Hey all. Yes I know I'm updating fast but I'm sitting here, bored, not wanting to study for History, and I'm actually really caught up in this story, so I'm writing it. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except James' sister and his parents.
Previously:
Lily learns of James' dead sister
James finds out that Lily knows about Remus' furry little problem, and lies to her about their nicknames
Severus calls Lily a mudblood
James sat up quickly and looked around his room. He groaned and looked over at his watch and jumped out of bed. He should be down at breakfast by now. He looked down and realized he was still in his Hogwarts robes. Shrugging he ran out of his room and up the stairs to Lily's. He pushed the door open to see her, still asleep, on the bed.
"Lily wake up," he said gently, standing over her. Lily smiled but did not wake up, "Lily we're going to be late," he said and leaned over to nudge Lily's arm. Lily groaned and rolled away from him, causing him to chuckle. He walked to the other side of the bed, "Lily, McGonagall's going to take away your Head Girl badge." Lily sat up quickly and looked around, only to see James howling with laughter.
"That's not funny," she groaned, rubbing her eyes with both of her fists. She got out of bed and James looked down at her pajamas. She was wearing long pajama pants and a spaghetti top, "See something you like Potter?" Lily smirked and pirouetted for James, who rolled his eyes.
"Get ready we're going to be late for breakfast," he said, smiling. Lily, however, wasn't listening. She was looking down at his robes.
"Did you sleep in those?" she said, gesturing to his robes.
"Why? Can you tell?" he said, looking down. They looked fine to him.
"Yes," she scoffed and walked to her dresser, picking up her wand, "Don't move," she said to him when he panicked at the sight of the wand. She pointed her wand at him and muttered something under her breath, and James felt a cool air travel from the top of his head all the way down to his shoes, "Much better," she said, nodding her satisfaction, then looked up at James who was looking down at his now clean robes and clean hair, "I need to change! Get out." James nodded dumbly and walked out of her room. He went downstairs to grab his bag and by the time he had picked his, and Lily's bags up, she was down the stairs, her hair tied up again.
"Thanks," she said, grabbing her bag from him and the two of them made their way down to the Great Hall.
"What's the schedule today?" James said as they reached the Entrance Hall a few minutes later. Lily shrugged and pulled her schedule out of her bag.
"We have Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology and a free period," she said, looking down at her schedule happily.
"What are you smiling about?" James muttered grumpily. He hated having to go to Transfiguration first. McGonagall always set them so much work, which tended to ruin his day.
"Potions," she grinned. James rolled his eyes. Lily was really good at potions, and to top it off, Slughorn was in love with her.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he popped the question any day now Evans," James said, rolling his eyes, and Lily shoved him.
"Would you be jealous?" Sirius said, popping up beside James, "I went to look for you," he shrugged; answering the question he was sure James was going to ask.
"No I would not be jealous," James said, rolling his eyes at Sirius, trying to cover up the blush forming under his skin.
"Of course you wouldn't Prongsie," Sirius said, scuffling James' hair, "you have me!" Lily laughed and James shoved Sirius.
"Don't touch the hair Pads," he said, running a hand through his hair.
"Lily!" someone screamed. Lily turned around to see Amelia Bones, a sixth year Ravenclaw, running towards them. Lily groaned quietly before putting on a large smile, much to the amusement of Sirius, who hadn't thought of Lily as a person capable of disliking people who weren't Slytherins.
"Hi Amelia," Lily said sweetly, when the sixth year stopped in front of her.
"Congratulations by the way," Amelia said, pointing at the Head Girl badge on Lily's robes.
"Thanks," Lily smiled and Amelia blushed. She had always liked Lily, and had considered her somewhat of a role model.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on this," she said, pointing between Lily and James, causing Lily to frown.
"What do you mean?" Lily asked, her eyes flickering to James and Sirius, who looked as confused as she felt.
"The two of you finally dating, of course!" Amelia exclaimed, laughing.
"We-We're not dating!" Lily choked out, looking at James who looked shocked, and then at Sirius who was trying his best not to laugh.
