A change for the better?
The Christmas holidays just seemed to have flown in and soon everyone was back at school and classes had started up again. The holidays had been quite uneventful, the highlight of course being that James and Lily weren't constantly arguing but instead getting on quite well. Peter had returned from home early muttering something about blowing up the turkey and so James was glad that he had his supporter back. Sirius was being as humorous as usual and Remus of course being his sensible, responsible self. It was now common knowledge that Finn had a crush on the sandy haired boy but he seemed oblivious to all the flattery she gave him.
Remus was just as sought after as his other two friends but he was unconscious to it all. It was not surprising that girls swooned before him, as he was very handsome. He had lovely sandy hair, which was always perfectly gelled, and his golden eyes added to his mysterious façade. He was a tall 6" and although he did not share his friends' love of quidditch he loved most other sports. It was common knowledge to Lily and her friends that Remus was a werewolf but it didn't bother them at all, in fact it made him even more appealing to them. Lily admired him and held him in high esteem. He was an excellent student and was surely worthy the position of prefect but unfortunately due to his 'sickness' he was unable to accept such a status.
Finn dropped into her seat at the Gryffindor table across from Lily and sighed. Lily who had been deeply involved in her book shut it neatly and looked up at her irked companion.
'Let me guess?' She said. 'Remus.'
Finn nodded and sighed yet again. 'I have tried everything and nothing has worked. That boy has some definite issues!' She cried pouting.
Lily smiled. 'You know Finn why don't YOU ask HIM to the ball?' She asked. 'After all we do live in a society were women are thought of as equal to men.' She continued matter-of-factly.
Finn gaped. 'I can't do that! It's un-ladylike.' Lily rolled her eyes. 'Besides I'd be too embarrassed.
'Well now you know how he probably feels.'
Finn paused as if deep in thought and then got up from her place and walked over to where Remus was sitting. Finn sat next to him and said something causing Remus to splutter out his orange juice. Lily smirked.
'Matchmaking again?' Sirius asked as he followed Lily's line of vision.
Lily turned round and gasped mockingly. 'Oh Sirius, why would you think such a thing? I simply gave Finn a push in the right direction.'
Sirius snickered. 'Yeah sure, more like you pressed her into it by saying something about society today.'
Now it was Lily's turn to snicker. 'You know me too well.' She remarked as she gave him a quick kiss. Just then James entered.
'Hey, hey, hey!' He cried. 'I thought I said no nookie at the Breakfast table you two. This man has to eat here you know.' And with that he sat down and grabbed a few pieces of toast.
Sirius grinned. 'How can I help it, if my girlfriend finds me irresistible?' He questioned gaining a dig in the ribs from Lily.
'Oww!' He exclaimed as he pouted and put on his puppy dog eyes. Lily giggled again.
'Aww did I hurt you?' She asked before claiming his lips again. 'Am I forgiven?' She asked once she pulled away.
Sirius pretended to think for a minute. 'Umm, well ok.' He answered.
Lily and Sirius had been dating now for a week or so and Lily was having the time of her life. She couldn't believe that she of all people was dating one of the friends of the person she used to dislike intensely. Once Sirius had asked Lily to the ball he had to claim her for himself and so two or three days later he had asked her to be his and she for some odd reason had agreed. It was strange really how things had turned out.
James looked up at them both laughing away. He was happy for them both but somewhere inside him felt cold and empty and every time he saw the pair of them together he would shiver. Unable to look at them anymore he turned to his right to see Remus and Finn locked in a passionate embrace.
'Bloody hell!' He cried unable to take in what his eyes were showing him. Remus Lupin was kissing a girl in public and not any old girl. It was Finn Matthews; one of the shyest girls James had ever met.
'Made for each other aren't they?' A voice asked from over his shoulder. James turned to see Jessica Pierson sitting next to him, her eyes resting on the 'new couple.'
'Just like they are.' He replied pointing to Sirius and Lily who also appeared to have locked together. Jessica smiled.
'Yep. It appears that it's only me and Elle now who are dateless.
'And me and Peter.' James added. 'Hey are you going to ask Elle?'
Jessica frowned. 'I am a girl NOT a boy!' She cried.
James cringed. 'So you are, hehe. Hey you wouldn't want to go with me, would you?' He asked.
'Don't go there Potter.' Jessica replied.
Now James frowned. 'Aww come one give me a break. What's the worst that could happen?'
'I don't want to find out plus I prefer going stag.' James looked dejected but then broke into a smile.
'Why don't we go stag together?' He asked.
'Thanks but no thanks. Why don't you ask Elle? I'm sure she'd be more than happy to go with the eligible Mr Potter.' Jess resolved.
And so it was decided James would ask Elle Gibson and he could only hope that someone else hadn't snatched her up already. Now it seemed that Peter would be the only single Marauder left.
It was Wormtail's attitude more than anything else that made girls look the other way. He was very lethargic and up front which most girls didn't find in the least bit attractive. For example he'd stay stuff like 'Your ass looks huge in those trousers!' or my personal favourite being 'Did you forget to put your make-up on this morning?' He truly was hopeless.
Peter stood at a small 5"8 but he seemed to make up for his lack of height with the amount of crap that came out of his mouth. He had soft brown hair that fell just over his ears and he had the smallest grey eyes ever seen. He wasn't bad looking but he left a lot to be desired. He was as un-sporty as it gets but he compensated this with his grades. He was ranked in the top 20 so he wasn't as stupid as he looked, if you'll pardon the expression.
