Ch. 2

June 17, 1975

Well, sorry I haven't written for a while, I've been under 'house arrest' ever since I got back from Lucy's house. I don't know what it is that makes James and Lucius hate each other so much, but it's starting to get on my nerves! I mean, it's fine that they aren't friends anymore. I'm cool with that. But James forbidding me to see Lucius and Severus again is simply ridiculous! I have every right to go and see my friends! He won't let me out of his sight when I leave my room! I really am getting sick of James and his over-protectiveness. And it's not even close to being time to be on the train. Hopefully, my 'sentence' will be over soon and I can go visit Lucy and Sev again. Oh! I think I hear James coming. I'll write again as soon as I can.

Elanor

Ramming the journal back into my pillowcase, I sat up and grabbed a book just as James stuck his head in the door. "Come on Ellie, we're going to Diagon Alley."

I sighed and rolled off the bed. "Just let me get changed James." I replied, looking annoyed at him. He sighed then nodded, "Just come down when you're ready."

I nodded, he left and shut the door. I went over to the closet and looked through what all I had. I settled on a light pink halter with no straps and a denim mini-skirt. Then, I pulled on a pair of strappy pink heels and went over to the mirror. Just as I was finishing putting on my make-up, a brilliant idea came to me. I rushed over to my desk and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.

Lucius,

I'm going to Diagon Alley today with James and his friends. Wouldn't it be amusing if we just 'happened' to bump into each other there? Oh, and leave soon. I don't know how long we'll be there.

Love, Ellie

I walked out onto my balcony, and folded the message into a paper airplane. Then, using a bit of magic, I charmed it to hit Lucius repeatedly in the head until he would read it. Throwing it into the wind, I walked back inside and put on a pink diamond heart-shaped necklace and a thick gold bangle. Then, I walked out the door and went to a closet to grab my pink handbag. After I was all ready, I walked down the stairs, and right up to James. "Alright. Let's go." I said, looking at my nails.

"Listen Ellie, I'm really sorry for snapping at you for going to go see Malfoy." he spit Lucius' name out like it was made of acid. "But, you have to understand that he isn't the same kid that he was eight years ago."

I smiled and patted James cheek. "Oh, I understand Jamsie. But don't worry. I can handle myself." Then I skipped out of the room and went right to Remus. "Could I side-apparate with you? I'm afraid I haven't learned yet." I laughed, flipping my hair behind my shoulder.

Remus blushed, "Uh, sure." he stuttered. I took his arm and then, it felt like my whole body was being shoved into a little tube. I landed on my feet gracefully, as Remus stumbled a bit. As soon as he gained his footing, he looked down and saw that he was still holding my hand. Turning a bright red, he immediately released it and took a few steps back. I laughed and dug through my purse looking for some chap-stick. I heard three more 'pops' and turned around to see James, Sirius, and Peter standing there, brushing themselves off. "So." I began. "Where should we start first?"

James straightened up and took a list out of his pocket. "Well, we should probably go and get some robes. That will take the longest. Then, we can go and get quills, ink, and parchment."

I nodded and we headed off to a place called Madame Malkin's. The inside of the shop was nice and cozy, and I looked around and smiled. "I like it in here." I said, nodding my head once.

Sirius chuckled and then walked up to the counter and rang the bell. "Alright keep your trousers on! I'm coming, I'm coming!" I heard a voice call from the back. A woman stepped out and I guessed that this was Madame Malkin. "Good Afternoon Madame. We, would like to but some of your most famous robes please." Sirius said, winking at her.

She shoved him onto a platform and then turned to James. "And would you be liking the same laddie?" she asked,

James smiled, "Yes ma'am. I outgrew the ones you gave me last year." he told her.

Mme. Malkin snapped her fingers and measuring tape came out and started measuring Sirius and James while she looked at the rest of us. "I'm guessing that you'll be needing robes too eh?" she asked, pointing at Remus. He smiled, embarrassed, "Yes ma'am." and he went and stood on another platform.

When she looked at Peter his face flushed up. "I don't need any thanks."

