A/N: Final part of Chapter 8 is finally here.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that you might recognize.
Chapter 8 ~The Halloween Festival
~Third Part: Dancing Competition and Halloween Feast ~
"What do you think they are up to?" Asked Lily when she noticed that James was still frowning.
"Matchmaking that's what." Grumbled James.
"Matchmaking? Who?"
"You and I."
"And would that be so bad?"
"Well yes, we are friends. Why would we want to mess it at all up by dating?"
"You have a good point there." Said Lily as she looked away from James, she didn't want him to see her feeling disappointed by his answer. The feeling was so surprising that Lily was quite staggered by it, she never thought that she would feel disappointed if James never thought of her as dating material.
"Besides, I would drive you crazy in a day, we wouldn't last too long." Said James.
"You really think so."
"Yes, we are just two different people." He smiled at Lily but sounded more like he was trying to persuade himself than her.
"Yes, we are." Lily smiled back.
The dance continued, the couples twirled, and people enjoyed themselves. Finally the dance ended and the floor was cleared in preparation of the dance competition.
"I have to go, I have to get all the votes and equipment ready." Said James as the group met.
"Do you really have to?" Asked Katie.
"Of course, you want to know who won the competitions don't you?"
"In that case, you have to make haste, there is no reason for you to stay here." Urged Sirius, pushing James in the direction of the Quidditch Pitch.
"Somebody is certainly looking forward to it." Laughed Remus.
"Let him go Sirius, we have to get ready." Yelled Emma, as the competitors turned toward the bleachers set just for them.
Peter, Savialia, Emma, Remus, Katie and Sirius walked toward the bleachers to wait their turn, Lily and James walked back to their posts. The band started to play, the competitors whispered and chattered in nervousness, and the judges took their seats. Lily had prevailed in persuading Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Madam Rosmetta to agree and judge the competition. The bleachers set aside for the audience was filling fast; cheers and jeers were heard through out the crowd, as well as laughter and excitement.
"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the last competition of the evening, the Dance Competition." Said Jordan McClellan. The crowd exploded into applause. "Let me introduce you to our illustrious panel of judges: Professor Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts." More applause as Professor Dumbledore stood and bowed to the audience. "Next we have, Professor Minerva McGonagall, deputy headmistress of Hogwarts and professor of Transfiguration." More applause filled the air. "And last but not least, Madam Rosmetta, Representing the town of Hogsmeade and the Three Broomsticks.
"Now if we are all set lets begin with the competition. All the competitor will dance together the first dance, then they will clear a space in the front and each couple will have five minutes to dance on their own before the next couple does, they will rotate counterclockwise. Before the judges' introduction the couples were given a number to show the order in which they will dance. Couples, please take your place."
All the couples filled the dance floor, numbers could be seen on their robes. The band started to play and couples started to dance. Some had more energy than skill while there were a few whose skill clearly made them finalists of the event. The judges looked and made notes, while the crowd clapped and sang along with the band.
The couples twirled and danced, as the crowd cheered and clapped.
Lily was standing by the judges, making sure they had all they needed and laughed at Sirius antics on the floor, he certainly seemed to be having fun even though his dancing wouldn't be winning any awards this evening. Katie didn't seem to mind, she was having as much fun as he was.
Remus and Emma were experienced dancers, they both loved to dance and together they made a wonderful couple, synchronized to each other as if they had been dancing together for a long time. Peter and Savialia were also having fun. Peter was not a good dancer but Savialia was, she led him through the steps and together they seemed to give a good enough performance, even if it wasn't the best.
The band kept playing, each couple got a chance to show off to the judges and people applauded as their favorite couples came forward.
As all this was going on in the dance floor, James was getting all the equipment ready to be taken back to Madam Hooch's office. Madam Hooch, Hagrid, and Professor Flitwick had finished all the notes they needed to do, and had chosen the winners, the sealed note had been put inside a charmed box that would not open until it was time for the presentation. They had decided to go and see the dance competition while James and the rest of the prefects took care that everything was put away. James was in the Pitch with two prefects, the rest had gone to take care of the stands and the tents around the grounds, the only thing that was being used was the dance floor and it would be taken care of the next morning.
"Where do you want this James." Asked Ravenclaw's prefect Marianne. She showed him a pile of brooms.
"Set them here with the balls, we'll take them all together I don't want to leave anything behind." Said James as he turned to look around, making sure that everything had been gathered.
"We'll take them to Madam Hooch's office, you just take care that the box arrives to the Great Hall, we don't want to lose it." Said Jonathan, one of Hufflepuf's prefects.
"Lord no, we don't want to lose it, we'll have a riot in our hands if we do." Laughed Marianne.
James laughed along with them and said. "Really ruthless, this lot, I never thought to see so much competition in this, I suppose we all have some ego deity to appease."
"We'll take this then, there is nothing else left behind, the barriers will cease to exist in a few hours, and the tables had already been taken in to the castle." Said Jonathan as he picked up the trunk with the Quidditch balls, Marianne gathered the brooms and got ready to follow him to Madam Hooch's office.
"Very well, I'll see you at the Feast." James waved to them and saw them leave the field, he then returned to read his list and started to cross off the things that had been done, and see what was left to do. He was too caught up in his list that he didn't notice that he was no longer alone.
"You didn't have too much time for yourself did you?" A husky voice asked from behind. James quickly turned and saw Jezebel leaning against the wall that separated the bleachers from the field.
