A/N: Get ready and settled, this is it. Enjoy. (btw, I do a lot of switching back and forth between Lily and James so keep that in mind as you read)
It was six-thirty in the evening. Lily stood in front of her full-length mirror, dressed and ready for the ball. She blankly looked at her reflection and fixed a couple of stray hairs tightly behind her ears. She wiped a trace of mascara from under her eyes. She had worn make-up today, which is probably just because Aurora and Alice persuaded her to. Actually it had been a funny story: Lily woke up and was insistent on not going to the ball. She had felt awful, like she had the worst headache she'd ever felt. Aurora and Alice hauled her out of her bed and forced her to pull herself together. They practically shoved breakfast down her throat and dragged her everywhere. But it had actually helped, Lily didn't have headache anymore, and she didn't feel sick to her stomach…so why did something still feel a little queasy? She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she had a few thoughts. Lily snapped out her daydream and pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind. She went to her trunk and pulled out a pair of green satin shoes, with diamonds adorning the strap buckle. She sat on her bed and lifted the bottom of her long dress so that she could put her shoes on. Her long gloves made this kind of difficult, so she took them off and attempted this again. Aurora and Alice were getting ready next to her, each of them looking equally lovely in their dresses. Aurora was wearing a turquoise taffeta dress that hugged her perfect figure and came to her mid-calf. Alice was wearing a deep violet dress that combined perfectly with her deep brown hair. It came up to her knees and the neck was a deep boat-neck that fell slightly off of her shoulders. It was the most beautiful soft fabric.
Alice came around and sat down beside Lily, hugging her shoulders from beside her, "How are you feeling Lily? You're slightly shaking..." she noticed.
"Oh, I think it's just the chill of the room, you know the castle at this time of the year," Lily said unconvincingly. Alice looked unsure, just as Aurora beckoned her. It seemed that she was having a bad hair day.
"Aurora honestly, you are a smart which, yet you don't know basic female tricks," Alice said shaking her head. She waved her wand in the air around Aurora's head, and muttered a spell. Aurora's platinum blonde hair twisted itself into a bun, with tendrils of curls cascading around it. Aurora looked thoroughly awestruck, as if seeing herself in a different light. Alice's own hair was just at her shoulder level, with large barrels of curls sweeping around her face. Lily got up and walked over to them.
She mustered up some strength and smiled, "You girls both look beautiful," she said warmly. They returned her smile and told her the same.
Aurora fixed an earring to her earlobe and said, "I told you that dress was perfect for you, Lily. It's only a shame that…" she trailed off, not knowing if she'd hit a sore spot.
"That the original reason for getting the dress, the person that I was going to go with…that it doesn't mean anything anymore?" Lily finished for her, monotonously.
Aurora apologized, "I'm sorry Lily, I didn't mean—"
"There's still hope Lily," Alice cut in.
Lily rolled her eyes and sighed, "We've been through this before Alice, I—"
"Maybe—maybe I thought you were 'emotionally unavailable' Lily, but that was before I saw you with James. I know he makes you smile and makes you feel safe, and you can still—" Alice said, realizing how torn Lily was.
Lily looked at her with strain, "No Alice, I can't. I told you he—"
"For god sake's Lily—think with your heart, not your brain!"
"but Alice, he had—"
"I know that's what it seemed, but did you give him a chance to explain? Do you think that you meant nothing to him? I know the look in his eyes Lily, he cares about you a lot, if you'd just—"
Lily's voice erupted and Aurora jumped slightly, "NO! He DOESN'T care about me! If he did he wouldn't have left me for a snake of a girl, or he would have at least tried to contact me in the past few days, or TOLD ME HE STILL WANTED TO BE WITH ME! So THAT is why I am not going to give him a bloody chance!" She screamed, breathing hard. Her cheeks turned red and Alice's face looked grimly at her. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air.