"Y-you're not?" Amelia asked, looking at James, who shook his head slightly, "I'm so sorry I just assumed…" she trailed off, "I'm going to go now, sorry!" she said, before running into the Great Hall.
"Well that was awkward," Sirius said happily, looking at both Lily and James' expressions of shock as they walked into the Great Hall.
"What was awkward?" Remus asked, as the three of them as they sat down.
"Amelia Bones congratulated Lily on her and James going out," Sirius said, grinning. Hestia choked on her pumpkin juice and Lily glared at her.
"I must agree, that sounds awkward," Gwenog said from beside Hestia, patting her on the back. Before anyone could say anything else, however, McGonagall walked up to them, looking pointedly at James.
"Potter, I have a long list of people who want to try out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, when are tryouts?" she asked sternly, "Morning Ms. Evans," she added, smiling at Lily.
"When can we schedule them?" James asked, looking up at McGonagall, speaking in his Quidditch Captain voice.
"Does this weekend sound okay to you, Potter?"
"Yes but it cannot be Saturday afternoon, I have a meeting." Lily smiled her approval. At least he wasn't a slacker.
"Ah yes I am aware of your meeting with the prefects. Would Sunday morning be suitable for you?" James nodded and McGonagall started to walk away, with another smile at Lily.
"She likes you a lot," Gwenog muttered, looking at Lily.
"It's only because I'm a good student," Lily shrugged, and everyone rolled their eyes; good was an understatement. Lily turned as Gwenog threw her fork on her plate, stood up, and stormed out of the Great Hall.
"Did I miss something?" Remus asked, looking after Gwenog with a frown.
"Remus shouldn't you be in the hospital wing?" Peter said without thinking, and clapped his hand over his mouth.
"Why is Remus supposed to be in the hospital wing?" Hestia asked, looking down at her plate.
"Hest we should go to class," Lily said quickly, standing up.
"We will, why is Remus going to the hospital wing?" Lily grabbed her friends' arm and pulled her up, "What!" Hestia said, stumbling after Lily who was walking from the Great Hall.
"I like someone," Lily blurted out, trying to distract Hestia, and to her satisfaction, it worked, all thought of Remus forgotten.
"You have to tell me!" Hestia gushed, tugging on Lily's sleeve, "Is it Remus? You do smile at him a lot. Sirius? Please Merlin let it not be Sirius; I could never beat you in getting a guy," Hestia started, and Lily rolled her eyes, walking calmly with her friend towards their first class.
Back in the Great Hall, the Marauders sat, slightly shocked, "Wormtail what's wrong with you!" Sirius hissed, turning to glare at Peter, who was still sitting frozen with his hand on his mouth.
"Why did Lily cut Hestia off?" Remus asked, looking at James, "Did you tell her?"
"No! I swear I did not," James said, looking Remus in the eye, "She asked me about our nicknames and then said she understood yours, and then I asked her what she meant by that and she said that she had everything figured out in fifth year," he said, looking at Remus, who's eyebrows raised.
"She's known since fifth year and she still talks to me?" he asked, astonished, "Does anyone else know?"
"No she said it wasn't her secret to tell," James said, and saw Remus smile.
"Lovely Lily; I understand why Slughorn calls her that now."
"Why aren't you in the Hospital Wing by the way?" James asked curiously, looking at his friend.
"I didn't injure myself too badly last night and nothing hurts," he shrugged. James nodded and turned to wink at Peter, who smiled gratefully at James.
"That's good," said Sirius, smiling at him, "I don't know what I'd do without you in class today, who's notes would I copy?" he gasped, and James rolled his eyes. At that moment, the Slytherins who were at the Owlery with Lily and James entered the Great Hall, and James saw them change course from the Slytherin Table, making their way over to him instead.
"Have a good morning Potty?" Mulciber sneered, looking down at James who stepped on Sirius' foot, controlling Sirius from standing up and cursing them.
"Potty isn't so brave without a mudblood here to stand up for him again," Dolohov hissed, and James felt his friends' eyes turn to him curiously.
