A/N: I'm back again, I will continue with the House Party now, I hope you
will all enjoy it.
Disclaimer: Anything you are familiar with, I do not own.
Chapter 14 ~ The House Party
~ Holiday Entertainment ~
Fun and excitement permeated the house party everybody looked forward the afternoon activities. People woke up at all times during the morning and breakfast was served in the informal dinning room in the back of the house during all hours of the morning. Those that woke up earlier than the rest decided to spend their time in quiet entertainment. James, Remus and Sirius decided to go to the game room, a billiard table stood in the center of the room. On one side stood an entertainment center, TV, stereo and couches in front of it. On the other side were arcade games and tables with muggle board games.
"Why is everything in here Muggle?" Asked Sirius as he trying using one of the pinball machines. He obviously was not very good at it.
"Because of our Muggle guests, it wouldn't do to have magical games in front of Muggles." Replied James.
"Makes sense. How do you play this?" Asked Remus as he looked at the billiard table.
"Here let me show you." James spent the morning trying to teach Remus and Sirius how to play billiards, once the girls joined them Lily partnered him and together they showed the others how a game of billiards was played.
By luncheon time everybody was already up. Luncheon was a happy and cheerful occasion and when it ended the group quickly started to get ready to take part of the skating party. Servants were seen going toward the lake with logs, kegs of cider and pots of hot chocolate. The guests eagerly reunited in the entrance hall and waited for their hostess to tell them that everything was in order for them to go to the lake.
"Is everybody here?" Asked Mrs. Potter as she finally joined her guests.
"Yes." Everybody exclaimed.
"Very well." Mrs. Potter laughed at the enthusiasm of her guests. "Sleighs will be brought to the door and they will take us to the lake. There are six of them and each will seat seven people." She replied. At that moment the bells of the sleighs were heard and the butler opened the door to let the stream of people pass. Groups quickly formed and filled the sleighs. The six friends chose one of the last sleighs and settled into the seats. Warm blankets were found at their feet and they quickly pulled them and tried to keep warm. The sky was cloudy and seemed like there was going snow, but that prospect was eagerly awaited and seemed like a perfect end to a perfect afternoon.
The sleighs slowly lurched forward and started to turn toward the lane that lead to the lake. The lakeshore seemed a peaceful and magical area. Several fires lined the shore with chairs near them and servants standing by ready to feed the fire and serve the hot drinks. When the vehicles stopped the group rapidly walked toward the chairs. The young people strapped their skates and soon were skating around the frozen lake. The parents settled in groups around the fire and watched their children have fun on the ice. Few of them chose to join the fun on the ice, most preferred to stay near the fire.
"Come Susan, let's show these young people how it's supposed to be done." Urged Aliaster turning to his wife. Mrs. Potter giggled as if she was a young girl once more, and hand in hand joined the young people on the ice.
"What say you Rose, should we join them?" Asked Edward Evans to his wife.
"I think we should, somebody must keep an eye on our daughter." Mrs. Evans said with a smile.
The couple joined the others on the ice. James and Lily enjoyed watching their parents skating around the ice. They quickly formed a kind of competition among the couples to see who was the most skilled. Laughter filled the atmosphere as couple after couple did the most outrageous moves trying to show off and as they did so, couple after couple ended up hitting the ice. The ones to win the dubious honor of being the couple to hit the ice more often were Sirius and Katie, but they didn't mind it a bit, they enjoyed themselves and had a lot of fun.
The refreshments on the shore were constantly refilled and the fire was kept burning. Soon it got dark and only the fire lighted the shore, Mrs. Potter called for the sleighs and the group returned to the house to get ready for the evening meal.
Because of the constant flow of refreshments during the afternoon, Mrs. Potter decided to serve a light repast for dinner and have a musical evening in the parlor afterwards.
The meal was served as a buffet. A table laden with salads, cold meats, fruit and soups stood by the side of the formal dinning room. The group served themselves before sitting wherever they liked. It was an informal meal and everybody enjoyed the change.
"I thought of enjoying a musical evening after our meal, I'm sure that our young ladies would like to show off their talents." Mrs. Potter informed her guests as the meal was almost over.
Some of the girls blushed from the thought of having everybody watching them play, others smiled superiorly happy to show off. Boys groaned knowing that they would have to sit through the performances which some would surely try their patience.
The group left the dinning room and walked toward the front parlor, they quickly noticed that a pianoforte was brought into the room. There was also a harp and a flute for those who preferred to use those instruments.
The furniture was lined up against the walls and chairs were brought in forming a semi circle around the instruments.
"Let's see, James why don't you take Lily up to the piano and turn the pages for her." Urged his mother.
James led Lily up to the piano and sat beside her on the piano bench ready to turn her pages. Lily read through the music sheets on top of the piano searching for one that she was familiar with, she really didn't want to try something new in front of all those people, better do something she was familiar with less chance of making a fool of herself.
"Are you ready?" Asked an impatient James.
"Hold on to your knickers, don't hurry me." Whispered Lily.
"Hold on to my knickers? Really Lily I didn't know you were so interested in them." Chuckled James.
"Will you keep quiet, you are making me even more nervous." Responded Lily more heatedly.
"Sorry, but I hate it when mum puts me on the spot like this. And I know she is trying to pair me up with you, did you noticed that she put the card with your name on it next to mine at the table? Really, I'm starting to think that maybe we should tell them about us, it will save us from all their schemes." Complained James.
Lily laughed softly and finally chose a piece of music. James stood beside her and she started to play. She chose a piece that her mother liked and as a result Lily had played it regularly and knew it from memory, "Red, Red Rose." By Robert Burns. Lily started to play and soon her contralto voice joined the music.
O my luve's like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June
O my luve's like a melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune
As fair as thou my bonie lass
So deep in luve am I
And I will luve thee still my dear
Till all the seas gong dry.
The room was silent as Lily sang. People were mesmerized by her voice and the sweet Scottish lyrics of the song.
Till all the seas gang dry, my dear
And the rocks melt wi' the sun
And I will luve thee still my dear
While th' sands o' life shall run
And fare thee weel my only luve!
And fare thee weel a while!
And will come again my luve
Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile
James stood transfixed beside Lily, he had never heard her sing before, if he had, he thought, he wouldn't have taken so long in making his feelings known.
Lily played the last note of the song. The audience stayed quiet for a moment before exploding into applause. Lily blushed at the warm reception of her song, she thanked them and then returned to her original seat, James walking beside her.
"That was excellent Lily. Now who shall go next? Miranda dear, maybe you would like to give it a try?" Asked Mrs. Potter turning to a young brown haired lady, a bit older than Lily, but with a cheerful countenance.
"I'm afraid it will be quite a poor showing after Miss Evans' performance." She said but went toward the piano all the same. "Come brother dear, turn the pages for me." She said and Remus quickly left his seat to stand by his sister.
"I didn't know that Remus' sister was here." Exclaimed Emma.
"What nervous about meeting his family?" Teased Sirius.
"Well of course she is you oaf." Said Katie hitting him lightly in the arm.
The others laughed and then turned to Lily who had just finished settling in a chair.
"That was well done of you Lily, I didn't know you sang so well." Exclaimed Emma.'
"Well it is important in Muggle society for a young lady to play and sing. I had tutors since I was six years old and mother has made sure that Petunia and I are very competent in the womanly arts." Said Lily. "I'm kind of thirsty, James would you mind bringing me something to drink?" She asked James with a beguiling smile.
"Of course." He said and left the room to ask Roberts for some refreshments.
"You have him whipped Lily. What have you done to him?" Exclaimed Sirius looking aghast at his friend promptly doing what a mere girl had asked him to do.
"It's love Sirius and it seems that you know nothing about it." Said Katie a bit angry and quickly left her seat and joined her parents at one of the couches.
"Now you've done it." Said Emma.
Sirius groaned, he knew that he was going to have to grovel in order to get Katie to talk to him once more.
The evening passed by, most of the girls entertained the group, some better than others. Sirius kept trying to get Katie to notice him the whole evening but she ignored him, to the amusement of their friends and parents who quickly figured out the reason for their amusing behavior.
The next day Mrs. Potter planned for a gathering party. The guest would join the servants in the woods near the house and gather some greenery. Mrs. Potter was also hoping that the men would join in the search for the yule log and help bring it into the house. The young people were looking forward to spending more time outdoors, and the adults decided to join in the fun.
The sleighs that had been used the day before were brought out once more. And the guests poured out and settled in them once more making sure to keep themselves warm with the warm blankets found in the seats.
The forest looked like a living Christmas card, all the treetops glistening with snow and paths cleared for the comfort of those who chose to look for the greenery
Sirius meant to take advantage of this activity to get Katie back. But what did he have in mind? That was the question his friends had.
Katie sat with her parents while Sirius sat with Lily, James, Remus, and Emma.
"Sirius, you better grovel and beg on your knees to get her to forgive you, I don't want one of my best friends sitting apart from us because of you. Otherwise you boys better get through this without us." Said Lily crossly, looking angrily at Sirius.
"Sirius, my friend, you know that we are here to help if you need us." Said James. Then he leaned and whispered in his ear. "And you better do it fast, I don't know how to handle an angry female." He quickly said.
Sirius smiled at his friends. "Don't worry I have a plan."
"You better, because I don't want Katie to feel that her friends have left her all alone." Said Emma.
"Don't worry just leave it all to me." Sirius exclaimed with a cocky smile. He seemed so self-assured that the others gave a sigh of relief and planned to enjoy the day. Sirius was scared to death, he really didn't have a plan, what if Katie was still angry at him and wouldn't let him get near her, what was he going to do?
The group spilled into the wintered countryside, and separated into groups, the young people were told to gather the greenery and to keep their eyes open for mistletoe, which grew in abundance in the area.
"Here, let's go this way, pine and mistletoe is found in this side of the woods." Said James to the group. Katie, Emma, Lily, Remus and Sirius waited for James to join them. Miranda, Remus sister went off with Vivian, Daniel, and Marcus Sinclair as well with Gabriel and Rupert Horton, offspring of two of the couples that had been invited by the Potters; they were later seen with Mark, James' cousin. They were Muggle and Miranda knew quite well how to behave around them. Jezebel, Maureen and Narcissa were joined by Maureen's brother, Martin, and Jezebel's, Dean and Michael. The group split and went their own way. Lily, Emma and Katie walked in front of the boys, whispering and giggling among themselves. The boys walked steadily behind them trying to keep an eye on them.
"We'll take Lily and Emma away from Katie and leave you for some time. That should be enough for you to charm Katie." Said James.
"I think we can only give you half an hour to work it out, the girls would get suspicious if we take them for longer than that." Replied Remus.
"Very well." Said Sirius. He was getting really nervous now, he still wasn't sure of what he was going to do.
The group continued on, stopping once in a while to gather some greenery, the girls were carrying the baskets and it was the boys' job to climb the trees to get what the girls needed to decorate the house.
"Honestly Lily, the branch in the bottom is just the same as this one, why did I have to climb up here?" Asked James as he tried getting his balance from a very high branch.
"But the greenery looks better, it's more fresh, the one down here are too flat." Responded Lily as she looked up at James.
James grunted but continued to reach for the branch that Lily wanted. Honestly! The things men had to do to keep women happy.
"Hurry up James, my feet are starting to freeze." Urged Lily.