She nodded then turned to me. "Let me guess, you grew, and now you need them altered."

I shook my head and smiled, "No ma'am, I need a whole new set. I'm new here and the only robes I have are from Beauxbatons."

After we finished getting our robes we headed back out into the street and headed to buy our parchment and bits like that. Right after we bought that stuff, I heard James call from the middle of the street. "Oh Lily-flower!" then that was followed by a, "Get away from me Potter!" Trying to make it over to where my cousin and his friends were standing, I saw a girl standing there with her hands on her hips. She was probably the same height as me, and she had shoulder length hair that was a fiery red color. And as I went closer, she had the brightest green eyes I have ever seen. I went up and stood next to James side and just watched as he tried to flirt... and was failing miserably. "Oh, come on Evans, just give in and go out with me already! You know you want to!" James said, grinning his signature grin.

The girl called Evans laughed, "Oh please Potter! I wouldn't go out with you if you were the last boy on Earth!" she said, "And another thing I- Who's this?" she asked, looking at me.

I smiled, "Hi, I'm Elanor. Elanor Potter." I said, holding out my hand. She eyed it suspiciously and then put her hand in mine. "Lily Evans. Nice to meet you." she said, then smiled at me. "So are you this idiots sister?" she asked,

I laughed, "No, I'm his cousin." I clarified, "But we act like we're siblings." She laughed too. "Well, I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts Elanor." and then, she turned on her heel and walked away.

I turned back to James and his friends. "I like her." I told them, "She almost hates you as much as I do." I glared at James and walked away. I made my way down to a pet store and looked inside. Just as I was about to go inside I heard someone call my name. I turned and saw Lucius standing there smiling down at me. "Hello Ellie!" he said.

I ran up and gave him a hug, "Lucy! I didn't think you would come!" I squealed, clinging to him tightly.

He pulled away a bit and looked down at me. "And miss a golden opportunity to see my girl? Never!" we laughed and he put an arm around my shoulders. "So where shall we go hm?"

I laughed, "Well, seeing as this is the first time I've been here, you're going to have to choose." I told him.

He straightened up and picked up his pace, "The ice-cream shop it is!" he exclaimed and I giggled. When we reached the shop, I saw that Severus was already there and so were a couple of more boys. Lucius and I strolled right up to the counter and ordered our cones. After we were served, we both went and sat down at the table that Severus and the boys were. "Hi Sev, how's it going?" I asked him, taking a lick of my ice-cream.

"Pretty good. I'm ready for school to start though." he replied, looking down at the ground. I patted him on the hand and he looked up at me. "If you want, you can come and stay with me for a while." I offered, smiling a bit.

Severus looked happy for a moment but then his face dropped. "I'll pass." he said.

"Well why?" I asked, my feelings hurt a bit.

"Because honestly, I really don't feel like being around the Marauders for a whole two months." he said bitterly, stabbing his ice-cream with his spoon.

All of the boys stopped talking and looked at us. "You're staying with the Marauders?" one of them asked, looking at me shocked.

I sat up a little more straight. "Well, I'd hate to be rude, but I don't even know who you are, let alone the Marauders." I said, looking at the lot of them strangely. They all looked at each other and started to laugh. "The girl is living with a Marauder and doesn't even know it!" one of them said between laughs.

I felt my face get red and I glared up at them. "Well excuse me for being new here and not knowing some things about this place!" I said, and stood. "Goodbye Severus, Lucius." and I turned on my heel and walked out of there.

Still a little upset about being laughed at, I went inside the pet shop like I had planned and started looking around. Knowing that I wouldn't need an owl because I already had my trustworthy Flora, I looked at the kittens that were all playing in a little pen. I watched them for a while, laughing and cooing at them as they both played with each other. I looked up at a sign near the pen and noticed that it was an offer. If I bought two kittens, I would get all the supplies I would need to take care of both of them. I walked up to the worker there and asked them about this deal. "Well you see, it's a lot harder to sell our cats once they grow into adults. Everybody wants to have a kitten. Not a cat. So unless we can find a way for these kittens to be sold soon, they're going to be taken to the shelter." he told me sadly.

