~*~ The Yule Ball ~*~
~Chocolates
~Holly
~Red and green
~Invitations
~Special creations
~Tabletops all clean
~Magic dinners
~Always grinners
~Special time
~Take a dime
~Invest in special gift
~Make it special
~Enjoy your Christmas time
OK, I admit it - I had fun flying to the Potters' house. And yes, I was laughing when I hopped off that broom. I guess I couldn't help myself - I was just in a happy mood.
'See, you had fun,' James said in an I-told-you-so voice.
'No I didn't. I was simply petrified the whole time,' I laughed.
'Liar, liar, pants on fire,' he grinned, waggling his finger at me as we walked towards his front door, our feet sinking into the snow and leaving deep prints as we went.
I took a moment to admire the Potter manor. It was very large, very expensive looking, and very elaborate. It reminded me of the antique doll house my mum had up in the attic.
'Wow,' was all I managed as I stood on the doorstep, gazing up at the tall two storeys as James opened the door. He just grinned and pushed the door open.
'Hilary! Lily's here!'
Within a few seconds, Hilary came dashing down the stairs.
'Hello! You're still alive, by the looks of it,' she laughed. 'Damn. This means I don't get to kill James, doesn't it?'
'Wouldn't you prefer us both alive to us both dead?' Hilary seemed to consider this for a moment.
'Probably. James, did you know dad was having a family ball tomorrow evening?'
He gave her a sheepish grin.
'You did!' she accused. 'Nobody ever tells me anything!'
'Not true. Mum told you this morning that you had to clean your room -'
'James, shut up, OK? Go say hello to Sirius. He flooed while you were at Lily's.'
James's eyes lit up.
'Where is he?'
'In the kitchen. Where else?' Hilary said as if this were the most obvious thing in the world, rolling her eyes. 'He's already polished off the biscuits; I think he's onto the Honeydukes supply.' James didn't need to be told a second time. He jumped up the stairs, two at a time, and walked into a room that I supposed either was or led to the kitchen.
Hilary rolled her eyes again.
'Boys,' she muttered. 'Come on, I'll show you your room.'
She lead me around the back of the stairs and through a long, white corridor that had many doors, all numbered. She stopped outside the one marked twenty-seven.
'This is one of my favourites,' she grinned, gesturing for me to go in. So I did.
The first thing that hit me was the whiteness. Absolutely everything was white, the exception of numerous light blue decors on the walls and bedspread.
'Wow,' was the word that eventually came out of my mouth.
'Yeah, well, time for you to explore later. Mum wants us downstairs for dress measurements pronto.'
'Dress measurements?' I echoed inquiringly.
'For the ball, that I was oh-so-well-informed about,' Hilary said dryly. 'I'd only just found out before you arrived.'
'We're getting a dress made?'
'Yep.'
'I can't do that,' I protested.
'Why not?'
'Because it's not... right. And I don't have any money to pay for it.' 'Don't be a silly goose, Lily. If there's one thing we do have lots of, it's money. We can afford to have a new dress made every month that's only going to be worn once.'
'I hope you were exaggerating then.'
'Not really, it was more of an understatement.'
* * *
'How do I look?' I asked, hearing someone enter the room while I was twirling around in front of the mirror in my new dress. It was gorgeous; deep, emerald green with peppermint underskirts.
'Amazing,' replied a voice, but it wasn't Hilary's, as I had presumed it would be. I whirled around to face James.
'James... I thought you were Hilary...'
'Don't trust my judgement?' he grinned. I ducked my head.
'Did you want anything in particular?' I asked politely, hoping I didn't sound rude.
'Actually, I was wondering if you would accompany me to the ball,' he said with a sweeping bow. 'My dad has insisted we have partners, and I doubt Hilary wanted to go with her brother, so I think she's going with Sirius.'
I nodded.
'Sure. It's not like I've got anyone else to go with,' I laughed.
'Cool. I'll leave you to it, then. See you tonight.'
And with that, James Potter disappeared with a bow, closing the door behind him.
* * *
'Lily?' echoed Hilary's voice. I opened the door.
