Petal in the Rain
Chapter 30 – A Little Party Never Killed Nobody
"Going so soon? I wouldn't hear of it. Why, my little party's just beginning."
-Wicked Witch of the West
Lily stared into the depths of her looking glass, lost in her own reflection. She wore a sleeveless shift dress, bedecked in thousands of crystal beads carefully threaded along cords of fringe. The above-the-knee frock hung off her figure lasciviously, making her feel both self-conscious and powerful. At first, she'd insisted to both Madam Gladrags and Alice that such a dress was far too risqué, but Alice had reminded her that flappers were characteristic for pushing the envelope and such an outfit would fit the theme and occasion of Emmeline's 1920's-inspired party well.
With the assistance of Mimi, her hair was pinned up in soft curls, a diamond-encrusted headband delicately strung across her forehead. Frank had purchased it for her once he'd heard of her intention to attend the fancy party, gifting her the expensive trinket at their "debrief" lunch in Hogsmeade earlier in the day. It was still hard to fathom that such extravagance was part of her everyday life now.
Black satin shoes, silver bangles and a touch of crimson lipstick polished off her glamorous appearance. She looked like a silent movie star, ready to walk the red carpet or hobnob with famous actors and directors. In truth, she was looking less and less like herself with every passing day spent as a member of wizarding high society.
Lily sunk into her vanity chair and began filling her clutch with the makeup and necessities she'd require for the evening. She wished she could sneak a drink before heading out, something strong to settle her nerves, but knew it was unlikely that Mimi had permission to give her alcohol, or that Snape would be willing to provide her with a Calming Draught.
Fortunately, after a week's worth of classes, she had a good grasp on who would be at the party. Though she was nervous to be socializing with noble students, she was reassured that Alice and Rudolf would be with her and that no Slytherins would be in attendance. When she'd spoken about the event with Frank, notifying him that he too was invited, she'd been crestfallen to learn that he was tied up with Order business—yet, also cheered that he believed she'd be fine on her own. Considering his tendency for overprotectiveness, it was curious that he let her go so easily.
After clearing the cosmetics from her desk, all that was left was Lily's completed Potions essay and a messy pile of letters from James. A knot formed in her stomach when her eyes skimmed over his untidy scrawl:
You don't know him like I do. I've known him since first year, and you've only known him for a summer. You say I don't trust your judgment, but you aren't trusting mine either. This isn't about controlling you, it's about protecting you. I promise there's a difference.
Lily sighed, opening the doors to her balcony and leaning against the balustrade. The night's cool air nipped at her bare shoulders, an indication that autumn was fast approaching. Below, black, horseless stagecoaches were assembling, their candle-lit lanterns distant pinpricks of luminescence. Since she had failed to meet James at the Quidditch Pitch, they had traded a number of heated letters throughout the week, largely centred on his confrontation with Snape and her unwillingness to meet him to discuss it. In a cowardly attempt to avoid him, Lily had busied herself with classes, studying, and the occasional meal with Alice and Rudolf, and hadn't bumped into him at all. Someone had knocked on her door late Thursday evening; however, thinking it was James, she'd hesitated before answering, and by the time she'd mustered the bravery to open the door, they'd disappeared.
In truth, Lily wasn't sure how to approach her first real fight with James. She was angry at him for a mixture of things—for ordering Snape to stay away from her, which she perceived as controlling; for not believing in her abilities and suggesting her Major Designation had been a mistake; for their squabble overshadowing the success she'd experienced during her first week at Hogwarts; and for him assuming that she'd drop everything and run to his side whenever he requested it, like when he'd summoned her to the Quidditch Pitch. She was not a lovesick member of the James Potter Fan Club, nor was she the helpless muggle schoolgirl he had first met the night of his birthday party. Deep down, she feared that when he came to that realization himself, he would no longer feel the same way about her.
So I'll prolong the inevitable and let him love me for a bit longer…before he recognizes I'm not the same person anymore.
"My my, would you look at those legs," Regulus Black whistled as Lily descended the staircase into the Entrance Hall. He sat alone on one of the bottom steps, leering up at her. "You sure you don't need my capable hands to steer you on the dance floor tonight, Lady Rockford? I can warm them up just for you."
"Not in this lifetime, Regulus," Lily bit back, walking past him toward the door.
"It's just too easy to get under your skin—and as this outfit suggests, you've got a lot of it," Regulus continued to taunt, cracking a fetching—yet wicked—smile. "It won't be long until I'm under your dress, too."
"Are you always such a creep or do you just turn on the charm for me?" Lily stopped and turned on him, bemused. "If you're trying to prove to me you're some big, bad Slytherin playboy, don't bother. You don't have an audience of idiotic thugs here, so do us both a favour and shut up."
"All I'm doing is offering you the chance to be on the arm of the most eligible lord in this school," Regulus countered, standing up and walking over to her; he came intimidatingly close to her face, his black eyes appraising. "We could rule this school and everyone in it, you know. I'd even consider putting my other girls aside for you…"
Regulus reached for her hand, but Lily quickly pulled it away, repulsed. "You're deluded if you think a proposal like that even remotely interests me. I've known you for little under a week, but it's been enough to convince me you're nothing more than an arrogant, vulgar little rich boy who is so used to getting what he wants that he thinks he can act inexcusably rude. Sorry, Regulus, but you'll never, ever have me."
