Story 15
Lily/James fic. Hey, I believe all HP fanfic writers should attempt to write at least one of these sometime in their life. I don't think its says anywhere in the book that her name is Lily Evans, but lets just say it is, since that's what everyone else says in their fanfics.
Lily Evans frowned. Tonight, the Christmas Ball would take place. Everyone had stayed over Christmas vacation for it. She still didn't have a date.
She looked in the mirror. It wasn't that she was ugly. She was slender, with a willowy figure, and long chestnut brown hair and dark green- blue eyes. She had blossomed into womanhood, and she tastefully considered herself okay-looking.
It wasn't that she was stupid. In fact, she was quite smart. She had been a prefect last year, and this year in Sixth Year, she was a prefect as well. She got high scores, though not top scores, and she was clever enough.
No, it was because she had no friends. The only people who even remotely noticed her were Molly Mae, Regina Jorkins, and Leila Retier.
Molly was the Gryffindor "mother." She was caring and kind to everybody, like a regular little mother hen. She would be going with Arthur Weasley. They were practically engaged. They had had crushes on each other since First Year, and had started going out in Fourth Year. Ever since then, they'd been all kisses and hugs, and had never broken up once. It was very surprising.
Regina was the regular sweet-and-innocent of Gryffindor. She was nice, kind, and sweet, the perfect antithesis of her maliciously gossiping twin sister Bertha. She was going to the Christmas Ball with Severus Snape, ignoring everyone's protests. He's very sweet underneath, she insisted. He's loving past the exterior, she explained. The only one who supported her was her slightly overprotective twin sister Bertha, who had begun defending her after realizing that convincing her otherwise was impossible.
Leila was in Lily's dorm. Leila was shy, and timid, and very nice. She and Lily often paired off for projects that required partners, because they were always the ones never picked. Leila excelled in Herbology, though she wasn't very good in Transfiguration or Potions. She was going to the ball with sweet Frank Longbottom, who had asked her. She had been positively thrilled, for she had a crush on him for a very long time.
Lily sighed. So only she was left without someone to go with. To go solo would have been mortifying. To ask Molly for help would have been just as much. Yet to stay home was to yell out loud that she had no one to go with. Oh well. It's just a ball.
~*~
James Potter ran his hand through his hair. "What do I do?" he demanded.
His friends just stared at him.
"You don't have a date?" Peter Pettigrew almost squeaked in shock.
James glared. "That's what I said!"
Sirius Black spoke. "Let me get this straight. Willow dumped you, so you no longer have a date."
"Yes," James said.
Remus Lupin frowned. "Why did she dump you?"
"She's going with Vincent Crabbe," he said, disgustedly. "She decided that he was nice and everything."
"So what are you going to do?" Sirius asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" James asked. "Willow wants to make me jealous, so I'm going to make her jealous. I'm going to go out with a hot girl and have a good time and make her green with envy."
"Who?" Remus asked logically.
"Avila."
"She's my date," Sirius said rather proudly.
"Florence."
"Going with Cornelius."
"Rowena."
"Amos."
"Cassiopeia."
"Me," Remus said sheepishly.
"Regina."
"Severus." A sputtering cough was heard at this point.
"Narcissa."
"Lucius." This was said in disdain.
"Arabella."
"Mundungus."
"Meralina."
"Me," Peter said quietly.
"Good job," Sirius complimented.
"Who is left?" James growled.
At this moment, a creaking door was heard in the Girls' Dormitories. They all froze. A pattering of steps was heard as someone walked into the Common Room.
"I wonder who that is," Remus commented. "Its too early for anyone to be up."
Giving each other glances, they crept downstairs, and peered around the banister to see … Lily Evans, reading a book; snug in the big armchair by the fire the House-Elves had started.
"She would do," Peter commented.
"She has a nice figure," Sirius noted.
"She has an okay face and pretty eyes," Remus said.
"She has top scores," Peter remembered.
"But it'd take convincing to get her to go the ball with you," Sirius challenged.
"That's easy," James said. Slowly, he sauntered down the stairs. He stopped by the armchair and waited.
Ever so slowly, Lily brought her eyes up. Green met Blue-green. Sparks flew. Fireworks crackled. This only lasted for a moment, before Lily quickly, shyly, withdrew her eyes. James snapped out of his reverie.
He suddenly lost his voice. He forgot what he was going to say. Oh, yes. He was going to ask her out. "Umm. Uh … do you want to go to the Christmas Ball with me tonight?"
The world ended for Lily. James Potter, one of the cleverest, cutest, most popular boys in school had just asked she, Lily Evans, to the Christmas Ball. Almost of their own accord, her lips moved. "I'd love to," she said breathlessly.
James smiled. He was in a daze all the way back to his room. As soon as he got there, his friends began guffawing. He gave them a sharp look. "What's so funny?"
"I think James is in love," Sirius said in a singsong voice.
James sputtered. "Excuse me?"
"Umm……… Er………… Uh……………Will you go to the ball with me?" Remus imitated.
James glared. "Do you have something to say?"
"Only that Prongs has been bitten by the love bug." Even Peter had begun teasing him.
James only glared. "One more word and you'll regret it." So saying, he stumbled back into bed and fell asleep.
