BlackLupin- Of course it is.  Who wouldn't buy things for James? grins And thanks!  I'm a graduate!  AAIIIEE!  And Jamesie won't be stuck with Nikki dear for long… sly grin

Potts- Yes, I have introduced Chris already.  Read chapter 26 again before you read this; you'll understand it better.  Thanks for being such a faithful reviewer!  Keep reading!

Lanette- Oh, don't worry, you will hear about Lily's dress!  Thanks for reviewing!

MPPSexxySiriusJamesRemus- Thanks for being so faithful!

A/N: First things first: I have 2 apologies to make to all of you.  I'm sorry about the incredible wait for this chapter; I've been so busy but I know that's not an excuse.  Its summer and I should be getting more writing in, but my dad is pressuring me to do more math and discouraging me from writing.  I promise you all, I am writing every spare moment I get.

Secondly, I'm sorry I wasn't quite able to capture the Yule Ball scene quite right.  I'm sure you all know what I meant, though, and can capture it in your minds.  (Oh, god, I sound like a bloody philosopher.)

Third and lastly, I know I skipped the chapter that I said was going to be next and kind of crammed it into this one.  I hope you like!  Enjoy!

Chapter 27: The Yule Ball

James stared at the wall ahead of him, bringing his spoon to his mouth nonchalantly, a bored expression on his face.  Nikki Gryfan chatted in his ear, and for once in his life James was actually listening.  Hence the bored expression.

He had decided to make an effort to get along with Nikki, since she was going to be his date, but hadn't made much progress.  The only plus side was that James was now well-informed of the Hogwarts gossip.

In the midst of his thoughts, a tawny owl swooped down and landed in James' cereal.  Morning mail, he thought glumly.

            "Hey, look, James!  You've got mail!" Nikki exclaimed.

James stared at her.  "Thank you for stating the obvious," he said.  He opened the envelope.  It was a letter from his parents.

            James, it read,

            We have just received word that Hogwarts will be hosting a Yule Ball on Christmas Eve.  We will make the journey there to see how you are faring.  We hope you will remember your standing.  You are a Potter.  We hope that your date will be worthy.

            Sincerely,

            Mother and Father

James crumpled up the letter and threw it at the wall in anger.  The letter was reduced to ashes.

-

Lily had gotten to know Chris Birkham a lot over the past few days, and was pleased to discover that they had a lot in common.  She could not wait for the Ball that night.

At the end of the day, Lily was in her dorm, opening the bag which contained her dress.  She slipped into it.

It was an emerald green dress that matched her eyes perfectly.  It had a V-neck, was spaghetti-strapped, and the bottom was cut unevenly.  It sparkled and shone, just like Lily herself. 

Caitlin helped Lily do her hair.  It was piled on top of her head, but a few of her fiery ringlets escaped the knot and tumbled down her shoulders.  She was exquisite.

Caitlin wore a dark blue dress with cap sleeves.  Her hair cascaded down her back, but was held from her face by silver hair spin pins.

They were ready.

-

Chris met Lily in the Common Room.

            "Wow," he breathed when he saw her.  "You look… beautiful."

Lily blushed.  "Thanks," she whispered.  He took her hand and led her to the Great Hall.

The four long tables had disappeared, and at the far end of the room was a stage where Fusion were setting up.  The lights were dimmed, and there was soft glitter falling from the enchanted ceiling.

More couples arrived and finally, the music started.  The first song was fast, and, since she was a little shy about dancing, Lily chose to sit down during that one.  The next one she got up and danced with Chris for.

Hours passed, and a slow song came on.  At the moment Lily was about to dance with Chris, a voice over her shoulder spoke.  A horribly familiar one.

            "Excuse me," her worst nightmare addressed Chris, "may I borrow your date for this dance?  I promise to return her afterward."

Chris nodded, unsuspicious, gave Lily a kiss on the cheek, and went to get a drink.

James led Lily to a corner of the dance floor, away from most of the dancing couples.

            "James Potter!" Lily hissed, as James took her hand and started dancing to the music.  "I was having a perfectly good evening and now you have to come and spoil it!"

These weren't the words James wanted to hear, but he proceeded with his plan.  He had agreed with himself that he would tell her tonight, even if she didn't accept him or his words.

            "Lily," he began, "I know you must hate me, and I know we have our differences.  But I wanted to tell you that… well, I asked Nikki to the dance because I knew I could never have you.  I can't stop thinking about you.  You've been on my mind every day since… well, for a few years, but these past couple months more than ever.  I… I really like you, Lily Marie Evans.  I… I love you.  And if I'm not mistaken, I think you're harboring feelings for me, too.

            "Just tell me, Lily.  Please, tell me if you feel the same about me.  Sincerely.  If you honestly tell me no, I swear, I won't ever bother you again."