"I don't need her to stand up for me," James said, turning to look at them, "It was her battle to fight anyway, not mine."
"Of course that's what he would say," Severus said, rolling his eyes, but giving James a small smile, which James acknowledged with a nod.
"I suggest you leave. Now." Sirius said, pulling his wand out, clutching it in his hand, and turning around to face the Slytherins. Dolohov, Mulciber and Severus walked away, but Avery didn't move, and smirked down at James.
"You wont have that mudblood for long," he said, winking at James, who felt acid boil in his stomach, "I think I might like to borrow her sometime, if you know what I mean," he smirked, winking again, and James made an attempt to stand up, but felt Sirius, Remus and Peter grab him to stop him from hurting Avery; James was Head Boy now after all.
Lily entered the hall to see James being restrained by his friends, Avery standing in front of him. Hestia was standing next to Lily, still blabbing about Lily's imaginary crush, and didn't notice the tension that seemed to surround the boys as they approached them.
Avery looked up at Lily as she walked with Hestia towards them, smile appreciatively, and turn back to James, "Mudblood or not, I think you better watch her or else," he said and winked. James started to get up again but Sirius stepped on his foot.
Lily and Hestia were standing next to them now, and Hestia, finally noticing the tension, turned red, "I forgot my bag," she said, and leaned down to get it, "I'll see you later Lils, I have to run back to the dorm," she said, and walked quickly from the Great Hall, leaving Lily to sit through the situation.
"Hi there," Avery said, grinning at Lily in a way that made her feel uncomfortable. She noticed how James's eyes burned, and realized it was probably something she wouldn't want to know. She ignored him and went to sit down next to Remus, who was on the other side of James, away from Avery.
"Leave," James said, barely controlling his voice from shaking as he watched the way Avery was looking at Lily.
"Bye," Avery said, winking at Lily, who looked away from him. When he had walked away, Lily noticed how Sirius, Remus and Peter watched James carefully; he was known to curse those who expressed feelings for Lily, as James did not like competition.
"Later," James muttered, and stood up, striding quickly from the Great Hall. Lily stood up and followed after him.
"James," she said, running after him, but he didn't slow down, "James!" she yelled, and he kept on walking. She exhaled furiously and pulled out her wand, "Imobulus!" she said, and James froze. She walked calmly up to him and stood in front of him so she was looking up into his eyes. She flicked her wand and the spell was lifted from James, who was looking down at Lily.
"What was that for?" he asked irritably, and Lily flinched from the anger in his voice. Whatever Avery had said had really bothered him.
"Well you wouldn't stop!" she said, "and you honestly expect me to chase after you?" James cracked a small smile and Lily smiled in return, "Are you alright?" she asked quietly, and James shook his head, "Do you want to talk about it?" James shook his head again and Lily shrugged, "Alright, then let's go to class?"
James shook his head and Lily rolled her eyes, "Stinks for you then because we are going to class," she said, walking behind him and pushing him. James laughed and twisted around so that Lily's hands were pressed against his chest instead. Lily felt the hard muscle under her hands and pulled her hands away slower than she could have, "Uhm, class," she managed to say, and walked around James, who smiled at the fact that he had made her flustered.
That night in the Heads dorm, Lily was sitting at her desk, finishing a Charms essay Flitwick had set them, which was to be handed in after a week. James was sitting at his own desk, finishing the Potions questions Lily had finished after her Transfiguration essay.
Once Lily was finished, she rolled up her parchment, and walked up to her room to put the essay in her cupboard. She walked down the stairs and flopped onto her favorite armchair, and began to read Cinderella, which she had taken from the Room of Requirement. The door to their dorm flew open and Lily's head snapped up as the door rebounded against the wall loudly.
Sirius walked inside, a wide smile on his face. He shut the door behind him and walked over to sit on the sofa next to Lily, "I have an idea!" he said happily.
"Congratulations Black," Lily said, getting back to her book. James chuckled, put his quill down, and walked over to sit across from Sirius on the sofa.
