Accepting the invitation to the Potter's Christmas Ball was easy enough, but Lily quickly ran into a problem: she had nothing to wear. According to Frank, who had gone every year, the balls were ridiculously formal events. She didn't have the money to buy new robes. If she could mend the dress from the Yule Ball, she could possibly wear that, but she wasn't very good at that sort of thing. The day after she sent off her invitation, however, the problem was taken out of her hands.
She was finally sleeping through the night, but still woke up earlier than anyone else out of habit. Instead of simply lying in bed worrying about what she would do, she got up and took a shower before going into the kitchen to make breakfast.
She had just taken out the muffin pan when the bell rang. Glancing curiously at the clock, she hurried to open it and found a plainly wrapped package sitting innocently on the door step. There was no one in sight on the landing so she stepped over it to look down into the deserted street. Finding that also abandoned, she retrieved the box and moved back inside. Who would deliver a package at seven in the morning? She was still mulling it over when she realized her name was scrawled on the brown paper in elegant handwriting.
Frowning, she set the box on the table and tore at the wrappings. When she lifted off the lid, she found the most stunning gown she had ever seen nestled in white tissue paper. It was done up in cream and gold with layers of silk that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. A pair of gold shoes rested neatly in the bottom of the box. There was no note or any indication of where it had come from.
Holding the gown as though it might disappear, she rushed back into her friend's room and flipped on the light. "Alice!"
The sleeping girl groaned, twisting to shove her head under the pillow. "Too early!"
"Alice, I've got a dress!" she whispered urgently, moving over to hold it up in front of herself. "You see?"
Reluctantly, Alice peeked at her, then sat up in surprise. "Oh my gosh Lily, that's gorgeous! Where'd you get it?"
"Dunno!" she replied in excitement. "It was on the stoop! Had my name on it and everything."
Suddenly, Alice frowned. "Isn't that a bit dodgy? I mean, who knew you needed a dress?"
Biting her lip in indecision, Lily collapsed onto the bed beside her. "Frank knew."
"He would just give it to you," Alice pointed out reasonably. "He wouldn't muck about."
She glanced at the window, the happy bubble in her chest suddenly popping. "It was probably James, then. Maybe he sent it as an apology."
The thought made her sick, so she set the precious garment aside. She didn't need any more of his pity. She'd had enough of that to last her a lifetime. Alice gave her a sympathetic smile. "Why don't you owl Sirius? He'd know and he's been sort of helping you, so he probably wouldn't lie."
Gnawing her lip thoughtfully, Lily nodded. She sent the owl before she could change her mind, fully convinced that it was, in fact, from James. The only thing that was odd was that he would usually send a note. The mystery deepened, however, when Remus arrived at the house later that day asking to see the dress.
"Why?" Alice asked defensively as she let him inside. Lily would have stood to greet him, but she was too busy hiding the scarf she was knitting for James by sitting on it to do more than smile.
Shaking his head, Remus gave her a reassuring look. "It's probably fine, but I wanted to have a look. As a precaution."
"Does that mean James didn't send it?" Lily asked cautiously.
He gave her an apologetic shake of his head. "He doesn't know anything about it."
"So he sent you to check it out?" Alice surmised with a disapproving frown.
Alice led him into her room and Lily quickly joined them after stuffing the still shapeless wad of yarn under a pillow. He went over every inch of fabric, inside and out, before glancing at her contemplatively. "You haven't tried it out, have you?"
She shook her head innocently. "I thought it was from James, so..."
Remus nodded in understanding. "It seems fine. Nothing unusual that I can detect. I'm just worried it might have a dormant crushing spell or something that will only activate when you put it on."
"That sounds a little far-fetched," Lily said skeptically.
"I've heard of much worse," he replied solemnly. "Seen some of it, too. Would you mind trying it while I'm here? Just in case."
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "While you're in here?"
"Of course," he said easily. "That way I can move quickly if something happens."
"Maybe you could turn around," Alice suggested diplomatically.
