Ch. 12 A Sleepover and a Snowball Fight

It was almost Christmas break and Lily had to make her decision about the wedding.

"I mean, I can't believe you haven't asked him yet. First, you guys have been dating for like five months. And second, you're obsessed with each other." Alice was painting her toenails.

They were finally having the sleepover they'd been planning. They kept having to put it off. Among the four friends there was always a conflict with N.E.W.T. studying, Head Girl duties, quidditch practices, tutoring, job applications, DADA club, Potions Club, Charms Club, plus all the events that went on around the school. Eventually, they decided to take a night off from all their duties, because they'd never find a time when they were all free.

"It's not that I'm afraid to ask him. I'd love it if he came. But I don't think Petunia would be too excited about it."

"All the more reason to ask him sooner rather than later. You can tutor him in how to act around the muggles." Marlene said.

Mary rolled her eyes. "Lily, if I'm being honest. We can talk about this part of your relationship anytime. Right now, we need details about your sex life." They all laughed but Lily could tell both Alice and Marlene were paying closer attention now.

"Fine. I'll ask him tomorrow. Anyway, what do you want to know? Also, why aren't we also asking about Alice and Frank?"

"Because we haven't done it yet." Alice folded her arms across her chest.

"Really? Wow, I really am behind on the gossip. Well, I don't know. The sex is amazing. He's wonderful and easily the best I've ever had. I don't know how many girls he's been with, but he is definitely experienced."

"Is he more gentle? Or like rough?" Mary wiggled her eyebrows.

"I am not telling you that!" Lily blushed. The truth was, James had asked her once about being gentler. But they figured it was the animal side to them that made the roughness more satisfying, and Lily wouldn't change anything.

"Fine. Where's the craziest place you guys have done it?" Hmm…Prefect's bathtub? Quidditch pitch? Forbidden forest? Empty classrooms? Restricted section of the library? They had been putting James' invisibility cloak to good use the past few months.

"Er- the quidditch locker room shower?"

"Please, Lily. Everyone does it in those showers. You just don't want us to judge you." Marlene saw right through her. "And you are a terrible liar."

"Fine. There was one time when we did it in Greenhouse 1 and as we were going at it a class of first years walked in." She giggled.

"WHAT? How did you not get caught?"

"Er- we used a disillusionment charm." Lily looked at her hands. She wasn't sure James wanted people to know about the cloak.

Alice and Mary looked amazed but Marlene looked skeptical. "You guys used that invisibility cloak, didn't you?"

"What? How do you know about that?"

"Oh, Sirius used it when we went to the kitchens after the first quidditch party. You know, we were both pissed and we got the munchies. Is it James'?"

"Yeah. But don't tell anyone. I don't think he wants people to know."

"Hm."

"So what's the craziest place you girls have done it, huh?" Lily was sick of talking about herself, and steered the conversation elsewhere. Even though she knew about most of her friends' sexual escapades, especially Mary's, it was still fun to talk like old times.

Sirius couldn't sleep. It had been over a month since the night with Marlene and he couldn't get it out of his mind. How could you have let that happen? How could you be so stupid? You don't love her. She's just another bird.

He rolled over. She had been distant since he had said those words to her. It wasn't necessarily cruel, but she no longer flirted with him, or went out of her way to talk with him or sit next to him. He behavior was just different enough for him to notice.

It had been like a dream. Sometimes he wondered whether that night actually happened. But it had, and he had told her he loved her. And she ran away. The craziest thing was, he couldn't bring himself to regret the night. Not for a second would he look back and wish it didn't happen.

He had tried to talk to her about it, but she'd walk away, and he hadn't been able to get her alone. He gave up after a few tries, deciding it was a lost cause. Also, truthfully, he didn't know what he would say if he did get her alone. Would he apologize? Ask her out? He had no clue what he was feeling, and he hated it.

James met Lily in the Gryffindor common room the next day. It was a Hogsmeade weekend, and they had planned on doing some Christmas shopping. When Lily came down with the girls, she gave him a huge smile and hugged him.

"Thank god! It's been torture!" She gave him a chaste kiss.

