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Green Eyed Monster
By: Noelle
Chapter 5: The Halloween Ball
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Disclaimer: I do not own Lily Evans, James Potter, Sirius Black, and any of the recognizable characters. I do own Ella Reichman though. I do not own the recognizable places, such as Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. J.K. and Warner Brothers have the right to the Harry Potter universe, and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
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James waited patiently in the Common Room for Lily. He was actually nervous. "Why am I so nervous?" he asked himself silently. Sirius and Remus were also with him, waiting for their dates. Peter had already left to meet his Hufflepuff date.
Natalie Jenson came down first. She looked stunning in a white dress robe. Remus nearly fell out of his chair. He ran over to her, holding out his arm, and winked to the Marauders behind her back as they exited the Common Room.
The next person to come down was Ella Reichman. She was wearing a pink dress robe. Sirius' eyes came out of their sockets when he saw her. But, playing his cool, he calmly stood up, and offered his arm. Accepting it, Ella and Sirius left, both giving an encouraging smile to James.
James felt like he waited a lifetime before Lily came down the stairs. She chose a dark forest green dress robe, that complemented her eyes. She wore a crystal lily around her neck. James stood up, pushing back his messy hair.
"You look lovely," he said suavely. Lily smiled.
"Thank you, James," she said sweetly. Perhaps a little too sweetly… "Are you ready to go?"
James offered his arm. She graciously accepted it, and they began the walk to the Great Hall. As they passed other couples, most gave them a double take. James noticed Lily nervously twirled a tendril of her hair with her free hand, as she looked around. As they reached the doors to the Great Hall, they opened, and a flood of students poured in.
The Great Hall looked splendid. There were 6-ft. pumpkins in the corners. Real bats were hanging from the ceiling, and jack-o-lanterns were hovering over the tables, instead of the custom candles. Tables of food were already set out, and a few couples had already rushed to the Dance Floor. A band (The Wacky Witches) were playing a fast song.
"Would you care to dance, Lady Lily?" James asked charmingly.
Lily considered this. "Could you get me a glass of pumpkin juice first?"
"Of course," James answered, heading over to the Refreshment Table. A part of him wished he could pour it on her head. He was still a little sore about the fact he had to kiss Severus Snape, the greasy haired Slytherin. He made his way through the crowds of people, and grabbed a glass. As he turned around, he found himself face to face with Severus Snape.
"Move it Snape," James said angrily, as he pushed past him. However, Snape grabbed onto his shoulder.
"Wait!" Snape said. "I just wanted to apologize for everything I have done to you for the past five years. I realize how terrible I was."
James looked at Snape strangely. "You? Sorry? Just, let me go Snape. I don't have the time for this. I have to get back to my date."
Snape looked at him with wide eyes. "Your date?" His lips pressed together inquisitively.
"Yes. Lily Evans. Now, if you would excuse me…" James pushed himself past Snape, and found Lily standing on the outskirts of the dance floor, tapping her foot rhythmically. He handed her the goblet. "Here. Pumpkin juice, just like you requested."
Lily took a long sip, before grabbing James and whisking him off to the dance floor, explaining she wanted to dance now. The Wacky Witches had just struck up a slow song. Lily put one of her arms around James' neck, and held his hand with the other. James put his free arm around Lily's waist.
Someone tapped Lily's shoulder. She turned to find Severus Snape. "May I cut in?" he asked. James was about to answer, when Lily answered first. "Be my guest," she said with a grin, stepping away. Snape wrapped his arms around James, who was frozen in shock. "Have fun you two crazy love birds. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
The colour began to drain from James' face, as he realized what was going on. "Er… if you could excuse me, Sn -- er… Severus. I have to go ask Professor Dumbledore something…"
"But of course, James. But hurry back!"
James ran off, and found Lily talking to a sixth year Ravenclaw. He grabbed her arm, and began to drag her off.
"What's the big idea?" Lily asked indignantly, massaging her arm once James released her.
James gazed at her furiously. "Did you know that love potions are illegal at Hogwarts?" he asked, tilting his head to the right.
Lily smiled. "I prefer to think of it as a 'Cheering Potion'. Severus did need to be cheered up…"
"Evans, I have had it. I have tried to be nice. But enough is enough. I am so sick of your 'Little Miss Perfect' attitude. Well, now I know. You aren't perfect! Not even close! In fact, I have the right to go up to Professor Dumbledore right now, and informing him of your potion escapades…"
"But you won't," Lily interrupted.
"You're right. I would prefer to pay you back myself." With these last words, James turned and walked away furiously. Lily shrugged, and went to find Todd Wiltkinson, that Ravenclaw she was speaking with previously.
