Lily was right. James and Lily got along stupendously, and neither felt pressured by a time limit or an achievement to be reached. In classes, they alternated between sitting with their friends and sitting with each other; if they were particularly lucky, their friends would integrate and sit together.

Potions class wasn't always a breeze, despite James being considerably talented in the class. The Felix Felicis potion was half way through its brewing, though they had had a couple of setbacks. Each class, Lily took the precaution of gathering a sample of the potion before continuing. Her clever thinking meant that any sabotage by the Slytherins – Severus Snape in particular – could easily be remedied by refilling the potion with Lily's sample. James was impressed by her preparation for the worst.

James hadn't asked Lily out yet, but she had a sneaking suspicion that he was waiting for Christmas to do it; he had always liked theatrics and occasions. However, Hestia and Marlene were continuously on Lily's case about their relationship.

"Has he asked you out yet?"
"No."
"Not even hinted?"
"No."
"Aren't you worried?"
"No."
"Maybe you should ask him out."
"No."
"Maybe he doesn't want to date you anymore," Marlene had hesitantly suggested.
"If you're so sure he doesn't want to date me, why are you badgering me every day about whether he has asked me or not?"

After Lily's little snap, her friends had dropped the subject.

Christmas was just around the corner at only a week and a half away. James and Lily had decorated the Great Hall to absolute perfection and had placed the twelve Christmas trees along the walls. Mistletoe was kept to a minimum thanks to Lily, after having an argument with James about how stressful and pressured it makes the girls (and some boys) feel sometimes.

Lily had decided against getting any presents for her family this year and knew they wouldn't bother either. Besides, Petunia never liked magical gifts in the house, and that was all Lily had access to. Her parents would understand and Lily would explain it in more depth in a letter that she would send… eventually. For now, McGonagall had an announcement to make.

"Excuse me, everyone!" McGonagall unrolled a piece of parchment quickly, all eyes on her. The common room had never been so silent. "At the special request of the Head Boy and Girl, Hogwarts will be hosting a wonderful Christmas ball!" Gasps and cheers were heard about the room; Lily took this time to send a glare James' way, who was absolutely not looking at her. "It will be for Fourth-years and above. The times, dress code and other information can be found –" McGonagall waved her wand and white posters appeared every few metres on the red walls, "On these posters. If anyone has any further questions, you can ask me."

As McGonagall turned to leave, a young fourth year spoke up. "Please, Professor, but when can we go shopping for our clothes?" Other students murmured their agreement.
"A Hogsmeade trip has been organised for this weekend. With an adult's supervision, you can also go to Diagon Alley. Seventh years, of course, do not need this supervision." With a twirl of her robes, McGonagall had climbed out of the portrait and excited voices had filled the common room.

James made his way over to Lily, but didn't make it before Marlene asked questions. "A ball? Lily, why didn't you tell us?"
"Secret Head business," Lily replied, noticing Hestia's smirk. James tapped Lily on the shoulder.
"Can we talk?" he asked. He oozed confidence. Lily narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, I suppose we should," she agreed, getting up and following him a few steps away. He grinned slightly once reaching their destination.
"So, what do you think? Are you impressed?" he asked hopefully. Lily shook her head, making James slump. "Yes, I know I should have told you and yes I should have included you in on the plan but you have to admit that it's a bloody good idea!"

Lily smiled at his defiance. "Yes, it is a good idea. But I'm withholding judgment until I see the design of the Great Hall…" Lily trailed off, eyeing Hestia suspiciously upon remembering her 'wedding plans'. "No," she whispered. Her eyes flew to James accusingly. "Hestia knew?"
"I thought it would be beneficial to have a girl on the design committee," James teased. Lily nodded slowly. "Alright, consider me impressed, Potter. But next time, I want in on this bloody plan!"

With a fake frown in his direction, Lily turned to walk away. James followed her with a cocky grin.

"Save me a dance at the ball?" he asked, bending down to talk in her ear. Lily nodded.
"I can save you plenty, if you like," she flirted. James was only momentarily shocked, but regained his calm and confident demeanour. They had reached Lily's friends without either of them realising.
"Great, I'll pick you up at eight then," James decided. "Don't forget a mask," he added, walking away from Lily's smiling face.

Lily's grin didn't disappear as she turned to see her gobsmacked friends. "I guess this ball is going to be pretty fun," she said conversationally, "With Hestia's design expertise, at least we'll have something nice to look at, too." Hestia had the grace to look guilty while Marlene was simply confused.

"So when is the ball, exactly?" Marlene asked, deciding to avoid the subject rather than try to understand what was going on. "Grab us a poster, Lily. Let's have a look."
Lily walked over to where a poster was and tore it off the wall. Looking closely, she realised that Peter had made them. They looked very nice.

Lily cleared her throat and began to read.

"Attention all fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh year students. A ball will be held on Christmas Eve, starting at 7:30pm. Fourth years will be expected to return to their common rooms by 10; Fifth years by 11; Sixth years by 12; Seventh years by 1.

The ball has a masquerade theme, so masks covering the UPPER FACE ONLY will be accepted. Ball gowns are encouraged, as are dress robes. The ball is not compulsory to students.

ANY STUDENTS FROM FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD YEAR FOUND INFILTRATING THE BALL WILL RECEIVE DETENTION."

Lily looked up with a grin on her face. Her friends had almost identical expressions. "I guess we get to go shopping," Hestia said happily. "I assume we're going to Diagon Alley?"
"Of course," Lily and Marlene said simultaneously.