Regulus sneered, hiding any offense he may be feeling. "We'll see about that."
"Aurora, there you are!" Alice called out, suddenly appearing beside Lily. "Our ride is about to leave, are you coming?"
As Regulus strode away, Lily wordlessly allowed her new friend to guide her outside and into an awaiting coach, putting the unpleasant encounter out of her mind as she joined Emmeline and Rudolf.
"Va-va-voom, look at you!" Rudolf declared, offering Lily his hand as she climbed into the coach; she shook her head, smiling. "I'm a lucky wizard to be in the company of Hogwarts' three most beautiful witches. Won't the boys be jealous when I walk into the Three Broomsticks with all of you on my arm?"
"Oh stop," Emmeline tittered, basking in the flattery as the stagecoach lurched to a start. She touched up her lipstick in a small makeup mirror. "Aurora, where's Frank?"
"It turns out he has another engagement tonight," Lily explained, noting the debutant's disappointment. "I didn't give him much notice. He promised he'd attend your next party, though."
"That's too bad…it's always nice to have a selection of people to dance with," Alice commented, biting her bottom lip as she looked out the window, watching the shadowy landscape roll by.
"And it would've been darling to have a few more popular chaps at the party," Emmeline pouted her dark-red lips, looking childlike. "The list is thin enough as it is…"
Lily ignored her whining and instead chose to admire how splendidly dressed her companions were. Alice wore an intricate royal-blue dress with a sequined bodice and fringe skirt, elbow-length white gloves and a long string of lustrous pearls. The frock's simple details and vibrant colour made her plumose blonde hair and pretty eyes pop, the reason Lily had encouraged her to purchase it when they were out shopping together. Alternately, Emmeline had aimed to make a bold statement as the hostess of the party, sporting a black silk dress, luxurious fur stole and diamond headpiece—an ornament that covered her entire head like a cap. Lastly—looking more suave than glamorous—Rudolf wore an impeccably-tailored tuxedo featuring a flashy necktie and a homburg hat.
"Me and the other lads aren't enough for your popularity-contest-of-a-party?" Rudolf scoffed comically. "I ought to jump out of the coach this very minute."
"You know I didn't mean it like that," Emmeline relented, grasping for his hand. "I just want it to be a bash everyone will be talking about tomorrow."
James stood outside of the Three Broomsticks with Sirius, the two friends smoking a butt between drinks. He leaned against the malformed building—a combination of crooked brick and warped glass—expelling a puff of smoke from between his teeth. Unlike Sirius, he didn't enjoy the habit, but it was a good reason to escape the crowded pub.
"I don't know why you don't just barge into her room and demand to speak to her—you do have the password after all," Sirius pointed out, a tumbler of firewhiskey in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
"Great idea—disrespecting her privacy and forcing my presence on her won't incense her any more than she already is," James returned sarcastically, looking up at the starless sky for answers. "As I recall, she wasn't exactly pleased when you abducted her from St. Madeline's and brought her to Potter Manor."
"She got over it, didn't she?"
"Considering how many women you've slept with it's staggering you know so little about the sex."
"Oh, I know about the sex—at least the instances when I was sober…"
"Why am I friends with you again?"
"Nobody likes a sad and mean drunk, Prongs."
James chuckled, then sighed. "I don't know what to do about Lily. She thinks I'm trying to control her by telling Snape to fuck off. You have no idea how much my blood boils when I think of him tutoring her over the summer—the time they had alone together."
"Well I've had a thought," Sirius said, taking an introspective drag.
"Extraordinary. I'll alert the papers."
"Hilarious. Now, we know she's done well in her classes this week, well above what either of us—or likely even Dumbledore—expected of her. In fact, the whole school is talking about her talent," Sirius started. "I don't think it's a stretch to conclude that she credits some of her success to Snivellus, who you've demanded she stay away from. On top of that, we also know she thinks you don't believe in her from your reaction to her class schedule."
"The harder her classes are, the better her chances of blowing her cover," James defended, careful to keep his voice no louder than a whisper; luckily, the streets were all-but naked. "It's like we're throwing her to the wolves, Sirius; it has nothing to do with whether I think she deserves to be in those classes or not. I knew from the moment I met her that she was no pushover."
"That's an understatement. I saw how she held her own when we were in the Ministry together—the girl has teeth too."
"I don't care if she's the most powerful student at Hogwarts; her situation is even more precarious than before because of those classes and that's undermining my job to maintain a safe hiding place for her," James grit his teeth. "What I don't understand is how you, or Longbottom or even Dumbledore don't see how further raising her profile isn't dangerous. Letting her run rampant with her magic, convincing everyone that she's of Dumbledore's powerful lineage…if that doesn't catch Voldemort's attention, I don't know what will."
"Snake-face has more important things to worry about than Dumbledore's society niece," Sirius waved him off, extinguishing his cigarette on a windowsill. "I doubt he'd even consider her a mild threat. The positive you can take away from this is that Lily has further cemented her disguise as Dumbledore's niece with her budding powers."
"Something tells me in Voldemort's hunt for a witch he believes can defeat him, one making a splash at Hogwarts, might catch his attention," James countered, grimacing. "How many witches do you know that can do what she can already? Aside from Amelia Bones and your cousin, I can't think of one."
