The evening of Jeff's party arrived sooner than any of us had anticipated. Jeff was too busy making sure he and Penelope's dresses matched to offer me any assistance, so I was left to fend for myself. I ended up changing five times before I decided to go with the dress I had worn to graduation; the knee-length, strapless white dress printed with violets. I wore a purple cardigan sweater over that, and matched my headband and shoes accordingly. The pearl necklace Remus gave me for Christmas was draped around my neck, and the matching earrings dangled from my earlobes.
"I think I'm ready," I said at last, turning around slowly. "Do I look alright? Do you think this is fancy enough?"
"You look gorgeous," he said, smiling as he walked over and grabbed onto my hands. He was wearing his best suit – a brown one, with only four or five patches – and I had helped him tie his tie just right. He kissed my forehead, "It will be a privilege to escort the most beautiful woman at the party."
I laughed nervously, "I was under the impression that you were accompanying me…"
"I am," he said, slowly leading me down to the living room. The gentleness in his voice made me almost believe it; until I saw Aria.
She and Eddie were already waiting in the living room. Her wild curls had been tamed, and tumbled down her back and shoulders elegantly. Her midnight blue dress clung to her slender frame, and her feet were covered by simple, open-toed black pumps. Eddie didn't look bad, either. His hair was combed and gelled back, and his gray suit was paired with a vest and bowtie that matched Aria's dress.
The couple wasn't alone; Nana was in her rocker, knitting wildly, and Sirius – in his canine form – was curled up by the fireplace, pretending to sleep. His head jerked up as Remus and I reached the bottom of the steps.
"Well well well," Eddie said, smirking at us. "Look what we have here…"
"Hello, Eddie," I said, blushing slightly. I had been mentally preparing myself all day for this: facing classmates now that my relationship was out in the open. The moment I saw Eddie, I realized that it was all useless.
Remus squeezed my hand gently, as if to remind me that I wasn't alone. "It's nice to see you again, Mr. Carmichael."
The look on Eddie's face suggested that the taunting had only just begun. He looked up at us from his spot on the sofa, grinning like a maniac, "I have to say, I was a bit surprised when you two started snogging on the platform. I mean, who would have thought; Professor Lupin was banging a student."
I blushed furiously, Eddie, for the love of all things decent; shut the hell up.
Remus rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm sure you're… Over-eroticizing."
Of course, Eddie could always be counted upon to keep going until someone hexed him. Despite the dirty looks he was receiving from Aria and I, he continued. "And not just any student; but stuffy, crabby old Violet! My mates and I thought you would have had better taste."
I'm not stuffy, I thought, biting down on my lip.
Remus must have felt my hand shaking inside his, because he tightened his grip. He cleared his throat, "Violet isn't stuffy or crabby at all. In fact, I happen to find her quite… endearing."
"Well, she isn't like that anymore," said Eddie, flashing a thumbs-up. "And now we all know why. Thanks a lot, Professor."
"Eddie, shut up!" I snapped, my blood boiling. Sirius started growling from his spot by the fireplace; knowing that I had that huge animal on my side made me feel more confidant.
"You are being a little rude, dear," Aria said gently.
"I'm just saying," Eddie said innocently. "It defiantly explains why Violet got nice all of a sudden."
"You have to understand, Mr. Carmichael…" Remus said, though he was looking at me while he spoke. He caressed my face, smiling down at me. "Sex isn't entirely about physical pleasure. It should be an act of love."
I couldn't stop myself from grinning. He loves me so much, I thought. I can't believe how sweet he is…
Eddie – in his tradition of ruining everything – gagged, "Love? With Violet?!"
"Of course," Remus said, not taking his eyes off of me as he pulled me close. "I love her very much."
"I love you, too," I whispered wobbly.
"To each his own, I suppose," Eddie sighed, kissing Aria on the cheek. "I'll always prefer my beautiful Ari."
Most men would, I thought as I looked at my best friend, thankful that the term 'green with envy' was purely figurative. Aria always looked so elegant, even when she wasn't trying. And when she was trying, no other woman could even hope to stand a chance. Eddie was a very lucky guy; I hoped he cared for her the way Remus cared for me.
"But she isn't as pretty as me!" Ashley said, dancing into the room. Her hair was pulled into her signature pigtails, which were juxtaposed to the little black cocktail dress that clung to her curvy figure. It was hard to imagine her the way she looked only hours before; coming home from her job at the Ministry's law office wearing a professional suit and shoes that weren't covered with tiny fake gems.
Lutie followed after her, looking much less enthusiastic. Her baby-pink dress was a great deal more conservative than Ashley's, and covered her bony knees and freckled shoulders.