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Elle shrieked as she returned to the common room that day. James had asked her to the ball and she had been more than pleased to accept. She hadn't stopped talking about it all day and so Jessica had stuck her mouth together with a sealing spell during Transfiguration. Professor McGonnagal of course had to ask Elle a question causing an inquiry to start about a certain 'stickio' spell. The result evidently being McGonnagal dragging a kicking and screaming Jessica out of the classroom. Obviously she clearly didn't want to go near those locker rooms!
Lily yawned at flopped down unto one of the large red sofas. She was exhausted. Classes had been especially long and boring today, probably due to the OWLS, which they all would be taking that year. Lily yawned again as the Marauders entered through the portrait hole. James laughed.
'I take it classes were just as boring for you as they were for Sirius today.' He said as Remus and Peter entered carrying sleeping Sirius over to the armchair facing Lily. 'Sirius! Lily's naked!' James yelled.
Sirius suddenly jerked awake. 'WHERE, WHERE?' He cried causing Lily to scowl. 'Oh, you're wearing clothes.' He added laughing nervously as he made his way over to her. 'Never mind.'
James laughed again and Elle joined in trying to be 'supportive.' Just then Jessica crawled in through the portrait hall looking near death. Lily was first to notice the girl as she fell onto the floor in a dead faint.
'Jess!' She cried as she ran over to her. Sirius helped her carry Jessica to an armchair and Elle and Finn ran to get some water. Five minutes later they returned and handed the water to Lily who then threw it over the stupefied girl. Jessica woke up spluttering.
'AAAA!' She screamed as the cool water trickled down her shirt. 'What was that for?'
'You fainted.' Sirius replied. 'We were waking you up.'
Jessica looked around to see James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily, Finn and Elle looking at her curiously. 'What?' She asked in annoyance.
'Why'd you faint?' Lily inquired.
'The shock of it I guess.' She replied. 'I have to clean out the Slytherin locker room all week plus place any items of clothing, sweaty or otherwise, in lost property!'
Everyone groaned and shook their heads with abhorrence.
'That's' abominable!' James exclaimed. 'Who knows what parts of their greasy bodies touched those clothes.' Peter began to wretch.
'Don't say anything else James or I swear I will blow chunks!' He managed to say through convulsions. Elle and Finn paled.
'If he's going to hurl then I'm out of here.' They cried in unison. Just then Peter began to run for their dorm obviously looking for the nearest toilet. Elle, Finn and Jess couldn't take much more.
'I think we'll check you's later guys.' Jess said as she followed Finn and Elle out of the room. 'See ya's.'
'I'm going to go too.' Remus called. 'Err homework..library.bye.' He managed to choke out, as he blushed crimson.
'Ooh this is too good too miss I'm gonna see what he's really up to.' Sirius said giving Lily a peck on the cheek leaving her alone with James. 'So.it appears that you're taking my friend to the ball?' Lily began as she flipped off her shoes and laid herself back onto the sofa.
'Yeah Elle is great.' He replied positively. 'I'm looking forward to our date already.'
Lily smiled. 'She's really excited too. Won't stop raving on about you, that's how Jess got those detentions you know.'
'Really?' James questioned with surprise. 'So she was the one who performed the sealing spell.'
'Yeah. I thought it was a pretty good idea until McGonnagal asked Elle that question.' Lily declared with amusement.
'Pity.'
James and Lily chatted away for the remainder of the afternoon and even had a few games of Wizards Chess and Exploding Snap. Lily unsurprisingly being the victor in both games. It was only when Peter emerged from his dorm looking pale and sickly that they finally stopped.
'James!' He moaned as he sat facing them. 'Why did you have to give me such a bad mental picture?'
James and Lily laughed. 'I didn't do anything Wormtail. All I said was that anything greasy and sweaty could have touched those clothes including their big hairy.!' James burst out laughing again as Peter scurried away.
Lily was looking at him strangely. 'What?' He asked innocently. 'I was going to say heads no matter what you're dirty mind was thinking.' Lily rolled her eyes.
'I'm sure that you were.' She said sarcastically.
The rest of the afternoon was very uneventful apart from when Sirius re- entered the common room looking very proud of himself indeed.
'I knew it!' He announced. 'Doing homework my ass! Remus was in the astronomy tower with Finn and you know what they were doing?'
Lily and James looked at each other and then back at Sirius. 'I'm sure we have a good idea of what was going on.' James replied.
'Huh! That's what you think.' Sirius started again. 'But you have no idea! He shouted exasperatedly. 'They were looking at the stars! Now why in god's name would you go up to the ASTRONOMY TOWER for that?'
Lily giggled. 'Who knows Si? Who knows?' She soothed.
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It was a week until the Spring Ball and the whole school was in uproar. Girls everywhere were screaming about not having dresses or earrings etc and boys were shouting because of all the noise. Jessica on the other hand was having a great old time. She found it very amusing to watch all the commotion and then laugh instead of help. Once Elle had came up and asked her for advice on her dress and Jessica had told her that the dress was a bit tacky. Lily had had to spend the rest of the night consoling her friend and telling her that Jessica was only teasing her.
