A/N & Disclaimer: I do not own any characters that J.K. Rowling has created; but I do however, own the ones I have brilliantly came up with. Please read & review, it would make me happy 

Chapter Four

Sumer's Gift

Julia convinced her sister that her clothes looked ridiculous on "Miles" and that Nadera's clothes would look better on the short, chubby, grouchy Labrador Retriever; which sort of reminded Julia of Nadera herself.

"Pink isn't Miles' colour, I guess" sighed Natalie as she tossed Nadera's favourite orange sweater over Miles and gazed as the small and chubby dog who began to chew on the long, loose, cotton sleeves.

Julia spent the next day looking for a ball gown, she tried on a few but the gowns she tried on were too long, too short, too small or too big. Julia gazed upon a beautiful satin-sheered strapless silvery-blue ball gown that shimmered in the gaze of anyone's eyes. It was absolutely the most gorgeous gown she had ever laid eyes on. This was the gown she had longed desired for. Julia quickly and readily looked towards the store-owner who was watching Julia's gaze at the dress. The store-owner had a smug look across her face, the lady had read Julia's decision about the gown.

"I don't think you can afford it," laughed the store owner as her cold icy lifeless eyes darted at Julia from head to toe. Julia felt a bit hurt, she did have enough money, why were people so quick to judge her? The store owner looked fairly familiar to Julia … her eyes reminded her of someone. Julia glared at the store owner and decided to leave the boutique at once.

Julia angrily approached Remus and Lily. Her face was concentrating on not to flutter and burst out in tears. She sat with Remus and Lily who were waiting for Julia to finish her shopping. Remus was reading a book, pretending that he wasn't nosing and listening to Julia; but he couldn't resist. Lily had read Julia's angry expression.

"What is wrong?" asked Lily. Remus continued to keep his eyes on his book as Julia explained the situation to Lily.

"… and the woman told me that I probably couldn't afford the dress!" sobbed Julia to a comforting Lily as she hugged her.

"She had no right to say that," muttered Lily. Remus, finally taking his eyes off of his book turned to Julia with an understandable notion

"I know what its like, just because you don't have the world's best clothes on your back, doesn't mean you shouldn't be treated like everyone else" sighed Remus, rather embarrassed that he was talking about this. Julia felt a bit better, assuming that Remus had experienced a similar prejudice and humiliation.

"I'll just wear one of my old gowns," sighed Julia. "I just want to go home". Lily and Remus nodded, but Lily turned a ponderous questioning look towards Remus.

"I thought you wanted to purchase a few things in town?" pondered Lily. Remus looked quite intent but still armed by the question.

"No, its O.K. I want to get going home too" sighed Remus. Julia bid Lily and Remus a quick goodbye.

Julia arrived at her family's house shortly after and walked cautiously to her room. She eyed her wardrobe and spotted a fairly 'old' ball gown. The gown in question, was a bright peach colour, it was a very long flowing gown laced with huge ribbon bows. The gown reminded Julia of a cheaply decorated molding wedding cake; it braced the flair of tackiness through in and out. Julia sighed immediately when she tried it on. It was fairly too short and too tight on her. Nadera, like usual, jumped in Julia's bedroom as her curly spirals bounced behind her.

"That must be the ugliest dress I've ever seen!" laughed Nadera as she snickered. Nadera quickly shoved a plump powdered donut in her gaping mouth. Julia smiled amusingly at Nadera's antics.

"Keep eating that way and your outfits will all look better on Miles," laughed Julia as she observed the small flab that Nadera was suddenly growing on her abdomen. Nadera's expression was priceless; it was as if Christmas had been cancelled. She sneered at Julia and snapped hastily.

"No wonder why Greg is in New York, your mouth probably scared him off!" Nadera quickly ran out of the room before Julia could retaliate. Julia smiled to herself. Nadera reminded her so much like Mother, but not as mature as her obviously. Julia imagined Nadera being 45 and still talking with that juvenile tone of hers.

Julia immediately stopped thinking about her Mother; it was too painful to remember the last moments and memories of her dear Mother. The more Julia tried to blur the memory, the stronger it remained. She threw the picture of her family in her desk drawer and began writing her newest story; "Legacy of Rosina". Quite tired; Julia fell asleep suddenly after writing the very first chapter.

Julia woke up early in the morning because of a certain annoying little sister was yelling and shaking her furiously. Julia sat up wearily. The bright sunlight from her windows glowed behind Nadera, making her look weirder then usual as she continued shaking Julia while shouting in her ear.

"Wake UP! You have a parcel! Hurry up and open it!"

Julia yawned, "Its probably a box of toads".

She heavily muttered and looked at the well-sized parcel; but smiled at her bed thinking she needed about 4 more hours of sleep to be satisfied.

"Well open the card at least!" snapped Nadera.

Finally giving in, Julia opened the envelope, which had a beautiful card. On the cover of the card were two elegant roses and hearts crossed on the front; it had read: "To the beautiful & lovely Julia". She smiled as she read the heading; she quickly opened it to see what lurked inside.

