James had been highly disappointed that Lily had said, -no!-, to his first few ideas. As Lily was not entirely sure that Maia hadn't invited Muggle guest as well, she put a quick stopped in any activities involving, Magic. Although she admitted James suggestion to rise out of the bubbles like Aphrodite did sound like fun.

After several plans for the proper entrance of the Marauders. Including, but not limited to dragons, airplanes (Lily's joking modification – but they'd taken her seriously), balloons, limo, and hipogriph. She'd finally fell in love with the idea of a horse drawn Cinderella carriage. It was Lily's favourite fairytale.

Although, less enthused by this than the dragons, or hypogriphs, Remus and Sirius agreed after seeing how much Lily really did want it. Hey they could be sensitive . . . sometimes. Sirius shrugged and told himself that a lot of girls tended to like that romantic stuff. Maybe it could win him points with Len.

Peter seemed indifferent, looking more nervous each day the party got closer. Despite frequent "not to worry" comments from Lily, with an "it's going to be fun". He forced a smile and nodded.

They meet at Remus' house. This was well because his parents had to run through everything. The Marauders, who'd heard it all before, smiled politely and waited, knowing anything else would likely cause Moony's folks to change their minds. If that happened . . . they wagered that Maia would kill them.

They headed off to get Lily. James got out and knocked on the door. Her father, as always, came to the door to see James. He gave James a very cross look. Apparently, still mad about the window thing. James thought. He greeted Mr. Evans respectfully.

"Now, Mr. Potter I don't have to warn you that I expect you to behave like a gentleman with my Lily." Mr. Evans wasn't really asking. They both knew it.

"No sir." James replies. He smiled, briefly wondering what a muggle father was allowed to do to protect his daughter, and exactly what could happen to him, if he crossed this man. James decides it's not worth losing Lily over, to find out. "I always do try to treat Lily well. She has a tendency to tell me when I'm doing something wrong."

"I'm ready." Lily called, from upstairs. James had a mixed feeling about her wearing that . . . two-piece thing. Especially in front of her father! He was most relieved to see her greet him in, hip-hugger jeans (bell bottom – but not the gross huge kind) and a clinging t-shirt on. "Bye, daddy!" Lily gave her father a kiss. She tried to rush out.

"Lily you look beautiful, but you always do." James smiled at her. She read the, Thank-you, in his eyes.

"You said that this Maia has a phone?" Lily turned slightly frustrated. She'd gone over this about a hundred times already.

"Yes Dad. The number's on the fridge." Lily saw her horse-faced sister in the hall. She wanted to taunt her. "Oh, is that the Cinderella carriage? Is it really a magicked pumpkin?" She actually saw the carriage then. James thought that she may cry at first. A huge smile beamed at him. She hugged him.

Knowing that Lily and her sister liked to taunt each other he played along. "Yes. But the mice horsemen had to cancel so instead we have Guinea Pigs. I hope that's alright?" She hugged him again.

Sirius now getting very eager to see Lenore called. "Hey you two come on or we're going to miss this thing." Having caught the joke. "Chop, chop. We've only got until midnight."

James and Lily laughed. He father after a moment did as well. Petunia, Lily's sister huffed and walked away. Then James remembered something, he wasn't sure if he should remind her, but a good boyfriend would . . . right? "Lily did you remember your camera?"

Lily looked at him adoringly. He remembered! Despite that they were all . . . shocked. "Yes thank you." She gave her father a hug. Then climbed into the carriage. Once they were off, she smiled to them. "So really. Is it a really carriage or what?"

Maia's Party

Maia whirled around checking and double checking to make sure that everything was alright, and ready. Maia's dad had put a few charms around the pool, for size and perception for the neighbours.

"Maia, calm down. Everything will be fine." Len assured her. They had both chosen to wear sweats during the set up. "Let's go change. I can't believe that you talked me in to this. You realize that I had to hide it from my folks right?"

"Len, you're too innocent." Maia teased. She changed quickly, doing a mirror check. The red looked great against her lightly tanning skin. She tied her hair in a French braid. Tying a translucent wrap low across her hips which was a goldish colour.

"Oh Maia. You traitor." Len teased. She smiled at her doing a mirror check.

"You think that Remus will like it?" Maia asked playfully.

