intoxicating. He loved the pressure of her hips on his. He loved the way she moved with him.
Both were lost in the sound.
~*~
Sirius watched as James pulled Lily away from Rachel. He pushed off from the wall, totally ignoring the blonde, and crossed the room towards the blue haired girl. She turned and saw him coming towards her so she met him in the middle.
"Well Jay I must say, I do like the new look." He smirked at her.
"Take a picture it'll last longer." She laughed. "You don't think the skirt is too short?" She tugged on the hem.
"Definitely not." Sirius grabbed her hands, pulling her closer. "You look good enough to eat Jay, if I do say so myself." He purred into her ear.
"Oh really?"
She was teasing him again. He hated this. It was like walking on thin ice. One wrong move and he was in it.
"Yes really." He whispered.
"Thanks." She blushed.
They stood in silence for a while.
"Hey, I'm gonna go and grab a drink and find Remus. I'll catch you later, yeah?"
"Sure." Sirius nodded.
Rachel smiled at him, and then moved past him to find Remus.
Sirius watched her as she tapped Remus on the shoulder and his best friend pulled her into a hug. He felt like ripping Remus's head off. Rachel should be laughing and hugging him, not his best friend!
"Sirius?" someone stroked his arm. It was the blonde again.
"Uhh. Hi." He didn't remember her name.
It didn't matter to her. She just wanted to be seen with one of the hottest guys at Hogwarts! She dragged him onto the dance floor and pulled him close, rubbing her body against his.
'Maybe this wont be so bad.' Sirius thought.
~*~
Rachel watched, as Sirius got cosy with some blonde girl, "Emily something- or-other", grinding on the dance floor.
"You alright Rach?" said a voice beside her.
"I'm fine Remus, I'm just amazed at how you guys managed to do this in half an hour." She lied.
"It's nothing, don't mention it."
Rachel took a swig of Butterbeer from the bottle in her hand.
"Wanna dance?" she asked.
"Maybe later?"
She smiled at him. "Ok, don't forget."
Remus nodded at his friend.
"Pete?" Rachel turned to the boy that was skulking behind them.
"No thanks, I don't dance." He mumbled to the floor.
Rachel looked out into the sea of moving bodies. She caught sight of James and Lily looking pretty comfortable together. Rachel smiled to herself, she was glad her friend was happy. However, her smile fell when the sight of Sirius and that Emily girl barred her view of her best friend having a good time. She made a face.
Sirius looked up and caught Rachel's eye. She looked pretty angry. He grinned and pulled the blonde closer, knowing it would make Rachel squirm. Sure enough, Rachel pulled a disgusted face and reached for her bottle of Butterbeer. She downed it and stalked onto the dance floor.
That was it! The final straw! Sirius was going to get the shock of his life! Rachel pushed past him. She nearly laughed out loud when she saw his face when he realised she wasn't directly heading for him, about to rip the blonde's head off.
'Maybe she's not jealous.'
Rachel felt his eyes follow her as she made her way into the centre of the crowd. Once there she began to dance. She closed her eyes and imagined the room empty. She was free to dance however the hell she liked.
~*~
Lily was having the most amazing time. She and James had been dancing for what seemed like forever. She smiled to herself when she felt his hard length press against her thigh. His hands slipped around her waist protectively and pulled her closer. She buried her hands in his hair and brought her mouth to his in an earth shattering, mind blowing kiss.
James was blown away. His hold on her waist tightened, and they moved together to the music. Eventually she pulled back and grinned at him, licking her lips. James wanted nothing more than to grab her and kiss her again but he knew he should take it slower. He didn't want to ruin the best thing he'd ever found. He took her hand gently and led her off the dance floor. She looked as though she could use a drink.
~*~
Remus looked up when Lily and James approached him.
"Butterbeer?" he asked them.
"Two please Moony." James nodded.
Lily looked around.
"Remus, where's Rach?" she asked.
"Dancing." Was the reply.
"With Sirius?" James asked. He'd seen them talking somewhere.
"No Prongs, Padfoot's dancing with Emily Brookes." Remus motioned with his bottle.
"So where's Rachel then?" asked Lily.
"Over there." Peter squeaked, pointing to the centre of the dance floor.
