Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling is the mightly writer, i'm just the lowly servant.
I woke up very disorientated. I could have sworn I was on the couch, but I was in my bed, under the covers. James, of course. I thought to myself. He must have moved me. I stretched and sat up, checking my watch. I had about half an hour before needing to be down to breakfast to meet the girls. With a jolt, I realized that it was finally the weekend, and we were going dress shopping for the dance which was just one week away. I got up from my bed and stumbled into the shower, still cold, which very effectively and quickly woke me up. Washing my hair I absentmindedly thought about the dress I was going to wear. I knew it would be a legit ball gown. They always were for the dance. So that meant floor length, and possible push up bra. I groaned quietly to myself. I'd be so much more comfortable in sweat pants, but that was impossible. Finally done with my shower, I grabbed a towel, and after making sure it was secure around myself, knocked on James door. I heard a slight grunt in response so I pushed open the door.
He was sprawled on the bed with his arms and legs randomly sticking out from the blankets. I walked over to him and said, "It's time to get up. Come on, you told me yesterday to wake you up when I got out of the shower, so I have. Now get up." and with that I pulled the blanket off of him. He groaned and in response grabbed me around the waist and pulled me down on the bed, and on top of him.
"James! Let me go. I'm in a towel for Merlin's sake." I was pinching and poking him wherever I could.
Opening his eyes for the first time, he took in my slightly disheveled appearance. The towel, wet hair, and wild eyes. He pushed me off of him abruptly and I couldn't help but notice he grabbed a blanket and threw it over his midsection. What is that about? Not choosing to dwell on it however, I simply just got up and walked back to my room. I heard him get up and get into the shower so I figured it'd be safe to change into a comfortable pair of skinny jeans and a white v-neck t-shirt. Over the t-shirt I wore a nice, emerald green sweater to match my eyes. I then dried my hair, realizing that I had forgotten to when I got out of the shower. I could hear James now, having gotten out of the shower. He was probably changing too, so I didn't bother to go in his room. I went into my closet and grabbed my black peacoat along with a pair of green gloves, hat, and scarf, figuring it would be cold. I looked out the window and saw many people already walking down to Hogsmeade, getting stopped by Filch, who was checking them for dark items. It doesn't really make sense that he's checking them now. Won't they be bringing stuff in, not out? I noticed they all seemed very cold, so I figured it'd be practical to take all of the heavy duty winter gear.
I walked into the bathroom and banged on James door. I heard him utter a quick come in and I walked through. He seemed to be thinking along the same lines that I had and had a large coat slung over his arm, along with a scarf and hat.
"You ready to eat?" I asked him. He nodded in answer so we walked down the stairs together. To my surprise, however, when I opened the portrait hole door, Michael was right outside, waiting for me.
"Hey babe." he said and kissed me softly. Confused, I kissed him back, but my eyes were open and I was unfocused. James huffed quietly and walked away before I could even say a work. I pulled away, but not wanting to hurt his feelings, grabbed his hand. He didn't seem to mind at all and squeezed tightly.
"Hey. How are you?" we made slight small talk but I was feeling slightly awkward with all of my winter gear hanging off my other arm.
"Oh, wow. What a prat I've been. Here, let me take your coat." smiling, I let him take my things.
"Thanks. They were getting slightly heavy." We walked the rest of the way down to the great hall and after a quick kiss went our separate ways to sit at our respective tables. I sat down in between Sirius and Mary, and glancing a sneak peek at James, saw he did not look very happy.
"Hey guys. Are you excited to go dress shopping?" Mary and Alice practically squealed in delight while Emma snorted into her oatmeal. We made that our main topic of conversation for a while, and then at the end of breakfast, we all got up and started the long and bitterly cold trek down to Hogsmeade. With a jolt, I realized that Michael still had my coat and other things. Looking towards the Ravenclaw table, I saw immediately that he wasn't there, and neither were my things. "Merlin's beard. I don't have my coat. Michael does." the girls expressed their sympathy by groaning.
"Here, just wear mine. My jacket's super warm anyway. I'd been debating not wearing a coat anyway." James reached out his coat and scarf.
"Oh, no I couldn't. You need it." I tried to refuse his offer but he seemed to not take no for an answer. "Oh, all right. But you're keeping your hat and things. I'm perfectly fine with using the pockets for gloves." he agreed to that so I took the coat from him. It was rather large and I realized he was quite a bit bigger than the others, except for possibly Sirius. Not big as in fat at all, just very fit and tall. When we got to the front doors I put on the coat. My hands were swallowed up in the sleeves and the coat almost reached halfway down my thighs. It was incredibly warm however, and it smelled fantastic. I seemed to be swallowed up in it though, and I lost track of the conversation because I was concentrating on not falling. Thank Merlin it hadn't snowed yet. If there was ice, I'd have already fallen more than once.