"Hold on I almost got it." Said James. A couple of minutes later he landed beside Lily and dropped a branch into her basket. "There." He said with a sigh of relief.
"Come, I saw another tree that I want to try." She said taking his hand and pulling him toward a clearing.
"I'm not climbing a tree as high as that one." Replied James.
Remus was having a similar conversation with Emma on another side of the clearing.
"I'm not climbing that tree Emma. I don't have that good a balance like James and Sirius, I'm going to break my neck." Remus was saying.
"Really Remus is not that very high, we do need some mistletoe you know." Urged Emma. When she noticed that Remus kept shaking his head she approached him and put her hands on his chest; that grabbed his attention instantly. "Please Remus, you are very athletic, I'm sure that you can handle it." She softly said as she put her arms around his neck pressing herself against him.
Remus felt a lump in his throat and tried swallowing past it. "I can?" He croaked, his voice sounded breathless.
Emma smiled and gave him a peck in his lips. "I know you can." She whispered.
"What was it that you wanted me to reach?" He asked.
Emma pointed to the branch of mistletoe she had seen and Remus quickly climbed the tree and reached for it.
Katie stood below a tree looking up searching for some mistletoe. When she turned to ask Lily and Emma something she noticed that they weren't there.
"Honestly! Where did they all go?" Said Katie in exasperation.
"I believe they have gone to look for more greenery with James and Remus." Said a voice behind her.
Katie turned to see Sirius leaning against the trunk of a tree watching her with a smug smile.
"What are you smiling at and I'm not speaking to you." Snapped Katie crossing your arms.
"I know you aren't, it's easy to notice the silence when you are usually speaking too much." Said Sirius. He regretted his comment the moment he said it and knew that it was too late to take it back.
Katie gasped and hissed at him. "Are you implying that I talk too much?" She was really angry now, she knew that she talked a lot but nobody had been so rude about it before.
"No, I'm just saying that I miss your voice." He quickly said. He rapidly approached her and put his arms around her.
Katie pushed him, at least she tried to, but he wouldn't budge. Finally she gave up, he was too strong for her, so she stood rigidly in the circle of his arms.
"I missed you." He whispered. He kissed her ear, he liked her ears, they were small and perfectly shaped.
"You didn't act like you did." She said grudgingly. She knew that Sirius could quickly crumble her defenses and that eventually she would forgive him but she didn't want to give in so soon. He deserved to suffer.
"I was only putting a bright face to the party, it wouldn't do for them to know that one special girl can bring me to my knees with just one smile." He said.
"Were you really, and are you on your knees right now?" She didn't want to but a small smile appeared on her lips.
"Do you want me to be?" He asked looking her in the eyes.
"I don't think it will be necessary." She said with a smile. She leaned in and pressed her lip to his.
He quickly pressed her against him and deepened the kiss.
Four pairs of eyes looked from the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing.
The Gryffindors emerged from the woods looking victorious. Nobody understood why, their baskets were not full of greenery. They obviously spent their time doing something else.
"Did you have fun?" Asked Mrs. Potter as she saw the group joining the rest by the sleighs.
"Yes mum, lots of fun." Replied James kissing his mother on her cheek.
The group quickly climbed into a sleigh and waited for the others to be ready to go back to the house.
The ride was full of merriment and laughter. At the end the group started singing and arrived home just as the last note died down.
Roberts waited on the door to take the coats from the guests, footmen stood behind him waiting to assist him on this job.
The party went on to the front parlor for afternoon tea. After refreshments they were allowed to do whatever they liked.
The young people decided to go to the game room, where they all split into different groups.
"Do you know what your mother has planned for tomorrow?" Asked Sirius as the group stood around the billiard table.
"I think she is planning to decorate the house, so I'm sure she will ask the girls to help her with that." He said as he leaned over the table to take his shot.
"Oh, I would love to help her with that." Exclaimed Katie.
"Do you think she will let us do a kissing bough?" Asked Emma. The girls giggled at the mention on the customary decoration they were all looking forward to get caught underneath the mistletoe by some special guys. The boys, chuckled and a mischievous twinkle entered their eyes. They definitely had plans to catch the girls underneath the kissing bough.
"What about you lot, I cannot imagine that Mrs. Potter would like to have you idle the whole day." Said Lily, she also knew that they would not like to have them under foot the whole day while they were decorating.
"I think she will send us out to hunt for Christmas dinner. The grounds are full of game and we can easily spend the whole day out with just a rifle." Said James.
"The poor animals." Exclaimed Emma.
"We do have to eat you know, that's why women are not asked to go hunting, they would let the creatures go out of pity." Scoffed Sirius. Katie quickly jabbed him in the ribs and glared at him. Sirius turned an innocent look toward her.
"The only reason men can hunt it's because you are barbarians." Snapped Emma.
"Yes we are, that's why we need women in our lives to ring out the human part of our characters." Said Remus in a soothing voice as he put his arms around her.
Emma smiled and leaned her head against his chest.
"Why can't you be more like him?" Asked Katie hitting softly Sirius' arm.
"Because he is more sentimental than I am." He said with a smile.
Katie sighed and said. "Sometimes I wonder why I like you so much."
"Because I'm irresistible." He exclaimed.
"And apparently extremely modest." Laughed James. The others laughed as well and then continued with their game.
At another corner of the room, Jezebel, the Avery's and Maureen sat in front of the entertainment center playing muggle cards on top of the tea table.
"I don't see what he sees in her, she seems too mousy, who likes red hair over blond?" Asked Jezebel with anger.
"To each his own, I just cannot believe that he would deem it appropriate to get involved with a mudblood. He is a pure blood for Pete's sake." Exclaimed Martin Avery, Maureen's brother and fellow Slytherin. Martin and Maureen were twins.
Narcissa scoffed. "I think he doesn't cares, the Potters have always been too radical."
"How they became so close to the Minister, I just don't know. Mr. Potter has become the Minister right hand man, that they are always seen together. I've heard that the Minister doesn't approve of a law until he has discussed it with Mr. Potter. That's too dangerous in my opinion." Said Maureen.
"The Potters have always been too influential in the Magical World. If they were not Ministers themselves, then they were advisors to the Minister. That's why is so important to have them as acquaintances; you might never know when you might need their help." Said Jezebel.
"Not to mention their wealth. They can be very kind to their friends." Said Narcissa with a sly smile.
"Only you would think of that." Scoffed Martin.
The groups played well into the night. It was until Mrs. Potter told them to go to bed that they all left the game room and went up to their respective rooms.
Lily woke up to find a sunny and clear morning. She walked up to her window and opened it. She noticed that all the men seem to be leaving. Horses, dogs and voices could be heard disappearing into the forest. It seemed that James had been right and the men had gone hunting while the girls stayed indoors and worked on the decorations.
Lily turned as she heard a knock on her door. "Enter." She said.
"Morning Lily, did you see the boys leave?" Said Emma entering the room. She promptly sat on the bed and was quickly joined by Lily.
"Yes, just noticed them leaving. How long do you suppose they will be gone?" Lily asked as Emma took a brush from the night table and started to brush Lily's hair.
"I don't know, I suppose they will be gone for most of the day. That's what happens when my father has a hunting party." Emma said.
"I don't remember going to a hunting party. My parents usually prefer to stay in the city, that is why it's so surprising to me that we are here." Said Lily.
"They seem to be having fun." Emma said. Another knock sounded from the door and before Lily could say 'Enter' the door opened and an excited Katie came into the room.
"Don't you ever wait?" Laughed Lily.
"No, can't wait for things in life, you have to grasp them." Said Katie in a cheerful voice.
"Now that we are all up, we might as well get dressed and go down to breakfast. I don't know about you but I want to hear Mrs. Potter's plans for today." Said Emma.
"Very well." Said Katie. Both girls walked toward the door after a "see you then" from Lily.
Half an hour later the girls met in the hall and walked down to the dining room were they met the rest of the women.
"Ah! Glad you could join us dears. You can sit wherever you like, we have enough room for everybody." Greeted them Mrs. Potter.
The girls served themselves from the dishes on a side table and sat together near the middle of the table.
"I'm sure you are all wondering what we will be doing today. I thought it would be fun if we decorated the house, the Christmas Ball will be tomorrow and I'm sure that you would prefer to spend the morning on some last minute shopping."
"Oh that sounds perfect Susan, I could do some shopping tomorrow, there are some things that I will surely need tomorrow for the Ball." Mrs. Black replied.
"Do you have any idea on what you want us to work specifically on?" Asked Mrs. Evans.
"Yes, I thought the young ladies would enjoy working on the kissing bough and the placement of the mistletoe. Rose, Jean and Norma, maybe you can help me in planning for the placement of the furniture and the placement of the rest of the greenery and other kinds of decorations. Lauren, Nina and Grace, you can work on the entertainment and the linen that we can use for tomorrow. And Marie and Elizabeth maybe you can help me with the planning of the menu."
"Of course."
"Sure."
"Now young ladies I will leave you to your task. The ball room, the entrance hall, the dining room and the staircase are to be decorated, do your best." Said Mrs. Potter as she stood up and got ready to leave the room. The other adults also stood up and left right behind her.
"So Evans, I see you start to move in the best of circles." Sneered Narcissa the minute their mothers left.
"I have always moved in the best social circles Mulliens, that we haven't met during our social entertainment say something about your circles not mine." Lily retorted.
"Very clever Evans, but the fact that you are here doesn't mean that you and your kind are up to our standards. The Potters are rather radical and free thinking, but that doesn't mean that you would be accepted by the rest of the best families." Said Jezebel.
"Indeed, well you wouldn't be accepted by 'my kind', doesn't matter how wealthy you are. They are rather picky you see, you would get lost in my world, and you wouldn't know what to do." Lily said mockingly.
"We wouldn't want to get lost in your world Evans, we wouldn't lower ourselves to your level." Snapped Maureen.
"You mean you cannot get high enough to be in her level. Everybody knows that the Evans are rather well known and respected in all social circles, yours is rather closed don't you think? Yours is barely accepted in our circle." Said Katie with a superior smile.
"I'm sure that we all would like to hear about each other's social position, but I rather think that it's rather superfluous. Let's go to the parlor and assign what we need to do." Said Miranda Lupin. She gave the Vixens a dark look as she noticed that Narcissa was about to cut in. She stood up and the lead the girls into the front parlor.
After the assignments were given, the girls broke into groups to work. Lily, Emma and Katie sat at one corner of the room with bows, string, flowers and mistletoe to work on a kissing bough.
"Not being good enough for their circle, as if I wanted to be part of their circle." Huffed Lily. She was clearly still upset from the confrontation at the table.
"Don't pay them attention Lily, they are just jealous, especially Jezebel." Said Emma in a soothing tone.
"She probably thinks that she can make Mrs. Potter see you in a bad light. You know that she has wanted James for the longest." Said Katie.
"Of course, that's it Lily. She wants to brake you two up." Exclaimed Emma.
"I still don't like it. What makes them think that they can tell that I'm not good enough because of who my parents are. I don't see the Potters and others having a problem with it." Said Lily.
"Most wizarding people don't mind it, if we hadn't accepted muggle borns and inter-muggle marriages, our kind would have disappeared long ago. But there are some old families that don't like it. Some have married within their families that's why there are so many relations among them." Said Emma.
