Hogwarts was booming with excitement. Dinner was a quick affair as there would be food served at the ball, and many girls didn't want to feel bloated before dancing. The boys had no such qualms; they all piled up their plates and ate until their stomachs were full.
In the common rooms, instead of fighting over the mirrors, the older students conjured extra mirrors for the younger levels. The joy of having a ball meant that no one wanted any fights or scuffles to break out – particularly, no one wanted to be pushed while doing their hair and makeup, though no one would ever admit to being that vain.
Most fourth years had disappeared by the time seven thirty rolled around. As Lily was expected to be at the ball by eight, she knew she better get a move on and was hurrying around the dormitory quickly.
Downstairs, lounging in the entrance hall, James and Sirius were waiting patiently. "Did you even ask anyone?" James asked Sirius curiously. He shook his head.
"Nah mate, I'm going stag," he grinned. His masquerade mask was twirling in his hands. "Gotta be free for all the ladies, you know."
James eyed Sirius' mask. It was a gaudy red and gold thing, which Sirius was very proud of because he designed it himself. James offered to tie it for Sirius.
"Alright," he agreed. "But mind the hair, alright?"
Chuckling, James tied the black ribbon around Sirius' head. He adjusted the hair so it returned to its original puffy curls. Sirius turned with a big grin on his face. "When should I start up the magic?"
James kept his mouth firmly shut and simply shrugged as a reply.
The clock struck eight and butterflies erupted in James' stomach. "She's late," James said immediately. Sirius laughed and clapped him on the back. "Prongs, the clock hasn't even stopped striking!"
As James craned his neck to see around the stairs, Marlene McKinnon appeared in pink. Sirius let out a whistle.
The next bong, Hestia Jones in blue.
Finally, what seemed like a lifetime later, Lily appeared on the stairs as the clock struck for the last time. James couldn't comprehend that the girl of his dreams was walking down the stairs towards him, looking so beautiful. Her gorgeous red hair was falling in soft waves down her back – the only giveaway that it was actually Lily, because her matching white mask completely hid any defining features besides her smile.
Which was currently directed at James.
He felt a nudge on his side and looked to see Sirius standing with Remus, who were both grinning. "Best of luck, mate," Remus murmured. Sirius nodded in agreement, before opening his arms wide. "Miss Marlene McKinnon, how lovely to see you dear," he bellowed, greeting her with a deep bow. Marlene curtseyed in reply. "Mr Black," she mocked. "I adore your mask."
Sirius beamed. He raised his wand, ignoring the groans from his mates, and tapped his mask. Immediately, the giant gold lion that was resting on the left side of the mask came to life. It began prowling along the top of the mask with the occasional roar. Marlene was completely unimpressed and strode away. Sirius chased her.
Hestia had appeared next to Remus and was chatting quietly, before linking her arm through his bravely and leading the way to the dance floor. James was surprised; he thought that he was crushing on Marlene.
There was no more time to ponder on that, however. Lily was just stepping off the last stair. Hurriedly, James went to her side and held out his arm. "Why, this can't be the Head Girl!" he teased. Lily graciously took hold of his arm. "Surely you aren't the arrogant Head Boy I know so well?" Lily replied, making James chuckle.
"You do look beautiful," he murmured in her ear. "Even with a mask."
A light blush appeared on her face. "You don't clean up too badly either."
Together they moved to the dance floor, the crowd parting for the pair. Lily tried to subtly look at James while they walked. James looked astounding in his plain black, shiny mask. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. To Lily's utmost pleasure, she could see the edges of a vest under the suit jacket if she looked hard enough.
Lily loved a suit and vest ensemble.
"So what do you think of the set up?" James asked suddenly, gesturing to the Great Hall. Lily had a quick glance around the room. Floating golden lights were lighting up the hall, and icicles were dangling from the roof and walls. Snow drifted down, evaporating before landing on any heads. Lily could see an elf or two dressed in Christmas wear. The tables and chairs were matching in circular style and colour. Thick pale blue silk ribbons were tied around each chair.
"Yes, Hestia has done quite well indeed. White and blue make for a very bright Christmas theme."
James smirked. "And how about the statues? Do you like them"
"What statues?"
Lily was suddenly twirled to the left by James, who was softly chuckling in her ear. She looked up to see an ice statue of a boy and girl, obviously in the middle of a dance. The girl was dipped so her hair was touching the floor, her leg high in the air.
Around the room, there were other statues much like the one before her. They were always of two people (some were of the same gender, because the marauders did not like discrimination) in dancing positions. In the centre of the room, a giant swan was gleaming. "It's all very beautiful, James."
"The girl and boy are meant to be us," James murmured, pushing Lily's hair away from her face. The movement sent shivers up Lily's spine. "A tribute to the Head Boy and Girl who made this ball happen."
Lily smiled. "Let's dance. You can show me if you can actually dip me that low."