~*~
James stood nervously. He had told her that he would wait for her by the Girls' Dormitory stairs at five, though the ball didn't start until five-thirty. Around four, he had looked around to make sure she remembered, and she had been nowhere to be seen. His stomach clenched nervously. If Lily completely forgot … or if she didn't bother to dress up, he would be the laughingstock of the school. He would never be able to live it down, not with Lucius and Severus behind his back, and Remus, Sirius, and Peter openly teasing.
He turned away and looked toward the fire. He smiled a small half- smile. He was getting so silly over a Sixth-Year date. And it wasn't even officially a date. All he was trying to do was make Willow jealous.
At the mention of Willow, he sighed. His eyes remembered her chocolate brown tresses that fell in curls around her face. Her forest green eyes had enchanted him. Her wonderful figure had enthralled him. A soft sigh escaped his lips.
"James?" a soft voice said behind him. "I'm ready."
Slowly, he turned around.
~*~
Lily bit her lip nervously. It was three o'clock, and for some reason, she had gotten an urge to come upstairs and prepare for the ball earlier. Slowly, she contemplated what to do. Finally, she smiled. She would take a shower first. Not one of those baths … they made her want to stay in there forever, and she didn't have time.
As she relaxed in the just warm enough magical shower, the golden flecks of water poured over her skin and made her shiver, as her skin magically became soft. Her eyes closed as her hair luxuriously cleaned itself in the golden water, and the silver soap magically lathered her hair like it was made to.
When she felt just perfect, she slipped on her white robe and stepped outside. With surprise, she looked at the clock. She had showered for thirty minutes. She knew she still had an hour-and-a-half left, but still …
As she finished drying herself in the fluffy towel, she slipped on her dress robes. They were a light aqua color, decorated with moving pictures of dolphins, mermaids, and coral. Of course mermaids didn't really look like that, but she liked this robe anyways. She bought it the summer before on impulse, and she was glad she had.
Slowly, she admired herself in the mirror. Her dress flowed down to past her knees, and just barely stopped from trailing on the floor. As she slipped on her high heels, she smiled. Now, she wouldn't seem so short, and she wouldn't have to worry about her dress robes getting dirty. The dress flowed like the water it resembled, and the pictures were muted, showing only to give her class.
Next, she worked on her hair in despair. Her chestnut brown hair would not be pinned up. Sighing, she finally decided on what to do. Combing her hair out with a bewitched brush, she carefully made sure it was smooth and soft, and put on some Anti-tangle Potion that was barely noticeable. She then pinned her hair back on one side with a dark blue- green comb etched with seashells on it.
She admired the effect in her mirror. She looked at the clock in astonishment. It was four-thirty already. It was at this time, that her dorm-mates began drifting into the room. Molly Mae came in first, her dark red-auburn hair specked with white snowflakes, her dark coat-robes covered with snow. Her eyes widened with shock when she saw Lily.
Regina Jorkins came in next. Her pale blonde hair and blue eyes were sparkled with excitement, and Lily knew immediately that she had been talking with Severus. Her animated smile only widened when she saw Lily.
Leila Retier came in after Regina. A green headband pulled her dark black hair back, and her eyes shone with pleasured surprise at Lily's getup. She smiled softly, and moved to her own bed, to get ready for the dance as well.
Willow Rowan was, of course, last. Lily winced. Although the three nicest girls in Gryffindor were in her dorm, the malicious Willow was as well. Her chocolate brown hair dangling down her back like free-falling waves signified that she had been flirting. Her expression was haughty. "What are you doing dressing up like that when no one's asked you to the Christmas Ball yet?" she asked malevolently.
Molly Mae looked taken aback. "You don't know that," she accused.
"I have my information from my spies, girls. I'm never wrong," she sniffed. "You should really learn some lessons from me. I'm going to the Christmas Ball with Vincent Crabbe, so that Goyle person, Lucius Malfoy, and Severus Snape will start noticing me. And trust me, Regina; you won't keep hold of Severus for long. Then, I've got James wrapped around my finger. He doesn't have a date, you know. He's just found out that I wasn't planning on going to the Christmas Ball with him, and he doesn't have time to get another date."
Leila glared. "You better not spout any of this nonsense in front of me."
Lily's stomach only sank. So James had only asked her because he had no date. Her chin lifted. Who cares? She was going to have a good time that night, regardless of anyone else. She smiled pleasantly at Molly, Leila, and Regina, totally ignoring Willow. "Will you help me with my makeup?" she asked.
The three smiled, and swarmed around her.
When they finished, she looked up, and was startled at what she saw. Her complexion had lightened imperceptibly until it was just the right shade. Her eyes were lined with a soft aqua, and her ears held her dolphin earrings that she had slipped into her dresser, and hadn't gotten out. Her slightly lipsticked lips burst into a smile.
As she watched the others slip into their gowns at lightning speed, she slowly touched up the finishing touches and looked at the clock. Four forty-five. Perfect. "I'm going now," she called, and elegantly walked down the stairs. It wouldn't hurt to make James wait.
~*~
James gasped at the perfect sight he saw. His lips curved into a smile. He was going to enjoy this night.
~*~
Willow smiled charmingly at Crabbe. She searched the room for Goyle, and held his eyes for a moment, before looking to Lucius. He then found Severus, and wrinkled her nose in distaste to find him enamored with Regina. She had attempted to catch him for weeks, and had not. She must find out what spell Regina used.
She looked across the room with triumph. The wallflowers looked at her jealously. The boys looked at her covetously. The girls looked at her resentfully. She was Queen of the Ball.
