Chapter 3- Nothing but the truth
Remus and Peter were truely worried about James, he never spent
time revising or doing homework, and now he was doing it every day.
They were confused as to how many prefects meeting he needed to
attend. They couldn't remember him needing this many last year?
Sirius couldn't help but think they were useless and that the
answer was staring them right in the face. But then, it always
seems so easy when you already know the answer.
In other news Remus had started dating Andi, much to Sirius'
displeasure, he still couldn't stand her. On their second OFFICIAL
date and 5th month anniversary, James had taken Lily to a room that
only he and the marauders knew about.
It was known as "The room of requirement" This was a room magically
formulated to serve the purpose of what ever you needed it for. In
James' case a romantic meal. It had dimmed candles around the
walls, the floor was covered with heart shaped pillows, a picnic
blanket and rose petals.
There was also a picnic basket which James had got the house elves
to fill with all sorts of goodies. For a first course there was
tomato soup in heart shaped bowls, the for a main course there was
spaghetti(sp?) and heart shaped meatballs, and for desert there was
large strawberry and vanilla ice cream Sundays with strawberry
sauce and a cherry on top. All the cutlery and napkins had been
charmed to say "Lily and James- 5 months together, never apart!" It
was allot of hard work on James' behalf, but one look at the joy in
Lily's eyes and he knew it was worth every effort.
In fact at that point he realised he was falling for her deeper and
deeper. It was amazing how in just 5 months 2 people could learn so
much about each other. When they were alone they were practically
inseparable.
They felt at ease with one another, a long silence could stand for
a million words.
It was a week before the Christmas holidays and Remus had decided
enough was enough.
He had decided once and for all that he was going to find out what
James was up to. He hardly ever saw him anymore, only in class or
on prank nights. So after dinner at exactly 6.45, the same time as
always, James declared he was going to go to a meeting in the
prefects common room, he would take his homework to finish it
after.
But first Remus noted he went up to their dorm, slapped some
cologne on and ruffled his hair in the mirror. Remus waited for him
to leave, then went into James' trunk and pulled out the
invisibility cloak, James had inherited from his father from family
tradition.
He slipped it over his head and ran swiftly after his friend. He
soon caught up and stayed 2 steps behind all the way up to and
inside the...prefects common room, where he said he would be.
Remus was about to give up but he glanced around and noticed the
room was empty.
This intrigued Remus. A prefects meeting with one prefect? Homework
yet no parchment in sight? Then the wall moved again, Remus had to
move quickly so this next prefect wouldn't trip over him. He looked
at her, this prefect was none other than Lily Evans.
"So that's why!" Remus thought "He's been trying to get with Evans
all the while?" Then to Remus' shock, the shy, Ravenclaw, went
straight over to James, sat on his lap and started kissing him as
thought there was no tomorrow.
"That's all I need to see!" Remus thought, the he realised he would
have to stay until one of them left so as not to give away that he
had been spying on James. Wait till he told Andi, Sirius and Peter!
Remus had to stand in the prefects common room for 3 long hours,
whilst Lily and James talked, played, but mainly made out. Remus
couldn't believe how thick he had been. He had even asked Andi if
lily had many prefects meetings and she replied "Yes most nights"
But then Lily had always been in the library or something, so her
absences could be easily covered. Finally, Lily said she had better
go, that they had lessons in the morning and she didn't want to be
tired for them.
Remus left with her, James stayed he actually did have homework to
complete.
Remus ran through a secret passage way, took off the invisibility
cloak hiding it under his robes and headed Lily off outside the
Ravenclaw common room.
"Hey lil's, fancy seeing you here." He said trying to catch his
breath unsuspiciously.
"Well seeing as it's MY common room, I wouldn't be too surprised!"
She grinned.
"Yeah... So you couldn't get Andi for us, please?"
"Ahh yeah, how long have you two been dating now? You are so cute,
you make me almost wish I had a boyfriend."
"It's been 3 weeks. And... have you ever considered James a s a
boyfriend? You'd make a lovely couple." Remus smiled slyly.
"Ah..ha.., What makes you say that now." She brushed off the
comment. "I'll go get Andi for you." A second later Andi had
appeared in front of him.
"What's up hunny?" She asked taking his hand.
" It's Lily actually..."
"What, what's wrong with her?" She asked panic stricken.
"Nothing... it's just... well did you know Lily was going out with
James?"
"LILY;S GOING OUT WITH JAMES..."