"That's a beautiful dress, Lutie," Remus said kindly, in an attempt to cheer her up. She had been brooding all day.
"It's ugly as sin, and I don't even want to go to this damn party in the first place," she grumbled, slumping down on the sofa.
"I'm sure you'll have fun," I said, though I was actually quite positive that Lutie would be miserable.
"Luna is going to be there," Aria said. "She's about your age; maybe the two of you could hang out together..."
Ashley gasped, "Lutie and Luna! It's like you're destined to be best friends!"
"… Yeah, sure," Lutie said flatly. "Even though we've never met and probably have nothing in common."
"Alright everyone! We are ready." Jeff said loudly as he entered the room, with Penny clinging to one of his arms. The both wore sky-blue dresses; Jeff's showed off more of his harry, muscular legs than any of us really wanted to see. The shiny tiara that decorated his head made him look like a princess.
Penelope was just as beautiful. Her long, dark hair was tied up into a complicated bun (probably by her gender-confused prince), and she sparkled in a way that only a young woman in love could. I wondered briefly if that's how I looked…
Jeff's eyes fell on Remus and I with disapproval, "What the hell is wrong with you two?!"
"What do you mean?" Remus asked, giving me a brief squeeze.
"Why aren't you matching?" Jeff spat, as if he were truly offended.
I blinked, "We were supposed to match? No one said anything…"
"Violet, look around," he said. "Everyone else is matching, aren't they?"
"I'm terribly sorry, Jeffery," Remus said, and I wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or serious. "We must have missed the memo."
"Everyone knows couples are supposed to match for formal occasions," Ashley said proudly. "It goes without being said."
"I've never heard of that before," I said.
"Well, you've never had anyone crazy enough to actually go with you," Eddie snickered, earning him a little snarl from Sirius and a shove from Aria.
"I've never really heard of that, either," Remus said, squeezing me again. "But I've never been much of a socialite."
"The practice must have come about after the stone age…" Jeff pondered aloud.
"I think you both look really nice," Penelope said, smiling awkwardly at us. I wasn't sure how she would feel about my relationship with my (former) professor; though I had never been very close with Penny, I always had the impression that she was a little old-fashioned. But she was dating Jeff, so perhaps she was more open-minded than I originally gave her credit for.
"Thank you, Miss Clearwater," Remus said thankfully.
"Yeah," I said, smiling back at her. "You're gorgeous, as well."
"Oh, no…" she said modestly. "I'm not all that…"
"Isn't she a darling thing?" Jeff squealed, pinching her cheek. "Couldn't you just eat her up?"
I don't understand how someone as docile as Penelope could date Percy for so long, I thought. Or how she ended up with a spaz like Jeff…
"Alright," Eddie said, clapping his hands together. "Shall we get going?"
"Wait! We can't leave yet!" Ashley said quickly. "My date isn't here yet!"
"You have a date?" Jeff, Aria, Eddie, and I asked together.
Ashley crossed her arms, glaring at us, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, my dear," Aria said politely. "We merely suggest that we had no idea you were bringing a date, that's all."
"Who is it?" I asked, very curious. Normally, Ashley's love life was an open book. It wasn't like her to make a date and keep it quiet. "Is it someone we know?"
She giggled, "You'll see…"
"Well, whoever it is, he's late," I said, glancing at the grandfather clock. "We should have left by now."
"I'm terribly sorry, Violet," Stephen said as he reached the bottom step. "I know you're a stickler when it comes to time, but I just couldn't get this tie on right…"
"You look fantastic, my pet," Ashley said, prancing over to the young poet – who was, for a change, clean shaven and freshly bathed – and gave him a hug. Next to Stephen, Ashley looked even shorter and rounder; he had to bend down to kiss her.
"So do you," Stephen said, adjusting his glasses. His bony cheeks turned a bright shade of red.
"You're bringing Stephen?" I said, not sure if I really believed it. He was so far from her usual type that it almost had to be a joke.
"Mhm!" Ashley squealed. "Doesn't he look adorable all dressed up?"
"He really does," Jeff said, wagging his eyebrows. "Nice play, Steph 'ol chap."
"Um… thanks," Stephen said shyly. The more I thought about it, the more I was sure the twenty-three year old had never been on a date before in his entire life. His social skills were somewhat lacking.
"I think you look cute together," Aria said sweetly.
"Yeah," Eddie agreed. "You've got that weird, opposites-attract thing going on."
No kidding, I thought, hoping that Ashley wouldn't get bored of Stephen and end up breaking his heart. Those suffering artist types could be very sensitive.
"Well, I think we're all here now," Remus said, shooting one longing glance at Sirius – who was obviously upset that he couldn't attend. He'd been moping around all day. "Shall we head up to the library?"