"Yes Pads let's hear your idea," he said, as Sirius glared at Lily, who was reading her book.
"What's a Cinderella?" he asked, squinting at the cover of Lily's book.
"It's a muggle children's story," she said, looking up at Sirius.
"What a stupid name," Sirius muttered, and Lily rolled her eyes, "Anyway, my idea," he said, looking at James, "we're going to have a party." Lily closed her book and sighed.
"For what?" she asked, looking at Sirius who turned to grin at her.
"I didn't know our Lily-flower was a party animal. Who would've thought, our Head Girl would be interested in a party being thrown by the sexiest man at Hogwarts," Sirius grinned and Lily rolled her eyes, "What you don't think this is sexy?" Sirius said, gesturing to his face and his body. Lily shook her head and stood up, heading over to her staircase, "Where are you going?" Sirius asked.
"Change into my pajamas," she said, as she headed up the stairs.
"Wear the ones you were wearing when you came down to yell at me the first night at Hogwarts," he yelled up the stairs, and James laughed as the door slammed.
"You should probably stop teasing her mate," James said, and Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. Our party. I saw we throw a huge party for Moony's seventeenth. After all, he is the last Marauder to turn seventeen is he not?" James nodded.
"It sounds like a good idea," James said, running a hand through his hair.
"So can I have permission? I want to throw the party this Saturday night, tomorrow night, as Sunday is Moony's birthday,"
"Uh, yes you have my permission," James said, quirking and eyebrow, "Why do you need my permission?"
"You're Head Boy now Prongs," Sirius shrugged, and James rolled his eyes, "and fair warning, I'm going to go to Hogsmeade and get the goodies before the party," Sirius said, and winked at James.
"I don't want to know!" James said, standing up and walking over to his desk, "just make sure you don't get caught." Sirius grinned and got up to run out of the door.
"I'm going to go prepare!" he yelled happily, and ran out of the room. James looked at his calendar and saw that it was Friday. Lily came down the stairs wearing long pajama pants and a tank top.
"Sirius would be disappointed," James said, looking up and down at Lily's outfit, and Lily laughed.
"Yes it's my goal in life to please him," Lily said, rolling her eyes, and James chuckled. Lily sighed, "We have that meeting tomorrow," she groaned, putting her arm over her eyes as she lay down on the sofa. James chuckled and packed his stuff away before walking over to Lily.
"It wont be a long meeting," James said, and walked over to sit by Lily's feet, "Just tell them their patrols, and then be done with it," he shrugged, and Lily laughed.
"Smart idea," she said then smirked, "Don't take it to your head, it's already inflated enough." James growled playfully, jumped on Lily and started to tickle her, causing her to scream, "No no!" she screamed, as she laughed and tried to fight James off of her. James laughed and stopped, then froze as he realized he was lying on top of Lily. Lily was still giggling, and James felt her body move as she giggled. Lily stopped laughing when she realized James was on top of her and she felt a blush creep up under her cheeks.
"So the party?" she asked quietly, clearing her throat, looking at James, who still hadn't moved.
"We, being Sirius, are throwing a happy birthday party for Moony tomorrow night, as he is the last Marauder to turn seventeen," James shrugged.
"Am I invited?"
"I think the whole of Gryffindor is invited," James said, rolling his eyes and Lily laughed again. James turned his head to look over the sofa, and yelled as he started to fall having twisted the wrong way. He grabbed Lily around the waist and she screamed as he pulled her down onto the floor on top of him.
"Sorry!" James said, as Lily fell on top of him. Lily shook her head and started to laugh.
"Ah I'll get up," she said, pushing herself up, with a little bit of help from James. She stood up and stretched, while James sat up. He ran a hand through his hair and looked up at Lily.
"So are you going to come tomorrow?" he asked, and Lily smiled.
"Do I have a choice?" she asked cheekily and James grinned, "See you later," she said, heading towards her stairs. James stood up and followed Lily up the stairs to her room. When Lily entered her room she turned around to see James following her inside, "Can I help you?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
James shrugged, "You explored my room, it's my turn," he grinned at her and started to walk around her room.
