Author's Note: Alright children. I will make the announcement here; there
will be no Lily/Snape shipping! Snape may or may not like her but she is
destined for James and nothing will change that, so please, please be
patient with the letters the two exchange. Now that I've made that clear, I
do not own Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Snape, Peter or any other Harry
Potter characters, they are the brilliant creation of Miss J.K. Rowling and
I have no claim to them. Catherine is "mine" but that's about it. So on to
thank my reviewers:
Christy13- Thanks, I hope this is soon enough.
Black-cat-on-the-wall- I'm glad you love it! And I'm glad it was good. ^_^
Lady Arwen Gryffindor- I'm glad it was enjoyable, I find the darker aspect of things to be more real, but that's just me. On the edge of your seat huh? Well, that's something that I think will continue, if things go off as I hope they will. Thank you very much!
Captain Oblivious- You are one of the few that love the Snape/Lily letters. I'm glad James and Lily finally made up as well. It was making me annoyed to have them fighting so much.
Anarane- Thanks
R.T. - Yes, but I inserted a trait of mine here, she's got numerous diaries. I believe you've already found Remus, though you seem to be oddly obsessed with our darling Remus.
Manny2003- Thanks, here's the next one hun.
Kristatwen- The spell he used is basically one that caused the parchment to be blank if someone else other then its intended opens it. Sorry that I didn't explain that. If anyone else looks at it it's a blank bit of parchment. An invention of mine.
Don Raphiel- Don't worry about it, it just got a little annoying when it was every review you were demanding violence that I couldn't give. This story is going to be quite a bit longer. I think it might end up being something like 100 chapters, maybe more because I still have at least two years to write. Though I will not being writing every day of the two years. so you'll just have to be patient.
Esgalhothwen- Thank you, this is one of the best reviews I've received. I'm glad you think I've done so well tying into Rowling's stuff. I've been struggling with that. So thank you.
So-tight- Thank you and I will do my best to write this story to the end because it interests me and I need to write the end.
HarryPotterSNL- I'm pleased that you couldn't get away from your computer for the whole day; it means I did my job. ^_^
Optical Illusions- Thank you, I do my best.
I o u a name- I'm glad that you love it and that it was better then the last. No Snape/Lily thing as far as I know, but then again I'm not in Snape's mind, I couldn't tell you want he wants.
Chapter Forty-Six: Charity Ball & Breakfast
Lily heard the tapping in her sleep as dawn approached and she climbed out of her bed groggily to get the letter and the owl swooped back out the window again. Lily dropped the unopened letter in her desk drawer and crawled back into bed planning to sleep for at least another hour before she would have to get up to make breakfast. She was only able to manage a half hour as she was awakened from her slumber by a female voice, persistent and far too happy for this time in the morning.
"Lily! Wake up! C'mon you've gotta wake up!" the voice said as the girl shook Lily slowly but surely awake.
"Damnit Catherine go away! I'm trying to sleep," Lily said hoarsely as she rolled over and pressed her head into the pillow to drown out Catherine's voice.
"Sorry, I can't. I figured out a way to help you," Catherine said and dumped the early edition of the Daily Prophet on Lily's head. "But it's got a deadline and I need to know if you agree," she said hurriedly and Lily slowly sat up and blinked angrily at Catherine. "Read that before you tear my head off," she said and tapped the paper.
Lily groaned and picked up the paper before beginning to read.
St. Mungo's Hospital of Magical Maladies and Injuries in conjunction with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is proud to present their first ever Charity Costume Ball. The ball will be held at Hogwarts on August 12th to give all attendees time to prepare their costumes. All persons must disguise themselves as fully as possible until the end of the night. Invitations will be sent out to Ministry Officials as well as Charitable Families. Look for yours in the post soon!
Lily looked up at Catherine. "You've obviously lost it Catherine. I don't see how this will help me," she said and yawned before attempting to roll over and go back to sleep.
"No, you're just not awake enough to see what I see," Catherine said firmly and rolled Lily back over manually. "C'mon get up! We have to plan what to do about James," Catherine whispered and Lily opened her eyes.
Lily sat up very slowly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Let me take a shower and we'll talk," Lily said and when Catherine nodded Lily climbed off the bed and walked to the bathroom to take her shower and wake up. She came back out thirty minutes later in jeans and a gray t-shirt to find Catherine sprawled out on her bed staring at the ceiling.
"Finally I was beginning to think you drowned yourself," Catherine said as she sat up.
"No," Lily said and smirked, "but I was thinking about it. So explain this grand plan of yours," she said as she sat down on the bed and brushed her wet hair.
Catherine smiled brightly and then began. "Well when I got your letter I started to think about possible plans to see if James really likes you or just all that bloody red hair. All the things I thought of before the Prophet came were bound to fail. Then I saw the notice about the costume ball and had a stroke of genius," she said and seemed to be restraining a great deal of excited energy.
"And?" Lily said slightly curious as to what could be done with this costume party.
"And I decided that we could use the Polyjuice Potion," Catherine said as if this was the epitome of brilliant ideas.
"Polyjuice Potion?" Lily asked slowly and looked a little confused.
"You know, the one where you take a bit of someone's hair, drop it in and become them for an hour," Catherine said excitedly.
Lily looked extremely skeptical and she raised her eyebrows as she said, "What about it?"
"Oh I know you're not this slow, c'mon think Evans," Catherine said as if Lily's lack of magical knowledge was disappointing. Lily thought but she still wasn't running on all cylinders. Catherine sighed. "Fine, I'll just tell you. We'll use the Polyjuice Potion to see if James notices you as someone else, someone plain and boring looking while a decoy of you goes around the costume ball," she said and bounced happily on the bed.
Lily looked confused still. "Who would be the decoy?" she asked.
"Now who do you think? I would, of course, and I would act like a royal bitch if James decided to attach himself to me playing at being you," Catherine said and cackled as she grinned like a fool.
Lily's eyes widened. "That's almost cruel," she said and then smiled, "But it's brilliant Catherine!"
"I know and it's prefect! The only way James would find out that it was a plot is if you or I told him and that won't happen," Catherine said and smiled happily. "So what do you say?" she asked knowing Lily might change her mind.
"How would we get a hold of the Polyjuice Potion?" Lily asked quietly.
"I know someone who might be willing to help," Catherine said with a grin.
"Who?" Lily asked suspiciously.
Catherine sighed, "Snape," she said and hoped that it wouldn't discourage Lily from going through with things.
"No," Lily said firmly.
"I was afraid you'd say that," Catherine said and sighed. "Listen, I'm good at Potions but this potion is extremely complicated and if I were to mess it up it could be disastrous," she said. "I'm doing this to help you and if you want I can tell Snape I need it for something else," Catherine said beginning to feel that Lily wouldn't go along with the plan.
Lily sighed. "It is really the only way?" she asked quietly.
"The only way that will work with the least risk," Catherine said quietly her former energy seemed to be slipping away as Lily delayed her final decision.
Lily sighed and bowed her head. "Alright, but don't tell him unless it's absolutely necessary," she said and then looked back up at Catherine.
"Really?" Catherine asked hopefully.
"Really," Lily acknowledged slowly.
"Yes! You won't regret this Lily!" Catherine exclaimed excitedly and hugged Lily tightly. "I haven't felt like this since Hogwarts," she said as she released Lily.
"Alright, now I have to go make breakfast. James has to go to work soon," Lily said quietly. "So you can either go talk to Snape or stay and keep me company for a while," she said as she climbed off the bed to quickly make it.
"I'll stick around," Catherine said as she watched Lily make her bed before they headed down to the kitchen where Remus was sitting with a cup of coffee.
"You made coffee?" Lily asked slowly wondering if James had already come and gone.
"Just for myself. I needed a pick me up and figured you'd be down in a while, but now I see why you weren't down sooner," Remus said nodding at Catherine.
"Hello Remus," Catherine said brightly and sat down across from him.
"Catherine, when did you get here?" Remus asked politely.
"Oh about a half hour ago. I had to talk to Lily about something," Catherine said and smiled at Remus, the smiled told him that it was a private matter and it wouldn't be discussed.
"Catherine decided that she wanted to help me with Potions," Lily said and winked at Catherine before taking eggs, bacon and cheese out of the fridge and some potatoes out of the pantry. "Will one of you clean and peel those potatoes for me?" she asked as she set the potatoes in the sink.
Catherine walked over muttered, "Scourgify," and the potatoes were washed and a minute later came another spell that skinned the potatoes. "Tada," Catherine said and laughed at Lily's awestruck look.