"Yes, one night without an orgasm is pure misery, Lilikins." Alice rolled her eyes, smirking. There was a group of second year boys sitting around the fire who looked up at this. "What are you wankers looking at?" She pointed a finger at them and they went back to their game of gobstones.

"First, I meant it was torture because of all those damn questions. Second, you don't need to take out your sexual frustration on the poor second years."

"Although I must say, it has been, like, 20 hours Lils. You up for it?" James looked at his watch, mocking Alice.

"Barf." Marlene made a rude hand gesture and walked out of the portrait hole with the other girls and marauders in tow.

"Come on. We've got to get to Hogsmeade before the shops get too crazy."

"I'm way ahead of you, love." He picked up a small basket and pulled out a few scones and two cups of tea in to-go mugs so they could skip breakfast and eat and drink on their walk to the village.

"You're perfect." She kissed his cheek.

They bundled up with gloves, hats, and scarves. Finally, they fastened their cloaks and walked out the door toward Hogsmeade. Lily was pleasantly surprised that the scones were warm. It was still quite cold out though and the wind was picking up, so she decided to put a warming spell around them. James smiled when he felt it and put his free arm around her.

When they were about halfway there, they had finished their tea and scones. James made their cups and the basket disappear and took his hand in hers. They hadn't said anything yet, but it wasn't awkward. They were perfectly happy.

"So what were the girls questioning you about last night?" He asked as they reached the village.

"Oh you know, this and that. The girth and length of your penis."

"Wait, what?" His eyes bulged and Lily laughed.

"I'm kidding!"

"Oh, phew."

"They just asked the usual stuff." James laughed. "Actually, I should tell you. They know about the cloak." This time he gave her a questioning look. "It wasn't my fault though; Marlene knew about it because Sirius used it with her once and then she basically spilled the beans in front of Al and Mary when I was telling the Greenhouse 1 story even though I said we used a disillusionment charm, she asked if we used the cloak. I told them not to tell anyone."

"Ugh. Sirius." He shook his head. "It's fine. I trust them."

"Thanks."

"So you told them about that day in Greenhouse 1?"

"They asked where the craziest place we've done it was."

"Yeah. I suppose that was pretty risqué. I don't know though, the Slug Club Halloween party could be up there." Lily bit her lip and giggled.

"Oh my god I almost forgot about that! That ministry bloke was like a foot away!" They both laughed heartily at this. Lily remembered him lifting her up and pressing her against the wall as Slughorn made an extremely long and boring toast. The cloak had almost fallen off, but they were in the back of the room and she remembered not caring if the entire world could see and hear her because all she cared about in that moment was James.

"Lils? Where?"

"Hm? Where what?" She looked at him and he laughed.

"Did I lose you there for a minute? Where do you want to go first?"

"Oh, sorry. Just reminiscing." She blushed. "Let's go to that jewelry store. What's it called? I think I want to get my mum something from there."

"Good idea!" They walked toward the small shop on the corner across from The Hog's Head. Lily found a pretty bracelet that she thought would look nice on her mother. It was also within her price range. James was looking around, but when she asked him if he found anything he shrugged. "I think I'll get her a scarf or something. Now that I think about it my mum doesn't wear much jewelry." They left and began walking toward Zonko's when James stopped. "I forgot my gloves. Be right back!"

James was nervous about asking Lily over for the holidays. His mother had written to him, asking if she would come. He was planning on asking if she could come anyway, but now that his mum suggested it, he felt it was necessary. He knew it was a big step, but he wanted her to meet his parents. More accurately, he wanted his parents to meet her. As they walked toward Zonko's Joke Shop, he mustered up the courage.

"Lils?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to come to my house for the holidays?" He said it very quickly in one breath.

"Oh…um," She was hesitating.

"It's okay if you don't want to…I understand." He ducked his head, frowning.

"James," She stopped then put her hands on his cheeks so he would look at her. "I would love to. I was going to ask when, because I have my sister's stupid wedding on the 18th. To which, by the way, I would love it if you would accompany me."

"Oh! I'd love to!" That answer was better than he could have hoped. "And I was hoping you could come after Christmas, like the week of New Year's Eve and then we can go back together."

"That sounds wonderful, James."

"Great! I'm so excited!"