James complied. Other partners made room on the floor to watch them twirl about. Lily, giggling the entire time and struggling to keep up, had a wonderful time and only shrieked when James dipped her for the first time. Lily had clung on to James for dear life, fearful that she may fall while also feeling safe in his strong arms.
Each dance was a different speed that James adapted to easily. At Lily's persistent questioning, he admitted that his parents had put him through lessons so he could make a good impression at the higher-class parties. Lily inferred this meant the pureblood society, and dropped the subject.
Throughout the evening, Lily was having a difficult time thinking about anything other than James. He was talkative and polite – regardless of any innuendos or suggestive flirts he used – and made Lily laugh. She had just gotten over his flattering attire when after a particularly fast paced song, James took off his suit jacket and tie, rolled up his sleeves and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. Noticing Lily watching, James couldn't help but grin. He took her into his arms and began to slow dance, despite the upbeat tempo.
"What are you looking at?" he smiled. His hazel eyes bore into her green ones. Lily bit her lip and looked away, increasingly aware of the heat his arms were producing on her lower back.
"You," she said finally.
James laughed. "Not a surprise, but in particular," he pressed, feeling Lily shift her arms up from his shoulders. Her hands now intertwined on the back of his neck. "You just look really handsome tonight," Lily admitted. At James' wide grin, Lily began laughing. "Now, don't go all cocky on me, it was just an observation!"
"An observation, and a compliment! What a lucky guy I am," James teased. "You look astounding too, did I mention?"
"About three times now, yes."
"Well, it's the truth! But you know where that dress would look better?" James flirted. Lily rolled her eyes. "On the floor?" she guessed. James frowned.
"On no one else, because you're a beautiful individual."
"Nice save."
After more chatter and dancing the two finally decided to sit down and have something to drink. "Sirius has spiked the punch," James warned. Lily waved off his worries.
"I'm sure I can handle a glass," she said. With a keen eye, she watched James walk off to the refreshments table.
"Careful, Lily! One might say that you're perving."
"So what if I am, Hestia? Men look nice in suits. There's nothing wrong with admiring a piece of art," Lily said coyly. Once James was completely out of sight, she turned to face her friend with a sheepish grin. To Lily's horror, Remus was at her side, smirking. "Oh Merlin. Please never repeat that, Remus! I'm begging you!"
Remus laughed easily. "I'm sure you were talking about that ice sculpture over there," he said smoothly. "Quite the artwork. Shall we find a table?"
Nodding in confirmation, Lily followed Remus and Hestia to a table just a few metres away. The table was round and covered in a white, glittery cloth. A bouquet of roses of every colour was in the centre of the table. Quickly, James returned with two glasses of punch, handing one to Lily with a smile. "Where's Padfoot disappeared to?" he asked Remus, who shrugged.
Little did they know, Sirius was far away upstairs with Marlene, having a heated moment in a broomstick cupboard.
"So, I'll be honest with you Moony. Not to make your date awkward or anything, but I thought you would have brought Marlene tonight?" James asked quickly. Hestia looked unfazed by the question, and Remus seemed comfortable. "I figured she was more Sirius' type," he said simply, with a twinkle in his eye. "And James, I can't believe you let him show up with this atrocity!"
He threw Sirius' Gryffindor-themed mask onto the table. James immediately flicked it away.
"I tried to convince him out of it," he said over Hestia's giggles. "Really, though. I was lucky I didn't have to wear one just like it. He made me one, you know!"
Lily peeked up at James, trying to imagine him in a red mask. "The black suits you better," she said, after deciding the red didn't work at all. "Besides, it would clash with my hair."
James wrapped an arm around her shoulders comfortably. "I'm glad you think I'm handsome," he said breezily. Lily's mouth dropped open. "I did not …" She trailed off. Not an hour ago she had said that, hadn't she?
"I think everyone here looks handsome," Hestia interjected with a smile. Lily nodded.
Over in the distance, Lily spotted Professors McGonagall and Flitwick herding students out of the hall. "What's going on?" Lily asked quickly, craning her neck to see better. James pushed her down gently. "It's eleven," he explained. "Fifth years have to go."
"Oh."
Someone thumped down in the seat next to Lily, then groaned loudly. "My head hurts, Evans!" She turned around. "Are you drunk, Sirius Black" she demanded. Remus and James started laughing. "Come on, mate, it's not even midnight yet!" Remus joked.
"You haven't even been near the refreshment table tonight!" James added. Sirius rest his head on his arms. "You haven't really been here at all tonight, actually," he realised.
Remus suddenly had a very clever idea. "Hey, Padfoot," he said gently, "Where'd your mask go?"
"I ditched it," Sirius mumbled. Remus smirked.
"Where? Why?"
"I'm so popular, everyone already knows who I am, even with a mask on!" Sirius said defiantly. "And why does it matter where I dropped it, Moony?"
