New Year's Eve
James concentrated on the knot around his neck, tightening the blue tie, James pulled on his vest and quickly buttoned it. Staring at his reflection James messed up his hair one last time, then smiled with self satisfaction.
"Well well well aren't you looking dapper?" A voice drawled from James' doorway. Looking back, James saw Lily leaning up against his doorframe. Smiling James couldn't help but stare at his younger sister. She looked absolutely stunning.
Her long red hair was pulled back into an intricate bun with sparkling gems twinkling threw out it. Lily was wrapped in a beautiful dark blue gown that moved like water. And to top it all off she had sapphires sparkling around her neck. "Mum let you wear the Sapphires?" James asked in surprise.
Their mum usually never let anyone touch them, considering how expensive and special they were to her. Their dad had given them to her for their five-year anniversary; up until this point none of them have been allowed to touch them, let alone go wear them.
Lily smiled sweetly lightly touched the necklace, "Yeah I was a little surprised too when she offered, but she said that I was finally old enough to wear them." She explained her voice swelling with pride, betraying her calm expression. Snapping out of her moment Lily gave James a once over, before rolling her eyes playfully. "James you always wear a blue tie! Don't you think you should branch out a bit? I mean for god's sake it's going to look like we're attending the ball together!" She shrieked. Walking over Lily adjusted his collar and wiped off imaginary dust. Why is she acting so weird? James thought in amusement.
Picking up his wand Lily shoved it into his hand, "Here why don't you change it to a nice red color" She ordered. Chuckling softly James waved his wand and silently transfigured his tie to a deep red.
Raising an eyebrow at his little sister, James sarcastically asked, "There? Is that better?"
Lily smiled suspiciously, "Yes that's perfect." before slipping out; leaving James to wonder what the hell had gotten into her.
-o-O-o-
Laurali finally grasped the last stray hair and tightly wound it back into bottom of her bun. Taking one last look in the mirror, she smiled. She looked good. Standing up from the small stool Laurali walked away from the vanity table. Grabbing her purse, Laurali heard the door open. Glancing up she saw Lily walking in, looking absolutely stunning. However, Laurali noticed that she had suspicious smile playing on her lips.
"Ready to go?" Laurali asked, still scrutinizing Lily's odd expression.
"What-Oh yes, I'm ready!" She mumbled. Her devious smile growing larger now. Laurali gave her a weird look before proceeding out of her room, and started down the stairs.
-o-O-o-
James leaned up against the wall, wondering where the girls were. Lily, Laurali, Rose, Dom, Roxy, and Victoire were all upstairs getting ready for the New Year's Eve ball. But they were taking forever. All the men were ready and milling about in the foyer of James' house.
Looking down at his watch James saw that they had a quarter of an hour till they had to be there. "What the bloody hell are they doing up there?" He grumbled, becoming impatient.
"You know women mate; everything has to be perfect before they can present themselves." Scorpius explained a relaxed smile curving his slips.
"And they seem to lose all acknowledgement of time in the process." James retorted. Finally, he heard them start to make their way down the stairs. Roxy and Dom were the first to appear, both looking gorgeous in their purple and gray gowns. Next was Victoire, who was wearing a blush pink gown making her look like a princess, James couldn't help but smile when he saw the look on Teddy's face. Even now, Teddy still got that dopey look of love whenever he saw his fiancé. Lily then made her way down, appearing almost angelic. Rose came right after her wearing a emerald green dress that set her hair on fire.
Scorpius' mouth dropped, and he became speechless. In a matter of seconds Scorpius got the same look that Teddy had gotten moments ago. Rose strutted towards him, radiating self confidence. Scorpius just spluttered seeming to have lost all words. James chuckled at the two until he saw Laurali carefully making her way down the stairs. Without realizing it, he too duplicated Scorpius' and Teddy's expression.
She was wearing a blood red gown that was tight in the bodice and cinched at the waist with a bedazzled belt where the fabric spilled from making her appear taller and slimmer. Her hair was pinned up into an elegant and seemingly complicated bun. She wore little makeup but she wore bold red lipstick making her pouty lips appear even more sensual. She looked completely and utterly beautiful. Appearing to glide over to him, Laurali smiled, and then looked down at his tie and raised an eyebrow.
"Red? I thought you were going to be wearing your signature blue." She commented. James still couldn't manage to find any words. "Did you see my dress before hand?" She asked still smiling up at him (even in four inch heels, Laurali was shorter than James), her brown eye twinkling with mirth, knocking all the air out of James' chest.
Shaking his head James tried to regain his composure, "Umm...Lily said that I should change it up...and then suggested red…" He managed to say. Laurali threw her head back laughing. James was completely mesmerized.
Like he was whenever he was around Laurali. Ever since there almost kiss, James had had a hard time being around Laurali without wanting kiss her or hug her, or do something else completely dimwitted like that. He loved her. He knew he did and he embraced it. But she wasn't ready, and he would wait till she was.
"That little brat. She must have set this up!" She explained. James nodded and glanced over to his younger sister.
