Disclaimer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me but is the property of J.K.
Rowling.
Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't updated for a while but I had a bit of trouble writing this chapter because . . . . . . . . . well, you'll see. But now I'll probably be writing a lot more because I finished off my school play and unfortunately I didn't make the volleyball team. For a full report on that read my other story, "Harry Potter in a Messed Up Little World" because I took some of my anger and frustration out on 'fictional characters'. I'm still a little mad about not making the team, mostly because they only took ten people, honestly who takes ten people for a volleyball team, so that kind of affected my writing. However, that being said, I'm back to normal, well, normal for me anyway, and the upside is I'll have more time to write. And on that note, I hope you enjoy!
Hitomi Fanel: I know how much you like Sirius so you may want to read my new story, "Shadow of Doubt" which should be up soon because it's a one shot about Sirius. And are you almost done that picture of James yet?
Jen: Thank you for everything! I really appreciate it!!!
Chapter 20: Karaoke Night
Lily could hardly believe she'd already been at Hogwarts for almost three whole months. She'd already learned a lot about magic, especially about how it improved pranks. Time had just flown by and soon, on November 26th, she would be eleven and she could hardly wait. However, she was also a bit sad because it would be her first birthday away from her family. Truth be told she was a little relieved she wouldn't have to put up with Petunia but she did miss her parents.
One day, she was feeling rather nostalgic and was flipping through one of her photo albums when Megan came into their room.
"Whatcha doing?" Megan asked as she put away her schoolbooks.
"Just looking at pictures," Lily replied, as she looked up, "Want to see?"
"Sure," Megan said as she sat down.
Lily handed her the album, "That's Petunia," she said as she pointed out her sister.
Megan wrinkled her nose, "Is she sucking on a lemon or something?" she asked.
Lily giggled, "No," she replied, "She's just naturally sour."
"And with a face like that it's no wonder," Megan commented as she turned the page.
"Did those pictures you took of James turn out?" Lily asked.
Megan nodded, "Yep," she said, as she casually pointed at her bedside table. The drawer opened and out soared a rather large photo album. She caught it and flipped through the pages. "Here," she said as she handed the open album to Lily.
Lily gasped as she noticed that Megan's pictures moved, just like the paintings around Hogwarts.
"Do they talk too?" she asked.
"No," Megan said with a laugh, "To get them to talk would take a different potion.
Lily flipped through Megan's album. Mixed in with the wizarding photos were a few muggle ones. There were lots of sports pictures, mostly Quiddicth, both professional and ones of Megan and her friends and family, and football. (A/N: Soccer for all you North Americans.) There were also a few pictures that showed Megan playing basketball, volleyball, skating and skiing. There were lots of pictures of family and friends. There was a picture of Megan on her 9th birthday were she was sandwiched between James and Sirius. The three were waving and smiling broadly. Another picture that caught Lily's eye was one of Megan with Alex, Katie and Zack on a ski trip. Underneath it, Megan had written "Ski Trip to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada". She flipped through a few more pages and found a photo labeled "Family Reunion" and then she had listed the names of all those pictured. Seated next to Megan was none other then . . . . . .
"You're related to James?" Lily exclaimed, unable to believe her eyes.
Megan looked up, "Yeah, by marriage on my dad's side," she said, "Pretty much every old wizarding family is related somehow."
"Are you related to Sirius too?" asked Lily.
Megan shook her head, "Nope," she said, "Well, no wait, James is related to him through marriage on his mother's side so I guess am, but distantly. It's complicated. We're not blood related but I guess technically we are related somehow."
"Weird," Lily commented.
"Yeah," Megan agreed, "Hey, isn't your birthday soon?"
Lily nodded, "Yep," she replied, "The 26th."
"Guess I'd better wrap your present then," Megan said with a grin.
*************
The following night at dinner, Lily noticed James was beginning to regain some of his former arrogance. Lily assumed it was because soon Megan would no longer be able to order him around. However, Megan wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily.
"Hey girls," Megan said in a low voice, "Why don't we mix up a special drink for Mr. Potter?"
"What do you mean?" asked Julie.
Megan grinned, "We mix together a few things to make a customized drink," she replied.
"Count me in!" Lily said with a grin and the other girls nodded in agreement.