"No, not much free time available." He responded and turned back to his list. Jezebel quietly approached him.
"I saw that you had enough time to dance." She said as she stilled beside him.
"Yes, only for a while."
"I'm hurt you didn't think of asking me to dance." She pouted, she had been told by admirers that her pouting lips was sexy, but it seemed to have no affect on James.
"Didn't ask anybody, Lily was there so we danced."
"You didn't have to dance with her if you didn't want to, there were others more worthy of your attention." She said leaning in to whisper in his ear.
James rapidly straightened and put some distance between them. "There was no need to look for someone else, Lily and I are friends and she's a graceful dancer."
"Hmmm.If you say so. Are you all done for tonight?" She asked closing the distance that James had carefully put between them.
"Not yet, still have things to do." He stepped away as he noticed the distance decreasing.
"You have become very serious since last semester. Is there no more Marauder spirit?"
"No seems to have gone away."
"Too bad, but I'm sure that with the right persuasion it will come back." She whispered as she finally stood near him. A bit too near, he thought.
"Er.Was there a reason that you came to see me?" He asked, he had no idea how to make her leave.
"Nothing in particular, I got bored watching the dance competition and thought to give you some company."
"Oh, I'm all right, you could go back to the castle. The Feast will start soon." He said, hoping that she would take the hint and leave. She was either too thick or just ignored it.
"There is no need, the dance competition still has some time left to go."
"Oh, well I'm sure that you will want to spend time with your friends then, before we have to go in."
"No, I have spent the whole day with them."
"Oh."
"Do you know what I would like to do right now?" She asked as she slowly stroke his left arm. James was shocked he had no idea on how to respond or what to do.
"Er.no."
"I would like to have some fun with one of the most handsome young men in our world." She said pressing herself to him.
"I'll make sure to let you know if I see any of them." He said as he tried to step back, but she didn't let him.
"Oh but I've seen one that fills all my requirements." She whispered.
"Indeed?" He felt his face blush and sweat braking upon his forehead.
"Indeed yes. Would you like to know who this person is?"
"No, there is no need." He quickly said, he was getting very nervous now.
"Oh? But you know him quite well." She put her hands upon her chest and he moved back to keep her from touching him. It didn't work, it only made her reach for his hands and put them around her waist. She took hold of them behind her back.
"Er, I'm sure I do."
"Do you have an idea of whom I'm speaking of?" She huskily said.
"A small idea."
She smiled and quickly pressed her lips to his. James was stunned, he couldn't think of what to do, he tried pulling away but Jezebel had now her arms around his neck, and his arms were trapped by her body. He couldn't move away.
A cough sounded in the empty field, and he quickly pushed Jezebel away. Both turned to see who had coughed and a serious looking Lily stood by the entrance of the field.
"I trust I was not disturbing anything." Lily said.
"Oh no, you didn't interrupt anything, quite glad to see you in fact." Quickly said James as he walked, actually ran, toward her.
"No, you didn't interrupt anything, I was just saying good bye. I'm sure that you will take care of him now won't you?" Jezebel said as she started to move toward the end of the field. "See you later James." And she blew a kiss in his direction and slowly made her way to the exit of the Pitch.
James and Lily watched her go and then turned to look at each other, the silence that followed was very awkward for both of them. They quickly looked away, but Lily was very curious by the scene she just witnessed.
"I didn't know that you two were a couple, you have kept it quite a secret." She said as she looked around the field, trying to look nonchalant.
"We are not a couple, she just threw herself at me." Said an exasperated James. How could Lily think that he would have anything to do with a girl like Jezebel, he thought.
"Oh? It didn't seem like you minded much." She said as she picked a piece of parchment from the floor.
"What could I do? It seemed rude to be brusque with her. What has gotten into her?"
Lily laughed at the way James run his fingers through his hair, not only was his hair usually messy but he was now making it even worse.
"What is so funny? Is not every day I have a girl throwing herself at me." He growled.
"I've heard otherwise, but it's funny that every male in this school would've given his right arm to be in your shoes today and you don't like it." She smiled, she felt a surprising sense of relief to see that James truly felt the way he said he did. She couldn't understand the reason why she felt this way, but she knew that she didn't want to think about it, there was enough time to do so another time.
"Well, those who feel that way are just idiots, they can try to seduce her for all I care, I don't see why I have to suffer her attentions at all." He snorted, he was not happy that Lily thought of it as a big joke, he was sure that the rest would know what had happened today in a matter of seconds.
"Oh James, you certainly are unique among men." Teased Lily.
"I like to think so." Laughed James.
Lily giggled while James chuckled, but when they looked at each other, the laughter stopped and a feeling of electricity and shock ran through their bodies. Lily blushed and turned away, James coughed and turned to look for his things.
"Has the dance competition ended?" James asked as he picked up his book bag.
"Yes, a while ago, I have here the votes by the judges." Lily said as she extended her hand full of parchments.
"Put it in the box, it will sort our through the votes and disclose the winners when is time to present the awards." Said James, presenting the charmed box holding the votes.
"I'm very glad that Professor Dumbledore thought of it, I wasn't looking forward to have to sort through all the votes." Lily slipped the pieces of parchment into a slot on the top of the box and saw a yellow glowing light emerge from it.
"So was I, this makes it all so much easier. I'm glad Professor Flitwick agreed to performed the charm, I think he likes to show off his talent sometimes."