"Are you talking about Dora, Cissy or Bella?" Sirius scoffed, folding his arms. "Magically-deranged women seem to run in the Black family—Dora excluded."
The wizards' attention flickered as a procession of stagecoaches came bumping down the jagged cobblestone streets towards The Three Broomsticks. When the first one came to a halt, a collection of Hogwarts students dressed in shimmering party gowns and fine suits poured out.
"Over this way, please!" Madam Rosmerta hollered, emerging from the noise and warmth of the pub. The wild-haired woman approached the assembly of students and guided them through the bar's private side entrance, leading down to the cellars.
"What do we have here?" Sirius raised a brow, zeroing in on the scantily-clad female students who were struggling to walk on the uneven cobblestone in their tall shoes.
"Emmeline Vance's party I expect," James observed, his eyes darting between the coaches. "I overheard some students speaking about it at breakfast, but I didn't realize it was tonight."
"Is Lily…?"
"Besides the fact that we're barely on speaking terms, she thinks I'm trying to control her—do you really think she'd tell me if she was going?" James muttered, suddenly longing for another strong drink. "C'mon, let's catch up with Remus and Peter inside and grab another—"
James' voice dropped off when the last stagecoach pulled up to the pub and the door flew open. Rudolf Brand stepped out first. He straightened his necktie, removed his hat and smoothed his slicked-back hair before helping Alice Prewett and Emmeline Vance navigate their way out of the coach. Last to appear was Lily, wearing a short, sparkly costume, high heels and a sexy Roaring Twenties hairstyle.
"Well that answers that question," Sirius smirked, amused by his besotted best friend's paralyzed silence. "Our once timid girl looks ready to slay high society."
"She is going to be the death of me," James agonized, watching her wistfully. "Couldn't she have worn a paper bag or something? Look at Brand, the idiot is grinning ear-to-ear."
"I wouldn't worry about Brand," Sirius said confidently, lighting up another cigarette. "Now, how are we going to get ourselves invited to this party?"
When Lily stepped out of the carriage she wished she too had invested in a fur stole, the cool air immediately covering her arms in gooseflesh.
"Ah, Lady Vance, you've arrived," Madam Rosmerta approached the foursome, her hair frazzled and smile bright. "Everything has been arranged just as you requested. The band has struck up their first tune and the bartender is already serving cocktails. Shall I show you to the cellar?"
"Marvelous!" Emmeline exclaimed, the troupe beginning to follow Rosmerta before their frenetic ringleader stopped dead in her tracks. Emmeline reached for Lily's forearm, her eyes wide. "Merlin, is that James Potter and Sirius Black over there?"
Alarmed by the girl's unyielding hold on her, Lily looked over and spotted the two wizards smoking outside the pub. They were both dressed down, oozing casual grace. While James' hair was tousled as per usual, he wore a leather jacket Lily had only seen on him once before: it was part of the air force uniform he'd worn the day he bid her goodbye in the apple orchard many months ago.
When he caught her staring, their eyes locked, the intensity enough to make her knees buckle.
"So it is…" Lily finally replied, her emotions stirring.
"You simply must introduce me!" Emmeline chirruped, beginning to steer Lily toward them. "After all, you know them well, don't you? I saw a photo of you in Witch Weekly having lunch with them."
"Emmeline!" Lily cried, the girl's nails digging into her skin. "There're busy, they won't have any interest in speaking with us—"
"Em, you're going to leave a mark on Aurora's arm!" Alice piped up in Lily's defense, becoming privy to Emmeline's scheme.
"Look, Sirius is waving us over!" Emmeline giggled, ignoring the protests of her friends as she dragged Lily in their direction.
Lily eventually wriggled out of her firm grip and reluctantly approached the handsome duo. She averted her eyes from James, instantly embarrassed, instead focusing in on Sirius' rascally smile.
"What a surprise to see you here, Lady Rockford," Sirius expressed as the group neared, earning a suspicious glare from her. "What's the occasion for such a costume? Are you putting on a show later?"
Before Lily could form a barbed comeback, Emmeline pounced. "Haven't you heard, Lord Black? I'm throwing a fabulous party tonight. It's very exclusive—only society's elite will be there."
"Is that right?" Sirius pondered. His handsome grin made the group melt, everyone hanging off his every word. Lily suppressed an eye-roll. "For that to be true, Lady Vance, Lord Potter and I would have to be there—and I don't recall receiving an invitation?"
"It's for Hogwarts students only," Lily interjected.
"Oh Aurora, don't be silly!" Emmeline cried, laughing to mask her hysteria. "You both must join us for a drink and a dance, I insist! I've even imported blue champagne from Paris."
"Ah, but we aren't dressed for such an event," James spoke up. Believing he sensed her discomfort and was letting her off the hook, Lily began to relax. "Sirius, can you summon Kreacher to fetch us our tuxedos?"
Emmeline squealed in jubilation; Lily's hackles went up.
"You're a teacher, James," she argued, her tone more familiar than it ought to have been. Alice and Rudolf traded surprised looks.
"Well, Aurora, since we're already on a first name basis, I'm sure you and your friends can overlook that fact tonight," James countered, thwarting her with a hint of flirtation.