'Hello,' I greeted, letting her in. It was about six fifty two, which gave us approximately eight minutes before the ball started.
'You look awesome,' she told me for the fifth time that night.
'So do you,' I said honestly.
Hilary was wearing deep crimson, and it suited her perfectly. I loved the way she had her hair, too. She had it curled, and piled up on top of her head in a bun-like twist. She looked really nice.
'You're so lucky,' I sighed, flopping back on my bed, careful not to crease my dress. 'I've always fantasised that I was a beautiful princess with millions of gorgeous dresses.' 'Well, now your dreams have come true,' Hilary grinned. I smiled, and looked at the clock. Hilary followed my gaze.
'Let's go, shall we?'
'Yep. You going with Sirius?'
'Uh-huh. Did James ask you?' Hilary asked coyly, subconsciously twisting a curl around her finger.
'Yes. Why?' I asked, seeing the knowing look on her face.
'I don't know,' she shrugged. 'It's just... weird, the way he gets on with you. When I first saw him with you, I thought he liked you, but now I'm not so sure. I mean, he does like you, as a friend - but I don't actually think he sees you as anything else. And that's just strange for James. I was actually surprised he hadn't asked you out yet when I found out that you'd been on the train together.'
'I'm not really interested in having a boyfriend at the moment. I'm only eleven; I think that's a bit young to be taking boys seriously like that yet.'
'Oh, I agree - that's just not how James works. But you're lucky, getting on as well as you do with him. He's a great judge of character, and if he really likes you, it's a compliment. You've got a friend for life with him; he's one of the most fiercely loyal people I've known. If I weren't his sister, and sworn to making life hell for him, I'd cherish him as a friend. He's a good person.'
I nodded.
'He is. You're lucky to have him as brother. That should make you love him all the more!' I grinned, poking her in the ribs.
'Oh, he's a great person and all, but you'd feel sorry for anyone that had to live with him day in, day out. He's very tiresome and annoying sometimes. He eats everything in sight, and I swear you'd have a heart attack if you saw his room, Lily. I do, and I'm not even a neat freak like you. I mean, my room's untidy, but his looks like a bomb hit it.' I laughed.
'I can just imagine, from what I've seen of their dormitories. A group of almost-teenage boys, their gear and an empty room is a recipe for disaster, if you ask me.' 'I honestly feel sorry for whoever marries him. And Sirius, too. They're like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.'
We had reached the large French doors leading to the ballroom. Hilary peered around. 'It's packed,' she whispered.
'You both look stunning,' came a voice. We turned around.
'Thank you, Mrs Potter. Your dress is beautiful, too,' I said politely.
Mrs Potter - whom I had been introduced to as Sarah - smiled. She was wearing a royal blue velvet dress, and it suited her.
'Please, call me Sarah.'
'Sarah, have you seen James or Sirius?' Hilary asked.
I still hadn't quite adjusted to the fact that Hilary and James were expected to call both their parents by their first names. I guessed it was just a formal thing that rich people did.
'They're coming down now. I'd better go find Charles. I'll see you later on, girls.' 'Bye, Sarah,' I said, her name coming out rather awkwardly.
'Goodbye. I hope you have a lovely evening, Lily. You too, Hilary-Lavinia. Enjoy yourselves, and don't cause too much trouble.'
'Why, hello ladies,' Sirius called as he and James appeared on the landing behind us. 'Where have you guys been?' Hilary demanded.
I gave the two a once-over. Both were wearing smart but casual suits; James's black, Sirius's dark blue. They didn't look half bad.
'Getting ready,' James defended. 'Sirius couldn't tie his tie.'
I snorted. I could just imagine Sirius attempting to tie his tie. Attempt seemed to be the operative word.
'Let's go, shall we?' Sirius prompted, trying to draw attention away from himself. He offered Hilary his arm. James did the same to me. I accepted it tentatively, and we stepped into the hall.
It was big. Very, very, big. And filled with people.
'Your dad knows a lot of people,' I said, dumbfounded.
'Yeah, he does,' James laughed.