"There's nothing exciting in my room," she said, sitting down on the edge of her bed, watching James walk around her room. He looked at the items on her dresser; a hairbrush, watch, a box of hair-ties.
"May I?" he asked, gesturing to her trunk, which was lying on the floor by her dresser, and she nodded. He pushed open the lid of her trunk and snorted, "It's so neat," he said, shaking his head. Every trunk he had ever seen had a layer of debris at the bottom of broken quills and pieces of paper, but Lily's was extremely organized. He saw a pile of books on one side, and looked through them. He recognized them as muggle books because the people on the covers didn't move. At the bottom of the trunk, he found a photo album, and pulled it out, "Can I look at this?" he asked, looking up at Lily, who was reading a book, leaning against her head board. She looked up to see what he was holding.
"You wont know anyone in it," she frowned and James shrugged.
"So?" he asked and Lily rolled her eyes.
"Okay come here," she said, moving to the corner of her bed. James sat down next to her and Lily grabbed the album from him, turning to the first page, "It's basically an album of my life. I've got baby pictures of me, pictures of me and Tuney as children, our family, random pictures," she shrugged and James looked down at the album to see a baby with a bright auburn tuft on top of its head and almond shaped green eyes looking up at the camera. James smiled down at the picture and Lily looked down to see herself as a baby looking up at the camera. He pulled the album out of her hands and put it on his own lap.
"You were a cute baby," he said, smiling down at the picture, and Lily blushed. He turned the page to see baby Lily in a toddlers lap, the toddler laughing as baby Lily pulled her hair, "Is that your sister?" he asked, gesturing to the toddler.
"Yeah that's Tuney, I mean, Petunia," she said, smiling down at the picture.
"You look nothing alike," he pointed out, looking from Petunia's dark brown eyes to Lily's green ones, and Petunia's dark brown hair to Lily's auburn hair. Lily shrugged.
"Our parents always loved the fact that we were as different as can be," she shrugged and James smiled. He turned the page and saw toddler Lily and an older Petunia dressed as ballerinas, "that was for Halloween," Lily said, and James nodded, noticing how happy the two of them looked. He turned the page again to see a family picture. He looked closely at the picture. Lily had the same eyes and smile as her father, and had her mother's auburn hair.
"Nice family," he said, looking at her parents' friendly smiles. He looked down at Lily and her sister to see that Petunia had her arm around Lily's shoulders. James frowned as he thought about how Lily talked about her sister now; her sister seemed to really dislike her, "What happened between you and her?" he asked, looking up at Lily, who sighed.
"I got my Hogwarts letter, and she wanted to go too, but obviously she couldn't…she's called me a freak and ignored me since then," she said, and looked down at her and Petunia in the photo. James decided not to push Lily any further and flipped the page to see Lily with her Hogwarts robes next to Petunia in what seemed to be her school uniform. He noticed how Petunia wasn't standing next to Lily, and how Lily's smile didn't seem to reach her eyes.
"It's a stupid reason if you ask me," James said, looking down at the picture, "I wish I had my sister back, and I don't think your sister has the right to ignore you, I mean, what would she do if she lost you?" he asked, looking up at her. Lily shrugged.
"I don't want to talk about it," she said quietly, and James nodded. He turned to see a picture of Lily sitting on her bed reading a textbook and laughed.
"Now that's the Lily I know," he chuckled, and Lily smacked him in the arm, trying to control her laughter. He flipped the page and saw a picture of Lily's parents; the last picture in the album. He flipped through the other pages to see empty slots.
"I'm going to take lots of pictures this year and put them in there," she said and James stood up, handing the album back to her.
"Muggle or Wizard?" he asked.
"Muggle I think," she said, and James smiled.
"Do you have a camera?" Lily nodded towards the trunk and James pulled the camera out. He turned and clicked a picture of Lily who glared at him. James laughed and walked out of the room, "I'll take pictures for you," he said, and shut the door behind him, "Night Lils!"
"That had to be the longest meeting ever" