A/N- This chapter is for Anna. And I have added more Remus for jfuroboe. Thanks guys!
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"They look fantastic together, don't they," Ari said lightly.
The dinner lights had been dimmed and the effect was slightly intoxicating. Soft lights fell on the floor. Red, gold, green and silver banners hung from the ceiling, bright Christmas Trees were decorated with ribbons, beads, baubles, tinsel, bows and gold figurines.
Wreaths hung on the walls and holly sat on the tables and chairs that were situated along the wall. Bright red punch sat on smaller tables, as well has delicacy treats.
Hundreds of kids and their dates lingered on the sidelines, watching the prefects and head students dance.
The couple which Ari and Remus were currently discussing, happened to be the two Head Students, Lily and James Potter.
Chestnuts
roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide
carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like
eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to
make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will
find it hard to sleep tonight
"They look slightly nervous though," Ari concluded. "Want to get some punch?" Remus smiled nervously and glanced fleetingly at a lone punch bowl on the table closest to them. Ari raised her eyebrows. "Ok, which bowl did Sirius spike?" Ari said with a knowing smile.
Remus
grinned. "Let's stay away from this bowl, shall we?" He said
indicating the bowl closest to them.
They
know that Santa's on his way
He's bringing lots of toys and
goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To
see if reindeer really know how to fly
"I believed in Santa for so long," Ari said. "My mom was a friend of the Prewetts in particular. I remember one Christmas, when Alice, her twin brothers, my brother younger Karol, my older sisters Nadia and Tanya and I stayed up late to try to see the reindeer in the sky. We were quite convinced that we heard their hoofs on the roof."
And
so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to
ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry
Christmas to you
"You have a big family then." Remus said simply. He just enjoyed watching her. He found that if he stared at her too long, his eyes would glaze over. It was quite scary.
Ari reached out to take his hand. They turned their attention to Cat and Sirius at the back of the hall. Cat was laughing and glancing at the offending punch bowl. It looked like Sirius had just told her what he had done. They looked really comfortable together. It was funny how when you talk to someone for the first time, you think you fully understand. Later, you realize how complex peoples minds, hearts, souls and families are. Just think. Cat and James have both suffered needlessly with deaths and the looming threat of Voldemort. But look at them. Laughing away and acting all carefree. Remus was amazed at how well they survived. Able to go on in life, as of nothing had happened. But it's the same with Lily and Sirius. Lily's sister had now rejected her because Lily was a witch. Sirius left his only family because they were selfish, mean and totally regarded muggleborns and half-bloods. Remus wasn't sure that he would have the guts to be able to do that.
But
here they were, laughing away. Being hyper. It was amazing. How do
they do it?
And so I'm offering this
simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been
said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
Finally, they other students were allowed to dance. Couples moved both slow and fast, colors whirled, skirts twirled, and Thyris Nott and his date, Marcy Sincopane where acting very out of character. The stern, secretive pair where really letting it loose, talking at the top of their lungs, swinging around the floor and calling each other 'Thy' and 'Cy'.
Obviously they had taken more of their share in the 'Offending Punch' as Remus now called it.
It's
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
With the kids jingle
belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
It's the hap
-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy
meetings
When friends come to call
It's
the hap - happiest season of all
There'll be parties for
hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the
snow
"Hello!" Came a cheery voice behind the dancing Ari and Remus. It was Cat, Torii and Jack.
"Hey," Ari said. "Where did Sirius go off too?"
Cat grinned cheekily. "It seems that the 'Offending Punch' is almost gone. I think he's gone to go get some more."
"Oh God," Torii muttered under her breath. "Just don't tell Lily. She will most certainly confiscate it."
There'll
be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases
long, long ago
The group lingered by the side lines, joined by James and Lily. By the winks that were exchanged by James and Sirius when he returned, it looked like the head boy didn't care what so ever about punch.
The Bell twins, as they were called also came to give their congratulations to Lily and James.
"This is great!" Rebecca was saying to James. "You guys have done a wonderful job. You host really good parties."
"And you had better host another great one when Gryffendor wins the Quidditch cup," Brittany cut in.
It's
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
There'll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near
The Bell twins, Becky and Britt as they we known, happened to be on the Quidditch team, along with Cat, James, the two Prewett twins, Joseph and Benjamin and a really good second year named Edouard (Eddy) Lablanc who was replacing the seeker Chanda Jones who had graduated last year.
"That's right. We are so totally going to win this year, pity Chanda has left though," James replied.
"Eddy is great! He was good to begin with, but has totally improved. Look how we flattened Hufflepuff last October!" Cat said. The discussion turned towards the Quidditch match and how no one wanted Slytherin to win again.
It's
The Most Wonderful Time
It's The Most Wonderful Time
It's The
Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Cat was distracted though. She kept smiling and waving at the stage that was set up for the Twitchy Witches who were providing the entertainment with an assortment of Christmas carols.
Said
the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way
up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a
star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With
a tail as big as a kite
"Dunno why they keep playing these muggle songs," Ari muttered to Remus.
This song was a little bit different. Softer, Remus and Ari danced a little bit closer as they looked at the throng of people. Lily and James were talking lightly and keeping a respective distance, though Lily seemed to be frowning about something.
Cat had her arms around Sirius' neck, holding him close. They seemed to be talking about something serious, though every so often, Sirius would plant a kiss on Cat's lips carefully.
Lis and Mac were fully connected at the lips, though every so often, they would smile at someone passing by.
Torii and Jack we no where to be seen.
Peter
could be seen holding Melinda's hand and walking towards the
terrace.
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd
boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the
trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as
the sea
"I'm slightly worried about Lily and James though," Ari said. "She doesn't look to happy." Indeed she didn't. She was now staring accusingly at James and turned towards the punch bowls suspiciously.
As Ari and Remus neared them, they could hear Lily hissing at James. "How could you! You could put us both in danger of being suspended from school! I thought we talked about this!"
"Lily, I swear I didn't do it! I only found out about this today!" James said. Lily looked furious, and didn't calm down in the slightest as Ari and Remus slid in beside them.
"Did you know about this punch?" She said rounding on them.
"Lily, please calm down. You know we have no control over Sirius at all! Only Cat does. And James," Remus added hastily. Lily's hair flung around wildly, though she managed to keep her voice down as to not attract attention.
"Exactly!" Lily whispered venomously. "YOU should have stopped it!" She stuck a finger in James's chest. "But I didn't even though until half an hour ago!" James protested.
"You could have told a teacher or something.........."
"And tell on Sirius? He's my friend. He'd get a detention." James said angrily.
"Please calm down," Ari implored them.
"It's no more than he deserves!" Lily said getting carried away.
Said
the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In
your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
"That's it then? You think Sirius deserves a detention? You think he deserves to get suspended again? You hate him? Is that what your saying? That Sirius is a nobody who deserves to get put down? Who is unworthy of your best friends love?" James said this in a fierce voice.
"He almost killed Snape last year! I swear, I won't be surprised of he turns out to be a mass murderer one day!" Lily didn't back down, though she had to admit that she was unnerved by James' intense stare.
"He
just lost his temper. You don't even know why he told Snape to
find out where I was!" Remus said nervously.
A
Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and
gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
"So? He could hurt Cat! And why are we even talking about this. We should be talking about Responsibility." Lily glared.
Said
the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
"Respect." Lily added chillingly. "And Maturity."
Pray
for peace, people everywhere!
"No. We should be talking about Peace. Love." Ari cut in. "You too are letting your temper run away with you." Ari motioned to the happy couples. Cat and Sirius in particular.
"Look how happy they are!"
listen
to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
"Can you please just get along? Do it for Cat. She needs this."
He
will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and
light
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ball continued happily, with James and Lily mildly getting along. Cat and Sirius were positively oblivious to the assessment that Lily and the others had made on their relationship, and joined them with butterbeers in hand at one of the tables.
The memories seemed to flow in unison under the fading lights. James had his arm around Lily's waist and she either didn't notice or enjoyed it immensely. Cat was seated under Sirius' arm and was laughing along with James, Remus, Peter and Sirius about one of the Christmas pranks they had pulled.
"What do you normally do at Christmas with your family Melinda?" Cat asked the shy but vivacious 5th year.
"Well.....I'm a half blood so I usually spend Christmas Eve with my father's family on their estate in Scotland. We stay up all night drinking, laughing and giving each other presents. Then we usually take a muggle plane to Bristol because my mother is a muggle-born witch and her family lives in the city."
"Really? That's really cool." Lily said politely.
"I've always wondered about being a pure-blood. You must be really well respected." Melinda said nicely.
"Mmmmmm, I suppose," Cat said. "It's quite complicated though." She and James exchanged a small look.
"Really?" Lily inquired.
"There are some things that are unacceptable. Like marrying muggles. Not that our family has any problem with it.............it's just that.......you are related to every other pure-blood family. And they are the ones that look at you strangely. The ones that are mean to you." James explained.
"I never thought about it that way," Melinda said.
"There are all sorts of 'functions' too. And you HAVE to go to ALL of them." Sirius contributed.