Grinning, the girls immediately got to work. Lily downed the rest of her juice and they used her empty goblet for mixing. They mixed ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise in with the remaining drops of juice. Next they added Tabasco sauce, salsa, garlic, salt, pepper, sugar and a few drops of honey. Lily chopped up some olives, pickles, cheese and onion and tossed them into the mix as well. Karen added bit of lemon juice and gravy, while Megan added some sour cream, cottage cheese and paprika. Brittany helped by adding some applesauce and cinnamon while Carol dropped her parsley and some salad dressing into the concoction. Kristin grabbed the bottle of vinegar and poured a generous amount in and, after lots of convincing, Julie added chocolate pudding, strawberry jam and peanut butter. Erin preferred to watch from afar, rather then get involved. That is until she decided the potion needed some pasta sauce and some vegetables.
"It's times like these I wish I had a portable spice rack," Megan said thoughtfully as she grinned, "Oh wait, I do." She pulled out her wand and, with a small flick, a small spice rack appeared next to her. She proceeded to add a little bit of everything to the mixture.
Lily picked up the butter dish and scrapped off a generous amount, which landed in the goblet. "I hope he doesn't get too sick," she said, "Because then he'd get to miss class."
The girls laughed and finished off their disgusting creation.
"Oh James," Megan called and he looked up, as did the other boys.
"Yeah?" he said a little apprehensively, he seemed to recognize Megan's tone of voice.
"We made something just for you," Lily said with a grin.
"What kind of something?" James asked, eyebrows raised.
"A special kind of something," Karen replied.
"Why is it special?" James asked.
"Because," said Carol.
"Because why?" asked James.
"You won't have ever had anything like it before," Brittany said.
Now James looked concerned, "You know what?" he said, "I'm pretty full so I don't really feel like eating anymore...."
"I thought you might say that," Megan said, "You do remember out wager don't you?"
"Unfortunately yes," James said.
"Yeah, about that, you don't have a choice, you're going to drink this," said Megan.
"I hate you."
"That's nice, now drink up!" Megan said as she slid the drink down to James.
"You are so totally whipped!" Sirius smirked.
"Am not!" James said, "And it's your fault! It was your stupid idea to have the bet in the first place."
"It's not my fault you lost mate," Sirius said with a shrug.
James gave him a dirty look. He picked up the goblet looking faintly sick.
"Oh and if you spill it, the next one will be even worse," Megan warned.
James swallowed hard. His face had turned a delicate shade of green. "Well," he said, "Bottoms up!" He pinched his nose and downed the entire thing. He slammed the goblet down and covered his mouth to keep from throwing up as he retched violently. He grabbed a glass of water and quickly drank it, clearly hoping to get rid of the horrible taste.
"Mashed potatoes work the best," Remus said knowingly.
"Thanks for the tip," James said and he began to shovel mashed potatoes into his mouth.
The girls were laughing hysterically and soon the other boys were too.
"Yeah, you may be laughing now but you won't be when I get you back," Lily heard James mutter.
*************
The next few days seemed to crawl by so slowly Lily began to grow anxious about her birthday. The night before it, she could hardly sleep. She kept wondering how her parents would send her presents, after all, unlike the wizarding families they didn't have an owl and they certainly couldn't use muggle post.
The next morning, Lily awoke very early. She dressed quickly and headed downstairs to the common room. She settled into a chair by the fire to wait for the others to wake up. Soon, some of the older students came downstairs and headed down to breakfast. When Alex came down he smiled at her.
"Happy Birthday," he said as he walked over.
Lily couldn't help but grin, "Thanks!" she said.
"I got you a little something," Alex said, as he held out a box wrapped in red and gold paper. "It's something I thought you might enjoy."
"Gee, thanks!" Lily said, as she took the package, "That's really nice of you."
"I also got you this," Alex said, as he handed her a red and gold drawstring bag.
Lily opened the bag and grinned, "Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans!" she exclaimed, "Thanks!"
Alex grinned, "You're welcome," he said.
Lily then unwrapped the box. She opened it and found a little model unicorn that pranced around in the palm of her hand. "Oh wow!" she exclaimed as she set the unicorn down on the table, "It's gorgeous! Thanks Alex!" She stood up and gave him a big hug.
"You're welcome," Alex said, "I saw it when I went to Hogsmeade a few weeks ago and I thought you might like it."