"Yes, unless he's gone blind...even then, yes." She told her. Len was much less comfortable than Maia. Len felt that the dark blue of her suit, made her look extremely pale. Len reached quickly for the sarong to wrap around herself. It was a white background with silk-screened butterflies on it, in most every colour imaginable, varying in size. It was very beautiful.

Maia sat Len down. They talked while Maia played with Len's hair. It was loosely pulled into a soft top braid, the back curls were left free. To bounce around. This made Len feel much more relaxed that she had earlier.

"You look great. Sirius will love it." Maia insisted. Len smiled but rolled her eyes. "Of course you could wear a snow suit and he'd still notice you."

"Maia, you're full of shit." Len replied. "The only reason he likes me is because I say no. I bet if I went out with him once, he'd forget all about me."

"You're on." Maia smiled back. "Next time he asks you out, say yes." Maia insisted heading downstairs. Len scowled but agreed.

"And what do I get if I win?" Len asked.

"I'll baby-sit for you." Maia replied. They knew that Maia would anyway. "If I win, you try to talk your brilliant potion tutor into making something for me."

"What? Why?" Len looked very confused. The door bell arrange signalling the first guest.

"I'll tell you later." Maia smiled. "Agreed?" Len nodded. The truth was, she'd planed to give in anyway. Sirius had been very sweet, and he was smart and cute, what was the down side again???

Maia showed her guest in, doing a quick run threw the rules. She had invited her cousins and some of the people she'd gone to primary school with. Len had met most of them on other occasions. They where not all pure-bloods, but none of them where muggles. Only a few robes scattered the yard, most where in Muggle-clothes. Mini-skirts, Jeans, hot pants, gypsy tops, halters, t-shirts, and of course bathing suits. It was a kaleidoscope of colour.

Maia was pleased that many of the boys commented on her outfit. Gryffindor boys especially seemed to like her attire. She hoped that the boded well. For the only person's opinion, other than herself and Len, she really cared was Remus Lupin. The more people that arrived, the more nervous Maia became about James promise to make a "grand entrance".

It had become some what customary for the others to see how people arrived. Maia was the one to answer the door to the Marauders. "Len! You gotta see this." Maia yelled. This of course brought everyone within hearing distance to come see the new arrivals.

Sirius had been first out. He'd been the one to knock. He wore, what according to Lily, was so him. He wasn't so sure, but he trusted her. He had jeans on, he didn't mind them really. A Rugby shirt, Lily had found him, orange and grey horizontal bands (it wasn't Gryffindor colours, but those of his favourite Quidditch team). He had tied his hair back with a bandana.

Peter was the next one seen. Shy little Peter. Lily had done a good job on his outfit, if he only had half the confidence the others had, Maia may have called him a hottie, or at least given him a second look. His forest green shirt hid his slight pot-belly very well. He also sported the pants that Maia had got him for Christmas. His stringy hair had been pulled back. All he needed was confidence to make it really work for him.

Remus had been extremely nervous before stepping out. Lily and James practically had to slap him to snap out of his repose, and he hadn't ever seen Maia yet. Wearing that cling white-blue shirt, and black jeans. His ear-ring was a hoop with a grindalo (water demon) tooth on it. His shoulder length hair was left loose. Maia suddenly needed a drink.

James looked down right devilishly handsome in his dress slacks and wine-red dress shirt with gold buttons, no tie. The top few buttons were opened, giving him a rakish-fun look. His wild jet black hair, just made the look complete.

It seemed that a several other girls were about to faint. Between the four boys most every girl there to greet them was smitten. This was only made worse when James offered his hand to Lily as she climbed out of the carriage like a queen. Most of the girls sighed, wistfully.

Sirius wanted to roll his eyes. Len poked him in the ribs to get his attention. He looked down at her. Len rolled her eyes and motioned to the girls gathering on the porch. Oh, she is sooo, my girl. Sirius thought.

Party - Lily's POV

Remus immediately notices Maia's . . . attire. But then that was her plan. She greets the Marauders warmly. Showing them in and running down the rules. Until this point, I bet the Marauders had honestly thought that I had been kidding. Maia looks positively radiant.

I wonder if Remus has yet to note that she's in Gryffindor colours. For that matter I wonder if he's heard a word that she's said. I notice James "admiring" Maia. His eyes are a little glazed. It's not as funny as last time but it's good. Peter, this time is taking a longer look than he did at me.