Immediately, I straightened up and told him that I would like to buy two of them. He smiled and lead me over to where they were playing. "Which two would you like?" he asked me.

I leaned over the pen and looked at them all. I saw a white kitten snuggling up to a black one and I smiled, "I'd like these two please." I told him, pointing to the two sleeping kittens.

He nodded and picked them up. "Would you like them in a carrier?" he asked me and I shook my head, "No thanks, I'll just carry them." he handed them to me and we picked out all the things that I would need.

I bought two carriers, two beds for them, two litter-boxes, a big bag of cat food, two baby bottles with formula, four food and water bowls, a brush, and a couple toys for them to play with. After thanking the man, I sent all of my belongings home into my room and walked outside with my two new family members.

Looking around, I had no idea even where to start to look for James. Thankfully, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around and saw them all standing there looking at me. "What do you have there Ellie?" James asked me, looking like he was about to lecture me.

I blushed, "Just the two most adorable kittens in the universe!" I cried, holding the white one out to James, "Here hold him, he's so cute!" James held the little kitten and smiled down at him. "They're very cute, but you're only allowed to have one kitten in Hogwarts. So what are you going to do with the other one?" he asked me, frowning a bit.

"Oh no! What am I going to do? I can't just return him!" I cried, cuddling my little black one against my chest. My head snapped up. "Wait! James! You keep him!" I cried,

James looked shocked, "M-Me? Why me?" I laughed, "Well look! He already likes you!" I said, pointing to the kitten that was snuggling up to James. "Besides, you can just say that he's yours and he can come live with me in my dorm! Please James?" I begged him.

He sighed, "Fine, but he's staying in your room. Not mine. I can't have my Lily-flower thinking that I've gone soft." I squealed and hugged him tight, but not so I was squishing my new kitten. I took the white kitten back in my arms and looked around to see if all the boys were back. "Alright. Shall we go? I think I have all my shopping done for now." they all agreed and I took Remus' arm and in a split second, we were all in James' living room. I bolted up to my room and began to set up all of my kitty supplies. I set the beds up first and then set them on it. "Hm.. I'm going to need to come up with names for you two." I told them, petting them both before setting up the rest of the things. I put the litter-boxes in the bathroom, filled it with kitty-litter, then took the two food and water bowls and wrapped them, then set them in my trunk. Then the two perfect names dawned on me. Grinning, I took them up in my arms and set them on the bed. "I'll call you Jekyll," I said, pointing to the white one, "and you Hyde." pointing to the black one.

After everything was all ready I took off my clothes and pulled on one of my favorite nightgowns. It was just a plain deep purple and had tank top straps. After I pulled it on I sighed and flopped onto my bed. Just as I was about to pull my Journal out, I heard a knock at the door. "Come in!" I called.

The door opened a bit and Remus stuck his head in. "Elanor?" I heard him say. "Yes Remus? What can I help you with?" I said, sliding off the bed. He blushed and I looked down to see what it was. Then it hit me. I was wearing a short nightgown and nothing else. I laughed and walked over to my cabinet and pulled on a silver silk robe. "Sorry about that." I told him, he was still blushing. "What is it that you needed?"

He smiled and then spoke up, "Well, it's not actually that I needed help. I just wanted to remind you that you probably shouldn't make plans for tomorrow."

I glared at him. "Is this James' way of telling me that I'm still in trouble?" I growled, crossing my arms across my chest.

Remus put his arms up. "No, I was going to say that since tomorrow's Sirius' birthday, that we'll all probably be running around like crazy to get ready for his party."

My brain went dead. "...Sirius' birthday is tomorrow?" I asked, "Why wasn't I told of this? I would've bought him a present!" I cried, running across my room. I dug through all of my shopping items and let out a frustrated groan. "Brilliant. Just bloody brilliant! I have nothing to give him! And now he's going to think I'm the most biggest jerk in the entire universe!"