Lily laughed. "Trust Rach. Has to be the centre of attention!"
She grabbed James's hand and hauled him to the centre of the floor.
~*~
Both Lily and James's eyes widened when they reached Rachel.
"Woo! Go on Rachel! Shake that thing!" a male voice called above the music.
Rachel smiled.
Lily caught her friend's eye.
Rachel winked at her. Lily laughed and then jabbed James in the ribs.
"Oi Potter! I'm over here!" She joked.
James put an arm around her waist.
"I've never seen Rachel so. so." He couldn't finish his sentence.
Lily raised an eyebrow.
James was lucky. At that moment Sirius turned up.
"What's happening over here then?" he asked.
James just pointed.
Sirius turned. His jaw dropped. Without saying a word, he pushed past Lily and James.
~*~
Rachel smirked. She knew he'd arrive sooner or later. She closed her eyes as Sirius snaked an arm around her waist from behind.
"Is this a private party, or can anyone join?" he purred into her ear.
His voice sent shivers down her spine. Rachel just slipped a hand up and around his neck, pulling him closer.
Not that Sirius was objecting! He placed both hands on her waist, and guided her hips to the rhythm he wanted to follow. She smelt so good, of cherries and something else he couldn't quite place his finger on. He began to wonder if she tasted this good.
Rachel could feel his warm breath on her neck, as his mouth got closer and closer to her skin.
'She's not pulling away. This is good.'
~*~
Suddenly the music stopped.
The crowd dispersed.
"Mister Black! Miss Jay! What in Merlin's name do you think you are doing?" the furious voice of Professor McGonagall cut through the silence in the room like a knife (A/N: I've always wanted to use that simile!).
Rachel jumped away from Sirius as if she'd gotten an electric shock. Sirius grinned sheepishly.
It was James who spoke first:
"It's my fault Professor. I suggested we have a party to celebrate Gryffindor's victory this afternoon."
"I did not ask for your story Mister Potter." McGonagall snapped. She was not happy. "I asked Miss Jay and Mister Black." She turned to them. "So if one of you would care to explain." She tapped her foot impatiently.
Sirius opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.
"We were dancing Professor." Rachel beat him to it.
"You call that dancing?" Professor McGonagall shrieked.
"Yes. I do."
Professor McGonagall was stunned. She hadn't expected one of her favourite students to be talking back.
"I might have expected it from you Mister Black." She talked down her nose to Sirius. "But Miss Jay! Are you really swayed that easily?"
"I was just having fun Professor. I needed to loosen up. Sirius was just helping."
Professor McGonagall's face turned scarlet with anger. She swept out of the room without a further word. Rachel looked around. She, Sirius, Lily, James and Remus were the only people left in the room. She snorted. At the first sign of danger everyone else always ran off! Typical!
Remus began clearing up; he made the bottles of Butterbeer disappear with a flick of his wand. The rest of them began to push the furniture back into place. Soon the room was back to normal. The five of them collapsed on the sofas infront of the fire.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted." Said Lily, smiling at James.
"Who said the party was over?" he asked.
"McGonagall." Said Remus. "I've never seen her so mad."
Rachel laughed. "That's because she can't dance!"
The group laughed.
"And you call that dancing?" Sirius mimicked the Professor.
"You weren't objecting!" Rachel retorted.
"She's right Padfoot." Interjected James. "No complaints from your end."
Rachel yawned, causing Lily to start.
"Sleepy Rach?" she yawned.
Rachel nodded. The girls stood.
"We'd better get going then."
The guys stood too.
"I'll see you in a bit, yeah?" James asked Lily, hugging her.
"Sure Potter." Lily nodded. "Night guys." She called to Remus and Sirius, whilst collecting her cloak.
"Night." They replied in unison.
"Goodnight Remus." Rachel hugged him goodbye. "Thanks for the party."
"No problem." Remus smiled at her.
"Goodnight Jay." Sirius hugged Rachel, "Don't worry, ok?" He whispered to her. You know where I am if you need me." He inhaled her unique scent once more before releasing her.
Rachel winked at him. "Thanks Black. It's been fun."
"You sure you don't want to spend the night here on the floor with me?" he questioned, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Dream on Black!" she laughed.