"That's why there are so many wierdos among them, interfamily relations, honestly! One of these days a troll will be born from them." Said Katie. The others laughed and thought that there were already some trolls among them. Just look at that Flint from Slytherin, he certainly could pass for a troll.
"All that matters is what James and his family think, and they like you Lily. I don't think you have anything to worry about. But we are going to keep an eye on Jezebel, I wouldn't be surprised if she tries something to split you up." Said Emma.
"James doesn't like her. He thinks she is too forward for her own good." Said Lily.
"She is, they all are. Did you see what they were wearing during the skating party? It's a miracle that they didn't freeze out there." Exclaimed Emma.
"I wonder what they will wear tomorrow night." Said Lily.
"Probably something of bad taste." Exclaimed Katie.
"I'm looking forward to the shopping expedition for tomorrow. There are a lot of last minute gifts that I need to get." Said Emma.
"I want to get some pins, for my hair. I don't know how but I seem to loose a substantial quantity of pins everyday." Said Lily.
"Maybe James stole them to open the doors with them." Laughed Katie.
"They probably did. Knowing that group, nothing would surprise me." Said Emma.
The rooms slowly started to look festive. The day quickly passed and soon it was time for afternoon tea and the men would soon return and join them.
The women were sitting in the front parlor, chatting and taking refreshments, when a commotion could be heard from the entrance hall. The parlor door was promptly opened by a footman, and the men started to enter the room. They seemed to be sweaty, dirty but very happy of spending the morning out doors.
"Don't you come near me Aliaster James Harold Potter. You are dirty." Squealed Mrs. Potter as her husband tried to kiss her.
He chuckled and swiftly stole a kiss before Mrs. Potter knew what he was about. "Don't worry Susan I will take this grimy lot upstairs to tidy up I just wanted to let you know that we are back." He said.
"Were you lucky in your endeavor?" Asked Mrs. Evans.
"Oh highly successful. You are in for a treat ladies." Chuckled Mr. Evans.
Before they were inundated with questions, the men quickly left the room and went to their respective rooms to clean themselves up. Some of the ladies excused themselves to help their husbands in their efforts.
"It seems that they enjoyed themselves." Laughed Mrs. Black. The other women laughed and returned to their gossiping while they waited for the others to join them.
Footmen were seen passing in front of the door toward the kitchens with their arms full of the fruits of the hunting session.
Dinner that evening was a lively affair. The men kept the women entertained with stories of their exploits in the hunting field.
"And when the gun went off Sirius was thrown back and fell on a pile of snow, it was so funny." Laughed James as Sirius blushed in embarrassment while those who heard the story laughed.
"Poor Sirius." Said Katie, giving his hand a squeeze underneath the table. It would do for their parents to see it.
"Your cook is excellent Susan, this venison is delicious. Do you think I can steal your cook from you?" Mrs. Sinclair said laughingly. Her family were muggle friends of the Potters.
"I doubt it Jean, he is special you see." Said Mrs. Potter. Her cook was special and she didn't think that the Sinclairs would know what to do with a house elf.
"Do you think he would give me the recipe?" Mrs. Sinclair asked.
"I'll ask him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
"What can you tell us Mrs. Potter about the stores in the village square, will they have what we need?" Asked Narcissa trying to turn the conversation to a subject that she would be able to take part of.
"I'm sure that you girls will like it. The stores there have the latest in fashion and accessories." Replied Mrs. Potter.
"How are we going to get there?" Asked Maureen.
"Our vehicles will be at your disposal of course, unless you prefer to use you own. Servants will be available to you as well if you need help with your purchases." Mrs. Potter said.
"That would be nice Susan, I don't think any of us would like to carry the purchases that our ladies buy." Said Mr. Black chuckling. All the men around the table seemed to agree with him.
"I thought as much." Laughed Mrs. Potter.
Dinner continued with the same lighthearted atmosphere and when it was over they decided to go to their rooms instead of going to the parlor. Everybody was looking forward to the next day. A day full of frivolity and cheer before Christmas day sounded like fun.
Light snow was falling the next day when the occupants of Godric's Hollow woke up. After a light breakfast, a caravan of vehicles was seen going into the village square. The whole group stopped in front of the village inn and parked.
"We'll meet here in four hours after we are done with our purchases. I reserved a private room here and we can take our luncheon here before returning home." Said Mr. Potter.
"Sounds like a good plan. We'll see you in four hours." Said James leading his friends toward the exit and losing themselves among the constant traffic of pedestrians.
After the young people's unceremonious exit, the guests split up and went their own way. The morning rapidly passed by as people went in and out of shops. A constant stream of last minute shoppers were seen on the streets of the small village and the businesses took advantage of it and made sure they carried the latest of everything they could offer. Clothing stores, jewelry stores, book stores, music stores, and gift stores were the most visited by shoppers as a result they had hired extra help. The Potters seemed to be well known in the area and every time one of them went into a store, they were treated with the outmost respect. In some cases the owners of the shop would give them preferred discounts and to those who toured around the stores with them. The Marauders and the Sirens had fun going around the stores, the candy store being among their favorites.
"You are going to lose your teeth after eating all that candy." Said Emma after they left the store.
"Oh this will last us for a while, we just had to take advantage of that discount." Said Sirius with a smile.
"Of course you had to, I'm just glad they don't have a Zonco's here, you lot would lose a lot of time in there." Laughed Katie.
"Yes, too bad this is a Muggle village, but it has its perks." Said James.
"Did you see that sales girl flirting with James? Honestly James! One would think that you would refrain from flirting when your girl is with you." Teased Sirius.
"What do you mean me? I didn't do a think, if you noticed I ignored her the whole time. You were the one flirting with her, I'm surprised Katie didn't beat you." James exclaimed.
"Oh no, I enjoyed seeing him making a fool of himself." Laughed Katie.
"Hey!" Sirius said while the others laughed.
The hours passed quickly by and the shopping bags filled and increased in number. The boys were very happy that Mrs. Potter thought of bringing servants to help with the purchases, they weren't very keen on the idea of having to carry all of the boxes and bags for the girls. At the end of the four hours the inn played host to a group of merry shoppers.
The Potters were well known for their generosity and sense of duty among the inhabitants of the small village, and as their house was the largest and wealthiest of the area, they were being look upon as the leaders of their community.
Ever since the first Potter had settled in that small town, they had brought work and wealth to the shabby town. The town had progressed and had become one of great wealth and production. For that reason, the town was named after that first Potter settler, and his descendants were treated with respect.
The innkeeper had been too happy to host the party from Godric's cabin. His wife was determined to serve only the best and the employees dressed up to the nines, and made sure the place was spotless for their guests. The town had quickly heard that the Potters and their guests would be in town that day and that would eat at the inn. They sent provisions and made sure to have the best in their shops in case the party decided to pay them a visit. As a result the Potters and their guests had been able to pay for the best the town could offer and had a great time enjoying themselves.
When the group entered the reserved private room at the inn, they noticed the warmth coming from the lit fireplace, the cheerful decorations that graced the walls, and the laden table with all kinds of delicious food. They quickly served themselves and sat around the large table in the middle of the room.
"Is there anything you need Mr. Potter?" Asked the innkeeper after everybody was served.
"This is all thank you Mr. Ballard. Although, I would like a bottle of that delicious cider of yours. I vow is the best homemade cider I have tasted." Mr. Potter said. The innkeeper was only too happy to serve his cider, he knew that with praise like that he would have better business and his cider would sell very well. He promptly sent a servant to get a couple of bottles from the bar and respectfully presented it to Mr. Potter when it was brought in. After bowing to the Potters and their party he led the servants out of the room and softly closed the door behind him. In that instant he decided to send a keg of cider to the cabin as a thank you gift to the Potters.
"You didn't lie Aliaster, this cider is incredible." Exclaimed Edward Evans after he tasted the cider that had been served to the party. Others nodded their agreement and happily continued to drink and eat.
"The food is not far behind, I must ask Mrs. Ballard for the recipe, this ham is truly delicious." Said Mrs. Lupin relishing the spicy taste of the ham.
"Yes, the town was very lucky when the Ballards decided to build this inn. It's my understanding that the cider has been passed from generation to generation as the inn has. And all Ballard men had been blessed to wed the best cooks in the county." Said Mr. Potter.
"Does he sell bottles of cider?" Asked Mr. Black as he poured more into his goblet.
"Yes, most people around here buy a couple of bottles during especial dinners." Replied Mrs. Potter.
"In that case, I think I will buy a keg before I leave at the end of our visit. Keep it in the wine cellar and have some during dinner." Said Mr. Lupin.
"I'm sure Ballard will be happy to accommodate you." Smiled Mr. Potter.
The conversation quickly turned from food and drink to the ball, taking place for that evening. Neighbors had been invited to join the members of the house party. As a result a large number of people would be taking part on the fun.
"What are you wearing Lily? I saw you buying red ribbon this afternoon, is that for your gown?" Asked an excited Katie.
"Yes, I plan to wear it for my hair." Replied Lily. "Mum bought my dress, I'm not sure how it would look, I haven't had the chance to try it on yet."
"Oh but, what will happen if it doesn't fit?" Asked Emma.
"She brought others, but I doubt I will have to try them all on, mum is very good at choosing clothing and she knows my measurements quite well."
"I haven't decided what to wear. But no matter, mum usually decided for me, and her taste in fashion is as good as mine." Said Emma with a shrug.
"Oh, I chose my dress the minute I heard there was going to be a ball, but I'm not telling you, I want to surprise you all." Exclaimed Katie.
"Well, no matter what you girls wear, I'm sure that you all will look gorgeous." Said Sirius. He was getting tired of the fashion conversation.
"Awww." Sighed the girls and Katie swiftly kissed him before they turned the conversation to other subjects. Sirius turned a smug look toward his friends who just smirked at him before the girls turned to them.
The luncheon continued with merry conversation and good food. Finally the group was done and left the inn, satisfied and looking forward to that evening. The innkeeper made sure that their transportation was waiting for them at the door, and waved goodbye to them as the cars disappeared down the road.
The hours previous to the ball were hectic ones, especially for the ladies. Maids were seen coming in and out of the ladies rooms with clothes to press, ribbons forgotten in another room, and other little things that the ladies were sure they needed for that evening. Most of the men decided to keep away from the bustle of the rooms and met in the games room to play, drink and joke while they waited for things to settle down in the upper rooms before they returned to their chambers to dress. Mr. Potter was the perfect host and kept his guests entertained until an hour and a half before dinner, it was then that the group returned to their respective rooms to get ready.
"Where have you been Aliaster? You know that we have to be ready before everyone else, we have to meet them in the parlor before dinner." Exclaimed Mrs. Potter the moment her husband entered the room.
"I'm sorry darling, I was trying to stay out of your way and entertaining the other men while they waited as well." Said Mr. Potter giving his wife a swift kiss before going into the dressing room. "But don't worry, you know Lotty will have me presentable in a few moments. Isn't that so Lotty?" He asked the small figure waiting for him in the dressing room with all the clothing that Mr. Potter was to wear that evening . "Lotty will have Master Aliaster dressed in a moment sir." The squeaky voice of the elf replied.
"Well if you are going to do it the magical way, of course you don't need to start at an early hour." Snapped Mrs. Potter, it was clear that her nerves were getting too much for her as she had forgotten that she used the elf to help her dress for that evening.
"Really dear, there is nothing that you need to concern yourself with, everything I settled for this evening and I'm sure that it will be a great success." Said Mr. Potter from behind the screen. Flashes of light were seen from behind it.
