A/N IMPORTANT NEWS! I have my own account now so the story will be under the name GoldenLocket14 after this chapter! Please remember that!
I have a special award for the first person to review the new chapter. Today the Golden Booky goes to…Emrisah! Congratulations what do you propose to do now? Lol! There is so much midless fluff in this chapter I wanted to scream! See Hannah spent the night at my house and we decided to write this chapter together, and she likes fluff so there's a bit to much for my liking. Anyway I have heard some suspicions that people think they know who our secret admirer is. Well, let me tell you, the secret part will surprise you to no end. So I'm going to hope to get this chapter and maybe the next up before the eighteenth, because I will be leaving and won't be back for two weeks. I know, I know how can I be leaving again? That's not important right now, the story is important so here we go! (There is nothing wrong with title I did that on purpose.)
Chapter Thirteen: The Man Behind The Monster
"It seems that your admirer likes you again." Hannah observed from her spot in front of the mirror.
"What do you mean?" Lily had strapped the corsage to her wrist, the white roses looked well with Lily's fair skin.
"I mean he's given you white thorn less roses again after two weeks of giving you red thorny roses. The first one was also white and thorn less. Obviously something you did has changed his opinion. Just like you did two weeks ago." Hannah put on her mask.
"Actually that's a good point. So who have you wronged and made up with lately?" Andromeda said thoughtfully.
"Well, I can name someone. But I don't think Lily wants to hear it." Jen smiled.
"Oh no, not again. It is not James-bloody-Potter! We already discussed this. Anyway these poems are to sweet, and thoughtful. He couldn't have written them." Lily looked at her masked friends. "Your feather isn't straight." She added to Hannah.
"Oh!" After fixing it she observed herself and gracefully twirled. She pitched her voice slightly higher. "I'd be glad to dance sir."
"Lily you'd better mask up so we can leave." Andromeda tutted. "Remember we can't let on who we are to anyone. It's crucial you say no ones name, especially your own."
"Okay, I'll go through first and then Andromeda will go. Wait two minutes between each person." Mrs. Mellacost stood in front of the fireplace. "Your brother left five minutes ago so now it is my turn."
Eight minutes later Lily was the last one standing in the parlor. She vaguely wondered if James' house was much bigger than this one. Then dismissed the thought thinking it couldn't be.
Finally she grabbed a handful of floo powder stepped into the fireplace and shouted "Potter Manor!" As she spun from one fire to another she realized just how strange a way to arrive for a ball this was. Very ungraceful and a sure fire way to get your dress dirty. (Another pun, when will the madness stop?)
At long last Lily stumbled out of the huge fireplace in Potter Manor. Amazingly there wasn't a speck of soot on her dress. A man who she thought must be Mr. Potter helped her up and said cordially "Welcome to the Masquerade! The ballroom is just down the hall."
"Thank you very much." Lily replied remembering to disguise her voice. As she walked down the hall she noticed that several people were just standing in there. Then she noticed that all of them were wearing the same black tux. Choosing to ignore them she walked into the ballroom.
The lavish room before her was grander and larger than she could have ever imagined. Already a lively gavotte had started up and several people were dancing on the intricately tiled floor. Chairs lined the blue walls where a few spectators watched the proceedings from behind gay (you know, gay as in happy) masks. Looking up Lily marveled at the gold dome of a ceiling, winding patterns seemed to move along it if one looked at them for too long.
A mirror hung on either side of the doorway. Lily looked at her reflection and smiled. Her fiery hair hung in a halo of curls instead of her usual wavy sheet. Andromeda had insisted on disguising her locks because they were sure to give away her identity.
With a final glance at the mirror Lily determined that her mask was in place and that nobody would recognize her. She then set out for the dance floor and joined the throng.
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"Recognized anyone yet?" Sirius said to James.
"No one. Still looking for our fourth counterpart?"
"Yeah, haven't spotted him." The two looked around the room and couldn't see anything that might distinguish their friend.
"Looking for me?" James and Sirius both jumped and turned around. A tall smiling figure greeted them wearing a white mask that appeared to change colors. Sirius leaned closer but couldn't tell if he was imaging it or not.