"See you in a bit Potter." she called over her shoulder as she followed Lily out of the portrait hole and down the corridor.
The Marauders sat back down on the sofas grinning.
"I told you Prongs." Sirius stated, "She wants me."
"Are you sure she wasn't just drunk?" asked James.
"Nah! She is falling for me hook, line and sinker."
"Are you sure you're not just falling for her?" Remus questioned.
Sirius looked irritated and shook his head.
"Cos that Emily girl is pretty hot." James chipped in.
"Is that her name?"
"Yes, you sit behind her in Transfiguration."
"Do I?"
"It looks like you've gone off blondes Padfoot." James laughed.
"So what if I have? They're too ditzy for me anyway, I need someone with an intellect to match my own." Sirius puffed out his chest.
"Don't you mean someone to deflate your ego?" Remus questioned.
Sirius shot him a dirty look.
"What about you Moony, I haven't seen you with any girls of late." James laughed. "What's happening there?"
"That's cos I've got my eye on a special one." Remus smirked.
Sirius felt his stomach drop.
"Well, what house is she in?" James questioned.
Sirius stood up, he didn't want to hear the rest.
"Tired Padfoot?" Remus asked. The subject of girls forgotten.
"Yeah." He lied. "Night guys." He called over his shoulder as he made his way up the stairs.
~*~
"So," Lily said as they entered her room. "What was going on with you and Sirius?"
"Oh no Lily Evans! I want to hear about you and Potter."
"It's nothing." Lily shrugged, removing her shoes.
"Oh please! Nothing does not have grinding sessions with James Potter."
Lily blushed.
"A ha! I knew it!" Rachel leapt onto Lily's bed and bounced up and down. "Lily and James sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Lily with the baby carriage!" She sang before collapsing. "Catch my drift?" she winked at her best friend. "Or would you like me to draw you a diagram?"
Lily laughed and pushed Rachel off the bed.
"Shut up! We're just friends."
"Friends with benefits? I saw you kiss him! Just because I was dancing with Martin Wood, who I must say does live up to his name, does not mean I wasn't looking out for you!"
"You were dancing with Martin Wood?"
"Yes I was, but you were too preoccupied with Potter to notice!"
Lily looked at her toes.
"So, is he any good?" Rachel asked.
"I've got two words for you: Hell Yes!"
Rachel shrieked with excitement. "And?"
"What do you mean 'And'?"
"Well, are you going to do anything about it?"
"I'm going to Hogsmeade with him this weekend."
"When did you get time to arrange this? Last time I saw you, you had your tongues down each other's throats!"
"The other night." Lily mused.
"So, he just asked and you said yes? You've been turning him down since fifth year. What made you change your mind?"
"Uhh." Lily wasn't sure what to say.
"You've kissed him before haven't you?" Rachel pounced.
Lily nodded.
"Why in Merlin's name didn't you tell me?"
"I never had the time. We're both so busy now. I mean, you've got Quiddich and I've got Head Girl duties." she trailed off.
Rachel pulled her best friend into a hug.
"Well, we've got time now. Tell me everything!"
Lily laughed and began to explain the night in the Library with the Firewhiskey.
~*~
When James entered his Common Room five minutes later he could hear shrieks of laughter coming from upstairs. He smiled to himself and made his way up the stairs.
James knocked on Lily's bedroom door.
"Just a minute." A muffled voice called from inside, James assumed it was Rachel's and sure enough the blue haired girl stuck her head around the door thirty seconds later dressed in an oversized Quiddich shirt with the Gryffindor lion emblazoned on it, a pair of grey shorts were just visible occasionally making an appearance from under the long hem of the shirt.
"Yes?" she asked, ruffling her hair.
"Is Lily in? I wanted to say goodnight."
"Yup." Rachel disappeared behind the door again.
Two seconds later, Lily Evans was pushed out of her own bedroom and the door was slammed behind her.
Lily laughed. "Hi." She blushed.
"Hi." James replied.
He drank in her appearance. She was wearing baggy grey tracksuit bottoms and a black tank top. Her hair was piled on top on her head and her face was void of make-up. James thought she looked stunning. Well, he always thought she looked stunning. Lily blushed when she caught him staring at her. The familiar butterfly feeling in her stomach was back.