"Look, Lily…I didn't mean to upset you, I'm sorry. I just thought you should know what I think…but it's up to you, so I'm terribly sorry I intervened—who am I to tell you advice? That's only for friends, right?" Alice said, her voice cracking. Lily's eyes filled with tears.
"Oh, Alice…I'm sorry I yelled. I've just been so—so tense lately. Of course you're my friend!" She hugged her tightly. Aurora came in from behind and joined in the hugging. They parted and Alice forgave Lily in a few words.
Aurora pointed to the door, "Okay Lily, we will go down and tell you if it's safe to come down—where did you say Remus was meeting you?" she asked.
"Oh, we're meeting by the room next to the great hall, and thanks for checking to see if James is downstairs," Lily said graciously. They nodded and went downstairs. Lily grasped her purse and looked quickly, one last time at her image. When she heard them calling her down, she slowly stepped down the stairs. Frank Longbottom was waiting for Alice, as was a dark-haired boy for Aurora. They linked arms and walked out and Lily followed. Remus was waiting for her by the Great Hall.
He smiled upon seeing her, "Lily, you look beautiful," he said kindly. Lily weakly smiled.
"You look handsome yourself," she replied, linking arms with him and walking in the doors.
XxXxXxX
James arrived at the entrance to the Slytherin common room and waited for Narcissa to come out. She arrived at five past seven, looking stunning. She wore a long black gown, with net gloves and a gold necklace.
James took her hand, "You look lovely Narcissa," he said.
"Thank you James," Narcissa replied sleekly, taking his hand in her pale one. Her dark hair fell around her face, shining black with evil. They walked to the Great Hall, with shocked looks from passers-by. James felt like there was a knot in his stomach that couldn't be untangled. Narcissa did seem fine, but all he could think about was Lily. He tried hard not to let it show on his face and walked with her toughly. They entered the great hall and were shown an extravagant ballroom festooned in autumn colours. Red, gold and deep orange banners lined the walls, as magical autumn leaves floated down from non-existent trees and disappeared before they hit the floor. There were pumpkins at each table, in each of their centers stood a large white candle. The room was dimly lit, and the glow emanating from the candles made the large room seem welcoming. James however, was far from comfortable. He sat down at a table and Narcissa sat with him.
"Do you want to dance?" she asked.
"Er—okay," James replied, getting up. His black dress robes matched perfectly with her dress. He awkwardly danced with her, as she looked around at everyone who was looking. He then sat down after the song ended. She went to get drinks and he met Sirius, who walked by and sat down after he spotted him.
Narcissa came back and they sipped the cider quietly. She asked James again to dance and he looked oddly at her.
"Oh, er—maybe I'll sit this one out, you can dance with someone else for this one," he suggested. She looked slightly perplexed, but nonetheless danced with someone he didn't recognize. He buried his face deep in his hands and sighed.
"James, mate. Still thinking about Lily?" Sirius asked sympathetically. James said nothing and continued to hide his face.
The singer, Mistress Carrie sang a soulful warm song, as couples in love danced methodically. She had a strong smooth voice:
"...I didn't mean it
When I said I didn't love you, so
I should have held on tight
I never should've let you go
I didn't know nothing
I was stupid, I was foolish
I was lying to myself
I could not fathom that I would ever
Be without your love
Never imagined I'd be
Sitting here beside myself
Cause I didn't know you
Cause I didn't know me
But I thought I knew everything
I never felt
The feeling that I'm feeling
Now that I don't hear your voice
Or have your touch and kiss your lips
Cause I don't have a choice
Oh, what I wouldn't give
To have you lying by my side
Right here, cause baby
When you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby, please
Cause we belong together
Who else am I gon' lean on
When times get rough
Who's gonna talk to me
Till the sun comes up
Who's gonna take your place
There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together, baby
I can't sleep at night
When you are on my mind
I only think of you
And it's breaking my heart
I'm trying to keep it together
But I'm falling apart
I need you
Need you back in my life, baby
Cause when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby, please
Cause we belong together
Oh baby, baby
We belong together..."