"Shh..."
"Since when?"
"I don't know, I sort of... caught them kissing earlier. Listen
don't say anything to either of them, I've had an idea. We can have
fun with them and trick them into telling us!" Remus' eyes flashed
menacingly, he seemed to have something come over him recently.
Remus explained a theory to Andi, she related it to Crystal and
Haley and he related it to Sirius and Peter. Sirius was glad that
Remus finally figured out why James had been acting weirdly for so
long, but didn't let on that he had already known. He had a feeling
that Remus had always been a little envious of James' and his
relationship.
But it couldn't be helped, they were practically brothers. Although
Sirius was sure James would be upset about how many people knew
about him and Lily, Sirius couldn't help but warm to Remus' plan.
He could barely wait to see James' reaction. They decided to put it
in play after the Christmas break, that way they could plan it
thoroughly, as both Lily and James were leaving for Christmas.
Finally the Christmas holidays were here and Lily, James and Claire
were on their way home on the Hogwarts Express. Lily would be
spending her usual, traditional Christmas at home with her family.
James and Claire, however, usually stayed at Hogwarts over the
holidays, but this year were being forced to attend the wizarding
social event of the year. The marriage of Lucius Malfoy to none
other that Narcissa Potter. Neither party was looking forward to
this wedding.
Half way through the journey, Claire left the compartment to find
some friends.
"So..." Lily started, "What will you be doing over the break?" She
asked.
"Ow I have to attend a wedding."
"That's nice, who's?"
"My sisters."
"Claire's getting married?"
"No my other sister, Narcissa."
You have another sister? How comes you never talk about her?"
"We don't get along to well."
"When you talked about your family, why do you only ever talk about
Claire?" Lily asked, hoping she wasn't pushing her luck.
"If I tell you, you have to promise me you won't hate me." James
whispered nervously.
"I could never hate you."
"Ok... Well lets just say, that my father has a favourite child,
for some reason that would be Narcissa. I don't know why, perhaps
because she is the eldest, or because she does whatever he wants
her to.
They both have horrible opinions of themselves and believe
themselves higher then.. err ... others. They will use anyone and
anything for a little power. Much like the Malfoys. Both
prestigious families, both using the other to higher their levels
of power and wealth in the wizarding world.
The marriage was arranged solely for that purpose. Anyway lets just
say, those who aren't fathers favourite, namely myself and Claire,
get their own type of special treatment." James paused waiting for
Lily to realise what he was talking about.
"What do you me..." She stopped suddenly remembering the summer
when she had first seen him at Sirius', "He hits you?... and
Claire?" James looked away. "But what about your mother?"
"She just sits back and lets him. But she gets her own fair share
too."
"Ow James, that's just terrible, why don't you just leave?"
"I would like to, but my father would kill me. Same as if, if .. he
finds.. out about.. about us."
"What.. Why?.. Ow it's my heritage isn't it?"
"See I told you, you would hate me after I told you." James went to
leave, Lily caught his arm and looked into his eyes.
"Hey now," She said gently "Who said anything about hating you? You
can't help it if your father acts like that. And you know if you
ever need to escape, you can come to me." She hugged him lightly
and pulled him into a romantic kiss. At that point Claire stepped
in.
"Hey there!" Lily jumped.
"Oh my James I'm sooo sorry!" James kissed her again to silence
her.
"Don't worry, she already knows."
"Since when?"
"Since before term started."
"So all those question you were asking me to trick me out! That was
evil!" Lily stuttered.
"I know, but it was fun!" Claire said, and they both burst out
laughing. James just looked at them confused.
Soon enough the train had stopped, and soon enough they were home,
and soon enough, the wedding was here. James was taking part in the
ceremony, he had to accompany one of the bridesmaids down the
aisle, in fancy dress robes.
Claire was a bridesmaid but James wasn't lucky enough to be paired
with her. Instead he got Lucius Malfoys cousin, Gillian Fanscal.
James knew her as a very popular 7th year Slytherin. Apparently she
was beautiful, but James could never see how. Then nobody could
compare to Lily in his mind.
The ceremony started, Claire (as the maid of honour) and the best
man walked down the aisle, followed by himself and Gillian,
followed by another couple, then some poor four year old someone
had found to be the cute little flower girl, dressed as an angel.
