When Lily descended down the staircase, she was in well-deserved awe. She simply couldn't believe she, Jules and Amelia had pulled this off only hours earlier. A thousand live fluttering fairies flew on live bats, sweeping through the great hall in a gigantic formation. Several girls shrieked and, holding onto their precious feathered hats. Dozens of enlarged pumpkins draped in black were arranged sensibly, acting as tables for the evening. Lit candles were magicked into the bewitched midnight-blue, starry night-sky. The centre of the great-hall was the circular dance floor, lit up with a bright florescent colour that bounced of the dull brick walls. Onto the side a long buffet table, laden with a delicious feast, was situated. Large banners, adorned with spangled stars of gold were hung, bearing the words 'October 31st –Halloween. The Halloween band, a troupe of sorrowful singers, clothed in black and orange began a mournful march as the guests made their way down to this, the first Halloween Ball.
"What a marvellous job we've done! With your charm, my ideas and Jules's… grace…" Amelia Moon giggled in Lily's ear. Her face shone with zeal, her eyes gleaming (glass free) jewels. Her lovely golden brown hair tumbled down in pretty curls, all the way down to her waist. Amelia was outfitted in long, flowing robes of robin red, with gold accents, bordering her sleeves and collar.
"You look beautiful, Amelia!" gasped Lily, hugging her friend. Amelia smiled in a cheeky fashion.
"Well, I suppose everyone has a frivolous side…" she chuckled.
Jules beside, her looked handsome and distinguished (two words which weren't usually used to describe him) in sleek silk robes of steel-grey, matching his cloudy blue eyes. His dirty blond hair fell in waves around his face and Lily saw a genuine smile playing on his lips.
"Hi Lily," he greeted. Then he tugged on Amelia's sleeve. "Let's go down, you don't want flutterwings to get you…"
Amelia looked beseechingly at him. "The buffet beckons, Jules," She waved at Lily and then disappeared through the throng of coloured robes and fancy finery.
"Lily!" a strong voice beckoned her with such force, that she felt herself being propelled forward. It was James, looking extremely different as well as extremely uncomfortable in manly robes of ebony, edged in red silk. A white collar peeked out from beneath the thick robe and black shoes gleaming with polish was visible as well. He clutched a top hat, with a red bow and a shiny walking stick in the other hand. His thick, wild black hair was gelled back in an attempt to temporarily tame it and a small, uncertain smile flickered on his lips she watched Lily.
Lily smiled back and in an instant, she wobbled dangerously on the steep step. "Whoa!" she cried as someone nudged her from behind. Her flimsy heel gave away and she stumbled down the steps. Her hands flew up protect her head. Gasps erupted around the staircase area. Then she felt something (or rather someone) warm envelop her, the tumbling sensation stopped. James hoisted her off the bottom stair, where he had broke her fall and placed her gently on the ground beside it. Lily, flushed and embarrassed, gazed everywhere but him. She should thank him…but how should she begin?
"James," she breathed, her voice oddly shaky.
A finger touched her mouth, but it slipped faster away than a slithering snake, silencing her.
"You look beau-nice…." Said James, her gaze caressing her face. There was something about him that tonight, that made Lily's heart beat a few beats faster and caused her hands to tremble in his presence. Had he changed, along with his clothes? Or was it just a masquerade?
Lily put those questions aside, as she took James's outstretched hand and let him lead her to a pumpkin covered table. They sat, gazing at each other across the expanse of table, through the faltering candlelight.
"The place looks good," James said, glancing around.
Lily's lip curved.
"Well, so glad you think so," she answered, becoming more of
herself.
"I save you and all you have in store for me
is…sarcasm!" cried James, in a false hurt voice.
"Thank you, kindly gentleman…you have saved my life. How must I repay you?" Lily chortled, playing along.
James pretended to consider.
"How about a kiss?" he joked.
When Lily blanched, he laughed. "On the cheek for me, miss!"
"I do not kiss hooligans who are bold enough to right a lady of my establishment without my permission!" gasped Lily, swooning dramatically. She was actually enjoying this little skit.
"Permission!" exclaimed James incredulously. "You were about to tumble to your death, dear lady. Not a thought occurs when the one I love is in that position!"
Lily blanked out for moment; she did not know how to respond.
Lily, it's a silly game, play along. But Lily couldn't bring herself to do it. She felt uncomfortable.
Much to James disappointment, she did not answer in the verse they had been in conversing in, but, "I'm thirsty…could you get us some drinks please?"
