Chapter Twenty-One: Blame Shuffle

*"I don't understand what could have happened? What do you mean you nearly got Snape killed last night?" Arabella yelled at Sirius.

"Ara! It was just a prank…"

"Just a prank? Just a prank? Is it just a prank when you nearly kill someone? Sirius, I thought you were more mature than that!"

"Ara,"

"Don't Ara me!"

"Enough!" Sirius, tired of being berated by his girlfriend, stood and puffed his chest up. "Arabella, listen to me. I wasn't thinking last night. I was so mad at Snape and Malfoy for insulting you that I lost my temper. I challenged Snape to a dare that threatened his life. I'm sorry, ok? I admit, it was a dumb thing to do! I know it! And now my three best friends, McGonagall and Dumbledore, and you are all mad at me. I know I'm a screw up, but you don't have to rub it in my face!" Sirius boomed. Arabella stepped back.

"Someone has to Si. What you did was dangerous. You can't go nearly killing people when they insult someone you care about."

"I don't just care about you Ara!" Sirius regretted those words instantly. Frustrated, he flopped back into the armchair he had just been sitting in. "Ara, maybe that's why it bothered me. Because I don't just care about you, I love you. I realized it that night. And I hated seeing the one person I love insulted by that two-faced walking oil can!"

"Si, you love me?"

"Happy? You know I've never told a girl that before?"

"I know." Arabella looked at him and sighed. "I love you too Sirius."

"You do?"

"Of course! That's why I'm so mad at you! Because the guy I love nearly ruined himself and his friends. Si, you need to control your temper."

"I know Ara." Feeling bad about their fight, Arabella moved towards her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around him, holding him. He returned the favor, and they stayed comfortably that way for a few moments.

"Si, what was the dare?" Arabella suddenly asked.

"I'm not allowed to tell. I'm sworn to secrecy." He smoothed things over.

"Sworn to secrecy? By who?" Ara narrowed her eyes. If it was some Marauders thing he was leaving her out of again…

"To Dumbledore Ara. Otherwise I would tell you, you know I would." He smiled slightly.

"Of course Si."

"I still feel bad though. I mean, I let James take the blame and everything…"

"But you told me you tried to stop him."

"I did. McGonagall wouldn't listen. I've tried to talk to her a million times about it, but she refuses to want to think about it. She's really upset Ara. And if you had sent he look in Dumbledore's eyes when he looked at James… and James just stood there, taking the blame. I feel guilty as hell!"

"If you've tried you've tried Si. You need to stop thinking about it. What's past is past. Try not to concentrate on it. Just remember the lesson you learned and don't repeat the mistake. It's the only way to move on."

"You're right. But it'll be hard."

"I'll help you." As Sirius and Ara spoke, across the school grounds another couple was doing much the same.

"So how's Remus taking all of this?" Lily asked James. They were lying on their stomachs in Hagrid's hut, hot cocoa in mugs beside them. Hagrid had just stepped out of the house to feed his newest pets… giant Shreweeds. James had just clued Lily and Hagrid in on the situation, and neither of them knew quite what to say.

"He's mad at Sirius of course. But the funny thing is, he and Sirius had a long chat this afternoon, and afterwards, when I asked Remus if he was still mad, he said yes, but he understood why Sirius had done it."

"He did?"

"Yeah. But that's what I don't get. Sirius and I are best friends. Why wouldn't he tell me why he did it?"

"Maybe it was something so personal that the only reason he told Remus is because he felt he needed to explain himself." Lily whispered quietly. They stared into the flames of the flickering fireplace.

"Maybe. But I thought I knew Sirius front and back. It just… it's weird Lil. It's like I don't know my friends anymore."

"People change James. We can't help it. Maybe you should just try asking Sirius why he did it?" She suggested. It pained her to see James so worried. He was always there for her, always happy and upbeat. If she could do just one thing, say one thing, to make him happy again, it would be well worth it in her eyes.

"Maybe."

"So does Remus know the truth that you took all the blame?"

"Yeah. I think Sirius went out of his way to explain that, because Remus and I are the same as always. Its just Sirius that's changed."

"Dumbledore and McGonagall didn't find out about your animagus abilities, did they?"

"No, thank God. Remus was worried… he thinks it's his fault we've done so many illegal things like that, and it would have killed him to betray Dumbledore's trust."

"James? What you did for your friends? It was very noble." Lily whispered. James rolled onto his side and propped his head on his hand and smirked.

"You make me sound like a knight in shining armor Lily."

"Well, a knight in black robes anyway." She lowered her eyes.

"I just hope it helps them out. I like to protect my friends."

"Me too." A long silence befell them as James stared at Lily and she stared into the rug on the floor.