The Narcissa and their father walked down. James knew that Lily
would have found the ceremony beautiful. He doubted she had ever
been to a traditional magical wedding, the minister of magic would
say the vows today (He only did it for special people), you still
exchange rings but you also have to cross wands too. As you cross
wands, the minister would say a spell and you would be joined
magically as well as legally, mentally and later physically.
After the wedding ceremony was over with, they went to the
ministry's biggest and most impressive banquet hall. It had been
magically charmed to look as though they were in the clouds. Cloud
7 to be precise. The walls and floor were white and fluffy, the top
table was gold and looked as though it was being held up by a
rainbow.
The other tables wee just made of pure gold. There were also doves
flying around the fluffy ceiling, the doors were golden gates,
being guarded by men dressed as angels. As everyone was being
seated, a single song bird was singing. Phoenix's were extremely
rare but Narcissa had wanted one and got one. James took his place
at the top table, next to Gillian. She turned to him and began
talking about how she had seen him on the quidditch pitch, or
something.
He thought of how much Lily would have enjoyed seeing all this and
what it would be like if they got married. Hang on a second... did
he just think married? Were things really this serious? Did he
really feel this way? He didn't know.
All he knew was, Lily was the first girl who had wanted to talk as
well as make out with him. When she was gone, he missed her and he
actually ditched his friends for her. Maybe he COULD love her, but
it was to early to tell that. They had only been dating for eight
months, and he was only 16.
"Um.." He agreed as Gillian babbled on. By now everyone was seated,
the speeches had been said and the band, the enchantments, a very
well known classical band, had started to play as dinner was being
served.
They all enjoyed a 5 course meal of only the best and most
extravagant foods, then Narcissa and Lucius shared their first
dance as Mr and Mrs Malfoy.
Mr Potter stood up on stage afterwards.
"I have an announcement to make." He paused and looked at James,
malice clear in his voice. " I am so happy my little Cissa has
found herself such a lovely young man like Lucius, I would like to
show them how very happy I am by giving them this." He clicked his
fingers and snuffles the house elf came running in wearing his
tatty old net curtain which he wore as uniform. "I am giving you
one of my most reliable house elves..."
"Ow... thank you father." Narcissa stated trying her best to try
and sound grateful. This wasn't much to the girl who had
everything.
"Wait, I haven't finished yet... your new house elf will serve you
well in your new house... well it's actually more of a mansion, If
I do say so."
"A house? ow father thank you sooooooo much!" She ran up to her
father and hugged him, then Lucius shook his hand.
James couldn't believe his father had given away snuffles. Well
actually he could, he knew Robert Potter was still mad at James
from the summer and he knew that elf and James had a little "BOND".
He could've chosen ANY elf to give to the Malfoy's (The Potters had
loads!), it was too much of a co incidence that he had chosen
Snuffles, he wasn't even that great at what he did, he didn't like
being a slave, he wanted freedom.
That would never happen now, not with Narcissa. James gulped, wait
till Sirius found out!
Later that evening, James was dancing with Claire. They had been
sitting in the corner (making fun of all the stuck up rich people
there) until their father had harshly muttered to look more lively.
James was leading Claire through a complicated formal dance, when
Gillian cut in.
"May I?" She asked sweetly.
"I SUPPOSE!" Claire stated with rather allot of aggression. She was
in Claire's year and Claire did not get on with the arrogant
Slytherin. James started leading Gillian through the steps of the
dance,
"That was a lovely wedding." She smiled.
"I found it rather sickening to be honest." He replied coldly, his
sister didn't like her and so neither did he.
"Ow well I enjoyed it. Especially walking down the aisle in your
arms." She stared intently into his eyes. Then leaned up to kiss
him.
"What do you think you are doing?" He snapped.
"You don't want to kiss me?" She asked confused.
"No I don't."
"You don't have a girlfriend do you?"
"No, but that still doesn't mean I want to kiss you."
"You don't?"
"NO! I DON'T" He stormed off leaving the pretty girl in a
seclusion. Why didn't he want to kiss her and go out with her? She
had told her friends that he was a sure thing, now she would return
empty handed. Why didn't he want her? Every boy wanted her. There
was only one reason she could think of, he must be queer!
Claire walked back over to James
"You really like her don't you?"
"No, I hate her she thinks I am just hers to kiss whenever. She
thinks she's God's gif.."
"No not Gillian, Lily."
"Oh what makes you say that?"
"Well you've been with her longer than any other girl and you just
passed up the opportunity to make out with a beautiful, popular,
older girl, who everyone would respect you for dating and your
girlfriend would have very little way of knowing."
"Maybe, but I would know. And I don't think Gillian's that pretty."
"Do you love Lily?"
"No." He stopped, "At least I don't think so."
"But you gave her Brian the bear?"
"How did you know about that?"
"Let's just say I know allot of things James."
"Glad to know someone cares." James smiled.
"I'm proud of you, you know that Titch!" James laughed, her
childhood nickname for him, hardly suited him anymore as he towered
high over her head.
"Yeah and I am of you Claire bear!" The party soon came to an end,
the bride and groom left for their honeymoon in the Bahamas, a very
expensive gift from the Malfoy's.
The English didn't often venture that far for a holiday, as it was
a very long journey and not to mention expensive. The flooing costs
were exceedingly high from the ministry. After a long interview
from Robert Potter, the reporters from the daily Prophet left.
Then gradually the guests left and once everyone was gone the
Potter's, Malfoy's and the rest of the wedding party left.
When James got home it was the early hours of boxing day. He jumped
onto his bed landing on his forgotten Christmas presents.
They must have arrived whilst he was out. Remus had gotten him a
prank kit, Peter a book on experimental charms and
transfigurations. Andi, Haley and Crystal got him a selection of
sweets. Sirius' gift baffled him at first.
He opened it and found a mirror? Then in scripted on the back it
said "If you ever want to talk to me, say my name into this, I have
the other one, so we can always be there for each other. Your best
mate, Sirius Black."
"Sirius" James said into the mirror.
"Yeah mate?" The sleepy looking face of Sirius appeared grinning.
"You like?"
"It's wonderful! This is great! We can always be with one another,
like when I'm here and your there, or when we're in separate
detentions! Groovy! Thanks!"
"No problem and thanks for your present too!"
James put the mirror down and reached for his last present. Inside
was a small old bear and a chocolate frog card.
"Oh my God!" he whispered. This was the only card he needed to
finish his collection and it was very rare. There were only about
20 in existence. Now he had the full set and it was worth a
fortune. He opened a note attached.
Dear James,
Merry Christmas, I hope the wedding goes well. In this present you
have of course the chocolate card series 1 #56 "Morgana", do you
know how many people I had to bargain with to get that! But your
worth it! Second, you have my child hood bear Mr Tibbles, I thought
you may be missing Brian, so I sent you a replacement. Mr Tibbles
is very special to me, just like you, so treat him well! (I know
you will!)
Yours faithfully,
Lily. M. Evans xxx
James smiled inwardly, he had the best friends and Lily made him
feel the luckiest man alive. He was very glad of his decision
earlier with Gillian.
On Christmas morning in Lily's house, it was the same old routine
of gathering round the Christmas tree and unwrapping presents.
Then it would be Christmas dinner, fun and games and finally
Christmas carols around the very old piano, a family air loom. Lily
loved Christmas and not even Petunia could spoil it for her this
year.
She received a new jumper from Claire, sweets from Remus, Peter and
Sirius (Sirius also added a box of prank items), Crystal got her a
box of fancy quills, Andi some inks in different colours, smells
and for some reason tastes. And Haley got her a variety of fancy
parchment sets.
It seemed they had gotten together and planned what to get her and
what she would find most useful. Finally James had gotten her a
photo frame, it was beautifully made, Lily thought there was
something more to it.
The pictures round the edges seemed very familiar. She read the
note that was with it.
Dear Lily,
Merry Christmas. I made this frame myself. The pictures on the
edges, each represent a stage in our relationship, from when we
first met, me falling for you, then when we got together and now.
It starts with a book, when I first began tutoring you. Then a
Slytherin snake, how it took something horrible to happen to start
such a beautiful friendship. Then a broom, a Heffalump and a star,
to represent when we began to boost your confidence and when I
first felt something more for you. It then has a ball gown and a
pair of lips, for when I denied my feeling for you, until you
admitted yours for me. And finally when we shared our first kiss. I
then have a teddy to remind you of Sirius' house and finally a
picnic basket showing our 5th month anniversary dinner. You will
notice all the pictures move around the frame slowly and that there
is a bit of a gap between each picture. Every step in our
relationship a new picture will be added. And finally the picture
in the middle is the one which Mr Black took before our first date,
when he dropped us off. I hope you like it.
Lots of luv,
James potter.
Lily was beside her self, James' present was so thoughtful. She
owled him straight away with her gratitude.