Then she heard laughter. She frowned. She rarely heard laughter when she was around. She had grown up an unwanted child, and had not been meant for Gryffindor. Her parents wanted her to be in Slytherin, so she was contrary, and had insisted on being in Gryffindor. The hat saw no reason not to and let her have her way. Or so she thought, for she did not know how much her house would change her …
She turned around curiously to see who would laugh while she was around, instead of looking at her with longing or envy. She gasped audibly. Resting in two comfortable chairs were James Potter and Lily Evans!
She smiled evilly. She was going to break this union. She sauntered up, leaving Crabbe by the refreshment table. "Hi, James," she said, turning on her charm. She pouted. "Have you acquired another girl already? I was hoping you would dance with me."
Lily smiled sweetly; countering Willow's every move. "Hi, Willow. I would like you to meet my date, James Potter."
Willow sneered. "When'd you acquire him? By being the ***** you are? Let me guess. You went out and picked him up like a ****."
James's eyes flashed. "Willow, I would like to introduce you to my date, Lily Evans. She is neither a ***** nor a ****. No use flinging out words that describe you so perfectly. For your information, I asked Lily this morning. Now, it would be wise for you to leave."
"I don't think so," Willow growled. "Crabbe. Goyle. There's a pesky fly who's bothering me."
The two hulking masses lumbered up. Lily smiled wryly. Her hand dived into a cleverly hidden pocket, and pulled out a wand. "Willow," she recited, the irony obvious in her voice. "Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, good for Charm work."
Catching on, James pulled out his wand. "Mahogany. Eleven inches. Pliable. Excellent for Transfiguration"
Their wands were held just out of the teachers' sights, but ready to fire at will.
Willow pulled out her own wand. "Maple. Twelve inches. Bendy. Very good for obliterating," she said maliciously.
Unperturbed, Lily smiled. "I will challenge you to a wizards' duel, legal, under the eyes of the teachers and the student body."
(AN: Let's just say back then, Wizard Duels were allowed among students, as long as they were refereed by the teachers. After one particular nasty duel, maybe this one, maybe not, Wizard Duels are banned.)
"I accept," Willow said calmly and coolly. And the conversation ended with Willow walking away. That was not a good thing. It had a symbolic meaning that she was surrendering the territory to Lily. In Hogwarts popularity terms, it meant that Lily had just raised a notch or two, while Willow had lowered. Willow did not like that, and it was going to change. She was submitting this time, but Lily was going to pay.
(Explanation for those who care: In the wild, animals are very touch about territory, and that determines their status. This is a just a weird comparison between that and popularity.)
James gave Lily a raised eyebrow. "Is the perfect prefect finally going to do something rash?"
"It's not against the school rules or anything," Lily said. "And she deserves her due." She blushed. "Thanks for defending me."
James smiled. "It was nothing." His face grew stern. "You do know that she is a formidable opponent, don't you?" he cautioned.
Lily shrugged. "I do well in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Professor Black lets me do extra credit work by reviewing stuff in the Restricted Section. By the way, is Professor Black in any way related to Sirius?"
"A fifteenth cousin or something if he is," James shrugged. "Sirius doesn't really mention his family around us."
Lily sighed. "I can't believe I challenged her to a duel."
James smiled. "You'll definitely gain some popularity, that's for sure."
"Is that all you think about?" she snapped. "If the teachers disapprove of this, I could be expelled."
"You need to think of lighter subjects," James advised. "Be optimistic. How about a dance?"
The last was asked so casually, Lily was shocked into choking on her butterbeer. When she calmed down, she smiled weakly. "I guess," she said tentatively.
The Faeries were strumming a slow song, with blue globes of light illuminating their slightly revealing robes and strange, exotic instruments.
As Lily hesitantly danced with James, she began to relax. Soon, they grew closer and closer. She laid her head on his chest, peacefully, while he smiled, sniffing her fresh lily fragrance. As the song continued, she looked up; her sea-colored eyes were filled with bliss, as were his emerald ones. As the song drew to a climax, their heads drew closer and closer together …
"Sorry," Willow said fakely. She had bumped into James and was now in a very compromising situation with him.
"Get off me, you idiot!" James hissed, as he pushed her off.
Willow pouted. "A day ago, you would have killed to be in that position."
"Well, I didn't know what kind of person you were," James snarled. "It would do you well to go!"
Willow glared. She did not take kindly to losing one of her suitors. Click. Click. You could just hear her popularity level going down several more degrees. She stomped off haughtily with Crabbe.
James turned around and stretched his hand out to Lily. "Let's go somewhere more private."
Charmed, Lily accepted his arm and let him escort her out of the ballroom. "Where are we going to go?"
"The Astronomy Tower?" James suggested.
Lily firmly shook her head. The Astronomy Tower had an ahembadcough reputation, and she definitely did not want to be caught there with James Potter.
James sighed. "Where else?" he asked practically.
"The Gryffindor balcony," she suggested.
He gave her a startled look. Few people knew about the Gryffindor balcony. It was led to through a secret passageway that he had thought only he and his friends knew about.
"Sure you know about it," Lily said plaintively.
He shook his head ruefully. "You'll never cease to amaze me."
As they walked to the Gryffindor common room, they encountered no one. Everyone was at the ball. At the bottom of the winding stairs that split to the Boys' and Girls' dormitories, there was a cupboard type. Crouching into it, James tapped the fifteenth wooden slab from the top, the seventh barely discernible dot.
