Lily looked herself over in the mirror. Her hair was pulled up into an updo, making her usual mane of red hair look sleek and tamed. She wore a dark green dress paired with a light green shawl that brought out the vibrant color of her eyes. She had on the slightest bit of makeup, giving her a natural glow.
She was getting ready for Slughorn's Annual Christmas party. She had always dreaded going in the past, since she was alone and the night usually consisted of Slughorn trying to set her up with other Slug Club members.
But this year was different. This year, she had James. An excuse to avoid all of the arrogant prodigies she was used to seeing at these gatherings, and a good reason to see more of James.
She re-evaluated her reflection. Was this trying too hard? The dress she wore was form fitting, and she worried it might be a little much for a simple gathering. But then again, Slughorn's Christmas parties were never very simple. They always consisted of lavish food and gaudy decorations. She decided that the dress was fine enough and she walked down to the common room.
Lily saw James sitting on the couch as she came downstairs. He was in black dress robes, which looked very elegant in contrast with his messy hair. As he gazed into the fire, Lily noticed the way the firelight hit his jawline, and she found herself noticing how attractive he was for the billionth time. In that moment, he was even more handsome than usual, if that was possible.
James turned towards her and his eyes widened at the sight of her. He got up and walked toward her as he broke into a grin.
"Wow."
"You like it?" Lily spun around in the dress and James held her hand.
"You look stunning." James caught her waist from behind and rested his head on her shoulder. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. "Very sexy."
Lily laughed as he lightly kissed her neck. "It's 2 minutes to 7:00. We should be going."
"Or..." James started.
"James, you know Slughorn will have a fit if even one of his favorites doesn't show up."
James groaned. "Alright."
Lily smiled as she grabbed James' hand and pulled him out of the common room. When they reached Slughorn's room, Lily readjusted her hair and pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders. She looked up to James and attempted to flatten his hair, but she was unsuccessful.
"Trust me, I already tried to tame it earlier." James mumbled.
"You tried to tame your hair for me? How sweet." Lily said sarcastically. She sighed. "It's no use. It'll pop back up somehow."
"It's a blessing and a curse. Let's hope our children inherit your hair."
Lily giggled. "Let's hope so."
James offered Lily his arm. She took it, and they pushed open the heavy wooden doors into the party.
The room was lively and compact with guests. Lily could hear an orchestra playing somewhere, but couldn't see anything through the crowd of people.
"Lily!"
Lily turned to see Professor Slughorn greeting her, glass of firewhiskey in hand.
"Good evening, Professor. How are you?"
"Fantastic, thank you. Come in, come in! Wonderful turnout this year, isn't it? I might say, this party is shaping up to be one of my best!" As Slughorn paused for a breath, he seemed to suddenly realize that James was there. "Ah, and welcome, James! Lovely to have you with us tonight!"
"Thank you, Professor." James said with a nod.
Professor Slughorn was swept up into the crowd as James and Lily made their way to a banquet table full of finger foods. It was difficult to weave through all the guests, and Lily and James' hands got separated. As Lily pushed through to a plate of treacle tart, she stumbled and bumped right into someone. She looked up to see the familiar mane of greasy black hair and dark eyes.
Severus' eyes widened with a hopeful look. "Lily."
Lily pursed her lips as she stood up straighter. "Severus."
She had rarely seen him since last year. Sev was her first friend from the magical world, the one who had introduced her to magic in the first place. She had always sided with him against the Marauders. That was until her called her that name last year. A mudblood. Lily had heard that name enough from the other Slytherins, but she could hardly believe it as the word had come from Sev's mouth. Soon after that, he was on the path to become a death eater, and that was a step too far that Lily couldn't forgive. He wasn't the person she knew anymore. Now, as she saw him standing nervously in front of her.
"Ho-how are you?" His eyes were pleading for forgiveness.
"I'm fine, thank you." Lily didn't bother asking how he was. She didn't want to know.
"Lily, I-"
Severus was cut off as James finally pushed his way to the table. "Lils, there you are." He stopped dead as he caught sight of Snape. The two glared at each other for a moment.
"Sniv- Severus." Lily noticed James' jaw clench as he suddenly looked on guard.
"Calling me by my actual name? How very civil of you, Potter." Severus spat.
"At least one of us has the courage to be civil." James said as he put a hand on the small of Lily's back.
Severus seemed to notice this movement. His eyes darted from Lily to James as he suddenly deduced that they were indeed at this party together.
He scowled as he made to walk past them, but stopped right by Lily.
"He's not right for you." He hissed.
"And you think you somehow are?" Lily shot. He green eyes were burning fire into him. James pulled her closer to him, away from Snape. Severus gave James a death glare, as he muttered to Lily, "I was trying to protect you." before he stalked off into the throng of guests.
Lily felt anger burning in her chest and tears forming in her eyes.
"Lily-"
"Come on," she muttered. She grabbed James' hand and pulled him towards the balcony.
Lily sucked the cool night air into her lungs. She was beginning to breathe more steadily as she calmed herself down. She leaned against the railing in an effort to concentrate.