"Great mask." James commented. "When did the girls get here?"
"Two minutes after I left Mum did, two minutes later Andromeda did, then Hannah, then Jen, and Lily left last at 8:00 exactly." Aden's smile was smug.
"If you left first how do you know?" Sirius asked suspiciously.
"We worked out the plan ahead of time. When the girls were practicing curtseying, being polite, and going over the rules." His smile widened. "And I know what they're wearing!"
James jumped on that little tid-bit. "What's Lily wearing?"
"I'll tell you, for a price."
"Name it I'll pay it."
"I'll tell you the price later, after the ball. But if you don't pay up I'll have a consequence ready. Her dress is emerald green with dark blue trimming. The mask is dark blue with white gems lining it, it covers her face from forehead to just above her lip."
"Detailed, very detailed. Just how closely did you look at all of them?" Sirius asked mischievously.
"I knew you guys would want to know what they were wearing." Aden replied simply.
"Thanks!" And then James was gone.
As he moved through the crowd a song ended and another one was just beginning. A mass of red curls walked away from a partner and stood for a moment looking slightly lost. James moved behind her and tapped her shoulder.
"Would you like to dance?" Lily turned to find whom the deep mature voice was coming from. A handsome young man who quite towered above her held out his hand.
"It'd be my pleasure." She replied and then off she was swept.
The waltz was a slow one and so allowed for conversation.
"How are you enjoying the ball?" James asked careful not to let her recognize his voice.
"It's wonderful. I lost my friends long ago but I'm having a marvelous time anyway." Lily smiled that dazzling smile of hers. "Do you know the Potters?"
He coughed. "We're acquainted. James and I have chatted a few times."
"What do you think of him?" Lily looked quizzically at the eyes she couldn't see his mask shadowed them.
James coughed. "Well he's a nice chap. Always talking about this girl though. What was her name again?" Lily sucked in a breath. "Lilac…Lavender…Lily! That's what is was!"
She tried to seem uninterested. "Really? Oh, let's talk about something else. Have you ever read Shakespeare?"
"Have I ever! But I think my favorite would have to be The Merchant of Venice. It's quite an enticing tale."
"Mmmm, that one is just about the best. That is of course next to Romeo and Juliet. You strike me as odd Mr. Mystery. It's not often I come across a guy who enjoys Shakespeare." The song ended. In parting Lily offered a compliment. "I must say you have me quite charmed. I hope I may dance with you again soon?"
"I'd love to."
"Good." And then the crowd hid her from view.
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"Could you hand me one of those glasses?" Hannah asked a man standing near the champagne.
"Of course." When he turned to hand her the glass Hannah could have sworn the color changed at least twice. But looking at it now it was only a shimmery white.
"Thank you. How many dances have you had, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Only one or two. I mostly like watch unless my partner is quite interesting." Hannah did not know this man, but he certainly recognized her. The figure in purple was one he had long admired.
"I see. What kind of girl do you find quite interesting?" She asked coyly.
"That remains to be seen doesn't it?" Aden led the unsuspecting Hannah to the center of the dance floor. Lifting Hannah's left hand and gently placing his hand on her waist, he began leading them in a graceful waltz. The two were laughing and having an engaging conversation. They did not notice a tall, cloaked figure coming towards them with a purposeful stride until he stopped by them and roughly took Hannah from Aden's arms.
Aden looked at the man with disgust and shock. He wore all black. Black shoes, pants, shirt, vest, even his jacket and cape; the only color to be seen in this darkness was a deep blood red lining the inside of his cape. His mask was skull white and covered the right side of his face, lifting only to allow room for his mouth and a slit for the covered eye. 'My God,' Aden thought to himself. 'He's the Phantom of the Opera.'
Aden opened his mouth to tell off the interrupter of his dance. But the figure was gone with Hannah before a sound came out.
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"Severus!" Hannah pulled her arm free of his iron grasp. She tugged her mask off and went to lean over the railing surrounding the Potter's balcony. "Why are you being like this? You're acting ridiculously jealous." She looked out over the vast garden and sighed. "It's not like I'm going to leave you for someone else."