"Thanks," Lily said and took a cheese grater out of the cupboard. "Mind shredding them?" she asked and Catherine set to it giving Lily time to prepare the rest of breakfast. "And five plates from that cupboard there," Lily delegated as James walked into the kitchen looking surprised.
"Uh, good morning," James said from the doorway looking from Lily to Catherine in shock. "I wasn't expecting you Catherine," he said once he gained his bearings. "Nice to see you," he said clearly wondering if he was still sleeping.
"And you James," Catherine said flashing him a brilliant smile before setting the plates on the table.
"May I ask why you're here?" James asked as he put his robes of the back of his chair.
"She's decided to help me with basic potions," Lily said as she carried a frying pan over to the table and dished out an egg per plate muttered a warming charm unconsciously and headed back to the stove to cook the shredded potatoes with cheddar cheese.
"I see," James said as he realized that Lily was slowly gaining prowess with her powers and that soon, within a few months she'd know everything she needed to know to run the house entirely on magic. It was awe- inspiring.
"Take a seat, I'll get you some coffee," Catherine said genially to James as she wandered over to the cupboard with the cups and saucers in it.
James leaned over to Remus. "Has she been this cheerful since you saw her?" he asked quietly. Remus nodded and looked at the paper, barely glancing at the article about the costume ball. "It's a bit scary," James said and sat up straight when Catherine turned back with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands which she set near James' plate. "Thank you," James said and smiled at her in a friendly manner.
"You're welcome," Catherine said, her far-too-chipper-for-a-Slytherin voice making all of them want to laugh and Lily did.
"Oh quit it! You're scaring them," Lily said as she turned the bacon a little before bringing it over and putting a few pieces on each person's plate.
"Speaking of scaring, where are Peter and Sirius?" Catherine asked slowly as she got coffee for her self and Lily bringing it over to the table.
"Peter's upstairs. I'm not sure when he's coming down. He's been sleeping a lot lately and Sirius is at Bella's," Remus announced nonchalantly as he watched Catherine carefully for a reaction.
Catherine's brows rose slightly. "I see. Do you know when he's going to return?" she asked trying to feign any overt interest in Sirius' whereabouts.
"Not really as morning to him can mean anything from five in the morning to noon," Remus said as he rearranged the paper and set it down folded in half. Ironically the Charity Ball announcement lay face up on the table as Remus seemed to automatically know when the cheesy potatoes were done and Lily came over moments later to dish everyone a good sized portion of them.
Lily quickly turned back to the stove to shut off the burners and get the frying pan out of the way. As she sat down beside Catherine, James noticed that her cheeks were pink and she was practically glowing. James' reverence of the face that she was happy, really happy, was broken by a high pitched outburst from the kitchen door. Catherine who had been expecting Sirius and Arabella was almost shocked when Peter was the one standing in the doorway with wide eyes and pudgy hands covering his mouth, the source of the almost feminine squeak.
"Peter, come join us, we were just about to start. Would you like some orange juice or coffee?" Lily asked sweetly.
"O-orange juice please," Peter said as he slowly stepped into the kitchen eyeing Catherine suspiciously with every step that he took towards the empty seat next to Remus across from Catherine.
Catherine watched Peter like a hawk eying a rodent for its next meal. She almost couldn't believe that the other three boys had taken Peter under their wing. She'd never been a fan of Peter Pettigrew and she knew she wouldn't trust him with a sickle but she kept her tongue civil and ate slowly. "This is great Lily," she said gesturing to her plate with her fork before stabbing at some potatoes.
"Thank you," Lily said and smiled as she set down the glass of orange juice in front of Peter. She felt sorry for him; Catherine's presence obviously made him nervous, his whole body was tense as if he anticipated something fowl from Catherine's side of the table.
To get peoples' minds off the awkwardness that was radiating from Peter Catherine searched for a topic. The Prophet sat on the table reminding her of her and Lily's plan. "So are you going to go to the party?" she asked gesturing to the paper looking around the table.
James scrunched up his nose. "Things like that are always stuffy," he said and took a piece of bacon into his mouth.
"This one looks more interesting. It's a costume ball, Hogwarts is hosting it," Catherine said off handedly as she glanced at Lily. The only way their plan would work would be if James actually went to the party.
"A costume ball? Really? I've never been to one of those," Lily said and her face held a note of curiosity as she reached across the table for the paper which Remus handed her with his free hand.