"Of course we can," Emmeline's smile was dazzling as she looped arms with James. "That is, if you can overlook any of our misdeeds tonight, Professor."
"It's settled then—shall we?" Sirius suggested, throwing an arm around Lily's shoulders and gesturing for Emmeline to lead the way.
Rudolf offered Alice his arm as the pair followed Emmeline and James around the corner toward the entrance to the cellar. Snapshots of muffled piano, drum and saxophone sounded from behind the thick door.
"What are you up to, Sirius?" Lily murmured, slowing him down so she could have a private word. "This better not be a scheme to have James and I…"
"Not everything is about you, Lils," Sirius enforced, though the sparkle in his eye contradicted him. "I saw an opportunity for a good time and I took it."
"Uh huh…I'm sure your definition of a good time is partying with Hogwarts students."
"You've never been to a Hogwarts party before—you'll find it's a lot different than a society gala," Sirius smiled, grabbing Lily's hand. "Let me show you, miss know-it-all."
When Sirius swung open the door, they were assailed by energetic music coming from the depths of the cellar. The pleasant aroma of aged oak clinging to their nostrils, the twosome proceeded to descend an uneven staircase that deposited them in a hallway lined with wine and whiskey barrels. Heading further down the narrow corridor toward the cellar's main room, Lily couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement.
The French are glad to die for love…
An upbeat song struck up as Lily and Sirius entered the dark, crowded space. The cellar had been transformed into an opulent speakeasy, brick walls covered in swanky mirrors, long strings of glass beads dripping from the ceiling like jeweled icicles, and the packed bar lined with leather stools and hundreds of flickering tea lights. In one corner of the nefarious, yet romantic space was a golden champagne tower that nearly touched the ceiling, while in the other was a giant martini glass filled with pink bubbles and a barely-clothed woman toying with a feather boa. At the very back was a small stage occupied by a quartet with brassy instruments and a baby grand, the accompaniment for the husky-voiced female vocalist.
A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend.
A kiss may be grand, but it won't pay the rental on your humble flat, or help you feed your—meow!—pussy cat.
"I'll meet you at the bar," Sirius shouted to Lily over the din of music and laughter, swiftly disappearing into the sea of fedoras and tiaras.
Men grow cold as girls grow old, and we all lose our charms in the end. But square-cut or pear-shape, these rocks don't lose their shape. Diamonds are a girl's best friend!
Awkwardly standing on the edge of the dance floor, Lily headed toward the bar, finding Rudolf, Alice and Emmeline already clinking glasses with some of the lords and ladies from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. James wasn't with them.
"What'll it be, Aurora?" Rudolf asked when she neared, hopping off his bar stool and offering it to her.
"I'll take a glass of this champagne everyone is raving about," Lily replied, the tuxedoed bartender promptly pouring her a flute of the exotic elixir. She took a sip; it tasted like stars.
Because we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl! Come and get me boys…
"Quite the party our Emmeline has put together, isn't it?" Rudolf commented, laissez-faire despite the euphoric chaos.
"It's breathtaking," Lily admitted, her senses overloaded with glittering sights and gregarious sounds. Emmeline was a few stools away, surrounded by a gaggle of boys; she continuously threw back her head in high-pitched laughter, her cheeks already pink. She was clearly in her element. "Has she let James slip the hook already? She looked so determined."
Rudolf laughed, his Spanish eyes glistening. "A momentary escape I expect. You can bet she'll have him on the dance floor shortly. I think determined is an understatement."
Experiencing a pang of jealousy, Lily drowned the contents of her champagne flute, which the bartender quickly refilled.
"So, tell me, how do you know James Potter and Sirius Black?" Rudolf inquired, sloshing about the contents of his tumbler—a firewhiskey on the rocks. "Considering you haven't been in England long, you're already very well connected."
"We've been friends for a while. I've visited with them many times over the years, when I've been in London to visit my uncle," Lily lied, the constant deceit becoming routine. "They're sort of like older brothers…always looking out for me."
"Very handsome older brothers," Rudolf teased. "Maybe you can set one of them up with Alice—she'll make a lucky lord the perfect partner one day."
Lily's eyes flickered over to Alice, who was engaged in polite conversation with Lord Hector Dagworth. She really was the ideal society belle: sweet and genteel, with a womanly figure and charming personality. "Considering how well you two get on, I'm surprised you aren't pursuing Alice for yourself, Rue."
Rudolf was taken aback by the comment, but quickly recovered with a peculiar smile. "I can see why you'd think that. Perhaps in an ideal world—but, alas, my attractions lie elsewhere."
Before Lily could inquire further, they were interrupted by the presence of Lord Basil Horton, who seemed resolute to mend fences with Lily following their first Charms class together. "Why, Lady Rockford, you look utterly splendid tonight," he announced urbanely, his eyes already cloudy with drink. "May I respectfully request a dance?"
"She's already promised me the first dance, haven't you darling?" Sirius cut in smoothly, he and James reappearing behind the Hufflepuff boy, both dressed in exquisite tuxedos cut to accentuate their fit frames. They put poor Basil—with his poorly-threaded bow-tie—to shame. "Aurora, Rudolf, come join us for a shot."
Lily offered Basil a half-hearted smile as he faded back onto the dance floor, tail between his legs. What had earned Sirius and James the respect and devotion they commanded from fellow partygoers? Was it their money, bloodlines, or good looks? She imagined all contributed to their mythological status.