Behind her Severus shifted uncomfortably and he moved to stand next to her. "Hannah he's a," His voice seemed almost pained but at his next word the tone shifted to cold anger. "He's a Marauder. One of those noble souls who clean the school by making my life miserable." He was gripping the railing so tightly that his knuckles were white. Hannah turned and looked at him, puzzled. Seeing her expression Severus spat out, "Aden!" With so much venom and force did he utter that name that the girl flinched. She turned and walked a bit away from him.
"You don't have to yell at me. I didn't know, and what does it matter anyway?" She told her boyfriend in a carefully controlled voice, but it was obvious to him that she was crying.
Unable to come up with anything comforting to say Severus walked over to Hannah and put his arms around her waist. Almost immediately she turned and buried her face against his chest, throwing her arms around his neck. Severus gently kissed her on the top of the head before pulling away and bending down to retrieve her mask.
"We wouldn't want anyone to know who you are, now would we?" He said with a smile as he carefully fitted the purple mask lined with purple feathers and amethysts over her face. In response Hannah grinned at him, and, linking arms, the two re-entered the ball.
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"Excuse me miss?"
Andromeda looked up and found a man in the craziest outfit she'd ever seen. A smile played on her lips.
"Would you like to go try some full frontal snogging in the corner?"
Andromeda had caught on by now that it was Sirius who was talking to her. "Only because you're so suave and debonair."
He chuckled. "You look stunning tonight."
"Now I feel it thanks to you."
"But let me ask you one question." Sirius grinned slyly. "Have you ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight?"
"No, but I'd like to give it a try."
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Lily looked around and spotted the figure in green and gold. Breathlessly she walked to him and curtsied. "Dance with me again?"
"I'd be honored." James walked onto the dance floor with Lily feeling somewhat guilty. She had no idea that the man she had become quite fond of was the same person she hated most. Dismissing this thought and deciding to have a good time James began to dance in time with the music.
"Remind me, when do we unmask?" Lily tried again to glimpse the shadowed eyes.
"At one o'clock the announcement will be made." James said trying to cover his nervous his nervous tone. Apparently he didn't do such a good job.
"What are you scared of?" Lily asked.
"I'm afraid you might not like me so much once you find out who I am."
"Why wouldn't I? You seem like a perfectly charming person. I'm not sure how I couldn't like you."
"Yes well, I suppose time will tell."
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Jen was sitting in one of the chairs trying to spot her friends. Lily was dancing with the same person for the third time.
"I wonder who she's dancing with…"
She shifted her gaze to the refreshment table and noticed Hannah beaming at a man all in black.
"Look at his nose! I only know one person with a nose that huge!" Jen glowered.
"She'd better be careful that thing could shoot her eye out." Jen started to find a young man also observing the couple.
"Who are you?" She asked bewildered.
"I can't tell you remember?"
"Oh yes…Do you know how many Slytherins are here?"
"Quite a few considering this is a mostly pure-blood event. All the Blacks are here and most of Bellatrix's cronies. I'm assuming your Gryffindor from the way you ask?"
"I can't tell you that, remember?" She chuckled.
"I suppose you're right."
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Severus Snape was standing with his arm around his girlfriend as the two watched people dancing before them. Every now and then Severus would comment on the dress or manners of the dancers, usually rudely. Through it all Hannah gazed up at him with such obvious adoration that it would sicken most of her friends if not all. Glancing down at her for barely a moment Severus smiled and held his head higher.
"Let's go outside, shall we? You seemed to love the garden." He spoke uncaringly and privately was disgusted that he was in his enemy's home.
It was a good deal colder than it had been and Hannah found herself wishing she had long sleeves. Noticing her shivering Severus took off his cape and wrapped it around her shoulders. Smiling to herself she took his hand and the two walked to a stone bench in the center of the garden.
Sitting down, Hannah snuggled closer to Severus. Snow was beginning to fall and the garden looked magical. She couldn't hide her awe of it as she looked around.
"This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." She said breathlessly, partly to herself and partly to Snape.