"Me too! Now let's get inside before we freeze our arses off." They spent an impressive next hour buying the rest of their gifts. It turned out their friends were pretty easy to buy for. When the crowds started piling in, they headed to the Three Broomsticks.

It wasn't very busy yet, so they took a booth and ordered butterbeers.

"Oh, so for New Year's, my parent's throw a ball every year." He hated revealing how much money he had.

"A ball?"

"Yeah. So, I suppose you'll need a gown for that. Marlene and her family usually come. She can help you out."

"A gown?" Lily looked dumbstruck.

"I know it sounds like a fancy boring old people party. But it actually is pretty fun. We steal some of the good liquor and there's a tent for the younger people. My parents usually hire a band for us. Actually they usually hire a muggle band because my mum invites quite a few muggles to the party. Bit of a hassle actually getting rid of all the magical stuff in the house for one night."

"It sounds amazing. I just have no idea where I'll find a gown. I suppose I will have to ask Marlene."

"Hello love birds." Sirius, coming out of nowhere, slid into the booth next to James. "What were you saying about Marlene?"

"She's got to help me find a gown for the New Year's ball. I just received my invite."

"Ah yes. The gown is very important. Much more so than the tux." Sirius raised his finger so one of the waitresses would come over.

"But nothing is more important than the hair. Right Sirius?" Lily asked and James banged his hand on the table.

"Oh don't you worry Lily. I've got an endless stock of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion waiting for me at the Potters. You know James' dad invented it, right?"

"Wait. What?" She turned to James, who glared at Sirius.

"I suppose that's a no. Prongs, you've gotten much too modest."

Ignoring Sirius' comment, James turned to Lily and grimaced. He was surprised to see her smiling.

"You should've told me you're dad had a potions company. Hello," She pointed to herself, "Potions expert here."

"Sorry. I just didn't want you to think I was bragging or something."

"James, I would never think that. I think we're past the stage of trying to impress each other anyway, yeah?"

"Yeah, okay."

"Well, now that I'm going to meet them I should know more about them, so this is good. Does your mum work? Her name is Euphemia, right?" With that, Sirius chugged his butterbeer and walked away to sit with Hailey, the fifth year Ravenclaw prefect who was sitting by herself, reading. James sighed. This girl seemed so innocent, and Sirius would corrupt her just like all the others.

"Yeah. Mum works for the ministry. Actually, most of her time is spent with the muggle Prime Minister."

"She works with Callaghan?"

"Yeah, she's part of his security team but I think he thinks she's his advisor or something. That's why she knows so many muggles."

"Cool."

"Now you tell me."

"What?"

"What does your mom do? Does she work?" He knew that Lily's dad had died of lung cancer during their fourth year. She had been devastated.

"Yeah, she is a teacher." Lily looked at her hands. He could tell she was embarrassed about her family being, well, poor.

"Lily." He took her hands in his. You don't have to be embarrassed about struggling a little." She smiled at him.

"Thanks, James."

"Are you hungry? I'm starving." Lily laughed and nodded. They ordered lunch from Rosie, the young waitress, and Lily rolled her eyes as she flirted with James.

"She likes you."

"Well I only have eyes for one girl. So she's gonna have to move on." James saw Sirius put his hand on Hailey's knee and he sighed again.

"What is it?"

"Sirius is preying on that fifth year Ravenclaw."

"She doesn't seem to be complaining." Lily waved to Hailey, who smiled back. James was sure she just felt lucky to be getting attention from Sirius, and most likely wouldn't pass up the opportunity to get a good snogging from him.

"Poor girl. They all think they'll be the one."

"What's with you? Why do you suddenly care what Sirius does with girls?"

"I don't know. Something has been off about him lately. Nevermind."

"Okay."

"Remus said there was going to be a huge snowball fight this afternoon. You wanna go?"

"Absolutely!"

Alice smiled at her boyfriend. She was using her wand to build an impressive igloo on the quidditch pitch for protection while Frank was making a giant pile of snowballs in preparation for the fight.

There were many things that annoyed her about her cousins Gideon and Fabian, like how protective they were even though they were two months younger. This annual snowball fight, however, was genius.