"I think they all do, they wouldn't be teaching if it wasn't so."
"That's probably true. Are you ready to return to the castle then?"
"Yes, all the tents have been taken down and all the equipment taken back, the only thing left undone is the dance floor, but Hagrid said to leave it and he would take care of it tomorrow morning." Lily responded as the couple started to make their way to the castle.
The grounds were dark and quiet, so different from an hour ago when people still played some of the festival games while the rest were at the dance competition. Then, the grounds where festive and full of light, now only a few lanterns left gave them light and showed them the way to the castle.
Lily looked all around her, glad that the day was over. No more meetings, no hurried notes, no more worrying that everything was set, now she would get a chance to relax and take things easy. She wondered if anybody would use the prefect bathroom, she could use the special bathroom for Head students, but she had gotten used to the prefect bathroom, and it was nearest to the Gryffindor Tower.
James walked silently beside her, he was thinking of what had happened with Jezebel, was he overreacting? He was very flattered of course that she would think of him in that way, but he also knew that Jezebel was too fastidious and self conscious for his taste. It was true that she was considered among the most sought after girls in the magical world, and he also knew that his mother would welcome her with open arms if he decided to fall in with her plans of marriage. But not his father, his father worked for the Ministry of Magic as a cabinet member and advisor to the Minister. In his exalted position he knew a lot about the members of Upper Circle, the name given to those in the wealthiest families in the magical world. He didn't think much of Jezebel's father, Aliaster Potter thought that Jack Robinson was too interested about the Dark Arts. James didn't know about Jezebel but he was sure that her father could be a great influence on her, he certainly doted on his only child.
Lily and James finally reached the castle and walked toward the Great Hall, most students were already sitting in their respective House Table anxiously waiting for the Feast and Award Ceremony to begin. Lily sat at the Gryffindor Table by Emma and Katie while James took the box up to the Staff Table, where he put it into Dumbledore's hands. James promptly walked to the Gryffindor table and sat with his friends. Chatter, laughter and excitement filled the air, the expectation was almost palpable; students kept looking toward the staff table where the box was in plain view in front of Dumbledore. Residents of Hogsmeade had been invited to stay for the Feast, several accepted and a temporary fifth table was conjured for the Hall.
"Welcome all to the Halloween Feast," said Dumbledore bringing the Hall to silence, "I hope you have all enjoyed your day." The Hall exploded in applause and cheers. "I'll take that as a yes. I want you all to thank Mr. Potter, Miss Evans and all the prefects for preparing this wonderful day for us." More applause filled the air. "Now I know you are all eager to find out the winners of the competitions," students were heard shouting the names of their favorite competitors (in most cases their own), "but," Dumbledore continued, "we will wait until the end of the Feast to open this box and name the winners." Groans were heard throughout the Hall. "I just have one more thing to say, Bon Appetite." Food instantly filled the plates in each table, pumpkin juice flowed along with the conversations.
"Why did you take so long in coming, I thought you two would've been here earlier." Said Sirius with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
"We had to make sure we were not leaving anything behind, especially the box." Responded James looking warily at Lily.
The group intercepted the look that James turned on Lily and the smile that this look evoked on her. They turned to look at one another with a lifted eyebrow and questioning expressions. Something happened and James obviously didn't want them to know. And they wondered what it was and why he wanted to keep it a secret.
James kept his eyes on his food, thus, he missed the exchange between the others when he lifted his head his eyes met those of Jezebel across the room, she smiled and wiggled her fingers, James quickly turned to look elsewhere but instead met Lily's laughing eyes.
Throughout the evening students kept going to the Staff Table to talk to Dumbledore, he nodded and smiled and the students returned to their tables. When the Feast was almost done, Dumbledore was seen speaking with Rosmetta, the students were eager for him to be done and get on with the awards.
When he was done and turned back to finishing his food, people where at the end of their chairs, everyone keeping track of how much food was left on his plate. When he drank his juice and pushed away his plate a sigh of relief filled the Hall. Chatter and laughter once again was heard, final bets made and eager smiles graced every face.
"Attention please, it's time now to name the winners of the competitions." Cheers and applause greeted his announcement. "Now, let us review the prizes for each competition and then we will name the winners.
"For first place in the Chaser Competition: An quaffle autographed by England's National Quidditch Team.
"For the Beater Competition: A set of England's National Team Robes signed by star beater Ludo Bagman.
"For the Seeker Competition: A brand new Cleansweeps 1000 series broom.
"For the Dance Competition: Two tickets for the Magnum Wizards Concert.
"And for the Pie Eating Contest: Certificates for free food at any Diagon Alley restaurant worth 100 Galleons."
His audience applauded and cheered every time he said each prize, and were now ready for the winners to be named.
"Now let us open this box and see who the winners are." Dumbledore slowly opened the box and a yellow glowing light erupted from the box, it was very bright and for a moment, blinding. The light slowly receded and five pieces of parchment levitated into the air, stilling in front of Dumbledore. He took one and opened it.
"The Winner for the Pie Eating Contest is: Sirius Black who managed to eat twelve pies." The Hall erupted into applause as Sirius stood up and went to the front to get his free food certificates, a silly smile graced his face.
Dumbledore reached for the next piece of parchment and opened it. "The winners of the Dance Competition are: Emma Holmes and Remus Lupin."