It was bitterly cold however, and without saying anything we all walked to the Three Broomsticks, knowing we all needed the warmth. We got a table in the back, away from the crowds, but unfortunately, the booth was rather small, and I was squeezed in between James and Sirius.
"How does this always happen to me?" I muttered viciously because of my seating arrangement. James smiled at my comment but Sirius didn't.
"I'm appalled. How can you not want to be squished up next to me?" And with that he lifted me up calmly and sat me on his lap. "There, that's much better. Now James and I have room, and you, Lilykins, can be controlled for once." He wrapped his arms around me and no matter how much I squirmed, I couldn't break his grip.
"Bloody hell Sirius. When you let me go I am going to-" but my sentence was cut off by the arrival of the butterbeer, which I was very glad for. I convinced Sirius to let me go, promising I wouldn't touch him, and sipped my Butterbeer gratefully.
After two rounds of butterbeer, the girls all stood up, besides Emma, who was going to spend the day with the boys. We bade goodbye to them all and began our way to the dress store: Magical Dresses for Magical Nights. I snorted at the title but the other girls somehow thought it was slightly romantic. The saps.
We walked in and the heat felt lovely. We hung up our coats on the coat rack and then we walked forward where it seemed three identical assistants were waiting for us.
"Hello girls! Our names are Auden, Charlotte, and Taryn. We will be helping you pick out your dresses for the ball." The middle one, Taryn, according to the name tag, walked forward and grabbed my hand. Auden went to Alice and Charlotte went to Mary. We looked at each other confused.
"How did you know we were coming?" Mary spoke up.
Auden, just as chipper as her sister replied, "A sir Sirius Black called in and requested that we be fully prepared. We've dressed his family numerous of times, though he doesn't seem to enjoy their presence much, but that's besides the point. The Blacks are one of our best customers, so we are required to treat you just like the Blacks."
"Well, I guess that's understandable then." Alice said. They squealed in delight and dragged us off to three huge fitting rooms with mirrors all around.
"We'll be right back!" The three triplets said at the same time and seemed to zoom away. We looked at each other confusedly. But before we could even begin to speak, the three were back with loads of dresses in their hands.
"Ok, here's what we're doing. You'll go in, get the dress on, admire yourself, then step out of the curtains, show your friends and us, get their advice, and ours, and then go back in and repeat! That way, we all get to see everything. Okey doke? Lets get started!" She was a little too hyper for my taste but I took the dresses from her anyway and stepped inside.
The first one I tried on was a deep burgundy color that clashed horribly with my hair and flattened the little curves I actually had. It was also a little too revealing for my taste, with a criss-cross back. It did have a beautiful full skirt however. I stepped outside of the curtain and soon after the other two did also. Alice had on a pretty blue dress that matched her eyes well but cut very unflatteringly. Mary had on a purple dress that was just horrendous. We all burst out laughing and Auden cheerfully suggested we try on the next one. I walked back inside the large curtained area.
I slipped out of the burgundy dress and grabbed the next one I saw. It was a deep, winter green color that was beautiful. But as I slipped it on, I noticed it was not the dress for me at all. It was way to revealing for one, with actually slits down the middle that I hadn't realized were there when it was off the hanger. Someone could pull this off, but not me. I stepped outside and Mary was already there.
Right away I knew Mary had the perfect dress. It was strapless and dark red, with flower bunches drawn down the whole side. It accented her curves perfectly and made her look absolutely stunning.
"Oh, Mary. It's absolutely perfect. You don't even need to try on anymore. It's the dress for you. I'm positive." I said grinning. The triplets added in their agreement and Alice stepped out in a pretty, but not gorgeous pink dress. I shook my head at her and she nodded in agreement.
"Ok, if you really think so.. I like it too. I'm getting it." Mary looked very excited at this prospect and went up with Charlotte to buy the dress. Alice and I went back into the curtained rooms. I grabbed a blue one next. It was a light blue, like the sky, and automatically reminded me of the Muggle fairytale Cinderella. Smiling to myself I removed the green dress and slid on the blue one. It was like satin and silk all at the same time. It felt amazing on my skin. I turned around and looked in the mirror, knowing that it was the one for me. Surprisingly, it didn't look horrible with my red hair, and it sparkled and shone when I moved in the light. I smiled to myself and stepped out of the room. The three triplets gasped. Mary put a hand to her mouth.