"I just wanted to say goodnight." His voice was husky.
Lily smiled. "Goodnight then Mister Potter." She was laughing inside as she turned to go back into her room.
James grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him.
"I think you've forgotten something Miss Evans." He purred into her ear.
"Really?" asked Lily innocently. "What's that?"
James pressed his mouth against hers urgently in reply. He smiled against her lips when he felt her respond. He licked her lips and was granted with entry to her mouth. She tasted minty. He chuckled against her lips and she pulled away.
"Something funny about my kisses Potter?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, it's just that you taste of toothpaste."
Lily smiled at him.
"Goodnight James."
"Sweet Dreams Lily."
She turned and went into her room, closing the door softly behind her.
James smiled to himself and walked down the corridor to his room.
"Oi Potter!" a voice came from behind him.
He turned and was greeted with the smiling face of Rachel Jay.
"You called Mon Capitan?" he replied, in a dodgy French accent.
"Come here Potter." Rachel beckoned him towards her.
James walked to the girl and towered over her 5ft 7 frame with his 6ft 1 one. Rachel grabbed the front of his shirt and dragged him down so that their noses were level.
"If you hurt Lily," she growled. "I will hex you so badly you and your offspring will spend the rest of your lives in agonising pain. Do you understand me Potter?"
James would have laughed at her if he had thought she was joking but the look in her chocolate brown eyes told him otherwise.
"Yes." He croaked, the twisted front of his shirt was cutting off his air.
"Good." Rachel released him. "Sleep Well Potter." she called over her shoulder as she made her way back to Lily's room.
~*~
Three hours later Sirius Black was still awake. He lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He could hear Remus soft breathing from the bed next to his and Peter's snoring from the other side of the room, even with the curtains around the bed drawn. He rolled his eyes. This was going to be a long night.
~*~
James was making his way to the bathroom when he saw a shape flit across the landing. He squinted, cursing himself for not putting his glasses on. The shape made its way down the stairs to the Common Room, and James followed. He grabbed it when it tried to leave through the portrait hole.
"Potter! Get off me!" an angry Rachel elbowed him in the ribs.
He released her and she fell to the floor with a dull thud.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" he hissed through the darkness.
"Out." She replied curtly and turned to leave again.
"Where?" he whispered grabbing hold of her wrist.
"None of your business! Now let me go Potter!" Rachel struggled.
"Does Lily know you're gone?" James asked.
"No," was the reply. "I've made my bed and left her a note that I wanted to get some flying done before breakfast."
"So where are you going?" James asked again.
"I'm not going to tell you Potter! Now please just let me go."
James could barley make out her eyes through the darkness, pleading with him. Her voice wavered, she seemed afraid.
"Fine." He released her wrist.
Rachel opened the portrait hole once more.
"James?" she turned back to him. "Please don't tell Lily I've done this." She begged. "It's just something I have to sort out, ok?"
"I wont tell her Rachel. Now go before I change my mind."
The portrait hole clicked shut behind her and James was left staring at the wall. Silently he crept up the stairs and to his bedroom where he fell into a dreamless sleep.
~*~
The next morning Sirius woke with a start. It seemed to him that he had only just managed to close his eyes before he was woken again. He could hear Peter's out of tune singing drifting from the bathroom. He groaned and forced himself out of bed. It was a Hogsmeade Weekend after all. He dragged his tired body to the bathroom door.
"Wormy! Get out of there!" he bellowed, banging on the door with his fist.
He heard the water shut off and ten seconds later Peter exited the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.
"All yours Padfoot." He squeaked. (A/N: I hope you all enjoy my rat references to Peter. The little shit!)
"Thanks," Sirius muttered and pushed past the boy.
Once inside the bathroom Sirius locked the door behind him and turned on the shower. He stripped off his boxers and stepped under the warm water.
~*~
Lily sat down next to Rachel at breakfast.
"What time did you get up this morning? She asked her friend, helping herself to toast.
"About twenty past five." Rachel replied. "You?"
"Half seven." Answered Lily, spreading marmalade on the toast she had just buttered.
Rachel smiled at her.