Remus and Emma smiled at each other as they got up from their seats and walked to get their concert tickets. The Gryffindor Table was the noisiest of them all, winners for two competitions were named and they were from Gryffindor. Professor McGonagall seemed very proud as she clapped louder than the rest of the teachers.
When the applause died down Dumbledore reached for the next piece. "The winner of the Seeker Competition is: Savialia Chang." The Ravenclaw Table exploded, finally a winner that wasn't from Gryffindor.
"The winner of the Beater Competition is: Jonas Finch-Fletchley." It was Hufflepuf's turn now to make noise while Jonas happily got up and joined the other winners at the front of the Hall.
"Now the winner of the last competition, the Chaser Competition: Sirius Black" The Gryffindor Table once more erupted into chaos.
"Now that we have our winners please give them a round of applause." The group returned to their seats among cheering and clapping.
"Now there is one more thing to be taken care of. I've been approached by the majority of the student body with a request to crown a King and Queen of the Festival and they all had candidates for this honor, and it just happened to be the same pair, I have discussed it with the Staff and the Prefects, our Head Students were not available at the time, and we decided to go ahead with it and crown your choice for Queen and King. The Three Broomsticks have donated a meal for two and Gladrags Wizardwear have donated a shopping spree valued at 250 Galleons for our couple. Your choice for King and Queen of the Halloween Festival are: James Potter and Lily Evans for giving us a perfect performance at the dance floor. Will Mr. Potter and Miss Evans please come to the front?"
Lily and James sat stunned in their seats, this was something they didn't expect, the Gryffindor Table had gone wild and Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff joined them in their celebration, Slytherin didn't seem too happy with how the evening had gone, no winners were named from their house and now Gryffindor had been given a major honor. Jezebel was not happy, she was glaring at James and the pandemonium coming from the other tables just fueled her anger. Narcissa saw Jezebel expression and readily understood the reason for it, she smiled to herself and turned back to speak with Lucius Malfoy who was sitting beside her.
Lily and James had to be pushed from the table, they eventually made their way to the front and stood in front of Dumbledore who took his wand out and said "Reginus Coronus" and from the wand a pair of crowns appeared and fell into place on their heads. The Hall was cheering and clapping louder than ever.
"Now that our King and Queen had been crowned I will urge you to go straight up to bed, if a need for further festivities is still with you please make sure to appease them before midnight. Now off you go and have a good night."
The Hall slowly emptied, students returned to their common rooms and Hogsmeade residents were offered the carriages to return home. The Gryffindor common room was full of students who still wanted to celebrate, food and drinks appeared.
"I really wasn't expecting this." Said Lily as she sank into the chair next to the fireplace and pulled the crown from her head. Katie and Emma quickly joined her to gaze at the crown it was finely woven in gold, golden laurel leaves entwined and joined to form the crown, small diamonds were encrusted among the leaves. James's was woven in the same way the only difference was that Lily's was triangular in shape while his was more squared and thicker.
"It is very beautiful." Whispered Emma as they inspected the crown.
"Did you lot have something to do with this?" Asked James as he sat on one of the couches near the chair the girls were sitting on.
"We had nothing to do with it, we didn't even know about it." Said Sirius.
"Hmmm.well I suppose it is an honor nonetheless." James said as he pulled the crown from his head and handed it to Remus who was reaching for it.
"Well I don't know about you but I'm going to bed, I'm too tired to stay down here." Said Peter trying to hold a yawn.
"I'll go up as well, I really don't have the energy for any more festivities." Said Emma starting to weave her way among the crowd in order to reach the stairs.
"I'm a bit hungry so I'm staying." Said Sirius as he looked toward the table laden with food. Slowly the common room started to empty, until only Sirius, James and Remus were left behind.
"This was really enjoyable, I'm looking forward to the next festivities you two plan." Sighed Sirius as he finally felt satiated and in need of no more food.
"Well, I don't think I have the energy to plan anything similar in the near future. I'm going to spend the whole day tomorrow in bed." Yawned James.
"You can't, it's a Friday and we have class." Responded Remus as he lay down on one of the couches.
"Not I, we have special permission from Dumbledore and the Professors to take the day off." Sighed James.
"Are you serious? You lucky dog." Exclaimed Sirius.
"Who are we?" Asked Remus.
"Lily, the prefects and I."
"Well I hope you enjoy it, you lot really deserve it." Yawned Remus.
"You sure do, what are you planning to do?" Asked Sirius.
"Stay late in bed and then take a long soaking in the Prefects Bathroom."
"Why not the one specially for the Head Students?" Remus turned to look at James as he asked this.
"In case Lily has the same idea, I don't want to walk in on her when she's in the bath."
"Ha-ha-ha, that would certainly be awkward." Laughed Sirius.
"Certainly would, well I don't know about you but I'm turning in, I'm too tired to stay down here." Said James as he stood up and walked to the stairs.
"Wait up, I'll go too." Yelled Sirius.
"There is no need to yell, and I might as well go with you." Said Remus.
The three friends slowly made their way up to their room. It wasn't long when everybody in Gryffindor lay sleeping.
A/N: Whew! That took a while. This is the first long chapter in my story (as those of you who have read it in the official site know), there are others that are just as long. As I explained before, because I don't want to confuse my loyal readers in the HP site, I will leave it in the same format and not change the chapters at all. I hope you all enjoyed the story so far, and hope to see your reviews. : )
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that you might recognize.