I think that I'm hurt or maybe slightly jealous. Sirius looks at Maia and smiles, but his attention is completely on Len, who's standing beside him. Len looks beautiful.

We're taken outside to a kaleidoscope of colour. I think that the boys are slightly over-whelmed. I doubt that they've ever seen anything like this. James I know has been to a disco with me, but the others. Peter is looking very pink. I should go talk to him.

I go to move to Peter. James who's at my arm, holds on to my waist. "Where you headed?" He asks bestowing a dazzling smile on me.

"Peter, doesn't look good." I reply. "I going to try and calm him down."

"Oh." James pulls me into a hug. "He'll be fine. He's just never seen . . . this before." He kisses me. "He just needs some time."

"If you say so." I glance at Peter. I think he looks terrified. I feel like laughing.

"Ah. Len?" I hear Sirius ask. Still encircled in James' arms I turn to watch. "I thought, I hear that you were ummm." I can't believe that Sirius Black is tongue tied!!!

"What he means to say," James added helpfully. "Is that we heard that you were going to be wearing a Two-piece also."

This was not quiet. Several people looked over. Len blushed, but composed her self quickly. "I am. Just under this. It's a sarong. Its meant to be worn over swim wear." She smiles. "I was planning on swimming later, when things calm down a bit."

Some of the attention fades away. Maia has gone off somewhere and Remus looks rather disappointed. "Len? Ummm . . . why did Maia bother to have the gold cloth around her waist? It doesn't really do anything."

Len and I giggle in response. "Remus you noticed it right?" I said. He looks at me confused.

Len again takes a deep breath, I think it was to push down giggles. "It's to help draw attention to her. . ." Len falters losing her composer for a moment.

Sirius being very helpful. Finishes. "Bottom?" Len nods yes. "It works."

"Sirius!" Both Remus and Len snap offended.

"What?" He says defensively. "That's what I'm supposed to do right?" Len starts to laugh, Remus growls.

"I actually have to do some stuff. I'll be back in a bit." Len smiled. "Hey, Lily you going swimming?"

"I was thinking about it. Maybe after I've danced for a bit." I smile to her.

"Great. The change areas are just over there." Len motioned to a pair of small building off to the side. "That way your clothes won't get wrecked. I love those jeans. Hip-huggers just don't look right on me." Len sighed and waved as she headed off.

I notice that there are a lot of people from Hogwarts and a bunch I don't recognize. But they seem to be mixing and friendly. I take James hand and start to pull him toward the dance area. "Dance with me?" I ask cutely. He smiles and joins me.

James wants to check on the boys after a two songs. I agree, we go back. Both Sirius and Remus seem to be socializing. Actually girls seem to be crowding around them. James joins them. I notice Remus perk up. I turn to see what he's looking at. Maia, naturally, seems to be coming over.

At least half a dozen girls are literally trying to seduce him, and he only sees her. How cute!!!

"Could I steal you away for this song. It's one of my favourite." Maia asks him.

Remus smiles at her. "I wouldn't want to insult my hostess. Please excuse me ladies." Whimpers from his fan club, but they smile. I can't help but notice a sandy haired girl watching us. I chuckle, she's just likely to shy to approach the group.

I go over to get a drink. It's a perfect day. Blue sky, light breeze, lots of sun.

The sandy-haired girl is at the refreshment table. She looks like she wants to say something. But doesn't and looks away. Len comes over. "How are things going?" She asks brightly, not really directing to whom she's speaking.

"Good. But I think that Sirius is going to start looking for you soon." I tell her. Len laughs.

"Are you enjoying things, Shanti." She asks the sandy-haired girl. Who smiles and nods. "Christen left you didn't she?" The girl looks shyly down. Len hugs her.

"It's alright." She said quietly. "I like the music." The girl spoke so quietly I barely heard her. However I detected an accent.

"Where are you from?" I ask. She jumps. Len smiles, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"Ve, jus moved from India." She said shyly.

"Shanti is the cousin of Christen. Christen Fairweather. Do you know her?" Len asks.

"Yes, Chris. 6th Year Ravenclaw, on the cheering squad with you and Maia." I recall. Len nods. "Well since your cousin isn't around would you like to hang with me and my friends? Help me steal Len away for a while."