James spent the rest of the night dodging Severus Snape. It was quite difficult to do, since those in love seem to have some sort of radar. Giving up, James left the ball two hours early. Lily stayed until the end, dancing with Todd Wiltkinson. She felt a little guilty about what she did to James, but she had to do it. She had her reasons…
Sirius and Ella left the ball earlier also. They went up to the Astronomy Tower, to 'gaze at the stars' as Ella put it. She also gave Lily a mischievious wink when she told her. "Gazing at the stars is right…" she thought to herself. "Gazing at Sirius…"
The ball ended at 12:00. Todd walked Lily halfway to the Gryffindor Common Room, and thanked her for the dances. Lily smiled. "I had a fantastic time too," she said.
Todd wished her sweet dreams, before turning off to walk with a Ravenclaw friend of his. Lily gave the Fat Lady the password ('All Hallow's Eve', in celebration of Halloween) and ran up to her dorm. She collapsed happily on her bed.
"How was James?" Allyssa asked, smiling slyly.
"Well, he's not doing that great. But he'll be better tomorrow I'm sure…" Lily answered. The Love Potion on Snape would wear off before breakfast.
"You know, Lil, you are so lucky. I wish James has asked me…" Allyssa sighed longinly.
"You're joking. James? As in Potter? Didn't you go with that Hufflepuff?" Lily stared at her, clearly shocked.
Allyssa smiled timidly. "Well, I had fun with Amos, for the most part. He can just be so conceited sometimes. You're lucky. James is a catch, from what I've heard. If you get him on a good week, that is…"
Lily huffed. "I am not going to be one of the many girls who had the previous title of 'Girl of the Week'. I'm not!"
"Gosh, I'm sorry Lily. I didn't mean to upset you," Allyssa apologized.
Lily smiled faintly. "It's all right. I'm just tired. Good night!"
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When Sirius entered the boys dormitory at 1:00 A.M., James was waiting for him. "The bet is off!" he yelled angrily.
"What? Can the fabulous James Potter not tame the Green Monster?" Sirius asked teasingly.
James' jaw dropped slightly. "Me? Not tame the monster? Sirius, that girl isn't a monster! She's a… she's a… something worse than a monster!"
By now, Remus and Peter had woken up, from all the yelling and screaming, and were listening interestingly to the conversation.
"James, we had a bet. Now, you can choose to back down," Sirius said calmly, "if you so desire."
"Aurgh!" James let out a frustrated scream. He punched the wall. His hand went clear through it. "This is not fair! I mean, if I win, what do I really get? I would beat you anyway in that stupid contest. And I don't need money…"
"So," Sirius said, looking rather surprised. "You want to raise the stakes?"
James looked down. "I guess so."
"Well. If you win, you get my motorbike. I'll drop out of the contest. You get 200 galleons. And I'll give you those concert tickets I have for the Whizzing Wizards for this summer. You know, the sold out show that you really wanted to go too…"
"I know what show," James muttered sourly. "And if I lose?"
"I get 200 galleons. You drop out of the contest. And, you have to give me those Quidditch Finals tickets that you have, the Wasps vs. the Cannons." Sirius raised his eyebrows. "Do we have a deal?"
"It's a deal," James said, throwing himself onto his bed. He didn't bother to change in his pajamas; he fell asleep in his robes.
"Good night, Jamsie," he heard Sirius call out. James just pulled his covers over his head. He had just about had it with the whole bet and Green Monster business.
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A/N: How far will James go for the bet? And what about his sworn revenge on Lily? And when will Lily soften up? In the sixth chapter, expect some new revelations. Such as why Lily doesn't like James.
I want to thank everyone who reviewed. Your reviews are greatly appreciated!
Letter Writers, SierraSitruc, Princess Hermione, Eveline, the Angelic Andria, sCHEm, Hermione2, Clavel, Peppermint, Delphine, Kattis_black, slda822, Nirejseki, CharismaBrianne, Jessica, Shits and Giggles, Seshat, Nasha L.T.M Potter, Daphne Black, CassieGurl, Chelsea, Abforth, Maja, and bunny chan.
So, the contest officially starts today. In case you don't know by now, here it is to remind you:
Also, to celebrate my first year on fanfiction.net, I am going to give a cameo to the 18th person to review any of my stories, beginning on June 7th (Friday). You can do so by reviewing using the box thing or emailing me. And if you win, you get to pick the story you have a cameo in (either this one, or you can pick any year for the Marauder series. Just leave me your email address, so I can contact you. You also get to pick the sort of cameo (like, romantic involvement with the character of your choice, if you want). Hopefully, I will post a new chapter of each of my stories on June 7th (the beginning of the contest) and the 18th (my anniversary!) Also, multiple reviews do not count. Well, that's all for me. Adios!
~Noelle
Luckie7n13@aol.com