"Hogwarts held one for students when we were in seventh year," James said and he scowled at the memory. He and Sirius had gotten detentions for locking Snape in a broom closet without his wand. Their dates had been most displeased. The night had also fallen on a full moon. It had been a bad night all around.
Seeing James' far away look and Remus' closed expression Lily knew that they hadn't attended the costume ball. "It might be interesting to go. Besides, I might never get another chance to see Hogwarts in the flesh," Lily said playing her trump card that would guarantee that James would want her to experience it. "C'mon James, I won't go if you don't," she said with pleading eyes.
Catherine was almost nervous when Lily said this but her nerves were eased a moment later when James sighed in defeat. "Oh alright, I'll go but I hope that Remus and Sirius can be as easily convinced," he said and looked over at Remus with an amused glance.
"I don't see a reason why I shouldn't go and Lily's right. It might be interesting," Remus said; he'd already worked out the dates. The full moon was a whole two weeks before the ball and the next two weeks after. It fell conveniently on his strongest day possible, a new moon.
"Now we just have to convince Sirius," Lily said with an excited smile.
"Convince me of what now?" Sirius asked as he strolled casually into the kitchen eyeing Catherine curiously behind Lily before focusing on the redhead again.
"To go to the costume ball at Hogwarts," Catherine said jubilantly as she ate a piece of bacon and washed it down with coffee.
"Costume ball?" Sirius questioned as Lily who quickly explained the situation.
"Well?" Lily asked and pretended to be unconcerned with what his answer would be.
"If I have to go so does Sirius," James muttered quietly.
"I was planning on it once Lily explained. I have a great idea for a costume," Sirius replied and smirked at James.
James stuck out his tongue childishly before finishing his meal. "I've got to get to work, I'll see you all later," James said and finished his coffee quickly.
"Have a good day James," Lily said with a smile.
"You too," James said as he threw on his robes and disapparated to the Ministry of Magic.
Catherine sighed as she finished her meal. "This was delicious Lily, remind me to come over more often," she said and smiled at Lily.
"Thanks Catherine, I will," Lily said and finished her meal and began to clear the table as Remus finished too and Peter was picking at his food.
"How about I go see what James has got in his library as far as potions books go, would anyone care to join me?" Catherine said as she was starting to almost feel bad about making Peter nervous.
"Sirius and I can," Remus said and Catherine nodded leaving the kitchen with Remus and Sirius not far behind.
When they were out of ear shot Peter let out a sigh that sounded as if he'd been holding his breath. "You okay Peter?" Lily asked as she brought dishes to the sink.
"Catherine makes me nervous," Peter said very quietly as he knew that in a matter of days Lily and Catherine had formed an odd sort of bond. It was almost as if they'd been friends for years rather then days and it wasn't just a one sided thing. Catherine seemed to know things about Lily and it made Peter even more nervous then only Catherine's presence ever could.
"Why?" Lily asked curiously as these feelings Peter was having about Catherine made her feel bad. She wanted to make Peter feel comfortable around Catherine.
"I don't know. It might just be long standing reasons from Hogwarts," Peter said, took one more bite of his potatoes and stood up. "I have a couple things I need to check on for the funeral. So I'll see you later," he said and walked upstairs to his room to shower and change before leaving quickly.
Lily rushed through the dishes and quickly made her way to the library to see how Catherine had made out with the potions books.
Catherine walked into the library and started perusing the shelves every once in a while pulling a hopeful looking book off the shelf and then pushing it back in disgust. Remus and Sirius had sat down watching this interesting show curiously until Lily walked in some twenty or so minutes later. "How are things coming?" Lily asked and followed Catherine's progress along the shelves. Catherine grunted derisively and Lily said, "That good huh?"
"Its pitiful, not that this isn't a great library but the only books on potions he's got are the ones from school," Catherine said as she pulled two books off the shelves and headed back to the table that they sat near. She looked around curiously. "Where's Peter?" she asked quickly.
"He said he had something to do about his grandmothers' funeral," Lily replied quietly and Catherine nodded silently.
"I forgot they were related," Catherine mumbled and sat down dejectedly. "This is almost hopeless, but we've got to start somewhere, as we're beginning from scratch. I'm going to go see about getting you some different books and I'll be back in a few hours," she said standing up and disapparating to a darkened house across the country.