Dumbledore had noticed the tension in the school and so a Hogsmeade day was announced for the Saturday before the ball. The ball was on the following Friday and so there was plenty of time for a girl to get a dress and then work out her make-up etc by then. Lily and Jessica were two of the girls who had not yet purchased a gown and so they were thankful for the shopping day, well at least Lily was. Jessica didn't really care. She would be happy to attend in combat trousers and a bikini top if she saw fit.
'Lily?' Elle called through the bathroom door. 'Are you ready yet?'
Lily had completely forgotten that it was Saturday and so of course had slept in. It was 10 past 10 and she was only getting showered. The carriages were leaving for Hogsmeade at 11 and Elle was set on being early if not on time.
Just as Elle was about to call again. Jessica came marching through the dorm door yawning. She too was in her pyjamas and looked nowhere near ready. Elle gaped.
'What on earth are you doing? We're going to Hogsmeade at 11 and it's now a quarter past 10!' Jessica looked at her and then yawned again.
'I'm not going to Hogsmeade.' She replied sleepily.
'But you don't have a dress! What will you wear?' Elle asked as she began to hyperventilate.
'Chill! I've got a white dress that'll do fine.' She claimed.
'Ok show me this dress then.' Elle folded her arms.
Jessica walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out a tiny piece of white material. It was a short dress, which would just about cover her ass, and there were rips all over it.
'Oh my god. You cannot be thinking of wearing that!' Elle exclaimed. 'You'll look like a sheep that's just been attacked with a pair of shears.'
A noisy giggle echoed from the bathroom as Lily emerged dripping with water and covered in nothing but a small white towel.
Jessica glared. 'And what exactly are you laughing at Lil. You look like a drowned rat!'
Finally after a lot of arguing and compromising all three girls were ready to go. Surprisingly it was 10 to 11 so they were in perfect time. The compromise was that if Jessica bought a decent dress that they would let her go into 'quality quidditch supplies so that she could ogle at the broomsticks.
11 came and the girls found themselves in a carriage with James, Sirius and Peter. Finn and Remus had got their own carriage and Sirius knew it was not so that they could look at the stars. The journey to Hogsmeade was a merry one with Sirius and Lily flirting like hell, Elle and James flirting and Peter and Jessica groaning about how flirting should be banned. Peter had tried at first to flirt but Jessica had soon sorted him out. So now he shivering in his seat obviously scared about the threat which included helping to clean out the Slytherin locker rooms bare handed. He was still emotionally scarred from the description James had given him.
When the carriages stopped Peter was first to jump out and waited impatiently for James and Sirius to follow. He as sure as hell wasn't spending the day with anyone who remotely reminded him of Jessica Pierson. And so when all had got out of the carriage they went their separate ways. James, Sirius and Peter were of to the joke shop and the girls were of to Madame Malkin's much to Jessica's displeasure.
Madame Malkin's shop was brimming full of dress robes and other robes. Hundreds of different colours lit up the room and it was unsurprising that little Madame Malkin was hard to see among them all.
'Is there anything I can help you with dears?' She asked as she looked at the three shivering teenagers who had just entered making the bell on the door jingle.
'Umm well we're looking for dress robes.' Lily voiced as she pointed at herself and nodded towards Jessica.
'And anything for you miss.?' She asked Elle.
'Gibson. I'm looking for some earrings.' Elle replied politely.
'Well Miss Gibson the earrings are over there.' The weathered little witch croaked as she pointed to the far corner.
'Thank you.'
'Now if you two young ladies would care to follow me, I'll show you the latest dress robes.' She took them to the other side of the shop and started piling them high with dress robes until their legs began to shake beneath the weight.
'Right, the dressing rooms are over to your left so I'll leave you to it.' She told them cheerfully. 'Now if there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to call.' And with that the little woman disappeared.
'She could call me an ambulance.' Jessica groaned. 'My legs are about to break.'
Lily laughed. 'Well come on then. The sooner you get a dress, the sooner you get to see some brooms!'
An hour later after what seemed like a hundred dresses both Lily and Jessica had each picked one. Lily's was crimson red with a low neckline and a long slit up the side. It was gorgeous and it made Lily look stunning. Jessica even admitted that Sirius' eyes would probably pop out when he saw her. Jessica's dress was also beautiful. It was midnight blue with no back and it really enhanced her natural beauty. Elle had actually been speechless when she had seen her so that must have been a good sign.
Finally they left the shop and headed towards 'Quality Quidditch Supplies.' Jessica was ecstatic but Elle was downhearted. Quidditch was like Double Dutch to her. She just didn't understand it at all.
Jessica noticed Elle's face falling. 'Elle if your face falls any more, you'll trip over it!' She joked.
'Oh hahaha!' She replied sarcastically. 'I can't believe I'm going to a quidditch shop.'
Lily laughed. 'For someone who hates quidditch so much, why are you going to the ball with the biggest quidditch fan ever born?' Lily asked.
Jessica nodded her head. 'She's right. Potter eats, drinks and sleeps quidditch!'
Elle frowned. 'So, opposites do attract after all!'
On entering the quidditch shop the girls bumped into James and Sirius who appeared to have bought half of the stock in the joke shop. Each of their arms was carrying at least six bursting bags.
'Stocking up were we boys?' Jess asked playfully. The two boys nodded, their eyes sparkling with mischief.