Chapter 8 ~The Halloween Festival
~Third Part: Dancing Competition and Halloween Feast ~
"What do you think they are up to?" Asked Lily when she noticed that James was still frowning.
"Matchmaking that's what." Grumbled James.
"Matchmaking? Who?"
"You and I."
"And would that be so bad?"
"Well yes, we are friends. Why would we want to mess it at all up by dating?"
"You have a good point there." Said Lily as she looked away from James, she didn't want him to see her feeling disappointed by his answer. The feeling was so surprising that Lily was quite staggered by it, she never thought that she would feel disappointed if James never thought of her as dating material.
"Besides, I would drive you crazy in a day, we wouldn't last too long." Said James.
"You really think so."
"Yes, we are just two different people." He smiled at Lily but sounded more like he was trying to persuade himself than her.
"Yes, we are." Lily smiled back.
The dance continued, the couples twirled, and people enjoyed themselves. Finally the dance ended and the floor was cleared in preparation of the dance competition.
"I have to go, I have to get all the votes and equipment ready." Said James as the group met.
"Do you really have to?" Asked Katie.
"Of course, you want to know who won the competitions don't you?"
"In that case, you have to make haste, there is no reason for you to stay here." Urged Sirius, pushing James in the direction of the Quidditch Pitch.
"Somebody is certainly looking forward to it." Laughed Remus.
"Let him go Sirius, we have to get ready." Yelled Emma, as the competitors turned toward the bleachers set just for them.
Peter, Savialia, Emma, Remus, Katie and Sirius walked toward the bleachers to wait their turn, Lily and James walked back to their posts. The band started to play, the competitors whispered and chattered in nervousness, and the judges took their seats. Lily had prevailed in persuading Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Madam Rosmetta to agree and judge the competition. The bleachers set aside for the audience was filling fast; cheers and jeers were heard through out the crowd, as well as laughter and excitement.
"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the last competition of the evening, the Dance Competition." Said Jordan McClellan. The crowd exploded into applause. "Let me introduce you to our illustrious panel of judges: Professor Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts." More applause as Professor Dumbledore stood and bowed to the audience. "Next we have, Professor Minerva McGonagall, deputy headmistress of Hogwarts and professor of Transfiguration." More applause filled the air. "And last but not least, Madam Rosmetta, Representing the town of Hogsmeade and the Three Broomsticks.
"Now if we are all set lets begin with the competition. All the competitor will dance together the first dance, then they will clear a space in the front and each couple will have five minutes to dance on their own before the next couple does, they will rotate counterclockwise. Before the judges' introduction the couples were given a number to show the order in which they will dance. Couples, please take your place."
All the couples filled the dance floor, numbers could be seen on their robes. The band started to play and couples started to dance. Some had more energy than skill while there were a few whose skill clearly made them finalists of the event. The judges looked and made notes, while the crowd clapped and sang along with the band.
The couples twirled and danced, as the crowd cheered and clapped.
Lily was standing by the judges, making sure they had all they needed and laughed at Sirius antics on the floor, he certainly seemed to be having fun even though his dancing wouldn't be winning any awards this evening. Katie didn't seem to mind, she was having as much fun as he was.
Remus and Emma were experienced dancers, they both loved to dance and together they made a wonderful couple, synchronized to each other as if they had been dancing together for a long time. Peter and Savialia were also having fun. Peter was not a good dancer but Savialia was, she led him through the steps and together they seemed to give a good enough performance, even if it wasn't the best.
The band kept playing, each couple got a chance to show off to the judges and people applauded as their favorite couples came forward.
As all this was going on in the dance floor, James was getting all the equipment ready to be taken back to Madam Hooch's office. Madam Hooch, Hagrid, and Professor Flitwick had finished all the notes they needed to do, and had chosen the winners, the sealed note had been put inside a charmed box that would not open until it was time for the presentation. They had decided to go and see the dance competition while James and the rest of the prefects took care that everything was put away. James was in the Pitch with two prefects, the rest had gone to take care of the stands and the tents around the grounds, the only thing that was being used was the dance floor and it would be taken care of the next morning.
"Where do you want this James." Asked Ravenclaw's prefect Marianne. She showed him a pile of brooms.
"Set them here with the balls, we'll take them all together I don't want to leave anything behind." Said James as he turned to look around, making sure that everything had been gathered.
"We'll take them to Madam Hooch's office, you just take care that the box arrives to the Great Hall, we don't want to lose it." Said Jonathan, one of Hufflepuf's prefects.
"Lord no, we don't want to lose it, we'll have a riot in our hands if we do." Laughed Marianne.
James laughed along with them and said. "Really ruthless, this lot, I never thought to see so much competition in this, I suppose we all have some ego deity to appease."
"We'll take this then, there is nothing else left behind, the barriers will cease to exist in a few hours, and the tables had already been taken in to the castle." Said Jonathan as he picked up the trunk with the Quidditch balls, Marianne gathered the brooms and got ready to follow him to Madam Hooch's office.
"Very well, I'll see you at the Feast." James waved to them and saw them leave the field, he then returned to read his list and started to cross off the things that had been done, and see what was left to do. He was too caught up in his list that he didn't notice that he was no longer alone.
"You didn't have too much time for yourself did you?" A husky voice asked from behind. James quickly turned and saw Jezebel leaning against the wall that separated the bleachers from the field.