"I love it!" Lily said as she grinned.
"Well good," Alex said as he smiled down at her.
"Morning Alex," called a 6th year girl Lily didn't know.
"Morning Libby," Alex said as the girl came over, "Lily I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Libby. Libby, this is Megan's friend Lily."
"Oh I know that," Libby said, "Having a good birthday Lily?"
Lily was a little taken aback, "How'd you know it was my birthday?" she asked.
"Megan told me last night," Libby replied.
"Oh," Lily said, "Well, yes I am, thanks!"
Libby smiled, "Well, it's not every day you turn eleven," she said, "Hope it's a good one."
"Thanks!" Lily said.
"Well Alex," Libby said, "We'd better hurry, especially since we have to talk to Professor McGonagall."
"Oh, right," Alex said, "Bye Lily!"
"Bye! And thanks again!" Lily said as the two left.
As Lily settled back in her chair she was ambushed by her fellow first year girls.
"Happy Birthday!" they shouted at the top of their lungs, laughing as they piled on top of her.
Lily couldn't help laughing, "Thanks!" she said.
Soon several presents were being thrust under her nose to the cries of "Open mine first!" from her friends. So she opened her presents. From Julie, she received a beautiful new eagle feather quill. From Brittany, she received a drawing Brittany had drawn herself (Brittany was an amazing artist) of the Gryffindor lion and a box of chocolate frogs. From Karen, she received a diary with an array of mythical creatures on the cover. From Carol, she received a stuffed monkey that was absolutely adorable. From Kristin, she received a large array of muggle and wizarding candy.
"Megan helped me get it," Kristin explained as she pointed at the wizarding candies.
From Erin, she received a snow globe that had fairies in it. Finally, it was Megan's turn. Smiling, she handed over the present to Lily. Lily unwrapped it and found even more candy and a huge scrapbook. On the front was a picture of her and Megan waving up at her from the train station on the day they left to come to Hogwarts.
"Open it," Megan urged.
Lily opened the book and on the first page found a picture of James wearing the dress. He tried to dart out of the picture but the photographic Sirius pulled him back. Lily couldn't help laughing at James face. There were even more pictures. Pictures from Halloween, pictures from the first Quidditch game, pictures of everything.
"These pictures are amazing!" Lily exclaimed.
Megan grinned, "My favourite is the one of James," she said and they all laughed.
"Thanks everybody!" Lily exclaimed, "I love everything!"
They group headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. They had just sat down when the post arrived. Two owls flew over to Lily, each carrying a package.
"That one's from my parents," Megan said as she pointed at the larger owl, a large brown one, "That's Artemis."
Lily opened the present from Megan's parents. It contained a scarf, sweater and mitten set that was scarlet and gold like the Gryffindor colours. There were also several homemade cookies.
"Your parents are so nice!" Lily exclaimed.
"My mom probably knitted those herself," Megan said, "And I know she baked those cookies."
"That was really nice of her," Lily said. She opened the package from her parents. Inside were several cards from not only her parents but also her aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Instead of lots of presents there was instead money with instructions to buy "whatever her heart desired" for her birthday. She opened the one from her parents last. Inside a small box was a gold heart-shaped locket.
"Wow," said Carol, "You're so lucky!" The other girls nodded in agreement.
Lily opened the card and read it in silence, smiling to herself. At the very end there was a small little note that read, "P.S. The owl is for you, pick out a nice name for him!"
"Oh my god!" she squealed, "I get to keep the owl!"
"No way!" said Megan.
"Now I have to think of a good name for him," Lily said thoughtfully.
The rest of the day just flew by for Lily. James and Sirius had tried to give her birthday beats but with a little help from her wand, she was able to outsmart them. All in all she couldn't have asked for a better birthday. She had decided to name her new owl Aesop and was very happy to have him. Now she wouldn't have to use the school owls to send letters. As she drifted off to sleep she felt extremely happy.
*************
The weekend rolled around again and Lily knew it would be eventful. After Saturday night, Megan would no longer be able to boss James around so everyone knew something big would happen. Megan of course wasn't about to ruin the surprise and kept everyone guessing. She even left dinner early to go get ready. When the Gryffindors arrived back at the common room streamers, banners and even more food greeted them.