A/N: Alright guys. I think this may be the last chapter for a bit. I have to get started on my homework before break ends and if I manage to get it done I'll attempt another chapter, but don't be too hopeful. I hope you like this chapter. ~Frankie~
Christy13- Thanks, I hope this is soon enough.
Black-cat-on-the-wall- I'm glad you love it! And I'm glad it was good. ^_^
Lady Arwen Gryffindor- I'm glad it was enjoyable, I find the darker aspect of things to be more real, but that's just me. On the edge of your seat huh? Well, that's something that I think will continue, if things go off as I hope they will. Thank you very much!
Captain Oblivious- You are one of the few that love the Snape/Lily letters. I'm glad James and Lily finally made up as well. It was making me annoyed to have them fighting so much.
Anarane- Thanks
R.T. - Yes, but I inserted a trait of mine here, she's got numerous diaries. I believe you've already found Remus, though you seem to be oddly obsessed with our darling Remus.
Manny2003- Thanks, here's the next one hun.
Kristatwen- The spell he used is basically one that caused the parchment to be blank if someone else other then its intended opens it. Sorry that I didn't explain that. If anyone else looks at it it's a blank bit of parchment. An invention of mine.
Don Raphiel- Don't worry about it, it just got a little annoying when it was every review you were demanding violence that I couldn't give. This story is going to be quite a bit longer. I think it might end up being something like 100 chapters, maybe more because I still have at least two years to write. Though I will not being writing every day of the two years. so you'll just have to be patient.
Esgalhothwen- Thank you, this is one of the best reviews I've received. I'm glad you think I've done so well tying into Rowling's stuff. I've been struggling with that. So thank you.
So-tight- Thank you and I will do my best to write this story to the end because it interests me and I need to write the end.
HarryPotterSNL- I'm pleased that you couldn't get away from your computer for the whole day; it means I did my job. ^_^
Optical Illusions- Thank you, I do my best.
I o u a name- I'm glad that you love it and that it was better then the last. No Snape/Lily thing as far as I know, but then again I'm not in Snape's mind, I couldn't tell you want he wants.
Chapter Forty-Six: Charity Ball & Breakfast
Lily heard the tapping in her sleep as dawn approached and she climbed out of her bed groggily to get the letter and the owl swooped back out the window again. Lily dropped the unopened letter in her desk drawer and crawled back into bed planning to sleep for at least another hour before she would have to get up to make breakfast. She was only able to manage a half hour as she was awakened from her slumber by a female voice, persistent and far too happy for this time in the morning.
"Lily! Wake up! C'mon you've gotta wake up!" the voice said as the girl shook Lily slowly but surely awake.
"Damnit Catherine go away! I'm trying to sleep," Lily said hoarsely as she rolled over and pressed her head into the pillow to drown out Catherine's voice.
"Sorry, I can't. I figured out a way to help you," Catherine said and dumped the early edition of the Daily Prophet on Lily's head. "But it's got a deadline and I need to know if you agree," she said hurriedly and Lily slowly sat up and blinked angrily at Catherine. "Read that before you tear my head off," she said and tapped the paper.
Lily groaned and picked up the paper before beginning to read.
St. Mungo's Hospital of Magical Maladies and Injuries in conjunction with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is proud to present their first ever Charity Costume Ball. The ball will be held at Hogwarts on August 12th to give all attendees time to prepare their costumes. All persons must disguise themselves as fully as possible until the end of the night. Invitations will be sent out to Ministry Officials as well as Charitable Families. Look for yours in the post soon!
Lily looked up at Catherine. "You've obviously lost it Catherine. I don't see how this will help me," she said and yawned before attempting to roll over and go back to sleep.
"No, you're just not awake enough to see what I see," Catherine said firmly and rolled Lily back over manually. "C'mon get up! We have to plan what to do about James," Catherine whispered and Lily opened her eyes.
Lily sat up very slowly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Let me take a shower and we'll talk," Lily said and when Catherine nodded Lily climbed off the bed and walked to the bathroom to take her shower and wake up. She came back out thirty minutes later in jeans and a gray t-shirt to find Catherine sprawled out on her bed staring at the ceiling.
"Finally I was beginning to think you drowned yourself," Catherine said as she sat up.
"No," Lily said and smirked, "but I was thinking about it. So explain this grand plan of yours," she said as she sat down on the bed and brushed her wet hair.