I started to pace around the room. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down Elanor! There's a small shop that sells little antique stuff at the end of the road. You can just run down there when you're not busy and pick him something up there." Remus calmed me down and I hugged him, "Remus you're a genius! Thank you!" I said, then I yawned and he grinned, "I should let you get your sleep. Sleep tight Elanor." then he walked from the room.

I woke the next morning and that's where my hell-on-Earth began. I put on a mint green dress that had a scoop neckline, and a black belt that went around the top of my waist, then pulled on a pair of matching high heels. After that I headed downstairs and received my chores for the party. First, since I was the only girl in the house, I had to make the cake and do all the decorating. Doing the decorating was simple. All I had to do was wave my hand and the balloons were full of helium and were floating on the ceiling, the banner was in place, the table for presents and the table for food and drink was all set up with a deep red tablecloth on it. After I was satisfied with how the main room looked, I decorated the rest of the house, turning the carpets to a deep red and making all the walls a golden color. Then I have to admit, I went a little crazy on the streamers. All the portraits and paintings had ti swirled around them, and the doorway that lead to the ballroom was completely amazing. Once I was finished I went to face the real challenge. Baking the cake. I know that girls are apparently supposed to be good at making food and things like that. But put me in front of an oven, and you might as well call the firemen already. The only way I could make things was if I had Severus watching over me. Then it hit me. I snapped my fingers and immediately our house elf named Kellie popped up. "How can Kellie help you Mistress?" she asked me, smiling sweetly at me.

I smiled down at her and knelt so I was at her eye-level. "Kellie, could you pop over to Spinner's End and bring back Mr. Severus Snape with you? I require his assistance. And please do it quickly!" I said,

She nodded her head excitedly and with a 'crack' she was gone. By the time I had gotten out all of my ingredients I would need for baking, and had put on my apron and tied up my hair, Kellie came back with an upset looking Severus. "Sev!" I cried, flinging myself on him. "I'm so glad you could make it! I'm in serious trouble here and I don't know what else to do!" I said, pretending to sob on his shoulder. He pulled my head back gently, and then looked at me for a second. I pouted up at him and he sighed, "What do you want me to do?" he groaned.

I smiled and planted a kiss on his cheek. "You're the best!" I cried, "And as for what I want you to do, all I need is help with baking a birthday cake. You know how I am with an oven."

He smiled, and put a hand to where I kissed him. I pretended not to notice. "Well, alright. But only because you asked so nicely."

We both walked over to the ingredients and went to work. I cracked the eggs and made the batter, while Sev lit up the oven and got out all the frosting and decorations. After about two hours, the cake was baked and we were ready to frost it. Sev did the main frosting while I did all the little details. After it was done, it was a deep red color and had Happy Birthday Sirius! Written on top of it. I even went the extra mile and charmed a roaring lion on it. I thanked Sev about a thousand times before dragging him with me to go and buy Sirius a present. "But why do I have to go?" Sev whined as I literally dragged him down the sidewalk.

"Because. You're a boy and one of my best friends! Of course you need to come with me! And we need to find you some suitable clothes for the party tonight."

Sev stopped, rooted to the spot. "P-P-Party? I'm not going to the party!" he cried, "Do you know what they'll do to me?"

I smiled and patted his arm affectionately. "Don't worry Sev! They won't bother you if you're with me the whole night. Which you will be. Because James invited all of these people that I won't know, so I'll need the moral support."

He groaned, and I knew that meant I won. When we reached the shop, there was no-one there so I just started poking around at random pieces. "What do you think about this?" I asked Sev, holding up an old fashioned lava lamp. He shook his head. We searched around for about another hour until I found something. It was an old fashioned pocket-watch, that had an outline of a big dog that was black. The inside told the time, date, and after I bought it, I put a little charm into it so it showed where James, Peter, and Remus were at all times. As we walked back, I made Sev give me a piggyback ride. It was really fun until I nearly got thrown off when he came screeching to a halt in the main doorway. "What are you doing here?" I heard James scream from on the stairs.