"Do you plan on scaring away every man who asks me to dance tonight?" Lily questioned, the bartender passing out auburn-coloured shots to the group.
"Only the ones who aren't worth your salt," Sirius said. "Now, everyone drink up!"
Maddened, Lily consumed her shooter, her attention turning to James as the alcohol burned a pathway down her esophagus. Her eyes watered. "I'll be the one to decide who is and isn't worth my time, thank you. Speaking of, you've both met Rue?"
Ignoring Lily's veiled jibe, James smiled. "Our families run in the same circles, and of course, we know each other through this year's Gryffindor Quidditch team."
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure, however," Sirius followed, shaking hands with Rudolf.
"Delighted to make your acquaintance," Rudolf said, brightening considerably in their presence. "Aurora's just been telling me how the three of you have been chums for years—that you're like brothers to her."
James snorted in his drink inelegantly. Sirius recovered for him. "She's certainly dear to our hearts. You could say the three of us share a history together."
"Nothing that would make Lord Longbottom green with envy I hope," Rudolf tormented, nudging Lily. "Aurora is already causing quite the stir at Hogwarts. I've heard a lot of talk in the locker room, many expressing disappointment that she's taken. It'll fall to me to keep the boys at bay when the two of you aren't around."
"You're exaggerating!" Lily blushed, spurning him.
"From what I've heard, she's more than capable of taking care of herself," James alleged, earning her sudden consideration. "In fact, I doubt many male students will think to bother a witch with such a talented wand-hand."
"You make an excellent point," Rudolf conceded. Lily's heart leapt, James' unexpected vote of confidence divergent from their prior conversations. "I'm quite eager to see Aurora's skills put to the test in next week's practical Defense class."
"If it's anything like her first Charms class, she'll do just fine," James said, downing the contents of his tumbler and turning around to order another.
Is that his version of an apology?
As a new, quicker song was struck up by the band, Emmeline reappeared with Alice by her side, cheeks rosy and smile broad. "Who's drunk enough to drag me onto the dance floor?"
The three bachelors exchanged furtive glances before Emmeline latched onto James' arm again, fluttering her eyelashes impishly. "Come Lord Potter, you must take the hostess for a spin; price of admission!"
When James glanced over at Lily, she was a moment too late in masking her jealousy. He grinned, triumphant he had elicited her desire, however green. "It would be my pleasure," he agreed, setting down his whiskey glass as Emmeline pulled him towards the middle of the dance floor.
Lily bit the inside of her cheek as they slipped away, sufficiently provoked.
"Who's game for another shot?" Sirius solicited, uninterested in their replies as he requested four jiggers and passed them out among the remaining group.
"Are you trying to get us sloshed?" Lily raised a brow, taking hers; Alice tittered, already showing signs of intoxication.
"I'm going on a bender and taking the rest of you along for the ride," Sirius raised his shot glass, clinking it with the others. "To a night of entertainment and pleasure."
Once everyone downed their shots with a squeamish grimace, Sirius grabbed Lily's hand, pulling her into the dancing throng of students. "Come, Lady Rockford! Time for me to show you what a damn good dancer I am."
Lily sulked as she was hauled away from Alice and Rudolf, who waved her off. "Honestly Sirius, I didn't come to this party to spend time with you."
"Poor Lily, made to dance with the handsomest man in the room," Sirius mocked, pulling her close so he could sneak a hand around her back. They struck up a lively, but manageable dance, not far from where James was expertly executing the Charleston with Emmeline. Though the loud music made it difficult for them to hear one another, it also camouflaged their conversation from others so they could speak plainly. "You should be thanking me—I'm solidifying your popularity. When it gets out that you're the only witch at the party I'm willing to dance with, your silly friends will worship at your feet even more than they already do."
"Nobody worships me," Lily snapped back, making Sirius roll his eyes.
"Really? Rudolf and Alice are besotted with you and Emmeline would throw herself off the Astronomy Tower to gain your favour and connections. And from what James tells me, you're the talk of the school with your fancy little displays of magic."
"Fancy little displays? It's sad that a witch who produces magic that most wizards can makes people talk," Lily muttered, letting Sirius twirl her.
"I don't think many male students have frozen the Black Lake over," Sirius hooted, offering her an affectionate grin. "You never were one for conformity, but neither am I, so for that you have my respect."
"And here I thought you were about to scold me."
"No, I'll leave the worrying to James. He does enough of it for all three of us."
"I hope this dance isn't some poor attempt at persuading me to forgive him," Lily warned, her emotions wavering between annoyance and affection.
"Suspicious woman," Sirius accused. Lily followed his gaze to James' coupling with Emmeline, which she was trying to ignore with all her might, the thought of the girl's coquettish hands slinking around his neck enough to make her growl. Turning back to Sirius, she saw a mischievous smile spread across his chiseled chin. "What'do say we give James something else to worry about?"
Lily's cocked an eyebrow as Sirius slipped away, disappearing into the crush of dancers. The song that was playing petered out, abruptly replaced with a feverish tune that made her heart thrum against her chest, all drums and saxophone. Sirius reappeared and laced arms with her again—and just in time, as Lily began to feel unsteady on her feet, the product of too many drinks too quickly.