"No, not much free time available." He responded and turned back to his list. Jezebel quietly approached him.
"I saw that you had enough time to dance." She said as she stilled beside him.
"Yes, only for a while."
"I'm hurt you didn't think of asking me to dance." She pouted, she had been told by admirers that her pouting lips was sexy, but it seemed to have no affect on James.
"Didn't ask anybody, Lily was there so we danced."
"You didn't have to dance with her if you didn't want to, there were others more worthy of your attention." She said leaning in to whisper in his ear.
James rapidly straightened and put some distance between them. "There was no need to look for someone else, Lily and I are friends and she's a graceful dancer."
"Hmmm.If you say so. Are you all done for tonight?" She asked closing the distance that James had carefully put between them.
"Not yet, still have things to do." He stepped away as he noticed the distance decreasing.
"You have become very serious since last semester. Is there no more Marauder spirit?"
"No seems to have gone away."
"Too bad, but I'm sure that with the right persuasion it will come back." She whispered as she finally stood near him. A bit too near, he thought.
"Er.Was there a reason that you came to see me?" He asked, he had no idea how to make her leave.
"Nothing in particular, I got bored watching the dance competition and thought to give you some company."
"Oh, I'm all right, you could go back to the castle. The Feast will start soon." He said, hoping that she would take the hint and leave. She was either too thick or just ignored it.
"There is no need, the dance competition still has some time left to go."
"Oh, well I'm sure that you will want to spend time with your friends then, before we have to go in."
"No, I have spent the whole day with them."
"Oh."
"Do you know what I would like to do right now?" She asked as she slowly stroke his left arm. James was shocked he had no idea on how to respond or what to do.
"Er.no."
"I would like to have some fun with one of the most handsome young men in our world." She said pressing herself to him.
"I'll make sure to let you know if I see any of them." He said as he tried to step back, but she didn't let him.
"Oh but I've seen one that fills all my requirements." She whispered.
"Indeed?" He felt his face blush and sweat braking upon his forehead.
"Indeed yes. Would you like to know who this person is?"
"No, there is no need." He quickly said, he was getting very nervous now.
"Oh? But you know him quite well." She put her hands upon her chest and he moved back to keep her from touching him. It didn't work, it only made her reach for his hands and put them around her waist. She took hold of them behind her back.
"Er, I'm sure I do."
"Do you have an idea of whom I'm speaking of?" She huskily said.
"A small idea."
She smiled and quickly pressed her lips to his. James was stunned, he couldn't think of what to do, he tried pulling away but Jezebel had now her arms around his neck, and his arms were trapped by her body. He couldn't move away.
A cough sounded in the empty field, and he quickly pushed Jezebel away. Both turned to see who had coughed and a serious looking Lily stood by the entrance of the field.
"I trust I was not disturbing anything." Lily said.
"Oh no, you didn't interrupt anything, quite glad to see you in fact." Quickly said James as he walked, actually ran, toward her.
"No, you didn't interrupt anything, I was just saying good bye. I'm sure that you will take care of him now won't you?" Jezebel said as she started to move toward the end of the field. "See you later James." And she blew a kiss in his direction and slowly made her way to the exit of the Pitch.
James and Lily watched her go and then turned to look at each other, the silence that followed was very awkward for both of them. They quickly looked away, but Lily was very curious by the scene she just witnessed.
"I didn't know that you two were a couple, you have kept it quite a secret." She said as she looked around the field, trying to look nonchalant.
"We are not a couple, she just threw herself at me." Said an exasperated James. How could Lily think that he would have anything to do with a girl like Jezebel, he thought.
"Oh? It didn't seem like you minded much." She said as she picked a piece of parchment from the floor.
"What could I do? It seemed rude to be brusque with her. What has gotten into her?"
Lily laughed at the way James run his fingers through his hair, not only was his hair usually messy but he was now making it even worse.
"What is so funny? Is not every day I have a girl throwing herself at me." He growled.
"I've heard otherwise, but it's funny that every male in this school would've given his right arm to be in your shoes today and you don't like it." She smiled, she felt a surprising sense of relief to see that James truly felt the way he said he did. She couldn't understand the reason why she felt this way, but she knew that she didn't want to think about it, there was enough time to do so another time.
"Well, those who feel that way are just idiots, they can try to seduce her for all I care, I don't see why I have to suffer her attentions at all." He snorted, he was not happy that Lily thought of it as a big joke, he was sure that the rest would know what had happened today in a matter of seconds.
"Oh James, you certainly are unique among men." Teased Lily.
"I like to think so." Laughed James.
Lily giggled while James chuckled, but when they looked at each other, the laughter stopped and a feeling of electricity and shock ran through their bodies. Lily blushed and turned away, James coughed and turned to look for his things.
"Has the dance competition ended?" James asked as he picked up his book bag.
"Yes, a while ago, I have here the votes by the judges." Lily said as she extended her hand full of parchments.
"Put it in the box, it will sort our through the votes and disclose the winners when is time to present the awards." Said James, presenting the charmed box holding the votes.
"I'm very glad that Professor Dumbledore thought of it, I wasn't looking forward to have to sort through all the votes." Lily slipped the pieces of parchment into a slot on the top of the box and saw a yellow glowing light emerge from it.
"So was I, this makes it all so much easier. I'm glad Professor Flitwick agreed to performed the charm, I think he likes to show off his talent sometimes."
