Disclaimer: I own nutting.
Hermione twirled around a few times before she was completely satisfied with her reflection. She had never been one to fret over her clothes or looks, but tonight was the very first time she was going to dress up for Remus and she wanted to knock his socks off. The dress Mrs. Potter had given her was made for that very job with its neckline plunging below her bellybutton and the large diamond jewel that made the navy blue material clung tightly to her hips and butt.
"Maybe the slit in the back is going to far," Hermione said, nervously trying to make sure not too much of her legs were going to be exposed, but Mrs. Potter just smiled.
"Sweetie this is one of my finest dresses, no one is going to jump on you or find it indecent, and if they're going to nag on anything mark my words it'll be the neckline," Mrs. Potter walked over to her, standing behind Hermione in front of the mirror. Hermione felt her face go red once more as her gaze fell on the neckline, "the look on Remus' face when his eyes fall on you will be priceless, be sure to take a picture for me."
"Of course," Hermione laughed, enjoying the feeling of Mrs. Potters soft fingers through her bushy hair, "is there something—"
"Your hair is in good hands," Mrs. Potter grinned and with a flicker of her wand, Hermione's bushy brown hair was no more. All of a sudden Hermione face was curtained with locks of shiny highlighted golden brown locks that fell straight and silky blow her shoulders covering her rather exposed cleavage a little.
After twirling around and combing her fingers through her magical locks Hermione finally agreed to go meet everyone else downstairs. As she approach her crowd of friends, she excitedly watched Sirius face form a sexy smile he wore just when he was about to hit on a girl, his eyes traveling from her face to the low neckline and back up with a raised eyebrow, still grinning. The first sight of Sirius as always managed to take Hermione's breath away, as she was sure happened to many other girls, so much that it took a while for her to notice the getup he had on.
When Hermione had stopped drooling, she noticed Sirius wore a huge T- shirt with a comical picture of what a tux front should look like. The rest of the T-shirt was covered in ever-changing prints written in bright pink and orange saying words most people would find rather rude. He matched this up with a large pair of green and orange pajama pants and large worn pink shoes. Hermione let out a yelp of shock, which only made Sirius smile and bow.
"Glad you like my wizard-wear," He grinned at her kissing her hand in mock elegance, making every snore with laughter as he managed quit well.
"And I get no praise?" James asked, pushing Ron and Harry away to allow Hermione a look at his outfit.
Hermione's eyes widened again seeing as James was wearing a formal wizard cloak in electric green with lots of lace and frills. He matched that off with the hot pink tux jacket he wore underneath that could've come from 40 years ago at the least. Instead of pants James had on a pare of yellow boxers baring his legs and knee-high brown socks and blue snickers. Hermione didn't know whether to laugh or not. The getups were kind of funny, but she was sure that under no circumstance would Mrs. Potter allow the two boys step into their famous yearly balls dressed in such way. To Hermione's shock however Mrs. Potter burst in laughter and messed up their heads and gave James a large brown and orange hat made to look like a cartoon prop.
"You forgot this," she placed it on his head, and grinned at Sirius, "remember, your allowed to leave whenever you wish. I got your back tonight!"
"It wont be necessarily Polly," Sirius hugged her, "I'm more than a match for ALL the Blacks, maybe you should look out for them."
"Knowing you that's probably true," she gave him a little peck on the cheek, before looking up at the top of the stairs in surprise then smiled, "looks like Lily decided to join us."
As everyone turned to watch Lily floating down the stairs, Hermione felt a pang of jealousy. Lily's slim figure was clad in rich bronze strapless dressrobes leaving her delicate shoulders and long neck bare. The robes seem to cling on to all the right places, enhancing her full curves and elongating her, making Lily look even more beautiful, though she wore no jewelry except for her small diamond earrings, the ones Hermione knew Lily had gotten as a Christmas present from her mother.
"Lily...you look amazing..." James said breathlessly, and from what Hermione could see he looked to be frozen on the spot.
"Yes, absolutely beautiful," Mrs. Potter went to hug her, and pulled something out of the sleeve of her dress, "I saved this for you."
"I-I can't," Lily's eyes widened as they fell on the gorgeous diamond necklace Mrs. Potter tried to put around her neck, but then her eyes fell on someone else widened again and she allowed the necklace around her neck.
"It's beautiful on you," Mrs. Potter said, and Hermione couldn't agree more, but Lily's smile looked a little fake but she seemed determined to keep it on.
Hermione's eyes fell on Harry dressed in black dressrobes made of rich silks. His eyes were glued on his beautiful mother, he looked a like he was in ecstasy and maybe a little sad. Hermione sighed and stepped on his foot, last thing they needed was Lily thinking Harry was in love with her or something. Letting out a yelp Harry's eyes met Hermione's and he understood as he turned to walk towards the party room. Hermione was about to do the same when she felt a hand on the small of her back sending electric charges through her body. She turned around to find Sirius' smiling face grinning down at her, making her heart stop in its tracks.
"Hermione I want you to keep Harry and Ron out of trouble tonight," Sirius said without a break in his grin, and Hermione started to wonder if it was fake.
"Why?" she asked suddenly afraid that Sirius was about to say Voldemort was planning to attack or something, but he merely shrugged his shoulders.