"Welcome to the Gryffindor Karaoke night!" Megan said with a big grin, "Our first act will be none other then James Potter singing "I Will Survive" by Diana Ross! Everybody give James a round of applause!"
Everyone cheered and applauded. Sirius pushed a very panicked looking James forward.
"Yeah!" Sirius yelled, "You go James!"
Megan grabbed James and dragged him over to the karaoke machine. However, Lily couldn't understand how it would work, electrical muggle gadgets didn't work inside Hogwarts. However, Megan pointed her wand at the machine and it turned on, all it's lights flashing like crazy. Soon the first few notes of the song came out and James began to sing;
"At first I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinkin' I could never live without you by my side, Then I spent so many nights just thinking how you did me wrong, And I grew strong, And I learned how to get along!
And so you're back from outer space, I just walked in to find you here, with that sad look upon your face, I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key, If I had known for just one second you'd be back to bother me!
Go on now go, walk out the door! Just turn around now, 'Coz you're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbyes? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no not I, I will survive! For as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive, I've got all my life to live And I've got all my love to give, I'll survive I will survive Hey hey!
I, I will survive! Hey hey! I, I will survive! Every day I, I will survive! Oh yeah!
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart, Just trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart. And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself, I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high! And you see me, somebody new, I'm not that chained up little person still in love with you! And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free, But now I'm savin' all my lovin' for someone who's lovin' me!
Go on now, go walk out the door! Just turn around now, You're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbyes? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no not I, I will survive! Oh as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive, I've got all my life to live, And I've got all my love to give! I'll survive! I will survive! Hey hey!
Go now, go walk out the door! Just turn around now, 'Coz you're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no not I, I will survive! Oh as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive! I've got all my life to live, And I've got all my love to give, I'll survive! I will survive! I will survive!"
The Gryffindors cheered and applauded James' singing. Lily had to admit, the guy did have a pretty decent voice. He had even begun to get into the song a little bit and was hamming it up for the crowd. As he stepped down, several others rushed forward to take his place and immediately began singing "YMCA" by the Village People. After all, what Karaoke is complete without doing the YMCA?
Megan and Lily started dancing and singing along.
"Hey Lily!" Megan said.
"Yeah?" Lily yelled over the noise.
"Why don't we sing a song?" Megan said.
"What song?" asked Lily.
Megan thought a minute, "How about "Mickey"?" she asked.
"OK!" Lily said.
When the Gryffindor Village People left the stage the two girls ran up and grabbed the mike. Megan pushed the buttons and soon the familiar tune was blasting out and they sang;
"Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!
You've been around all night and that's a little long, You think you've got the right, but I think you've got it wrong. Why can't we say goodnight? So you can take me home, Mickey, Cause when you say you will, it always means you won't, You're givin' me the chills, baby, please baby don't! Every night you still leave me all alone, Mickey.
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand! Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand, It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey, Don't break my heart, Mickey, Hey Mickey!
(A/N: Originally there was another verse here but I don't feel it's appropriate and have therefore erased it.)
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand! Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey! Don't break my heart, Mickey!
Oh Mickey, you're so fine You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey!
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey!
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey!"
They left the stage to cheers and applause.
"I didn't know you could sing like that Megan!" Lily exclaimed.
"I'm not that good," Megan said.
"You're joking right?" Lily said, "That was amazing!"
"That was karaoke," Megan pointed out, "Now, enough talk, let's party!"
She disappeared into the crowd and Lily followed her. She couldn't help laughing, Megan was definitely one of a kind.
All of the Gryffindors spent the rest of the night partying like there was no tomorrow and basically just having a blast. They only stopped when Professor McGonagall came in and said that if the didn't they'd all have detention.
As Lily curled up under her warm covers, she couldn't help smiling. It was times like these that made her incredibly happy to be at Hogwarts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
OK, so that's it for now. I'll try and finish the next few chapters really really soon, I promise! Anywho, as always, please read and review! Thanks!
~*~MeGaN~*~
Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't updated for a while but I had a bit of trouble writing this chapter because . . . . . . . . . well, you'll see. But now I'll probably be writing a lot more because I finished off my school play and unfortunately I didn't make the volleyball team. For a full report on that read my other story, "Harry Potter in a Messed Up Little World" because I took some of my anger and frustration out on 'fictional characters'. I'm still a little mad about not making the team, mostly because they only took ten people, honestly who takes ten people for a volleyball team, so that kind of affected my writing. However, that being said, I'm back to normal, well, normal for me anyway, and the upside is I'll have more time to write. And on that note, I hope you enjoy!