'James!' boomed a voice from across the room. We both looked over to where it had come from. Charles Potter was tapping his foot impatiently over the other side of the hall.
'Come on,' James sighed, making his way through the crowd of people. I followed, trying not to trip on my dress.
'You called?' James asked, when we had reached our destination. Mr Potter ignored him for a moment.
'Lilian. Good evening,' he said gruffly. 'Good evening, sir.' I looked down at my feet. Mr Potter wasn't exactly on my favourite persons list.
'James - I want you to stay away from Sirius tonight. I want you to talk to your relatives and behave yourself, not cause havoc. I've already told your sister the same; you have your own partner to entertain and I know all too well what will follow if you and Sirius spend enough time together talking.'
'Yes, Charles,' James said obediently, but he rolled his eyes skyward.
'Very well. Off you go.'
When we were far enough away, I turned to James.
'That was a bit harsh,' I commented.
'Not really,' James laughed, his eyes twinkling mischievously. 'I don't blame him, really. Considering what Sirius and me did last time there was an important function on.'
'Why? What did you do?' I asked warily.
James smiled mysteriously.
'Nothing. Care to dance?'
I looked up at him, shocked.
'James, I don't know how,' I said bluntly.
'It's cinch,' he said firmly, taking my right hand in his and putting his left on my waist.
'Shoulder?' I asked hesitantly.
'Or just my arm,' he said. I put my hand on his shoulder.
'I have never felt more out of place in my life. I feel like some kind of social misfit.'
'You're just not used to it,' James laughed. 'You're doing fine. I'd say you're doing better than Sirius, and he must have been to about a dozen of these things.'
I smiled self-consciously at him, then took a look around the room. Everyone was dancing. Sirius and Hilary were laughing - no doubt at one of Sirius's jokes; Charles and Sarah Potter were in the middle of the room, also swaying along with the music.
The dancing seemed to go on forever.
'It sucks; I know,' James grinned, obviously noticing my boredom. 'It goes until twelve, but dad only expects us to stay until nine.'
'That's a relief. I think my feet would have dropped off by twelve.'
'Is James working you too hard, dear?'
'Aunt May! I didn't realise you were here,' James said to the older looking woman that had spoken.
'Oh, only because obligation, James. Only because of obligation. You know these do's are a load of nonsense for me.'
'I know exactly what you are talking about. Lily and I were just discussing how boring it is.' 'So that's her name, is it? I finally get to meet her,' the woman said, not unkindly. I smiled.
'Nice to meet you,' I said, shaking her hand.
'The pleasure's all mine, Lily. Call me May. I'm James and Hilary's Aunt.'
'Is April here?' James asked after kissing his aunt on the cheek.
'Yes, with her new boyfriend. I can't say I like him much, though. Go over and see them. But be interested to know what you think of him.'
'Will do. It was lovely to see you, Aunt May.'
'You too, James. And I hope you and Lily have a wonderful evening.'
'Thank you,' I smiled, then decided I had better go after James, who seemed to have spotted someone and was walking over to them.
'James!' she exclaimed. I deduced that this was April.
'April,' he grinned, opening his arms. She hugged him tightly.
'I haven't seen you in ages. I've just been speaking to that sister of yours. She told me you and Sirius were banned form talking to each other,' she laughed.
'And I'm sure you can guess why. Lily, this is my cousin April. April, this is Lily, a friend of mine and Hil's from school.'
'Hi,' April said kindly.
April looked about James's age, and was reasonably pretty. She seemed to have what was the trademark Potter hair for girls - a golden, caramel brown. She wore it out, and it reached down below her waist. The length amazed me. She was wearing a sky blue dress that brought out her eyes.
'Hi,' I replied, smiling back at her. I had decided that she seemed like a nice enough person.
Since my discussion with James about first impressions, I had for some reason found myself looking people over more thoroughly, and trying to make a judgement about them. Don't ask me why, but I just always did it after that little conversation on the train.