Shanti smiled warmly, and nods. Len and I walk her over to James, Peter and Sirius. I'm almost sure that Sirius only sees Len. It's funny. Sirius is really weak when it comes to resisting girls. However, he had yet to accept to even dance with any of the others. Not that they haven't asked.

After introducing her. We just start to behave normally. Noticing that she, gets highly uncomfortable being the centre of conversation, but happily to be a "fringe" commenter.

"Do you realize that I haven't got to dance today yet?" Len huffs.

Sirius smiles at her, "May I have this dance?"

I nearly laugh. That was sooo, trained response. Sirius is sooo adorable like this. I hear, just my favourite summer song. I start to pull on James' arm. With begging eyes.

"Have you rested enough? Please?" I ask. He smiles at me and lets me pull him away. I pause a moment felling bad about leaving Shanti and Peter alone.

"Vould you like to dance?" She asks him.

"Me!!??" Peter looks at her wide eyed. She nods, but can't meet his eyes.

"Did I do something vrong?" She asks.

"No. It's just. . ." Peter still in shock. He finally recovers. "I'd like that."

James and I finish our way to the dance floor. Thinking of a date between those two. Quietest date ever.

Maia's Party – Len's POV

Oh Merlin!!! Mistra!!! Elmister!!! Hecate!!!

Thank you!!!

My does Sirius look hot! I haven't even notice the others. I think that I might faint. I hope I'm not drooling.

Did I mention that Sirius looks HOT!

A great sigh goes out from the girls, drawing my attention back to reality. I finally take note of Lily and the Cinderella carriage. How typical of the Marauders.

I move over to Sirius' side and nudge him to get his attention. I nod to the silly girls, and roll my eyes. I think that he wants to laugh.

Maia does a whirl-wind tour. She leaves quickly, then I get embarrassed. Sirius just asked about seeing my 2-piece. Damn, Maia must have told Remus. If one knows then they all know.

He just admitted to noticing Maia's butt! I'm jealous! I think I feel tears . . . Why? It's not like he's my guy or anything. I make some flimsy excuse to leave. I'm so confused.

Where's Maia?!?

I rush off. I grab Maia as I pass. She looks at me. "Maia, can I borrow you for a minute?" Not really giving her a choice; I start to drag her upstairs.

"What's the problem?" Maia asks.

"Maia, ohhh... I'm so confused." I admit.

"Really. What happened?"

"Sirius . . . he - " I stop. I huff. "Maia, he noticed you. I think . . . I'm jealous."

"Oh, Len. Relax. Look." Maia smiles and points out her window. I watch how the Marauders, naturally, have set up in the most seen spot and are quickly surrounded by people. Girls are literally throwing themselves at them.

"Maia, that doesn't help." I told her. I turn away.

"Just watch." Maia pulls me back to the window. "Look, he's just being polite. See..." A girl in a mini-skirt and a tube top tried to pull him to the dance area. "He's barely noticing them. Len, honey, you have nothing to worry about. He's crazy about you. Glad to see you are finally admitting you like him."

"Oh, Maia. Please don't get on that." I roll my eyes. Taking another look out at Sirius declining another offer. "Did you notice how hot he looks?"

"Don't hit me, yes. But only because Remus hadn't gotten out." Maia replies. "Oh! Does Remus look fine!"

For the first time I notice Remus. His hair blew in the breeze. His golden earring catching to sunlight and gleams. I took note of his relaxed stance and sparkling smile.

"I can definitively understand what you see in him." I smile. Maia smiles, but gave me that don't-touch look, I had come to expect when we would discuss this. "Don't worry, he's yours."

She giggles and hugs me. "You'll get yours and I'll get my Wolfy."

"We should really get back to your party." I suggest with a smile. "Get back to your guests. All of them, not just your Wolfy."

"You're right." Maia smiles, still gazing out her window. "It would be rude of me to ignore my guest."

"Maia," I was laughing. "You remember that you have more than one wildly-handsome guest?" Maia just smiles. I shake my head. "Oh, do be careful. People will catch on to the idea that this was all to get your hands on one Mr. Lupin."