Catherine smiled brightly and then began. "Well when I got your letter I started to think about possible plans to see if James really likes you or just all that bloody red hair. All the things I thought of before the Prophet came were bound to fail. Then I saw the notice about the costume ball and had a stroke of genius," she said and seemed to be restraining a great deal of excited energy.
"And?" Lily said slightly curious as to what could be done with this costume party.
"And I decided that we could use the Polyjuice Potion," Catherine said as if this was the epitome of brilliant ideas.
"Polyjuice Potion?" Lily asked slowly and looked a little confused.
"You know, the one where you take a bit of someone's hair, drop it in and become them for an hour," Catherine said excitedly.
Lily looked extremely skeptical and she raised her eyebrows as she said, "What about it?"
"Oh I know you're not this slow, c'mon think Evans," Catherine said as if Lily's lack of magical knowledge was disappointing. Lily thought but she still wasn't running on all cylinders. Catherine sighed. "Fine, I'll just tell you. We'll use the Polyjuice Potion to see if James notices you as someone else, someone plain and boring looking while a decoy of you goes around the costume ball," she said and bounced happily on the bed.
Lily looked confused still. "Who would be the decoy?" she asked.
"Now who do you think? I would, of course, and I would act like a royal bitch if James decided to attach himself to me playing at being you," Catherine said and cackled as she grinned like a fool.
Lily's eyes widened. "That's almost cruel," she said and then smiled, "But it's brilliant Catherine!"
"I know and it's prefect! The only way James would find out that it was a plot is if you or I told him and that won't happen," Catherine said and smiled happily. "So what do you say?" she asked knowing Lily might change her mind.
"How would we get a hold of the Polyjuice Potion?" Lily asked quietly.
"I know someone who might be willing to help," Catherine said with a grin.
"Who?" Lily asked suspiciously.
Catherine sighed, "Snape," she said and hoped that it wouldn't discourage Lily from going through with things.
"No," Lily said firmly.
"I was afraid you'd say that," Catherine said and sighed. "Listen, I'm good at Potions but this potion is extremely complicated and if I were to mess it up it could be disastrous," she said. "I'm doing this to help you and if you want I can tell Snape I need it for something else," Catherine said beginning to feel that Lily wouldn't go along with the plan.
Lily sighed. "It is really the only way?" she asked quietly.
"The only way that will work with the least risk," Catherine said quietly her former energy seemed to be slipping away as Lily delayed her final decision.
Lily sighed and bowed her head. "Alright, but don't tell him unless it's absolutely necessary," she said and then looked back up at Catherine.
"Really?" Catherine asked hopefully.
"Really," Lily acknowledged slowly.
"Yes! You won't regret this Lily!" Catherine exclaimed excitedly and hugged Lily tightly. "I haven't felt like this since Hogwarts," she said as she released Lily.
"Alright, now I have to go make breakfast. James has to go to work soon," Lily said quietly. "So you can either go talk to Snape or stay and keep me company for a while," she said as she climbed off the bed to quickly make it.
"I'll stick around," Catherine said as she watched Lily make her bed before they headed down to the kitchen where Remus was sitting with a cup of coffee.
"You made coffee?" Lily asked slowly wondering if James had already come and gone.
"Just for myself. I needed a pick me up and figured you'd be down in a while, but now I see why you weren't down sooner," Remus said nodding at Catherine.
"Hello Remus," Catherine said brightly and sat down across from him.
"Catherine, when did you get here?" Remus asked politely.
"Oh about a half hour ago. I had to talk to Lily about something," Catherine said and smiled at Remus, the smiled told him that it was a private matter and it wouldn't be discussed.
"Catherine decided that she wanted to help me with Potions," Lily said and winked at Catherine before taking eggs, bacon and cheese out of the fridge and some potatoes out of the pantry. "Will one of you clean and peel those potatoes for me?" she asked as she set the potatoes in the sink.
Catherine walked over muttered, "Scourgify," and the potatoes were washed and a minute later came another spell that skinned the potatoes. "Tada," Catherine said and laughed at Lily's awestruck look.
"Thanks," Lily said and took a cheese grater out of the cupboard. "Mind shredding them?" she asked and Catherine set to it giving Lily time to prepare the rest of breakfast. "And five plates from that cupboard there," Lily delegated as James walked into the kitchen looking surprised.