The rest of the evening wasn't all that exciting; we chatted to April and her boyfriend, Matt (James decided that he agreed with Aunt May, and didn't like him that much). Ate food. Drank punch (Non-alcoholic, to James's disgust). And that was it, pretty much. By the time nine o'clock rolled around, we couldn't leave quicker. James quickly said some hurried goodbyes to his relatives, gave April a more thorough farewell, then practically dragged me out of the hall.
'Do you want to go get changed?' he asked. I nodded, so we made for the corridor to the left.
'God I hate those things,' he sighed as we walked up the stairs towards my room.
'No offense to your family; the decorations and everything were great, but I can think of better things I'd rather have been doing.'
'No offense taken. But did you see Hilary and Sirius leave? The snuck out at about eight thirty! No fair,' James whined.
We had reached the door to my room by then.
'Coming back out, or are you going to retire for the night?' he inquired. I shrugged.
'What would we be doing if I came out?'
'I don't know. Hilary probably won't want to come, but Sirius and I would find something to do. You'll be staying with Hilary, I suppose?'
'Fraid so. Sorry, but I haven't spoken to her in a whole couple of hours!' I said dramatically.
'Oh my gosh, how did you survive?' James joked.
'Well, goodnight, I guess. See you tomorrow.'
'See you tomorrow,' James replied, kissing my lightly on the lips. I gave him a surprised look, but he simply pointed up. Hanging above my door was a sprig of mistletoe.
'Later, Lily.'
~*~AUTHOR'S NOTE~*~
OK, I know that was really crappy but I've had writers block for a bit and wanted to get it over and done with so I can get back on track. The purpose of that was mainly to introduce April, coz she's got a bit to do with the story later on.
Um, did that kiss count as romance? Probably not. Well I'm sorry, but I still think it's too early. So that'll have to do!
Well, I'm typing this during my Computing period, and posting it later, therefore have no access to my reviews at the moment, so I'll thank you all in the next chapter, k? Sorry this is so rushed!
Bye
Sezzie
PS: OK, I don't know if I've said this before, but if you want to be on the mailing list, please put your email in a review. Next time I post I'll go thru and add all the addresses to a mailing list, k? So tell me now. K, thanx. Bi bi
~Chocolates
~Holly
~Red and green
~Invitations
~Special creations
~Tabletops all clean
~Magic dinners
~Always grinners
~Special time
~Take a dime
~Invest in special gift
~Make it special
~Enjoy your Christmas time
OK, I admit it - I had fun flying to the Potters' house. And yes, I was laughing when I hopped off that broom. I guess I couldn't help myself - I was just in a happy mood.
'See, you had fun,' James said in an I-told-you-so voice.
'No I didn't. I was simply petrified the whole time,' I laughed.
'Liar, liar, pants on fire,' he grinned, waggling his finger at me as we walked towards his front door, our feet sinking into the snow and leaving deep prints as we went.
I took a moment to admire the Potter manor. It was very large, very expensive looking, and very elaborate. It reminded me of the antique doll house my mum had up in the attic.
'Wow,' was all I managed as I stood on the doorstep, gazing up at the tall two storeys as James opened the door. He just grinned and pushed the door open.
'Hilary! Lily's here!'
Within a few seconds, Hilary came dashing down the stairs.
'Hello! You're still alive, by the looks of it,' she laughed. 'Damn. This means I don't get to kill James, doesn't it?'
'Wouldn't you prefer us both alive to us both dead?' Hilary seemed to consider this for a moment.
'Probably. James, did you know dad was having a family ball tomorrow evening?'
He gave her a sheepish grin.
'You did!' she accused. 'Nobody ever tells me anything!'
'Not true. Mum told you this morning that you had to clean your room -'
'James, shut up, OK? Go say hello to Sirius. He flooed while you were at Lily's.'
James's eyes lit up.
'Where is he?'
'In the kitchen. Where else?' Hilary said as if this were the most obvious thing in the world, rolling her eyes. 'He's already polished off the biscuits; I think he's onto the Honeydukes supply.' James didn't need to be told a second time. He jumped up the stairs, two at a time, and walked into a room that I supposed either was or led to the kitchen.
Hilary rolled her eyes again.