Sighing, Remus did as they asked. Lily reluctantly stripped out of her clothes and slipped into the dress, which was surprisingly light and airy. It clung perfectly to her body, showing off her slender frame and modest curves to perfection and setting off her pale skin so that it practically glistened. Once she was properly covered, she allowed Remus to turn around and his eyebrows immediately disappeared beneath his shaggy fringe.
He opened his mouth, but gibberish was all he could manage for several breathless seconds. "Ah... ha-ha-ha... ah... You... Wow."
"Smooth," Alice grinned smugly. "Is this how you sweet talk all the ladies, Remus?"
Shaking his head, he turned his eyes discretely to the side and swallowed convulsively. "H-how do you feel? Is it t-tight or... anything?"
"It's not as heavy as I thought it'd be," Lily shrugged, wondering at his reaction, "but otherwise I'd say it fits pretty well."
"Yeah... it's... hoo..." he breathed, staring at her as though he'd taken leave of his senses.
The girls waited for him to say more, but he seemed only capable of gaping at her. After an amused moment, she fidgeted uncomfortably. "Can I change now?"
"Yes!" he cried too loudly.
"I think he wants you to keep it," Alice teased, taking him gingerly by the arm to lead him from the room. By the time Lily had changed, she was showing him out the door with a stern admonition. "-and don't you dare tell your mates about it, Remus Lupin. Cause I'll know. And I will hunt you down and gut you like a grindylow."
"Bye, Remus!" Lily called pleasantly, making him bump into the door before hastily taking his leave. "What was that all about?"
Alice gave her an impatient look. "You were dazzling. What do you think? Whoever sent you that dress certainly knew what they were doing."
"Do you reckon it's really alright?" Lily asked nervously.
Laughing, Alice moved over to give her a bracing hug. "It'll be brilliant. You'll be beautiful and James will go absolutely mad trying to resist you. Now we just need to get my dress and finish that sodding scarf."
With a little luck and plenty of help from her friends, everything was ready in time for the ball on Christmas eve. She even managed to finish the scarf, though she was still undecided about whether or not she was really giving it to him. And she had also decided against a date, which she figured could get awkward. While she was waiting for Frank to come get them, she was so full of nerves that she nearly got sick.
"Calm down, lovey," Alice assured her gently, meeting her eyes in the mirror as she finished twisting her hair into an elaborate knot at the nape of her neck. "You look perfect."
"You look beautiful," Lily complimented her in return, taking in the flawless emerald dress that practically glowed against her pale hair.
The smaller girl smiled smugly. "I know. You should put your cloak on before Frank arrives. Wouldn't want you to steal him away."
"How are we getting there, anyway?" Lily asked nervously, swinging a warm blue cloak around her shoulders with a sarcastic look.
"The invitation turns into a portkey after eight," Alice explained easily. "Brilliant, huh?"
Lily nodded, grudgingly impressed. That was nothing, however, compared to how she felt after they activated the portkey. They arrived in an elaborate garden that was crowded with winter-blooming plants and shimmering lights. Beautiful as it was, her jaw dropped when she looked up at the house. On second thought, house was a grave understatement. It was a castle, pure and simple. The ballroom was housed entirely in glass like an enormous conservatory, glittering like a diamond in the snow. Two enormous double doors were propped open at the farthest end, dwarfing the guests as they hurried in to enjoy the warmth and music. A rounded tower rose up behind it, capped with a metal dome that hosted a massive telescope. The rest of the house was just a hulking shadow in the prismatic light of the ballroom, stretching out behind it like a sleeping giant.
"Oh my god," Alice echoed her thoughts as they slowly approached. "I always knew Potter was loaded, but.."
"This is nothing," Frank said casually. "You should see their summer house."
Alice tilted her head at him curiously. "When did you see the Potter's summer house?"
"Are you kidding?" he replied dryly. "I practically grew up with James. His dad and my uncle are old gambling buddies."
"It's weird that you guys aren't better friends," Alice mused in a distracted tone as she peered up at the towering glass ceiling.
Shaking his head, Frank gave her a wry smile. "My mother didn't want me to hang around him too much. Thought he was a corrupting influence."
Lily and Alice couldn't help smirking at the accurate assessment. Already the marble floor was crowded with wizards and witches chatting pleasantly in small groups, dancing, and enjoying the magical feast. Lily had never seen such a large gathering.