"It is quite beautiful." He agreed. "However it pales in comparison to you." Music drifted down to them from the ongoing ball. He stood and bowed. "Would the Lady kindly favor me with this dance?" He asked holding out his hand. I doubt that the couple even took one step. Because in the freezing cold of winter, outside Potter Manor, Severus Snape asked Hannah if he could kiss her, and she replied "Yes."
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Aden saw Remus near the food and strode toward him purposefully. "So I saw you talking to Jen."
"That was Jen?" Remus asked.
"Yeah, you didn't know?" Aden laughed. "Oh, poor Remy. Well she'll know it was you soon enough."
"What's the time?"
"One minute till unmasking. Or didn't you notice that the music stopped?"
"No I guess I didn't. Where are James and Sirius?"
"Not sure. But I'm fairly sure I saw Sirius dancing a moment ago. I guess all those stupid lessons last summer paid off." Aden's mouth twisted into a grimace at that memory.
"I still can't get over that Mrs. Potter made all of us take lessons." Remus smiled ruefully. "I heard the Leronas forced the girls into them too."
"Look Mr. Potter is making the announcement." Aden pointed to the small stage where the band was.
A silence fell over the room and Mr. Potter looked at the large clock behind him. "In twenty seconds we will reveal ourselves! When the clock strikes one take off your mask and prepare to be surprised!"
All eyes turned to the clock. Tick, tick, tick, DONG! It resounded through the room echoing off the walls. Many a breath was sucked in as masks fell from the guests faces, and then let out in a gasp of surprise.
Lily took off her mask and hurriedly searched the crowd for her mystery man, sure he'd turn out to be her secret admirer. She walked past Sirius and Andromeda as they laughed at everyone around them, past Hannah making eyes at Snape, and finally spotted him with his back turned.
Lily could barely contain her excitement as she stepped up behind him. "So Mr. Mystery, turn around and be one no longer!"
He didn't turn. "Before I do I want to make some things clear. Obviously I am someone you know. Also obviously I'm the one who's been sending you the roses and cards. So before I reveal to you my true self I want you to remember the man behind the monster."
"What do you mean?" Lily was quite confused and didn't make the connection most people would. Probably because she didn't want to.
"Here I am." James turned and said limply. He winced at the look of utter surprise that greeted him on that angelic face.
"James?" Stunned as she was, Lily forgot to use his last name, which had long ago become an epithet to his ears.
"I warned you that you might not like me so much anymore. Sorry, I'll go now." James looked once more at those emeralds that were even more pronounced because of her dress.
"Wait." James stopped. "Then you knew it was me, the whole time. Of course Aden told you, I should have expected it." She paused, calculating. "Don't say sorry. I learned a lot about you tonight I wouldn't have bothered with before. Did you really send me all those poems?"
"Yes, it was really easy to ask one of the younger girls to deliver them for me. A first year, her name was Arietta."
"I'm impressed, and very flattered. So I think I should thank you." Lily glanced at the mask in James' hands. "I wondered why you had a mask that hid your eyes. I would have recognized you immediately."
James stood there trying to absorb this information and praise while Lily seemed to be studying him all the more carefully. As if she half expected for him to disappear and for this all to be a dream.
"This doesn't mean I'll date you so don't try asking. But it does mean I'm going to be friendlier and try harder to understand and tolerate you. And this is how I'm saying thank you." Lily reached up and kissed James. She held there long enough for him to kiss her back and pulled away smiling. "Your welcome." And with those final words she went to find her friends.
A/N I finally finished the ball! What did you think? I need to know! There was a bit too much Snape in this for my taste, but as Hannah wrote those scenes with Snape I put them in. But because I am the authoress and she the advisor I say that it's my bloody story and I'll do with it what I like! I won't be able to post again for a while so I tried to lengthen this for you. Oh, and did any of you notice that in Book two Draco uses the spell Sectumsempra? The one Snape invented? I can't do individual replies today but I'd like to thank my new reviewer Floating Bubbles. Andromeda's mask was plain old red, Jen's was shimmery blue, I described Hannah's and Lily's in the chapter so I won't say them now.
Poll: Who is your favorite pairing in this story besides Lily and James? They don't have to be dating either, I want to know which you like best.
Celina K2