The crowd of students cheered as the upbeat song progressed, pulsing and palpitating with excitement. Lily yelped as Sirius kicked things up a notch, his feet moving at quick intervals, his spins and dips frequent and his eyes alight with confident energy. She could feel her smile broaden, their frenetic dance making her blood pump faster and head feel lighter. The socialites around them parted to give them enough room to move, both because their dance was so wild and abandoned, and because they were eager to watch the exhibition. Roars of encouragement sounded, adding fervor to each and every one of the couple's steps.
Lily couldn't suppress a squeal of laughter as Sirius guided her in the sprightly dance, his moves cool and sexy. At one point he even broke apart from her and began to perform a suggestive solo, rocking his hips along with the music, making the ladies watching cry out in delight and the gentleman guffaw and shake their heads.
"You are so humiliating!" Lily crowed when Sirius rejoined her, looking pleased with himself. He clearly thrived on the attention he could command.
"You'll thank me one day!" Sirius replied, dipping Lily one final time as the song came to an end. He planted a kiss on her cheek as everyone around them began to clap in appreciation.
"Mind if I cut in?"
Still breathless, Lily turned to find none-other than Frank Longbottom standing behind them, his hair neatly coiffed and a black tux fitted across his healthy frame. He came into focus against a backdrop of swarming guests, who blurred together like a canvass of wet paint, making Lily feel dizzy with delight.
"What are you doing here!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I thought you had business tonight?"
"We wrapped up early so I thought I'd surprise you—see if you're behaving yourself," Frank chuckled at her animated welcome, turning to Sirius. "Glad I intervened before Black could get you into any real trouble. Dare I ask how many cocktails you've already fed her?"
"It's a party, Longbottom—heavy drinking is implied," Sirius remarked, unraveling his bow-tie so it hung sloppily around his neck. "I'm going to get another firewhiskey before your company truly kills my buzz. Take care of my dance partner!"
As Sirius departed another song began to play, much slower than the last. Lily and Frank locked arms and began to gently sway, a dance they'd practiced together many times during the summer months. When the French horn crooned, it seemed to Lily like it had been so long ago that it was just the two of them, working closely each day to build a believable disguise with etiquette and dance lessons.
"Do I even want to know how Sirius and James managed to weasel their way into the party?" Frank asked, resting his cheek against her head.
"Sirius spotted us getting out of our coach and did some smooth talking with Emmeline—she's over the moon, as you can imagine."
"Yes, sure looks it at the moment," Frank observed. Lily was well-aware he'd spotted Emmeline and James from across the dance floor.
"Come, let's get you a drink so you can say hello to everyone," Lily decreed, breaking apart from Frank and pulling him toward the bar, attempting to avoid clapping eyes on James and his dance partner again.
When they arrived back at the bar, Frank obligingly ordered a glass of brandy and another champagne for Lily, though she took a large swig of his drink before her own was ready. He frowned, about to ask her what was wrong, when Alice and Rudolf returned from the dance floor.
"Alice, look who's arrived!" Lily exclaimed, noting the girl's surprise upon finding Frank standing beside her. She watched as their gazes locked, a ghost of emotion reflecting in Frank's eyes before he reined it in. "Isn't it wonderful that Frank was able to make it after all?"
"Y-yes, how wonderful," Alice agreed, nervously smiling at him. "So nice to see you again. I suppose we haven't seen one another since the Hogwarts Gala?"
"I believe you're right. I'm glad I could make it," Frank said, falling back on formality. Lily wanted to kick him—would it kill him to let his hair down? "But may I say how lovely you look tonight?"
"Oh, how kind—thank you Frank," Alice replied demurely, visibly pleased. She quickly turned her attention to Lily, careful not to appear too kittenish with her friend's fictitious beau. "You and Sirius had us in stitches with you last dance, Aurora—you were both marvelous!"
"You're being kind, we must have looked absurd," Lily shook her head, beaming. "He's a creature that cannot be controlled. I swear I've tried."
"Well you had us all looking on jealously," Rudolf insisted, cheerful. "You looked like you were having the most fun out of everyone in the room—but now it's my turn, if Lord Longbottom doesn't mind me stealing you for a dance?"
"Of course he doesn't! Will you keep Alice company for us while we're gone?" Lily turned toward Frank, offering him a coy smile that he saw right through.
"If she'll have me," Frank offered gallantly, making the blonde beam.
"We'll be back soon," Lily promised as she and Rudolf headed toward the front of the stage. In fact, she had no intention of returning anytime soon, eager to give the shy duo some time to talk without her presence to deter them. She figured a few drinks may help to make them more aware of the other's repressed attraction, which seemed so obvious to her.
Another peppy song began to play as Lily and Rudolf started to dance. Like a school of salmon swimming upstream, they amalgamated with the rest of the dancers, everyone moving together to the bouncing beat. The friends laughed as they executed on a number of exuberant moves, and when the song unexpectedly exploded into a crescendo of sound that harmonized with bits of golden confetti and streamers raining down on the crowd from the ceiling, everyone screamed and threw up their hands in jubilation.