I nodded, "Yes, we should probably leave; we're already late…"
Ashley giggled, "Oh Vi-Vi, you always get all worried if you're not early for everything."
"I just like being punctual," I defended, grabbing Remus by the hand as we marched up to the library in one huge group. Sirius followed us, nipping at Eddie's ankles.
"I don't think your dog likes me very much," Eddie whispered to me when we reached the top of the staircase.
I smirked, "He's an excellent judge of character."
Remus snorted, having to bite down on his lip to keep from laughing. Aria covered her mouth with her dainty, gloved hand while she chuckled. Sirius barked at me with approval.
Eddie rolled his eyes, "Good one, Vi."
"It's my party, so I get to go first," Jeff said, grabbing a handful of Floo Powder out of the jar; having the library fireplace hooked up to the Floo Network made getting around a lot easier. Jeff threw the powder into the fake-flames, turning them a brilliant shade of green. Lutie and Stephen both gasped as he walked into the fire.
"He doesn't get burnt?" Stephen said in disbelief.
"Nope," Ashley said cheerfully. "You just shout the name of your destination and the Floo Network takes you there. Convenient, huh?"
"Interesting…" he said, scratching his chin.
"The Flanders' Family Estate!" Jeff said loudly, and the green flames engulfed him.
"Penny should go next," Ashley said, shoving her forward. "Jeffey needs his lady."
"R-right," Penelope said, stepping forward. Once she was inside the fireplace, she tucked her arms tightly to her sides as she said, "The Flanders' Family Estate."
We followed after her one by one. Remus accompanied Lutie into the fire; she was afraid to go by herself, though she wouldn't admit it. After the two of them disappeared, I was left alone with Sirius.
I scratched his ears affectionately, "We'll be back soon."
He nudged me towards the fireplace, yipping a goodbye as I stepped into the heatless flames. I felt guilty about leaving him behind, but what else could be done?
I stood up straight and ridged, clearing my throat before I said, "The Flanders' Family Estate."
I suddenly remembered why I was never a big fan of traveling by Floo Powder. My stomach flipped around like jelly as various other fireplaces sped in and out of view. I closed my eyes tightly, hoping that would help. It didn't; I nearly vomited as I reached the end of my trip, almost stumbling over as I flew out of the exit.
"Watch out!" I heard someone say, and I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder, steadying me. When I opened my eyes, I saw Remus standing next to me, offering me a kind – yet worried – smile.
"Thank you," I said, smiling back at him.
"I was waiting for you," he informed me. "Everyone else went on into the main room already. Are you alright?"
"Never felt better," I said, taking a deep breath. "You didn't have to wait for me…"
"Nonsense," he said, kissing the top of my head. "I'm your escort; it's my duty to walk in with you. Besides…" he looked around, as if to make sure we were truly alone before he continued. "After catching a glimpse of some of the other guests, I've come to realize that I am grossly underdressed. I'd be too embarrassed to walk in by myself."
"You look fine," I assured him, tucking his hair into place – even though I knew it would just fall again. "Thank you for waiting, Remus."
"I'd wait for you forever," he whispered, kissing me briefly before he offered me his arm. I clung to it tightly, in an attempt to steady my shaky hands.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Remus asked.
"Just… feeling like we're about to walk into a snake pit," I said with a gulp.
"I know what you mean," he said, placing his hand over mine. "I'm sure we'll get a bunch of dirty looks; a freshly-graduated witch being escorted by her former professor, whose werewolf status was just made public."
I laughed nervously, "We're not exactly orthodox, are we?"
"I suppose not," he shrugged, as if it no longer bothered him.
"But it isn't just that," I said. "I've always gotten this weird feeling about Jeff's family. Something about this whole business just doesn't feel right."
I half expected Remus to tell me I was being silly, but instead he rubbed the back of my hand with the pad of his thumb gently as he said, "I'll be here with you the entire time, I promise. I won't let anything happen to you."
"Right," I said, nodding as we walked into the ballroom. "We'll be fine as long as we stick together."
I too felt extremely underdressed the second we stepped into the room. There were fewer people my own age than I had expected; most of the guests looked older than Remus. Most of them wore gorgeous dress robes that probably cost more than I could ever dream of making in a lifetime. The decorations were lavish: ice sculptures and rosebushes cut into the shapes of the Ravenclaw eagle were scattered about the room. A large orchestra – consisting of at least fifty musicians and every type of instrument I had ever heard of – was set up in the corner, belting out tunes for partygoers to dance to. The walls were all made of glass, giving us an excellent view of the garden outside.