Remus and Peter were truely worried about James, he never spent
time revising or doing homework, and now he was doing it every day.
They were confused as to how many prefects meeting he needed to
attend. They couldn't remember him needing this many last year?
Sirius couldn't help but think they were useless and that the
answer was staring them right in the face. But then, it always
seems so easy when you already know the answer.
In other news Remus had started dating Andi, much to Sirius'
displeasure, he still couldn't stand her. On their second OFFICIAL
date and 5th month anniversary, James had taken Lily to a room that
only he and the marauders knew about.
It was known as "The room of requirement" This was a room magically
formulated to serve the purpose of what ever you needed it for. In
James' case a romantic meal. It had dimmed candles around the
walls, the floor was covered with heart shaped pillows, a picnic
blanket and rose petals.
There was also a picnic basket which James had got the house elves
to fill with all sorts of goodies. For a first course there was
tomato soup in heart shaped bowls, the for a main course there was
spaghetti(sp?) and heart shaped meatballs, and for desert there was
large strawberry and vanilla ice cream Sundays with strawberry
sauce and a cherry on top. All the cutlery and napkins had been
charmed to say "Lily and James- 5 months together, never apart!" It
was allot of hard work on James' behalf, but one look at the joy in
Lily's eyes and he knew it was worth every effort.
In fact at that point he realised he was falling for her deeper and
deeper. It was amazing how in just 5 months 2 people could learn so
much about each other. When they were alone they were practically
inseparable.
They felt at ease with one another, a long silence could stand for
a million words.
It was a week before the Christmas holidays and Remus had decided
enough was enough.
He had decided once and for all that he was going to find out what
James was up to. He hardly ever saw him anymore, only in class or
on prank nights. So after dinner at exactly 6.45, the same time as
always, James declared he was going to go to a meeting in the
prefects common room, he would take his homework to finish it
after.
But first Remus noted he went up to their dorm, slapped some
cologne on and ruffled his hair in the mirror. Remus waited for him
to leave, then went into James' trunk and pulled out the
invisibility cloak, James had inherited from his father from family
tradition.
He slipped it over his head and ran swiftly after his friend. He
soon caught up and stayed 2 steps behind all the way up to and
inside the...prefects common room, where he said he would be.
Remus was about to give up but he glanced around and noticed the
room was empty.
This intrigued Remus. A prefects meeting with one prefect? Homework
yet no parchment in sight? Then the wall moved again, Remus had to
move quickly so this next prefect wouldn't trip over him. He looked
at her, this prefect was none other than Lily Evans.
"So that's why!" Remus thought "He's been trying to get with Evans
all the while?" Then to Remus' shock, the shy, Ravenclaw, went
straight over to James, sat on his lap and started kissing him as
thought there was no tomorrow.
"That's all I need to see!" Remus thought, the he realised he would
have to stay until one of them left so as not to give away that he
had been spying on James. Wait till he told Andi, Sirius and Peter!
Remus had to stand in the prefects common room for 3 long hours,
whilst Lily and James talked, played, but mainly made out. Remus
couldn't believe how thick he had been. He had even asked Andi if
lily had many prefects meetings and she replied "Yes most nights"
But then Lily had always been in the library or something, so her
absences could be easily covered. Finally, Lily said she had better
go, that they had lessons in the morning and she didn't want to be
tired for them.
Remus left with her, James stayed he actually did have homework to
complete.
Remus ran through a secret passage way, took off the invisibility
cloak hiding it under his robes and headed Lily off outside the
Ravenclaw common room.
"Hey lil's, fancy seeing you here." He said trying to catch his
breath unsuspiciously.
"Well seeing as it's MY common room, I wouldn't be too surprised!"
She grinned.
"Yeah... So you couldn't get Andi for us, please?"
"Ahh yeah, how long have you two been dating now? You are so cute,
you make me almost wish I had a boyfriend."
"It's been 3 weeks. And... have you ever considered James a s a
boyfriend? You'd make a lovely couple." Remus smiled slyly.
"Ah..ha.., What makes you say that now." She brushed off the
comment. "I'll go get Andi for you." A second later Andi had
appeared in front of him.
"What's up hunny?" She asked taking his hand.
" It's Lily actually..."
"What, what's wrong with her?" She asked panic stricken.
"Nothing... it's just... well did you know Lily was going out with
James?"
"LILY;S GOING OUT WITH JAMES..."