"Lumos," Lily whispered, to help him.
Shooting Lily a grateful look, James whispered, "Godric Gryffindor." Slowly, a small door swung open. They stooped into it, closed the passageway, and walked through the dark tunnel. Finally, they reached the end. This passageway led to a small balcony. It was white, with several marble benches embedded into it, and the railings were intricately carved with roses. As they entered into it, the pale moonlight fell on them. The stars twinkled brightly in the sky.
As they admired the view, their hands fell each other. They sat down on the benches and began talking. As they spoke, they found more and more in common. As the moon shone, the night breeze grew chillier. Lily shivered.
James draped his emerald green cloak over her. "It's getting cold," he whispered into her ear. "Let's go back."
Mutely, she nodded. When they finally ended up in the common room, they realized how late it was. They whispered good-byes. Just as they were about to go to their separate dorms, James grasped her wrist, halting her temporarily. His eyes looked into her for a moment, before his lips dipped.
Her first kiss was bliss. It was short, and sweet, and the taste of his mouth lingered on hers. She blushed a little, and smiled, before waving goodbye and walking upstairs.
She almost dreamily fell into bed. She didn't notice the three pairs of eyes hungry for gossip or the one pair of eyes glaring with envy. It was when she was snuggled deep in bed, when Molly, unable to contain her excitement, led the other girls, curious, and envious, to sit on Lily's bed, when she noticed the melee.
"What do you want? It's midnight," she hissed.
"Exactly," Leila glared. "Details. Now."
"What do you mean?" Lily asked.
"What did you do?" Regina hissed. Everyone stared at her, startled, and she blushed.
"We talked," Lily said dreamily. "And then he kissed me good night."
"That's all?" Molly asked disappointedly.
"What else did you expect?" Lily asked innocently. "Surely your minds weren't in any gutters?"
The three solemnly shook their heads, while Willow only looked satisfied.
"But," Lily continued, "gossips may have. Does anyone else know about me coming after curfew?"
Four shakes of heads answered her question.
"I would like that no one in this room tell about this."
Regina, Leila, and Molly solemnly swore not to tell. After considering her options, Willow agreed as well. Telling would soil her reputation as well, because it would mean that she had officially lost a suitor.
~*~
James smiled at the electric shock the kiss had given him. As he approached his room, though, he became wary. If the Marauders were awake … He stepped into his room quietly. Thankfully, he noted that the beds were full of sleeping friends. He tiptoed into his bed, when all of a sudden … Pounce!
James found himself surrounded by Marauders. Remus looked ill, but he wasn't due for a while. Sirius looked eager, his eyes glinting. Peter was actually smirking. James groaned inaudibly. "What do you want?" he asked warily.
"Information," Sirius smiled.
"Whatever are you talking about?" James asked sweetly.
"What were you and Lily doing that kept you out until midnight?" Peter demanded.
Remus smiled. "You weren't doing anything … naughty, were you?"
James glared. "What I do is my business," he informed them curtly.
"Not when you're part of the Marauders," Peter reminded him.
"Or, we can always feed the rumor mill," Sirius hinted.
James steamed. "If you whisper one word of this, I won't tell you," he swore.
"I swear I won't tell anyone," Remus promised.
"So do I," Peter said.
Sirius's face fell, and he sighed heavily. "I promise," he said grudgingly.
"First, we talked," James said. "That's about all."
"You just talked?" Peter asked, disappointed.
"Where?" Remus asked. "You weren't in the common room."
"The Gryffindor balcony," James said nonchalantly.
"And Perfect Prefect Lily didn't complain?" Sirius snickered, quieting only when James glared at him.
"In fact, she suggested it," James said.
"And then?" Remus asked.
"And then we realized the time, and separated to our bedrooms," James said casually.
"Is that all?" Sirius asked suspiciously.
"Well…" James dragged out the suspense as long as he could. "We did kiss."
"You kissed?" Peter asked. "Lily let you kiss her? The Untouchable Lily?"
James glared. "Can I go to sleep now?"
"You just kissed Lily Potter, who has never even gone on a date before in her life, and you want to go to sleep?" Sirius asked incredulously.
James's only answer was to draw his covers over his head. The others sighed. They would get nothing out of him.
~*~
Lily woke up, tired. As she stretched, she dredged up memories from last night. She scowled. She was not looking forward to a Wizard's Duel. She noticed her tawny owl hooting. "What's wrong, Nimue?" she cooed.
The owl's foot had a note attached to it.
Lily Potter:
The date and time of your Wizard's Duel with one Willow Rowan is as follows: December 26th, Thursday, 12:00 noon. Take care and have fun. Any serious injuries will be taken care of by Madam Pomfrey. If you wish to forfeit, a formal signed note is required. If you are seriously injured and may not participate, I will be informed.
Yours truly,
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Lily groaned. The Wizard's duel was today … tough luck. She winced.
~*~
Lily nervously fingered her wand. No matter how you came down to it, she was great in Charms, but lacking a bit in Defense Against Dark Arts. She did make the gifted class and everything, but she wasn't as good with hands-on experience with monsters and cursing. In fact, sometimes, she had a tendency to blank out. Oh, she was definitely going to regret challenging Willow.
She watched as Willow smirked at her. This was not going to be good. She held her breath and watched Professor McGonagall.
"Begin!"
And the battle began.
A/N: So? Any reviews?