"I think they all do, they wouldn't be teaching if it wasn't so."
"That's probably true. Are you ready to return to the castle then?"
"Yes, all the tents have been taken down and all the equipment taken back, the only thing left undone is the dance floor, but Hagrid said to leave it and he would take care of it tomorrow morning." Lily responded as the couple started to make their way to the castle.
The grounds were dark and quiet, so different from an hour ago when people still played some of the festival games while the rest were at the dance competition. Then, the grounds where festive and full of light, now only a few lanterns left gave them light and showed them the way to the castle.
Lily looked all around her, glad that the day was over. No more meetings, no hurried notes, no more worrying that everything was set, now she would get a chance to relax and take things easy. She wondered if anybody would use the prefect bathroom, she could use the special bathroom for Head students, but she had gotten used to the prefect bathroom, and it was nearest to the Gryffindor Tower.
James walked silently beside her, he was thinking of what had happened with Jezebel, was he overreacting? He was very flattered of course that she would think of him in that way, but he also knew that Jezebel was too fastidious and self conscious for his taste. It was true that she was considered among the most sought after girls in the magical world, and he also knew that his mother would welcome her with open arms if he decided to fall in with her plans of marriage. But not his father, his father worked for the Ministry of Magic as a cabinet member and advisor to the Minister. In his exalted position he knew a lot about the members of Upper Circle, the name given to those in the wealthiest families in the magical world. He didn't think much of Jezebel's father, Aliaster Potter thought that Jack Robinson was too interested about the Dark Arts. James didn't know about Jezebel but he was sure that her father could be a great influence on her, he certainly doted on his only child.
Lily and James finally reached the castle and walked toward the Great Hall, most students were already sitting in their respective House Table anxiously waiting for the Feast and Award Ceremony to begin. Lily sat at the Gryffindor Table by Emma and Katie while James took the box up to the Staff Table, where he put it into Dumbledore's hands. James promptly walked to the Gryffindor table and sat with his friends. Chatter, laughter and excitement filled the air, the expectation was almost palpable; students kept looking toward the staff table where the box was in plain view in front of Dumbledore. Residents of Hogsmeade had been invited to stay for the Feast, several accepted and a temporary fifth table was conjured for the Hall.
"Welcome all to the Halloween Feast," said Dumbledore bringing the Hall to silence, "I hope you have all enjoyed your day." The Hall exploded in applause and cheers. "I'll take that as a yes. I want you all to thank Mr. Potter, Miss Evans and all the prefects for preparing this wonderful day for us." More applause filled the air. "Now I know you are all eager to find out the winners of the competitions," students were heard shouting the names of their favorite competitors (in most cases their own), "but," Dumbledore continued, "we will wait until the end of the Feast to open this box and name the winners." Groans were heard throughout the Hall. "I just have one more thing to say, Bon Appetite." Food instantly filled the plates in each table, pumpkin juice flowed along with the conversations.
"Why did you take so long in coming, I thought you two would've been here earlier." Said Sirius with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
"We had to make sure we were not leaving anything behind, especially the box." Responded James looking warily at Lily.
The group intercepted the look that James turned on Lily and the smile that this look evoked on her. They turned to look at one another with a lifted eyebrow and questioning expressions. Something happened and James obviously didn't want them to know. And they wondered what it was and why he wanted to keep it a secret.
James kept his eyes on his food, thus, he missed the exchange between the others when he lifted his head his eyes met those of Jezebel across the room, she smiled and wiggled her fingers, James quickly turned to look elsewhere but instead met Lily's laughing eyes.
Throughout the evening students kept going to the Staff Table to talk to Dumbledore, he nodded and smiled and the students returned to their tables. When the Feast was almost done, Dumbledore was seen speaking with Rosmetta, the students were eager for him to be done and get on with the awards.
When he was done and turned back to finishing his food, people where at the end of their chairs, everyone keeping track of how much food was left on his plate. When he drank his juice and pushed away his plate a sigh of relief filled the Hall. Chatter and laughter once again was heard, final bets made and eager smiles graced every face.
"Attention please, it's time now to name the winners of the competitions." Cheers and applause greeted his announcement. "Now, let us review the prizes for each competition and then we will name the winners.
"For first place in the Chaser Competition: An quaffle autographed by England's National Quidditch Team.
"For the Beater Competition: A set of England's National Team Robes signed by star beater Ludo Bagman.
"For the Seeker Competition: A brand new Cleansweeps 1000 series broom.
"For the Dance Competition: Two tickets for the Magnum Wizards Concert.
"And for the Pie Eating Contest: Certificates for free food at any Diagon Alley restaurant worth 100 Galleons."
His audience applauded and cheered every time he said each prize, and were now ready for the winners to be named.
"Now let us open this box and see who the winners are." Dumbledore slowly opened the box and a yellow glowing light erupted from the box, it was very bright and for a moment, blinding. The light slowly receded and five pieces of parchment levitated into the air, stilling in front of Dumbledore. He took one and opened it.
"The Winner for the Pie Eating Contest is: Sirius Black who managed to eat twelve pies." The Hall erupted into applause as Sirius stood up and went to the front to get his free food certificates, a silly smile graced his face.
Dumbledore reached for the next piece of parchment and opened it. "The winners of the Dance Competition are: Emma Holmes and Remus Lupin."