"Shh..."
"Since when?"
"I don't know, I sort of... caught them kissing earlier. Listen
don't say anything to either of them, I've had an idea. We can have
fun with them and trick them into telling us!" Remus' eyes flashed
menacingly, he seemed to have something come over him recently.
Remus explained a theory to Andi, she related it to Crystal and
Haley and he related it to Sirius and Peter. Sirius was glad that
Remus finally figured out why James had been acting weirdly for so
long, but didn't let on that he had already known. He had a feeling
that Remus had always been a little envious of James' and his
relationship.
But it couldn't be helped, they were practically brothers. Although
Sirius was sure James would be upset about how many people knew
about him and Lily, Sirius couldn't help but warm to Remus' plan.
He could barely wait to see James' reaction. They decided to put it
in play after the Christmas break, that way they could plan it
thoroughly, as both Lily and James were leaving for Christmas.
Finally the Christmas holidays were here and Lily, James and Claire
were on their way home on the Hogwarts Express. Lily would be
spending her usual, traditional Christmas at home with her family.
James and Claire, however, usually stayed at Hogwarts over the
holidays, but this year were being forced to attend the wizarding
social event of the year. The marriage of Lucius Malfoy to none
other that Narcissa Potter. Neither party was looking forward to
this wedding.
Half way through the journey, Claire left the compartment to find
some friends.
"So..." Lily started, "What will you be doing over the break?" She
asked.
"Ow I have to attend a wedding."
"That's nice, who's?"
"My sisters."
"Claire's getting married?"
"No my other sister, Narcissa."
You have another sister? How comes you never talk about her?"
"We don't get along to well."
"When you talked about your family, why do you only ever talk about
Claire?" Lily asked, hoping she wasn't pushing her luck.
"If I tell you, you have to promise me you won't hate me." James
whispered nervously.
"I could never hate you."
"Ok... Well lets just say, that my father has a favourite child,
for some reason that would be Narcissa. I don't know why, perhaps
because she is the eldest, or because she does whatever he wants
her to.
They both have horrible opinions of themselves and believe
themselves higher then.. err ... others. They will use anyone and
anything for a little power. Much like the Malfoys. Both
prestigious families, both using the other to higher their levels
of power and wealth in the wizarding world.
The marriage was arranged solely for that purpose. Anyway lets just
say, those who aren't fathers favourite, namely myself and Claire,
get their own type of special treatment." James paused waiting for
Lily to realise what he was talking about.
"What do you me..." She stopped suddenly remembering the summer
when she had first seen him at Sirius', "He hits you?... and
Claire?" James looked away. "But what about your mother?"
"She just sits back and lets him. But she gets her own fair share
too."
"Ow James, that's just terrible, why don't you just leave?"
"I would like to, but my father would kill me. Same as if, if .. he
finds.. out about.. about us."
"What.. Why?.. Ow it's my heritage isn't it?"
"See I told you, you would hate me after I told you." James went to
leave, Lily caught his arm and looked into his eyes.
"Hey now," She said gently "Who said anything about hating you? You
can't help it if your father acts like that. And you know if you
ever need to escape, you can come to me." She hugged him lightly
and pulled him into a romantic kiss. At that point Claire stepped
in.
"Hey there!" Lily jumped.
"Oh my James I'm sooo sorry!" James kissed her again to silence
her.
"Don't worry, she already knows."
"Since when?"
"Since before term started."
"So all those question you were asking me to trick me out! That was
evil!" Lily stuttered.
"I know, but it was fun!" Claire said, and they both burst out
laughing. James just looked at them confused.
Soon enough the train had stopped, and soon enough they were home,
and soon enough, the wedding was here. James was taking part in the
ceremony, he had to accompany one of the bridesmaids down the
aisle, in fancy dress robes.
Claire was a bridesmaid but James wasn't lucky enough to be paired
with her. Instead he got Lucius Malfoys cousin, Gillian Fanscal.
James knew her as a very popular 7th year Slytherin. Apparently she
was beautiful, but James could never see how. Then nobody could
compare to Lily in his mind.
The ceremony started, Claire (as the maid of honour) and the best
man walked down the aisle, followed by himself and Gillian,
followed by another couple, then some poor four year old someone
had found to be the cute little flower girl, dressed as an angel.