"The pureblood families have always been separated into two different groups, the ones who relay strongly on tradition and the ones who are much more modern if you know what I mean. It gets kinda ugly from time to time, make sure you 3 stay out of it!"
"O-okay," she said though still rather confused, "wait! Why would Mrs. Potter invite them all if she thought there was gonna be trouble?"
"Ha," Sirius snorted, "the Potters started having these parties just so the others wouldn't and exclude some rival families and make matters worst. Originally events like this are to be peaceful, a break from all the rivalry, a chance to talk things out, but...lets just say Voldemort brings about the art of change."
"You mean—"
"No, he won't come here or anything, at least I sure as hell hope not. No, but a lot of people here are die hard Voldie fans, I'd watch out if I were you!" and with that Sirius flashed her a quick grin and entered the ball room, disappearing behind its heavy doors.
"Mrs. Potter," Lily whispered hoping no one else could hear, "why did you give me this necklace?"
"Can't I lend a beautiful girl a beautiful gift for the ball," she grinned though a second later it looked a bit fake, she grabbed a plate of elegantly wrapped snacks and pretended to offer Lily some, "an heirloom of the Potter family is the greatest protection I can give you right now. If anyone attacks the one wearing it here, they will have not only the Potters but also many other old wizard families at war with them. I want you to keep it on at all costs, it has very ancient curses placed on it to ward off harm from the one wearing it."
"Th-thank you," Lily said quite startled, "I dunno how to—"
"Don't worry about it! Dumbledore asked me to protect you with my life, which I promised to do so. Just keep it, it looks rather lovely on you," she suddenly flashed Lily a mischievous smile that was identical to James' and pressed something hard and small in her hand before disappeared into the crowd.
Feeling the cool object in her hands Lily smiled. Mrs. Potter didn't have to tell Lily what to do next, she was smart enough to figure out the only way she would be able to engage herself in any kind of conversation in a party such as this. Smoothing an escaped piece of hair back into her bun, Lily searched for James with her eyes, and when she finally found him she immediately went to his side and slipped her arms around him burying her face on his shoulder. Ignoring James' surprised look she began to speak in a very low whisper.
"I need you to pretend we're engaged."
"What?!" James sounded a little breathless as Lily pressed the ring Mrs. Potter had given her in his hand.
"When I let go I want you to slip this on my finger and make a show of asking me to marry you."
"But...Lily we're only sixteen..."
"If you don't then everyone will be suspicious of the heirloom around my neck and me even being here which would put your entire family in danger!" she felt James' body tighten as these words, and took it as a yes answer pulling away swiftly with a pleased smile on her lips.
"You got your wish Evans," James grinned, "I'll make a big show out of it!"
True to his word James managed to get everyone's attention and got on one knee making a huge deal out of asking Lily to be his wife. The crowd gasp and mutters about the two being too young for such things spread, but there were also those whose eyes filled with tears and clapped and smiled and showered complements at the couple, as well as those who were dark in the face and disgusted that a Potter was going to taint it's pureblood with a muggleborn. Nevertheless in the end claps and cheers filled the hall, whether it was real or fake.
"Yes," Lily exclaimed again and though she knew it was fake, the spark in James' hazel eyes took her breath away getting her lost in the moment, as if James Potter had actually meant what he had just said.
"For real?" James asked and Lily half speechless nodded quickly.
"Of course," Lily said and suddenly knelt down next to James and kissed him with more passion than she could remember kissing anyone ever before.
Though shocked at first, James responded pretty quickly and wrapped his arms around Lily, caressing her gently. For that moment Lily was lost in the kiss, her mind absolutely blank except for the fact that she was kissing James Potter, forgetting that this was all fake and just enjoying the feeling of his soft lips brushing against hers. The heat of the moment seemed to have possessed James as well, since Lily could feel the longing behind his kiss, as though he had been waiting a long time to do this. It was strange that here they were, in front of hundreds of people, many of which who didn't like either of them very much, faking their love for one another while the truth was each felt something very strong, something that hadn't come out until this very moment.
Pulling away slowly, Lily was still a bit dazed though her cheeks burned red as she heard a few people whistling, after all that kiss had been very hot. She let her eyes wander around the crowd and they fell on Sirius, Harry and the rest of her friends who stared her dumbstruck. Flashing them the most dazzling smile she could manage, she smoothed her bronze dress and allowed herself to be swept away in the crowd of smiling witches hugging her and showering the couple with complements and well wishes.
In some weird way Lily was beginning to enjoy all the attention and the praising thought some of it she was sure was fake, especially from the families like the Malfoys and Wilkes. It was as though she was 6 once again and playing bride, and boy was it fun. James stood firmly by her side, occasionally kissing her on her cheek or softly caressing her back. For a little while everything was wonderful, though it was nothing more than a disguising game Lily still managed to enjoy herself greatly, specially the feeling of being held so closely by James.
Sirius sent Lily a grin from across the room when his eyes caught hers. He was incredibly impressed by Lily's brain, though shocked at first about the whole engagement thing he managed to figure everything out pretty quickly and realized that the next time he had any kind of problem it was Lily whom he was gonna go to for help. In a way he felt bad that his best friend was being used like this, but knowing James for so long assured Sirius that he was enjoying every moment of this by his crooked smile.