'So did you get your dresses?' Sirius inquired motioning towards Jess and Lily who were carrying large bags.
'Yes we did and I'm afraid you're not allowed to see them until the ball so.' Lily stuck her tongue out childishly.
'Oh is that how you're going to play it?' Sirius questioned before pouncing on the unexpecting redhead causing them both to lose their balances. Everyone laughed as Sirius got up and helped Lily whilst trying to pick up all his bags.
'Hey where's Peter?' Elle asked suddenly realising that the annoying one wasn't there.
'Oh he left earlier. Apparently some girl threatened him with sweaty Slytherins!' James replied trying to stifle his growing laughter. All eyes turned to Jessica, as they all knew that she was the most likely candidate capable of scaring a sixteen-year-old boy.
'What?' She cried innocently. 'I had to do something. He was trying to flirt with me for god's sake!'
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At length the day of the ball finally arrived and everyone was beyond excited, they were high! The girls spent most of the day in their dorm except for Jessica who sat down in the common room all day messing around with the lads.
'What are they doing up there?' James asked as they heard a shriek.
Jessica smirked. 'Well last time I checked Elle and Finn were running around half naked searching for nail-varnish while Lily lay on her bed shaking with laugher.' She replied. 'She was fully clothed by the way.' She added to Sirius who quickly shut his mouth and wiped away the drool.
'So why aren't you up there with them Miss Melbourne?' James asked shaking his finger at her.
'I refuse to act so.well stupid.' She told them all. 'I will never allow myself to act in a so un-Jessica-like manner.'
Sirius looked impress. 'You know I admire your strong principles but you know you have to have some fun now and again.'
'Acting ditzy is not what I call fun Black.' She retorted. 'Fun is being out on that quidditch pitch giving it all you've got and beating the shit out of those slimy Slytherin bastards!'
Lily suddenly came running down the stairs looking frustrated. 'Miss Gibson and Miss Matthews request your presence upstairs immediately' She announced. 'Apparently it's about time you started getting ready.'
Jessica groaned but started to get up all the same. 'Well boys I better go.' She declared as she glanced at her watch. 'Only let me see.5 hours until the ball starts! However, will I be ready on time.'
The Marauders laughed as Lily began to ascend the staircase with Jessica skipping merrily behind her.
'That girl's definitely something!' Sirius professed.
'Yeah she's a real charmer!' Peter said sarcastically.
James sniggered. 'Wormtail you're just annoyed because of the whole flirt Slytherin thing.' Peter huffed.
'I can't wait until the ball.' Remus voiced dreamily. 'My Finn will look as perfect as always.'
Sirius, James and Peter rolled their eyes. 'That boy's got it bad!' Sirius claimed as he waved his hand in front of Moony's face. He didn't even blink; he just kept staring straight ahead and sighing.
It was now six o'clock and the guys finally decided they should start getting ready. The ball was due to start at seven o'clock so they had plenty of time to get showered, dressed and ready to meet their dates.
James was getting very fed up as he banged on the bathroom door for what seemed like the fiftieth time in a minute. Sirius was showering and wouldn't hurry up.
'Sirius will you get a move on!' James called again. 'It's half six and I need to have a shower.'
'Ok I'm coming now.' Sirius cried back through the noise of the splashing water. The sound stopped at last and Sirius emerged smelling very strongly of fruit. Sirius smirked and watched as James entered the steam filled and fruits scented bathroom trying hard not to slip on the large puddles of water, which were on the floor. Typical bloody Sirius to make a mess he thought to himself as he jumped into the shower were he found a large bottle of Herbal essences. James laughed.
'Who gave you the shampoo?' He yelled to Sirius.
'Jessica.' Was all he needed to say for James was sent into hysterics.
Half seven came in a flash and the girls were still running around their dorm looking for things. Jessica had been ready for hours and Lily had finished shortly after her leaving Finn and Elle who were still not ready.
'I don't know how you's two aren't ready when you've been up here all bleeding day!' Jessica said looking puzzled. 'I mean I got ready in twenty minutes and here you are still running around like two lunatics.'
Elle glowered. 'We want everything to be perfect and anyway we ARE ready now.' She replied pompously as she grabbed her lipstick and dropped it into her bag.
Finn and Elle looked great. Finn would certainly make Remus go GAGA! She was wearing a beige halter neck dress, which made her look very sophisticated and mature. Her hair was tied in a very loose French knot and her make-up was sparkly gold making her look quite Egyptian. Elle was also looking fabulous in her baby blue robes. Her hair was in a ponytail from which ringlets fell and her make-up was so doll-like that she really looked like she was made from porcelain.
'Right ladies are we ready?' Elle asked as she stared towards her two friends who were lounged over her bed. Jessica moaned again.
'I'm as ready as I'll ever be.' She told them.
'Oh Jess, come one you're going to have a brilliant time and I'm sure you're date will be great.' Finn said. 'Who is your date by the way?'
'What date?' Jessica asked. 'I'm going stag girlfriend.'
Elle and Finn gasped. 'You can't do that.' They cried.
'Well I am so tough luck!' She shouted back before holding her head up high and walking past them leaving them gob-smacked.
'There's definitely something wrong with her!' Elle announced tapping her foot nervously on the ground. Lily grinned and then took both her friends' arms, escorting out of the room along the same path Jessica had just gone. This is going to be a long night she thought to herself.