Hitomi Fanel: I know how much you like Sirius so you may want to read my new story, "Shadow of Doubt" which should be up soon because it's a one shot about Sirius. And are you almost done that picture of James yet?
Jen: Thank you for everything! I really appreciate it!!!
Chapter 20: Karaoke Night
Lily could hardly believe she'd already been at Hogwarts for almost three whole months. She'd already learned a lot about magic, especially about how it improved pranks. Time had just flown by and soon, on November 26th, she would be eleven and she could hardly wait. However, she was also a bit sad because it would be her first birthday away from her family. Truth be told she was a little relieved she wouldn't have to put up with Petunia but she did miss her parents.
One day, she was feeling rather nostalgic and was flipping through one of her photo albums when Megan came into their room.
"Whatcha doing?" Megan asked as she put away her schoolbooks.
"Just looking at pictures," Lily replied, as she looked up, "Want to see?"
"Sure," Megan said as she sat down.
Lily handed her the album, "That's Petunia," she said as she pointed out her sister.
Megan wrinkled her nose, "Is she sucking on a lemon or something?" she asked.
Lily giggled, "No," she replied, "She's just naturally sour."
"And with a face like that it's no wonder," Megan commented as she turned the page.
"Did those pictures you took of James turn out?" Lily asked.
Megan nodded, "Yep," she said, as she casually pointed at her bedside table. The drawer opened and out soared a rather large photo album. She caught it and flipped through the pages. "Here," she said as she handed the open album to Lily.
Lily gasped as she noticed that Megan's pictures moved, just like the paintings around Hogwarts.
"Do they talk too?" she asked.
"No," Megan said with a laugh, "To get them to talk would take a different potion.
Lily flipped through Megan's album. Mixed in with the wizarding photos were a few muggle ones. There were lots of sports pictures, mostly Quiddicth, both professional and ones of Megan and her friends and family, and football. (A/N: Soccer for all you North Americans.) There were also a few pictures that showed Megan playing basketball, volleyball, skating and skiing. There were lots of pictures of family and friends. There was a picture of Megan on her 9th birthday were she was sandwiched between James and Sirius. The three were waving and smiling broadly. Another picture that caught Lily's eye was one of Megan with Alex, Katie and Zack on a ski trip. Underneath it, Megan had written "Ski Trip to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada". She flipped through a few more pages and found a photo labeled "Family Reunion" and then she had listed the names of all those pictured. Seated next to Megan was none other then . . . . . .
"You're related to James?" Lily exclaimed, unable to believe her eyes.
Megan looked up, "Yeah, by marriage on my dad's side," she said, "Pretty much every old wizarding family is related somehow."
"Are you related to Sirius too?" asked Lily.
Megan shook her head, "Nope," she said, "Well, no wait, James is related to him through marriage on his mother's side so I guess am, but distantly. It's complicated. We're not blood related but I guess technically we are related somehow."
"Weird," Lily commented.
"Yeah," Megan agreed, "Hey, isn't your birthday soon?"
Lily nodded, "Yep," she replied, "The 26th."
"Guess I'd better wrap your present then," Megan said with a grin.
*************
The following night at dinner, Lily noticed James was beginning to regain some of his former arrogance. Lily assumed it was because soon Megan would no longer be able to order him around. However, Megan wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily.
"Hey girls," Megan said in a low voice, "Why don't we mix up a special drink for Mr. Potter?"
"What do you mean?" asked Julie.
Megan grinned, "We mix together a few things to make a customized drink," she replied.
"Count me in!" Lily said with a grin and the other girls nodded in agreement.