I stuck my head in and smiled up at him. "Hiya Jamsie! Miss me? How do you like the decorations?" I asked.

"Yeah yeah yeah. Everything looks great. Now answer my question Snivellus?" James answered, glaring down at Sev.

Sev looked panicky, "Why does it matter to you Potter?" he sneered back. I took hold of Sev's hand and lead him up the stairs. "Sev, go into my room. It's down this hall and the fifth door on the left. Okay? I'll meet you there in a bit." I told him. He nodded and then went down the hall.

Once he had gone I turned on James. "Don't ever. Ever. Make fun of my friends. You got that?" I snarled at him, straightening up so we were the same height.

James looked baffled. "What do you mean? That thing, can't possibly be your friend!" he exclaimed, shock on his face.

"And why, may I ask. Can Severus not be my friend?" I asked cynically. James stood dumbstruck for a second then recovered. "Well, for one, look at him! He is so the opposite of you! You're all bright and happy, and he's all dark and depressing! And another thing, have you seen his hair? It's all greasy and disgusting! I don't think he ever showers!" James said, throwing his arms out.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Well, I don't judge you on the friends you make so please don't go judging me for mine!" I exclaimed and stormed away. When I reached my room I peeked in and saw Severus standing in front of the picture board of all the pictures of me and James when we were little. And if I wasn't imagining it, there was a trace of a smile on his face.

I took a few steps back and started to stomp my feet down the hall. Severus jumped back and ran to the couch. Just as I entered, he set down a book that must have been sitting there. I plopped down next to him, and groaned. "Why must he be so controlling?" I asked, looking up at him. Sev shrugged and stood. "So I guess this means that I should be on my way. If you could call your house elf that would be lovely." he said in a formal tone, "Thanks for trying to be my friend, but I know how Potter can be. If I don't see you when I'm at Lucius', well, then I'll see you at school. Goodbye Elanor." and he turned on his heel and headed for the door.

I stood there for a second in a daze. Then once my head cleared, I launched myself at Sev. "Just where do you think your going?" I asked him, as soon as I sat on him.

"Well, we can't be friends, so why would I hang around your house?" he asked me. I looked at him strangely. "What gave you the idea that we couldn't be friends?" I asked, putting my hands on my hips.

He looked puzzled. "Potter just said-"

"When have I ever listened to my cousin Sev?" I cut him off. He smirked up at me and I got off of him. "Now, if you're going to be at the party, we're going to have to find some clothes for you to wear." I snapped my fingers and some black and white fabric appeared. I went over to my vanity, and pulled out my sewing kit, and my tape measure then faced Sev. "Go stand on that stool and hold out your arms." I told him.

He grimaced but did as I told him. The measuring took about ten to fifteen minutes, and right after that, I was making the scissors cut out the fabric, and the needle and thread sew it together. As they were doing that I went into my bathroom and pulled out some shampoo and conditioner from the bottom drawer. When I walked back inside my room I threw them, and a towel at Sev. "Now, go in there and scrub your head twice with the shampoo, and once with the conditioner. After that, put on a robe and come straight out here. You got that?" I told him.

He scowled at me and nodded his head. Then trudged into the bathroom with the towel slung over his shoulder.

He was out in about twenty minutes and I was just putting the finishing touches on his suit. He sat down next to me on the bench and sighed. "Why am I doing this again?" he groaned, laying his head on the bed behind us. I finished the knot I was tying and turned and glared at him. "Because," I started, "I'm going to be in this house that will be filled with people I don't know and I need friendly moral support."

He groaned again. "Why can't you just hang out with Potter and his goonies?" I smacked him on the back of the head. "Stop whining and try this on! Then we'll do something about your hair." I threw the tux at him and walked into my closet. Rummaging around the shelf, I smiled and pulled out the perfect dress. It was short and went to about halfway down my thigh, and was a deep scarlet. The top was strapless, and the bottom was full of ruffles. Making finishing touches, I tied a black ribbon around the waistline and pulled out a pair of basic black heels. I walked back out of the closet and saw Sev standing there looking very nice.

