Disclaimer: You know the drill
Chapter 13: Bring the House Down
"It's almost holidays," James commented.
It was lunchtime, a few days after things had finally settled between James, Remus, and Lily.
"Yeah, I know. It's tomorrow," Sirius drawled.
"I'm going home for Christmas, and Sirius is in, as always. How would you two like to come too?"
Remus shrugged. "Sure. I'll just owl Mum."
Lily hesitated. "Well…"
"Come on, Lils," Sirius coaxed. "Prongs's house is so much fun. And his parents are absolutely wonderful. You'll probably spend the whole time bonding with his mum over fashions or something."
"Besides, if you were suffering any feminine misgivings about living in the same house with three guys, you don't have to worry," James added casually.
"We'll even get around to showing you Jamesie's baby pictures," Remus quipped.
James turned red. "You'll do no such thing! Anyway, please, Evans. Who else can I take if you don't come? Pettigrew?"
Lily laughed. "Alright then. It's not like I wanted to deal with my cow of a sister anyway."
"Yes!" Sirius cheered.
"And speaking of your sister…" James grinned wickedly.
The others got it.
"Sounds like fun," Remus said mildly.
Lily was packing her stuff for her trip to the Potters'. She'd written her mother and told her that she would be spending holidays with some friends from school, and wouldn't be around to listen to Petunia whine and squeal. Her mother expressed her disappointment (and included a lecture telling Lily not to insult Petunia in the letter) but she allowed Lily to go. Lily was starting to feel quite excited. What could she expect to find on this little vacation with the Marauders?
"Going home for Christmas?" Alice asked when she entered the dormitory.
"Not really home. Just going to a friend's house," Lily replied. She didn't want to say that that friend was James—there was no telling how Alice would take it.
"That's nice." Alice fell onto her bed, a dreamy smile on her face.
"Alright, what's wrong with you?" Lily asked. "You're grinning like a mindless idiot!"
"Oh." Alice giggled.
"Spit it out. What did Mr. Longbottom say?"
"Frank wants me to go home with him and meet his parents."
"That's wonderful!" Lily exclaimed. "He is interested in you after all!"
Frank Longbottom was another Gryffindor seventh-year whom Alice had loved for years. Lily was amazed at what he'd done—he had never expressed his interest before.
"Oh, Merlin, what if a make a complete fool out of myself? What if his family hates me and never lets him marry me?" Alice started to look worried.
Lily shook Alice by the shoulders. "Calm down. You'll be all right. I'm positive his parents will like you—how could they not? And what's this I hear about marriage?"
Alice flushed. "Frank says he plans to propose to me."
"Plans?"
"He wants me to think about it first before I actually have to answer in front of his family. As if there could be any other answer besides yes?"
"Oh, he's such a gentleman!"
Alice grinned. "Don't worry—I'm sure Remus Lupin will extend the same courtesy to you."
Lily turned back to her clothes, a blush creeping up her cheeks, and the same dreamy smile Alice had been wearing earlier spreading across her face.
"Your house is so beautiful!" Lily squealed the next day.
James smiled proudly as he sauntered up the walk, his things in hand. Sirius and Remus, bogged down with their own bags plus Lily's, staggered behind him.
A glamorous-looking woman opened the door. "James! You're here! Hello, Sirius. Hello, Remus."
"Hi," the three grunted. Remus placed the bags he was carrying on the floor and went to drag Lily inside.
"This is Lily, mum. Lily, my mum," James introduced.
Mrs. Potter smiled. "It's so nice to finally meet the famous Lily."
James groaned. "Mum, she's dating Moony—Remus."
"Ohhh. Come intot he kitchen. I've prepared some treats for you."
"All right! Biscuits!" Sirius exclaimed.
Mrs. Potter laughed as Sirius charged past her. The others followed into the kitchen, where tea and delicious-looking biscuits awaited them. Sirius and James had already launched themselves at the snacks and were stuffing their faces. Remus rolled his eyes and quickly managed to save some biscuits for himself and Lily.
"This is wonderful, Mrs. Potter," Lily commented.
"You think so? Thank you, then."
James gulped down the last of his tea. "Ready, everyone?"
Sirius swallowed the last biscuit.
Remus put down his cup.
Lily wiped her mouth delicately with a napkin.
"Then let's go bring the house down."
AN: Thanks to:
Hye em yes- Thanks. I'm glad you like it. :)
Alcapacien- Aw, he was just really upset before. And of course they made up—their friendship is too good. :)
Laughing Fountain- Wow, you and I think alike! And well, Harry does take after his dad… :) Thanks:)
Dragon- Well…thanks. Please don't hate Remus, though. Don't worry, stay tuned and you'll find out what will happen. :)
Dee Ann- Thanks so much! :)
Banana Princess- I'm really happy you like it. :)
Mary Ichijouji- I'm so touched. :)
Miss Lady Padfoot- Glad to be of service. :)
lxldiRRtyJesslxl- Well, they are happy… :) Thanks! :)
ChiyoChanxx- Thanks, I'm glad you like this story. :) And I'll try to make it longer.
Carmel March- Hey, good to see you again! :) And as for how I write my stories…well, I just get inspired by what happens in my daily life, then I exaggerate those situations, and apply them to the story. And of course, prayer never hurts… :) I'm glad you loved the chappie! I really feel so appreciated. :) Don't worry about James, though.