"Oh, Lily. You look fantastic. Just like a fairytale. It's perfect." Mary said. She looked at my dress in awe and reached up to feel the fabric. "Merlin Lily. You look great." She looked so excited.
"Lily! You look wonderful." Alice added her assessment and she walked out in a simple black one that did nothing for her figure.
"Thanks Alice. I'm going to get this one." Alice nodded and went back in to try on more. Mary sat back down on the comfortable seats still holding her bag.
I walked up to the front with Taryn and paid for my dress. Surprisingly, it wasn't that expensive.
"Oh! I almost forgot. I have the perfect shoes for that dress." Taryn said and started bustling around underneath the counter.
"Don't tell me they're made of glass now." I joked with her. She looked up with a confused look.
"That would be completely inappropriate." Taryn said, not getting my joke. Must not be a muggle-born then. I shrugged and she pulled out the most gorgeous pair of silver heels I had ever seen. They matched the sequences on my dress perfectly. I sat down at a chair and she came over to me and slipped the shoes on, a perfect fit. "There. Absolutely perfect." I nodded in agreement.
We made our way back to the dressing rooms just as Alice was walking out. Right away I knew this was the right purchase. It was a purple, satin dress that bunched up at one hip then slowly drew out until the end. Strapless and sequined in all the right places, she looked wonderful. We all discussed how it was just right for her and she walked up to pay.
Being a very successful trip, we got our winter gear back on and thanked the assistants over and over again.
"No need to thank us." Taryn said happily.
"You were some of the best customers yet." said Auden, finishing her sentence.
"Yes, for sure. Come back again soon!" Charlotte said, and then ushered us out into the fury cold. It was a bitter shock compared to the warmth of the store and we all agreed to walk back to the castle quickly. We reached the gates soon enough and after pausing for Filch to check us with the Dark Detectors, we walked inside.
I bade them goodbye and went off to my own common room. I walked inside happier than I had felt in a while. James was sitting by the fire, shivering.
"Oh, Merlin James. You must be freezing. Here, have your coat back. I'm so sorry!" I rushed over to him and succeeded in taking off his jacket. I draped it over his shoulders and continued to shake.
"Ugh, Sirius poured a whole tub of freezing water down my shirt. I can't get warm! This is horrible." he shivered some more.
I thought quickly for a moment and then whispered a spell. Automatically his clothes dried and he stopped shivering.
"How, how did you do that?" he looked up at me amazed.
"I'll never tell my secrets James Potter. I'm going to go take a bubble bath. And no peeking at my dress." I looked at him sternly and made him swear he wouldn't. I walked up into my room and set the dressing items on my bed. I walked into the bathroom and started the bath, added lavender scents and bubbles, tons and tons of bubbles. I waited a while for it to get warm, then I shed my clothes and hopped in. I sank down in the water and exhaled. It felt lovely. I laid in there for a while just relaxing until my feet most likely resembled prunes. I hopped out quickly and threw on a tank top and a pair of pajama shorts. I slipped into some fuzzy slippers and walked down to the common room to find that James wasn't there. I sat down in one of the armchairs by the fire after grabbing one of my favorite, cheesy romance novels. Nicholas Sparks, perfect.
I started the book and had quickly made my way through half of it in less than an hour. I was draped over the armchair by this point with my feet off of one end and my head resting on the other. I had completely finished the book, crying by this point, dumb romance novels, and checked my wash. With a jolt, I realized it was past ten. I must have spent longer in the tub than I thought. I thought to myself. My stomach then grumbled loudly and I sighed, realizing I had missed dinner.
I went up to my room and grabbed a robe. Walking out of the common room door, I made my way down to the kitchens, using a long route so no one would see me in my fuzzy slippers. After tickling the pear and walking inside, I was bombarded by tiny house elves, eager to help me. After requesting a table and just a plain dinner and expressing my thanks, I got many, "No need to thank us miss, we love helping miss Evans.", I was ushered to a small table with a candle in the middle, big enough for two. In no time, a basket of bread and cinnamon butter. Just as I was about to take my first bite I heard a my name shouted from the door way.
"Lily! How grand to see you here. What a coincidence. Do you care if I join you? I also missed dinner." None other than Sirius Black was standing at the door with a grin bigger than his face. I rolled my eyes and gestured for him to sit down, which he did with a flourish once the house elves provided another chair.
He took a piece of bread and lathered it with butter before seemingly swallowing it in one bite. After swallowing, he started on the next one.
"Well you were definitely not kidding there. You seem more than a little hungry." I teased him and he tisked at me.