"Are you sure? I want to make sure that our guests have a great time." Said Mrs. Potter.
"I'm sure they will have a great time, don't worry my dear." Mr. Potter said as he stepped out of the screen and the dressing room to meet his wife in their dormitory.
After making sure that they were both ready, they left their rooms and walked toward the stairs. But before they reached them Mrs. Potter stopped in front of her son's door.
"James dear, are you ready?" She asked.
"Nearly mom, Minnie is just trying to comb my hair." He replied.
"Minnie, don't worry about it, James' hair cannot be control, you would be there forever if you try." Said Mr. Potter.
"Very funny father!" Yelled James.
"Come James, we must be in the parlor before our guests."
"I'm coming mum."
The Potters continued on their way to the front parlor and settled down to wait. James soon joined them and servants came in carrying trays with wine glasses and bottles of wine and cider ready to be served for the guests.
"James dear, we never had an opportunity to ask you about school." Said Mrs. Potter.
"I'm doing fine mum."
"What about Charms? You weren't doing so well on it during the past years." Said Mr. Potter.
"Lily has been helping me, you hired her to do so remember?"
"It's working out all right then?" Asked Mrs. Potter eagerly.
"Well enough." James responded. He knew hat his mother wanted to know about his relationship with Lily, but he wasn't about to tell her about it. At least, not yet.
The entrance of the Blacks stopped Mrs. Potter in mid question. James sighed with relief before being joined by Sirius.
"I see the girls are not here yet." Sirius said as he accepted a glass of cider from James.
"No you are the first to join us." Said James, sipping from his own glass.
"I wonder what they are wearing? But above all, I wonder if I can get Katie underneath the mistletoe." Said Sirius. James laughed but chocked when he turned to look who the new arrivals were.
Three girls stood by the door, but his eyes were drawn to only one. Lily's appearance left him speechless. He already thought she was beautiful, but with that dress she was drop dead gorgeous. She was wearing a skin-tight red velvet dress, with faux white fur around the collar and on the wrist of her sleeves. She was wearing her hair up, which was being held by a silken ribbon. Her companions were also wearing red, Katie's dress was strapless with white lace adorning the collar and the sides of the thigh high slit at both sides the dress; Emma on the other hand was wearing a creation of sparkling red, also skin-tight and a strap that surrounded her neck.
Both boys just stood gaping at them as Mrs. Potter greeted them and offered them some cider. The girls accepted and slowly made their way to the frozen boys.
"Something wrong? Don't you like our dresses?" Asked Katie in a nervous tone. She thought she was looking very well, but what if Sirius didn't like it? What if his parents didn't like it?
"I must keep my eye on you tonight, someone might try to kidnap you." Whispered Sirius as he leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Katie looked at him with a brilliant smile.
"You look stunning." James had pulled Lily away from the others for just a moment.
"Thank you. Do you really like it?" Lily was biting her lower lip with a look of apprehension on her face.
"Yes I do, you're gorgeous." He replied smiling down at her.
"Isn't Remus down yet?" Emma was looking around the room looking for the one missing from their group.
"He should be down soon, we still have to wait for the other guest to join us then we will go to dinner. The neighbors will join us afterwards for the ball." Said James.
"How many are you expecting?" Katie wanted to know.
"I'm not sure, mother told me but I really didn't pay much attention." James shrugged.
"You are not sure of what?" Said a voice behind them. They turned to see Remus who was looking at Emma, she blushed slightly and smiled timidly at him. "You look great." He said.
"I'm glad you think so." She said looking at him from beneath her fluttering lashes.
"Minx." He laughed as he gave her a swift kiss, before turning to greet the others.
James gave him a glass of cider when he finished flattering the girls.
"If I didn't know any better I would've guessed that Remus was the flirt of your little group." Laughed Lily. "Sirius, you have competition."
"But not for long." He said with a mischievous smile.
"Hmmm.I'm not sure we want to know what you have in mind." Said Katie with a wary look. The others chuckled and giggled when Sirius wiggled his eyebrows at her. Katie laughed and teasingly hit him on the arm. "Looks like a couple of worms are dancing on your brow."
"I see that you are having fun." Said Mrs. Potter as she joined their group.
"We are fine mum." James motioned for a footman, who was carrying a tray with glasses, he put his empty glass on the tray and grabbed another when the footman approached them.
"I'm glad, James dear give me your arm, we must mingle among our guests. I sure your friends won't mind if I steal for a bit." Mrs. Potter looked at the others who were shaking their heads.
"We don't mind Mrs. Potter, you can keep him for as long as you want." Sirius responded.
"Trying to get rid of me are you?" Exclaimed James. "I wonder why is that."
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on him." Said Remus with a laugh.
James and his mother left them to entertain themselves while they mingled with the other guests. The room was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. People laughed and cheered every time a couple was caught underneath the mistletoe, some of which had been done by design. For half an hour the group waited until the butler announced time for dinner.
Mrs. Potter took her son's arm as she lead the group into the dinning room.
The rooms was sparkling, the crystal chandelier above the table shined with the light of dozens of candles. Only those who were wizards and witches noticed that they were bewitched for the flames to look like little bulb lights. The plates were of the best china, the utensils were made of the finest silver, and the glasses of the clearest crystal. Everything seemed perfect, fitting for dinner with a king.
Little white cards with golden letters showed the placement of the party. Everybody looked for their names and sat in their seats. Once all were settled, Mrs. Potter motioned to the butler. Roberts opened a side door and footmen came into the room with trays on their arms. Roberts walked before them towards Mrs. Potter and started to serve. As the food was chosen and placed on their plates, the guests talked with their neighbors. Merriment and good will permeated the air.
Dinner lasted for a couple of hours. When it was done, the guests started to file into the ballroom. It was decorated with the greenery that the party had collected. Mistletoe and pine everywhere, white curtains around the windows and small, decorated, Christmas trees surrounding the wall every fifteen feet. The party quickly spread through out the room as the band started to check their instruments ready to start playing as soon as they got the signal for them to begin.
The Potters lined up at the entrance of the ballroom ready to greet their neighbors as soon as they arrived. Roberts and his footmen stood at the entrance hall to dispose of coats and to lead the guests into the ballroom.
Soon, cars and sleighs were heard arriving at the door, the neighbors had begun to arrive. A line started to form at the entrance of the ballroom as the Potters greeted those who had accepted their invitation. The rooms slowly started to fill up. People mingled and socialized. After staying at the entrance for half an hour, the Potters joined their guests on the dance floor and the signal was given for the band to start playing.
Mr. Potter led his wife to the center of the floor as a soothing waltz was played. James soon joined them leading a reluctant Lily, she was worried about what their parents would think by this. Others soon joined them on the floor and by the middle of the waltz the dance floor was crammed by couples as they twirled around the room.
"You shouldn't favor me James, our parents are going to suspect something." Chided Lily as James twirled her.
"I've been thinking. It isn't fair to keep them in the dark for too long, they are already suspecting something as it is. Maybe we should tell them. I don't want to return to Hogwarts without telling them." Lily was biting her lower lip as James talked. James had noticed that she bit her lip every time she was nervous or deep in thought.
"I suppose you are right, I hate having to keep secrets from my parents. How do you think they will react?" She asked apprehensively.
"I don't know, mother I think will be happy, but I cannot be sure. We'll just have to wait and see." Lily bit her lip while James tried to soothe her nerves. She never thought that letting her parents know of her relationship with James would be so nerve-wracking.
"When do you think would be the best time to do so?" She said tentatively.
"Tomorrow. It's Christmas morning, they are bound to be in good spirits." James smiled nervously at her, but she could see that even though he tried to put a brave face forward he was still nervous about it.
"I suppose it would be the best time." She smiled sadly. "Couldn't we just leave them in the dark?"
James chuckled. "I think they will eventually figure it out and will be more angry if they find out by any other means than if we tell them."
"I hate it when you are right." Lily childishly stuck out her tongue at him and he laughed.
Harmonious melody traveled through the air as some couples danced, others rested on chairs placed around the walls, while others stayed close to the refreshment table or near the windows to have some respite from the heat in the dance floor.
"Do you reckon I should cut in, he is holding her too close for my taste." Grumbled Sirius as he watched Katie dance with one of the Potter's neighbors. Remus tried to hide his smile, who would have thought that Sirius would be so possessive of someone.
"She can take care of herself my friend. If he does something objectionable she will know what to do. You don't want to make a scene in here do you? Mrs. Potter would kill you." Said Remus once he overcame the urge to laugh.
"Hmmm.I suppose." Sirius grudgingly stayed where he was.
Luckily the song ended soon and Katie returned to his side. The young man she was dancing with bowed to her and thanked her for the dance and soon lost himself in the crowd.
Katie took a cold glass of cider trying to cool off. The dance floor had been so warm because of all the body heat and dancing.
"Having fun?" Asked Sirius as he watched her use her fan to cool herself.
"Oh yes. Mrs. Potter certainly knows how to give entertainments." Katie said laughingly. She certainly seemed in good spirits.
Emma soon joined them, she had been dancing with another young man, guest of the Potters.
"What about you, having fun?" Asked Remus with a smile.
"Oh loads. I've never been in a muggle formal ball before, but it doesn't seem too different from ours." She replied as she sipped from the glass that Remus given to her.
"Our worlds are not too different only our abilities." Replied Remus. The others nodded and continued looking at the couples that graced the floor with their dancing.
"Lily seems to be enjoying herself." Giggled Katie as Lily passes by in front of them dancing with a handsome young man.
"I don't think I can say the same of James." Chuckled Sirius. James was trying to make conversation with a young lady as they danced. But the young lady seemed to want only to flirt and grab his attention. The group saw James give an exasperated sigh that somehow seemed to escape the notice of his partner.
"Poor James, but it is his duty to do the pretty and entertain his guests." Said Emma with a smile.
"Serves him right. Did you see James and Lily dancing earlier? They seemed to be having a serious conversation out there." Speculated Sirius.
"I noticed, wonder what they talked about." Remus had a frown on his brow as he recalled the dance Sirius talked about.
"We'll find out, they tell us everything." Said Katie with a shrug. She put her empty glass on the table and grabbed hold of Sirius' hand. "Come let's dance."
"You should wait until you are asked you know, it's the right thing to do." Sirius chided as Katie pulled him to the floor.
Emma and Remus laughed as they say their friends join the crow in the dance floor. Remus turned to Emma with a smile. "Care to dance?" He said as he extended his arm.
"It will be a pleasure." She said with a teasing smile.
"Let's see if you say the same after I've stepped on your toes more times than you can count." He laughed.
At the sidelines the adults laughed and chattered as the kept an eye on the young people to make sure that they didn't cause any trouble.
The party lasted well into the night. It was two in the morning when the first guests started to leave. An hour later most of the guests staying in the house had retired to their respective rooms and had fallen asleep. The servants took care of the cleaning with the help of the elves and their wands. Now that everybody was in bed it was safe to use magic. Mrs. Potter had left orders to serve a late breakfast to the sitting rooms of each room, she expected her guests to sleep late and to spend the morning with their own family as they exchanged gifts privately. The servants finished the cleaning and went off to their beds with cheery spirits. The Potters were well known for their generosity toward their employees.