Remus and Emma smiled at each other as they got up from their seats and walked to get their concert tickets. The Gryffindor Table was the noisiest of them all, winners for two competitions were named and they were from Gryffindor. Professor McGonagall seemed very proud as she clapped louder than the rest of the teachers.
When the applause died down Dumbledore reached for the next piece. "The winner of the Seeker Competition is: Savialia Chang." The Ravenclaw Table exploded, finally a winner that wasn't from Gryffindor.
"The winner of the Beater Competition is: Jonas Finch-Fletchley." It was Hufflepuf's turn now to make noise while Jonas happily got up and joined the other winners at the front of the Hall.
"Now the winner of the last competition, the Chaser Competition: Sirius Black" The Gryffindor Table once more erupted into chaos.
"Now that we have our winners please give them a round of applause." The group returned to their seats among cheering and clapping.
"Now there is one more thing to be taken care of. I've been approached by the majority of the student body with a request to crown a King and Queen of the Festival and they all had candidates for this honor, and it just happened to be the same pair, I have discussed it with the Staff and the Prefects, our Head Students were not available at the time, and we decided to go ahead with it and crown your choice for Queen and King. The Three Broomsticks have donated a meal for two and Gladrags Wizardwear have donated a shopping spree valued at 250 Galleons for our couple. Your choice for King and Queen of the Halloween Festival are: James Potter and Lily Evans for giving us a perfect performance at the dance floor. Will Mr. Potter and Miss Evans please come to the front?"
Lily and James sat stunned in their seats, this was something they didn't expect, the Gryffindor Table had gone wild and Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff joined them in their celebration, Slytherin didn't seem too happy with how the evening had gone, no winners were named from their house and now Gryffindor had been given a major honor. Jezebel was not happy, she was glaring at James and the pandemonium coming from the other tables just fueled her anger. Narcissa saw Jezebel expression and readily understood the reason for it, she smiled to herself and turned back to speak with Lucius Malfoy who was sitting beside her.
Lily and James had to be pushed from the table, they eventually made their way to the front and stood in front of Dumbledore who took his wand out and said "Reginus Coronus" and from the wand a pair of crowns appeared and fell into place on their heads. The Hall was cheering and clapping louder than ever.
"Now that our King and Queen had been crowned I will urge you to go straight up to bed, if a need for further festivities is still with you please make sure to appease them before midnight. Now off you go and have a good night."
The Hall slowly emptied, students returned to their common rooms and Hogsmeade residents were offered the carriages to return home. The Gryffindor common room was full of students who still wanted to celebrate, food and drinks appeared.
"I really wasn't expecting this." Said Lily as she sank into the chair next to the fireplace and pulled the crown from her head. Katie and Emma quickly joined her to gaze at the crown it was finely woven in gold, golden laurel leaves entwined and joined to form the crown, small diamonds were encrusted among the leaves. James's was woven in the same way the only difference was that Lily's was triangular in shape while his was more squared and thicker.
"It is very beautiful." Whispered Emma as they inspected the crown.
"Did you lot have something to do with this?" Asked James as he sat on one of the couches near the chair the girls were sitting on.
"We had nothing to do with it, we didn't even know about it." Said Sirius.
"Hmmm.well I suppose it is an honor nonetheless." James said as he pulled the crown from his head and handed it to Remus who was reaching for it.
"Well I don't know about you but I'm going to bed, I'm too tired to stay down here." Said Peter trying to hold a yawn.
"I'll go up as well, I really don't have the energy for any more festivities." Said Emma starting to weave her way among the crowd in order to reach the stairs.
"I'm a bit hungry so I'm staying." Said Sirius as he looked toward the table laden with food. Slowly the common room started to empty, until only Sirius, James and Remus were left behind.
"This was really enjoyable, I'm looking forward to the next festivities you two plan." Sighed Sirius as he finally felt satiated and in need of no more food.
"Well, I don't think I have the energy to plan anything similar in the near future. I'm going to spend the whole day tomorrow in bed." Yawned James.
"You can't, it's a Friday and we have class." Responded Remus as he lay down on one of the couches.
"Not I, we have special permission from Dumbledore and the Professors to take the day off." Sighed James.
"Are you serious? You lucky dog." Exclaimed Sirius.
"Who are we?" Asked Remus.
"Lily, the prefects and I."
"Well I hope you enjoy it, you lot really deserve it." Yawned Remus.
"You sure do, what are you planning to do?" Asked Sirius.
"Stay late in bed and then take a long soaking in the Prefects Bathroom."
"Why not the one specially for the Head Students?" Remus turned to look at James as he asked this.
"In case Lily has the same idea, I don't want to walk in on her when she's in the bath."
"Ha-ha-ha, that would certainly be awkward." Laughed Sirius.
"Certainly would, well I don't know about you but I'm turning in, I'm too tired to stay down here." Said James as he stood up and walked to the stairs.
"Wait up, I'll go too." Yelled Sirius.
"There is no need to yell, and I might as well go with you." Said Remus.
The three friends slowly made their way up to their room. It wasn't long when everybody in Gryffindor lay sleeping.
A/N: Whew! That took a while. This is the first long chapter in my story (as those of you who have read it in the official site know), there are others that are just as long. As I explained before, because I don't want to confuse my loyal readers in the HP site, I will leave it in the same format and not change the chapters at all. I hope you all enjoyed the story so far, and hope to see your reviews. : )