James nodded, his face purely impassive as he rose and departed for the buffet table. Lily fanned herself with a napkin; it tremendously stuffy in the great hall that evening. Lily observed the other couples with passing interest.
Andie, looking especially majestic, in a long gown of vibrant orange, was partnered wih Gilbert Forsythe. Sirius was nearby, dancing embarrassingly close to Genevieve Thierry. Andie looked a bit short of disgusted.
Gen Moss had changed to a dress of daffodil yellow, it was a pretty, flowery thing and Gen looked sweet in it. She saw Lily glancing at she danced happily with Remus, her smile dimmed a bit. She waved hesitantly.
Lily's gaze shifted…there was Cynthia Goodwin, looking as she'd pulled out the entire contents of her wardrobe to find the 'perfect' dress. Lily was pretty sure she had. Cynthia had her arm looped through a distracted Amos Diggory. She wore velvet robes of bright turquoise. Sapphires sparkled on her earlobes and around her neck, but her expression was one of pure venom. Her glare stabbed her victims, a dainty curl of her upper lip, wounded them and one word with her was deadly poison to ones' lips. Lily wondered if there was some trouble with Amos, Cynthia only looked like that when there was boy trouble. Their gazes locked.
Lily had to look away from those dark, stabbing eyes.
The band had already struck up faster paced tune and Lily felt guilty. She would dance with James, she decided. After all, they were here together as friends to have fun. However, he had a different idea when he returned with drinks.
"It's hot in here…do you want to go for a walk?"
Lily gulped down her pumpkin juice. "Er…alright." Her robes were pretty thin and she hoped there wasn't too much of a chill.
James helped Lily up, clasping her hand.
Fresh air greeted them with open arms outside. Lily breathed it in greedy gulps.
"It's nice," she said in a small voice.
"Yes, it is," James agreed. They were still hand in hand and had circled in the magical fountain once. Fairies and other water creatures jumped in and out, their tiny screams of laughter well heard on land.
"So, um, how are you?' began Lily lamely.
"Fine…you?" James responded with an amused grin.
"Not the best…" Lily answered truthfully.
James shot her a concerned glance.
"My sister is getting married." At the mention of Petunia, Lily felt her insides churn; a most uncomfortable sensation.
James looked politely bewildered. "I'm very sorry to hear that…?"
Lily allowed herself a small smile, then her expression turned glum once more. "No, I got a letter from my mother. The wedding is in December."
"What…you have to miss a day of school?" James teased, still not understanding.
"No…I'm not invited," Lily informed him gloomily. "Petunia and I aren't close as we once were. I know she does not want me there."
James scratched his head. "Some sister…!"
Lily felt a sudden spark of annoyance. "Yet, she is my sister. So, I'd appreciate if you didn't insult her!"
James backed off. "Yet, she can't invite you to her wedding, hmm….!" Mused James.
Lily frowned. "She doesn't believe in magic."
James laughed heartily at this as if it were the greatest joke in the world.
"By golly, you're a witch, Lily! And your sister doesn't believe in magic."
"More like she doesn't want to…she thinks I'm a freak, who'll ruin her wedding to that muggle oaf she's marrying."
They had arrived at a bench. Lily plunked down on it, crossing her arms.
James's hand touched her arm lightly. "I don't think you're a freak, Lily Evans," he said earnestly.
Lily had to laugh and then she shivered. A chill blew in through the courtyard and her robes weren't the warmest. Instinctively, James wrapped a protective arm around her.
"James,"
James withdrew his arm, blushing furiously. "Sorry-"
"No, I was going to say…thank you," Lily rose, pulled him to his feet.
"Do you want to dance?" she asked suddenly.
"In the great hall?" asked James, removing his robe and draping it around Lily's shoulders.
Lily shook her magnificent head. "Right here. The wind will whisper our music,"
Smiling, James stepped forward, placing one arm around her waist. She, in turn placed her hand on his shoulder. The free hands joined together and they moved to the slow rhythm of the trees. The fairies oohed and giggled, slapping their tiny palms across their minuscule mouths, and the moon beamed upon them.
"You a strange girl, Miss Evans," declared James, twirling Lily around.
Lily giggled, swept into the moment. "Yes, Mr Potter, that's what makes me so hopelessly attractive."
A/N: I will update quite soon. The next chapter is Dawn in the Owl Tower and there aren't many chapters left. Please review!