Lily/James fic. Hey, I believe all HP fanfic writers should attempt to write at least one of these sometime in their life. I don't think its says anywhere in the book that her name is Lily Evans, but lets just say it is, since that's what everyone else says in their fanfics.
Lily Evans frowned. Tonight, the Christmas Ball would take place. Everyone had stayed over Christmas vacation for it. She still didn't have a date.
She looked in the mirror. It wasn't that she was ugly. She was slender, with a willowy figure, and long chestnut brown hair and dark green- blue eyes. She had blossomed into womanhood, and she tastefully considered herself okay-looking.
It wasn't that she was stupid. In fact, she was quite smart. She had been a prefect last year, and this year in Sixth Year, she was a prefect as well. She got high scores, though not top scores, and she was clever enough.
No, it was because she had no friends. The only people who even remotely noticed her were Molly Mae, Regina Jorkins, and Leila Retier.
Molly was the Gryffindor "mother." She was caring and kind to everybody, like a regular little mother hen. She would be going with Arthur Weasley. They were practically engaged. They had had crushes on each other since First Year, and had started going out in Fourth Year. Ever since then, they'd been all kisses and hugs, and had never broken up once. It was very surprising.
Regina was the regular sweet-and-innocent of Gryffindor. She was nice, kind, and sweet, the perfect antithesis of her maliciously gossiping twin sister Bertha. She was going to the Christmas Ball with Severus Snape, ignoring everyone's protests. He's very sweet underneath, she insisted. He's loving past the exterior, she explained. The only one who supported her was her slightly overprotective twin sister Bertha, who had begun defending her after realizing that convincing her otherwise was impossible.
Leila was in Lily's dorm. Leila was shy, and timid, and very nice. She and Lily often paired off for projects that required partners, because they were always the ones never picked. Leila excelled in Herbology, though she wasn't very good in Transfiguration or Potions. She was going to the ball with sweet Frank Longbottom, who had asked her. She had been positively thrilled, for she had a crush on him for a very long time.
Lily sighed. So only she was left without someone to go with. To go solo would have been mortifying. To ask Molly for help would have been just as much. Yet to stay home was to yell out loud that she had no one to go with. Oh well. It's just a ball.
~*~
James Potter ran his hand through his hair. "What do I do?" he demanded.
His friends just stared at him.
"You don't have a date?" Peter Pettigrew almost squeaked in shock.
James glared. "That's what I said!"
Sirius Black spoke. "Let me get this straight. Willow dumped you, so you no longer have a date."
"Yes," James said.
Remus Lupin frowned. "Why did she dump you?"
"She's going with Vincent Crabbe," he said, disgustedly. "She decided that he was nice and everything."
"So what are you going to do?" Sirius asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" James asked. "Willow wants to make me jealous, so I'm going to make her jealous. I'm going to go out with a hot girl and have a good time and make her green with envy."
"Who?" Remus asked logically.
"Avila."
"She's my date," Sirius said rather proudly.
"Florence."
"Going with Cornelius."
"Rowena."
"Amos."
"Cassiopeia."
"Me," Remus said sheepishly.
"Regina."
"Severus." A sputtering cough was heard at this point.
"Narcissa."
"Lucius." This was said in disdain.
"Arabella."
"Mundungus."
"Meralina."
"Me," Peter said quietly.
"Good job," Sirius complimented.
"Who is left?" James growled.
At this moment, a creaking door was heard in the Girls' Dormitories. They all froze. A pattering of steps was heard as someone walked into the Common Room.
"I wonder who that is," Remus commented. "Its too early for anyone to be up."
Giving each other glances, they crept downstairs, and peered around the banister to see … Lily Evans, reading a book; snug in the big armchair by the fire the House-Elves had started.
"She would do," Peter commented.
"She has a nice figure," Sirius noted.
"She has an okay face and pretty eyes," Remus said.
"She has top scores," Peter remembered.
"But it'd take convincing to get her to go the ball with you," Sirius challenged.
"That's easy," James said. Slowly, he sauntered down the stairs. He stopped by the armchair and waited.
Ever so slowly, Lily brought her eyes up. Green met Blue-green. Sparks flew. Fireworks crackled. This only lasted for a moment, before Lily quickly, shyly, withdrew her eyes. James snapped out of his reverie.
He suddenly lost his voice. He forgot what he was going to say. Oh, yes. He was going to ask her out. "Umm. Uh … do you want to go to the Christmas Ball with me tonight?"
The world ended for Lily. James Potter, one of the cleverest, cutest, most popular boys in school had just asked she, Lily Evans, to the Christmas Ball. Almost of their own accord, her lips moved. "I'd love to," she said breathlessly.
James smiled. He was in a daze all the way back to his room. As soon as he got there, his friends began guffawing. He gave them a sharp look. "What's so funny?"
"I think James is in love," Sirius said in a singsong voice.
James sputtered. "Excuse me?"
"Umm……… Er………… Uh……………Will you go to the ball with me?" Remus imitated.
James glared. "Do you have something to say?"
"Only that Prongs has been bitten by the love bug." Even Peter had begun teasing him.
James only glared. "One more word and you'll regret it." So saying, he stumbled back into bed and fell asleep.
