Title: Of Death, Betrayals and Love
A/N: This is one of two chapters that have the dance in them. ) And lol I've changed the spelling of Prissy to Priscy.
--
We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start.
Richard Marx and Donna Lewis: "At the Beginning"
Chapter: At the Beginning
The Christmas Holidays were quickly approaching and the Hogwarts castle felt its presence. Students walked through the brightly lit corridors, with high hopes of catching their loved one underneath floating mistletoe. Candy Canes were placed at the entrance of the Great Hall and candles shaped as snowmen, Christmas trees, candy canes, nutcrackers and presents were floating through the air. Garland was wrung on all the stairs with little ornaments hung on them.
The suits of armor were transfigured into nutcrackers and charmed, very well, to sing beautiful Carols when the bell rang to change classes. Of course none of this was possible without the two Heads, who were putting the finishing touches of the great hall.
Lily surveyed the large Christmas Banner and shook her head "A little to the left"
James nodded and fixed it just right. He stood back and marveled at their handwork. "The castle looks beautiful Lil's. I don't think it's ever been this wonderful." He looked at her "You must really love this holiday."
"Christmas is the best time of the year," She said breathlessly, watching the 'test' snow fall from the ceiling. "Is the mistletoe behaving correctly?" She asked, stretching her arm out and touching a snowflake. It landed onto her finger before disappearing.
James nodded "The charm you performed was fantastic." She blushed "Sirius will have a tough time trying to compromise with one." He smirked.
Lily smiled "I don't think Sirius will bother to touch the mistletoe this year, he seems too wrapped up with Arya to even notice its Christmas."
James looked at the mistletoe in wonder "Why Mistletoe?"
"Druids believed mistletoe was sacred." Said Lily softly, looking at it. "It was even considered bad luck to let any mistletoe touch the ground. The Druids believed mistletoe could provide protection; promote fertility, love, and health; and exorcise demons. Putting it in a baby's crib would keep the fairies from whisking away your child. And some people even believed that wearing it around your neck could make you invisible."
James chuckled and Lily continued. "According to one explanation, the Norse god Balder was killed with an arrow made of mistletoe. The rest of the gods were sad, so they decided to bring him back to life. The Goddess of Love then dedicated the mistletoe to Balder--and anyone passing under it must receive a kiss to show tribute to this symbol of love." She let the piece she was holding go. It fluttered out of the hall. "Others point to the Druid tradition of laying down arms and exchanging greetings under the mistletoe as the origin of the kissing tradition."
James chuckled "They were an odd bunch weren't they? The Druids"
"I beg you pardon," She said "The Druids were fascinating. I bet you didn't know Druids were able to establish a connection with werewolves."
James' eyes widened "What?"
"They were able to transform into them at any given point."
James looked at her curiously "Tell me more about these, Druid people."
"The druid is a lover and protector of the natural land. Be it the forests full of centaurs and deer, the streams full of fish, or the bug-infested swamps, a druid always strives to protect and preserve nature. Wielding mighty spells from the gods themselves, druids strive hard at their work.
Strong in wisdom, with a body trained to near perfection by their rugged lifestyle; a druid has many disciplines upon which to draw. From powerful spells of healing which can bring the near dead back to full vigor, to the ability to mystically create water and food, to the awesome power of nature which they command in battle via spells able to quake the land and split the sky, druids demonstrate that mastery of magic is not just a hobby, but a way of life for them. Able to face many warriors on almost even footing, and able to shield themselves nearly as well as some mages, druids are truly a gifted class."
"These druid people seem powerful" He said "How do you know about them?"
"The Druids were the Priests - Magicians - of the Celtic people. They were Priests and Priestesses." She smiled "I am Irish and Celtic, I studied them in our 4th year."
"So that's why you were in the Library for so long." He said smiling "We thought you were up to no good."
Lily snorted and ignored him. "The Druids emerged from the ancient Celtic tribes, at a time when the people had to live close to nature to survive. By the light of the storyteller's fire, and with the play of the harp, the Druids dreamed magic for their people. In the deep woods they would gather, bringing together their mysticism and philosophy, their insight and learning. Their spirit emerged from the tides of the sea, the light of the sun, the wind in the Oak, the cry of the deer. In this way, they created an institution that inspired, frightened, and uplifted their world."