Lily felt a shudder somewhere in her heart. She looked pained. She was standing near the doors to the Great Hall with Remus and he saw her expression.
"What is it Lily? What's wrong?" Remus asked, concerned.
"Oh…it's er—nothing," Lily lied.
"You can tell me Lily," Remus said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Lily paused for a moment and then slowly looked up from her feet, "I think—I think I still have feeling for James, Remus," she said softly.
"I knew you always did Lily, and you should be with him," Remus exclaimed.
Lily pursed her lips hard and stared at the floor, her eyes slowly welling.
Across the dance floor, James felt the song deep in his heart. He looked up and saw Lily—a vision in green. Her date's face was out of view, but he was a tall fellow. James' mouth dropped open and his eyes were locked on her startling beauty. The emerald green reflected perfectly in her eyes and crimson hair. It was pulled back on her head in a neat chignon. Her hair shone with flecks of red in the candlelight. James knew right at that moment, that she was the girl for him. His heart flickered and his insides were bursting with an energy that was telling him to go after Lily. He didn't care who her date was, only that he needed to talk to her. He saw Lily mutter something and leave the room in haste, her eyes shining. James stood up to after her and a long pallid arm stopped him.
"Where are you going, James?" Narcissa asked, not letting go of his arm.
"Look, Narcissa, you're really great—but I was actually going to see Lily, that's where my heart lies," James replied.
Narcissa looked like an arrow had stuck through her heart. She let go of his arm.
"Lily? But-NO! James! You're MINE!" she screamed, her narrow eyes now wide
with shock.
James looked at her with a somewhat frightened expression on his face.
"Yours? No, Narcissa, I'm sorry, but—" he started to say, but his eye caught on the gold glint of Narcissa's necklace, "Is THAT the 'necklace'!" he asked angrily.
Narcissa laughed manically, "Yes James! You see, you gave me this! And it means that you're mine!" she yelled.
James erupted in anger, "SO YOU'RE THE REASON ME AND LILY ARE BROKEN UP?" he bellowed. Heads were turning in their direction. Narcissa laughed menacingly.
James raised his hands up pointedly at her, "Lily was right—YOU ARE CRAZY!" he said and stormed past her. She reached for him and in doing so tripped on the hem of her long black dress, sending a man carrying a tray crashing to the floor. Cider spilled everywhere—including on her 500 galleon dress. She screamed in agony and embarrassment as James walked past her, in the direction of doors. Just as he was about near the doors, he looked to the left to uncover the identity of Lily's date. James abruptly stopped, shocked. He saw none other than Remus Lupin. Anger took over his body.
"Remus?" he asked.
Remus looked at him and his face froze, "James…" he said quietly.
"You're Lily's date? How could you!" he said, anger flowing through his body.
Remus held up his hands, "Now James, calm down. I only came with Lily as a friend, and I didn't tell you because she told me not to. And for what it's worth, she only asked me to because…" he started, and then thought better of saying what he was going to.
"What…" James hissed.
Remus swallowed hard, "She only asked me to because she was hurt, and needed a friend with her, and I know she's scared because she's still cares for you, James."
James' expression softened and he looked deep in thought, his eyes fixed on Remus.
"Really?" he asked softly. Remus nodded and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Go get her mate," he said, motioning his head towards the doors. James smiled at Remus and left through the doors.
It was a cool night, and it seemed like all of the stars had come out to serenade James on the way to his love. The grounds were deserted and completely still. Only the chirp of crickets and occasional hoots of owls could be heard. He saw her by the edge of the lake, leaning on a wooden fence. There was a large oak tree beside her, and the leaves could be seen fluttering to the ground. Her back was to him, but he could tell it was her. The moonlight danced off the folds of her dress, and her red hair could be recognized even in the dark of the night. James moved towards her slowly, gathering up courage with each step. She was shaking and crying, her head on her folded arms on top of the fence. James felt his heart strain. He couldn't stand it when she cried; all he wanted to do was make it stop. He arrived beside her and she didn't notice until he spoke.