~*~
James stood nervously. He had told her that he would wait for her by the Girls' Dormitory stairs at five, though the ball didn't start until five-thirty. Around four, he had looked around to make sure she remembered, and she had been nowhere to be seen. His stomach clenched nervously. If Lily completely forgot … or if she didn't bother to dress up, he would be the laughingstock of the school. He would never be able to live it down, not with Lucius and Severus behind his back, and Remus, Sirius, and Peter openly teasing.
He turned away and looked toward the fire. He smiled a small half- smile. He was getting so silly over a Sixth-Year date. And it wasn't even officially a date. All he was trying to do was make Willow jealous.
At the mention of Willow, he sighed. His eyes remembered her chocolate brown tresses that fell in curls around her face. Her forest green eyes had enchanted him. Her wonderful figure had enthralled him. A soft sigh escaped his lips.
"James?" a soft voice said behind him. "I'm ready."
Slowly, he turned around.
~*~
Lily bit her lip nervously. It was three o'clock, and for some reason, she had gotten an urge to come upstairs and prepare for the ball earlier. Slowly, she contemplated what to do. Finally, she smiled. She would take a shower first. Not one of those baths … they made her want to stay in there forever, and she didn't have time.
As she relaxed in the just warm enough magical shower, the golden flecks of water poured over her skin and made her shiver, as her skin magically became soft. Her eyes closed as her hair luxuriously cleaned itself in the golden water, and the silver soap magically lathered her hair like it was made to.
When she felt just perfect, she slipped on her white robe and stepped outside. With surprise, she looked at the clock. She had showered for thirty minutes. She knew she still had an hour-and-a-half left, but still …
As she finished drying herself in the fluffy towel, she slipped on her dress robes. They were a light aqua color, decorated with moving pictures of dolphins, mermaids, and coral. Of course mermaids didn't really look like that, but she liked this robe anyways. She bought it the summer before on impulse, and she was glad she had.
Slowly, she admired herself in the mirror. Her dress flowed down to past her knees, and just barely stopped from trailing on the floor. As she slipped on her high heels, she smiled. Now, she wouldn't seem so short, and she wouldn't have to worry about her dress robes getting dirty. The dress flowed like the water it resembled, and the pictures were muted, showing only to give her class.
Next, she worked on her hair in despair. Her chestnut brown hair would not be pinned up. Sighing, she finally decided on what to do. Combing her hair out with a bewitched brush, she carefully made sure it was smooth and soft, and put on some Anti-tangle Potion that was barely noticeable. She then pinned her hair back on one side with a dark blue- green comb etched with seashells on it.
She admired the effect in her mirror. She looked at the clock in astonishment. It was four-thirty already. It was at this time, that her dorm-mates began drifting into the room. Molly Mae came in first, her dark red-auburn hair specked with white snowflakes, her dark coat-robes covered with snow. Her eyes widened with shock when she saw Lily.
Regina Jorkins came in next. Her pale blonde hair and blue eyes were sparkled with excitement, and Lily knew immediately that she had been talking with Severus. Her animated smile only widened when she saw Lily.
Leila Retier came in after Regina. A green headband pulled her dark black hair back, and her eyes shone with pleasured surprise at Lily's getup. She smiled softly, and moved to her own bed, to get ready for the dance as well.
Willow Rowan was, of course, last. Lily winced. Although the three nicest girls in Gryffindor were in her dorm, the malicious Willow was as well. Her chocolate brown hair dangling down her back like free-falling waves signified that she had been flirting. Her expression was haughty. "What are you doing dressing up like that when no one's asked you to the Christmas Ball yet?" she asked malevolently.
Molly Mae looked taken aback. "You don't know that," she accused.
"I have my information from my spies, girls. I'm never wrong," she sniffed. "You should really learn some lessons from me. I'm going to the Christmas Ball with Vincent Crabbe, so that Goyle person, Lucius Malfoy, and Severus Snape will start noticing me. And trust me, Regina; you won't keep hold of Severus for long. Then, I've got James wrapped around my finger. He doesn't have a date, you know. He's just found out that I wasn't planning on going to the Christmas Ball with him, and he doesn't have time to get another date."
Leila glared. "You better not spout any of this nonsense in front of me."
Lily's stomach only sank. So James had only asked her because he had no date. Her chin lifted. Who cares? She was going to have a good time that night, regardless of anyone else. She smiled pleasantly at Molly, Leila, and Regina, totally ignoring Willow. "Will you help me with my makeup?" she asked.
The three smiled, and swarmed around her.
When they finished, she looked up, and was startled at what she saw. Her complexion had lightened imperceptibly until it was just the right shade. Her eyes were lined with a soft aqua, and her ears held her dolphin earrings that she had slipped into her dresser, and hadn't gotten out. Her slightly lipsticked lips burst into a smile.
As she watched the others slip into their gowns at lightning speed, she slowly touched up the finishing touches and looked at the clock. Four forty-five. Perfect. "I'm going now," she called, and elegantly walked down the stairs. It wouldn't hurt to make James wait.
~*~
James gasped at the perfect sight he saw. His lips curved into a smile. He was going to enjoy this night.
~*~
Willow smiled charmingly at Crabbe. She searched the room for Goyle, and held his eyes for a moment, before looking to Lucius. He then found Severus, and wrinkled her nose in distaste to find him enamored with Regina. She had attempted to catch him for weeks, and had not. She must find out what spell Regina used.
She looked across the room with triumph. The wallflowers looked at her jealously. The boys looked at her covetously. The girls looked at her resentfully. She was Queen of the Ball.