Lily winked at them, as if saying "You're welcome." Before turning back to Lysander (who was her date for the evening). James just chuckled quietly at his younger sister, who was as meddlesome as their mother apparently.
Gazing at Laurali again, James felt his heart beating like a jackhammer. "Well then m'lady it appears that we have been set up on a date. And I would be honored if you would accompany me to Ministry of Magic's New Year's Eve Ball." He said, taking her hand and bowing slightly, a nervous smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I assure you the honor is all mine." She replied demurely. With that she took his arm, and then gently kissed his cheek. James thought his heart was going to jump out of his chest.
-o-O-o-
Laurali gracefully stumbled out of the huge marble fireplace, and thankfully managed to find someone's arm to grab ahold of before she fell face first. Looking up at her savior, Laurali wasn't at all surprised when she saw James smiling down at her.
"Need a hand?" he laughed. Blushing slightly Laurali straightened herself, and held her chin up with as much dignity as she could.
"No I am quite capable of saving myself thank you very much." She grumbled back, yet despite herself a smile twitched at the corners of her mouth.
"Oh I'm well aware" James whispered seriously, all signs of teasing vanishing from his gaze. Laurali felt her breath catch in her throat. A common occurrence the past few weeks. Since their almost kiss it had been mildly awkward, and anytime James was close her heart was off racing a million miles a minute, and her breathing came in ragged gasps. The only problem was that Laurali wasn't sure if she should suggest her feelings, James had just broken up with Clarisse, and well she had already shut him down, who's to say that he wouldn't do the same to Laurali now.
She was terrified; to be perfectly candid.
Inhaling deeply Laurali followed James into the main ballroom. As they continued to walk though Laurali noticed that some people were staring. Everyone in fact. Becoming extremely self conscious Laurali dipped her head slightly. Touching her face lightly she tried to wipe off invisible soot.
"They're staring because of how absolutely beautiful you are. Nothing else." James stated in a matter-of-fact tone as if it weren't compliment just a truth. Laurali fidgeted uncomfortable with the attention. "Well that and I'm sure some of these ladies are incredibly jealous that you're my date and not them." He joked.
Laurali let out a chuckle. "I'm sure the latter is the actual reason or at least more so than the first."
James just shook his head with a small smile. "Li one of these days you'll see how gorgeous you truly are. How I see you every day." His voice dropping at the end. Laurali's heart stopped. Sharply looking up at him she saw the truth in his words.
Before she could reply Laurali heard someone clear their throat behind her. Turning around with a cordial smiled plastered on her face. Laurali stopped dead when she came face-to-face with her father.
Her mouth went slack and her jaw dropped forming a perfect "o". In shock, Laurali couldn't even think of any sort of greeting.
"Hello Laurali." His deep voice rumbled. It was so familiar and so foreign all at the same time. Laurali wasn't sure if she wanted to scream or cry or both. So many emotions were battling to make their way to the surface that she just stood there staring.
"Hullo Mr. Welch." James greeted stiffly covering for Laurali. Reaching out James shook his hand.
"It's good to see you James. You're looking well. You're in your last year of school right?" Her dad continued finally tearing his gaze away from his only daughter.
James nodded, "Yes sir." Was all he managed to reply, but even Laurali could hear how strained it was. James hated him as much as Laurali did.
"And Laurali you're in your sixth. How do you like it so far?" Her dad asked returning his attention back to her.
For a moment Laurali stared into his chocolate eyes; carbon copies of hers. For the past four years Laurali hated looking at her own because they reminded her so much of him. Every time her mum had stared at Laurali after the divorce, Laurali could swear that her mum had grimaced. Laurali loathed her eyes now. "Excuse me?" Laurali asked in disbelief.
"I asked how you liked your sixth year at school." he repeated sounding less sure of himself.
Laurali smiled though it held no joy, only malice, "It's been wonderful, father, I've been so enjoying it." She politely replied, sarcasm dripping with every syllable.
He just nodded. When he went to open his mouth, he was cut off, "Robert! Robert darling!" A woman called as she walked over. Her long blonde hair flowed over her shoulder in golden waves. Her perfect porcelain face contorted in a blinding smile. One that fell instantly as soon as her light green eyes landed on Laurali.
Grenadine Wambach.
Laurali flinched when she saw her. James must have noticed because he subtly moved his arm around her as if to shelter her, and managed to angle himself slightly in front of Laurali so that she was farther away from the wretched woman.
"La-Laurali." Grenadine stuttered.
Laurali's jaw clenched so tightly it ached. A stiff nod was all Laurali could make herself do. Grenadine appeared to be on the verge of tears now. "It's so good to see you. We've been worried sick about you since you left for America. And of course then we heard about your Aunt…" She trailed off.
"Well it's absolutely awful to see you." Laurali spat, "I'm so glad to hear that you care about me now. Because you didn't when you were screwing my father behind my mum's back." Laurali retorted, visibly shaking with rage.
Grenadine visibly flinched at the comment, and tear escaped, drizzling down her gorgeous face. "Laurali." Her father warned.