A/N: Sorry it took me so long to bring you this piece but I hope you enjoy it. Remember to review : )
Disclaimer: Anything you are familiar with, I do not own.
Chapter 14 ~ The House Party
~ Holiday Entertainment ~
Fun and excitement permeated the house party everybody looked forward the afternoon activities. People woke up at all times during the morning and breakfast was served in the informal dinning room in the back of the house during all hours of the morning. Those that woke up earlier than the rest decided to spend their time in quiet entertainment. James, Remus and Sirius decided to go to the game room, a billiard table stood in the center of the room. On one side stood an entertainment center, TV, stereo and couches in front of it. On the other side were arcade games and tables with muggle board games.
"Why is everything in here Muggle?" Asked Sirius as he trying using one of the pinball machines. He obviously was not very good at it.
"Because of our Muggle guests, it wouldn't do to have magical games in front of Muggles." Replied James.
"Makes sense. How do you play this?" Asked Remus as he looked at the billiard table.
"Here let me show you." James spent the morning trying to teach Remus and Sirius how to play billiards, once the girls joined them Lily partnered him and together they showed the others how a game of billiards was played.
By luncheon time everybody was already up. Luncheon was a happy and cheerful occasion and when it ended the group quickly started to get ready to take part of the skating party. Servants were seen going toward the lake with logs, kegs of cider and pots of hot chocolate. The guests eagerly reunited in the entrance hall and waited for their hostess to tell them that everything was in order for them to go to the lake.
"Is everybody here?" Asked Mrs. Potter as she finally joined her guests.
"Yes." Everybody exclaimed.
"Very well." Mrs. Potter laughed at the enthusiasm of her guests. "Sleighs will be brought to the door and they will take us to the lake. There are six of them and each will seat seven people." She replied. At that moment the bells of the sleighs were heard and the butler opened the door to let the stream of people pass. Groups quickly formed and filled the sleighs. The six friends chose one of the last sleighs and settled into the seats. Warm blankets were found at their feet and they quickly pulled them and tried to keep warm. The sky was cloudy and seemed like there was going snow, but that prospect was eagerly awaited and seemed like a perfect end to a perfect afternoon.
The sleighs slowly lurched forward and started to turn toward the lane that lead to the lake. The lakeshore seemed a peaceful and magical area. Several fires lined the shore with chairs near them and servants standing by ready to feed the fire and serve the hot drinks. When the vehicles stopped the group rapidly walked toward the chairs. The young people strapped their skates and soon were skating around the frozen lake. The parents settled in groups around the fire and watched their children have fun on the ice. Few of them chose to join the fun on the ice, most preferred to stay near the fire.
"Come Susan, let's show these young people how it's supposed to be done." Urged Aliaster turning to his wife. Mrs. Potter giggled as if she was a young girl once more, and hand in hand joined the young people on the ice.
"What say you Rose, should we join them?" Asked Edward Evans to his wife.
"I think we should, somebody must keep an eye on our daughter." Mrs. Evans said with a smile.
The couple joined the others on the ice. James and Lily enjoyed watching their parents skating around the ice. They quickly formed a kind of competition among the couples to see who was the most skilled. Laughter filled the atmosphere as couple after couple did the most outrageous moves trying to show off and as they did so, couple after couple ended up hitting the ice. The ones to win the dubious honor of being the couple to hit the ice more often were Sirius and Katie, but they didn't mind it a bit, they enjoyed themselves and had a lot of fun.
The refreshments on the shore were constantly refilled and the fire was kept burning. Soon it got dark and only the fire lighted the shore, Mrs. Potter called for the sleighs and the group returned to the house to get ready for the evening meal.
Because of the constant flow of refreshments during the afternoon, Mrs. Potter decided to serve a light repast for dinner and have a musical evening in the parlor afterwards.
The meal was served as a buffet. A table laden with salads, cold meats, fruit and soups stood by the side of the formal dinning room. The group served themselves before sitting wherever they liked. It was an informal meal and everybody enjoyed the change.
"I thought of enjoying a musical evening after our meal, I'm sure that our young ladies would like to show off their talents." Mrs. Potter informed her guests as the meal was almost over.
Some of the girls blushed from the thought of having everybody watching them play, others smiled superiorly happy to show off. Boys groaned knowing that they would have to sit through the performances which some would surely try their patience.
The group left the dinning room and walked toward the front parlor, they quickly noticed that a pianoforte was brought into the room. There was also a harp and a flute for those who preferred to use those instruments.
The furniture was lined up against the walls and chairs were brought in forming a semi circle around the instruments.
"Let's see, James why don't you take Lily up to the piano and turn the pages for her." Urged his mother.
James led Lily up to the piano and sat beside her on the piano bench ready to turn her pages. Lily read through the music sheets on top of the piano searching for one that she was familiar with, she really didn't want to try something new in front of all those people, better do something she was familiar with less chance of making a fool of herself.
"Are you ready?" Asked an impatient James.
"Hold on to your knickers, don't hurry me." Whispered Lily.
"Hold on to my knickers? Really Lily I didn't know you were so interested in them." Chuckled James.
"Will you keep quiet, you are making me even more nervous." Responded Lily more heatedly.
"Sorry, but I hate it when mum puts me on the spot like this. And I know she is trying to pair me up with you, did you noticed that she put the card with your name on it next to mine at the table? Really, I'm starting to think that maybe we should tell them about us, it will save us from all their schemes." Complained James.
Lily laughed softly and finally chose a piece of music. James stood beside her and she started to play. She chose a piece that her mother liked and as a result Lily had played it regularly and knew it from memory, "Red, Red Rose." By Robert Burns. Lily started to play and soon her contralto voice joined the music.
O my luve's like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June
O my luve's like a melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune
As fair as thou my bonie lass
So deep in luve am I
And I will luve thee still my dear
Till all the seas gong dry.
The room was silent as Lily sang. People were mesmerized by her voice and the sweet Scottish lyrics of the song.
Till all the seas gang dry, my dear
And the rocks melt wi' the sun
And I will luve thee still my dear
While th' sands o' life shall run
And fare thee weel my only luve!
And fare thee weel a while!
And will come again my luve
Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile
James stood transfixed beside Lily, he had never heard her sing before, if he had, he thought, he wouldn't have taken so long in making his feelings known.
Lily played the last note of the song. The audience stayed quiet for a moment before exploding into applause. Lily blushed at the warm reception of her song, she thanked them and then returned to her original seat, James walking beside her.
"That was excellent Lily. Now who shall go next? Miranda dear, maybe you would like to give it a try?" Asked Mrs. Potter turning to a young brown haired lady, a bit older than Lily, but with a cheerful countenance.
"I'm afraid it will be quite a poor showing after Miss Evans' performance." She said but went toward the piano all the same. "Come brother dear, turn the pages for me." She said and Remus quickly left his seat to stand by his sister.
"I didn't know that Remus' sister was here." Exclaimed Emma.
"What nervous about meeting his family?" Teased Sirius.
"Well of course she is you oaf." Said Katie hitting him lightly in the arm.
The others laughed and then turned to Lily who had just finished settling in a chair.
"That was well done of you Lily, I didn't know you sang so well." Exclaimed Emma.'
"Well it is important in Muggle society for a young lady to play and sing. I had tutors since I was six years old and mother has made sure that Petunia and I are very competent in the womanly arts." Said Lily. "I'm kind of thirsty, James would you mind bringing me something to drink?" She asked James with a beguiling smile.
"Of course." He said and left the room to ask Roberts for some refreshments.
"You have him whipped Lily. What have you done to him?" Exclaimed Sirius looking aghast at his friend promptly doing what a mere girl had asked him to do.
"It's love Sirius and it seems that you know nothing about it." Said Katie a bit angry and quickly left her seat and joined her parents at one of the couches.
"Now you've done it." Said Emma.
Sirius groaned, he knew that he was going to have to grovel in order to get Katie to talk to him once more.
The evening passed by, most of the girls entertained the group, some better than others. Sirius kept trying to get Katie to notice him the whole evening but she ignored him, to the amusement of their friends and parents who quickly figured out the reason for their amusing behavior.
The next day Mrs. Potter planned for a gathering party. The guest would join the servants in the woods near the house and gather some greenery. Mrs. Potter was also hoping that the men would join in the search for the yule log and help bring it into the house. The young people were looking forward to spending more time outdoors, and the adults decided to join in the fun.
The sleighs that had been used the day before were brought out once more. And the guests poured out and settled in them once more making sure to keep themselves warm with the warm blankets found in the seats.
The forest looked like a living Christmas card, all the treetops glistening with snow and paths cleared for the comfort of those who chose to look for the greenery
Sirius meant to take advantage of this activity to get Katie back. But what did he have in mind? That was the question his friends had.
Katie sat with her parents while Sirius sat with Lily, James, Remus, and Emma.
"Sirius, you better grovel and beg on your knees to get her to forgive you, I don't want one of my best friends sitting apart from us because of you. Otherwise you boys better get through this without us." Said Lily crossly, looking angrily at Sirius.
"Sirius, my friend, you know that we are here to help if you need us." Said James. Then he leaned and whispered in his ear. "And you better do it fast, I don't know how to handle an angry female." He quickly said.
Sirius smiled at his friends. "Don't worry I have a plan."
"You better, because I don't want Katie to feel that her friends have left her all alone." Said Emma.
"Don't worry just leave it all to me." Sirius exclaimed with a cocky smile. He seemed so self-assured that the others gave a sigh of relief and planned to enjoy the day. Sirius was scared to death, he really didn't have a plan, what if Katie was still angry at him and wouldn't let him get near her, what was he going to do?
The group spilled into the wintered countryside, and separated into groups, the young people were told to gather the greenery and to keep their eyes open for mistletoe, which grew in abundance in the area.
"Here, let's go this way, pine and mistletoe is found in this side of the woods." Said James to the group. Katie, Emma, Lily, Remus and Sirius waited for James to join them. Miranda, Remus sister went off with Vivian, Daniel, and Marcus Sinclair as well with Gabriel and Rupert Horton, offspring of two of the couples that had been invited by the Potters; they were later seen with Mark, James' cousin. They were Muggle and Miranda knew quite well how to behave around them. Jezebel, Maureen and Narcissa were joined by Maureen's brother, Martin, and Jezebel's, Dean and Michael. The group split and went their own way. Lily, Emma and Katie walked in front of the boys, whispering and giggling among themselves. The boys walked steadily behind them trying to keep an eye on them.
"We'll take Lily and Emma away from Katie and leave you for some time. That should be enough for you to charm Katie." Said James.
"I think we can only give you half an hour to work it out, the girls would get suspicious if we take them for longer than that." Replied Remus.
"Very well." Said Sirius. He was getting really nervous now, he still wasn't sure of what he was going to do.
The group continued on, stopping once in a while to gather some greenery, the girls were carrying the baskets and it was the boys' job to climb the trees to get what the girls needed to decorate the house.
"Honestly Lily, the branch in the bottom is just the same as this one, why did I have to climb up here?" Asked James as he tried getting his balance from a very high branch.
"But the greenery looks better, it's more fresh, the one down here are too flat." Responded Lily as she looked up at James.
James grunted but continued to reach for the branch that Lily wanted. Honestly! The things men had to do to keep women happy.
"Hurry up James, my feet are starting to freeze." Urged Lily.
"Hold on I almost got it." Said James. A couple of minutes later he landed beside Lily and dropped a branch into her basket. "There." He said with a sigh of relief.