The Christmas holidays just seemed to have flown in and soon everyone was back at school and classes had started up again. The holidays had been quite uneventful, the highlight of course being that James and Lily weren't constantly arguing but instead getting on quite well. Peter had returned from home early muttering something about blowing up the turkey and so James was glad that he had his supporter back. Sirius was being as humorous as usual and Remus of course being his sensible, responsible self. It was now common knowledge that Finn had a crush on the sandy haired boy but he seemed oblivious to all the flattery she gave him.
Remus was just as sought after as his other two friends but he was unconscious to it all. It was not surprising that girls swooned before him, as he was very handsome. He had lovely sandy hair, which was always perfectly gelled, and his golden eyes added to his mysterious façade. He was a tall 6" and although he did not share his friends' love of quidditch he loved most other sports. It was common knowledge to Lily and her friends that Remus was a werewolf but it didn't bother them at all, in fact it made him even more appealing to them. Lily admired him and held him in high esteem. He was an excellent student and was surely worthy the position of prefect but unfortunately due to his 'sickness' he was unable to accept such a status.
Finn dropped into her seat at the Gryffindor table across from Lily and sighed. Lily who had been deeply involved in her book shut it neatly and looked up at her irked companion.
'Let me guess?' She said. 'Remus.'
Finn nodded and sighed yet again. 'I have tried everything and nothing has worked. That boy has some definite issues!' She cried pouting.
Lily smiled. 'You know Finn why don't YOU ask HIM to the ball?' She asked. 'After all we do live in a society were women are thought of as equal to men.' She continued matter-of-factly.
Finn gaped. 'I can't do that! It's un-ladylike.' Lily rolled her eyes. 'Besides I'd be too embarrassed.
'Well now you know how he probably feels.'
Finn paused as if deep in thought and then got up from her place and walked over to where Remus was sitting. Finn sat next to him and said something causing Remus to splutter out his orange juice. Lily smirked.
'Matchmaking again?' Sirius asked as he followed Lily's line of vision.
Lily turned round and gasped mockingly. 'Oh Sirius, why would you think such a thing? I simply gave Finn a push in the right direction.'
Sirius snickered. 'Yeah sure, more like you pressed her into it by saying something about society today.'
Now it was Lily's turn to snicker. 'You know me too well.' She remarked as she gave him a quick kiss. Just then James entered.
'Hey, hey, hey!' He cried. 'I thought I said no nookie at the Breakfast table you two. This man has to eat here you know.' And with that he sat down and grabbed a few pieces of toast.
Sirius grinned. 'How can I help it, if my girlfriend finds me irresistible?' He questioned gaining a dig in the ribs from Lily.
'Oww!' He exclaimed as he pouted and put on his puppy dog eyes. Lily giggled again.
'Aww did I hurt you?' She asked before claiming his lips again. 'Am I forgiven?' She asked once she pulled away.
Sirius pretended to think for a minute. 'Umm, well ok.' He answered.
Lily and Sirius had been dating now for a week or so and Lily was having the time of her life. She couldn't believe that she of all people was dating one of the friends of the person she used to dislike intensely. Once Sirius had asked Lily to the ball he had to claim her for himself and so two or three days later he had asked her to be his and she for some odd reason had agreed. It was strange really how things had turned out.
James looked up at them both laughing away. He was happy for them both but somewhere inside him felt cold and empty and every time he saw the pair of them together he would shiver. Unable to look at them anymore he turned to his right to see Remus and Finn locked in a passionate embrace.
'Bloody hell!' He cried unable to take in what his eyes were showing him. Remus Lupin was kissing a girl in public and not any old girl. It was Finn Matthews; one of the shyest girls James had ever met.
'Made for each other aren't they?' A voice asked from over his shoulder. James turned to see Jessica Pierson sitting next to him, her eyes resting on the 'new couple.'
'Just like they are.' He replied pointing to Sirius and Lily who also appeared to have locked together. Jessica smiled.
'Yep. It appears that it's only me and Elle now who are dateless.
'And me and Peter.' James added. 'Hey are you going to ask Elle?'
Jessica frowned. 'I am a girl NOT a boy!' She cried.
James cringed. 'So you are, hehe. Hey you wouldn't want to go with me, would you?' He asked.
'Don't go there Potter.' Jessica replied.
Now James frowned. 'Aww come one give me a break. What's the worst that could happen?'
'I don't want to find out plus I prefer going stag.' James looked dejected but then broke into a smile.
'Why don't we go stag together?' He asked.
'Thanks but no thanks. Why don't you ask Elle? I'm sure she'd be more than happy to go with the eligible Mr Potter.' Jess resolved.
And so it was decided James would ask Elle Gibson and he could only hope that someone else hadn't snatched her up already. Now it seemed that Peter would be the only single Marauder left.
It was Wormtail's attitude more than anything else that made girls look the other way. He was very lethargic and up front which most girls didn't find in the least bit attractive. For example he'd stay stuff like 'Your ass looks huge in those trousers!' or my personal favourite being 'Did you forget to put your make-up on this morning?' He truly was hopeless.
Peter stood at a small 5"8 but he seemed to make up for his lack of height with the amount of crap that came out of his mouth. He had soft brown hair that fell just over his ears and he had the smallest grey eyes ever seen. He wasn't bad looking but he left a lot to be desired. He was as un-sporty as it gets but he compensated this with his grades. He was ranked in the top 20 so he wasn't as stupid as he looked, if you'll pardon the expression.
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Elle shrieked as she returned to the common room that day. James had asked her to the ball and she had been more than pleased to accept. She hadn't stopped talking about it all day and so Jessica had stuck her mouth together with a sealing spell during Transfiguration. Professor McGonnagal of course had to ask Elle a question causing an inquiry to start about a certain 'stickio' spell. The result evidently being McGonnagal dragging a kicking and screaming Jessica out of the classroom. Obviously she clearly didn't want to go near those locker rooms!
Lily yawned at flopped down unto one of the large red sofas. She was exhausted. Classes had been especially long and boring today, probably due to the OWLS, which they all would be taking that year. Lily yawned again as the Marauders entered through the portrait hole. James laughed.
'I take it classes were just as boring for you as they were for Sirius today.' He said as Remus and Peter entered carrying sleeping Sirius over to the armchair facing Lily. 'Sirius! Lily's naked!' James yelled.
Sirius suddenly jerked awake. 'WHERE, WHERE?' He cried causing Lily to scowl. 'Oh, you're wearing clothes.' He added laughing nervously as he made his way over to her. 'Never mind.'
James laughed again and Elle joined in trying to be 'supportive.' Just then Jessica crawled in through the portrait hall looking near death. Lily was first to notice the girl as she fell onto the floor in a dead faint.
'Jess!' She cried as she ran over to her. Sirius helped her carry Jessica to an armchair and Elle and Finn ran to get some water. Five minutes later they returned and handed the water to Lily who then threw it over the stupefied girl. Jessica woke up spluttering.
'AAAA!' She screamed as the cool water trickled down her shirt. 'What was that for?'
'You fainted.' Sirius replied. 'We were waking you up.'
Jessica looked around to see James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Lily, Finn and Elle looking at her curiously. 'What?' She asked in annoyance.
'Why'd you faint?' Lily inquired.
'The shock of it I guess.' She replied. 'I have to clean out the Slytherin locker room all week plus place any items of clothing, sweaty or otherwise, in lost property!'
Everyone groaned and shook their heads with abhorrence.
'That's' abominable!' James exclaimed. 'Who knows what parts of their greasy bodies touched those clothes.' Peter began to wretch.
'Don't say anything else James or I swear I will blow chunks!' He managed to say through convulsions. Elle and Finn paled.
'If he's going to hurl then I'm out of here.' They cried in unison. Just then Peter began to run for their dorm obviously looking for the nearest toilet. Elle, Finn and Jess couldn't take much more.
'I think we'll check you's later guys.' Jess said as she followed Finn and Elle out of the room. 'See ya's.'
'I'm going to go too.' Remus called. 'Err homework..library.bye.' He managed to choke out, as he blushed crimson.
'Ooh this is too good too miss I'm gonna see what he's really up to.' Sirius said giving Lily a peck on the cheek leaving her alone with James. 'So.it appears that you're taking my friend to the ball?' Lily began as she flipped off her shoes and laid herself back onto the sofa.
'Yeah Elle is great.' He replied positively. 'I'm looking forward to our date already.'
Lily smiled. 'She's really excited too. Won't stop raving on about you, that's how Jess got those detentions you know.'
'Really?' James questioned with surprise. 'So she was the one who performed the sealing spell.'
'Yeah. I thought it was a pretty good idea until McGonnagal asked Elle that question.' Lily declared with amusement.
'Pity.'
James and Lily chatted away for the remainder of the afternoon and even had a few games of Wizards Chess and Exploding Snap. Lily unsurprisingly being the victor in both games. It was only when Peter emerged from his dorm looking pale and sickly that they finally stopped.
'James!' He moaned as he sat facing them. 'Why did you have to give me such a bad mental picture?'
James and Lily laughed. 'I didn't do anything Wormtail. All I said was that anything greasy and sweaty could have touched those clothes including their big hairy.!' James burst out laughing again as Peter scurried away.
Lily was looking at him strangely. 'What?' He asked innocently. 'I was going to say heads no matter what you're dirty mind was thinking.' Lily rolled her eyes.
'I'm sure that you were.' She said sarcastically.
The rest of the afternoon was very uneventful apart from when Sirius re- entered the common room looking very proud of himself indeed.
'I knew it!' He announced. 'Doing homework my ass! Remus was in the astronomy tower with Finn and you know what they were doing?'
Lily and James looked at each other and then back at Sirius. 'I'm sure we have a good idea of what was going on.' James replied.
'Huh! That's what you think.' Sirius started again. 'But you have no idea! He shouted exasperatedly. 'They were looking at the stars! Now why in god's name would you go up to the ASTRONOMY TOWER for that?'
Lily giggled. 'Who knows Si? Who knows?' She soothed.
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It was a week until the Spring Ball and the whole school was in uproar. Girls everywhere were screaming about not having dresses or earrings etc and boys were shouting because of all the noise. Jessica on the other hand was having a great old time. She found it very amusing to watch all the commotion and then laugh instead of help. Once Elle had came up and asked her for advice on her dress and Jessica had told her that the dress was a bit tacky. Lily had had to spend the rest of the night consoling her friend and telling her that Jessica was only teasing her.