Those two were quite a sight together, Lily looking like a goddess and James like a...well there was really no word to describe how ridiculous James looked, but nevertheless both were grinning their heads off, something Sirius was sure to be real. While many were raving on and on about how cute the two looked together, there were also those like Mrs. Malfoy and Mrs. Rosier who weren't so pleased about another pureblood family opening its doors to a muggleborn. Those were of course the people that were secretly hexed by Sirius to either gain 40 pounds or to lose their hair in about an hour's time.
Still grinning Sirius ran into Ron and Harry who were very round eyed. Sirius knew he couldn't tell them the truth, well at least not yet, and so he just raved on and on about James always making momentary decisions.
"Tell me about it," Gideon snorted as he joined their conversation patting Sirius on top of the head, "nice lil outfit you got there."
"Thanks mate, it sure as hell beats yours," Sirius patted him right back on the head, "got a quill? Wanna sign my shirt?"
"Sure, so long as I get to talk to you alone for a sec," Gideon said looking rather serious which was a rare thing for him.
"Whaaat? You told me that WASN'T illegal!" Sirius waved away Ron and Harry's surprised looks.
"Not about that! And it really wasn't illegal; get it through your thick head," Gideon whacked Sirius before dragging him away to a corner.
"What Mr. Prewett, the hell do you want? You look kind of shitty!"
"Ha ha Sirius, very funny. Sirius, did you give the potion I gave you to Evans?" Gideon eyes were locked into Sirius' who shifted uncomfortably.
"Ya...but I just gave her enough for tonight and left a note with it!" Gideon's cheeks reddened and his reptilian eyes flashed with anger.
"Sirius that stuff is seriously addictive and not to mention extremely dangerous! You told me you were gonna use it in an experiment, now the poor girl—"
"I HAD to!" Sirius cut him off, "this is her only chance to find out what the hell is going on and how to save herself, she can't afford to let pain to get in the way, and she needs to be a 100% focused tonight! Besides I made sure the amount I gave her was exact, I even explained all the dangers in the note."
"The girl is hurt over what happened to her parents, she'd take the foulest poison to get rid of her pain—"
"Lily's stronger than that," Sirius said simply, smiling at her across the room where she and her fiancé were engaged in a conversation with the Wilkes, "how'd you guess anyway?"
"Rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes...not exactly symptoms of a girl who's just lost both her parents in a dementor attack!" Gideon clapped Sirius in the back, "you better hope she'll be ok or else I'm not selling you anything anymore!"
"Then I'll just have to find a way to make 'em myself," Sirius flashed him a quick grin, "what happened to you mate, you look so damn serious and responsible tonight?"
"I don't even know," Gideon groaned as he pulled his leather jacket closer, "I really don't," he muttered his eyes searching the crowd.
"The hell..." Sirius followed his gaze, and found the boy staring at a pretty brunette in simple black silk dress robes. Looking a little harder Sirius realized just who it was, "no way! Damn it Gid, why'd you pick her???"
"I dun— WHAT?!" Gid had just broken out of his little trance and stared at Sirius in shock, "what are you talking about?"
"Don't even try to hide it! I saw you staring at her...come on Gid spill! Why are all drooling over little-miss-darkness herself?"
"If you're talking about Dorcas...I don't...screw u Black, I don't have to take this shit," Gideon said now very bright shade of red.
"It's a nice shade of blush you got their Prewett, a little too red but—"
"Sirius, just shut up about this...please?" Gideon looked all serious once again with his yellowish eyes flashing, Sirius just merely smiled.
"Hey, don't worry bout it man. We can never choose who we fall for, every man is a fool to love. If anything I think if we can find Voldie a hot lil pureblood chick he'll get over all this taking over the world thing!" Gid gave him a small smile and left swearing to take Sirius' head if he ever said anything to anyone about the Dorcas thing.
Grinning to himself Sirius made his own way through the crowd, he wasn't going to waste a party like this without getting drunk, as he pushed his way through people he bumped into a tall man. Turning to apologize he found himself looking into the face of a handsome man with graying black hair and dark eyes identical to Sirius'. Sucking in air through his clench teeth Sirius tried to resist making a break for it, after all the last thing he wanted to show them was any kind of weakness, besides he knew if he played it right this could all be a lot of fun.
"Sirius," his father said in calm voice, though his eyes flashed with anger and something else Sirius wasn't able to figure out.
"Martilanous," Sirius tried to match his fathers' tone and expression, Mr. Black didn't seem very amused however.
"I've been meaning to talk to you, if you're capable of an adult conversation without breaking things and running out like savage 5-years- old," Sirius tried to restrain a sneer and instead smiled, a very small overly polite smile.
"Father how is anyone able to be respectable when they are against a roaring beast such as mother? Is she here by the way? If so I'm going to have to work hard at staying far away from that witch."
"That is no way to talk about—Sirius, you are my heir, my first borne son. Why must you disregard your family in such an ungrateful manner?" Mr. Black placed both his large hands on Sirius' shoulder in a would-be- fatherly manner, "you're mother and I might have been hard on you from time to time, but we have always loved you and wanted what is best for you. Remember all the gifts I got you whenever you brought back your marks from the end of the year testing? Why is it that you never appreciated the things we did for you? Don't you understand how much we want to stand behind you and love you—"
"I do, but it's only if I do whatever the hell you say!" Sirius glared at him jerking his hands off of him, "you know dad I don't hate you, not like I hate mom, but you're stinking coward when it comes to her. You can't make me come back, I'm doing just fine on my own!"
"Sirius, are you honestly going to through away all the things I'm going to leave you? I doubt any pureblood family has the amount of money we do, the money you'll inherit if you stop being so damn stubborn and agree to abide by the rules me and your mother set out for you!" Sirius couldn't help himself from laughing out loud receiving a surprised look from his father.
"Money, is that all you think about dad? Well I sure as hell don't, cause I knew exactly what I was leaving behind when I walked out and it wasn't much. Why don't you just keep your money, hand it to Reg for all I care after all you always loved him much more than me. Oh wait I forgot, you're not capable of love, don't you support Voldemort?"
"Watch your mouth," Mr. Black hissed, "defying your family like this won't bring you any—"
"Mr. Black, Sirius, how wonderful to see a father and son engaged in such an intimate discussion together," said a female voice, and Sirius turned to see a very pretty dark skinned woman in her early 30s.
"Marlene McKinnon, how are you sweetie?" Mr. Black said in fake enthusiasm kissing her on each cheek, "how is the little one coming along,"
"Oh he just turned 1 on Christmas day, and he has been a little troublemaker all along. Quite a bit of trouble his been for my first one," she laughed softly patting her flat belly over caramel silk dress robes, Sirius however gasped at her realizing that she was at the Evans helping out on her son's first birthday.
"First? Then—is another one in the way?" Mr. Black said he too staring at her flat tummy and Marlene just laughed.
"The healers have already told me it's a girl."
"Newborn purebloods are definitely something worth celebrating, I'll be sure to remind my wife to send you a lovely gift. It was a very smart move for you to get into the McKinnon as they own the Daily Prophet these days, you're making rich little babies," he winked at her and all of a sudden Marlene's smile seemed a little fake, "it'd be nice if you could teach my son a few things, like how purebloods are to stick together and all the advantages that comes with that."
"What? Sirius, what's this I hear from your dad?" If Sirius didn't know any better he would have thought she really had no clue to what had happened to him. Sirius did know better as Marlene McKinnon was good friends with the Potters and visited them frequently.
"Forget it, I have to go do something. It was nice seeing you Mrs. McKinnon, later dad," and with that he managed to escape as his father seemed to have more to say to the poor woman.
After walking around for about 5 minutes Sirius found someone he was more than happy to talk to. His uncle Alphered was standing with his beautiful muggle wife at the refreshment table and talking to Andrameda who was holding on to her young daughter's hand. Grinning he joined them happy to see that the family outcasts turned out much better than the ones still honoring the Black name. Alphered had made a lot of money from his bars all around the wizard world and muggle world and had apparently married a famous muggle actress, his 4th bride so far. As for Andrameda, she was happily married to a ministry employee who made pretty decent money (she was after all dressed in stylish white silk dress robes) and had a pretty 9- years-old daughter who had inherited her looks from her.
"Sirius, joined the crowd haven't you," his young uncle said laughing as he embraced him, the two had always been very close since Alphered was only 12 or 13 years older than Sirius himself.
"You look even more handsome than the last time I saw you. You have been treating the girls right?" his cousin asked kissing his cheeks, he had also been very close to her too, "too bad Nym wont start Hogwarts until the year after you graduate, it would've been nice if she was shown around by my favorite cousin."
"Wow! She's growing fas—"
"Don't talk like I can't here you," the little girl holding Andrameda's hand now pulled her hand free, glaring at the both of them.
"Sorry kid, nice hair by the way. Green...very earthly," Sirius grinned at her, that glare was identical to Andrameda's, the one she used to wear whenever she caught him stealing candy from their house.
"I'm not a kid," she sniffed in a very Narcissia sort of way, he guessed she was ought to inherit a few things from her family, stubbornness seemed to make the list as well, "but if you must know I'm a metemo...metemorph...uh it's supposed to mean I can change my looks by will! Wanna see?" she looked very eager now.
"Sure—" but he was cut off by a very familiar voice.
"Actually I need a word with Sirius, you can show it to him as soon as we're done," said Regulus grabbing Sirius' shoulder.
"I don't think so," Sirius sneered pulling his shoulder free, "I just had to endure a pointless conversation with dad, I don't have the time for another one with you."
"Sirius please...I need your help! Just—it'll take 5 minutes, no more I promise..." the tone of Regulus' voice hit Sirius the wrong way, it was the way he pleaded. No matter how determined Sirius was to hate him he still wasn't able to walk away, not when he sounded so hopeless.
"Alright, you got 3 minutes. This had better be good little brother," he tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice, which surprisingly wasn't very hard at the moment.
"Thanks," Regulus said with a grateful smile, leading Sirius to a corner away from preying eyes.
A/N: Sorry I haven't written in a while, but now that summer vac is here I'll try to be much better. Hope you guyz liked this chappie and THANKS A MILLION TIMES for your REVIEWS!!!! Please keep reviewing and tell me what you liked and didn't (TT) and if you didn't get something. Keep reading this fic cause I guarantee you a lot of stuff you probably didn't expect is gonna happen.