It was from that moment on that everything began to become fuzzy. Alcohol and music putting her inhibitions to bed, all Lily could focus on was dancing. She was faintly aware that at one point Sirius had rejoined them, as well as Frank and Alice, and that she may have been traded from partner to partner, allowing anyone who laid claim to her to take her for a turn on the dance floor, but not much else registered. Lily closed her eyes, feeling off balance as she continued to descend into drunkenness.
When she eventually opened her eyes, it was Sirius suddenly perched atop the bar—dancing promiscuously with the woman from the giant martini glass while a screaming crowd of girls watched him from below, reaching their greedy hands towards the unreachable Adonis of their royal dreams—that really sent Lily over the edge. She closed them again, feeling as if she were smack-dab in the middle of spinning circus act, Big Top performers surrounding her with exotic assaults of sound and colour.
Lily put a hand to her chest, taking a step backwards.
"Careful now, we don't want the front page of the Prophet to be of Lady Rockford on her backside," James said, swooping in out of nowhere to steady Lily on her feet; she looked up at him, startled to find a safe harbour among the crowd of rowdy, stumbling dancers.
"I thought you'd left—you've barely spoken a word to me all night," Lily muttered reactively, her words betraying her disappointment. "Too busy with Emmeline I expect…"
James smirked, his handsome face anchoring her whirling vision. "I was trying to respect your wishes and let you be. I wouldn't like to come off as controlling."
Lily glared, irritated by his cavalier manner. Though champagne had rendered her tongue unmistakably honest, he still seemed well-composed. "I'll admit, I thought we'd dance at least once before the night ended—whether we were cross with one another or not."
Noting a touch of blue in her tone, James softened. To her surprise, he guided her hand onto his shoulder, threading his fingers with the other. "The night isn't over yet, Lily."
Though she predicated her feet would soon fail her, Lily fell into step with James, looking up into his brown eyes, which swam with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher. The music from the brassy band began to slow considerably, the dance floor starting to thin out the closer they inched to the wee morning hours. Despite the unwinding party, the singer began a passionate song, ideal for those couples who wanted to snuggle closer.
He could be a sinner or a gentleman. He could be a preacher when your soul is damned. He could be a lawyer on a witness stand, but he'll never love you like I can…
Lily buried her face in James' chest, drinking in the musky smell of his cologne. In that moment, she didn't care if she should be sticking to her angry guns and punishing him for the last week: she craved his closeness more than ever. As they rocked back and forth to the poignant melody, it was as if noone else was there but them.
He could be a stranger you gave a second glance. He could be a trophy of a one night stand. He could have your humour, but I don't understand, 'cause he'll never love you like I can…
"Do you remember the first time we danced together?"
Lily looked up at James, offering him a faint smile. "Yes—you pretended you didn't know how to so I would try to teach you. It was a quick-step and you took off like Fred Astaire himself."
"Sometimes I miss those early days—when it was just you and me," James mused, nostalgia colouring his deep tenor. "Our biggest problem then was a deranged nun."
"It's hard to say who's scarier—Agatha or my new serial-killer of a foe," Lily whispered to him, earning a comical snort despite how chilling their reality was. "The problems we face today may be different…but are we not different, too?"
"We are evolving," James said, his simple declaration brimming with a confidence that collided with her sense of inevitable conclusion. "We will never be who we were back then; as we continue to learn about one another, we can only be more."
Why are you looking down all the wrong roads? When mine is the heart and the salt of the soul. There may be lovers who hold out their hands, but they'll never love you like I can…
"You really think that?" Lily tested, afraid to believe him. "I thought—well, I thought that the magical version of me might not be who you bargained for."
"Lily, you mistake my anxiety for keeping you safe for me not liking who you are in this world," James whispered in her ear. "That spirited girl I met in the gardens is the very same before me, only now she carries a wand and a renewed sense of rebellion."
More relieved than she could put into words, Lily rested her head on James' chest, feeling more at ease than she had all week. "How silly of you to choose such a headache of a girl."
"Better a headache than heartache," James said, his hand on the small of her back. Lily knew he meant it, too, having already experienced the agony of loss when he presumed her dead. She felt a stab of guilt, realizing how her tendency for rash action must scare him. "All I ask is that when you feel mutinous in future, you come to me so we can figure out what to do next. Where you go, I go."
"Then you'll be glad to hear I have no intention of going anywhere without you," Lily whispered, clenching his hand harder. "I'm sorry for giving you the cold shoulder this week, James."
"Not half as sorry as I am for crossing you," James tormented, his lips faintly brushing against her ear; she felt pleasurable shivers slink down her neck. "I suppose it's good for me to be reminded from time to time that I didn't choose a particularly obedient woman."
Lily lifted her head from James' shoulder so she could meet his eye; she flashed him a dubious look that made them both launch into a fit of quiet laughter.
Despite putting their argument to rest and dipping their toes in flirtatious waters again, they were both still aware that they were surrounded by many curious couples—though most boasted severely dulled wits—and that they couldn't give away their attraction. Lily decided to amend that.
"Speaking of irresponsible ways, could we spare a few moments of mutiny together…alone?" Lily dared, leaning in close to James, whose grin was gradually widening. "I promise I won't keep you from dear Emmeline for long."
"I really ought to get you drunk more often, Lady Rockford."
"You really ought to, Lord Potter."
James looked over his shoulder, focusing his gaze on a faraway sight. He loosened his bowtie, letting it hang around his neck. "There's a small room by the champagne tower—if you can make it there without falling over, I'll follow you in shortly."