Grinning, the girls immediately got to work. Lily downed the rest of her juice and they used her empty goblet for mixing. They mixed ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise in with the remaining drops of juice. Next they added Tabasco sauce, salsa, garlic, salt, pepper, sugar and a few drops of honey. Lily chopped up some olives, pickles, cheese and onion and tossed them into the mix as well. Karen added bit of lemon juice and gravy, while Megan added some sour cream, cottage cheese and paprika. Brittany helped by adding some applesauce and cinnamon while Carol dropped her parsley and some salad dressing into the concoction. Kristin grabbed the bottle of vinegar and poured a generous amount in and, after lots of convincing, Julie added chocolate pudding, strawberry jam and peanut butter. Erin preferred to watch from afar, rather then get involved. That is until she decided the potion needed some pasta sauce and some vegetables.
"It's times like these I wish I had a portable spice rack," Megan said thoughtfully as she grinned, "Oh wait, I do." She pulled out her wand and, with a small flick, a small spice rack appeared next to her. She proceeded to add a little bit of everything to the mixture.
Lily picked up the butter dish and scrapped off a generous amount, which landed in the goblet. "I hope he doesn't get too sick," she said, "Because then he'd get to miss class."
The girls laughed and finished off their disgusting creation.
"Oh James," Megan called and he looked up, as did the other boys.
"Yeah?" he said a little apprehensively, he seemed to recognize Megan's tone of voice.
"We made something just for you," Lily said with a grin.
"What kind of something?" James asked, eyebrows raised.
"A special kind of something," Karen replied.
"Why is it special?" James asked.
"Because," said Carol.
"Because why?" asked James.
"You won't have ever had anything like it before," Brittany said.
Now James looked concerned, "You know what?" he said, "I'm pretty full so I don't really feel like eating anymore...."
"I thought you might say that," Megan said, "You do remember out wager don't you?"
"Unfortunately yes," James said.
"Yeah, about that, you don't have a choice, you're going to drink this," said Megan.
"I hate you."
"That's nice, now drink up!" Megan said as she slid the drink down to James.
"You are so totally whipped!" Sirius smirked.
"Am not!" James said, "And it's your fault! It was your stupid idea to have the bet in the first place."
"It's not my fault you lost mate," Sirius said with a shrug.
James gave him a dirty look. He picked up the goblet looking faintly sick.
"Oh and if you spill it, the next one will be even worse," Megan warned.
James swallowed hard. His face had turned a delicate shade of green. "Well," he said, "Bottoms up!" He pinched his nose and downed the entire thing. He slammed the goblet down and covered his mouth to keep from throwing up as he retched violently. He grabbed a glass of water and quickly drank it, clearly hoping to get rid of the horrible taste.
"Mashed potatoes work the best," Remus said knowingly.
"Thanks for the tip," James said and he began to shovel mashed potatoes into his mouth.
The girls were laughing hysterically and soon the other boys were too.
"Yeah, you may be laughing now but you won't be when I get you back," Lily heard James mutter.
*************
The next few days seemed to crawl by so slowly Lily began to grow anxious about her birthday. The night before it, she could hardly sleep. She kept wondering how her parents would send her presents, after all, unlike the wizarding families they didn't have an owl and they certainly couldn't use muggle post.
The next morning, Lily awoke very early. She dressed quickly and headed downstairs to the common room. She settled into a chair by the fire to wait for the others to wake up. Soon, some of the older students came downstairs and headed down to breakfast. When Alex came down he smiled at her.
"Happy Birthday," he said as he walked over.
Lily couldn't help but grin, "Thanks!" she said.
"I got you a little something," Alex said, as he held out a box wrapped in red and gold paper. "It's something I thought you might enjoy."
"Gee, thanks!" Lily said, as she took the package, "That's really nice of you."
"I also got you this," Alex said, as he handed her a red and gold drawstring bag.
Lily opened the bag and grinned, "Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans!" she exclaimed, "Thanks!"
Alex grinned, "You're welcome," he said.
Lily then unwrapped the box. She opened it and found a little model unicorn that pranced around in the palm of her hand. "Oh wow!" she exclaimed as she set the unicorn down on the table, "It's gorgeous! Thanks Alex!" She stood up and gave him a big hug.
"You're welcome," Alex said, "I saw it when I went to Hogsmeade a few weeks ago and I thought you might like it."
"I love it!" Lily said as she grinned.
"Well good," Alex said as he smiled down at her.
"Morning Alex," called a 6th year girl Lily didn't know.
"Morning Libby," Alex said as the girl came over, "Lily I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Libby. Libby, this is Megan's friend Lily."
"Oh I know that," Libby said, "Having a good birthday Lily?"