"Come, I saw another tree that I want to try." She said taking his hand and pulling him toward a clearing.
"I'm not climbing a tree as high as that one." Replied James.
Remus was having a similar conversation with Emma on another side of the clearing.
"I'm not climbing that tree Emma. I don't have that good a balance like James and Sirius, I'm going to break my neck." Remus was saying.
"Really Remus is not that very high, we do need some mistletoe you know." Urged Emma. When she noticed that Remus kept shaking his head she approached him and put her hands on his chest; that grabbed his attention instantly. "Please Remus, you are very athletic, I'm sure that you can handle it." She softly said as she put her arms around his neck pressing herself against him.
Remus felt a lump in his throat and tried swallowing past it. "I can?" He croaked, his voice sounded breathless.
Emma smiled and gave him a peck in his lips. "I know you can." She whispered.
"What was it that you wanted me to reach?" He asked.
Emma pointed to the branch of mistletoe she had seen and Remus quickly climbed the tree and reached for it.
Katie stood below a tree looking up searching for some mistletoe. When she turned to ask Lily and Emma something she noticed that they weren't there.
"Honestly! Where did they all go?" Said Katie in exasperation.
"I believe they have gone to look for more greenery with James and Remus." Said a voice behind her.
Katie turned to see Sirius leaning against the trunk of a tree watching her with a smug smile.
"What are you smiling at and I'm not speaking to you." Snapped Katie crossing your arms.
"I know you aren't, it's easy to notice the silence when you are usually speaking too much." Said Sirius. He regretted his comment the moment he said it and knew that it was too late to take it back.
Katie gasped and hissed at him. "Are you implying that I talk too much?" She was really angry now, she knew that she talked a lot but nobody had been so rude about it before.
"No, I'm just saying that I miss your voice." He quickly said. He rapidly approached her and put his arms around her.
Katie pushed him, at least she tried to, but he wouldn't budge. Finally she gave up, he was too strong for her, so she stood rigidly in the circle of his arms.
"I missed you." He whispered. He kissed her ear, he liked her ears, they were small and perfectly shaped.
"You didn't act like you did." She said grudgingly. She knew that Sirius could quickly crumble her defenses and that eventually she would forgive him but she didn't want to give in so soon. He deserved to suffer.
"I was only putting a bright face to the party, it wouldn't do for them to know that one special girl can bring me to my knees with just one smile." He said.
"Were you really, and are you on your knees right now?" She didn't want to but a small smile appeared on her lips.
"Do you want me to be?" He asked looking her in the eyes.
"I don't think it will be necessary." She said with a smile. She leaned in and pressed her lip to his.
He quickly pressed her against him and deepened the kiss.
Four pairs of eyes looked from the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing.
The Gryffindors emerged from the woods looking victorious. Nobody understood why, their baskets were not full of greenery. They obviously spent their time doing something else.
"Did you have fun?" Asked Mrs. Potter as she saw the group joining the rest by the sleighs.
"Yes mum, lots of fun." Replied James kissing his mother on her cheek.
The group quickly climbed into a sleigh and waited for the others to be ready to go back to the house.
The ride was full of merriment and laughter. At the end the group started singing and arrived home just as the last note died down.
Roberts waited on the door to take the coats from the guests, footmen stood behind him waiting to assist him on this job.
The party went on to the front parlor for afternoon tea. After refreshments they were allowed to do whatever they liked.
The young people decided to go to the game room, where they all split into different groups.
"Do you know what your mother has planned for tomorrow?" Asked Sirius as the group stood around the billiard table.
"I think she is planning to decorate the house, so I'm sure she will ask the girls to help her with that." He said as he leaned over the table to take his shot.
"Oh, I would love to help her with that." Exclaimed Katie.
"Do you think she will let us do a kissing bough?" Asked Emma. The girls giggled at the mention on the customary decoration they were all looking forward to get caught underneath the mistletoe by some special guys. The boys, chuckled and a mischievous twinkle entered their eyes. They definitely had plans to catch the girls underneath the kissing bough.
"What about you lot, I cannot imagine that Mrs. Potter would like to have you idle the whole day." Said Lily, she also knew that they would not like to have them under foot the whole day while they were decorating.
"I think she will send us out to hunt for Christmas dinner. The grounds are full of game and we can easily spend the whole day out with just a rifle." Said James.
"The poor animals." Exclaimed Emma.
"We do have to eat you know, that's why women are not asked to go hunting, they would let the creatures go out of pity." Scoffed Sirius. Katie quickly jabbed him in the ribs and glared at him. Sirius turned an innocent look toward her.
"The only reason men can hunt it's because you are barbarians." Snapped Emma.
"Yes we are, that's why we need women in our lives to ring out the human part of our characters." Said Remus in a soothing voice as he put his arms around her.
Emma smiled and leaned her head against his chest.
"Why can't you be more like him?" Asked Katie hitting softly Sirius' arm.
"Because he is more sentimental than I am." He said with a smile.
Katie sighed and said. "Sometimes I wonder why I like you so much."
"Because I'm irresistible." He exclaimed.
"And apparently extremely modest." Laughed James. The others laughed as well and then continued with their game.
At another corner of the room, Jezebel, the Avery's and Maureen sat in front of the entertainment center playing muggle cards on top of the tea table.
"I don't see what he sees in her, she seems too mousy, who likes red hair over blond?" Asked Jezebel with anger.
"To each his own, I just cannot believe that he would deem it appropriate to get involved with a mudblood. He is a pure blood for Pete's sake." Exclaimed Martin Avery, Maureen's brother and fellow Slytherin. Martin and Maureen were twins.
Narcissa scoffed. "I think he doesn't cares, the Potters have always been too radical."
"How they became so close to the Minister, I just don't know. Mr. Potter has become the Minister right hand man, that they are always seen together. I've heard that the Minister doesn't approve of a law until he has discussed it with Mr. Potter. That's too dangerous in my opinion." Said Maureen.
"The Potters have always been too influential in the Magical World. If they were not Ministers themselves, then they were advisors to the Minister. That's why is so important to have them as acquaintances; you might never know when you might need their help." Said Jezebel.
"Not to mention their wealth. They can be very kind to their friends." Said Narcissa with a sly smile.
"Only you would think of that." Scoffed Martin.
The groups played well into the night. It was until Mrs. Potter told them to go to bed that they all left the game room and went up to their respective rooms.
Lily woke up to find a sunny and clear morning. She walked up to her window and opened it. She noticed that all the men seem to be leaving. Horses, dogs and voices could be heard disappearing into the forest. It seemed that James had been right and the men had gone hunting while the girls stayed indoors and worked on the decorations.
Lily turned as she heard a knock on her door. "Enter." She said.
"Morning Lily, did you see the boys leave?" Said Emma entering the room. She promptly sat on the bed and was quickly joined by Lily.
"Yes, just noticed them leaving. How long do you suppose they will be gone?" Lily asked as Emma took a brush from the night table and started to brush Lily's hair.
"I don't know, I suppose they will be gone for most of the day. That's what happens when my father has a hunting party." Emma said.
"I don't remember going to a hunting party. My parents usually prefer to stay in the city, that is why it's so surprising to me that we are here." Said Lily.
"They seem to be having fun." Emma said. Another knock sounded from the door and before Lily could say 'Enter' the door opened and an excited Katie came into the room.
"Don't you ever wait?" Laughed Lily.
"No, can't wait for things in life, you have to grasp them." Said Katie in a cheerful voice.
"Now that we are all up, we might as well get dressed and go down to breakfast. I don't know about you but I want to hear Mrs. Potter's plans for today." Said Emma.
"Very well." Said Katie. Both girls walked toward the door after a "see you then" from Lily.
Half an hour later the girls met in the hall and walked down to the dining room were they met the rest of the women.
"Ah! Glad you could join us dears. You can sit wherever you like, we have enough room for everybody." Greeted them Mrs. Potter.
The girls served themselves from the dishes on a side table and sat together near the middle of the table.
"I'm sure you are all wondering what we will be doing today. I thought it would be fun if we decorated the house, the Christmas Ball will be tomorrow and I'm sure that you would prefer to spend the morning on some last minute shopping."
"Oh that sounds perfect Susan, I could do some shopping tomorrow, there are some things that I will surely need tomorrow for the Ball." Mrs. Black replied.
"Do you have any idea on what you want us to work specifically on?" Asked Mrs. Evans.
"Yes, I thought the young ladies would enjoy working on the kissing bough and the placement of the mistletoe. Rose, Jean and Norma, maybe you can help me in planning for the placement of the furniture and the placement of the rest of the greenery and other kinds of decorations. Lauren, Nina and Grace, you can work on the entertainment and the linen that we can use for tomorrow. And Marie and Elizabeth maybe you can help me with the planning of the menu."
"Of course."
"Sure."
"Now young ladies I will leave you to your task. The ball room, the entrance hall, the dining room and the staircase are to be decorated, do your best." Said Mrs. Potter as she stood up and got ready to leave the room. The other adults also stood up and left right behind her.
"So Evans, I see you start to move in the best of circles." Sneered Narcissa the minute their mothers left.
"I have always moved in the best social circles Mulliens, that we haven't met during our social entertainment say something about your circles not mine." Lily retorted.
"Very clever Evans, but the fact that you are here doesn't mean that you and your kind are up to our standards. The Potters are rather radical and free thinking, but that doesn't mean that you would be accepted by the rest of the best families." Said Jezebel.
"Indeed, well you wouldn't be accepted by 'my kind', doesn't matter how wealthy you are. They are rather picky you see, you would get lost in my world, and you wouldn't know what to do." Lily said mockingly.
"We wouldn't want to get lost in your world Evans, we wouldn't lower ourselves to your level." Snapped Maureen.
"You mean you cannot get high enough to be in her level. Everybody knows that the Evans are rather well known and respected in all social circles, yours is rather closed don't you think? Yours is barely accepted in our circle." Said Katie with a superior smile.
"I'm sure that we all would like to hear about each other's social position, but I rather think that it's rather superfluous. Let's go to the parlor and assign what we need to do." Said Miranda Lupin. She gave the Vixens a dark look as she noticed that Narcissa was about to cut in. She stood up and the lead the girls into the front parlor.
After the assignments were given, the girls broke into groups to work. Lily, Emma and Katie sat at one corner of the room with bows, string, flowers and mistletoe to work on a kissing bough.
"Not being good enough for their circle, as if I wanted to be part of their circle." Huffed Lily. She was clearly still upset from the confrontation at the table.
"Don't pay them attention Lily, they are just jealous, especially Jezebel." Said Emma in a soothing tone.
"She probably thinks that she can make Mrs. Potter see you in a bad light. You know that she has wanted James for the longest." Said Katie.
"Of course, that's it Lily. She wants to brake you two up." Exclaimed Emma.
"I still don't like it. What makes them think that they can tell that I'm not good enough because of who my parents are. I don't see the Potters and others having a problem with it." Said Lily.
"Most wizarding people don't mind it, if we hadn't accepted muggle borns and inter-muggle marriages, our kind would have disappeared long ago. But there are some old families that don't like it. Some have married within their families that's why there are so many relations among them." Said Emma.
"That's why there are so many wierdos among them, interfamily relations, honestly! One of these days a troll will be born from them." Said Katie. The others laughed and thought that there were already some trolls among them. Just look at that Flint from Slytherin, he certainly could pass for a troll.