"Hey Lil, what are you doing this Christmas?" James suddenly asked.

"Going home I suppose. Maybe my parents will be back to normal now that Petunia's wedding is over. You know, this summer was so odd. They've always been so supportive of me, but I suppose the stress of the wedding just got to them. I'm hoping to have them back to normal. Are you going to Sirius' house?"

"If he'll have me."

"James Potter! Sirius is your friend. Your best friend. When I said people change, I meant that they grow and mature. Friendships like yours and Sirius'? They last forever."

"Yeah Lil." He paused. "Up for some sweets?"

"Would that involve chocolate?" She asked. He loved the mirth in her eyes. She had suddenly become so optimistic about everything… it was nice to finally have the real Lily shining through on the outside of her former doom and gloom self.

"I think we can manage chocolate for the lady!" He jumped up and pulled her to her feet. They laughed and bundled up. After yelling a few goodbyes to Hagrid, they left for the castle in the chilly December air.

)(

"Lily! I still cannot believe you aren't going! I mean, it's going to be so much fun, I wish you'd come!"

"Ara, I just can't. I've never been to a formal ball, I wouldn't know how to dress, act, talk, dance, eat, and all those other things. And besides, I wouldn't have a date-"

"So take James! And then you two will dance the night away under the enchanted dance decorations and slow love songs." As Ara spoke, she spun around the room, holding her dress robes up and dancing with them. A dreamy smile crossed her face. Lily laughed.

"Ara! That isn't how real life is! Only in fairytales does that happen! What's got into you? All of a sudden you're Miss. Romance."

"Oh I don't know. Maybe I'm in love!" Ara announced happily.

"There isn't any such thing as love. It's all nonsense!" Lily frowned.

"Well, then I'm nonsense!" Ara winked. Lily wrinkled her nose.

"Well then, is this 'love' of yours the same guy you've been dating all year?"

"Maybe."

"And does he return these nonsense feelings?"

"Oh Lily! He does! He told me he loved me the night after that whole fiasco with the dare! And that he had realized he loved me that very night! Can you imagine? Did you know that's the reason Sirius came up with the idea for the dare? Because he was so mad at Snape and Malfoy for insulting me? I mean, it was a horrible, terrible thing, but it had sweet intentions!"

"It nearly got Snape killed! I mean, I don't like the boy, but death?" Lily gasped.

"Well, anyway. I just told him he had to control his temper. And then I told him I loved him too! Oh Lily, love is a wonderful thing!"

"I'm happy you're happy Ara."

"Now will you come to the ball?"

"Nope."

"Lil!"

"Sorry! James and I already have plans! We're going to sit and do nothing. Sounds like fun doesn't it?"

"Sounds rather boring if you ask me." Ara looked at the red head skeptically.

"No. It sounds just right. Hey, you'd better hurry, you only have an hour to get ready."

"Oh no! And I bet all the hot water is gone too!" And Ara ran out of the room, leaving Lily to collapse on her bed.

When Arabella returned, Lily looked at her stunned. She couldn't believe it! In a matter if one hour, Arabella had gone from her school uniform to looking fantastic in a deep violet dress that brought out the rich blue of her eyes. She looked so graceful… Lily felt a slight pang of jealousy for her friend. Arabella was everything she would never be. She was popular, good looking, well liked, well-groomed, smart, and poised. Then Lily shook her head. No. She would be happy for her friend, after all, that was her job as a friend.

"Ara, you look beautiful!" Lily commented her. Ara noticed a flash of jade in Lily's eyes, but didn't understand. Why were Lily's eyes changing color? She had never noticed that before. Oh well, they were back to their usual color. And she had commented her!

"Oh, thanks Lily! Do you like my robe?"

"Yes, I like the color. It brings out your eyes." Lily told her, blushing. Then Lily grabbed Ara's hand and pulled her over to sit at the vanity in their room.

"What are you doing?" Ara asked.

"Watch and see." Lily told her quietly. Quickly she grabbed a few makeup utensils, and in a few moments she was done. Ara turned to the mirror and gasped. Her eye shadow had gone from a dull, light peach to a deep silver outlined in violet. Sparkles shimmered just lightly, and the total effect was nothing short of stunning.

"Lily! My eyes! They're gorgeous! How did you do that?"

"I may have worn black all those years, but if there's one thing I pride myself on, it's my ability to apply makeup." Lily replied. Now her friend was ready.

"Thank you Lily." Ara said, hugging her friend gently.

"Sure. You'd better go; you wouldn't want to be late, now would you? Si would blame me." The laughed and Ara nodded. They snuck up on the boys, who happened to be waiting for them outside the common room.

"And Ara says her dress is violet, but I wasn't sure what color violet was, so I…"

"Si, you could have just asked me. I would have told you violet was purple." Ara laughed. When Sirius and James turned around, the hall went silent.

