AN: It's a pretty long chapter (3000 words) so please review! It's spring break for me so I hope to be publishing maybe three chapters this week, it depends on how well they go.
Chapter 11: Winter Holiday Part I
Lily forgot how much she loved Shell Cottage. It was the second day of Winter Holiday when she and her mum flooed over. "Oh, my lovely Lily come here," her aunt Fleur cooed when she saw her niece and wrapped her up in a warm hug. "Ginny, it is nice to see you." Her accent had improved greatly, or so her mother claimed. Apparently she used to have a terrible French accent, but was much better now and she only slipped into a French if she was furious or distraught.
"It's nice to see you too."
"Come, come, let's have tea and then we can have some fun." Fleur led them into the kitchen with a sparkle in her eye as she waved her wand around to get everything on the table. Lily always loved asking her aunt Fleur for advice regarding anything remotely feminine. Quite frankly her mother was not best in that department after living with six brothers. "Dominique is the only one home. Louis is at Ron and Hermione's, Victoire is with Teddy, and Bill is at work."
"Aunt Ginny!" a voice exclaimed, Dominique had appeared and she took a seat next to Lily at the kitchen table. The girl looked more Weasley than Delacour, but that was only because of her red hair and freckles. She still had the blue eyes and delicate features of her mother. "Lily I went through our dresses and I have just the one you can borrow. Are you done?" She looked down at the steaming cup of tea. "Take it with you, come along."
Dominique led her up the stairs and down the hall to her room where she had a wardrobe flung open. Three dresses sat on her bed. "Two of them are mine and one is an old one of Victoire's."
Lily raised her eyebrow at the one that was clearly her older sisters. It was made of creamy silk with a deep v neck and enough fabric on the shoulders to give an illusion of modesty. "I hope your joking." She knew it was one that could make even Teddy's cheeks tinge pink as it clung to the curves of your body with a slit halfway up your thigh.
"It was. The green one is from a Delacour party and the purple one is from mum and dad's anniversary."
Both were pretty but the purple one had a beaded bodice and a tulle skirt. The emerald green was was a simple draped dress with a v-neck and a skirt that came to her knees. "This one will be perfect."
"Try it on, I'll see if we need to make any alterations for you." Dominique picked it up and held it out for her. After Lily took it she turned to search through her jewelry box. "Lily…" she turned around a set of earrings in hand. "Roxie and I were talking...you and Scorpius…"
"Do you want me to wear those?" she interrupted.
"Yes." They were large square shaped black jewels framed by silver and tiny diamonds."Costume jewelry is great," Dominique said. "Looks fancy and you don't have to
"Score and I are just friends, like him and Albus."
"I'm sure Albus would enjoy more," she muttered.
"What did you say?" Lily's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. "You know too?"
"Honestly, it's not like Albus is the world's greatest secret keeper. Even if I didn't know you'd have to be blind to see him and Julian alone in the library and not think anything of it. Honestly he acts just like Vicky." Dominique rolled her eyes and walked forward to asses her cousin in the dress. She cast a few simple spells, to take it in at the waist, raise the hemline a few centimeters so it hit in the right spot and fix the neckline so it didn't droop. "Even if you and Malfoy are just friends, you'll make those purebloods jaws drop."
"Thanks." Lily replied with an eyeroll as Dominique fussed over her, pulling back her locks and twisting them atop her head. "I like my hair down." She stepped away from her cousin and let it fall back down around her.
Lily got dressed back in her own clothes and took out the earrings. Dominique helped slip it into a garment bag and shrunk it with a quick spell. When Lily lifted an eyebrow at the underage magic her cousin rolled her eyes. "Fred and George do it all the time, as long as you're in a magical household the Ministry doesn't notice."
"Do you know how to tie a bow tie?" It was Albus leaning against Lily's door as she stood in front of her mirror, pinning red locks of hair away from her face. "Last time I attempted it with the self-tying one it nearly choked me and looked-"
"James gave it to you, didn't he?" Lily questioned as she spun around and walked forward to her brother. "This spell is much simpler, the one dad uses." She waved her wand and whispered a few words before the ends of the tie wound itself together in the perfect bow.
"I can tell you've been talking to Dominique." Albus was referring to her magic usage. "You do realize her and Roxie and ten times worse than Fred and James will ever be. Everyone expects from them because of their names. Fred Weasley and James Potter come with a lot of weight."
"Lily Potter doesn't?" she questioned as she took a step back from him. Their conversation halted altogether when Ginny appeared in the doorway. "Mum," she greeted cheerfully. "Did you want anything?"
"No, just dropping off a shawl, thought it come in handy." She smiled. "Do you want help with your hair, Hermione has been helping me." Ginny walked in and draped the shawl across Lily's bed and smoothed her own dress a dark blue affair with one beaded strap. Mostly likely of her aunt Fleur or Angelina's choosing. If she, even with the help of Aunt Hermione, picked it out it would be much simpler and the color choice would be questionable.
"I'm about ready mum."