"It must have it'd good points though," Lily stated.
"Yeah.....you have a big family, you are related to everyone.....lot's of connections.....and provided that you marry a pure-blood and respect your elders, you have the whole support of your entire family, all with good connections in all parts of the world to back you up. Whether they like it or not. There is lot's of family obligation," Cat agreed.
"It's also the other way round though. You are supposed to agree and support your family too." Sirius muttered under his breath.
"Oh look! My cousin wants to talk to me. I'll be right back!" Cat said before walking up to the stage.
"Her cousin?" Sirius asked.
"Yep. The lead singer Bertha is Cat's, and...well my, cousin. That why we were able to get them here." James answered with a grin.
"That's so cool!" Melinda said.
They watched as Cat approached the dais. The singers Bertha, Cindy and Mona were consulting with her when they saw Cat looked incredulous and almost turn away.
"Oh good," They heard James mutter.
Cat shook her head a few times and then turned and glared at James. The pianist Cindy pulled out a piece of parchment and was pointing out various things.
Suddenly, the voice of Dumbledore rose above the hubbub. "And now.....I hope that Miss. Starrling will grace us with her voice and give us all the gift of song this Christmas......"
By now, everyone understood at what was going on and struck up a cheer. "C'mon Cat!" James yelled up at her. Someone whistled, and someone else joined in. Sirius looked away from the stage to glare at the 6th year Ravenclaw boys who were obviously enamoured by his girl-friend.
By now cat had subsided and pointed her wand to her throat, saying, "Sonorous." Then, quite clearly she said, "I hate you James Potter."
Tucking the strands of hair that had fallen in her eyes, back behind her ears, she smiled.
"Ok. Since everyone seems to want me to sing so much.......I suppose I will oblige you."
And so, as the couples moved back onto the dance floor, Cat started to sing. Her clear voice rose above the dying strands of sound that filled the hall. James winked at Sirius, who was now leading Professor McGonagall around the floor and turned back to Lily. Sirius grinned up at Cat who was standing next to Mona, singing with that sweet, vibrant, happy voice of hers.
I
don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I
don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
Man, he really liked Cat. May be even loved her. She was so........beautiful. There was no other word for it. Beautiful inside and out. He had never felt this way with any other girl. The way she moved mesmerized him, her eyes always seemed to look deep under his skin, knowing exactly what he felt. Her hair was so soft and shiny, her skin silky and smooth. She was so petit, but unbelievably strong. She means the world to him. Really. But there was something else.........
I
just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make
my wish come true...
All I want for Christmas
Is you...
He wasn't used to settling down, with a real relationship. He was too restless. Did she understand? Would she understand if her acted immature? Though he really loved her.....he wasn't sure if he could stay with her. He was only 16, turning 17 in two months! He was too young for something serious......
I guess I can only hope that Cat will understand.
I don't want a lot for ChristmasThere is just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
James gently steered Lily across the floor. "You arranged this? You arranged Cat to sing?" Lily asked, amazed.
James chuckled. "Yeah. I knew that she would hate me till the end of time but.... it would be worth it."
Lily agreed. "She really has talent. She should totally become a singer when she leaves school. She'd be an instant hit."
I
just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make
my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you...
You baby
James sighed. "That she would, but she won't. She is going to become an auror." Lily glanced at his face. He was a really good dancer......and much different than she expected.
"What are you going to do James?" She asked him.
"I'm going to be an auror too. And save the world from Evil!" He cried arrogantly. Normally this would have angered Lily, but somehow she felt touched.
I won't ask for much this ChristmasI won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
"I hate Voldemort." Lily said suddenly. "He is ruining my life. All this pure-blood nonsense......and I'm afraid that he's going to kill my parents." Lily looked up at him. Then shook her head.
"Never mind, let's just talk about something else." A tear wiggled out of Lily's eye. James stopped dancing for a moment. "Don't cry Lily. Come on, let's go sit on the terrace." He led her out side where the air was clearer. Some snow was flickering down, landing softly upon the already snow-covered ground. The half moon rose above the tree tops, covered in frost. Together they sat on a bench, half concealed by holly bushes.
I won't even stay awake toHear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
You...
Lily
shivered slightly. "Thanks James. I don't know why you are
being so nice to me. I've been so horrible to you lately."
James swept an arm around her, pulling her closer so she wouldn't be as cold. He quietly wiped the tears from her face and looked into her eyes. Green met brown. Emerald met Amber. Mint met Chocolate. He read the fear in her eyes, but there was something else. Admiration. Love, perhaps. Her held her hand gently.
"I really care about you."