"I think that means they like it Ara." Lily whispered.

"Never! I've never seen anyone as…" Sirius began. As they walked off down the hall towards the Great Hall, Lily looked at James.

"You should probably go put on your dress robes."

"Why's that?" James asked.

"Aren't you going?"

"I already said…"

"James, listen to me. Don't stay here on my account. Really. Go! Have fun. Be a party animal, or whatever you and the Marauders are at these balls. I'm serious."

"Lily, I want to stay with you." James looked confused. Why was she suddenly backing out of this?

"James… I think you should go. Why waste your time?"

"Because I think that the biggest waste of time would be to do something without you. Come on Lady Lily. Let's go back into the common room and relax. We've got time to kill."

"James…"

"Come on! March young lady!"

"Young lady? I happen to be seventeen!" She told him. He blinked.

"What? That would make you a sixth year…"

"No. I skipped a year in muggle school, so my letter came a year early."

"Lil! No one's ever done that before!" James looked shocked.

"Not that you know of." She brushed it off. As they settled down in their respective armchairs near the fire, Lily cleared her throat. "James?"

"Yes?"

"Have you and Sirius made up yet?" James shifted, and from the change in his eyes, she could tell this was not the best subject she could have touched on.

"We're talking, but for some reason… I don't know. Things are strained."

"I think I know why."

"What's that Lily?"

"Ara told me something tonight. Something that gave Sirius his motivation for sending Snape into the Whomping Willow." She stopped, and seeing James' eyes widen, she took a deep breath and hoped this would help him. "You see, Snape had been tormenting Ara in front of Sirius, and of course he lost his temper and challenged Snape. At first I didn't see why Sirius didn't just hit him for it, but I suppose what Ara said makes a little sense. See, that same night Sirius had just figured out that he 'loved' Ara." James shot up from his chair and grabbed Lily's shoulders gently.

"Sirius is in love? Impossible! He doesn't fall in love! He's the untamable wild dog!" James laughed deeply.

"Well, Prongs, it looks like he's got a new master." Lily had to smile a little. He was like a little kid who had just found out a huge secret.

"So then he did it out of love… no wonder!" James let go of Lily and began pacing around the room.

"Huh?" She asked, sure that he was happier, not quite sure why.

"See, I knew something had changed in Sirius. And when Remus understood, but Sirius hadn't told me…now it all makes sense! Sirius told Remus to help make Remus understand why he did it, but he didn't tell me because he thought I'd laugh if I knew. Poor idiot. Thanks for telling me this Lily. It really clears a lot up." And it did… after all, if it had been Lily Snape was making fun of, he would have done the same thing.

"I'm glad James. I would hate to see you and your best friend split apart."

"Me too." James smiled a true smile at her for the first time in a week, and Lily's heart jumped. "So Lils, up for a game of chess?"

"You're on!"

)(

"Professor!" Ara smiled at McGonagall as she walked by.

"Hello Ms. Figg. Enjoying yourself I hope?"

"Yes. The Head boy and girl really outdid themselves this year. And the food is great! The house elves did a great job."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." And McGonagall was gone.

"You can come out now Si." Ara yelled under the table.

"Man. This guilty conscience thing is really getting to me. I feel so bad that I let James take the blame that I can't even enjoy myself!" Sirius whined.

"Hush! You tried to tell that woman numerous times, remember? But she won't listen to you, so stop feeling guilty."

"I can't help it!"

"Sirius!"

"What?"

"Look who's here!" Ara hissed.

"Who?"

"Snape! Severus Snape is here!"

"You're joking me."

"No! He's by the punch with Malfoy and a few others… Goyle and Donner I think. I didn't know he was healthy enough to come tonight! He couldn't even drag himself up from bed to come to class. But he doesn't look well, that much is for certain. He's so pale; he barely looks well enough to smirk. Wonder if he's ill?"

"Hey, Ara? This could be a problem. I'm getting thirsty. But I'm not letting you go over there alone, so don't even think about it."

"Can you wait till they leave Si?"

"I've been waiting for a minute now. I'm parched."

"Fine. We'll go together." As they neared the punch table, they overheard a few of the Slytherin jokes. Sirius had the urge to reach out and strangle them, but he held himself back. That was, until Malfoy caught sight of him.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Black."

"Hello." Sirius remained calm.

"How's your bitch tonight? She's looking pretty good. Mind if I steal a dance?"

"Yes. She happens to be my girlfriend, so please leave us alone." Sirius muttered forcedly. Ara looked around her and to her surprise, she caught McGonagall's eye. McGonagall, seeing something was going to happen just because of the company at the punch table, didn't hesitate in making her way over. Just as she reached the table, she over heard the last bit of the conversation.