Hermione twirled around a few times before she was completely satisfied with her reflection. She had never been one to fret over her clothes or looks, but tonight was the very first time she was going to dress up for Remus and she wanted to knock his socks off. The dress Mrs. Potter had given her was made for that very job with its neckline plunging below her bellybutton and the large diamond jewel that made the navy blue material clung tightly to her hips and butt.
"Maybe the slit in the back is going to far," Hermione said, nervously trying to make sure not too much of her legs were going to be exposed, but Mrs. Potter just smiled.
"Sweetie this is one of my finest dresses, no one is going to jump on you or find it indecent, and if they're going to nag on anything mark my words it'll be the neckline," Mrs. Potter walked over to her, standing behind Hermione in front of the mirror. Hermione felt her face go red once more as her gaze fell on the neckline, "the look on Remus' face when his eyes fall on you will be priceless, be sure to take a picture for me."
"Of course," Hermione laughed, enjoying the feeling of Mrs. Potters soft fingers through her bushy hair, "is there something—"
"Your hair is in good hands," Mrs. Potter grinned and with a flicker of her wand, Hermione's bushy brown hair was no more. All of a sudden Hermione face was curtained with locks of shiny highlighted golden brown locks that fell straight and silky blow her shoulders covering her rather exposed cleavage a little.
After twirling around and combing her fingers through her magical locks Hermione finally agreed to go meet everyone else downstairs. As she approach her crowd of friends, she excitedly watched Sirius face form a sexy smile he wore just when he was about to hit on a girl, his eyes traveling from her face to the low neckline and back up with a raised eyebrow, still grinning. The first sight of Sirius as always managed to take Hermione's breath away, as she was sure happened to many other girls, so much that it took a while for her to notice the getup he had on.
When Hermione had stopped drooling, she noticed Sirius wore a huge T- shirt with a comical picture of what a tux front should look like. The rest of the T-shirt was covered in ever-changing prints written in bright pink and orange saying words most people would find rather rude. He matched this up with a large pair of green and orange pajama pants and large worn pink shoes. Hermione let out a yelp of shock, which only made Sirius smile and bow.
"Glad you like my wizard-wear," He grinned at her kissing her hand in mock elegance, making every snore with laughter as he managed quit well.
"And I get no praise?" James asked, pushing Ron and Harry away to allow Hermione a look at his outfit.
Hermione's eyes widened again seeing as James was wearing a formal wizard cloak in electric green with lots of lace and frills. He matched that off with the hot pink tux jacket he wore underneath that could've come from 40 years ago at the least. Instead of pants James had on a pare of yellow boxers baring his legs and knee-high brown socks and blue snickers. Hermione didn't know whether to laugh or not. The getups were kind of funny, but she was sure that under no circumstance would Mrs. Potter allow the two boys step into their famous yearly balls dressed in such way. To Hermione's shock however Mrs. Potter burst in laughter and messed up their heads and gave James a large brown and orange hat made to look like a cartoon prop.
"You forgot this," she placed it on his head, and grinned at Sirius, "remember, your allowed to leave whenever you wish. I got your back tonight!"
"It wont be necessarily Polly," Sirius hugged her, "I'm more than a match for ALL the Blacks, maybe you should look out for them."
"Knowing you that's probably true," she gave him a little peck on the cheek, before looking up at the top of the stairs in surprise then smiled, "looks like Lily decided to join us."
As everyone turned to watch Lily floating down the stairs, Hermione felt a pang of jealousy. Lily's slim figure was clad in rich bronze strapless dressrobes leaving her delicate shoulders and long neck bare. The robes seem to cling on to all the right places, enhancing her full curves and elongating her, making Lily look even more beautiful, though she wore no jewelry except for her small diamond earrings, the ones Hermione knew Lily had gotten as a Christmas present from her mother.
"Lily...you look amazing..." James said breathlessly, and from what Hermione could see he looked to be frozen on the spot.
"Yes, absolutely beautiful," Mrs. Potter went to hug her, and pulled something out of the sleeve of her dress, "I saved this for you."
"I-I can't," Lily's eyes widened as they fell on the gorgeous diamond necklace Mrs. Potter tried to put around her neck, but then her eyes fell on someone else widened again and she allowed the necklace around her neck.
"It's beautiful on you," Mrs. Potter said, and Hermione couldn't agree more, but Lily's smile looked a little fake but she seemed determined to keep it on.
Hermione's eyes fell on Harry dressed in black dressrobes made of rich silks. His eyes were glued on his beautiful mother, he looked a like he was in ecstasy and maybe a little sad. Hermione sighed and stepped on his foot, last thing they needed was Lily thinking Harry was in love with her or something. Letting out a yelp Harry's eyes met Hermione's and he understood as he turned to walk towards the party room. Hermione was about to do the same when she felt a hand on the small of her back sending electric charges through her body. She turned around to find Sirius' smiling face grinning down at her, making her heart stop in its tracks.
"Hermione I want you to keep Harry and Ron out of trouble tonight," Sirius said without a break in his grin, and Hermione started to wonder if it was fake.
"Why?" she asked suddenly afraid that Sirius was about to say Voldemort was planning to attack or something, but he merely shrugged his shoulders.