It took place throughout the Hogwarts grounds and more and more people joined in every year. Over the years the twin brothers had put together a set of rules and boundaries. For example, they had decided that any type of shield charm was illegal and if used, the player would be eliminated. There were other spells and charms they had to rule out as well.

"I think the wall is big enough, Al." Frank laughed. The igloo could now comfortable protect five people. She smiled.

"Oops." She turned it to ice to make sure it would be steady against the snowballs. She turned to join him in making snowballs, but he was already leaning against the small cave. There were two giant piles; enough to last ten snowball fights.

"I think we are good for now." Frank said, patting the space next to him. She smiled and cuddled up under his arm. She loved how tall and broad he was. She looked up at him to see him staring at her.

He leaned down and kissed her deeply and passionately. Alice was taken off guard; she thought it was going to be a quick peck. But this was his 'I'm really turned on right now' kiss. He grabbed her small waist and pulled her up so she was sitting on him and they made out like that for a few more minutes until she pulled away.

"Where did that come from?" She giggled, running her hands through his hair.

"Oh, you know. I just thought we could warm up a bit. So cold in this igloo and all." He kissed her quickly once then stopped. "We better get ready, I think it's about to start." Alice sighed. She had been so excited about the snowball fight and then Frank had to get her all worked up. Now all she wanted to do was jump him.

She did have fun though. As soon as the horn went off, it was madness. Charmed snowballs going all the way across the quidditch pitch, flying over their heads, or making their way toward the courtyard. Since there were no matches during December-February, the stands on the pitch were removed temporarily, allowing the people on the field to see throughout the grounds. Alice came out from under their igloo and waved her wand to attack. She saw Lily and James near Hagrid's hut. They must have just arrived because they were making snowballs as they went. Nevertheless, she had to admit that they were an impressive team, even when unprepared. Suddenly she got hit in the back and turned around to see Benjy with a canon of snowballs flying toward her, she ducked and rolled to get back under the cave while Frank surprised him from the other side.

"Nice one!" Benjy fell down as he took a snowball to the face. Alice high-fived Frank.

The game went on for several hours. People were using all sorts of spells and charms, making giant snow-boulders that would hit several people at once, or making them bounce off of people. It was very entertaining how creative people were. Slowly, people started retreating to the castle and it was nearly dinner when the last few came inside.

Lily was tucked under James' arm on the couch in front of the fire. They had gone in after two hours for some hot chocolate, and decided they wanted some alone time so they walked to the head's dorm.

"Mmmm."

"You like?" He laughed as she swallowed the hot liquid.

"It's yummy." She giggled.

At 6:00, Lily groaned. She was so comfortable on the couch cuddling with James and she didn't want to move. "Do we have to go to dinner?"

"Actually, I made other arrangements." James smirked. As if on cue, Flipsey appeared with a giant tray of food and drink. "Flipsey! Right on time."

"Flipsey is so happy to help Master James. And Miss Lily is looking so beautiful." The house elf smiled as she set down the dinner tray.

"This was so kind of you Flipsey. Thank you." The elf began to tear up as she gave Lily a huge smile.

"Thank you Flipsey. You're the best. And please, just call me James." She wiped her eyes, nodding, and disappeared.

"You're a genius." Lily laughed, "And such a schemer."

"Well now we don't have to go to dinner. Dinner came to us." James winked, pouring two glasses of wine, which Lily was sure did not come from the Hogwart's kitchens.

"You always have the food planned don't you?" Lily smirked, taking a bread roll.

"Of course." They had a gourmet picnic in front of the fire.

"Okay so the story is we go to boarding school together. You're mum works for the government and your dad owns a nonprofit organization. The Dursleys are not very generous, so they won't be suspicious about the nonprofit thing." Lily was preparing James for the wedding. She needed a backstory to tell the Dursleys.

"Isn't that basically true?"

"Well we met at Hogwarts, which isn't exactly boarding school. Also, your dad owns a potions company, not a nonprofit."

"Well he also sort of started a nonprofit. But we'll probably have to come up with a different name for it than "The Phoenix Foundation."

"Your dad started The Phoenix Foundation? Sarah wants to be a healer and she is like obsessed with it." Lily was more amazed by James' family every day. Her dad had started the foundation that did research on magical diseases. They had already found cures for several illnesses.