"Promise?" Lily asked. The sea of students separating her from the room presented as a treacherous voyage fraught with perils.
"Have I ever let you down before?" James remarked.
With the assurance of romantic entanglement in her near future, Lily parted from him and made her way through the boisterous crowd, flashing obligatory smiles when necessary and telling Alice she had to use the lavatory when she ran into her. Lily was pleased to see Frank was still with her, but—though visibly tipsy—he still eyed her with hint of misgiving as she made her excuses and kept on walking.
There was no point looking over her shoulder to see if she'd been seen entering the small cellar, her vision too muddled and head too cloudy to make out anything, never mind faces. Taking stock of the cramped niche, Lily passed row upon row of Scottish whiskey barrels stacked up to the ceiling. As the back of the room was more shadowed, she ventured there, imagining it was best to be as private as possible. She managed to maneuver herself on top of one of the casks of liquor, letting her legs hang over the edge.
A sudden movement alerted Lily that someone had entered the room and closed the door behind them. The cellar plunged into stagnant darkness, making the hair on her arms stand up on end until she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and a mouth hungry for caress press against her own.
"I do hope I know who you are, sir," Lily breathed between kisses, James parting her legs so he could wrap them snuggly around his torso.
"Who else would kiss you like this, may I ask?"
"I'm sure a great deal of gentlemen would if I let them try," she teased, heaving a great sigh as James trailed his lips down her neck.
"Saucy minx," he muttered, un-pocketing his wand and lighting it so they could finally make out one another's features. "Have I told you how gorgeous you look tonight? Who on earth let you out in public looking like that."
"Good question—look what trouble I've found myself in as a result," Lily observed, grabbing James' loosened bowtie and roughly pulling him against her, their lips crushing together.
Their passion ignited, the couple embraced one another feverishly, all of the anger and irritation they had held toward one another only hours before dissipating in a fury of kisses. As Lily began to desperately unbutton James' shirt, he nimbly slipped the straps of her gown off of her shoulders, reaching around for the zipper that slid down her back.
"I love you," Lily professed, swept up in a wave of desire. Her hands pressed against his bare chest and pulled at his belt straps.
"You couldn't possibly love me any more than I love you, Lily Everard,"
As James began to guide Lily's dress off excitably, the door to the small cellar opened and closed again, causing them to stop and lapse into a string of hurried orders and profuse swearing. James hastily helped Lily back into her frock before grabbing his wand and turning it violently on their intruder.
"Does it give you perverse pleasure to watch us from the dark, Longbottom?"
Lily gasped as Frank's face—twisted with distaste for them—came into view under the scrutiny of James' wand-lighting charm.
"Don't flatter yourself. You should really consider locking the door next time, genius," Frank scowled at James before turning his disappoint on Lily. "I expected this lewd and reckless behaviour from him, Lily, but certainly not from you. What are you thinking?"
"I…we…" Lily sputtered, her humiliation acute despite her intoxication, Frank speaking to her like she was a petulant child in need of a spanking.
"Lewd? How dare you speak to her like that," James growled, his hair and attire disheveled. "In case you've forgotten, we're in a committed relationship and nothing we choose to do is either your business or yours to reproach."
"I beg to differ! Look at you…while I try to protect Lily on Dumbledore's orders, you try to bed her? How stupid and wild you two are together; I haven't a clue why I even try with you both sabotaging our plan every time I turn around," Frank condemned, careful to keep his voice down despite his rage. "What would you have done if it wasn't me who stumbled upon you? Subjected some poor student to a drunken memory charm?"
"Word has it Lily is quite skilled at Charms," James challenged, flashing Lily a lopsided smirk, which only further enraged the indignant lord.
"You're unbelievable, Potter. Not a responsible bone in your entire body," Frank admonished, a look of disgust upon his face. "When Lily is in Voldemort's clutches, at least you may rest easy that you had your way with her."
"I wish you would both stop speaking about me as if I weren't in the room!" Lily demanded, offended that her modesty continued to be the topic of conversation.
Her protests seemed to fall on deaf ears, however, as the two alpha males were determined to win their testosterone-laden war of words. It was James' next insult—combined with his cool, superior manner—that really lit the match. "Tell me, Longbottom; what is it that really has your knickers in a knot? That we're being reckless or that you're not the one kissing Lily?"
Lily's face became hot, yet it couldn't rival Frank's bright-red ears. She could tell he was now the one who felt humiliated, which only seemed to fuel her own embarrassment. Did he really have feelings for her, even now, and despite his obvious attraction for Alice? She had the burning desire to make it all go away for him, despite his own lecture of her actions.
After a brief pause, Frank's eyes narrowed, a mixture of fury and spite; Lily couldn't have anticipated his snide reply—what would be the winning remark. "Been there, done that, Potter."
Lily's heart stopped. The room grew deathly quiet, only the muffled din of the languishing party sounding in the next room. Swallowing hard, upset building in her throat, she stole a look at James. His eyes were unfocused, jaw clenched, and she could see the gears churning in his head as he mulled over Frank's cutting words. Turning back to Frank, she expected to see a triumphant smirk, but regret had already replaced his antagonism—regret and dread.
"What did you just say?"
Author's Notes
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