"Morning Ladies." Sirius Black plonked himself down opposite the two girls and was soon joined by Peter, Remus and James.
Rachel nodded in recognition, but didn't look up.
"Morning James." Lily smiled at him.
James returned the smile.
"So," Sirius continued, "We're all going to Hogsmeade today then?"
Peter nodded enthusiastically. Remus smiled and reached for the jam.
"Didn't I tell you Padfoot? I'm taking Lily out today. But we can all meet in the Three Broomsticks at four thirty if you want?"
A hurt look crossed Sirius's face, but he quickly hid it.
"Sounds great." He grinned. "It'll give me a chance to get to know Jay a bit better."
Rachel looked up from her cornflakes.
"Sorry to rain on your parade Black, but I'm not coming to Hogsmeade this week." Rachel made to get up from the table.
Lily grabbed her arm. "Look Rach, I'm going to let you in on a secret. The Halloween Ball is going to be a big fancy do. I'm getting my dress now, it'll save me rushing to find one later. Come with me. James wont mind waiting a few hours, infact he can go off and do whatever with Sirius."
Sirius's face brightened at the mention of his name.
"If that's ok with you James?" Lily questioned. She didn't want to ruin their first date.
James Potter turned on his famous 100-Galleon smile.
"Of course Lily. I'll meet you by The Three Broomsticks at half past twelve?"
"Great!" Lily leant across the table and kissed him on the cheek.
"Ooh! Public Display of Affection!" Sirius sang.
James punched him on the arm.
Rachel rose from the table. "I'll see you guys in a bit."
She left the Great Hall.
"Look! Food!" Sirius helped himself to pancakes.
~*~
Two hours later Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Rachel and Peter (A/N: I've got no idea why he's coming too!) were on their way to Hogsmeade. As soon as the girls' feet touched the cobbled street Lily dragged Rachel in the direction of the nearest Dress Shop, despite Rachel's screams of protest.
The Marauders made their way to Zonko's Joke Shop to stock up on Dungbombs and other weird and wonderful things.
"Hey Prongs! Look at this!"
Peter held up a jar containing a green liquid in which was suspended a hand. Remus made a face.
"That's revolting Wormtail!"
But James and Sirius begged to differ.
"Very nice Wormy. Very nice."
Peter cringed at the nickname Sirius had given him. It was bad enough they called him Wormtail because it represented his Anigmus but to shorten it to "Wormy". He would have thought Sirius Black would have more style than that! Obviously he thought wrong!
Sirius snatched the jar and shook it. The green liquid bubbled and the hand twitched.
"Cool!" James exclaimed, and grabbed the jar for a closer look.
~*~
Rachel sat filing her nails outside the fitting room of the third Dress Shop Lily had dragged her into. This time Lily was sure she'd found the perfect dress. Of course, that's what she'd said in the other two shops they had visited! Rachel was bored. She hated shopping, well, unless it was for broomsticks, or books, or Quiddich Equipment.
"Hurry up in there Lils!" she called.
"Just a minute!" came the muffled reply from behind the curtain.
Rachel had just begun to count the ceiling tiles for the third time when she heard the curtain draw back on the rail.
Lily stepped out from behind the curtain, and twirled for Rachel to see.
"Shit Lils! You look gorgeous!" was Rachel's excited response. "We've found it! We've found it!" she sang and danced on the spot.
Lily admired her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit, Rachel was right. This was it!
The dress was simple; it had thin straps and went down to gently brush her toes. A slit ran up the side of it reaching just above her knee. Her red hair stood out boldly against the pure white of the dress but Lily didn't care, for once she was glad it stood out, that she stood out. She wanted to be noticed.
'James Potter, Eat your heart out!' she thought.
"Potter is going to have a heart attack when he sees you in that." Rachel laughed.
Lily laughed along with her friend.
They left the shop ten minutes later with the dress and matching shoes. Lily was practically skipping.
"We have to get you one now!" she prodded her best friend. "You didn't think you were going to get out of it did you?"
"Damn!" Rachel muttered under her breath. Oh how she hated shopping!
"Lils," she asked as her friend dragged her through the crowded streets. "What's the time?"
Lily looked at her watch.
"Merlin!" she gasped. "It's twenty past twelve!"
