-Harry Potter is not mine…not that I'd mind if Draco or Remus were :P-

Chapter Eighteen:- The Ball.

Everything was ready. From the ceiling hung thousands of miniature pink lights and hundreds of blue and pink streamers. There were golden chairs and a large dance floor, just like Lily wanted. The house elves had been working overtime to cook them the best meal they could. They were elated to have a new challenge. A volunteer was standing at the door, waiting to announce the couples as they stepped through the door. Couple by couple, the students entered the Great Hall. Opening the ball were the first years. Then the second, third and so on. Before they knew it, it was time for the seventh years to go in. Remus, James and Sirius paced the Entrance Hall.

Where are they? How long do these girls need to get dressed?

Peter wasn't present as he had received an Owl regarding a sick Uncle. Amongst the remaining Marauders there was a stranger to take his place. He was a little over average in height with brown, neatly combed hair. Like the rest of the boys, he was dressed in a formal tuxedo. His was black, Remus had found a deep blue one; James was in a dark brown suit and Sirius was the only individual in a white tux. The stranger had introduced himself as Moody, Alastor Moody.

At last, someone familiar appeared on the top step. Tara was wearing a full length, clingy, white flowing gown. It was magically embroidered with flowers that repeatedly bloomed, wilted then bloomed again. A similar wreath of flowers crowned her head. Alastor stood, offering her his arm.

"You make a wonderful Gaia." He whispered in her ear. She giggled as they made their way into the Great Hall. When Remus next looked up, Lily was standing at the top of the staircase. Like Tara, she was wearing an ankle length evening dress, but hers was a brilliant green. The contrast between it and the red of her hair made her eyes more emerald then ever. James smiled at her and followed Moody's lead by offering her his arm.

"So who are you two meant to be?" Sirius asked. Lily waved her wand and a golden cape appeared over James' shoulders.

"We're Jason and Medea." James grinned. Remus nodded and the pair walked into the Great Hall.

Remus and Sirius were left in the Hall together.

"So, did you and Ana decide on something?"

"We sure did, we went with the whole James and Lily idea."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Well, you look nothing like James."

Sirius smiled and took out a pair of glasses from his pocket. Then deliberately messed up his hair. Remus laughed.

"Spitting image."

"I should think so!" Ana's voice rang down the stairs. She was wearing a princess-like purple gown and was wearing a bright red wig. "We worked hard on these."

Sirius let out a bark of laughter and took Ana by the waist, steering her into the Great Hall.

"All by yourself, Re?" Jaye soft voice came from the top step. She was wearing a dark red ball gown. It billowed around her feet and had little diamantes all over it. She twirled so Remus could see the criss-cross pattern down her back.

"Beautiful." He whispered. "Just missing one thing."

Remus took out a sapphire-coloured velvet box. Jaye frowned.

"You weren't meant to get me anything!"

He shrugged. "I know, but I didn't get you anything for Valentine's Day."

Jaye opened the box slowly to find a tiara, covered in faux sapphires and rubies.

"Oh Remus! I love it!" Jaye wrapped her arms around him, kissing him in thanks. "It's only fitting you get one too!" Jaye took out her wand and with one flick; a crown appeared on Remus' head. Then she put her hand in his and they walked through the doors.

~*~

"PRESENTING CINDERELLA AND HER PRINCE CHARMING!" The young wizard boomed. The room erupted into applause when people took in their attire. "AKA, Remus Lupin and Jaye Kline." They took a place at the table with Sirius and Ana, James and Lily and Tara and Alastor. The next people to arrive were the teachers.

First came Hagrid dressed as King Henry the 8th. He winked at them as he went passed. Then came Professor Bhoy and Trelawey, dressed as Romeo and Juliet. Then Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick, fully clad in body suits as Adam and Eve, oak leaves and all. Finally, Dumbledore and McGonagall arrived, dressed as Zeus and Aphrodite. It was the first time any of the students had seen Professor McGonagall with her hair out. The crowd applauded the teachers until Dumbledore stood to welcome them

"Hello, hello. Yes, thankyou. Well. Firstly, a round of applause is needed to show our appreciation to Miss Lily Evans and Mr James Potter who organised this delightful ball for us." He paused as once more the students erupted into applause. "Indeed, now, I do not wish to delay this festivity any longer. Bon Appetite!"

At once, the tables were filled with roast chicken, seafood, pasta, pizza, chicken, lamb…anything you could want. The students chattered, laughed and ate their way through three courses before the dancing began.

Seeing how they were the Heads, James and Lily opened the ball, dancing a fast paced waltz. Before long, other students had caught the Magic Meander's beat and Lily and James were surrounded by hundreds of couples. They danced close, treasuring the moment. Then James pulled away.

"What is it?" Lily asked in concern.

"I have to ask you a serious question Lils."

"Of course."

James pulled out a little black box and opened it, displaying a stunning diamond ring. Lily gasped.

"Lils, I love you, I couldn't bear to think of a world without you. Please, make me the happiest wizard alive and accept my proposal?"

"Oh James! Yes!! Yes, please." They hugged and kissed and neither could remember ever feeling so happy.

~*~

As soon as Remus' favourite band arrived, he could not keep still. He danced with each girl in turn, finally wearing Jaye out and they walked out to the balcony.

"You…are a madman on the dance floor." Jaye puffed. Remus bowed.

"What can I say? Roast chicken will do it to me every time!" He passed her a glass of water.

"Thanks! I can't believe this is our last year. Exams in two weeks then out into the world as fully fledged witches and wizards." Remus hugged her around her waist from behind, both staring up to the stars.

"I know. It's a scary thought, us being out there."

They were silent for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Re?"

"Yeah babe?"

"Promise you'll never forget me."

"How could I? Of course I won't."

"But to be sure, will you do me a favour?"

"Depends what it is."

"Take my name as your middle one."

"What?"

"Jay. Remus Jay Lupin."

"J-A-Y-E? That's a girls name!"

"No, J-A-Y."

He tried it out. "Remus Jay Lupin. R.J Lupin. Not bad, not bad at all. But if I do that, you have to as well."

"Jaye Jay Kline?"

He laughed. "No, Remy. Jaye Remy Kline. Maybe one day Jaye Remy Lupin!"

"Ha! You wish…Jaye Remy Kline." She mused. "I love it! And this way we'll always have a part of the other person with us."

"We'll never be apart."

"Promise?"

"Of course."

From now until forever that's how long I'll be true
I will make you this vow and promise you now until forever
I'll never stop loving you