"Do you want me to curl it?" She walked closer to her daughter with a smile on her face.
"I guess…"
"Albus go help your father wrangle James, he just got back from the afternoon with Fred and Uncle George and still isn't dressed," Ginny ordered and then accioed a chair, gently pushing her daughter down into it. In a matter of minutes her hair was manipulated into a soft ringlets. "Beautiful."
"I look like you."
"No." Ginny shook her head. "Have you seen pictures of your grandmother Lily. Those eyes are hers, so is this hair." She touched the hair that was a few shades darker than her own. "Your father is waiting for me and I'm sure Albus is waiting for you. The two of you have to floo over, we're apparating."
"Thanks mum, I'll see you tonight."
"Could you wait a moment? I forget something." She races out of the room only to appear a few minutes later. "First piece of jewelry your father ever got me. Well, after the engagement ring. I had just gotten the job at the Prophet and could wear it to work." She passed it to her and Lily saw that it was like a snitch, a golden round ball with wings on the either side of it, a dainty chain with a clasp that resembled the Deathly Hallows symbol. "Drives me nuts to wear anything but my ring, I thought you'd like to borrow it for the night."
"Thank you," she said and held out her wrist. Ginny gave her a hug, quick and tight, before she exited the room to look for her husband.
Scorpius was in the parlor, pacing as he waited for Lily and Albus to show up. He glanced down at his wrist, then remembered he took off his watch, his grandfather wasn't the fan of muggle objects. In fact, now he was hiding from Lucius under the guise of welcoming guests. It wasn't entirely untrue, but Albus had been to his house before, enough to navigate on his own, and Lily had been there a handful of times.
A crack and small poof of smoke alerted him and out came Lily. She had a bit of ash on her face and a shawl that was slipping off of her shoulders. "Score," she said and walked over to wrap her arms tightly around him, like always.
Scorpius doesn't complain, but returns the hug. He doesn't hear the footsteps behind him and is surprised by the words. "I didn't know you were so found of a Weasley." When the two pull away and look to the doorway to see Lucius Malfoy, leaning on a cane. "Isn't that what you are? I recognize the red hair, but you don't look-"
"My name is Lily Potter," she interrupts. "But my mother maiden name is Weasley."
"Ah, Ginerva's girl, isn't that her name? Used to play Quidditch." He laughs. "I found it funny that a Weasley can hide behind the grandiose reputation that comes with 'Potter'."
"Grandfather," Scorpius said.
"What? It was a smart move on the Weasley girl's part, she'll probably do the same." He gestures toward Lily. There's is another crack from the fireplace. "Who is that? An actual guest or another one of your friends?"
Albus appears in the fireplace before he walks out and surveys the scene. As he opens his mouth, his is cut off by someone else. "Father, Astoria is looking everywhere for you. There are some details she wishes to work out." Draco Malfoy appeared and it was quite apparent that Scorpius was his son. The man doesn't say much until his father leaves and then walks over, holding hand for the Potter siblings to take turns shaking. "Good to see you, Lily, Albus." He gave them a tight smile. "I recall my son asking to invite friends, but he never clarified which ones it would be." He sighed. "You better tell your mother I didn't approve them."
Scorpius nods, knowing how she feels about Lily. Albus she doesn't mind as he his intelligent, yet knows when to hold his tongue. A trait that Lily has not yet acquired and he doesn't know whether or not it is a blessing or curse. "Of course, I thought we'd head to the kitchen, see if they need any help."
"Of course, of course. Just don't stay in there too long."
Scorpius sees Lily face, clearly puzzled by his father's attitude. "Come on." He holds and arm out for Lily to grab onto and gestures to Albus. "Usually you're starving, so I thought you'd like to sneak some of the party food before it goes out." He smiles at Lily and then turns towards Albus. "You should try the punch. My Grandfather may be a tad bit unhinged but he knows how to spike a punch bowl."
When they reach the kitchen there is a frenzy of activity, the the three of them aren't unwelcome. An older woman fills up three plates, the biggest for Scorpius, and floats them to the table with instructions to eat all of it, sit, and stay out of the way. Scorpius scowls at his plate and pokes at with a fork. Whenever the woman isn't looking he slides some onto Lily's plate, her stomach never seems to be full.
"This is good, Score, don't keep pawning it off on my sister," Albus said. "Dad and I swear she has a hollow leg, eats as much as Uncle Ron."
"I'm not terribly hungry," he responded and looks down at his wrist.
"Where's your watch? You always wear it at school."
"My grandfather isn't fond of muggle things," is all he says. "I'm glad the two of you are here."
"It can't be that bad," Lily offered up, but she regrets it when two pairs of eyes fix themselves on her. "Honestly, if the two of you even tried-"
"It's not that," Albus snapped. His flippant tone is one that James usually employs whenever Lily gets on his nerves. "It's hard to survive any period of time with his grandfather and the Greengrass family in the same room."
"Wait until you meet them," Scorpius told her.
"You're not serious." Albus shook his head a mixture of disbelief and fear crossing his face.