Rachel's arm was nearly pulled from its socket as Lily dragged her back the way they had come.
~*~
James scanned the crowds for Lily and Rachel.
"Can you see them Padfoot?" he said to Sirius who was standing next to him.
"Yup." His best friend replied having finally sighted the blue haired girl and her best friend.
Seconds later a breathless Lily and an even more breathless Rachel were standing infront of him.
"Sorry we're late." Lily panted.
"Don't worry about it." Said James, extending his arm to her.
Lily took it gratefully and waved goodbye to Rachel and Sirius as James led her away.
Rachel watched as Lily and James disappeared into the crowds of people.
"Butterbeer?" asked a voice from behind her.
She turned and was greeted with the smirking face of Sirius Black. Her eyebrows rose in question.
"Where are Remus and Peter?" she enquired.
"Why? Scared to be alone with me Jay?"
"No." she scoffed, "I just want to know."
"They've gone to the Book Shop. Remus wanted to get something for a friend and Peter went with him." Sirius explained.
"Oh." Rachel replied.
"Butterbeer?" he asked again.
"Sure," she smiled at him. "Why not."
~*~
James pulled Lily through the crowded streets of Hogsmeade. Lily got lost trying to remember just how many lefts and rights they had taken but James seemed to know exactly where he was going. Finally they reached their destination.
James had taken her to a tiny café, hidden within the maze of streets. He opened the door for her, and ushered her inside. The smell of warm croissants and hot chocolate invaded her senses making her mouth water in anticipation. They sat down at the table and almost instantly a waitress appeared.
"Would you like something to drink?" she asked politely.
"Hot Chocolate please Marie." Said James, winking at her.
"And for you Miss?"
"The same please." Replied Lily.
The waitress sauntered off with a little extra wiggle in her walk. Lily snorted.
"Something funny Evans?" James asked.
"No," Lily giggled. "Just another one falling for the old Potter charm."
James grinned at her. "You sure you haven't fallen for it?" he reached for her hand across the table and held it in his own.
Lily felt tingles run up her arm. She smiled at James and he smiled back. The butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
"Has anyone ever told you that you have the most beautiful eyes?" he whispered to her.
Lily blushed. "No, but there's a first time for everything."
James grinned. "You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen." He stated.
"Thank you."
James leaned in to kiss her. The moment couldn't have been more perfect.
"Hot Chocolate?" the waitress appeared again.
James cursed under his breath.
"Thank You." Smiled Lily.
"So," said James after the waitress had gone. "What's in the bag?" he motioned to the shopping bag Lily had at her feet.
"Oh nothing." Lily pushed the bag under the table with her foot.
"And 'nothing' requires a big bag does it?" asked James, reaching under the table and trying to have a look.
"No peeking Potter." she kicked the bag under her chair and out of reach.
"Aww! No fair!" James pouted.
Lily giggled. He did look pretty cute like that.
~*~
"Urg! I did NOT need to know that Black!" Rachel pulled a face.
Sirius laughed. Rachel smiled at him.
"Are you laughing at me?" she questioned.
"No." Sirius put on the most innocent face he could.
Rachel laughed at him. "That's pathetic!"
"No it's not!"
"Yes Black, it is."
Rachel glanced at her watch. "Where the hell are Remus and Peter? James and Lily are going to be back soon."
She rose from her seat.
"Where are you going?" asked Sirius standing too.
"To find them you fool."
And with that Rachel wandered into the crowds. Sirius tossed a few coins into the ashtray on the table and hurried after her. He found her standing outside a shop, gazing in through the window.
"What?" he asked, baffled.
"Lily will be so proud of me!" Rachel grinned and before Sirius could ask any more questions she had darted inside.
Sirius rolled his eyes and followed her in.
"Women!"
Twenty minutes later a beaming Rachel exited the shop, Sirius trailing behind her.
"Come on Jay, at least let me have a peek!"
"No! Sodd off!"
The arguing pair made their way back to the Three Broomsticks where they found Lily, James, Remus and Peter waiting for them.
"We'd better go." Said Lily. "We don't want to be late back to school."
Peter nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
The group of six left the Three Broomsticks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once back at school, Rachel dragged Lily up to the Gryffindor Common Room. She wanted to know how her date with James had gone.