Then she heard laughter. She frowned. She rarely heard laughter when she was around. She had grown up an unwanted child, and had not been meant for Gryffindor. Her parents wanted her to be in Slytherin, so she was contrary, and had insisted on being in Gryffindor. The hat saw no reason not to and let her have her way. Or so she thought, for she did not know how much her house would change her …
She turned around curiously to see who would laugh while she was around, instead of looking at her with longing or envy. She gasped audibly. Resting in two comfortable chairs were James Potter and Lily Evans!
She smiled evilly. She was going to break this union. She sauntered up, leaving Crabbe by the refreshment table. "Hi, James," she said, turning on her charm. She pouted. "Have you acquired another girl already? I was hoping you would dance with me."
Lily smiled sweetly; countering Willow's every move. "Hi, Willow. I would like you to meet my date, James Potter."
Willow sneered. "When'd you acquire him? By being the ***** you are? Let me guess. You went out and picked him up like a ****."
James's eyes flashed. "Willow, I would like to introduce you to my date, Lily Evans. She is neither a ***** nor a ****. No use flinging out words that describe you so perfectly. For your information, I asked Lily this morning. Now, it would be wise for you to leave."
"I don't think so," Willow growled. "Crabbe. Goyle. There's a pesky fly who's bothering me."
The two hulking masses lumbered up. Lily smiled wryly. Her hand dived into a cleverly hidden pocket, and pulled out a wand. "Willow," she recited, the irony obvious in her voice. "Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, good for Charm work."
Catching on, James pulled out his wand. "Mahogany. Eleven inches. Pliable. Excellent for Transfiguration"
Their wands were held just out of the teachers' sights, but ready to fire at will.
Willow pulled out her own wand. "Maple. Twelve inches. Bendy. Very good for obliterating," she said maliciously.
Unperturbed, Lily smiled. "I will challenge you to a wizards' duel, legal, under the eyes of the teachers and the student body."
(AN: Let's just say back then, Wizard Duels were allowed among students, as long as they were refereed by the teachers. After one particular nasty duel, maybe this one, maybe not, Wizard Duels are banned.)
"I accept," Willow said calmly and coolly. And the conversation ended with Willow walking away. That was not a good thing. It had a symbolic meaning that she was surrendering the territory to Lily. In Hogwarts popularity terms, it meant that Lily had just raised a notch or two, while Willow had lowered. Willow did not like that, and it was going to change. She was submitting this time, but Lily was going to pay.
(Explanation for those who care: In the wild, animals are very touch about territory, and that determines their status. This is a just a weird comparison between that and popularity.)
James gave Lily a raised eyebrow. "Is the perfect prefect finally going to do something rash?"
"It's not against the school rules or anything," Lily said. "And she deserves her due." She blushed. "Thanks for defending me."
James smiled. "It was nothing." His face grew stern. "You do know that she is a formidable opponent, don't you?" he cautioned.
Lily shrugged. "I do well in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Professor Black lets me do extra credit work by reviewing stuff in the Restricted Section. By the way, is Professor Black in any way related to Sirius?"
"A fifteenth cousin or something if he is," James shrugged. "Sirius doesn't really mention his family around us."
Lily sighed. "I can't believe I challenged her to a duel."
James smiled. "You'll definitely gain some popularity, that's for sure."
"Is that all you think about?" she snapped. "If the teachers disapprove of this, I could be expelled."
"You need to think of lighter subjects," James advised. "Be optimistic. How about a dance?"
The last was asked so casually, Lily was shocked into choking on her butterbeer. When she calmed down, she smiled weakly. "I guess," she said tentatively.
The Faeries were strumming a slow song, with blue globes of light illuminating their slightly revealing robes and strange, exotic instruments.
As Lily hesitantly danced with James, she began to relax. Soon, they grew closer and closer. She laid her head on his chest, peacefully, while he smiled, sniffing her fresh lily fragrance. As the song continued, she looked up; her sea-colored eyes were filled with bliss, as were his emerald ones. As the song drew to a climax, their heads drew closer and closer together …
"Sorry," Willow said fakely. She had bumped into James and was now in a very compromising situation with him.
"Get off me, you idiot!" James hissed, as he pushed her off.
Willow pouted. "A day ago, you would have killed to be in that position."
"Well, I didn't know what kind of person you were," James snarled. "It would do you well to go!"
Willow glared. She did not take kindly to losing one of her suitors. Click. Click. You could just hear her popularity level going down several more degrees. She stomped off haughtily with Crabbe.
James turned around and stretched his hand out to Lily. "Let's go somewhere more private."
Charmed, Lily accepted his arm and let him escort her out of the ballroom. "Where are we going to go?"
"The Astronomy Tower?" James suggested.
Lily firmly shook her head. The Astronomy Tower had an ahembadcough reputation, and she definitely did not want to be caught there with James Potter.
James sighed. "Where else?" he asked practically.
"The Gryffindor balcony," she suggested.
He gave her a startled look. Few people knew about the Gryffindor balcony. It was led to through a secret passageway that he had thought only he and his friends knew about.
"Sure you know about it," Lily said plaintively.
He shook his head ruefully. "You'll never cease to amaze me."
As they walked to the Gryffindor common room, they encountered no one. Everyone was at the ball. At the bottom of the winding stairs that split to the Boys' and Girls' dormitories, there was a cupboard type. Crouching into it, James tapped the fifteenth wooden slab from the top, the seventh barely discernible dot.