Dear Julia,

I felt silly – sort – of, when I bought this card and the gift. But, I realized that you truly do deserve such a beautiful and priceless gift, I hope you like it.

Love,

Sumer Nipul

Julia had no idea who 'Sumer Nipul' was, but she opened the parcel curiously and excitedly. She had leapt out a huge gasp in surprise as she observed the beautiful gown that she longed for was in the parcel. She almost wanted to cry. Nadera rolled her eyes as if that was the most boring thing she could of ever imagined it would be.

"BORING! I thought it was going to be something more exciting" yawned Nadera as her eyes glittered imaging the parcel containing a huge secret eccentric bomb that would blow up her sister, instantly when she opened it; she boredly flowed out of the room but Julia was too stunned to notice. She immediately put on the gown; there were also a pair of matching dress shoes. Julia wished she could thank this Sumer Nipul, but she unfortunately didn't know who he was or what he looked like.

For the rest of the day, she kept on day dreaming about what Sumer could look like or how he acted and talked. She forgot entirely about Sirius for the whole day, and even Greg.

Julia began to get ready for the ball, she spent awhile on her hair and makeup, and her golden locks were placed in an elegant crisp French twist. She sincerely hoped that Sumer would be there, and would introduce himself to her.

Julia met with James and Lily in their carriage. The lovely and beautiful Lily was wearing a long flowing vibrant everest, emerald green gown which matched her eyes fondly. Julia turned to her James and Lily as she got seated.

"Do either of you two know anyone named Sumer?" asked Julia, her eyes desperate for an answer and conclusion. Lily stared blankly at the question.

"No, sorry" replied Lily.

"Never heard of that name around here," answered James, Lily quickly changed the subject.

"I love how your hair is in a French twist, it's so simplistic but elegant at the same time" commented Lily admiring Julia's hair, but she wasn't listening; all she cared about was to find out who Sumer was.

They finally arrived at Phoebe's house, which was more like a mansion. The beautiful house had a brick finishing; it was about 7000 sq. feet with many various trees guarding the property. Phoebe definitely, had one of the most beautiful houses in the area, many people gaped as they peered at the house.

James had escorted Lily into the ballroom. Julia was looking around the grounds when she spotted Sirius. She happily skipped and jumped jokingly to his side with a smirk.

"Hey Shack boy, why don't you escort me in?" laughed Julia playfully. Sirius looked at her, and said nothing. He ignored her and left walking away briskly and shaking his head. Julia felt embarrassed and foolish. Why did Sirius have to snub her?

Julia felt like leaving until Remus had approached her with a warming smile.

"What's going on? Surely I'd thought you would have at least 20 gentlemen asking to escort you to the ballroom" said Remus smiling brightly, but frowned at Julia's dejected expression.

"Well, I thought this one person would, but he… ugh guys! You can't depend on them!" muttered Julia, sighing as she looked over and saw Sirius talking to a group of Phoebe's relatives.

"Well, that can be true. But, I'm sure you can depend on me to escort you to the ballroom, safely" laughed Remus as he held out his charming arm as Julia smiled.

"I can always count on you," giggled Julia, wrapping her arm around Remus' as he escorted her to the ballroom, Sirius gave them confused and odd glances. Julia ignored the glances and walked closely with Remus.

The ballroom was gorgeous. Many Chandeliers flickered in the ceiling that embarked the spark of etiquette and elegance for starters. The floors were purely made out of marble, or some sort of hard finishing glossy temper. So many happy couples were happily talking, dancing or drinking some punch juice.

Phoebe's friend was present beside her at all times; her name was Kendra. She turned her head over to Phoebe after having a glance at Julia. Her long raven-black locks almost reached her ankles.

"Wow, first your Sirius, now she's with Remus. Who's next? James?" hissed Kendra as she darting her cold beady brown eyes towards Julia. Phoebe gasped and dropped her glass of juice as she saw Julia's gown.

"I pre-ordered that gown ages ago with a huge offer – mind you. Cousin Meril told me that someone, this morning, had paid double my offer for that gown! How could Walker ever afford it?" snapped Phoebe glaring at Julia. Kendra smirked, eyeing Julia like she was an insect.

"She probably coaxed Sirius to buy it for her, have you seen his face when she walked in with Remus?" hissed Kendra, her face impersonating a snake about to prey on a small helpless mouse when she glanced over at Julia and Remus. Phoebe put her hands, angrily on her hips.

"I'm going to get to the bottom of this!" cried Phoebe marching off towards Julia who was waiting for Remus' return. Phoebe approached Julia, and spoke in a sugary, fake twisted tone.

"Hello Jennifer!"

Phoebe immediately pulled out a chair beside Julia who was rolling her eyes and ignored Phoebe's greeting. She eyed Julia's gown.

"That's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen! How did you ever afford it?" laughed Phoebe showing a bit of rude surprise. Julia returned a smile.