"All that matters is what James and his family think, and they like you Lily. I don't think you have anything to worry about. But we are going to keep an eye on Jezebel, I wouldn't be surprised if she tries something to split you up." Said Emma.
"James doesn't like her. He thinks she is too forward for her own good." Said Lily.
"She is, they all are. Did you see what they were wearing during the skating party? It's a miracle that they didn't freeze out there." Exclaimed Emma.
"I wonder what they will wear tomorrow night." Said Lily.
"Probably something of bad taste." Exclaimed Katie.
"I'm looking forward to the shopping expedition for tomorrow. There are a lot of last minute gifts that I need to get." Said Emma.
"I want to get some pins, for my hair. I don't know how but I seem to loose a substantial quantity of pins everyday." Said Lily.
"Maybe James stole them to open the doors with them." Laughed Katie.
"They probably did. Knowing that group, nothing would surprise me." Said Emma.
The rooms slowly started to look festive. The day quickly passed and soon it was time for afternoon tea and the men would soon return and join them.
The women were sitting in the front parlor, chatting and taking refreshments, when a commotion could be heard from the entrance hall. The parlor door was promptly opened by a footman, and the men started to enter the room. They seemed to be sweaty, dirty but very happy of spending the morning out doors.
"Don't you come near me Aliaster James Harold Potter. You are dirty." Squealed Mrs. Potter as her husband tried to kiss her.
He chuckled and swiftly stole a kiss before Mrs. Potter knew what he was about. "Don't worry Susan I will take this grimy lot upstairs to tidy up I just wanted to let you know that we are back." He said.
"Were you lucky in your endeavor?" Asked Mrs. Evans.
"Oh highly successful. You are in for a treat ladies." Chuckled Mr. Evans.
Before they were inundated with questions, the men quickly left the room and went to their respective rooms to clean themselves up. Some of the ladies excused themselves to help their husbands in their efforts.
"It seems that they enjoyed themselves." Laughed Mrs. Black. The other women laughed and returned to their gossiping while they waited for the others to join them.
Footmen were seen passing in front of the door toward the kitchens with their arms full of the fruits of the hunting session.
Dinner that evening was a lively affair. The men kept the women entertained with stories of their exploits in the hunting field.
"And when the gun went off Sirius was thrown back and fell on a pile of snow, it was so funny." Laughed James as Sirius blushed in embarrassment while those who heard the story laughed.
"Poor Sirius." Said Katie, giving his hand a squeeze underneath the table. It would do for their parents to see it.
"Your cook is excellent Susan, this venison is delicious. Do you think I can steal your cook from you?" Mrs. Sinclair said laughingly. Her family were muggle friends of the Potters.
"I doubt it Jean, he is special you see." Said Mrs. Potter. Her cook was special and she didn't think that the Sinclairs would know what to do with a house elf.
"Do you think he would give me the recipe?" Mrs. Sinclair asked.
"I'll ask him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
"What can you tell us Mrs. Potter about the stores in the village square, will they have what we need?" Asked Narcissa trying to turn the conversation to a subject that she would be able to take part of.
"I'm sure that you girls will like it. The stores there have the latest in fashion and accessories." Replied Mrs. Potter.
"How are we going to get there?" Asked Maureen.
"Our vehicles will be at your disposal of course, unless you prefer to use you own. Servants will be available to you as well if you need help with your purchases." Mrs. Potter said.
"That would be nice Susan, I don't think any of us would like to carry the purchases that our ladies buy." Said Mr. Black chuckling. All the men around the table seemed to agree with him.
"I thought as much." Laughed Mrs. Potter.
Dinner continued with the same lighthearted atmosphere and when it was over they decided to go to their rooms instead of going to the parlor. Everybody was looking forward to the next day. A day full of frivolity and cheer before Christmas day sounded like fun.
Light snow was falling the next day when the occupants of Godric's Hollow woke up. After a light breakfast, a caravan of vehicles was seen going into the village square. The whole group stopped in front of the village inn and parked.
"We'll meet here in four hours after we are done with our purchases. I reserved a private room here and we can take our luncheon here before returning home." Said Mr. Potter.
"Sounds like a good plan. We'll see you in four hours." Said James leading his friends toward the exit and losing themselves among the constant traffic of pedestrians.
After the young people's unceremonious exit, the guests split up and went their own way. The morning rapidly passed by as people went in and out of shops. A constant stream of last minute shoppers were seen on the streets of the small village and the businesses took advantage of it and made sure they carried the latest of everything they could offer. Clothing stores, jewelry stores, book stores, music stores, and gift stores were the most visited by shoppers as a result they had hired extra help. The Potters seemed to be well known in the area and every time one of them went into a store, they were treated with the outmost respect. In some cases the owners of the shop would give them preferred discounts and to those who toured around the stores with them. The Marauders and the Sirens had fun going around the stores, the candy store being among their favorites.
"You are going to lose your teeth after eating all that candy." Said Emma after they left the store.
"Oh this will last us for a while, we just had to take advantage of that discount." Said Sirius with a smile.
"Of course you had to, I'm just glad they don't have a Zonco's here, you lot would lose a lot of time in there." Laughed Katie.
"Yes, too bad this is a Muggle village, but it has its perks." Said James.
"Did you see that sales girl flirting with James? Honestly James! One would think that you would refrain from flirting when your girl is with you." Teased Sirius.
"What do you mean me? I didn't do a think, if you noticed I ignored her the whole time. You were the one flirting with her, I'm surprised Katie didn't beat you." James exclaimed.
"Oh no, I enjoyed seeing him making a fool of himself." Laughed Katie.
"Hey!" Sirius said while the others laughed.
The hours passed quickly by and the shopping bags filled and increased in number. The boys were very happy that Mrs. Potter thought of bringing servants to help with the purchases, they weren't very keen on the idea of having to carry all of the boxes and bags for the girls. At the end of the four hours the inn played host to a group of merry shoppers.
The Potters were well known for their generosity and sense of duty among the inhabitants of the small village, and as their house was the largest and wealthiest of the area, they were being look upon as the leaders of their community.
Ever since the first Potter had settled in that small town, they had brought work and wealth to the shabby town. The town had progressed and had become one of great wealth and production. For that reason, the town was named after that first Potter settler, and his descendants were treated with respect.
The innkeeper had been too happy to host the party from Godric's cabin. His wife was determined to serve only the best and the employees dressed up to the nines, and made sure the place was spotless for their guests. The town had quickly heard that the Potters and their guests would be in town that day and that would eat at the inn. They sent provisions and made sure to have the best in their shops in case the party decided to pay them a visit. As a result the Potters and their guests had been able to pay for the best the town could offer and had a great time enjoying themselves.
When the group entered the reserved private room at the inn, they noticed the warmth coming from the lit fireplace, the cheerful decorations that graced the walls, and the laden table with all kinds of delicious food. They quickly served themselves and sat around the large table in the middle of the room.
"Is there anything you need Mr. Potter?" Asked the innkeeper after everybody was served.
"This is all thank you Mr. Ballard. Although, I would like a bottle of that delicious cider of yours. I vow is the best homemade cider I have tasted." Mr. Potter said. The innkeeper was only too happy to serve his cider, he knew that with praise like that he would have better business and his cider would sell very well. He promptly sent a servant to get a couple of bottles from the bar and respectfully presented it to Mr. Potter when it was brought in. After bowing to the Potters and their party he led the servants out of the room and softly closed the door behind him. In that instant he decided to send a keg of cider to the cabin as a thank you gift to the Potters.
"You didn't lie Aliaster, this cider is incredible." Exclaimed Edward Evans after he tasted the cider that had been served to the party. Others nodded their agreement and happily continued to drink and eat.
"The food is not far behind, I must ask Mrs. Ballard for the recipe, this ham is truly delicious." Said Mrs. Lupin relishing the spicy taste of the ham.
"Yes, the town was very lucky when the Ballards decided to build this inn. It's my understanding that the cider has been passed from generation to generation as the inn has. And all Ballard men had been blessed to wed the best cooks in the county." Said Mr. Potter.
"Does he sell bottles of cider?" Asked Mr. Black as he poured more into his goblet.
"Yes, most people around here buy a couple of bottles during especial dinners." Replied Mrs. Potter.
"In that case, I think I will buy a keg before I leave at the end of our visit. Keep it in the wine cellar and have some during dinner." Said Mr. Lupin.
"I'm sure Ballard will be happy to accommodate you." Smiled Mr. Potter.
The conversation quickly turned from food and drink to the ball, taking place for that evening. Neighbors had been invited to join the members of the house party. As a result a large number of people would be taking part on the fun.
"What are you wearing Lily? I saw you buying red ribbon this afternoon, is that for your gown?" Asked an excited Katie.
"Yes, I plan to wear it for my hair." Replied Lily. "Mum bought my dress, I'm not sure how it would look, I haven't had the chance to try it on yet."
"Oh but, what will happen if it doesn't fit?" Asked Emma.
"She brought others, but I doubt I will have to try them all on, mum is very good at choosing clothing and she knows my measurements quite well."
"I haven't decided what to wear. But no matter, mum usually decided for me, and her taste in fashion is as good as mine." Said Emma with a shrug.
"Oh, I chose my dress the minute I heard there was going to be a ball, but I'm not telling you, I want to surprise you all." Exclaimed Katie.
"Well, no matter what you girls wear, I'm sure that you all will look gorgeous." Said Sirius. He was getting tired of the fashion conversation.
"Awww." Sighed the girls and Katie swiftly kissed him before they turned the conversation to other subjects. Sirius turned a smug look toward his friends who just smirked at him before the girls turned to them.
The luncheon continued with merry conversation and good food. Finally the group was done and left the inn, satisfied and looking forward to that evening. The innkeeper made sure that their transportation was waiting for them at the door, and waved goodbye to them as the cars disappeared down the road.
The hours previous to the ball were hectic ones, especially for the ladies. Maids were seen coming in and out of the ladies rooms with clothes to press, ribbons forgotten in another room, and other little things that the ladies were sure they needed for that evening. Most of the men decided to keep away from the bustle of the rooms and met in the games room to play, drink and joke while they waited for things to settle down in the upper rooms before they returned to their chambers to dress. Mr. Potter was the perfect host and kept his guests entertained until an hour and a half before dinner, it was then that the group returned to their respective rooms to get ready.
"Where have you been Aliaster? You know that we have to be ready before everyone else, we have to meet them in the parlor before dinner." Exclaimed Mrs. Potter the moment her husband entered the room.
"I'm sorry darling, I was trying to stay out of your way and entertaining the other men while they waited as well." Said Mr. Potter giving his wife a swift kiss before going into the dressing room. "But don't worry, you know Lotty will have me presentable in a few moments. Isn't that so Lotty?" He asked the small figure waiting for him in the dressing room with all the clothing that Mr. Potter was to wear that evening . "Lotty will have Master Aliaster dressed in a moment sir." The squeaky voice of the elf replied.
"Well if you are going to do it the magical way, of course you don't need to start at an early hour." Snapped Mrs. Potter, it was clear that her nerves were getting too much for her as she had forgotten that she used the elf to help her dress for that evening.
"Really dear, there is nothing that you need to concern yourself with, everything I settled for this evening and I'm sure that it will be a great success." Said Mr. Potter from behind the screen. Flashes of light were seen from behind it.