Dumbledore had noticed the tension in the school and so a Hogsmeade day was announced for the Saturday before the ball. The ball was on the following Friday and so there was plenty of time for a girl to get a dress and then work out her make-up etc by then. Lily and Jessica were two of the girls who had not yet purchased a gown and so they were thankful for the shopping day, well at least Lily was. Jessica didn't really care. She would be happy to attend in combat trousers and a bikini top if she saw fit.
'Lily?' Elle called through the bathroom door. 'Are you ready yet?'
Lily had completely forgotten that it was Saturday and so of course had slept in. It was 10 past 10 and she was only getting showered. The carriages were leaving for Hogsmeade at 11 and Elle was set on being early if not on time.
Just as Elle was about to call again. Jessica came marching through the dorm door yawning. She too was in her pyjamas and looked nowhere near ready. Elle gaped.
'What on earth are you doing? We're going to Hogsmeade at 11 and it's now a quarter past 10!' Jessica looked at her and then yawned again.
'I'm not going to Hogsmeade.' She replied sleepily.
'But you don't have a dress! What will you wear?' Elle asked as she began to hyperventilate.
'Chill! I've got a white dress that'll do fine.' She claimed.
'Ok show me this dress then.' Elle folded her arms.
Jessica walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out a tiny piece of white material. It was a short dress, which would just about cover her ass, and there were rips all over it.
'Oh my god. You cannot be thinking of wearing that!' Elle exclaimed. 'You'll look like a sheep that's just been attacked with a pair of shears.'
A noisy giggle echoed from the bathroom as Lily emerged dripping with water and covered in nothing but a small white towel.
Jessica glared. 'And what exactly are you laughing at Lil. You look like a drowned rat!'
Finally after a lot of arguing and compromising all three girls were ready to go. Surprisingly it was 10 to 11 so they were in perfect time. The compromise was that if Jessica bought a decent dress that they would let her go into 'quality quidditch supplies so that she could ogle at the broomsticks.
11 came and the girls found themselves in a carriage with James, Sirius and Peter. Finn and Remus had got their own carriage and Sirius knew it was not so that they could look at the stars. The journey to Hogsmeade was a merry one with Sirius and Lily flirting like hell, Elle and James flirting and Peter and Jessica groaning about how flirting should be banned. Peter had tried at first to flirt but Jessica had soon sorted him out. So now he shivering in his seat obviously scared about the threat which included helping to clean out the Slytherin locker rooms bare handed. He was still emotionally scarred from the description James had given him.
When the carriages stopped Peter was first to jump out and waited impatiently for James and Sirius to follow. He as sure as hell wasn't spending the day with anyone who remotely reminded him of Jessica Pierson. And so when all had got out of the carriage they went their separate ways. James, Sirius and Peter were of to the joke shop and the girls were of to Madame Malkin's much to Jessica's displeasure.
Madame Malkin's shop was brimming full of dress robes and other robes. Hundreds of different colours lit up the room and it was unsurprising that little Madame Malkin was hard to see among them all.
'Is there anything I can help you with dears?' She asked as she looked at the three shivering teenagers who had just entered making the bell on the door jingle.
'Umm well we're looking for dress robes.' Lily voiced as she pointed at herself and nodded towards Jessica.
'And anything for you miss.?' She asked Elle.
'Gibson. I'm looking for some earrings.' Elle replied politely.
'Well Miss Gibson the earrings are over there.' The weathered little witch croaked as she pointed to the far corner.
'Thank you.'
'Now if you two young ladies would care to follow me, I'll show you the latest dress robes.' She took them to the other side of the shop and started piling them high with dress robes until their legs began to shake beneath the weight.
'Right, the dressing rooms are over to your left so I'll leave you to it.' She told them cheerfully. 'Now if there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to call.' And with that the little woman disappeared.
'She could call me an ambulance.' Jessica groaned. 'My legs are about to break.'
Lily laughed. 'Well come on then. The sooner you get a dress, the sooner you get to see some brooms!'
An hour later after what seemed like a hundred dresses both Lily and Jessica had each picked one. Lily's was crimson red with a low neckline and a long slit up the side. It was gorgeous and it made Lily look stunning. Jessica even admitted that Sirius' eyes would probably pop out when he saw her. Jessica's dress was also beautiful. It was midnight blue with no back and it really enhanced her natural beauty. Elle had actually been speechless when she had seen her so that must have been a good sign.
Finally they left the shop and headed towards 'Quality Quidditch Supplies.' Jessica was ecstatic but Elle was downhearted. Quidditch was like Double Dutch to her. She just didn't understand it at all.
Jessica noticed Elle's face falling. 'Elle if your face falls any more, you'll trip over it!' She joked.
'Oh hahaha!' She replied sarcastically. 'I can't believe I'm going to a quidditch shop.'
Lily laughed. 'For someone who hates quidditch so much, why are you going to the ball with the biggest quidditch fan ever born?' Lily asked.
Jessica nodded her head. 'She's right. Potter eats, drinks and sleeps quidditch!'
Elle frowned. 'So, opposites do attract after all!'
On entering the quidditch shop the girls bumped into James and Sirius who appeared to have bought half of the stock in the joke shop. Each of their arms was carrying at least six bursting bags.
'Stocking up were we boys?' Jess asked playfully. The two boys nodded, their eyes sparkling with mischief.