Laurali looked sharply at him, "Don't you dare try to be a father now! Because you haven't been for the past five years!" She snapped. James lightly squeezed her arm.
However, that seemed to make her father shut up. Fuming Laurali stared at the two people she hated most. "Laurali come on let's go say hi to the Minister." James muttered before gently dragging Laurali away.
After a minute Laurali calmed down, letting out a defeated sigh. She leaned against James, who gladly supported her. "It's going to be alright. I'll make sure that we don't run into them again."James whispered into her ear. Then gently kissed her temple. And despite the fact that Laurali had just seen her father and his mistress, she felt surprisingly happy. All of her troubles faded when she was with James, they always became distant something for her to deal with later. Smiling to herself Laurali took James' hand.
"I know. It's just unbearable to see them so happy when she's...She still gone." Laurali choked out. Her happiness ebbing away. James just nodded.
"Laurali Welch?" Someone asked once again behind her. Turning around, dreading it Laurali prepared herself for another unpleasant experience. Behind her stood a beautiful blonde woman once again, who looked so much like the Mistress of her father. However, her face was more oval and her eyes were brown instead of green. The young woman gave her a nervous smile as she studied Laurali. "I'm Elena Wambach...Grenadine's daughter."
So this is her daughter. Laurali thought with surprise. Laurali had known for years that Grenadine had children, two in fact. Laurali was pretty sure that the other sibling was a son. Trying not to cringe, Laurali gave her best smile, "Hi." She squeaked. What was she supposed to say?
The woman fidgeted appearing just as uncomfortable as Laurali felt. "I know that this is awkward. But I just wanted to finally meet you. And apologize for what my mother did to your family." She replied quietly, barely audible in fact.
Completely caught off guard, Laurali just nodded for a second, "You don't have to apologize for your mum. However, thank you it really means a lot. And I'm sorry about my dad-"
"Oh no my mom was single when they…. when they started seeing each other. Just to let you know, my brother and I were not okay with what they did. This is actually the first time my mum and I have spoken in over two years. And it took her practically harassing me to make me show up tonight." She explained.
Laurali just gave her small reassuring smile. "Its fine you don't have to defend talking to your mum. I understand. But it really means a lot that you...well that you understand where I'm coming from." She flashed Laurali a smile. To Laurali's utmost surprise, she found that she truly liked this girl.
"My brother on the other hand refuses to talk to her still, but I think I might be able to convince him to come to Easter dinner. As much I as hate being in a room with them. She is my family and I don't want to live with any regrets." Laurali felt pang jolt through her as she thought of her mother. I understand completely. She thought sadly. "Maybe you might consider joining us. You and James. I think Michael is bringing his girlfriend as well." She continued.
"Oh? Well I'll think about it for sure. We would love to meet Michael." Laurali agreed. Out of the corner of her eye Laurali saw James do a double take, when she hadn't denied that they were a couple. "If you'll excuse us though, I think I'd like to dance. But it was great meeting you." Laurali assured her.
Elena just smiled, and nodded.
With that Laurali led James out onto the dance floor. Slowly they began to waltz around the room to a slowly tune, and when she finally had the courage to look back up at James, her breath caught once more as her gaze locked with those sapphire eyes.
And everything else melted away.
-o-O-o-
Maybe it was because it was the Chosen One's son. Or maybe it was because of the fact that the young couple was probably the most stunning in the room. Perhaps it was because even a blind man could see how utterly in love the two were. For any reason though, the whole room had seemed to stop and stare at the young couple as they waltzed around the room.
However, James Potter and Laurali Welch took no heed of their onlookers. No they were completely engrossed in one another. To busy staring into each other's eyes to notice the world around them.
-o-O-o-
"Merlin's Beard that was probably the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to me!" Laurali shrieked as she and James walked down the hallway. After their dance the two had come to realize that everyone in the bloody room had been watching them. Once that was made apparent Laurali's face turned the same shade as her gown, whereas James just smiled handsomely and then had the audacity to bow.
Laurali was completely mortified. Yet she couldn't help but laugh. James laughed with her, holding her hand he spun her once more. Causing more giggles to erupt from Laurali's throat. However, Laurali spun right into his chest. Looking up Laurali realized just how close they were now. Staring at his deep blue eyes, Laurali felt his breath softly caress her face.
"Laurali...I…" James started his voice sounding odd for some reason. Laurali felt her stomach dropped. He's going to say how he doesn't feel the same way! She thought sadly. "I love you Laurali. And I know that you're going through a lot of stuff right now I mean you just ran into your dad and Grenadine and her daughter. But I love you. I have for awhile now. Probably since the day I met you. It's just taken me awhile to realize it." He confessed, the words stumbling out after one another in panic.
For a moment Laurali just stood still. She couldn't believe what he had just said, and how amazing it was to hear him say that he loved her.
"Li?" James whispered. Panic evident on his face. Beaming Laurali whispered back. "I love you too James. I love you too."
Before she even knew what was happening she felt James' soft lips press onto hers. Gently at first but then more intensely. Wrapping her arms around James' neck Laurali couldn't think of another time where she had been happier.