The tux I made him was all black because it seemed to me that he wouldn't wear anything else but that color. A basic white long-sleeved shirt, and a tie that matched the color of my dress. I smiled at him and put my dress and heels on the bed. "You look fantastic!" I said, grinning.

He smirked and turned to the mirror. "Yes, I do look rather good. Thank you." he said, then turned to me. "But what did you mean by we'll do something about my hair?" he asked, concern flashing through his eyes.

Laughing, I lead him to the chair in front of my vanity. "Don't worry Sev, I'm not going to do anything really drastic! Just maybe give you a trim." I reassured him. When he sat down, I charmed a cape around him and took out a pair of hair cutting scissors, and a comb.

Just as I suspected, as soon as Sev saw the scissors, he leaped from the chair and ran for the door. I calmly set the scissors and comb down and flicked my wrist. Sev stopped in mid air and I made him float back over to me. He stopped right in front of me, and I looked deep into his eyes and spoke. "Now. I'm going to put you back in the chair. And when I do, you're going to stay there and be good. Alright?"

His eyes glazed over and he nodded. I grinned and put him back in the chair then started cutting away.

Even though his hair looks greasy, it was actually really soft! I ran my fingers through it for a second trying to get a feel of what might look good on him. Then, it came to me. I smiled and started snipping random places. The whole time, Sev was in some other place, and his eyes were still glazed over. After cutting the last piece of hair I walked around to face Sev and grinned.

What used to be long, greasy and stringy; was now shaggy, shiny and fluffed. I made his hair still a little long so it wouldn't be too awkward for him, but so it didn't look so girly. Then, I made it layered, so it framed his face and his bangs fell right over his eyes. I also made it thinner so it looked a lot less shiny. Clapping my hands together, Sev shook his head and looked around confused. He looked in the mirror and he gasped. "What did you do to my hair?" he shouted, his hands automatically going to his hair.

I walked up to him and ran my hands through his hair. He closed his eyes for a second then opened them and glared at me. I smiled and messed it up a little bit more. "I just made it a little more fashionable." I stated and grinned up at him, "Just look how awesome you look!"

He straightened up and turned to look at me. "And what about you? Are you not going to this party anymore?"

Grinning, I shoved him towards the door. "Well, I'd be ready if you weren't so helpless!" I teased, "Now, go up the flight of stairs and take the second door on the right. James and his guys wouldn't go in there so you'll be safe until I get ready."

He nodded and headed off. I went back to the bed and started to change. After I had the dress and heels on, I went over to the vanity to work on the mess that I called my hair. Right now, it was in a messy bun so I could work faster with it out of my hair. I let the bun out, and turned on my straightener and curling iron. Then rummaged around the drawers and pulled out a white headband with a bow on the top. I snapped my fingers and it magically turned to the same shade of red as my dress.

Once the curling iron and straightener were hot enough, I curled my hair, and straightened my bangs. Then all I had to do was add the headband and my hair was finished. I then added a bit of make-up. Just some lip gloss and eye make-up. Giving myself a once-over I glanced at the clock and saw that the party should be starting any minute. I walked out of my room and up the stairs and saw Sev standing there looking around the giant library. "It's cool huh?" I called to him.

His head snapped up to me and he smirked. "Yes. I guess it's alright. You look very lovely." he replied, "So, shall we go?" he offered his arm. I smiled and pushed it away. "Heck no!" I said laughing, he looked at me funny. "But the party's starting... Isn't this what you put me through this torture for?"

I nodded, "Yes, but we won't be showing up for another half an hour. It's not cool to show up on time silly! Haven't you ever been to a party?" I laughed smacking him lightly on the arm. He rubbed it, and grimaced at me. "Then what are we going to do for an half an hour?" he whined.

I looked around the bookshelves and pulled one out. "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin." I read aloud, then threw it at him. "There. You can read this. You seem like the guy who could read fast."