"Can I take your cloak for you, mistress?" a house elf suddenly bobbed at her side.
Lily blinked at him in surprise. He was dressed like the Hogwarts elves in a sparkling clean toga fastened with the Potter house crest. Leaning forward, Frank explained, "The Potters offer a haven for freed and abandoned house elves. Next to Hogwarts, they keep the most in Europe. Mrs. Potter always wanted to free them, but the poor things wouldn't hear of it."
Smiling kindly, she and Alice handed over their cloaks. The elf whisked them away in a blink before another one appeared with champagne. After he had gone, Lily glanced around nervously. "Have you seen-?"
"Probably not here yet," Frank filled in quickly. "You know how James likes to make an entrance."
Before he could say anything else, Lily spotted him and her stomach sank into her toes. Standing beside his father and a frail old witch that could only be his mother, James was immaculate in his formal robes. Even his wildly untidy hair couldn't take away from his stunning good looks as he glanced disinterestedly over his shoulder at the girl on his arm.
Catching sight of her, Lily's jaw nearly dropped. She was beautiful. More than that; gorgeous. Her lithe, curvaceous frame was clad in clinging black robes that stood out sharply against her honey colored hair and tanned skin. Every line of her face spoke of nobility and breeding, from her delicate nose and full mouth to her brilliant sapphire eyes.
"Who is that?" Alice asked in surprise, following her gaze to the stunning creature.
"Guinevere Merryweather," Frank supplied with a note of surprise in his voice. "Never thought she'd wear him down..." The girls shot him confused looks and he reached up to rub his chin thoughtfully. "She's something like a fifth cousin on his mother's side. Been in love with him since they were kids, but he always managed to dodge her. Can't guess why he's escorting her tonight. Usually avoids her like the plague."
"Wanted to make a good impression, I suppose, seeing as you're here," Sirius spoke up from behind her. Lily turned to him in surprise and he gave her a roguish grin before kissing her cheek. "Alright there, Evans? Care to dance? You lot don't mind- No? Lovely."
He swept her away from her friends before anyone could even think of a response to the furious spate of questions and she looked at him curiously. "What are you doing, Sirius?"
"Dancing with the prettiest girl in the room, I'd say," he replied warmly, guiding her through the steps with effortless ease. "I think we all know what Moony was stuttering about now. You look gorgeous, Lily. Don't suppose you dressed up for Frank..."
"Not really," she admitted softly, her cheeks heating with guilt.
"Ah," Sirius intoned thoughtfully, nodding and glancing toward his friend. "I spoke to James earlier-"
"Imagine that," she smiled.
"-and told him I'd take charge of you if he insists on this rubbish for very much longer," he said evenly.
It took a moment for the full impact of his words to get through, then she looked at him sharply. "You're joking. You don't even fancy me."
The handsome boy grinned broadly. "Don't think that way, Lily. You're quite fit. I'm not the only lad drooling in my shoes over you tonight. Which reminds me, you may have broken Peter's brain. He hasn't stopped staring at you since you took off that bloody cloak."
"D'you think I should cover up?" she asked awkwardly.
She stiffened when he leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "Don't even think of it, Evans. It's working." Her first inclination was to look for James, but he stopped her with a low word. "Wait until I bring you round and sneak a peak over my shoulder."
By the time he'd done as he said, James had his eyes riveted on his date, but she couldn't miss the angry flush in his cheeks. She could well imagine the furious thoughts boiling through his head seeing his best mate dancing so close to her. Especially after he had so plainly informed him that he was going to steal her away.
"You're terrible," she murmured without conviction.
"I'm helping," he reminded her smugly. "Don't approach him. Let him come after you. If you dance with enough blokes without acknowledging him, he'll come get you. Won't be able to resist."
Lily's eyes gleamed wickedly. "Doesn't want anyone else playing with his favorite toy?"
"Absolutely," Sirius agreed devilishly. "Now, please don't slap me."
"For what?" she asked blankly.