"Uh, good morning," James said from the doorway looking from Lily to Catherine in shock. "I wasn't expecting you Catherine," he said once he gained his bearings. "Nice to see you," he said clearly wondering if he was still sleeping.
"And you James," Catherine said flashing him a brilliant smile before setting the plates on the table.
"May I ask why you're here?" James asked as he put his robes of the back of his chair.
"She's decided to help me with basic potions," Lily said as she carried a frying pan over to the table and dished out an egg per plate muttered a warming charm unconsciously and headed back to the stove to cook the shredded potatoes with cheddar cheese.
"I see," James said as he realized that Lily was slowly gaining prowess with her powers and that soon, within a few months she'd know everything she needed to know to run the house entirely on magic. It was awe- inspiring.
"Take a seat, I'll get you some coffee," Catherine said genially to James as she wandered over to the cupboard with the cups and saucers in it.
James leaned over to Remus. "Has she been this cheerful since you saw her?" he asked quietly. Remus nodded and looked at the paper, barely glancing at the article about the costume ball. "It's a bit scary," James said and sat up straight when Catherine turned back with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands which she set near James' plate. "Thank you," James said and smiled at her in a friendly manner.
"You're welcome," Catherine said, her far-too-chipper-for-a-Slytherin voice making all of them want to laugh and Lily did.
"Oh quit it! You're scaring them," Lily said as she turned the bacon a little before bringing it over and putting a few pieces on each person's plate.
"Speaking of scaring, where are Peter and Sirius?" Catherine asked slowly as she got coffee for her self and Lily bringing it over to the table.
"Peter's upstairs. I'm not sure when he's coming down. He's been sleeping a lot lately and Sirius is at Bella's," Remus announced nonchalantly as he watched Catherine carefully for a reaction.
Catherine's brows rose slightly. "I see. Do you know when he's going to return?" she asked trying to feign any overt interest in Sirius' whereabouts.
"Not really as morning to him can mean anything from five in the morning to noon," Remus said as he rearranged the paper and set it down folded in half. Ironically the Charity Ball announcement lay face up on the table as Remus seemed to automatically know when the cheesy potatoes were done and Lily came over moments later to dish everyone a good sized portion of them.
Lily quickly turned back to the stove to shut off the burners and get the frying pan out of the way. As she sat down beside Catherine, James noticed that her cheeks were pink and she was practically glowing. James' reverence of the face that she was happy, really happy, was broken by a high pitched outburst from the kitchen door. Catherine who had been expecting Sirius and Arabella was almost shocked when Peter was the one standing in the doorway with wide eyes and pudgy hands covering his mouth, the source of the almost feminine squeak.
"Peter, come join us, we were just about to start. Would you like some orange juice or coffee?" Lily asked sweetly.
"O-orange juice please," Peter said as he slowly stepped into the kitchen eyeing Catherine suspiciously with every step that he took towards the empty seat next to Remus across from Catherine.
Catherine watched Peter like a hawk eying a rodent for its next meal. She almost couldn't believe that the other three boys had taken Peter under their wing. She'd never been a fan of Peter Pettigrew and she knew she wouldn't trust him with a sickle but she kept her tongue civil and ate slowly. "This is great Lily," she said gesturing to her plate with her fork before stabbing at some potatoes.
"Thank you," Lily said and smiled as she set down the glass of orange juice in front of Peter. She felt sorry for him; Catherine's presence obviously made him nervous, his whole body was tense as if he anticipated something fowl from Catherine's side of the table.
To get peoples' minds off the awkwardness that was radiating from Peter Catherine searched for a topic. The Prophet sat on the table reminding her of her and Lily's plan. "So are you going to go to the party?" she asked gesturing to the paper looking around the table.
James scrunched up his nose. "Things like that are always stuffy," he said and took a piece of bacon into his mouth.
"This one looks more interesting. It's a costume ball, Hogwarts is hosting it," Catherine said off handedly as she glanced at Lily. The only way their plan would work would be if James actually went to the party.
"A costume ball? Really? I've never been to one of those," Lily said and her face held a note of curiosity as she reached across the table for the paper which Remus handed her with his free hand.
"Hogwarts held one for students when we were in seventh year," James said and he scowled at the memory. He and Sirius had gotten detentions for locking Snape in a broom closet without his wand. Their dates had been most displeased. The night had also fallen on a full moon. It had been a bad night all around.