"If you hadn't made up the dare for me to go into that house, I never would have gotten injured!" Snape yelled weakly. Then he doubled over and coughed.

"And if you hadn't insulted Ara, I wouldn't have had to! You're lucky James knocked some sense into me when he did and saved your life Snape. Face it, you're indebted to him."

"That may be. But I don't need to be reminded of it by you!"

"That will be quite enough gentlemen. Mr. Snape, please go loiter around another part of the Hall." Then she turned to Sirius as Snape and company sulked away. "Now. What is this about Sirius being responsible for the incident?" McGonagall narrowed her eyes.

"What I've been trying to tell you for the last week Professor. I'm the one who devised the plan to get Snape into the…situation. James is the one who stopped me before it was too late and saved Snape's life. Then he took the blame."

"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" McGonagall snapped.

"Because you wouldn't listen. Every time I tried to tell you, you told me to forget it. But I can't! I feel horrible! James doesn't deserve the punishment!" McGonagall reddened. She slightly sputtered, then managed to collect herself.

"You mean you've been trying to tell me for the past week that James is innocent of the blame? And that he took the blame voluntarily?"

"That's right Professor. Si really came up with the idea. See, he was mad at Snape for making fun of me earlier." Ara stepped in. "He simply wanted revenge, and it went too far."

"Professor, I can't tell you how sorry I am. I mean, not only were you and Professor Dumbledore angry, but also my girlfriend was mad, and I almost lost my two best friends. I didn't even think it would go that far when Snape was in there. It was a good thing James came around and knocked some sense into me." Sirius confessed. McGonagall was taken aback by the tears she could see glistening in his eyes. The boy truly was sorry…

"Well Mr. Black. I can't say I'm pleased with you. But I can't say I'm not partially to blame for blaming the wrong person. I can see that you truly are sorry for your deeds. Of course, this doesn't excuse you from the detentions… in fact, I'm adding an extra week."

"What about James?" Ara asked.

"Well, Mr. Potter was innocent and in fact a hero as far I have been able to discern. I shall have to speak with him about his punishment… do you two know where I can find him?"

"He's not here tonight Professor." Sirius told her.

"He's not? James Potter is missing the formal ball? The same captain of the quidditch team and head of the Marauders? Is missing the formal ball?" McGonagall's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Yeah. He wanted to stay with Lily."

"Evans? That's right… I don't believe Miss Evans has ever attended a dance here. In fact, I don't believe she had ever even gone to a quidditch game until last year. And you say James is with her?"

"Yes Professor. They've grown very close…" Sirius winked and Ara elbowed him.

"What Si means is that they both like each other, but neither will admit it. Lily doesn't like crowds or dancing, so James offered to stay in the common room with her tonight."

"Well. I never would have thought of those two…" McGonagall smiled to herself. Lily Evans and James Potter. A sweet, fitting pair. Both were compassionate, bright, and thoughtful. They were a good couple. No doubt James' sudden change in attitude was due to her… and Miss Evans' sudden boldness was due to him… they were like night and day, but together they became dusk or dawn, the best of both worlds.

"Professor? If you don't mind me asking, what are you going to do about James' punishment?" Sirius asked.

"I think it only fitting I lift his bar from quidditch of course." McGonagall smiled. "Go back to dancing Mr. Black, Miss Figg. I'll deal with Mr. Potter from here."

"Thank you Professor!" Ara smiled and dragged Sirius away before he could do more damage. McGonagall watched them go, then went to find James.

)(

"Check." James announced happily. And then his face fell as he watched Lily smirk.

"Check. Mate." She smiled brightly.

"No!" James pounded his head down on the table. "I always lose to you! How do you do it?"

"Magic!" She taunted him, a faint smile playing across her pink lips. James' breath caught in his throat and he felt slightly dizzy. She was so pretty and sweet…

"Lady Lily, would you grant this losing man one last request?"

"Of course."

"A dance." He stood and offered his hand to her. She flushed and James watched the red creep onto her pale cheeks as her emerald eyes sparkled.

"James, I can't…there's no… right here… alright." She finally conceded. And she took his hand. He pulled her close to him, and she put her arms around his neck as he held onto her waist. As they spun, gradually they got closer together, and finally Lily rested her head upon James' shoulder. Both of them inwardly sighed. They were dancing, spinning around in circles to unheard slow songs. Maybe they were in a fairytale after all…

When Professor McGonagall walked into the common room, she stopped and her breath caught. Silently she watched the two children as they danced to music only they could hear. They made such a fine couple… so innocent and happy… And she decided her news could wait until the morning. As silently as she had walked in, she crept back out, careful not to disturb the pristine scene she had just witnessed. *