In lieu of a response, he twisted her suddenly, leaning her back so far that she nearly lost her feet before kissing her passionately. She squeaked in surprise, but he didn't let her up as he gouged his tongue into her mouth. All she could do was clutch his shoulders weakly until he finally let her up.
Her cheeks were burning painfully as she stared at him, panting for breath, but his grin was downright obnoxious. "Might want to pop to the loo, Evans. You're looking a little flushed."
"Right," she breathed, turning blindly and needing to be redirected by him before she could finally make her way to the bathroom.
She was surprised to find Guinevere loitering in front of the mirror, fussing over her flawless make up with a graceful rosewood wand. When she spotted Lily, she gave her a friendly smile. "That was quite a kiss back there. Have you been seeing Sirius long?"
"Not really," she replied uncomfortably.
The beautiful girl gave her an understanding look. "Just a sneak attack, was it? Sirius has always been impetuous. I'm Gwen."
"Lily," she introduced herself quietly, moving over to stand beside her in the mirror and pretending to smooth her hair. "Have you... er... are you and James-?"
Rolling her eyes expressively, Gwen took a deep breath. "He's just my escort. He made that very clear."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Lily said with more sincerity than she would have thought she could muster for a romantic rival. She was astonished to find that this girl was actually quite likeable. Why wouldn't James be interested in her?
The taller girl shrugged her shoulders. "It's okay. I'm sort of used to it. We grew up together and he's always been evasive. Last year he faked his own death to avoid coming to my birthday party. I had nightmares about it for weeks."
Lily couldn't help laughing, even though she felt guilty. "He's exactly that way at school."
"Oh, you go to Hogwarts?" Gwen asked with keen interest. "I wish I could go. Mummy doesn't approve of public schooling. I say it's a load of tosh, but she won't listen to me." Her eyes shifted nervously to the door. "Don't tell her I said that."
"Your secret's safe with me," she smiled. The girls fell silent for a moment before Lily shot her a curious look. "Sorry, but... can I ask you a personal question?"
Her grin didn't slip as she nodded. "Sure."
"Why doesn't James fancy you?" Lily asked nervously. "I mean, you're... perfect. Everything he could possibly ask for. I don't understand-"
She stopped when the other girl began laughing. "Perfect? I'm hardly that. I can be moody and spoiled and I always want things my own way. It's part of the tragedy of being an only child in a wealthy family. I think James might see too much of himself in me. Other than that, I can't really say why he doesn't fancy me. The only thing he's ever told me was that he only goes for fat, bossy gingers."
Lily's heart seemed to stop as her face suffused with color. She couldn't meet Gwen's eyes as she reached up to nervously finger her collar bone. "He said that?"
"He's been telling me that for ages. Said it tonight, in fact," she groaned impatiently. Her eyes narrowed as she studied her reflection. "What does that even mean, anyway? Is there a girl at Hogwarts who looks like that? You go to school with him, so you must know-"
"I've got to go," Lily interrupted her abruptly, turning to rush out the door before she could put two and two together. Between her red hair and blinding grin, it wouldn't be too difficult for the beautiful girl to connect the dots and she wasn't sure she would feel so friendly after she did. She was so caught up in her surprise that she didn't look where she was going and nearly ran headlong into Arthur Weasley.
"Excuse me, dear, I'm terribly sorry," he cried, putting his hands on her shoulders to steady her. It took a moment of staring to place her before he broke out into an enormous grin. "Oh my, it's you! Evans wasn't it?"
She nodded vaguely, trying to mentally shake herself so that she could concentrate. "Yes. It's nice to see you again."
"Well, whatever are you doing here?" Arthur asked curiously.
Her cheeks flamed as she smiled at him. "I was invited. I go to school with the Potter's son..."
"Ah," he said amiably, nodding his head before glancing around and lowering his voice. "Where's your date, then? Not the young rascal who sent you running off from school, I hope..."
She shook her head quickly, relieved that her heart was finally settling back into her chest. "I um... I don't have a date. I came with some friends."
His face became a thundercloud at this news. "No date? Pretty young thing like you? Well that won't do at all! Come along, Miss Evans, I'll introduce you to my nephews. They graduated from Hogwarts a few years ahead of you, but I don't know if you'll remember them. Gideon and Fabian Prewett."