"The pureblood families have always been separated into two different groups, the ones who relay strongly on tradition and the ones who are much more modern if you know what I mean. It gets kinda ugly from time to time, make sure you 3 stay out of it!"
"O-okay," she said though still rather confused, "wait! Why would Mrs. Potter invite them all if she thought there was gonna be trouble?"
"Ha," Sirius snorted, "the Potters started having these parties just so the others wouldn't and exclude some rival families and make matters worst. Originally events like this are to be peaceful, a break from all the rivalry, a chance to talk things out, but...lets just say Voldemort brings about the art of change."
"You mean—"
"No, he won't come here or anything, at least I sure as hell hope not. No, but a lot of people here are die hard Voldie fans, I'd watch out if I were you!" and with that Sirius flashed her a quick grin and entered the ball room, disappearing behind its heavy doors.
"Mrs. Potter," Lily whispered hoping no one else could hear, "why did you give me this necklace?"
"Can't I lend a beautiful girl a beautiful gift for the ball," she grinned though a second later it looked a bit fake, she grabbed a plate of elegantly wrapped snacks and pretended to offer Lily some, "an heirloom of the Potter family is the greatest protection I can give you right now. If anyone attacks the one wearing it here, they will have not only the Potters but also many other old wizard families at war with them. I want you to keep it on at all costs, it has very ancient curses placed on it to ward off harm from the one wearing it."
"Th-thank you," Lily said quite startled, "I dunno how to—"
"Don't worry about it! Dumbledore asked me to protect you with my life, which I promised to do so. Just keep it, it looks rather lovely on you," she suddenly flashed Lily a mischievous smile that was identical to James' and pressed something hard and small in her hand before disappeared into the crowd.
Feeling the cool object in her hands Lily smiled. Mrs. Potter didn't have to tell Lily what to do next, she was smart enough to figure out the only way she would be able to engage herself in any kind of conversation in a party such as this. Smoothing an escaped piece of hair back into her bun, Lily searched for James with her eyes, and when she finally found him she immediately went to his side and slipped her arms around him burying her face on his shoulder. Ignoring James' surprised look she began to speak in a very low whisper.
"I need you to pretend we're engaged."
"What?!" James sounded a little breathless as Lily pressed the ring Mrs. Potter had given her in his hand.
"When I let go I want you to slip this on my finger and make a show of asking me to marry you."
"But...Lily we're only sixteen..."
"If you don't then everyone will be suspicious of the heirloom around my neck and me even being here which would put your entire family in danger!" she felt James' body tighten as these words, and took it as a yes answer pulling away swiftly with a pleased smile on her lips.
"You got your wish Evans," James grinned, "I'll make a big show out of it!"
True to his word James managed to get everyone's attention and got on one knee making a huge deal out of asking Lily to be his wife. The crowd gasp and mutters about the two being too young for such things spread, but there were also those whose eyes filled with tears and clapped and smiled and showered complements at the couple, as well as those who were dark in the face and disgusted that a Potter was going to taint it's pureblood with a muggleborn. Nevertheless in the end claps and cheers filled the hall, whether it was real or fake.
"Yes," Lily exclaimed again and though she knew it was fake, the spark in James' hazel eyes took her breath away getting her lost in the moment, as if James Potter had actually meant what he had just said.
"For real?" James asked and Lily half speechless nodded quickly.
"Of course," Lily said and suddenly knelt down next to James and kissed him with more passion than she could remember kissing anyone ever before.
Though shocked at first, James responded pretty quickly and wrapped his arms around Lily, caressing her gently. For that moment Lily was lost in the kiss, her mind absolutely blank except for the fact that she was kissing James Potter, forgetting that this was all fake and just enjoying the feeling of his soft lips brushing against hers. The heat of the moment seemed to have possessed James as well, since Lily could feel the longing behind his kiss, as though he had been waiting a long time to do this. It was strange that here they were, in front of hundreds of people, many of which who didn't like either of them very much, faking their love for one another while the truth was each felt something very strong, something that hadn't come out until this very moment.
Pulling away slowly, Lily was still a bit dazed though her cheeks burned red as she heard a few people whistling, after all that kiss had been very hot. She let her eyes wander around the crowd and they fell on Sirius, Harry and the rest of her friends who stared her dumbstruck. Flashing them the most dazzling smile she could manage, she smoothed her bronze dress and allowed herself to be swept away in the crowd of smiling witches hugging her and showering the couple with complements and well wishes.
In some weird way Lily was beginning to enjoy all the attention and the praising thought some of it she was sure was fake, especially from the families like the Malfoys and Wilkes. It was as though she was 6 once again and playing bride, and boy was it fun. James stood firmly by her side, occasionally kissing her on her cheek or softly caressing her back. For a little while everything was wonderful, though it was nothing more than a disguising game Lily still managed to enjoy herself greatly, specially the feeling of being held so closely by James.
Sirius sent Lily a grin from across the room when his eyes caught hers. He was incredibly impressed by Lily's brain, though shocked at first about the whole engagement thing he managed to figure everything out pretty quickly and realized that the next time he had any kind of problem it was Lily whom he was gonna go to for help. In a way he felt bad that his best friend was being used like this, but knowing James for so long assured Sirius that he was enjoying every moment of this by his crooked smile.
Those two were quite a sight together, Lily looking like a goddess and James like a...well there was really no word to describe how ridiculous James looked, but nevertheless both were grinning their heads off, something Sirius was sure to be real. While many were raving on and on about how cute the two looked together, there were also those like Mrs. Malfoy and Mrs. Rosier who weren't so pleased about another pureblood family opening its doors to a muggleborn. Those were of course the people that were secretly hexed by Sirius to either gain 40 pounds or to lose their hair in about an hour's time.
Still grinning Sirius ran into Ron and Harry who were very round eyed. Sirius knew he couldn't tell them the truth, well at least not yet, and so he just raved on and on about James always making momentary decisions.
"Tell me about it," Gideon snorted as he joined their conversation patting Sirius on top of the head, "nice lil outfit you got there."
"Thanks mate, it sure as hell beats yours," Sirius patted him right back on the head, "got a quill? Wanna sign my shirt?"
"Sure, so long as I get to talk to you alone for a sec," Gideon said looking rather serious which was a rare thing for him.
"Whaaat? You told me that WASN'T illegal!" Sirius waved away Ron and Harry's surprised looks.
"Not about that! And it really wasn't illegal; get it through your thick head," Gideon whacked Sirius before dragging him away to a corner.
"What Mr. Prewett, the hell do you want? You look kind of shitty!"
"Ha ha Sirius, very funny. Sirius, did you give the potion I gave you to Evans?" Gideon eyes were locked into Sirius' who shifted uncomfortably.
"Ya...but I just gave her enough for tonight and left a note with it!" Gideon's cheeks reddened and his reptilian eyes flashed with anger.
"Sirius that stuff is seriously addictive and not to mention extremely dangerous! You told me you were gonna use it in an experiment, now the poor girl—"
"I HAD to!" Sirius cut him off, "this is her only chance to find out what the hell is going on and how to save herself, she can't afford to let pain to get in the way, and she needs to be a 100% focused tonight! Besides I made sure the amount I gave her was exact, I even explained all the dangers in the note."
"The girl is hurt over what happened to her parents, she'd take the foulest poison to get rid of her pain—"
"Lily's stronger than that," Sirius said simply, smiling at her across the room where she and her fiancé were engaged in a conversation with the Wilkes, "how'd you guess anyway?"
"Rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes...not exactly symptoms of a girl who's just lost both her parents in a dementor attack!" Gideon clapped Sirius in the back, "you better hope she'll be ok or else I'm not selling you anything anymore!"
"Then I'll just have to find a way to make 'em myself," Sirius flashed him a quick grin, "what happened to you mate, you look so damn serious and responsible tonight?"
"I don't even know," Gideon groaned as he pulled his leather jacket closer, "I really don't," he muttered his eyes searching the crowd.
"The hell..." Sirius followed his gaze, and found the boy staring at a pretty brunette in simple black silk dress robes. Looking a little harder Sirius realized just who it was, "no way! Damn it Gid, why'd you pick her???"
"I dun— WHAT?!" Gid had just broken out of his little trance and stared at Sirius in shock, "what are you talking about?"
"Don't even try to hide it! I saw you staring at her...come on Gid spill! Why are all drooling over little-miss-darkness herself?"
"If you're talking about Dorcas...I don't...screw u Black, I don't have to take this shit," Gideon said now very bright shade of red.
"It's a nice shade of blush you got their Prewett, a little too red but—"
"Sirius, just shut up about this...please?" Gideon looked all serious once again with his yellowish eyes flashing, Sirius just merely smiled.
"Hey, don't worry bout it man. We can never choose who we fall for, every man is a fool to love. If anything I think if we can find Voldie a hot lil pureblood chick he'll get over all this taking over the world thing!" Gid gave him a small smile and left swearing to take Sirius' head if he ever said anything to anyone about the Dorcas thing.
Grinning to himself Sirius made his own way through the crowd, he wasn't going to waste a party like this without getting drunk, as he pushed his way through people he bumped into a tall man. Turning to apologize he found himself looking into the face of a handsome man with graying black hair and dark eyes identical to Sirius'. Sucking in air through his clench teeth Sirius tried to resist making a break for it, after all the last thing he wanted to show them was any kind of weakness, besides he knew if he played it right this could all be a lot of fun.
"Sirius," his father said in calm voice, though his eyes flashed with anger and something else Sirius wasn't able to figure out.
"Martilanous," Sirius tried to match his fathers' tone and expression, Mr. Black didn't seem very amused however.
"I've been meaning to talk to you, if you're capable of an adult conversation without breaking things and running out like savage 5-years- old," Sirius tried to restrain a sneer and instead smiled, a very small overly polite smile.
"Father how is anyone able to be respectable when they are against a roaring beast such as mother? Is she here by the way? If so I'm going to have to work hard at staying far away from that witch."
"That is no way to talk about—Sirius, you are my heir, my first borne son. Why must you disregard your family in such an ungrateful manner?" Mr. Black placed both his large hands on Sirius' shoulder in a would-be- fatherly manner, "you're mother and I might have been hard on you from time to time, but we have always loved you and wanted what is best for you. Remember all the gifts I got you whenever you brought back your marks from the end of the year testing? Why is it that you never appreciated the things we did for you? Don't you understand how much we want to stand behind you and love you—"
"I do, but it's only if I do whatever the hell you say!" Sirius glared at him jerking his hands off of him, "you know dad I don't hate you, not like I hate mom, but you're stinking coward when it comes to her. You can't make me come back, I'm doing just fine on my own!"
