Chaos rung out in the Gryffindor common room, as people were hugging, and kissing to welcome in the New Year. James, however, stood stock-still, a look of pleased surprise on his face. Lily, out of embarrassment had conveniently spotted some friends on the far side of the room and had scurried off.
James was knocked out of his reverie by a series of loud explosions from outside. Everyone ran to the windows. Massive fireworks were being launched from the boys' dormitory. From the pale multi-coloured light shining on his face, Sirius could be seen launching the fireworks from the window ledge, a look of glee on his face.
Sirius had really gone to town; the firework display lasted for almost quarter of an hour and showered Hogwarts with multicoloured light. It was a sight to see. James was willing to bet that the Slytherins weren't having as much fun as they were.
When the fireworks display ended and Sirius came back to the common room he was greeted by a massive applause, he gave a dramatic bow, clearly loving the attention he was getting.
James laughed at his friend's dramatic display and looked over at Lily who was excitedly applauding Sirius' efforts. He caught her eye for a moment and she blushed. Finally he was starting to win her over.
At one o'clock, the common room had started to mellow, the younger Gryffindors had headed off to bed while the older ones were slightly inebriated on the sofas.
James decided that this would probably be as good a time as any to unveil Lily's next present, after all, James' scheme was now common knowledge.
"Okay everyone!" James piped up, "Time for the unveiling of Lily's next present." A hush fell over the common room as the students watched James tentatively.
James flicked his wand and the wall he and Remus had decorated earlier was uncovered. An audible gasp was let out as everyone stared at the massive moving pictures on the wall before them.
"Well, I couldn't find real milk maids, much to Sirius' disappointment I'm sure." Sirius pretended to be upset, everyone else laughed. "So these were the next best things." Sitting next to each other, busy milking cows, were eight identical pictures of milkmaids and their cows. James caught Lily's eye and gave her a wink, she smiled at him in return.
Most of the Gryffindors did not resurface until after lunch on New Year's Day. James was one of the students afflicted by a hangover and a need to stay in bed. It wasn't until three in the afternoon that he remembered about Lily's next present, and the problem of him not actually having found it yet. He jumped out of bed quickly, which caused his rear to collide, unceremoniously with the floor. Sirius of course, was there to laugh at him.
"Aaw did Jamesey hurt his bottom? You'll have to get Lily to kiss it better. No wait, you're the one that kisses her arse." He joked. James did not look amused.
"Oh shut up would you? I need help to figure out where I'm going to find nine dancing ladies."
"Well I know a couple of cancan girls, might be able to get a favour. Ah yes Tammy and Bunny are rather close friends of mine…"
"Sirius, I don't think she'd be happy with those kind of dancers."
"Probably not. But everyone else would." He laughed.
"Why oh why does anyone put up with you?"
"'Cause you looooove me. Give us a smooch Jamesey-kins."
"Oh dear God no!" James feebly hid under his blankets will Sirius erupted into a fresh bout of laughter.
"Don't flatter yourself mate. Besides I don't swing that way."
Later that day James was sitting in the boys' dorm, desperately trying to think of a way to portray nine ladies dancing. He wasn't having much luck. Sirius had left a few hours ago. He had said he needed something from a few friends. James did not like the look of mischief on his face.
When Sirius returned James was contemplating failure.
"I should just give up now." He stated from under his duvet as his friend walked in.
"Never fear for Sirius the saviour is here!"
"Say what?"
"I've got a plan."
A/N Dun. Dun. Dun! What has Sirius got up his sleeve? You'll find out in the next chapter :-P