'Boys,' she muttered. 'Come on, I'll show you your room.'
She lead me around the back of the stairs and through a long, white corridor that had many doors, all numbered. She stopped outside the one marked twenty-seven.
'This is one of my favourites,' she grinned, gesturing for me to go in. So I did.
The first thing that hit me was the whiteness. Absolutely everything was white, the exception of numerous light blue decors on the walls and bedspread.
'Wow,' was the word that eventually came out of my mouth.
'Yeah, well, time for you to explore later. Mum wants us downstairs for dress measurements pronto.'
'Dress measurements?' I echoed inquiringly.
'For the ball, that I was oh-so-well-informed about,' Hilary said dryly. 'I'd only just found out before you arrived.'
'We're getting a dress made?'
'Yep.'
'I can't do that,' I protested.
'Why not?'
'Because it's not... right. And I don't have any money to pay for it.' 'Don't be a silly goose, Lily. If there's one thing we do have lots of, it's money. We can afford to have a new dress made every month that's only going to be worn once.'
'I hope you were exaggerating then.'
'Not really, it was more of an understatement.'
* * *
'How do I look?' I asked, hearing someone enter the room while I was twirling around in front of the mirror in my new dress. It was gorgeous; deep, emerald green with peppermint underskirts.
'Amazing,' replied a voice, but it wasn't Hilary's, as I had presumed it would be. I whirled around to face James.
'James... I thought you were Hilary...'
'Don't trust my judgement?' he grinned. I ducked my head.
'Did you want anything in particular?' I asked politely, hoping I didn't sound rude.
'Actually, I was wondering if you would accompany me to the ball,' he said with a sweeping bow. 'My dad has insisted we have partners, and I doubt Hilary wanted to go with her brother, so I think she's going with Sirius.'
I nodded.
'Sure. It's not like I've got anyone else to go with,' I laughed.
'Cool. I'll leave you to it, then. See you tonight.'
And with that, James Potter disappeared with a bow, closing the door behind him.
* * *
'Lily?' echoed Hilary's voice. I opened the door.
'Hello,' I greeted, letting her in. It was about six fifty two, which gave us approximately eight minutes before the ball started.
'You look awesome,' she told me for the fifth time that night.
'So do you,' I said honestly.
Hilary was wearing deep crimson, and it suited her perfectly. I loved the way she had her hair, too. She had it curled, and piled up on top of her head in a bun-like twist. She looked really nice.
'You're so lucky,' I sighed, flopping back on my bed, careful not to crease my dress. 'I've always fantasised that I was a beautiful princess with millions of gorgeous dresses.' 'Well, now your dreams have come true,' Hilary grinned. I smiled, and looked at the clock. Hilary followed my gaze.
'Let's go, shall we?'
'Yep. You going with Sirius?'
'Uh-huh. Did James ask you?' Hilary asked coyly, subconsciously twisting a curl around her finger.
'Yes. Why?' I asked, seeing the knowing look on her face.
'I don't know,' she shrugged. 'It's just... weird, the way he gets on with you. When I first saw him with you, I thought he liked you, but now I'm not so sure. I mean, he does like you, as a friend - but I don't actually think he sees you as anything else. And that's just strange for James. I was actually surprised he hadn't asked you out yet when I found out that you'd been on the train together.'
'I'm not really interested in having a boyfriend at the moment. I'm only eleven; I think that's a bit young to be taking boys seriously like that yet.'
'Oh, I agree - that's just not how James works. But you're lucky, getting on as well as you do with him. He's a great judge of character, and if he really likes you, it's a compliment. You've got a friend for life with him; he's one of the most fiercely loyal people I've known. If I weren't his sister, and sworn to making life hell for him, I'd cherish him as a friend. He's a good person.'
I nodded.
'He is. You're lucky to have him as brother. That should make you love him all the more!' I grinned, poking her in the ribs.
'Oh, he's a great person and all, but you'd feel sorry for anyone that had to live with him day in, day out. He's very tiresome and annoying sometimes. He eats everything in sight, and I swear you'd have a heart attack if you saw his room, Lily. I do, and I'm not even a neat freak like you. I mean, my room's untidy, but his looks like a bomb hit it.' I laughed.