He groaned and flopped into a chair and flipped through it. Pretty soon, the time past and I was touching my make-up and hair up in the mirror. "Okay Sev, let's go!" I cried, grinning excitedly. I dragged him down the stairs and stopped at the top of the stairs that lead to the main room.

There were a ton of kids there. In the center, James and Sirius were standing there with identical grins on their faces. I turned to Sev and grinned. "Well, let's get this show on the road!" I cried. He held out his arm. I took it and snapped my fingers. Out of thin air, my present appeared and I took a hold of it. We descended the stairs and I lead him over to the table that was overflowing with presents. "Oi! Ellie! Come over here for a second would ya?" I heard James call.

Sighing, I tapped Sev on the shoulder and made a gesture that told him where I was going. He nodded and followed behind me. When I reached James he was still grinning like an idiot. "Ellie! I wanted you to meet some of my friends from school! This is Frank Longbottom, and Gideon and Fabian Prewett." he gestured to the boys standing next to him.

I smiled at all of them and did a little curtsy. "Pleased to meet you." I said formally. The one called Frank was rather tall with deep brown hair and eyes to match. He smiled and shook my hand. "Nice to meet you Elanor. James has told us quite a bit about you. Hope to see you sorted into Gryffindor this year." He said then apparently spotted someone. "Hey, I'll catch you guys later. Alice just walked in and she looks pissed." he ran off calling her name.

Then, the two boys with red hair came up to me. "Pleasure to-" one of the boys said,

"Meet you." the other finished. "I'm Gideon, and-"

"I'm Fabian. We hope to-"

"Get your acquaintance mademoiselle." and then they both took one of my hands and kissed it. Then they just walked away.

I blushed, James cleared his throat. "So Ellie. Whose this?" he gestured to Sev who was still standing behind me.

I laughed, "You mean you don't recognize him?" I asked him, turning to face Sev myself. "Honestly? He doesn't look that different..."

James frowned. "What house are you in?" he asked Sev. Sev turned a bright red. "He's in Slytherin." I told James linking arms with him. James glared. "Then what is he doing in a Gryffindor birthday party?" he asked, taking a step closer to him. I stood in between them. "I invited him. If you didn't know this Jamsie, I don't know anyone here! So I invited him so I wouldn't feel so left out!"

James was about to reply when I felt someone take my arm and lead me away. "Were you planning on wishing me a happy birthday, or were you just going to fight with my best mate all day?" Sirius whispered in my ear. I laughed. "I was planning on it. But you know how James can be... A pig-headed snob."

He laughed and lead me to the dance floor. "Would you care for a dance my lady?" he asked, bowing low to the ground. I laughed again and took his hand. "It would be my pleasure good sir." About halfway through the dance, I heard James call out. "Oi! Everybody shut your traps! I have an announcement to make. I think it's time for the birthday man to open his presents!" Several cries of agreement were shouted out. And everyone headed into the main room where the giant table of presents awaited. Sirius offered me his hand and I took it with a little curtsy. "Shall we go and see my adoring fans?" he asked. I laughed and nodded.

Even though the room was packed with people, it didn't feel crowded at all. Sirius and I weaved through the crowd and stood beside James who was grinning widely. "Alright! Since this little shindig is at my house, it's only natural that it's my present that gets opened first." he walked to the table and handed Sirius his gift. James gave him a whole new broom kit, and a couple muggle magazines that he would like. Remus got him a box of chocolates, and a book on something about dog maintenance. I don't know why it's funny, but to the four of them it was hilarious. Peter got him some socks and some joke products from somewhere called Zonko's. When he finished unwrapping everyone's gift, he finally got to mine and when he opened it, at first his eyes got really big and he looked panicky. But then he glanced down at me and saw my smile at him and a huge smile crept onto his face. "Thank you Ellie. I love it!" he wrapped me in a hug and a caught Sev's eye. He was standing there with a glare and his arms crossed over his chest. I gave him a smile and he just looked away. Hurt I pulled away from Sirius and gave him a little smile. He grinned back and turned to James. "Alright Prongs, let's get that cake and ice cream served!"