The Narcissa and their father walked down. James knew that Lily
would have found the ceremony beautiful. He doubted she had ever
been to a traditional magical wedding, the minister of magic would
say the vows today (He only did it for special people), you still
exchange rings but you also have to cross wands too. As you cross
wands, the minister would say a spell and you would be joined
magically as well as legally, mentally and later physically.
After the wedding ceremony was over with, they went to the
ministry's biggest and most impressive banquet hall. It had been
magically charmed to look as though they were in the clouds. Cloud
7 to be precise. The walls and floor were white and fluffy, the top
table was gold and looked as though it was being held up by a
rainbow.
The other tables wee just made of pure gold. There were also doves
flying around the fluffy ceiling, the doors were golden gates,
being guarded by men dressed as angels. As everyone was being
seated, a single song bird was singing. Phoenix's were extremely
rare but Narcissa had wanted one and got one. James took his place
at the top table, next to Gillian. She turned to him and began
talking about how she had seen him on the quidditch pitch, or
something.
He thought of how much Lily would have enjoyed seeing all this and
what it would be like if they got married. Hang on a second... did
he just think married? Were things really this serious? Did he
really feel this way? He didn't know.
All he knew was, Lily was the first girl who had wanted to talk as
well as make out with him. When she was gone, he missed her and he
actually ditched his friends for her. Maybe he COULD love her, but
it was to early to tell that. They had only been dating for eight
months, and he was only 16.
"Um.." He agreed as Gillian babbled on. By now everyone was seated,
the speeches had been said and the band, the enchantments, a very
well known classical band, had started to play as dinner was being
served.
They all enjoyed a 5 course meal of only the best and most
extravagant foods, then Narcissa and Lucius shared their first
dance as Mr and Mrs Malfoy.
Mr Potter stood up on stage afterwards.
"I have an announcement to make." He paused and looked at James,
malice clear in his voice. " I am so happy my little Cissa has
found herself such a lovely young man like Lucius, I would like to
show them how very happy I am by giving them this." He clicked his
fingers and snuffles the house elf came running in wearing his
tatty old net curtain which he wore as uniform. "I am giving you
one of my most reliable house elves..."
"Ow... thank you father." Narcissa stated trying her best to try
and sound grateful. This wasn't much to the girl who had
everything.
"Wait, I haven't finished yet... your new house elf will serve you
well in your new house... well it's actually more of a mansion, If
I do say so."
"A house? ow father thank you sooooooo much!" She ran up to her
father and hugged him, then Lucius shook his hand.
James couldn't believe his father had given away snuffles. Well
actually he could, he knew Robert Potter was still mad at James
from the summer and he knew that elf and James had a little "BOND".
He could've chosen ANY elf to give to the Malfoy's (The Potters had
loads!), it was too much of a co incidence that he had chosen
Snuffles, he wasn't even that great at what he did, he didn't like
being a slave, he wanted freedom.
That would never happen now, not with Narcissa. James gulped, wait
till Sirius found out!
Later that evening, James was dancing with Claire. They had been
sitting in the corner (making fun of all the stuck up rich people
there) until their father had harshly muttered to look more lively.
James was leading Claire through a complicated formal dance, when
Gillian cut in.
"May I?" She asked sweetly.
"I SUPPOSE!" Claire stated with rather allot of aggression. She was
in Claire's year and Claire did not get on with the arrogant
Slytherin. James started leading Gillian through the steps of the
dance,
"That was a lovely wedding." She smiled.
"I found it rather sickening to be honest." He replied coldly, his
sister didn't like her and so neither did he.
"Ow well I enjoyed it. Especially walking down the aisle in your
arms." She stared intently into his eyes. Then leaned up to kiss
him.
"What do you think you are doing?" He snapped.
"You don't want to kiss me?" She asked confused.
"No I don't."
"You don't have a girlfriend do you?"
"No, but that still doesn't mean I want to kiss you."
"You don't?"
"NO! I DON'T" He stormed off leaving the pretty girl in a
seclusion. Why didn't he want to kiss her and go out with her? She
had told her friends that he was a sure thing, now she would return
empty handed. Why didn't he want her? Every boy wanted her. There
was only one reason she could think of, he must be queer!
Claire walked back over to James
"You really like her don't you?"
"No, I hate her she thinks I am just hers to kiss whenever. She
thinks she's God's gif.."
"No not Gillian, Lily."
"Oh what makes you say that?"
"Well you've been with her longer than any other girl and you just
passed up the opportunity to make out with a beautiful, popular,
older girl, who everyone would respect you for dating and your
girlfriend would have very little way of knowing."