"Well," Lily began. "He took me to this tiny café, where we ordered Hot Chocolate, he told me I had beautiful eyes and tried to look in my shopping bag. Anyway, I wouldn't let him."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aww! No fair!" James pouted.
Lily giggled. He did look pretty cute like that.
James laughed along with her.
"What are you thinking?" Lily asked him.
"What's in that bag." He replied, "You?"
Lily smirked at him.
"Oh just something I shouldn't be thinking." She winked at him and took a sip of her drink.
"And what's that?" James purred.
"Well if I told you it wouldn't be much fun for me would it?"
"Well maybe I could make it fun if you told me."
Lily looked at him over the top of her cup and raised her eyebrows. James just stared back. Slowly she set her cup down on the table and moved her chair closer to him, her eyes never leaving his. Their noses were almost touching.
"I'm sure you could." She whispered.
James smiled at her; his hand stroked her cheek gently as he leant in to kiss her.
Fireworks exploded behind Lily's eyelids. This was amazingly perfect. He was amazingly perfect. This couldn't get any better. It wasn't rushed and desperate like the other kisses they had shared, this was slow and meaningful.
Eventually, the two broke apart. James smiled his lopsided grin at her.
"Was that what you were thinking?" he asked her.
Lily smiled at him.
"Not even close Potter." she whispered.
James's eyes widened.
"What do you say we go?" he suggested.
Lily rose from her seat and grabbed her bag. James left a few coins on his saucer and together they walked out of the café.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"And we went to the park and talked for hours. It was amazing." Lily finished her story with a dazed look on her face.
Rachel smiled. "Well, considering you left me in the company of Sirius Black I had to fend for myself. Do you have any idea how difficult it is not to hit that guy?"
Lily laughed. "You didn't seem to mind last night."
"It was just dancing Lils. I did the same with Martin Wood. Nothing special."
Lily smiled at her friend. "I worry about you sometimes Rach. I really do."
"Don't bother, whilst fending for myself I came across something that will save you time and make you smile."
For the first time, Lily realised that Rachel was holding a shopping bag.
"You didn't!" She gasped.
"I did." Rachel smiled at her. "And I had Black pestering me!"
"Has he seen it?"
"No. Why would I want him to?"
"No reason." Lily grinned. "So, let me see."
Rachel stood and got out her wand.
"I learnt this in the shop." She winked at her friend and whispered a few well-chosen words. Seconds later Rachel was standing infront of her friend with a huge grin on her face. Lily's face lit up with excitement. She applauded.
"It's fantastic!"
Rachel twirled so that Lily could see the whole of the dress. The crushed black velvet material seemed to shimmer in the glaring light of the Common Room. The dress was floor length, with a split up the left side that reached almost to her hip, the right side of the dress trailed slightly on the floor. Although Rachel's long blue hair covered most of her back, a good four inches of her back was still on show.
"And you tell me I have no taste!" Rachel laughed.
"No I tell you that your green beenie is tasteless!" Lily replied.
The portrait hole began to open and Lily whirled round in surprise as the Marauders stepped into the room. She turned back to Rachel but was shocked to discover that she had already changed her clothes back to what she was wearing before and was calmly pulling her ratty green beenie over her ears. She winked at Lily who breathed a sigh of relief.
"Did you miss me?" came a voice from behind her.
Rachel turned and was greeted with the smirking face of Sirius Black.
"You wish!" she scoffed and pushed him off the back of the sofa where he had been balancing.
"Oof!" he exclaimed as he hit the floor.
"Come along Black, we've got Quiddich Practice to get to!" she stated, rising from her seat. "You to Potter." she prodded James with her foot.
James looked up from where he had been sitting, whispering things into Lily's ear. He stood to attention.
"Yes Ma'am!" he saluted her and after kissing Lily on the cheek hopped out of the portrait hole.
"See you later Lils!" Rachel called over her shoulder as she dragged Sirius out of the room.
"Bye!" said Lily and lay out on the sofa, she was exhausted.
(A/N: Happy New Year to you all! I was going to do a Quiddich Practice Chapter mixed with a bit of Halloween next. What do you think? Read & Review! Luv~ Raven x.)