"That's James," Lily replied casually, pushing her empty plate away from her.
"She's charming, I don't know what you're talking about."
Lily snorts at that and wraps the shawl tighter around her shoulders. The boys and her then decide to make their appearance, while simultaneously avoiding Scorpius' mother. Unfortunately they aren't so lucky. Astoria Malfoy is a striking woman with her dark hair, blue eyes and pale skin. The dress she wears is the same color as her eyes that is made of silk and floats away from her body. "Darling, why didn't you mention inviting the Potters?" A stiff, polite smile crosses her face as she looks at Lily. "Lovely to see you again, Albus." She holds out a hand for him to shake then focuses her attention back on his sister. "We have heard quite a bit about you, Lily." It falters slightly as that. "But I suppose being well-behaved can be rather dull."
"She takes after mum, and aunt Hermione," Albus supplied. taking a step closer to his sister, wrapping a hand on his wrist, hoping to keep her temper anchored.
"Mild-mannered ladies never make the history books," Lily retorted.
"I see." Astoria turned to her son, her eyes speaking volumes. We will talk tonight.
"Did Grandfather ever find you? Father said you required his assistance for something."
"Yes, I did. Could you go help at the front whenever you are...finished." She whirls around and heads off in the direction of where the food and drinks are supposed to be set up, beginning to bark orders.
Lily is sitting down, taking a drink of the now un-spiked punch. Turns out that wasn't something that Astoria approved of, big suprise. "Hey, Potter, want to dance?" It was Damon Flint, he sauntered over with a crooked grin on his face. "Or does Malfoy have your dance card filled?"
"No." Lily set the cup down and held out a hand. He took it and guided her out to the dance floor. It was clear he attempted to do some sort of stilted, awkward sway, but she wouldn't have it. She adjusted his hands and guided him with her large movements.
"Where'd you learn how to dance?"
"My uncle Neville." She looked up at him with a puzzled face. "Professor Longbottom, he's been my parents friend for ages and is surprisingly good at dancing."
Damon laughs and takes a step closer to her. "Have you seen Zabini? Him and Nott are wandering around here somewhere."
"No, why?"
"If you're not with Malfoy, you're with those two."
She shrugged, but it was hard to do when one hand was on his his shoulder and the other firmly clasped. "Well I was with Scorpius, but his mother was shooting us daggers so he cut in on Regina dancing with this guy that looked much too old to be interested in her. Albus got pulled onto the dance floor by Ophelia."
"I see." Damon struggled for control, but it never ended well as he would usually fumble. Lily pulled him closer and continued to lead him, counting the steps underneath her breath. "You know, you're as good as dancing as you are flying."
"I don't believe that," Lily said. "My flying is much better." She looked around and laughed. "We aren't even doing this correctly."
"Too bad." Damon said. Soon enough the song came to an end and before Damon could ask any questions, there was a hand on her shoulder.
"May I cut in?" Scorpius inquired, but didn't wait for an answer. With a quick tug he pulled Lily away and clasped one hand together, the other resting on her waist. "Thought I would save you from bleeding feet, Damon tries but he can never succeed with dancing. Makes his mother cringe and his father laugh."
"He let me lead."
"There's never a choice in letting you lead," Scorpius murmurs, leaning in close. "But can I take control for a bit? I want to give you something." The pair do some elaborate gliding across the dance floor until he stops and pulls her towards a pair of French doors hidden by a curtain. They lead outside to a terrace that overlooks a small garden. Snow has fallen so the entire backyard is illuminated by the twinkly lights strung up on trees. Up above the moon and the stars shine bright against the dark backdrop of the sky. "Are you cold?"
"A little but I'm fine." She threw one end of the shawl over her shoulder and hugged herself tightly before moving closer to Scorpius. The two of them were leaning against the railing, facing the curtained window. "What did you want?"
"Your Christmas present." He withdrew a small black box tied with a silver ribbon.
"But I..." She did buy him one but it was currently sitting on her desk, she was going to send it to him.
"The present wasn't bought on purpose, my mother was antique shopping and…" He gestured to it.
Lily relented and pulled the ribbon before opening the box. Resting on the cushion was a small crescent moon pendant. It wasn't solid solid, but rather made up of what appeared to be swirls. "Can you help me put it on?" She handed him the necklace and lifted up her curls. Scorpius did as she said, unlocking the clasp, draping the delicate chain across her neck. The coldness of the metal mixed with his warm hands made her shiver.
"The store clerk said it was a celtic moon. She says it looks dainty, but is durable." She dropped her hair when his hands left the back of her neck. "It reminded me of you, I know how you like Luna better than Lily."
"Thank you." She smiled and her hand went to the moon that rested around her neck. "Should we get back? If your mother discovers that you went missing with me, she won't be happy."
"Merlin, you're right." Scorpius attempted to start walking, but Lily reached for his hand to tug him to a stop before looping her arm in his. He shook his head, a smile playing across their lips as they headed back inside.