'So did you get your dresses?' Sirius inquired motioning towards Jess and Lily who were carrying large bags.
'Yes we did and I'm afraid you're not allowed to see them until the ball so.' Lily stuck her tongue out childishly.
'Oh is that how you're going to play it?' Sirius questioned before pouncing on the unexpecting redhead causing them both to lose their balances. Everyone laughed as Sirius got up and helped Lily whilst trying to pick up all his bags.
'Hey where's Peter?' Elle asked suddenly realising that the annoying one wasn't there.
'Oh he left earlier. Apparently some girl threatened him with sweaty Slytherins!' James replied trying to stifle his growing laughter. All eyes turned to Jessica, as they all knew that she was the most likely candidate capable of scaring a sixteen-year-old boy.
'What?' She cried innocently. 'I had to do something. He was trying to flirt with me for god's sake!'
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At length the day of the ball finally arrived and everyone was beyond excited, they were high! The girls spent most of the day in their dorm except for Jessica who sat down in the common room all day messing around with the lads.
'What are they doing up there?' James asked as they heard a shriek.
Jessica smirked. 'Well last time I checked Elle and Finn were running around half naked searching for nail-varnish while Lily lay on her bed shaking with laugher.' She replied. 'She was fully clothed by the way.' She added to Sirius who quickly shut his mouth and wiped away the drool.
'So why aren't you up there with them Miss Melbourne?' James asked shaking his finger at her.
'I refuse to act so.well stupid.' She told them all. 'I will never allow myself to act in a so un-Jessica-like manner.'
Sirius looked impress. 'You know I admire your strong principles but you know you have to have some fun now and again.'
'Acting ditzy is not what I call fun Black.' She retorted. 'Fun is being out on that quidditch pitch giving it all you've got and beating the shit out of those slimy Slytherin bastards!'
Lily suddenly came running down the stairs looking frustrated. 'Miss Gibson and Miss Matthews request your presence upstairs immediately' She announced. 'Apparently it's about time you started getting ready.'
Jessica groaned but started to get up all the same. 'Well boys I better go.' She declared as she glanced at her watch. 'Only let me see.5 hours until the ball starts! However, will I be ready on time.'
The Marauders laughed as Lily began to ascend the staircase with Jessica skipping merrily behind her.
'That girl's definitely something!' Sirius professed.
'Yeah she's a real charmer!' Peter said sarcastically.
James sniggered. 'Wormtail you're just annoyed because of the whole flirt Slytherin thing.' Peter huffed.
'I can't wait until the ball.' Remus voiced dreamily. 'My Finn will look as perfect as always.'
Sirius, James and Peter rolled their eyes. 'That boy's got it bad!' Sirius claimed as he waved his hand in front of Moony's face. He didn't even blink; he just kept staring straight ahead and sighing.
It was now six o'clock and the guys finally decided they should start getting ready. The ball was due to start at seven o'clock so they had plenty of time to get showered, dressed and ready to meet their dates.
James was getting very fed up as he banged on the bathroom door for what seemed like the fiftieth time in a minute. Sirius was showering and wouldn't hurry up.
'Sirius will you get a move on!' James called again. 'It's half six and I need to have a shower.'
'Ok I'm coming now.' Sirius cried back through the noise of the splashing water. The sound stopped at last and Sirius emerged smelling very strongly of fruit. Sirius smirked and watched as James entered the steam filled and fruits scented bathroom trying hard not to slip on the large puddles of water, which were on the floor. Typical bloody Sirius to make a mess he thought to himself as he jumped into the shower were he found a large bottle of Herbal essences. James laughed.
'Who gave you the shampoo?' He yelled to Sirius.
'Jessica.' Was all he needed to say for James was sent into hysterics.
Half seven came in a flash and the girls were still running around their dorm looking for things. Jessica had been ready for hours and Lily had finished shortly after her leaving Finn and Elle who were still not ready.
'I don't know how you's two aren't ready when you've been up here all bleeding day!' Jessica said looking puzzled. 'I mean I got ready in twenty minutes and here you are still running around like two lunatics.'
Elle glowered. 'We want everything to be perfect and anyway we ARE ready now.' She replied pompously as she grabbed her lipstick and dropped it into her bag.
Finn and Elle looked great. Finn would certainly make Remus go GAGA! She was wearing a beige halter neck dress, which made her look very sophisticated and mature. Her hair was tied in a very loose French knot and her make-up was sparkly gold making her look quite Egyptian. Elle was also looking fabulous in her baby blue robes. Her hair was in a ponytail from which ringlets fell and her make-up was so doll-like that she really looked like she was made from porcelain.
'Right ladies are we ready?' Elle asked as she stared towards her two friends who were lounged over her bed. Jessica moaned again.
'I'm as ready as I'll ever be.' She told them.
'Oh Jess, come one you're going to have a brilliant time and I'm sure you're date will be great.' Finn said. 'Who is your date by the way?'
'What date?' Jessica asked. 'I'm going stag girlfriend.'
Elle and Finn gasped. 'You can't do that.' They cried.
'Well I am so tough luck!' She shouted back before holding her head up high and walking past them leaving them gob-smacked.
'There's definitely something wrong with her!' Elle announced tapping her foot nervously on the ground. Lily grinned and then took both her friends' arms, escorting out of the room along the same path Jessica had just gone. This is going to be a long night she thought to herself.