"Did they have séances?" He asked
She nodded "They were kind of like séances. That was what frightened people. Only those who wished to seek knowledge and immense power became Druids."
"Isn't that a bad thing, though? Said James; "What if a dark lord wanted immense power?"
"To become a Druid, students assembled in large groups for instruction and training, for a period of up to twenty years." She explained "That's another reason why there weren't many of them. It took a long time to be trained. Anyway, the mythologies describe Druids who were capable of many magical powers such as divination & prophesy, control of the weather, healing, levitation, and shape changing themselves into the forms of animals. Their education was so rigorous that at the end of it they were virtually walking encyclopedias."
James laughed "You are starting to sound like an encyclopedia. What are they referred to?"
She smiled "A good word for them would seem to be "priests", yet I am reluctant to use it for two reasons: The Romans never used it, and because Druids didn't minister to congregations as priests do. But, none the less they are referred to as Priests and Priestesses."
James smiled and they walked over to the large Christmas tree at the head table "I knew you were intelligent, Lil, but I had no idea you knew this much."
"Not a lot of people do," she said handing him a crystal ornament. The rest of their time was spent imagining they were druids and the havoc Sirius would cause if he ever was one.
Arya walked into the Common Room and immediately headed for an armchair by the fire. She was in the middle of reading a very interesting book, but never found the time to actually sit down and read. She plopped down onto the chair, pulled a blanket over her legs and began to read. A half an hour later, she tightened her hold on the book and kept her tears in. Looking down she read.
'Why you nearly finished it, Mr. Frodo!' Sam exclaimed. 'Well, you have kept at it, I must say.'
'I have finished it, Sam,' Said Frodo. 'The last pages are for you.'
Arya felt someone look over her shoulder. She controlled her emotions and looked up. It was Sirius.
"What are you reading?" He asked; moving around the chair and sitting in one next to her.
She showed him the book. "Lily reads it like the bible." She commented quietly "I bet she can recite lines from it."
Sirius cracked a grin and turned towards her. "Arya," He said softly "After this is all over, I wanted to know if-"
She shook her head "When this is over we can talk about it."
"But," He said getting closer.
She held her ground "No, Sirius."
"Arya," He sang softly smiling, "You know you can't get away from me." He reached out and started to tickle her, half expecting to be blown away by a hex. It never came. Instead she was laughing and squealing.
"Sirius! You dirty prat."
"Music to my ears," He said smiling "I love when you say my name."
She blushed and tried to get up, but Sirius grabbed her waist and plopped her down right next to him. "So I was thinking," He began "After I'm through with the first dance with my whore," Arya stifled a giggle, "I'm going to need a date." He turned to her "Will you go to the dance with me?"
'Say no,' A part of her thought 'Just say no. Just be friends.' She bit her lip and told herself something she wished she would have done years ago. 'Sometimes a heart cannot afford to be "just friends"' She nodded "Alright, Sirius. I'll go with you."
The day of the dance the Gryffindor Common Room was peacefully quiet. A few couples had left early but mostly the men waited in silence for their dates. James, Sirius, Remus and Peter all had on black muggle slacks and different colored dress shirts. James had on a dark green, Sirius a white, Remus a dark blue and Peter a maroon colored one. Drago and Danny were meeting their dates downstairs.
The girl's Dormitory door opened and Sabrina was the first one out. She was wearing a dark blue halter top dress with frayed out until it hit the ground. There were a few ribbons on the back of the dress which held it tightly together. Her curly hair was tied up in a bun and had silver diamonds in a few places.
"Looking lovely, Bri," Said James smiling; "Are you going to meet Drago?"
She nodded and buttoned a black cloak around her shoulders. "I'll see you guys downstairs."
She left and everyone let out a collected sigh. The next person to come down was Priscilla. She giggled as Remus jumped up and held his arm out. She was wearing a black dress that had a slit from the middle of her thigh to the floor. The top was a halter top but a see through material was connected to it and went around her neck. She buttoned her black cloak on and walked out with Remus.
James watched Peter go with them. He obviously had to get his date Leslie. Sirius glanced at him, checking to see if he was alright.