Lily looked into his soft, pleading eyes.  She started to melt.

            "Potter, we can't… you know we can't… I won't," she said as firmly as she could.

            "Just tell me."

            "Oh, James, why now?  Why tonight?  I was getting on fine this week and tonight, and now you… you have to… why now?  I just made myself get over you and now… but we can't, James, you know we can't…"

            "Please, Lily.  I promise I won't ask for anything ever again."

Lily looked again into those eyes and knew she could not lie.

            "I… I do have feelings for you, James," she whispered.

            "Then why won't you have me?" he asked.

            "Because, James… we're too different.  We're from two completely different worlds."

            "But-"

            "I'm sorry, James.  I really am.  I've been trying my best to keep my mind off you, too, but… I can't, either.  I've got a boyfriend, you know that, and I like him very much.  We just can't do this, James."  Her eyes welled up with tears.  "I'm sorry."

The hot tears spilled over, and Lily turned and ran.  James looked down, defeated.

-

Sirius and Caitlin had decided to dance during the slow song.  Caitlin rested her chin on Sirius' shoulder.  Neither teen spoke for a while.  Then Caitlin chose to speak, voicing one of her fears.

            "Sirius," she said as she looked into his eyes, "just in case… this… we don't work out…" she shuddered inwardly at the thought, "I just wanted to say…

            "Thank you… thanks for everything you've ever given me… Because I know I'll never forget it… or you.  You've given me so much: so much hope and joy, Sirius… and knowledge of… of what love really feels like…

            "And… even if you don't feel the same way… I can understand that… this is a big step for you… but I just wanted you to know… that I… I- I love you."

Sirius' heart melted at the words, but he was left speechless.  He knew what he felt for Caitlin was strong, but he didn't know what it was.  He didn't know if it was love.

            "You know what?" He touched her cheek tenderly.

            "What?"

            "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen…" he whispered in her ear.

Caitlin was glad the lights of the Great Hall had been dimmed, so Sirius couldn't see her crimson cheeks.

-

            "Ah, James, and who is this?" the young, elegant woman asked him.

            "Mum, this is Nikki Gryfan.  She's a Gryffindor and is a Pureblood," James recited, bored.

            "A Pureblood.  I see," said Mrs. Potter thoughtfully, yet happily.  "James, I do believe your father would like to meet her."  She called him over.

Mr. Potter was a tall man.  He looked down upon Nikki.

            "Miss Gryfan, I see," he said.  Nikki looked taken aback.  "Yes, I know your father quite well," Mr. Potter explained.  "Good man."

            "Well, James, we approve," his mother accepted.  "But we must be going.  Your father and I have a social matter to attend to.  Have fun tonight."

Yes, all the fun in the world, James thought dejectedly.

-

                "Er… miss?" squeaked a voice beside Lily's ear.  She lifted her head and opened her eyes, pushing her tangled hair out of her eyes.  A short house elf with wide eyes stared at her.

            "Miss, there is a boy downstairs, he says he is wanting to speak to you, miss," the house elf said.

            "Oh," said Lily.  "Thanks."

            "And not that it is any of Nelly's business, miss," Nelly said slowly, her eyes searching Lily's face, "but is miss alright?  Miss seems a little… sad."

            "I'm alright, Nelly," Lily responded, wiping the remaining tears from her red, puffy eyes and attempting a weak smile.  "Thanks."

            "No problem, miss.  Nelly is here to serve."  Nelly disappeared with a crack.

What does Potter want now?  Lily thought, somewhat disgruntled.  I told him we couldn't…

Lily opened the door to see Chris standing at the foot of the stairs.  He looked slightly surprised to see Lily looking this way.

            "Lily?" he asked uncertainly.  "Are you… okay?" 

            "Chris," Lily whispered as she flung herself at him and he enveloped her in a hug.  "I'm so glad it's you," she murmured into his shoulder.

            "What happened?" he asked when they broke apart.

            "Oh, nothing," Lily said reassuringly.  "Just Potter getting on my nerves, that's all.  What time is it?" she asked.  Chris checked his watch. 

            "Almost midnight," he said.

            "Oh, Chris, I ruined this night for you.  You must hate me.  I'm so sorry."

            "It's okay.  Really.  Do you want me to stay here with you?"

Lily wanted to say yes, but hesitated.  "But what about the dance?"

            "Honestly, there's nothing I'd rather do than spend time with you," he said.

            "Okay then… yes," she said as she hugged him close again.

A/N: Argh, I know it's incredibly short, and doesn't do you guys justice, but… I'm sorry!  I know what's going to happen next and everything, but… argh!  Just give me a little time.  I'll sort myself out.  I might modify and change this chapter later, but… we'll see.  Review!