"Not entirely." Maia countered as we headed down stairs. "I also wanted to set you up with a certain Mr. Black. You two so look good together." I sigh, she just won't give up on this. I cast her a tired look. "Get off it Len. You totally fancy him."

"I'm going to check on the refreshments." I shook my head.

I can't help but smile at how Maia, shamelessly, made a b-line for Remus. Sometimes, I wish I could be that confident, that forward. Maia always goes after what she wants. She always seems to know what she wants.

Me, I don't. I was far less certain of what I wanted. Glancing at Sirius, I smile. Okay correction, today, I was pretty sure what I wanted. I realize it may have been shallow, and totally selfish. I wanted all his attention on ME and no one else.

I go over to the refreshment table. Lily and Shanti are there. Poor Shanti. She looks scared and lost. She only really knows her cousin, Christen. She was painfully shy being thrown into this situation, however her family thought that it might be a nice way for her to make some new friends. Having just moved from India, she was shy because of her accent; and because she didn't really know the culture; and shy because well girls just didn't act this way in India. Or so she told me. She'd helped Maia and me with some of the final touches, as she and Christen had been the first to arrive.

Lily, picks up on my hint and invites Shanti to join her and the boys. Pulling me along, claming that Sirius is about to start to hunt me down. After a bit of conversation, I notice that Shanti, seems to be relaxing a little. I also notice her cast a few nervous glances at Peter.

I realize then that the party has been going on for over an hour and I have yet to dance. "Do you realize that I haven't got to dance today yet?" I huff, musing out loud. I hadn't realized I'd said anything until Sirius smiles down at me and offers me a hand.

"May I have this dance?"

I return the smile, placing my hand in his. He leads me over to the dance area. Are his shoulders always that broad? I think. Then I scold myself. Bad, Len. How shallow?

"So what do you think so far?" I ask. Trying to start conversation to get my mind back on track. I think Maia's starting to be a bad influence on me.

"Well . . . It's different." He shrugs. I nearly laugh.

"Different good, or different Bad?" I smile. Moving closer, so he can hear me.

"Good, I think." He replies. "I mean you were right about the . . . scantily clad girls." I note the pause in his voice. "Bad, that you've been so busy. I wouldn't mind giving you a hand or two, if you need'em."

I smile at him. He pulls me into his arms as the song changes to a slow one. "It's just getting everything started. We, Maia and I, should have more time to enjoy things now." I glance over at Maia, dancing with Remus. "Although, I think it may take a natural disaster to get those two apart."

He chuckles. "Very true." He leans down close to my ear. I notice that he smells really good. "My offer of help still stands. Especially since I think our hostess is a little distracted." This send shivers up my spine.

"I'll keep that in mind." I reply. I wonder if he noticed. I look away from his burning eyes. "I really do like your shirt. It looks very good on you." Len, you're sooo shallow. I scold myself again.

"Ahh . . . Thanks." Sirius replies. "Len, do you usually wear things like that?" I looked at him, and smiled.

"Like this you mean?" I motion to the sarong. He nods. "Only when I'm at the beach or by a pool. It's normally jeans, t-shirts." I smile. "It's easier to play with the little ones. My siblings."

He looks down and smiles at me. I feel rather short, my head comes up to his shoulder. Most of the girls are wearing platforms. As this is Maia's house and backyard, I'm barefoot. My preferred state. Fortunately Sirius was a very good dancer and didn't step on my feet.

"You don't wear robes at home?" He asks.

"Not usually. My dad likes to, and Bas sometimes. But the rest of us don't really. I guess it depends on where we're going or what we're doing." I shrug. "You probably think that's weird, right?"

"Maybe a little." He admits after a moments pause. "But whatever you're comfortable with, right?"

"Right." I laugh as he dips me.

"Will I ever get to meet these siblings of yours?" Sirius inquires. "To see if the comparisons are justifiable."

"Maybe." I reply coyly. I notice that Peter and Shanti are dancing. Timidly together. "How cute!"

Sirius follows my gaze. I hear him laugh again. "Hey Pete-y might actually start to enjoy himself now. It's all dependant on the company."

"Oh really. So what do you think of your company?" I ask posing a challenge to him.

"Well, when not so up tight, it's wonderful. Like now." He replies. Just the kind of answer one expects from him. It makes you want to smile, to laugh. I just shook my head at him.