James whooped and ran off screaming about getting a camera. I laughed and followed after him, weaving in and out through the crowd. When we were both safely in the kitchen, I pulled out all of the forks I could find, and placed them on the pile of little plates before I made them float in the air behind me. "James. Do me a favor and grab the cake. I don't think I can carry anymore." I called to him, opening the kitchen door for him. Carefully, James lifted the cake and walked out the door. "Make way!" he screamed, and immediately the crowd parted. When we both reached Sirius, I set the plates and forks right next to the cake and then went and joined the crowd.

I watched as James put in all 15 candles in the cake and laughed as Sirius stroked his imaginary beard thinking about what he was going to wish for. Then I noticed that James pulled out something out of his pocket. I peered closely at it and gasped. James had a remote control and if I was guessing right, he had his pranking grin on. Just as Sirius went to blow out the candles, James pressed a button on the remote and the cake exploded, splattering all over Sirius' face.

He looked shocked just for a minute. Then turned and faced James. They stared at each other for a while then both of them started laughing. "You got me Jamsie!" Sirius guffawed, slapping James on the back. While they were laughing with each other, I waved my hand and the cake magically reformed back into its original shape.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Remus standing there. "Having fun?" he asked, chuckling a bit when he looked back to James and Sirius.

"It's been a rather eventful day, I have to admit that." I responded, flashing a small smile at him. Remus chuckled again and then looked up to the two fake fighting boys. "Oi! You two! Can we finish this before I'm old and grey-haired?"

James and Sirius stopped and looked up at him. "Of course dear Moony!" Sirius called, flashing a perfect white smile. I could have sworn I heard a few girls sigh behind me. James set up the candles again and the whole crowd sang Happy Birthday to him. Sirius blew out the candles. As soon as the candles were out the plates and cake cutter came to life and started to give everyone a slice of cake. Once everyone had gotten their plate they all filed into the dining room. I picked up the rest of the cake and put it back into the fridge then headed into the dining room as well.

Just as I suspected, Sirius and James were sitting at the head of the table and Sirius had a group of girls surrounding him, and he was grinning from ear to ear. James was sitting next to Sirius with a big grin on his face laughing and talking to all of the people around him. James caught my eye and he motioned for me to come sit down in a seat next to him. I plopped down next to him and watched as he stood and raise his champagne glass. "Alright everybody!" he called, and immediately everyone went quiet. "I'd like to propose a toast! To the birthday boy! May your life be full of happiness, love, and enough butter-beer to last you a lifetime!"

Everyone cheered and raised their glasses. "To Sirius!" Remus called.

"Sirius!" everyone chorused back, then drained their glasses.

After a while the party died down and soon, everyone was heading home. I ran up to Sev and gave him a huge hug. "Thank you so much for coming! I would have died if you weren't here to keep me company!"

He blushed and shook his head, "It wasn't a problem El. You would have done the same for me."

I straightened up and kissed him on the cheek. "Still, all the same, thank you."

H nodded and then turned on the spot and vanished with a 'crack'. Smiling I walked back into the living room and started to pick up all of the leftover cups and trash. As soon as I finished I heard someone come in the room quietly. Smirking, I pretended not to hear until whoever it was, was standing right behind me. "If you were trying to scare me, I wouldn't shut the door so loudly." I said softly, still carrying on with what I was doing.

"Well, I guess I'll have to be more sneakier then." Sirius whispered in my ear. Spinning around I grinned up at him. "How did you like your present? I couldn't quite guess what to get you and seeing that it was your 17th birthday, a watch just sort of fits." I rambled, suddenly getting really nervous.

Sirius laughed, and put his arms around me. "Well you know, you didn't have to get me a watch." he said, leaning closer. "All you had to do was give me one thing..."

I smirked, "And what is that?" I asked, leaning closer.

"This." and he leaned in and kissed me full on the lips.

(A/N: Well, there's the second chapter! I hope you like it! If you have any questions or ideas just leave me a review and I'll look them over! Thanks! Kenzie)