Lily could only follow him obediently as he latched onto her arm and led her over to where the pair of handsome boys were speaking with a plump witch in lavender robes who had a sniveling toddler with flaming red hair on her hip. She remembered the twins, of course. They had been two years ahead of her in Gryffindor and they were both incredibly genial. The only flaw in their otherwise charming personalities was their deep-seated competitive nature toward each other and everyone else. She nearly went mad her first year as Prefect trying to stop them and the Marauders as they vied to destroy the school.
"Happy Christmas, Evans," Fabian greeted her the moment he saw her, catching her in an exuberant hug.
"Lily Evans, is that you? Looks like you finally lost all that baby fat," Gideon quipped, waiting his turn. He caught Arthur's confused look and grinned. "Can't tell it now, but this little girl used to be quite the butterball. Used to be able to knock the stuffing out of Potter, too."
"To be fair, it was only up until about third year. Before that James was easily half her size and the little git ran his mouth all the time," Fabian reminded him cheerfully. His eyes were warm as they slid over her. "Not much of a problem anymore, eh Evans? You're probably driving him batty these days. Bet he wished he'd been nicer to you."
"I reckon she was the first girl he'd ever met who was immune to his charms," Gideon went on with an admiring grin.
"And the last," his brother added blithely.
Lily giggled shyly. "I do what I can."
Shaking his head, Arthur said, "Poor Miss Evans hasn't got a date tonight and I hoped one of you would be willing to suffer her company-"
"Me!" the boys volunteered at the same time, giving each other identical glares before Fabian captured her arm and pulled her off with a winning grin. "Not to worry, Evans. I'll look after you."
She frowned at him anxiously as he slid his arm around her waist to march her off more quickly, just in case his brother got any clever ideas. "Are you sure this is-"
"Brilliant!" he exclaimed suddenly, dragging her toward the dance floor. "Mr. Potter is putting out the mistletoe."
Alarmed, Lily followed his eyes to the clusters of green and white bobbing merrily over the heads of the crowd, making people laugh as couples kissed and tried to dodge out of the way by turns. Just from where she was standing, she could see a very red Peter was being smooched by a girl with shockingly pink hair and Sirius chasing Remus with a maniacal grin.
"Don't be shy, Moony! I promise I won't bite this time!"
"Get away from me you nutter!"
She glanced up nervously to find Fabian regarding her with a flirtatious grin. A single finger pointing toward the ceiling drew her eyes higher and her mouth went dry when she realized there was a pesky bundle hovering just over their heads. "Care for a snog, Evans?"
"I-" She gaped in surprise as he leaned over her.
Before his lips could even brush against hers, a strong arm hooked around her waist and dragged her backward. She had only a moment to look up at the mysterious masked figure before he disapparated, towing her along with him. She gasped as they arrived in a dark parlor, stumbling fearfully away.
"Who- who-?"
"Terrible impression of an owl, Evans," James said dryly, tugging off the mask to give her an imperious look as he fluffed his flattened hair.
She nearly bit her lip in surprise, but swiftly recovered. Her voice was loud with outrage as she asked, "What do you think you're doing?"
His eyes were cool as they moved over her face and he shrugged. "You looked like you needed a hand."
"I did not!" she argued heatedly. "And I really think it's time you stop rushing in to save me if you're going to insist that you don't love me anymore!"
"That doesn't mean I'm not worried about you, you stupid cow," he shot back angrily. "We're Gryffindors, after all, and-"
"I'm not stupid, James!" she snapped. "I know what you're doing!"
"And what is that?" he asked with an arrogant smirk. "You think I'm just pushing you away because I'm terrified that something horrible will happen to you and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I couldn't prevent it?"
She tilted her head at his sarcastic tone. "Yes. Exactly."
"Get over yourself, Evans," he scoffed, turning away from her to pace toward the window.
"What about you?" she cried, stomping after him. "Bad things happen, James and the odds are that bad things will happen to me. We're in the middle of a sodding war, for Merlin's sake, and I'm nothing but a filthy little mudblood who doesn't know her place!"