'I can just imagine, from what I've seen of their dormitories. A group of almost-teenage boys, their gear and an empty room is a recipe for disaster, if you ask me.' 'I honestly feel sorry for whoever marries him. And Sirius, too. They're like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.'
We had reached the large French doors leading to the ballroom. Hilary peered around. 'It's packed,' she whispered.
'You both look stunning,' came a voice. We turned around.
'Thank you, Mrs Potter. Your dress is beautiful, too,' I said politely.
Mrs Potter - whom I had been introduced to as Sarah - smiled. She was wearing a royal blue velvet dress, and it suited her.
'Please, call me Sarah.'
'Sarah, have you seen James or Sirius?' Hilary asked.
I still hadn't quite adjusted to the fact that Hilary and James were expected to call both their parents by their first names. I guessed it was just a formal thing that rich people did.
'They're coming down now. I'd better go find Charles. I'll see you later on, girls.' 'Bye, Sarah,' I said, her name coming out rather awkwardly.
'Goodbye. I hope you have a lovely evening, Lily. You too, Hilary-Lavinia. Enjoy yourselves, and don't cause too much trouble.'
'Why, hello ladies,' Sirius called as he and James appeared on the landing behind us. 'Where have you guys been?' Hilary demanded.
I gave the two a once-over. Both were wearing smart but casual suits; James's black, Sirius's dark blue. They didn't look half bad.
'Getting ready,' James defended. 'Sirius couldn't tie his tie.'
I snorted. I could just imagine Sirius attempting to tie his tie. Attempt seemed to be the operative word.
'Let's go, shall we?' Sirius prompted, trying to draw attention away from himself. He offered Hilary his arm. James did the same to me. I accepted it tentatively, and we stepped into the hall.
It was big. Very, very, big. And filled with people.
'Your dad knows a lot of people,' I said, dumbfounded.
'Yeah, he does,' James laughed.
'James!' boomed a voice from across the room. We both looked over to where it had come from. Charles Potter was tapping his foot impatiently over the other side of the hall.
'Come on,' James sighed, making his way through the crowd of people. I followed, trying not to trip on my dress.
'You called?' James asked, when we had reached our destination. Mr Potter ignored him for a moment.
'Lilian. Good evening,' he said gruffly. 'Good evening, sir.' I looked down at my feet. Mr Potter wasn't exactly on my favourite persons list.
'James - I want you to stay away from Sirius tonight. I want you to talk to your relatives and behave yourself, not cause havoc. I've already told your sister the same; you have your own partner to entertain and I know all too well what will follow if you and Sirius spend enough time together talking.'
'Yes, Charles,' James said obediently, but he rolled his eyes skyward.
'Very well. Off you go.'
When we were far enough away, I turned to James.
'That was a bit harsh,' I commented.
'Not really,' James laughed, his eyes twinkling mischievously. 'I don't blame him, really. Considering what Sirius and me did last time there was an important function on.'
'Why? What did you do?' I asked warily.
James smiled mysteriously.
'Nothing. Care to dance?'
I looked up at him, shocked.
'James, I don't know how,' I said bluntly.
'It's cinch,' he said firmly, taking my right hand in his and putting his left on my waist.
'Shoulder?' I asked hesitantly.
'Or just my arm,' he said. I put my hand on his shoulder.
'I have never felt more out of place in my life. I feel like some kind of social misfit.'
'You're just not used to it,' James laughed. 'You're doing fine. I'd say you're doing better than Sirius, and he must have been to about a dozen of these things.'
I smiled self-consciously at him, then took a look around the room. Everyone was dancing. Sirius and Hilary were laughing - no doubt at one of Sirius's jokes; Charles and Sarah Potter were in the middle of the room, also swaying along with the music.
The dancing seemed to go on forever.
'It sucks; I know,' James grinned, obviously noticing my boredom. 'It goes until twelve, but dad only expects us to stay until nine.'
'That's a relief. I think my feet would have dropped off by twelve.'