"Sirius, are you honestly going to through away all the things I'm going to leave you? I doubt any pureblood family has the amount of money we do, the money you'll inherit if you stop being so damn stubborn and agree to abide by the rules me and your mother set out for you!" Sirius couldn't help himself from laughing out loud receiving a surprised look from his father.
"Money, is that all you think about dad? Well I sure as hell don't, cause I knew exactly what I was leaving behind when I walked out and it wasn't much. Why don't you just keep your money, hand it to Reg for all I care after all you always loved him much more than me. Oh wait I forgot, you're not capable of love, don't you support Voldemort?"
"Watch your mouth," Mr. Black hissed, "defying your family like this won't bring you any—"
"Mr. Black, Sirius, how wonderful to see a father and son engaged in such an intimate discussion together," said a female voice, and Sirius turned to see a very pretty dark skinned woman in her early 30s.
"Marlene McKinnon, how are you sweetie?" Mr. Black said in fake enthusiasm kissing her on each cheek, "how is the little one coming along,"
"Oh he just turned 1 on Christmas day, and he has been a little troublemaker all along. Quite a bit of trouble his been for my first one," she laughed softly patting her flat belly over caramel silk dress robes, Sirius however gasped at her realizing that she was at the Evans helping out on her son's first birthday.
"First? Then—is another one in the way?" Mr. Black said he too staring at her flat tummy and Marlene just laughed.
"The healers have already told me it's a girl."
"Newborn purebloods are definitely something worth celebrating, I'll be sure to remind my wife to send you a lovely gift. It was a very smart move for you to get into the McKinnon as they own the Daily Prophet these days, you're making rich little babies," he winked at her and all of a sudden Marlene's smile seemed a little fake, "it'd be nice if you could teach my son a few things, like how purebloods are to stick together and all the advantages that comes with that."
"What? Sirius, what's this I hear from your dad?" If Sirius didn't know any better he would have thought she really had no clue to what had happened to him. Sirius did know better as Marlene McKinnon was good friends with the Potters and visited them frequently.
"Forget it, I have to go do something. It was nice seeing you Mrs. McKinnon, later dad," and with that he managed to escape as his father seemed to have more to say to the poor woman.
After walking around for about 5 minutes Sirius found someone he was more than happy to talk to. His uncle Alphered was standing with his beautiful muggle wife at the refreshment table and talking to Andrameda who was holding on to her young daughter's hand. Grinning he joined them happy to see that the family outcasts turned out much better than the ones still honoring the Black name. Alphered had made a lot of money from his bars all around the wizard world and muggle world and had apparently married a famous muggle actress, his 4th bride so far. As for Andrameda, she was happily married to a ministry employee who made pretty decent money (she was after all dressed in stylish white silk dress robes) and had a pretty 9- years-old daughter who had inherited her looks from her.
"Sirius, joined the crowd haven't you," his young uncle said laughing as he embraced him, the two had always been very close since Alphered was only 12 or 13 years older than Sirius himself.
"You look even more handsome than the last time I saw you. You have been treating the girls right?" his cousin asked kissing his cheeks, he had also been very close to her too, "too bad Nym wont start Hogwarts until the year after you graduate, it would've been nice if she was shown around by my favorite cousin."
"Wow! She's growing fas—"
"Don't talk like I can't here you," the little girl holding Andrameda's hand now pulled her hand free, glaring at the both of them.
"Sorry kid, nice hair by the way. Green...very earthly," Sirius grinned at her, that glare was identical to Andrameda's, the one she used to wear whenever she caught him stealing candy from their house.
"I'm not a kid," she sniffed in a very Narcissia sort of way, he guessed she was ought to inherit a few things from her family, stubbornness seemed to make the list as well, "but if you must know I'm a metemo...metemorph...uh it's supposed to mean I can change my looks by will! Wanna see?" she looked very eager now.
"Sure—" but he was cut off by a very familiar voice.
"Actually I need a word with Sirius, you can show it to him as soon as we're done," said Regulus grabbing Sirius' shoulder.
"I don't think so," Sirius sneered pulling his shoulder free, "I just had to endure a pointless conversation with dad, I don't have the time for another one with you."
"Sirius please...I need your help! Just—it'll take 5 minutes, no more I promise..." the tone of Regulus' voice hit Sirius the wrong way, it was the way he pleaded. No matter how determined Sirius was to hate him he still wasn't able to walk away, not when he sounded so hopeless.
"Alright, you got 3 minutes. This had better be good little brother," he tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice, which surprisingly wasn't very hard at the moment.
"Thanks," Regulus said with a grateful smile, leading Sirius to a corner away from preying eyes.
A/N: Sorry I haven't written in a while, but now that summer vac is here I'll try to be much better. Hope you guyz liked this chappie and THANKS A MILLION TIMES for your REVIEWS!!!! Please keep reviewing and tell me what you liked and didn't (TT) and if you didn't get something. Keep reading this fic cause I guarantee you a lot of stuff you probably didn't expect is gonna happen.