Almost a hundred guests had arrived already, yet the large ballroom wasn't the least bit crowded. It was easy to spot the other members of our group. Jeff was introducing Penelope to his parents; I could see the blush on her face from clear across the room, but both of Jeff's parents were nodding at her approvingly. Ashley was just where I'd expected her to be; by the table of food, shoving treats into her mouth. Stephen stood next to her, eyeing the people around him with awe. Aria and Eddie were already dancing, looking like the perfect young couple.
It took me a little bit longer to spot Lutie. I actually noticed Luna first, in her crazy orange dress and otherworldly hairstyle. She was gesturing wildly as she spoke, not only to Lutie, but another pair of youngsters as well. The female had short, black hair, and was turning her nose up at Luna while she ranted. The boy was looking down at the little oddball, in a very condescending fashion. Lutie was looking around, probably for an excuse to slip out of the conversation. Luna didn't seem to notice any of this, however, and continued to babble away.
"No one's looking at us," I whispered. "That's good, right?"
Remus nodded, "Yes. With luck, we'll be able to get through this evening without anyone knowing we're here."
I chuckled, "Would you like to dance, at least?"
He smiled, "I would be honored, Viol-"
"Remus?" I heard a strange voice gasp behind me. "Remus Lupin? Is that you?"
Remus looked up, his face flushing with surprise, "Maria?"
I turned around quickly to see who exactly this Maria-person was, and when I saw her, my jaw nearly hit the floor. Standing in front of us was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She appeared to be in her early thirties, and was tall – only a few inches shorter than Remus – with thick black hair and tanned skin. Her legs looked as if they could be a kilometer long, and her tiny red dress could barely contain her large – too huge to be real - breasts. She spoke with a thick Italian accent. Everything about her was exotic and sexy.
I'd never felt so homely before in my entire life. I always knew that I was very lucky to have a man like Remus; who loved me and cared for me deeply. Looking at this woman, it seemed impossible that any man could ever even look at me.
"It's been so long!" she said, unable to disguise her happiness. Her long fingers reached out and toyed with his lapel fondly. "How are you?"
"I'm doing just fine," He glanced down at me – it was his turn to draw some support from my presence – and said, "I've actually never been better… How are you, Maria? You look…" he glanced at me again, clearing his throat. "healthy."
Maria looked at me, as if she hadn't noticed me before, "Who is this, Remus? Is she a relative of yours?"
"Oh, no; this is Violet," Remus said, placing his hand on my shoulder. I had expected him to be at least a little embarrassed – he was always flustered when our close friends teased us – but now he looked almost cocky as he introduced me. "Violet, this is Maria Dolohov."
"Remus and I used to be very close," she said, sounding very proud of herself as she confirmed my suspicion that she was a former girlfriend. She laughed lightheartedly, "Though he quickly got bored of me."
He cleared his throat again, "If I remember correctly, Maria, you were the one who got bored of me."
She giggled, "Nonsense; who could ever get bored of you? You're so charming…"
Remus laughed nervously, his cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink. My heart felt heavy, and I hid my hands behind my back so this Maria couldn't see them shaking. I'd never felt so childish before. How could Remus possibly want me, when this beautiful creature was so obviously flirting with him?
"Do you think I could bother you for a dance, Remus?" Maria asked sweetly, batting her unnaturally long eyelashes while I fantasized about beating her senseless.
He scratched the back of his neck, "Actually, Violet and I were just about to…"
"Oh," she said, her face dropping instantly. She shot a quick glare in my direction, as if she suddenly thought of me as a threat. "I see. So you're-"
"Yes," he said quickly.
"Oh… Perhaps later, then?" Maria said, with just a glimmer of hope.
"Perhaps," Remus said, sounding more than a tad reluctant. He wrapped his arm around my waist, giving Maria a polite nod before he led me out onto the dance floor.
I probably would have stood as ridged as a statue if Remus hadn't been there to guide my movements; we spun around the dance floor wordlessly for quite some time, not paying much attention to the tempo of the music. Every once and a while, I would try to make eye contact, but his gaze was wandering around the room wildly, as if he was looking for something – or someone.
He's thinking about her, I knew, wanting to cry. I'll never be that pretty. How could I possibly stand a chance?
"Violet," he said, looking down at me at last. His face was pale with fright, and he pulled me closer as we continued do weave our way through the other dancers.
"What?" I asked. "Is something wrong?"
"Remember what you said earlier, about walking into the snake pit?" he said, staring at me intently, as if this was a matter of life and death.
"Y-yes," I stuttered. "Remus, what's going on? You're scaring me…"
"Well, that analogy seems to be very appropriate," he said gravely.
I swallowed, "What-"
He leaned forward, whispering into my ear, "Over half of the people in this room used to be Death Eaters."