"Are you sure? I want to make sure that our guests have a great time." Said Mrs. Potter.
"I'm sure they will have a great time, don't worry my dear." Mr. Potter said as he stepped out of the screen and the dressing room to meet his wife in their dormitory.
After making sure that they were both ready, they left their rooms and walked toward the stairs. But before they reached them Mrs. Potter stopped in front of her son's door.
"James dear, are you ready?" She asked.
"Nearly mom, Minnie is just trying to comb my hair." He replied.
"Minnie, don't worry about it, James' hair cannot be control, you would be there forever if you try." Said Mr. Potter.
"Very funny father!" Yelled James.
"Come James, we must be in the parlor before our guests."
"I'm coming mum."
The Potters continued on their way to the front parlor and settled down to wait. James soon joined them and servants came in carrying trays with wine glasses and bottles of wine and cider ready to be served for the guests.
"James dear, we never had an opportunity to ask you about school." Said Mrs. Potter.
"I'm doing fine mum."
"What about Charms? You weren't doing so well on it during the past years." Said Mr. Potter.
"Lily has been helping me, you hired her to do so remember?"
"It's working out all right then?" Asked Mrs. Potter eagerly.
"Well enough." James responded. He knew hat his mother wanted to know about his relationship with Lily, but he wasn't about to tell her about it. At least, not yet.
The entrance of the Blacks stopped Mrs. Potter in mid question. James sighed with relief before being joined by Sirius.
"I see the girls are not here yet." Sirius said as he accepted a glass of cider from James.
"No you are the first to join us." Said James, sipping from his own glass.
"I wonder what they are wearing? But above all, I wonder if I can get Katie underneath the mistletoe." Said Sirius. James laughed but chocked when he turned to look who the new arrivals were.
Three girls stood by the door, but his eyes were drawn to only one. Lily's appearance left him speechless. He already thought she was beautiful, but with that dress she was drop dead gorgeous. She was wearing a skin-tight red velvet dress, with faux white fur around the collar and on the wrist of her sleeves. She was wearing her hair up, which was being held by a silken ribbon. Her companions were also wearing red, Katie's dress was strapless with white lace adorning the collar and the sides of the thigh high slit at both sides the dress; Emma on the other hand was wearing a creation of sparkling red, also skin-tight and a strap that surrounded her neck.
Both boys just stood gaping at them as Mrs. Potter greeted them and offered them some cider. The girls accepted and slowly made their way to the frozen boys.
"Something wrong? Don't you like our dresses?" Asked Katie in a nervous tone. She thought she was looking very well, but what if Sirius didn't like it? What if his parents didn't like it?
"I must keep my eye on you tonight, someone might try to kidnap you." Whispered Sirius as he leaned in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Katie looked at him with a brilliant smile.
"You look stunning." James had pulled Lily away from the others for just a moment.
"Thank you. Do you really like it?" Lily was biting her lower lip with a look of apprehension on her face.
"Yes I do, you're gorgeous." He replied smiling down at her.
"Isn't Remus down yet?" Emma was looking around the room looking for the one missing from their group.
"He should be down soon, we still have to wait for the other guest to join us then we will go to dinner. The neighbors will join us afterwards for the ball." Said James.
"How many are you expecting?" Katie wanted to know.
"I'm not sure, mother told me but I really didn't pay much attention." James shrugged.
"You are not sure of what?" Said a voice behind them. They turned to see Remus who was looking at Emma, she blushed slightly and smiled timidly at him. "You look great." He said.
"I'm glad you think so." She said looking at him from beneath her fluttering lashes.
"Minx." He laughed as he gave her a swift kiss, before turning to greet the others.
James gave him a glass of cider when he finished flattering the girls.
"If I didn't know any better I would've guessed that Remus was the flirt of your little group." Laughed Lily. "Sirius, you have competition."
"But not for long." He said with a mischievous smile.
"Hmmm.I'm not sure we want to know what you have in mind." Said Katie with a wary look. The others chuckled and giggled when Sirius wiggled his eyebrows at her. Katie laughed and teasingly hit him on the arm. "Looks like a couple of worms are dancing on your brow."
"I see that you are having fun." Said Mrs. Potter as she joined their group.
"We are fine mum." James motioned for a footman, who was carrying a tray with glasses, he put his empty glass on the tray and grabbed another when the footman approached them.
"I'm glad, James dear give me your arm, we must mingle among our guests. I sure your friends won't mind if I steal for a bit." Mrs. Potter looked at the others who were shaking their heads.
"We don't mind Mrs. Potter, you can keep him for as long as you want." Sirius responded.
"Trying to get rid of me are you?" Exclaimed James. "I wonder why is that."
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on him." Said Remus with a laugh.
James and his mother left them to entertain themselves while they mingled with the other guests. The room was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. People laughed and cheered every time a couple was caught underneath the mistletoe, some of which had been done by design. For half an hour the group waited until the butler announced time for dinner.
Mrs. Potter took her son's arm as she lead the group into the dinning room.
The rooms was sparkling, the crystal chandelier above the table shined with the light of dozens of candles. Only those who were wizards and witches noticed that they were bewitched for the flames to look like little bulb lights. The plates were of the best china, the utensils were made of the finest silver, and the glasses of the clearest crystal. Everything seemed perfect, fitting for dinner with a king.
Little white cards with golden letters showed the placement of the party. Everybody looked for their names and sat in their seats. Once all were settled, Mrs. Potter motioned to the butler. Roberts opened a side door and footmen came into the room with trays on their arms. Roberts walked before them towards Mrs. Potter and started to serve. As the food was chosen and placed on their plates, the guests talked with their neighbors. Merriment and good will permeated the air.
Dinner lasted for a couple of hours. When it was done, the guests started to file into the ballroom. It was decorated with the greenery that the party had collected. Mistletoe and pine everywhere, white curtains around the windows and small, decorated, Christmas trees surrounding the wall every fifteen feet. The party quickly spread through out the room as the band started to check their instruments ready to start playing as soon as they got the signal for them to begin.
The Potters lined up at the entrance of the ballroom ready to greet their neighbors as soon as they arrived. Roberts and his footmen stood at the entrance hall to dispose of coats and to lead the guests into the ballroom.
Soon, cars and sleighs were heard arriving at the door, the neighbors had begun to arrive. A line started to form at the entrance of the ballroom as the Potters greeted those who had accepted their invitation. The rooms slowly started to fill up. People mingled and socialized. After staying at the entrance for half an hour, the Potters joined their guests on the dance floor and the signal was given for the band to start playing.
Mr. Potter led his wife to the center of the floor as a soothing waltz was played. James soon joined them leading a reluctant Lily, she was worried about what their parents would think by this. Others soon joined them on the floor and by the middle of the waltz the dance floor was crammed by couples as they twirled around the room.
"You shouldn't favor me James, our parents are going to suspect something." Chided Lily as James twirled her.
"I've been thinking. It isn't fair to keep them in the dark for too long, they are already suspecting something as it is. Maybe we should tell them. I don't want to return to Hogwarts without telling them." Lily was biting her lower lip as James talked. James had noticed that she bit her lip every time she was nervous or deep in thought.
"I suppose you are right, I hate having to keep secrets from my parents. How do you think they will react?" She asked apprehensively.
"I don't know, mother I think will be happy, but I cannot be sure. We'll just have to wait and see." Lily bit her lip while James tried to soothe her nerves. She never thought that letting her parents know of her relationship with James would be so nerve-wracking.
"When do you think would be the best time to do so?" She said tentatively.
"Tomorrow. It's Christmas morning, they are bound to be in good spirits." James smiled nervously at her, but she could see that even though he tried to put a brave face forward he was still nervous about it.
"I suppose it would be the best time." She smiled sadly. "Couldn't we just leave them in the dark?"
James chuckled. "I think they will eventually figure it out and will be more angry if they find out by any other means than if we tell them."
"I hate it when you are right." Lily childishly stuck out her tongue at him and he laughed.
Harmonious melody traveled through the air as some couples danced, others rested on chairs placed around the walls, while others stayed close to the refreshment table or near the windows to have some respite from the heat in the dance floor.
"Do you reckon I should cut in, he is holding her too close for my taste." Grumbled Sirius as he watched Katie dance with one of the Potter's neighbors. Remus tried to hide his smile, who would have thought that Sirius would be so possessive of someone.
"She can take care of herself my friend. If he does something objectionable she will know what to do. You don't want to make a scene in here do you? Mrs. Potter would kill you." Said Remus once he overcame the urge to laugh.
"Hmmm.I suppose." Sirius grudgingly stayed where he was.
Luckily the song ended soon and Katie returned to his side. The young man she was dancing with bowed to her and thanked her for the dance and soon lost himself in the crowd.
Katie took a cold glass of cider trying to cool off. The dance floor had been so warm because of all the body heat and dancing.
"Having fun?" Asked Sirius as he watched her use her fan to cool herself.
"Oh yes. Mrs. Potter certainly knows how to give entertainments." Katie said laughingly. She certainly seemed in good spirits.
Emma soon joined them, she had been dancing with another young man, guest of the Potters.
"What about you, having fun?" Asked Remus with a smile.
"Oh loads. I've never been in a muggle formal ball before, but it doesn't seem too different from ours." She replied as she sipped from the glass that Remus given to her.
"Our worlds are not too different only our abilities." Replied Remus. The others nodded and continued looking at the couples that graced the floor with their dancing.
"Lily seems to be enjoying herself." Giggled Katie as Lily passes by in front of them dancing with a handsome young man.
"I don't think I can say the same of James." Chuckled Sirius. James was trying to make conversation with a young lady as they danced. But the young lady seemed to want only to flirt and grab his attention. The group saw James give an exasperated sigh that somehow seemed to escape the notice of his partner.
"Poor James, but it is his duty to do the pretty and entertain his guests." Said Emma with a smile.
"Serves him right. Did you see James and Lily dancing earlier? They seemed to be having a serious conversation out there." Speculated Sirius.
"I noticed, wonder what they talked about." Remus had a frown on his brow as he recalled the dance Sirius talked about.
"We'll find out, they tell us everything." Said Katie with a shrug. She put her empty glass on the table and grabbed hold of Sirius' hand. "Come let's dance."
"You should wait until you are asked you know, it's the right thing to do." Sirius chided as Katie pulled him to the floor.
Emma and Remus laughed as they say their friends join the crow in the dance floor. Remus turned to Emma with a smile. "Care to dance?" He said as he extended his arm.
"It will be a pleasure." She said with a teasing smile.
"Let's see if you say the same after I've stepped on your toes more times than you can count." He laughed.
At the sidelines the adults laughed and chattered as the kept an eye on the young people to make sure that they didn't cause any trouble.
The party lasted well into the night. It was two in the morning when the first guests started to leave. An hour later most of the guests staying in the house had retired to their respective rooms and had fallen asleep. The servants took care of the cleaning with the help of the elves and their wands. Now that everybody was in bed it was safe to use magic. Mrs. Potter had left orders to serve a late breakfast to the sitting rooms of each room, she expected her guests to sleep late and to spend the morning with their own family as they exchanged gifts privately. The servants finished the cleaning and went off to their beds with cheery spirits. The Potters were well known for their generosity toward their employees.
A/N: Sorry it took me so long to bring you this piece but I hope you enjoy it. Remember to review : )