"Yeah, well anyway." James blushed. "Let's call it…" He scratched his chin, "The Speckles Foundation!" Lily laughed.

"I love it." And I love you, James. Just say it! Lily thought. Stop being a wuss. Three words, it's not that difficult…"Uh…we'll say it's for animal rights!" You are a coward Lily Evans.

"Perfect."

"Now, do you have a muggle suit?"

"I have a tux. Is that the same? We have to wear muggle clothes to the New Year's Eve party remember? No dress robes."

"Oh, right. Well, actually you'll need a suit, which is different from a tux. I can take you to get one if you want." They had determined that James would come the day of the wedding and stay until the 23rd, and Lily would go to the Potter's the day after Christmas where she would spend the remainder of the holidays. They had to write their parents to confirm, but it sounded like a good plan. Lily didn't want James to experience bridezilla Petunia, so she thought it best for him not to come before the wedding.

"I'll have Sirius take me. He is very well versed in muggle fashion. It worries me a bit." Lily laughed.

"All right. But tell him to get something classic, like navy, black, or grey. And I'm wearing a dark purple dress so you need a tie to match."

"Dark purple; got it." He nodded. "Wow, now I'm a little nervous. There's so much to remember, and what am I going to talk about with these people? What if they ask me about a muggle thing and I have no idea what they're talking about?" He ran his hands through his hair.

"You'll be fine. Besides, I'll be at your side the whole time. I'm planning on not talking to anyone else. You are saving me." He seemed to calm down at this, and she kissed him. He laughed into the kiss and then pulled away.

"Happy to be of service." He winked.

James grasped her cheeks and kissed her again, then ran his hands through her tangled red hair. She wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss was slow but delicious. Her breath smelled of red wine and dark chocolate. Her lips tasted like cherry. Their tongues moved in perfect unison; it was like a practiced dance that they had perfected now.

Lily brought her arms from James neck and pulled off her jumper and t-shirt at the same time, revealing a pink, lacy, pretty much transparent bra. James could see her perky nipples through the lace and he licked his lips. He lifted his own shirt off and kissed her, playing with her hair.

"You know, you have a very colorful bra drawer." James raised an eyebrow at her.

"I reckon it makes life a little more interesting doesn't it?" She stood up and slowly wriggled out of her jeans to reveal a pair of matching panties.

James unbuckled his belt and shoved his trousers off as Lily watched. He held his arms out so she would come back to the couch, and she obliged.

Straddling his legs on the couch, Lily's center began to tingle as she felt his erection through the thin layer of lace. She could feel his eagerness as he kissed her neck and beads of sweat began to form on his chest.

"Lily…" He whispered into ear as she rolled her hips into his. She moved her hand between them so she could grasp his member and pull down his boxers. He finished the job and they fell to the floor.

Then, without warning, James pushed her panties to the side and plunged into her. Lily grasped the back of the couch to steady herself and screamed. She started bouncing up and down on his cock and he thrust his hips upwards to meet hers. He was pounding into her harder and harder.

"Fuck yes James!" He roughly grabbed her bosom in one hand and took the other breast in his mouth. She ran her hands through his messy hair and through her head back in pleasure.

Suddenly, James pulled Lily off of him and turned her around so she was straddling him but her back was against his chest. He shoved her soaked underwear to the ground and pushed back into her.

"Oh god! Yes!" She cried out as James spread her legs apart and teased her clit with two of his fingers. Lily leaned back into him and rolled her hips, making him feel incredible.

"Fuck Lily I'm going to come." He managed to say.

"Yes! Come with me! I'm cumming too!" She grabbed the side of his cheek so he could look at her. She nodded, breathing heavily.

"Yes yes yes!" And just as she tightened around him, she felt him spilling his seed inside her. She felt tiny aftershock orgasms and couldn't help convulsing a little as he was still inside her, until finally he pulled out and they both sat there, catching their breath.

"Wow." He said after a few moments. She gave him the thumbs up, eyes still closed. He laughed. "Not to ruin the moment but should we be more careful about me, well…"

"Don't worry, James. I'm taking contraception potion. Shoot that sperm up there all you want."

"Ah, what a proper lady you are."

"Only when I have my knight in shining amour."