AN: I'm really sorry that there was a break in updating. But now there might be about a week's gap between chapters. I have finals to study for!! They suck, let me tell you. Anyway, here's chapter 9!!

Thanks to Jegan for the plot!!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I dedicate this to Nelly Potter and DementedLeaf who reviewed the last chapter.

SEVENTH YEAR ROLLER COASTER

CHAPTER- 10: DANCE

Hugh was constantly keeping a watch on Lily. Down the corridors, at meals, in classes, in the common room, and anywhere she went, except the bathroom. He rarely even allowed her to speak with Maggie, biting in their conversations with comments. He treated Lily like a prize toy, which he never allowed anyone else to see.

James, Sirius, and Remus found that quite a lot of fun was being drained from pranking and other activities when the girls weren't there. Lily couldn't hang out with them at all, and Maggie stayed with Lily most of the time, so as not to leave her alone with Hugh.

James was completely out of character. He didn't laugh, barely smiled, and pranking was a complete zero. He often clenched his fists and glared harshly in Hugh's direction. Spitting rage, he was practically unapproachable.

Sirius never cracked any jokes anymore. He had given up his weekly flings, and spent most of his time brooding, or pranking the Slytherins fiercely.

Remus was even more quiet than usual. He was usually doing schoolwork, staring into space, or talking quietly with Maggie.

Maggie was such a different person now that it was hard to tell that she was the bubbly girl of a month before. She stayed with Lily most of the time, keeping her from being left alone with Hugh.

Lily was, of course, stuck with Hugh continuously. She could barely look in James, Sirius, and Remus anymore, let alone talk. She buried herself desolately inside schoolwork, letting out pent up rage in the form of quill- puncture- dotted- i's, and crumpled up balls of parchment.

All in all, life wasn't very bright for the five of them, and it was with black moods that they approached Christmas.

CHRISTMAS BALL

A Christmas ball will be held at Hogwarts before the students depart for the winter vacation, which is for fifth to seventh years. Younger students can only attend if asked by an older student. Wizard formal wear (dress robes) is required.

The ball will begin at seven pm.

Signs of this sort had been put up in all the common rooms. Students, girls in particular, were all talking excitedly about the ball in the corridors, during classes, everywhere. Least excited of all though, was Lily. She had to go with Hugh. Nice treat. So not.

Hugh parted with Lily at four in the afternoon in the Gryffindor common room

"All that extra time better pay off Lily," he said, "look nice." Hs kissed her and walked off.

'Great, now I'm his prizewinning poodle' thought Lily, rolling her eyes. She climbed upstairs to her dorm, where Maggie was waiting.

"Oh man, first proper conversation in a month," said Maggie.

"Yeah," replied Lily, "it feels so good to be away from him"

"So, what first?

"Huh?"

"Duh," Maggie rolled her eyes, "dressing. What first?"

"Oh. I dunno. You choose."

"Fine" Maggie pointed her wand at the wardrobe, and two sets of robes came flying out. She threw one at lily.

"Go have a nice, hot, shower Lils," she commanded, "wash the hair." Lily obeyed without a word.

Lily showered, than Maggie did. They put on their robes.

"Okay, robes on, now hair and make- up" said Maggie. She seated Lily in front of a mirror. "Any special blend you want?" she asked Lily.

"nah. Don't want to look too good for Hugh."

"Understandable. Fine, a light dusting should do."

Fifteen minutes later, Maggie stepped back. Lily looked at herself in the mirror.

"Great job Maggie. It looks great!"

"It's a pick- me- up for James," said Maggie slyly, "he's been looking down ever since that article came out."

Lily mock- glared at her.

"Woah! Okay, okay, now do my hair and make- up, Queen of all Glares!"

Laughing giggling, and shouting, Lily and Maggie readied themselves, happy at the fact that they could talk normally again.

Maggie came down the stairs. She had worn robes of royal blue, with silver lining. Her hair was pulled up in an elegant twist, and she had shimmering eye shadow and clear lip gloss on. (An: I hate make- up and do not use it, so anyone who feels there's anything wrong with the make- up and dress part, feel free to correct me). Her earrings were diamond, with a matching necklace. She gazed at the waiting party below, sent Hugh an icy glare, and the rest a smile.

"Lookin' good Maggie!" called out Sirius appreciatively.

Remus hit Sirius upside the head.

"Back off, she's my girl!" he said good naturedly.

James and Sirius turned their heads in surprise.

"You guys are together?" asked James incredulously.

"Why yes, I suppose we are," said Maggie, reaching them.

Remus grinned. "Shall we?" he asked, proffering an arm.

"We shall," Maggie agreed, taking it, "but only after Lily comes down. I want to see James' expression when he sees my handiwork"

"I take it you did her make- up then?" teased Remus.

"Hell, yeah!" said Maggie, "she can't do half as well herself! Oh, here she comes"

It was Lily's turn to walk down the stairs. She came down, heels clicking at every step. James' mouth dropped open. She had worn robes of mint green, which went well with her eyes. Her hair was in soft waves, and she wore only clear lip gloss and light eye shadow. She had minimum jewelry on, a necklace, charm bracelet, and ring she always wore, all of which James had given her.

James sent her a blow- kiss and winked. Remus sent a thumbs up, and Sirius mouthed, "Lookin' lovely, Lils!"

She smiled at them and made her way to Hugh.

"Lily" he said, kissing her. Lily grimaced. She followed him out of the common room, waving goodbye to the others behind her back.

James clenched his fists.

"I hate the way he acts like he bloody knows her"

"I know mate," said Remus sympathetically, "but I have an idea…"

James grinned. "Your ideas are usually brilliant Moony. I'm all ears."

AN: well, hoped you liked it. Reviewers get a chapter dedicated to them!!