This is half way over! I didn't think I would get that far. Thanks anyway for the reviews. *Lyndsey* ps For the disclaimer, go to ch 1.

The Christmas Ball

Lily got more worried as the ball got closer. Malfoy was even more evil to her if possible. Her and Hermione even went to a muggle eye center to buy some contacts to wear instead of her glasses. Everyone asked her who she was going with, but she never told them.

" I think she can't find anyone." Brian had said that evening. " But I asked her to come with me, but she rejected. Said she already had someone to go with."

The Christmas break came and one morning, there was about a foot of snow on the ground. All the Wesley's, Janet,and the Quidditch team had a huge snowball fight. Finally, at lunchtime, Lily and Anna went inside to have lunch. Only a few people had gone home. Finally, Christmas Eve was upon them. They had another snowball fight and about three hours before the ball started, Lily, Anna, and Katie left to get ready for the ball.

" What could take three hours to get ready for a ball?" Josh had asked Lily and she sent a huge snowball flying at his face. Everyone laughed at Josh's surprised face.

Then two hours later, everyone else went inside to get ready. Lily couldn't be found and nor Katie or Anna would tell anyone where she was. But with 20 minutes before the ball, she appeared at the bottom of the marble staircase where Malfoy was waiting for her. She was wearing the navy blue dress that Sirius had given her, she had left her hair down, flowing pass her shoulders, she was wearing make-up, which was unusual for her, and she was wearing not glasses, but contacts. Malfoy was actually impressed.

" You look nice, Granger, I mean Lily." he said, extending his arm for Lily to take.

" Thank you. You look nice too. Remember. Don't be a jerk." she said through a fake smile. They walked into the entrance hall where everyone was to wait until the doors were opened. Sarah and James walked past them.

" Lily, what are you doing with my stuck up cousin whom you hate?" Sarah whispered.

" His friends offered 20 galleons to take me to the ball. I did it because he pleaded me and I get half of it." Lily replied.

" Lily, is that you?" James asked. Lily nodded. " I never knew you could look so pretty."

Lily felt like hugging her brother. Sometimes he could be a pain in the butt, but at the same time, he could be nice. " Thanks James. You look nice and groomed." Lily said, smiling.

" Where's your glasses, Lily? Won't you be blind without them?" Sarah asked.

" I went to a muggle eye shop and bought contacts." Lily replied.

" What are contacts?" Sarah said, confused.

" Never mind. I'll tell you later." Lily said just as the doors were opening.

The Hall looked wonderful. With the huge tables gone, but replaced with several little tables, the Hall looked like a huge restaurant. Lily and Malfoy sat at a table with Janet and some Hufflepuff 1st year who had asked her to go to the ball with him. Janet already knew why Lily had gone with Malfoy so she didn't make fun of Lily. In front of them were the usual golden plates. But no food appeared on them as usual. Then, Pro. Potter stood up.

" Tonight's dinner is a little different tonight. You will find a menu in front of you. Say what you want and it will appear before you." he said. (A.N. That's from the 4th book) Lily looked down at the menu. There was her favorite food, plantation casserole. (My favorite dish too) As soon as she said it, it appeared on her plate. She picked up her fork and started eating. Malfoy had gotten spaghetti.

" So, what's your favorite class?" Malfoy asked.

" Defense Against the Dark Arts." Lily replied.

" I hate Potions the most." Malfoy replied.

" Why? That's the class that your dad and your head of house teaches. He favors you guys." Lily asked.

" I'm not like my dad. I'm more like mum. The only reason I'm in Slytherin is because of my dad." Malfoy explained.

When dinner was over, Pro. Potter cleared all the tables. Then, the lights dimmed and music started playing. Malfoy and Lily were looking at each other very uncomfortably. Then finally, Malfoy extended his hand to Lily. Lily slowly did the same. Lily put her hand into Malfoy's hand and her other on his shoulder. Malfoy put his hand into Lily's and the other on her waist. They started to dance.

Meanwhile, at the other side of the room, James and Sarah were looking at Lily and Malfoy.

" Oh my goodness, my sister is actually dancing with Malfoy." James told Sarah.

" Maybe they like each other." Sarah said, sarcastically.

" No way. My sister, liking a Slytherin?" James snorted.

" This fells so uncomfortable." Lily said.

" I know what you mean. Do you want to go for a walk outside?" Malfoy replied.

" Sure. At least we won't be stared at out there." said Lily, lowering her hands.

So they walked out side for some fresh air.

" You know you can be nice sometimes. I wish you could always act like this." Lily retorted.

" I have a reputation to keep. Besides, I'm only doing this for the money." Malfoy sneered.

" Is that all you care about? Money? Why didn't ditch me and go with a girl you really like? I'm going in for tonight. Goodnight and thanks I guess for the nice evening." Lily snapped walking away.

As Lily walked down the corridor, she was fuming mad. She could had refused Malfoy's offer and gone with Brian or some other 1st year. He only wanted the money. How selfish. All the sudden, she tripped on something, making her go head first into the ground. When she finally stood up, she gasped at the sight before her. There on the floor was two Ravenclaw 3rd years. They were like stone. Their facial expressions were of shock and fear. Should she go for someone or just leave them? She decided to tell someone. She ran to the Great Hall. She looked all around for Pro. Potter and her mum. She finally saw them dancing. She ran to them.

" Mum, Pro. Potter, there's two people in the one of the corridors and they look like stone or something." Lily said in one breath.

Hermione and Harry looked at each other in confusion. Then, Harry said, " Lead me to the spot please."

When they got there, Hermione looked scared and Harry bent down next to them. " They have been petrified. We need to get them to the hospital wing." Harry said.

" Harry, does this mean..." Hermione began.

" Yes, Hermione, it does." Harry replied. " Lily, why aren't you at the ball?"

" I left a little early. I'm quite tired." Lily lied.

" All right, Lily, you may go." Harry told her. After Lily left, Hermione asked the question.

" Is the Chamber of Secrets open again?"

" I guess it is. But I killed the Basilisk in my 2nd year. There's no way unless..." Harry began.

" What? Unless what?" Hermione said.

" Unless a new monster was created." Harry said. " I must inform the staff. You should come."

When Lily reached her dormitory, she put on her pajamas and got out Hogwarts A History to read for the 5th time. When she had finished, she started on future homework. The door opened. There stood Janet.

" What are you doing here, in your pajamas, reading a book when you could be having fun at the ball?" Janet asked.

" It's not very fun when your date only took you because he was going to get paid 20 galleons." Lily replied.

" Oh, my brother dumped you. I see." Janet replied. " You know, he's not all that bad at home. Mum was surprised he didn't get into Gryffendor."

" Can you please leave? I'm kinda upset." Lily said.

" All right. But if you need me..." she said. " See you in the morning."

Lily never did remember dosing off or the other girls come in from the ball, but the next thing she knew was being woken up by Janet. On the end of her bed were a stack of presents. She started opening them. From her mum, she got, of course, some spell books. From James, she got a beautiful ( fake ) diamond necklace. From Mrs. Wesley, she got a deep purple colored sweater and a matching scarf w/ some homemade fudge. She got a broom kit w/ cleaning tools, a compass, and a book called Quidditch Through the Ages from Sarah. Now there were only three presents left. One was from Janet, who gave her a two new pens. One was a huge and extravagant feather quill. The other was actually made out of candy that you suck on. She got a handy pocket knife from Sirius that could unlock any lock, untie any knot and many other things. But the last present was anonymous. Inside the tiny package was the most beautiful ring. She almost missed the note tucked inside. It said " For a special friend. Merry Christmas." Lily put it on. It fit perfectly on her middle finger. It had one diamond in the middle w/ two little pearls next to it. Lily was thinking who in the world would give her such an expensive ring when James snuck up behind her.

" Hey, Lily. How's it going?" he said.

" James, you scared me. I was trying to see who got me this ring. Do you know?" she asked.

" Nope. Sorry. By the way, thanks for the whole bag of tricks you gave me."

" Had to order them from a catalogue." Lily said, smiling at her brother.

" Hey, don't forget the feast today." James reminded her.

" I won't." Lily promised.

That whole morning, Lily went around, asking anyone if they knew who gave her the ring. Nobody knew anything about it. That afternoon, after the feast, everyone in Gryffendor went out for a snowball fight. They finally went back in at six to change into their pajamas and have a hot coco in front of the huge fire. As Lily drifted off to sleep, she still wondered who had given her the ring.

Please review. I've haven't got any for a long time.