James was standing behind her. Lily couldn't see him, but she could tell he was on edge and figured he had a worried expression painted on his face.
"He just frustrates me is all." Lily muttered.
"I've seen you frustrated, Lily. This isn't it."
"Why did he have to be here? Tonight?" Lily was on the verge of tears. A night that was shaping up to be great, once again ruined by Severus.
"Lily."
"And then judging you, judging us?!" Lily could feel herself getting worked up again.
"Lils, please."
The sincerity of his voice rang through her. She looked up into his eyes. Amber pools that she could get lost in.
"Do you want to forgive him for what he did?"
Lily searched herself for the answer. "No." she whispered, barely audible.
"Then don't let him ruin your night. He's made his choices, and some bad ones at that." James gestured to the doors, light peeking outside from the bustle within. "There's still a party in full swing. Let's go enjoy it."
As James turned to go back inside, Lily wrapped her arms around him and hugged him, head buried in his chest.
"I love you," she whispered with a smile.
"I know," James grinned down at her as he kissed the top of her head.
They made their way back inside, and Lily was being pulled by James to the dance floor.
"Ohhh, no no no, James. I don't-"
"One dance, Lils. Just one."
Before she could protest, he spun her around and put a hand on her waist. Their hands met, and Lily put her remaining hand on his shoulder.
She had to admit: it was nice. James, by some miracle, was a fantastic dancer. Lily was soon giggling as James spun her around. He dipped her with a flourish just as the song ended. They both laughed as James pulled her back up.
"Where on earth did you learn to dance like that?!"
James shrugged. "I may have had 6 years of formal dance training." He dipped Lily once more, earning a shriek of surprise from her. "Or I may just be this naturally talented."
Lily laughed as James pulled her up once again. He placed a hand back on her waist as they swayed to the new song. James leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "You really do look gorgeous tonight."
Lily smiled as she rested her head on James' shoulder. They danced until Lily regretted wearing heels. When they finally took a break to sit, James left to get them both Butterbeers.
Lily was peacefully listening to the orchestra when Professor Slughorn danced his way over to her.
"Lily! Tired out already?" He questioned.
Lily nodded. "Very. The party is wonderful though, Professor."
Slughorn chuckled. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. One of my finer parties, I might say so myself." Slughorn seemed to remember the reason he had come over. "Ahh, Lily! There's someone I'd like you to meet!" Slughorn ushered a lean boy, presumably Lily's age, in between them.
"Lily, this is Vincent Gregory. An apprentice in potionmaking at the ripe age of 17! Vincent, this is the girl I was telling you about, the one with the natural potions talent." Slughorn beamed at Lily as though she were a trophy he had won and was showing to a friend.
Vincent extended his hand. "How do you do?" Lily shook his hand as she smiled and answered, "I'm fine, thank you."
"I'll leave you two to chat," Slughorn said hurriedly as he shuffled back into the crowd.
Vincent turned back to Lily with a chuckle. "I suppose he's trying to set us up. Maybe hoping his 2 potions favorites will get together." He flashed her a smile indicating that he didn't object to Slughorn's efforts.
Lily blushed. "I'm flattered, Vincent. Really. But I'm actually here tonight with someone else."
He took a step closer. "And where, exactly is this mystery man of yours, while you're sitting all alone in the middle of a party?"
Lily heard a voice from behind her. "Right here, actually. With a butterbeer for the lady."
Vincent's smile dropped. James was smiling at him, but his eyes shot daggers. Vincent took a step back as he stuttered, "I-I was just-"
"Trying to steal my girl? You're not the first to try tonight."
Vincent looked mortified. "It was nice to meet you, Lily." He muttered before stalking off towards the dance floor.
James handed Lily a butterbeer while asking, "Who was that?"
Lily waved a hand as she took a sip of butterbeer. "Just Slughorn's prospect this year. He always tries to set up a few of his favorites." James still seemed tense so Lily took his hand and stepped close to him. "Do you want to head out? I'm getting sort of tired, and I think we've been here long enough."
James seemed to relax a little bit as he nodded. They both slipped through the gaps among people until they reached the exit.
They were halfway to the Gryffindor common room before Lily stopped James. She paused to unstrap her heels, and carried them in her hand while James laughed softly.
"What?" Lily demanded, a laugh creeping into her voice.
"Why do you wear those things? They seem like bloody torture devices to me."
Lily mocked offense. "I, for one, think they pair nicely with the dress. Besides, they give me an extra boost and make me look taller."
James was laughing now. "So you put your feet through torture like that all night just so you can be only 3 inches shorter than me?"
Lily rolled her eyes. "Are we really going to spend all night talking about my choice of shoes?"
"We don't have to talk at all if you'd like." And with that, James took her free hand to pull her closer to him. Their lips met as his hand snaked around her waist.
Lily pulled back momentarily. "Think about how much easier this would be if I were 3 inches taller."
James broke into a smile as Lily kissed him on the cheek and jogged back to the common room, leaving him dazed and soon following in her wake.
Hey guys! Sorry for updating a day late this week, but here's another chapter! Next week's chapter will be a big one, so make sure to tune in next Wednesday! See you all in a week!