Seeing James' far away look and Remus' closed expression Lily knew that they hadn't attended the costume ball. "It might be interesting to go. Besides, I might never get another chance to see Hogwarts in the flesh," Lily said playing her trump card that would guarantee that James would want her to experience it. "C'mon James, I won't go if you don't," she said with pleading eyes.
Catherine was almost nervous when Lily said this but her nerves were eased a moment later when James sighed in defeat. "Oh alright, I'll go but I hope that Remus and Sirius can be as easily convinced," he said and looked over at Remus with an amused glance.
"I don't see a reason why I shouldn't go and Lily's right. It might be interesting," Remus said; he'd already worked out the dates. The full moon was a whole two weeks before the ball and the next two weeks after. It fell conveniently on his strongest day possible, a new moon.
"Now we just have to convince Sirius," Lily said with an excited smile.
"Convince me of what now?" Sirius asked as he strolled casually into the kitchen eyeing Catherine curiously behind Lily before focusing on the redhead again.
"To go to the costume ball at Hogwarts," Catherine said jubilantly as she ate a piece of bacon and washed it down with coffee.
"Costume ball?" Sirius questioned as Lily who quickly explained the situation.
"Well?" Lily asked and pretended to be unconcerned with what his answer would be.
"If I have to go so does Sirius," James muttered quietly.
"I was planning on it once Lily explained. I have a great idea for a costume," Sirius replied and smirked at James.
James stuck out his tongue childishly before finishing his meal. "I've got to get to work, I'll see you all later," James said and finished his coffee quickly.
"Have a good day James," Lily said with a smile.
"You too," James said as he threw on his robes and disapparated to the Ministry of Magic.
Catherine sighed as she finished her meal. "This was delicious Lily, remind me to come over more often," she said and smiled at Lily.
"Thanks Catherine, I will," Lily said and finished her meal and began to clear the table as Remus finished too and Peter was picking at his food.
"How about I go see what James has got in his library as far as potions books go, would anyone care to join me?" Catherine said as she was starting to almost feel bad about making Peter nervous.
"Sirius and I can," Remus said and Catherine nodded leaving the kitchen with Remus and Sirius not far behind.
When they were out of ear shot Peter let out a sigh that sounded as if he'd been holding his breath. "You okay Peter?" Lily asked as she brought dishes to the sink.
"Catherine makes me nervous," Peter said very quietly as he knew that in a matter of days Lily and Catherine had formed an odd sort of bond. It was almost as if they'd been friends for years rather then days and it wasn't just a one sided thing. Catherine seemed to know things about Lily and it made Peter even more nervous then only Catherine's presence ever could.
"Why?" Lily asked curiously as these feelings Peter was having about Catherine made her feel bad. She wanted to make Peter feel comfortable around Catherine.
"I don't know. It might just be long standing reasons from Hogwarts," Peter said, took one more bite of his potatoes and stood up. "I have a couple things I need to check on for the funeral. So I'll see you later," he said and walked upstairs to his room to shower and change before leaving quickly.
Lily rushed through the dishes and quickly made her way to the library to see how Catherine had made out with the potions books.
Catherine walked into the library and started perusing the shelves every once in a while pulling a hopeful looking book off the shelf and then pushing it back in disgust. Remus and Sirius had sat down watching this interesting show curiously until Lily walked in some twenty or so minutes later. "How are things coming?" Lily asked and followed Catherine's progress along the shelves. Catherine grunted derisively and Lily said, "That good huh?"
"Its pitiful, not that this isn't a great library but the only books on potions he's got are the ones from school," Catherine said as she pulled two books off the shelves and headed back to the table that they sat near. She looked around curiously. "Where's Peter?" she asked quickly.
"He said he had something to do about his grandmothers' funeral," Lily replied quietly and Catherine nodded silently.
"I forgot they were related," Catherine mumbled and sat down dejectedly. "This is almost hopeless, but we've got to start somewhere, as we're beginning from scratch. I'm going to go see about getting you some different books and I'll be back in a few hours," she said standing up and disapparating to a darkened house across the country.
A/N: Alright guys. I think this may be the last chapter for a bit. I have to get started on my homework before break ends and if I manage to get it done I'll attempt another chapter, but don't be too hopeful. I hope you like this chapter. ~Frankie~