AN: It's been too long…sorry, sorry! But I've passed my first year of uni!
Recap: Lily and Marlene are settling into life at Potter Manor. Mrs Potter informs the girls that a party in their honour is going to be held.
…
"So, how do I look?" Marlene asked twirling around. Lily sighed and gave her an exasperated look.
"Why does it matter so much, Marlene?" But Marlene turned a deaf ear to Lily's pessimistic tone and carried on inspecting her dress in the mirror. It was a pale salmon colour, cocktail dress that Marlene had owned for as long as she could remember. It was both invaluable to her for an emotional and a practical reason. It was the only memory she had of her mother to whom this dress had belonged to and as a child Marlene had memories of her mother shimmying into the very dress she was wearing now and making her way to a party. On a practical level this was the only formal eveningwear she owned. She wore this to every single occasion. It was lucky she was a gem at charms because she could accessorise her outfit into almost a new one for a new occasion. She contemplated how she could alter it this time. She had tried beads, floral patterns, sequence and even tiny bells. She wanted something simple and not flashy, yet something that was still decent and made it unique.
"I think I could change it around a little here," she spoke finally, pointing to the midriff of the dress. "Maybe add a ribbon?" she asked herself and was silent for a few seconds, considering the idea. "Yeh that could work. Hey Lily, give me my wand back. I want to make some changes."
"Tripping Toadstools, Marlene! It's just a party. You don't want to make yourself uncomfortable, you know. We'll be serving and your additions will only make it harder for you to move around." Lily told her friend.
"Oh don't be ridiculous, Lily. So what if we will be serving? This party is in our honour; we will be expected to look good. It's the house's reputation on the stake." Lily simple rolled her eyes. "Doesn't change the fact that you're over doing this."
"Lily! Stop it! We have to look our part."
"And what part is that?" Lily asked slightly condescendingly.
"Well…Sirius said that we have to be presenta-"
"Oh so its Sirius now, is it!" Lily exclaimed suddenly standing up. "Getting a bit informal are we?" she snapped.
The two girls glared at one another before Marlene purposely turned away. "Well not all of us are stuck-up like you and unable to accept friendship." She said quietly. Lily gasped. "Excuse me? What did you just utter?" she hissed. But Marlene didn't get a chance to reply because just then two men stepped into the room. Marlene gave a little squeak and Lily's mouth fell open. Sirius had his usual smirk in place as he looked at the two girls.
James, thinking he had startled them hurriedly started speaking. "We did knock, really, we did. But neither of you answered." But both girls were staring at the two as if seeing them for the first time. Well it was the first time they had seen them in dress robes and formal attire so in a way; it was like seeing them for the first time.
"It's quite alright," Marlene replied smiling radiantly at James. Lily just remained quiet. "Marlene dear, you do look spectacular. Especially that ribbon you've added – nice charm work." Sirius said stepping a little into the room and sitting on Marlene's bed. Marlene looked sideways at Lily as if to say 'see? He approves.'
"Miss Evans," Sirius began and Lily looked up at him just in time to see Sirius wink at James who had a highly disapproving look on his face.
"You look simply dee-licious," he finished, obviously trying to get a rise out of the redhead. Lily's eyes went huge before she recovered a little and with a slightly bemused look she answered. "I do, don't I. Thank you for stating the obvious, Mr. Black." And it was the truth. Unlike Marlene, Lily had quite a few dresses to choose from, her life before being with Ludo Bagman ensured that she always had appropriate clothing attire to wear. And in her emerald green frock-gown, matching her eyes, she knew she was looking good. It wasn't often she could be confident of herself like that but this was one dress she wore proudly. So she looked straight into Sirius' eyes, as if challenging him to change his mind. Marlene and James caught each other's eyes and had to quickly look away so as to not let their smile spill into laughter.
Sirius nodded his head appreciatively. "A point to you, Miss Evans but worry not, the night is young."
"Well anyway, " James spoke, having recovered from his amusement. "We came to tell you that in half an hour the guests should be arriving and half an hour after that, my mother would send Madam Danvers and Libby to bring you in."
With an affirmation of understanding from Lily and Marlene, James and Sirius made to leave.
As soon as the two men had left Lily and Marlene turned to each other and squealed in girlish excitement at having seen the men looking so delightful. All previous arguments, lay forgotten as they feverishly discussed the beauty of James and Sirius. They were just two normal girls obsessing over a very normal topic of boys and parties. Normal, at least, for the time being.
Everyone had started arriving and Sirius watched various familiar faces and also unfamiliar faces laughing, talking and generally enjoying amongst themselves. However, uncharacteristically for him, Sirius was extremely apprehensive. He stood by the cocktail table, as Mr Potter had given him the responsibility of ensuring all the guests had drinks in their hands. Sirius glanced around and found James at the opposite end of the large room, standing next to a similar cocktail table, looking just as nervous as he felt. He looked away before they could make eye contact. No need for the apprehension to be made obvious. He wasn't sure why he was so bothered. He had been to many many parties and soirees for various occasions. Just because this was where his servant-girl was being introduced to society didn't make this a big deal. It was just another gathering. And just another servant girl.