'Is James working you too hard, dear?'
'Aunt May! I didn't realise you were here,' James said to the older looking woman that had spoken.
'Oh, only because obligation, James. Only because of obligation. You know these do's are a load of nonsense for me.'
'I know exactly what you are talking about. Lily and I were just discussing how boring it is.' 'So that's her name, is it? I finally get to meet her,' the woman said, not unkindly. I smiled.
'Nice to meet you,' I said, shaking her hand.
'The pleasure's all mine, Lily. Call me May. I'm James and Hilary's Aunt.'
'Is April here?' James asked after kissing his aunt on the cheek.
'Yes, with her new boyfriend. I can't say I like him much, though. Go over and see them. But be interested to know what you think of him.'
'Will do. It was lovely to see you, Aunt May.'
'You too, James. And I hope you and Lily have a wonderful evening.'
'Thank you,' I smiled, then decided I had better go after James, who seemed to have spotted someone and was walking over to them.
'James!' she exclaimed. I deduced that this was April.
'April,' he grinned, opening his arms. She hugged him tightly.
'I haven't seen you in ages. I've just been speaking to that sister of yours. She told me you and Sirius were banned form talking to each other,' she laughed.
'And I'm sure you can guess why. Lily, this is my cousin April. April, this is Lily, a friend of mine and Hil's from school.'
'Hi,' April said kindly.
April looked about James's age, and was reasonably pretty. She seemed to have what was the trademark Potter hair for girls - a golden, caramel brown. She wore it out, and it reached down below her waist. The length amazed me. She was wearing a sky blue dress that brought out her eyes.
'Hi,' I replied, smiling back at her. I had decided that she seemed like a nice enough person.
Since my discussion with James about first impressions, I had for some reason found myself looking people over more thoroughly, and trying to make a judgement about them. Don't ask me why, but I just always did it after that little conversation on the train.
The rest of the evening wasn't all that exciting; we chatted to April and her boyfriend, Matt (James decided that he agreed with Aunt May, and didn't like him that much). Ate food. Drank punch (Non-alcoholic, to James's disgust). And that was it, pretty much. By the time nine o'clock rolled around, we couldn't leave quicker. James quickly said some hurried goodbyes to his relatives, gave April a more thorough farewell, then practically dragged me out of the hall.
'Do you want to go get changed?' he asked. I nodded, so we made for the corridor to the left.
'God I hate those things,' he sighed as we walked up the stairs towards my room.
'No offense to your family; the decorations and everything were great, but I can think of better things I'd rather have been doing.'
'No offense taken. But did you see Hilary and Sirius leave? The snuck out at about eight thirty! No fair,' James whined.
We had reached the door to my room by then.
'Coming back out, or are you going to retire for the night?' he inquired. I shrugged.
'What would we be doing if I came out?'
'I don't know. Hilary probably won't want to come, but Sirius and I would find something to do. You'll be staying with Hilary, I suppose?'
'Fraid so. Sorry, but I haven't spoken to her in a whole couple of hours!' I said dramatically.
'Oh my gosh, how did you survive?' James joked.
'Well, goodnight, I guess. See you tomorrow.'
'See you tomorrow,' James replied, kissing my lightly on the lips. I gave him a surprised look, but he simply pointed up. Hanging above my door was a sprig of mistletoe.
'Later, Lily.'
~*~AUTHOR'S NOTE~*~
OK, I know that was really crappy but I've had writers block for a bit and wanted to get it over and done with so I can get back on track. The purpose of that was mainly to introduce April, coz she's got a bit to do with the story later on.
Um, did that kiss count as romance? Probably not. Well I'm sorry, but I still think it's too early. So that'll have to do!
Well, I'm typing this during my Computing period, and posting it later, therefore have no access to my reviews at the moment, so I'll thank you all in the next chapter, k? Sorry this is so rushed!
Bye
Sezzie
PS: OK, I don't know if I've said this before, but if you want to be on the mailing list, please put your email in a review. Next time I post I'll go thru and add all the addresses to a mailing list, k? So tell me now. K, thanx. Bi bi