Next to come down were Arya and Lily. James breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. She was beautiful; there was no doubt about that. Her hair was tied up and came down in ringlets of red curls; some emeralds were snapped into them. He couldn't stop staring. She was wearing a velvet dark green dress, a favorite of hers. Too anyone she would have looked ordinary, but to him she looked like a queen. Her eyes glanced at him and he tried to speak. She said goodbye to everyone and went to meet Danny.
James sighed and watched her go and looked around at everyone. His vision was hazy and it he was lightheaded. He shook his head, trying to clear it out.
Sirius, on the other hand, was holding Arya's hand, too frightened to let her go. She was wearing the silver dress she found in the muggle dress shop and had her hair down. She smiled and patted James' hand. "She'll realize soon enough."
James looked at her "You look beautiful, Arya."
She blushed and thanked him before walking out with Sirius. James remained in the Common Room for as long as possible. Soon enough he would have to walk downstairs and dance with the head girl.
We were strangers
Starting out on a journey
Never dreaming
What we'd have to go through
Now here we are
And I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
"And now," Said Dumbledore "Will the Head Boy and Girl, kindly open the dance floor."
Lily walked onto the floor, heals clicking on the polished oak wood floor. She looked around at the beautifully decorated Great Hall. Students surround her, each in colorful dresses, having a merry time with their friends. The candles burned low on the tall Christmas tree, each flame causing the crystal ornaments to sparkle with light.
No one told me
I was going to find you
Unexpected
What you did to my heart
When I lost hope
You were there to remind me
This is the start.
A set of footsteps brought her out of her thoughts and she inwardly sighed with relief when she saw James walking towards her. Her heart fluttered as he came closer.
"I was afraid you wouldn't show," She whispered, taking his hand and putting one on her waist. He smiled and grabbed the other one.
"I wouldn't leave you alone out here," He whispered into her ear. The sound sent chills up her spine. "I'm not that much of a prat."
Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey
They began to dance slowly, not once letting their eyes leave from one another. She was transfixed by his eyes. They were like deep pools and she couldn't swim. He smiled at her "Everything was a success. You did great Lil's."
She blushed "I couldn't have done it without you, James. Thank you." He nodded and twirled her slowly.
"I was wondering," He asked "If you'd like to have the last dance with me?"
Lily smiled "I'd love that James."
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
"Look at them," Whispered Priscy "Have you ever seen two people more in love?"
"They are both stubborn as hell." Said Remus
Danny walked over to them. "Remus?" He said
Remus looked over and nodded "Yes?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you."
We were strangers
On a crazy adventure
Never dreaming
How our dreams would come true
Now here we stand
Unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
"How are things with Danny?" James whispered
Lily smiled "He's wonderful James;" She turned away from him "It's just..." She trailed off.
"What Lil's?" He asked concerned.
She looked back into his eyes and he squeezed her hand. "I think I've fallen for someone else."
I knew there was somebody somewhere
Like me alone in the dark
Now I know my dream will live on
I've been waiting so long
Nothing's gonna tear us apart
Remus nodded understandingly "Do what you think is best, Danny."
Danny nodded and they walked back into the Great Hall. More couples were dancing on the dance floor, but it looked like James and Lily didn't notice. He watched Lily whisper something into James' ear, then look away guilty.
I'll be there
When the world stops turning
I'll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you
"I'm sure he'll understand," James said watching Lily look guilty. "You can't hide your feelings all the time, Lil. This new person will be lucky to have you." His voice croaked and he looked above her head, to the side, everywhere to escape her beautiful eyes.
Life is a road and I wanna keep going
Love is a river I wanna keep going on....
Starting out on a journey
Life is a road and I wanna going
Love is river I wanna keep flowing
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you.
A/N: Ah ha! Arya is giving Sirius a second chance. )
I don't know about you all, but the song "At the Beginning" reminds me of James and Lily so much. Anyway, please, please review! It makes me very happy. )
And remember! The next chapter will have the rest of the dance.
Black Emerald: lol. I love that little analogy too. I was going to have Arya not go with him but, I've got something special planned for the next chappie. Ack. I love your username. It's awesome.
Magicians of the Yami: Yepp! There'll be a lot more up-dates too. lol I'd like to beat Belle too. helps