"Someone by the name of Sumer Pinul bought it for me" beamed Julia with a bragging-romantic tone and smiled with satisfaction at Phoebe's reaction. Phoebe had grinded her teeth thinking who in their right mind would ever buy Julia a gown and not her? She stared blankly.

"Sumer… Sumer… REMUS!" exclaimed Phoebe, figuring it out – almost, immediately. Her face and eyes were brightening.

"Huh?" responded Julia, looking over at the punch table where Remus was in deep conversation with James Potter.

"Its sooo like Remus, anyways. Sumer spelt backwards is Remus. How could he of afford it!" giggled Phoebe, Julia sneered at Phoebe with disgust.

"You make me sick. You judge people too quickly. The other day he was about to get a few items for his house but then he decided not too, so we all went home. I guess he ordered the gown when he got home or in the morning" explained Julia, still pondering on her hypothesis. Phoebe squirmed and added a comment in a nice tone.

"That is so romantic".

Julia forced a small weak smile, but then Phoebe turned and glared at her.

"Well, at least it'll hopefully keep you off of my man" snapped Phoebe as she met up with a laughing Kendra close by.

Remus came back, with an open smile while he was holding a glass of fruit punch.

"Hmmm. Fruit punch, what a hard-core party" muttered Julia sarcastically. Julia smiled at Remus' laugh and quickly hugged him when Sirius had looked over at the two of them. Remus instantly blushed slightly.

"I know it was you who bought me the gown, Remus. You're so sweet. Thank you, but you shouldn't have wasted you're money on me" said Julia, feeling a bit bad. Remus smiled shyly while shuffling his feet.

"Well, you really wanted it, …" mumbled Remus.

Julia wanted to change the subject.

"I want to dance, c'mon Remus," urged Julia as she practically dragged him to the dance floor. Sirius gave them a snarling look as he watched Remus and Julia laughing and joking along.

"I just can't believe dumb ol' Phoebe figured it out before me" giggled Julia. Remus smiled.

"Shocking. I know. I wish Sirius would stop giving me glances that look like he's going to behead me," muttered Remus, as Sirius glared. Julia noticed the glares and hesitated.

"I'll be right back Remus, I need another drink" sighed Julia walking to the punch table. Sirius walked over and gave Julia a cold look of betrayal and mistreatment.

"Having fun with Remus?" snapped Sirius hastily, Julia smirked but ignored him and poured some juice in her cup. Sirius sneered and took her glass.

"What is your problem?" he snapped, Julia snatched back her cup and scowled at Sirius.

"What are you talking about? You've been ignoring me all night!" hissed Julia, defensively trying to walk away from the confrontation, but Sirius stopped her abruptly.

"I've just been busy .…" muttered Sirius looking a bit embarrassed with the spectators circling them.

"Apparently not with Phoebe. She's been telling everyone how much of a slut I am, can't blame her. The girl needs to grow a brain and an imagination," laughed Julia, insulting Phoebe in her own dazzling mansion was too much pleasure for one gaping sentence.

"Don't say such rude things about people" snapped Sirius but that didn't calm Julia down.

"She has everything in the world; no wonder why she has to make up stories and run my reputation, she's bored stiff!" smirked Julia, Sirius looked quite offended. She smiled and added on to the subject.

"Don't act like it's not true. You two have nothing in common," snapped Julia, steaming off towards Remus, until Sirius shouted…

"And what do you and that Greg have in common? He doesn't even read your letters!" hissed Sirius, at that precise moment, Julia spun around to glare deep into his eyes. The ultimate betrayal had flickered on her eyes. How and why did Sirius look over her letters? She tried to speak but no words would come out until she finally gave a sharp faint crying whisper.

"You read, my letters?"

Sirius looked down at his feet, feeling odd and panicky in the situation he bravely answered, "A few, look Julia, I'm …" said Sirius trying to apologize but his face suddenly scrunched in frustration, but Julia didn't wait a second. She quickly apologized to Remus about her early departure and skidded out of the house.

Julia's heart felt heavy, and was relieved no one had tried to stop her from running, she didn't even notice how long the walk was. All Julia cared about was getting home. She kicked a rock and wished she hadn't even moved here. She wanted out, free from her family most importantly to become independent.

Julia finally reached her house and ran straight to her bedroom, ignoring her family's concerning questions of why she was home early.

She had made a fool and a spectacle of herself in front of everyone. She had ditched Remus, and worst of all got betrayed by one of her friends, or did she think of Sirius as more then a friend? The questions scrambled through her head.

Julia bit her lip as she saw an owl fly in with a letter, the writing on the envelope resembled Greg's writing, she excitedly opened the envelope. She had read the first line, "Dearest Rachael,"

Who the hell was Rachael? Julia threw the letter on the floor, as if she didn't need another problem to deal with. She solemnly cried for the best of the night, as the rain poured meaningfully down the windowsill.