"Ah, Lilykins. I'd ask you what you were doing while missing dinner but I'm sure I can guess. According to your attire, I'm assuming you were curled up in an armchair, sobbing your eyes out reading a book. After taking a long and relaxing bubble bath of course." he winked at me and gestured to my slippers.
I looked down at my slippers dejectedly. "Merlin Sirius. You could do that professionally." He thanked me. "But, I'm almost positive I know what you were up to also. Looking at your slightly disheveled appearance, a skewed clothing, wild eyes, swollen lips, and messed up hair, I would dare to guess that you have spent the last few hours in a broom closest."
He snorted before replying. "Yes, but that's cheating. We all know that a broom closest is where I spend most of my time anyway." he winked at me.
"Oh of course. Whose the lucky girl this time? Please don't tell me she's some fourth year." I rolled my eyes and him and he grinned.
"Fine, then I won't tell you." he laughed at my appalled expression. "Nah, I'm just kidding Lilykins. Allison Laurenson. Sixth year if I remember correctly."
"Well least she's not some fourteen year old falling for your eyes and smile. There's no turning back once that happens." I ate another piece of bread.
"Yes, well Lily. We all know you've already fallen for my charms in more ways than one. I do still believe Peter thinks we have shagged. If I remember correctly, you're one of the few I haven't even kissed actually, and that's saying something. You should be proud of your resistance." he smiled at me and then clapped in delight because the house elves had just brought out our food.
They each gave us chicken parmesan with multiple breadsticks and a side salad. Sirius dug in right away. I decided to eat my salad first, because it looked delicious. Just as I was about to ask for a refill on my Pumpkin Juice, it filled instantly. I thanked the elves and they all but fell over in joy.
"So, Sirius. I haven't thanked you yet for arranging our shopping arrangements today. The three assistants were very…animated, to say the least." I said.
"You can say that again. But the oldest one, Taryn, now she was a great kisser. She really seemed to be able to get her tongue-"
"Sirius! I'm eating here! That's disgusting. Please do not continue." I interrupted him before he could go into any more details about his…life.
"As you wish Lily dear." he winked at me again and I started in on my chicken, which was fantastic.
"You know, out of all of you Maraudars, I feel like you're the one who doesn't take this war seriously. It just seems that you really don't care. You know?" I said.
"We Lily, as we know, I'm always Sirius." he winked at his attempt of humor. "But you're right. I think it's just because it's the best way to deal with it. I'm countering despair and gloom with laughter and good spirits. It's just the best way for me. It also doesn't help that my family is a bunch of no good, rotten.." he trailed off in even worse curse words that I would never repeat.
"What do you mean? I didn't know you have problems with your family?" I looked at him uncertainly. The usually glint in his eyes had hardened into a glare, but not directed at me. He seemed to be glaring right through to his family.
"My family, has a way of viewing people. Like right now, they would be screaming at me if they knew I was just conversing with a muggle-born. I don't understand what's any different from you and me, other than the obvious, I'm a guy. But they seem to think that blood matters, greatly. And when I wasn't sorted into Slytherin, well that was a final straw for them. They disowned me last summer when I called them all, well you don't need to know those particular details. I've been living with James ever since. His parents were like my parents. They were the greatest. Now that James owns the house, we're just like roommates. His house is huge. Plenty of room." he let out a sigh from that. "I just, I don't share their views on things. And it just sucks to see my little brother, Regulus, you might know him, well I'm almost positive that he's a death eater. He won't even talk to me."
I put my hand on top of his. "I'm really sorry Sirius. No one deserves that. If it helps though, I don't have any place to live when I get out of here. My parents left the house to Petunia, my older sister. I haven't even realized that until a couple of minutes ago." I sat there, almost stupefied. I hadn't thought about that concept at all.
"Don't you worry Lily. Trust me, James will let you stay with us. I'm sure of it. He has like twenty extra rooms. You'll always have a place with us." I liked this side of Sirius. It was nice to see the compassionate side of him.
We spent the rest of the dinner talking about the ball, Quiddich, and just small things. Afterwards, I knew that I had just gotten much closer to Sirius, and was even more surprised to see that I was glad.
A/N: Hey guys! I'm sorry that there's not much fluff and interesting things going on, but i needed an intermission of sorts. I did add in some sirius though, my favorite character, so hopefully you enjoyed that. I'm sorry it's slightly shorter but as i said, i needed it in here. Next chapter is the whole ball and that's filled with alllll sorts of excitements. Read and review please, or else you might not get to see what happens next. Thanks!