"Lumos," Lily whispered, to help him.
Shooting Lily a grateful look, James whispered, "Godric Gryffindor." Slowly, a small door swung open. They stooped into it, closed the passageway, and walked through the dark tunnel. Finally, they reached the end. This passageway led to a small balcony. It was white, with several marble benches embedded into it, and the railings were intricately carved with roses. As they entered into it, the pale moonlight fell on them. The stars twinkled brightly in the sky.
As they admired the view, their hands fell each other. They sat down on the benches and began talking. As they spoke, they found more and more in common. As the moon shone, the night breeze grew chillier. Lily shivered.
James draped his emerald green cloak over her. "It's getting cold," he whispered into her ear. "Let's go back."
Mutely, she nodded. When they finally ended up in the common room, they realized how late it was. They whispered good-byes. Just as they were about to go to their separate dorms, James grasped her wrist, halting her temporarily. His eyes looked into her for a moment, before his lips dipped.
Her first kiss was bliss. It was short, and sweet, and the taste of his mouth lingered on hers. She blushed a little, and smiled, before waving goodbye and walking upstairs.
She almost dreamily fell into bed. She didn't notice the three pairs of eyes hungry for gossip or the one pair of eyes glaring with envy. It was when she was snuggled deep in bed, when Molly, unable to contain her excitement, led the other girls, curious, and envious, to sit on Lily's bed, when she noticed the melee.
"What do you want? It's midnight," she hissed.
"Exactly," Leila glared. "Details. Now."
"What do you mean?" Lily asked.
"What did you do?" Regina hissed. Everyone stared at her, startled, and she blushed.
"We talked," Lily said dreamily. "And then he kissed me good night."
"That's all?" Molly asked disappointedly.
"What else did you expect?" Lily asked innocently. "Surely your minds weren't in any gutters?"
The three solemnly shook their heads, while Willow only looked satisfied.
"But," Lily continued, "gossips may have. Does anyone else know about me coming after curfew?"
Four shakes of heads answered her question.
"I would like that no one in this room tell about this."
Regina, Leila, and Molly solemnly swore not to tell. After considering her options, Willow agreed as well. Telling would soil her reputation as well, because it would mean that she had officially lost a suitor.
~*~
James smiled at the electric shock the kiss had given him. As he approached his room, though, he became wary. If the Marauders were awake … He stepped into his room quietly. Thankfully, he noted that the beds were full of sleeping friends. He tiptoed into his bed, when all of a sudden … Pounce!
James found himself surrounded by Marauders. Remus looked ill, but he wasn't due for a while. Sirius looked eager, his eyes glinting. Peter was actually smirking. James groaned inaudibly. "What do you want?" he asked warily.
"Information," Sirius smiled.
"Whatever are you talking about?" James asked sweetly.
"What were you and Lily doing that kept you out until midnight?" Peter demanded.
Remus smiled. "You weren't doing anything … naughty, were you?"
James glared. "What I do is my business," he informed them curtly.
"Not when you're part of the Marauders," Peter reminded him.
"Or, we can always feed the rumor mill," Sirius hinted.
James steamed. "If you whisper one word of this, I won't tell you," he swore.
"I swear I won't tell anyone," Remus promised.
"So do I," Peter said.
Sirius's face fell, and he sighed heavily. "I promise," he said grudgingly.
"First, we talked," James said. "That's about all."
"You just talked?" Peter asked, disappointed.
"Where?" Remus asked. "You weren't in the common room."
"The Gryffindor balcony," James said nonchalantly.
"And Perfect Prefect Lily didn't complain?" Sirius snickered, quieting only when James glared at him.
"In fact, she suggested it," James said.
"And then?" Remus asked.
"And then we realized the time, and separated to our bedrooms," James said casually.
"Is that all?" Sirius asked suspiciously.
"Well…" James dragged out the suspense as long as he could. "We did kiss."
"You kissed?" Peter asked. "Lily let you kiss her? The Untouchable Lily?"
James glared. "Can I go to sleep now?"
"You just kissed Lily Potter, who has never even gone on a date before in her life, and you want to go to sleep?" Sirius asked incredulously.
James's only answer was to draw his covers over his head. The others sighed. They would get nothing out of him.
~*~
Lily woke up, tired. As she stretched, she dredged up memories from last night. She scowled. She was not looking forward to a Wizard's Duel. She noticed her tawny owl hooting. "What's wrong, Nimue?" she cooed.
The owl's foot had a note attached to it.
Lily Potter:
The date and time of your Wizard's Duel with one Willow Rowan is as follows: December 26th, Thursday, 12:00 noon. Take care and have fun. Any serious injuries will be taken care of by Madam Pomfrey. If you wish to forfeit, a formal signed note is required. If you are seriously injured and may not participate, I will be informed.
Yours truly,
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Lily groaned. The Wizard's duel was today … tough luck. She winced.
~*~
Lily nervously fingered her wand. No matter how you came down to it, she was great in Charms, but lacking a bit in Defense Against Dark Arts. She did make the gifted class and everything, but she wasn't as good with hands-on experience with monsters and cursing. In fact, sometimes, she had a tendency to blank out. Oh, she was definitely going to regret challenging Willow.
She watched as Willow smirked at her. This was not going to be good. She held her breath and watched Professor McGonagall.
"Begin!"
And the battle began.
A/N: So? Any reviews?