Lily was a little taken aback, "How'd you know it was my birthday?" she asked.
"Megan told me last night," Libby replied.
"Oh," Lily said, "Well, yes I am, thanks!"
Libby smiled, "Well, it's not every day you turn eleven," she said, "Hope it's a good one."
"Thanks!" Lily said.
"Well Alex," Libby said, "We'd better hurry, especially since we have to talk to Professor McGonagall."
"Oh, right," Alex said, "Bye Lily!"
"Bye! And thanks again!" Lily said as the two left.
As Lily settled back in her chair she was ambushed by her fellow first year girls.
"Happy Birthday!" they shouted at the top of their lungs, laughing as they piled on top of her.
Lily couldn't help laughing, "Thanks!" she said.
Soon several presents were being thrust under her nose to the cries of "Open mine first!" from her friends. So she opened her presents. From Julie, she received a beautiful new eagle feather quill. From Brittany, she received a drawing Brittany had drawn herself (Brittany was an amazing artist) of the Gryffindor lion and a box of chocolate frogs. From Karen, she received a diary with an array of mythical creatures on the cover. From Carol, she received a stuffed monkey that was absolutely adorable. From Kristin, she received a large array of muggle and wizarding candy.
"Megan helped me get it," Kristin explained as she pointed at the wizarding candies.
From Erin, she received a snow globe that had fairies in it. Finally, it was Megan's turn. Smiling, she handed over the present to Lily. Lily unwrapped it and found even more candy and a huge scrapbook. On the front was a picture of her and Megan waving up at her from the train station on the day they left to come to Hogwarts.
"Open it," Megan urged.
Lily opened the book and on the first page found a picture of James wearing the dress. He tried to dart out of the picture but the photographic Sirius pulled him back. Lily couldn't help laughing at James face. There were even more pictures. Pictures from Halloween, pictures from the first Quidditch game, pictures of everything.
"These pictures are amazing!" Lily exclaimed.
Megan grinned, "My favourite is the one of James," she said and they all laughed.
"Thanks everybody!" Lily exclaimed, "I love everything!"
They group headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. They had just sat down when the post arrived. Two owls flew over to Lily, each carrying a package.
"That one's from my parents," Megan said as she pointed at the larger owl, a large brown one, "That's Artemis."
Lily opened the present from Megan's parents. It contained a scarf, sweater and mitten set that was scarlet and gold like the Gryffindor colours. There were also several homemade cookies.
"Your parents are so nice!" Lily exclaimed.
"My mom probably knitted those herself," Megan said, "And I know she baked those cookies."
"That was really nice of her," Lily said. She opened the package from her parents. Inside were several cards from not only her parents but also her aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Instead of lots of presents there was instead money with instructions to buy "whatever her heart desired" for her birthday. She opened the one from her parents last. Inside a small box was a gold heart-shaped locket.
"Wow," said Carol, "You're so lucky!" The other girls nodded in agreement.
Lily opened the card and read it in silence, smiling to herself. At the very end there was a small little note that read, "P.S. The owl is for you, pick out a nice name for him!"
"Oh my god!" she squealed, "I get to keep the owl!"
"No way!" said Megan.
"Now I have to think of a good name for him," Lily said thoughtfully.
The rest of the day just flew by for Lily. James and Sirius had tried to give her birthday beats but with a little help from her wand, she was able to outsmart them. All in all she couldn't have asked for a better birthday. She had decided to name her new owl Aesop and was very happy to have him. Now she wouldn't have to use the school owls to send letters. As she drifted off to sleep she felt extremely happy.
*************
The weekend rolled around again and Lily knew it would be eventful. After Saturday night, Megan would no longer be able to boss James around so everyone knew something big would happen. Megan of course wasn't about to ruin the surprise and kept everyone guessing. She even left dinner early to go get ready. When the Gryffindors arrived back at the common room streamers, banners and even more food greeted them.
"Welcome to the Gryffindor Karaoke night!" Megan said with a big grin, "Our first act will be none other then James Potter singing "I Will Survive" by Diana Ross! Everybody give James a round of applause!"
Everyone cheered and applauded. Sirius pushed a very panicked looking James forward.
"Yeah!" Sirius yelled, "You go James!"