All the lights are shiningSo brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me
"I tried not to.....especially when you told me you hated me, that I was arrogant. I guess I was just trying to show off. I can't help having fun. But I still really liked you. So much it scares me." James said honestly.
Lily smiled mournfully. "I don't know how you could. I have been such a bitch. But I'm glad you still do........because I like you a lot too."
James grinned at her cheekily. "That rhymes!" Suddenly, he realized that he was being really insensitive. "No! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make fun of you like that. Really......" His voice trailed off when he noticed that she was smiling.
Oh
I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I
just want to see baby
Standing right outside my door
"Don't worry, I'm not offended. That's why I like you so much, you are so carefree. I'm so uptight. I wish I was more like you."
James raised his eye brows. "I think you are fine just the way you are......but I'll help you if you like."
Impulsively, Lily hugged him. "Thanks. I know you'll take care of me," She said. Suddenly, James went serious. "I can do more than that," He said softly. His face was coming closer to hers. She saw the love in his chocolate brown eyes.
Oh
I just want him for my own
More than you could ever know
Make
my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
And still, closer and closer his mouth came, his hands squeezed her gently. His mouth gently captured hers in a kiss so gentle, she could hardly feel it. It was as though sparks flew up her spine. Lily's reason escaped her. And that was when Lily realized that they were totally meant for each other. That this was what being carefree was all about. Loving with all your heart, acting impulsively, doing the unmentionable.
And this was how James found the new Lily, and brought her into reality. Lily wasn't a girl any more. She was a woman. She had found love.
You
All I want for Christmas is
you baby
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Stupid bratty kids," Lily moaned. She and James and just finished clearing up the Great Hall and she had returned to her dorm.
"I picked up loads of rubbish. The Hall was a mess." She looked around at the others.
"Mhffu," Cat muttered. She had already gotten into her pajamas and was lying in bed, half asleep.
Ari was inspecting Lily carefully. "You look happy," Ari noted from her position on her bed. Lily grinned a grin very un-Lily like and took off her robes.
"I new it!" Lis cried triumphantly. "You kissed! I knew you would!" Lis beamed and ran up to hug Lily, throwing herself on her as Lily struggled to put her night gown on.
"Way to go," Torii said slyly, slipping under her white cotton sheets. Lily flicked her wand to turn out the lights and snuggled down in her own bed with rosy cheeks.
"I'm so tired," Lis moaned. "Are you awake still Cat?" Ari said leaning towards her friends bed.
"Puffter umpfy," Cat mumbled.
Torii rolled her eyes, though no one could see.
"Well, big day tomorrow. I've got to get my beauty sleep," Lis winked ad pulled the hangings shut around her bed. "Night guys," She called.
"Night Lis," The others said in returned, except for Cat, who said something no one understood.
Lily tries to conceal her grin. "No bed for me, I want details," Torii said, pressing for information.
Ari giggled, "Yeah Lily, C'mon. Tell."
"Poopsie," Cat said, turning over.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Later on that night, when the others had fallen asleep, Lily awoke to a faint scuffling. Sitting up, she observed Ari's closet shift and a small concealed passage way come into view.
Three boys emerged from it.
Lily choked, "You scared the heck out of me!" She grinned. "What are you boys doing here?" The Tallest figure sniffed indignantly. "How many times do I have to tell you. I'm a man!"
The others snorted.
"What's going on?" Ari awoke. Seeing Remus, she smiled and yawned. "It's cold!" Sirius explained. "So we've come to share our warmth!"
"Your as warm as a Knuckled-Horned Toad. And they're cold blooded animals," Remus told him.
Sirius ignored him and moved to Cat's bed. "Pussy? Hey Pussy Cat, can you move over?"
Cat shifted. "Mermuffm" Cat mumbled, moving over so he could slip down beside her. Her head was buried under a pillow and her hair was spread this way and that. Climbing in beside her, Sirius gave a fake yawn. "Well, I will see you peeps tomorrow, won't I?"
"Cat is so going to murder you once she finds out what you've done," Ari said knowingly.
Sirius grinned. "Let's deal with that later, shall we?"
Sirius broke the barrier that separated the boys from the girls. If Cat let Sirius sleep in her bed, then it would be ok to let the others share their beds. The girls moved over so their boy friends could hold them against the cold, chilling winter air as they awaited the arrival of Christmas Day.
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I know, I know. This chapter sucked. I don't think I really did justice to the Lily and James scene, but now they are together! Yay! Review please and don't kill me. I tried, I really did!
Anna- Ok.........It sucked, but there you go. Update on your stories, I want to read more of April and Rhia!
Smile ;)
Rhia