Spinning on his heel, he glared furiously. For a moment, she really thought he might hit her. His face turned nearly purple with rage and his voice was low and vicious when he snarled, "Don't you ever let me hear you say that word again, Lily Evans."
"Why not?" she asked imperiously. "I hear it all the time at school. It's what I am!"
"That is not what you are!" he shouted violently, catching her arms in a painful grip. "There's nothing wrong with being a muggleborn! You've got more magic in your little finger than half the pure bloods I know combined and brains to match. Don't ever let anyone make you feel ashamed of who you are."
He released her abruptly to pace away, gouging his hands savagely through his hair. Crossing her arms over her chest, she raised an eyebrow at him. "You mean like you?"
His head nearly came unhinged as he turned to stare at her. "Lily... you know that I... I never-"
"You are always putting me down!" she cried angrily. "Telling me I'm useless and stupid and helpless. Well, I'm not! I can take care of myself. And just in case you've forgotten, I saved your ass when you were being tortured by You-Know-Who."
"I didn't ask you to save me!" he roared belligerently.
"You didn't have to!" she practically screamed, tears bursting onto her cheeks. "When you love someone, you want them to be safe no matter what. You don't wait, you don't pause, you go and find them and bring them home! That's how love works, James."
He began to shake his head, but she cut him off impatiently. "Whether you believe me or not, it is. Do you think you love me more than I love you? That I can't possibly understand this suicidal determination to protect the person I love? I would do anything for you, James. I've let you put me through hell because I trust you with my life. Why can't you trust me just as much? Why can't we fight together?"
Her chest was heaving with emotion, but he wouldn't even look at her. After a long moment, he said, "You should go back to the ball."
"No," she whispered rebelliously.
"Well, I'm going back," he told her briskly, crossing to the door. "Guinevere is probably looking for me."
Lily had to bite back an abrupt laugh as she trailed after him. "Oh yeah? How are things going with her?"
"Brilliant," he confirmed quickly. "We're pretty much mad about each other."
She couldn't hide her smile, no matter how she tried. It was just so unfamiliar to know something that he didn't. "She's a lovely girl."
At length, he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Don't be jealous, Evans."
"I'm not," she replied honestly. They walked in silence for nearly a full minute before she risked nettling him. "Seems a bit... safe, though."
His jaw went rigid as he turned to her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
She shook her head innocently, keeping her eyes wide and guileless. "Nothing. Just that you may be using her to push me farther away because you're too afraid of losing someone you might actually care for."
"That's terrible," he said weakly. She couldn't help noticing that he didn't deny it.
"Yes, it is. And you're so much better than that," she told him with feeling, catching his hand and pulling him to a halt. He turned to her with a defensive look, but she couldn't hide her vulnerability. Seeing that, he weakened slightly.
"When this is all over, Lily, I'll come for you," he assured her solemnly.
She shook her head tearfully. "What if it's too late? What if something happens to you? Or me? I can't wait forever, James. Much as it would hurt to give up, I can't keep doing this."
He nodded solemnly, his eyes dark and tender as he reached up to touch her cheek. "I know."
She tilted her head at him pleadingly, fighting tears. "That's part of the plan, isn't it?"
Biting his lip, he looked away.
"You are so thick, Potter," she said softly, putting a hand on his chest. "Sometimes I hate you."
His lips twitched in the semblance of a smile that died when she pushed him back against the wall. Before he could stop her, she kissed him. All the longing, rage, and passion she could muster poured into that kiss, manifesting in the way she dug her fingers into his hair, pressed herself against him, and caressed his lips with her own.
Drawing back slowly, she gave him a hopeful look, but he only looked away. Trying to pretend that he wasn't so obviously affected by her touch. Raising an eyebrow at him, she turned away. "Alright then. I guess I'll go see what Fabian is doing."
Her heart sank as she walked away. He wasn't stopping her. Why wasn't he stopping her? Before entering the ballroom, she gave him one last look. "Don't save me anymore, James. Stop having me followed, remove the tracking spell, and don't send your mates to check up on me. From now on, unless I ask for your help I want you to leave me alone. I'll show you what this useless, bossy ginger can do without you."