"Maybe, but I would know. And I don't think Gillian's that pretty."
"Do you love Lily?"
"No." He stopped, "At least I don't think so."
"But you gave her Brian the bear?"
"How did you know about that?"
"Let's just say I know allot of things James."
"Glad to know someone cares." James smiled.
"I'm proud of you, you know that Titch!" James laughed, her
childhood nickname for him, hardly suited him anymore as he towered
high over her head.
"Yeah and I am of you Claire bear!" The party soon came to an end,
the bride and groom left for their honeymoon in the Bahamas, a very
expensive gift from the Malfoy's.
The English didn't often venture that far for a holiday, as it was
a very long journey and not to mention expensive. The flooing costs
were exceedingly high from the ministry. After a long interview
from Robert Potter, the reporters from the daily Prophet left.
Then gradually the guests left and once everyone was gone the
Potter's, Malfoy's and the rest of the wedding party left.
When James got home it was the early hours of boxing day. He jumped
onto his bed landing on his forgotten Christmas presents.
They must have arrived whilst he was out. Remus had gotten him a
prank kit, Peter a book on experimental charms and
transfigurations. Andi, Haley and Crystal got him a selection of
sweets. Sirius' gift baffled him at first.
He opened it and found a mirror? Then in scripted on the back it
said "If you ever want to talk to me, say my name into this, I have
the other one, so we can always be there for each other. Your best
mate, Sirius Black."
"Sirius" James said into the mirror.
"Yeah mate?" The sleepy looking face of Sirius appeared grinning.
"You like?"
"It's wonderful! This is great! We can always be with one another,
like when I'm here and your there, or when we're in separate
detentions! Groovy! Thanks!"
"No problem and thanks for your present too!"
James put the mirror down and reached for his last present. Inside
was a small old bear and a chocolate frog card.
"Oh my God!" he whispered. This was the only card he needed to
finish his collection and it was very rare. There were only about
20 in existence. Now he had the full set and it was worth a
fortune. He opened a note attached.
Dear James,
Merry Christmas, I hope the wedding goes well. In this present you
have of course the chocolate card series 1 #56 "Morgana", do you
know how many people I had to bargain with to get that! But your
worth it! Second, you have my child hood bear Mr Tibbles, I thought
you may be missing Brian, so I sent you a replacement. Mr Tibbles
is very special to me, just like you, so treat him well! (I know
you will!)
Yours faithfully,
Lily. M. Evans xxx
James smiled inwardly, he had the best friends and Lily made him
feel the luckiest man alive. He was very glad of his decision
earlier with Gillian.
On Christmas morning in Lily's house, it was the same old routine
of gathering round the Christmas tree and unwrapping presents.
Then it would be Christmas dinner, fun and games and finally
Christmas carols around the very old piano, a family air loom. Lily
loved Christmas and not even Petunia could spoil it for her this
year.
She received a new jumper from Claire, sweets from Remus, Peter and
Sirius (Sirius also added a box of prank items), Crystal got her a
box of fancy quills, Andi some inks in different colours, smells
and for some reason tastes. And Haley got her a variety of fancy
parchment sets.
It seemed they had gotten together and planned what to get her and
what she would find most useful. Finally James had gotten her a
photo frame, it was beautifully made, Lily thought there was
something more to it.
The pictures round the edges seemed very familiar. She read the
note that was with it.
Dear Lily,
Merry Christmas. I made this frame myself. The pictures on the
edges, each represent a stage in our relationship, from when we
first met, me falling for you, then when we got together and now.
It starts with a book, when I first began tutoring you. Then a
Slytherin snake, how it took something horrible to happen to start
such a beautiful friendship. Then a broom, a Heffalump and a star,
to represent when we began to boost your confidence and when I
first felt something more for you. It then has a ball gown and a
pair of lips, for when I denied my feeling for you, until you
admitted yours for me. And finally when we shared our first kiss. I
then have a teddy to remind you of Sirius' house and finally a
picnic basket showing our 5th month anniversary dinner. You will
notice all the pictures move around the frame slowly and that there
is a bit of a gap between each picture. Every step in our
relationship a new picture will be added. And finally the picture
in the middle is the one which Mr Black took before our first date,
when he dropped us off. I hope you like it.
Lots of luv,
James potter.
Lily was beside her self, James' present was so thoughtful. She
owled him straight away with her gratitude.