"Lily," James said, his voice soft with comfort.
When he spoke she immediately stopped crying and then slowly looked up. Her
face showed pink cheeks and tears rolling down them. He eyes were red and her lip trembled, but the moonlight highlighted hear features so gracefullythat James felt his breath escape for a moment.She even looks pretty when she cries, thought James.
Lily'sface contorted with spite, "What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I came for you Lily," James said genuinely.
Lily fake laughed, "For me? I thought you were rather getting on with your girlfriend," she spat, tears still ebbing from the corners of her green eyes.
"She's not my girlfriend, Lily. I only came with her because she asked me to, and that was after you accused me of being with her in the first place," James said, his voice firm, "and after tonight, I know what she's like Lily, you were right. She's a bad character."
Lily rolled her eyes and spoke as her voice cracked, "How am I supposed to believe you? After all, you did give her the necklace," she said sniffing.
James looked at his feet and Lily thought she could see a hint of a blush on his face.
"Lily," he said without looking up, "Narcissa got that necklace from somewhere else and told everyone I gave it to her…I actually got something else for you when we went to Hogsmeade that day." He reached inside his robes and pulled out a small pink box, which he handed to Lily.
"What's this?" she asked, sniffing once again and looking slightly unconvinced.
James looked up and his eyes fixed on her, "Open it," he said.
She untied the pink ribbon and lifted the cover off the box. What she saw made her heart melt. Her mouth dropped slightly. Inside the box was a beautiful silver watch, with a heart-shaped face adorned with diamonds. On the band were etched lilies on every other link. She turned over the face and on the back of it was engraved: Lilies for my Lily, Love James. Lily's eyes welled with tears for a different reason now. She looked at James fixedly in the eyes, silent and a lump forming in her throat.
James looked at his feet again as he spoke quietly, "You were always complaining about not knowing the time and I thought you might need one, so—"
"I love you," Lily croaked.
James looked up, "…what?" he asked, looking at her glowing face. His eyes widened and heart momentarily stopped beating.
"I love you," she repeated, this time in a whisper that echoed in James' ears. She pulled his robes with her free hand and leaned into him, pressing her lips onto his passionately. James felt the electric tingle buzz through his body as kissed her deeply. Lily could taste the trace of cider on James's lips, as the energy from him transferred to her body and filled her with a flood of warmth that reached her toes. They parted, inches away from each other's faces and paused. James picked a large pin from Lily's hair and it tumbled around her shoulders. She smiled as he went around behind her. He parted her hair to one side and kissed her neck from behind. Lily closed her eyes.
"I love you too, Lily," he whispered onto her neck. She felt his breath on her bare shoulder and her own breath escaped her. She slid away from him and turned around, smiling mischievously. James grinned and his expression reflected the true and absolute love he had for Lily. His face turned a bit more serious, as did Lily's when she saw his face. He drew closer to her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I'm never going to leave you," he softly said into her hair.
Lily grasped him and wrapped her arms firmly around his neck.
"I know," she said, resting on his chest. She could hear the fierce beating of his heart, and it was at that moment that she knew she would always love James and be with him for as long as she lived.
A/N: YAY! So what did you think? cute huh? aww...and as for the song? anyone recognize it? yep. mariah carey's 'we belong together'---such a sweet song. I always thought of that song when I thought of Lily and James, it's kind of like their song. lol. and the watch thing? I don't know if you caught Lily complaining about her lack of one in the beginning or not, but I thought it would add such a cute touch. and BOO narcissa! lol. and don't be sad---there's more! yes, more story to come!
Disclaimer: All lyrics belong to Mariah Carey.