Remus threw the mask back at him, having picked it up without anyone realising it when James tried to get rid of it. "I thought you might like it back. It was such good magic, after all."
Sirius eyed the mask suspiciously. He had left the mask on the floor outside of the classroom, where Marlene had thrown it…
Now, Sirius may have been drunk, but he certainly wasn't daft. He realised that Remus knew only too well that he had been with Marlene for almost the entire night.
"I can explain," Sirius began, but Remus silenced him with a glare.
"No need. I think my mask got stolen, to be honest," Remus said sadly. "It's a pity, it was such a nice mask." Remus had matched his mask with Hestia's dress. The blue looked good with his pale face.
"Well, I think we should get this party moving!" James declared suddenly. Sirius cheered in agreement. "Not you, Padfoot. Lily, would you like to dance?"
"Not really," Lily said. Her feet were sore.
"Excellent." James pulled her to her feet and out onto the dance floor. A slow song began to play, the lights in the Hall dimmed. James gently pulled off Lily's mask, letting it drop to the floor. He did the same to his own.
"I've really enjoyed tonight," he murmured, pulling Lily's arms up around his neck. Once he was sure they would stay, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "You're a wonderful dancer."
Lily laughed. "I've just been letting you lead," she admitted. James rolled his eyes.
"Same thing. So, I'm sure you know why I haven't asked you out yet," he began. Lily shrugged.
"Maybe. One can never be too sure of anything."
"True. Maybe that's why I'm nervous."
James looked away for a moment, but Lily didn't allow that. She reached up, cupping his face in her hand. "Don't be nervous," she whispered.
"I'll stop beating around the bush then," James grinned. "Lily Evans; girl of my dreams, the most perfect girl I could ever meet, and my fellow head girl; will you please do me the honour of marrying me?"
Lily was nodding before he finished speaking. "Yes!" she squealed.
Then, she realised what James had said.
"Wait, what?" Lily was shocked. That is not what she expected to hear! He skipped all of the bases! "What happened to… you know… the girlfriend stage?"
"No take backs! You agreed!" James said gleefully. He skipped out of her reach when she tried to smack him.
"James Potter! You come back here and do this properly or I swear to God this will be the worst day of your life!" Lily places her hands on her hip fiercely, ignoring the eyes that she suddenly felt on her back.
James sighed and sullenly stood in front of her. "Fine," he grumbled. "Lily?" He sunk onto one knee and revealed a velvet box in his hand. "Will you marry me?"
"POTTER!"
"WILL YOU BE MY GIRLFRIEND, THEN?"
Without thinking, Lily threw herself into James' arms. The clock began to strike midnight. "Yes," she whispered with a huge smile on her face. "Of course I will!"
With a sigh of relief, James wrapped his arms tightly around Lily. The day had come at last; he could finally say Lily Evans, my girlfriend.
Cheers were heard around the Great Hall, which the two ignored until they broke apart. Blushing, Lily looked down at her feet. James stood proudly though, grinning widely. He led them to their friends, who were standing over by the door. Lily realised the boys were having an argument.
"He asked her before midnight!" Remus was saying.
"But she said yes on midnight!" Sirius insisted.
Peter was rolling his eyes. "This bet was too confusing! All bets are off!"
Remus was in agreement. "Next time, we need to make the time frame more clear!"
The marauders put their money bags away and grinned sheepishly when they noticed James, hand in hand with Lily.
"I'm not even going to ask," James said, though he had an accusing look in his eyes. Sirius, feeling slightly guilty, looked around for a distraction.
"Hey, look!" he pointed upwards. He darted out into the Entrance Hall, the other boys following him quickly. "Mistletoe!"
Hestia quietly walked through the doorway, going unnoticed by James or Lily, who were too busy staring at each other. James leaned down a little bit, which resulted in Lily leaning away from him nervously. Lily giggled. "I'm sorry, you just surprised me," she smiled.
James carefully placed his left hand behind Lily's neck, his hand getting tangled in her luscious hair. "Don't reject me," he pleaded, smiling slightly. He leaned down with purpose, his hand ensuring that Lily couldn't back away.
It wasn't Lily's first kiss by any means, but when their lips touched, a fire erupted deep in her stomach that she had never felt before. James' lips were soft and warm; she immediately granted his tongue access and responded eagerly. Pulling her closer with both arms, James slowly let his right hand wonder down Lily's lower back, then even further down the soft curve of her ass…
"Don't cop a feel in front of us!" Sirius shouted. Lily and James jumped apart immediately, flushing both from happiness and embarrassment. James was so caught up in Lily that he forgot he was in public. "Maybe you should go away then," he shot back at Sirius, who gave a bark of laughter.
A rush of footsteps grabbed everyone's attention as a puffed Marlene rushed around the corner, holding up her skirts. Seeing her friends waiting for her, she stopped and caught her breath. "What did I miss?"