Megan grabbed James and dragged him over to the karaoke machine. However, Lily couldn't understand how it would work, electrical muggle gadgets didn't work inside Hogwarts. However, Megan pointed her wand at the machine and it turned on, all it's lights flashing like crazy. Soon the first few notes of the song came out and James began to sing;
"At first I was afraid, I was petrified, Kept thinkin' I could never live without you by my side, Then I spent so many nights just thinking how you did me wrong, And I grew strong, And I learned how to get along!
And so you're back from outer space, I just walked in to find you here, with that sad look upon your face, I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key, If I had known for just one second you'd be back to bother me!
Go on now go, walk out the door! Just turn around now, 'Coz you're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbyes? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no not I, I will survive! For as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive, I've got all my life to live And I've got all my love to give, I'll survive I will survive Hey hey!
I, I will survive! Hey hey! I, I will survive! Every day I, I will survive! Oh yeah!
It took all the strength I had not to fall apart, Just trying hard to mend the pieces of my broken heart. And I spent oh so many nights just feeling sorry for myself, I used to cry, but now I hold my head up high! And you see me, somebody new, I'm not that chained up little person still in love with you! And so you felt like dropping in and just expect me to be free, But now I'm savin' all my lovin' for someone who's lovin' me!
Go on now, go walk out the door! Just turn around now, You're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbyes? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no not I, I will survive! Oh as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive, I've got all my life to live, And I've got all my love to give! I'll survive! I will survive! Hey hey!
Go now, go walk out the door! Just turn around now, 'Coz you're not welcome anymore! Weren't you the one who tried to break me with goodbye? Did you think I'd crumble? Did you think I'd lay down and die? Oh no not I, I will survive! Oh as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive! I've got all my life to live, And I've got all my love to give, I'll survive! I will survive! I will survive!"
The Gryffindors cheered and applauded James' singing. Lily had to admit, the guy did have a pretty decent voice. He had even begun to get into the song a little bit and was hamming it up for the crowd. As he stepped down, several others rushed forward to take his place and immediately began singing "YMCA" by the Village People. After all, what Karaoke is complete without doing the YMCA?
Megan and Lily started dancing and singing along.
"Hey Lily!" Megan said.
"Yeah?" Lily yelled over the noise.
"Why don't we sing a song?" Megan said.
"What song?" asked Lily.
Megan thought a minute, "How about "Mickey"?" she asked.
"OK!" Lily said.
When the Gryffindor Village People left the stage the two girls ran up and grabbed the mike. Megan pushed the buttons and soon the familiar tune was blasting out and they sang;
"Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!
You've been around all night and that's a little long, You think you've got the right, but I think you've got it wrong. Why can't we say goodnight? So you can take me home, Mickey, Cause when you say you will, it always means you won't, You're givin' me the chills, baby, please baby don't! Every night you still leave me all alone, Mickey.
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand! Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand, It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey, Don't break my heart, Mickey, Hey Mickey!
(A/N: Originally there was another verse here but I don't feel it's appropriate and have therefore erased it.)
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand! Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey! Don't break my heart, Mickey!
Oh Mickey, you're so fine You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey! Oh Mickey, you're so fine, You're so fine, you blow my mind! Hey Mickey! Hey Mickey!
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey!
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey!
Oh Mickey, what a pity, you don't understand, You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand. Oh Mickey, you're so pretty, can't you understand? It's guys like you, Mickey, Ooh what you do Mickey, do Mickey Don't break my heart, Mickey!"
They left the stage to cheers and applause.
"I didn't know you could sing like that Megan!" Lily exclaimed.
"I'm not that good," Megan said.
"You're joking right?" Lily said, "That was amazing!"
"That was karaoke," Megan pointed out, "Now, enough talk, let's party!"
She disappeared into the crowd and Lily followed her. She couldn't help laughing, Megan was definitely one of a kind.
All of the Gryffindors spent the rest of the night partying like there was no tomorrow and basically just having a blast. They only stopped when Professor McGonagall came in and said that if the didn't they'd all have detention.
As Lily curled up under her warm covers, she couldn't help smiling. It was times like these that made her incredibly happy to be at Hogwarts.
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OK, so that's it for now. I'll try and finish the next few chapters really really soon, I promise! Anywho, as always, please read and review! Thanks!
~*~MeGaN~*~