Only, it wasn't just another occasion and Marlene and Lily were not just any servant girls. He sighed loudly, attracting the attention of a few people who gave him bemused and questioning looks. He plastered on a fake smile for their benefit and groaned inwardly. This wouldn't do. This was affecting him too much and he couldn't even figure out why.
Merlin he needed a cigarette!
It was a terrible habit that James and he had picked up in their later years at Hogwarts and something, which they hadn't quite gotten rid off, despite Remus' numerous disapproving and irritating lectures. Despite knowing full well, the harm he was dong to himself, Sirius longed for a puff. It was just the very thing he needed to calm his errant nerves from making him jumpier and more paranoid than usual.
While Sirius contemplated various ways to quickly duck out and have a cheeky puff or two, Madam Danvers and Libby, already dressed in their evening attire, made their way to the girls' shared room. Libby was wearing a flowery, free-flowing white muggle dress whereas Madam Danvers, ever the stickler for tradition, had opted for a pair of dress robes, midnight blue in colour. Both witches knocked on the door once and waited for Lily or Marlene to open.
"Oh Sweet Merlin on a broom!" Marlene exclaimed, her eyes sweeping up and down at the outfits that the women wore. Madam Danvers clucked impatiently at her and made her way inside, firmly but not rudely, pushing Marlene out of the doorway. Marlene passively let herself be pushed while her eyes still followed the older women. "I see that you are both quite elegantly dressed," Libby smiled at the girls. Lily, who although had heard the door open had remained facing the wall. She turned now, and like her friend only moments before, exclaimed out loud. "Libby! Madam Danvers! You both look spectacular!" she said in a genuine manner.
"Exactly!" Marlene said reverently. "Is there someone you are trying to impress Madam Danvers? Because you sure will have all eyes on you!" she added. Lily and Libby laughed at the disgusted look on Madam Danvers face.
"Watch your tongue, you wild child. I'm too old to have eyes following me around." She scolded Marlene. Libby rolled her eyes and Lily and Marlene were whole-heartedly disagreeing.
It was suddenly then that Lily realised that perhaps this evening would not be as terrible as she had imagined. After all, if even Madam Danvers was visible happy and excited then surely it was to be splendorous evening?
With that thought, Lily followed the other three out and upstairs into a small waiting room. Both girls had butterflies in their stomach at the prospect of meeting so many wizarding folk of the society but the older two reassured them.
"When do we start serving, though?" Marlene whispered suddenly. "I don't want to mess up and make a fool of myself, Madam Danvers."
Madam Danvers looked at Marlene and then Lily. Both girls had serious and questioning expressions. Then Madam Danvers looked at Libby. Libby, however, had a soft smile on her face. A knowing smile, even.
"What are you silly girls nattering about, now?" Madam asked, slightly annoyed.
"When do we serve the food, Madam Danvers? Surely there must be food for the guests." Libby let out a little giggle and Madam Danvers stared.
"I knew you were slightly idiotic," she began at the bewildered girls. "But really, this is just stupidity. I can't even fathom where you get these ridiculous ideas in your heads…serving at a party…. honestly, I tell you." Madam Danvers continued on with her mutterings so Libby decided to shed some light.
"Girls, no one is expected to serve anyone. As always it will be a buffet. This party is in your honour. The last people expected to serve are you!"
Neither Marlene nor Lily got a chance to reply because just then Mrs Potter, looking as radiant and beautiful as ever, came into the room. It was time to introduce Lily and Marlene.
Suddenly the butterflies in their stomachs became angry insects and the nauseating feeling came back in full throttle. But Libby's reassuring and calm voice and Madam Danvers complete faith in them and finally Mrs Potter's welcoming stance was all the courage the girls needed. With deep breaths, both entered the hall. A full party was in swing. Music was blaring, couples and groups were already dancing. A few already drunk could be seen making fools of themselves and children were running around, laughing and giggling. Friends who hadn't seen each other in a while and business partners who rarely saw each other outside of a professional capacity were already engaging in conversation. In the two far corners of the room, where the cocktail tables were, stood James and Sirius. The warmth in James' hazel eyes and the playful smirk on Sirius' lips was the final encouragement that the girls needed. They were both led inside and within seconds all eyes were on them. The music was muted and all the men, women and children turned to look at Lily and Marlene. From behind them Libby and Madam Danvers bowed politely and came to stand on a side, leaving the two girls in the centre of attention with Mrs Potter just behind them.
She came out now and had a glass in her hand.
"Good evening everybody, I would like to introduce the newest members of Potter Manor, if we can all pay attention just for a few minutes." She briefly looked at the girls and mouthed 'Ready?' and at their nods she smiled once and herself inhaling deeply, turned back to the guests. It was about time, she thought, that a proper introduction for Lily and Marlene was in order.
AN: Sorry for this chapter basically having no plot and being so short (lol) The aim was to set up the scene for the party :) Hope you enjoyed it anyway; there was a little bit of everyone in this chapter, I think. Review please!
-Vitzy-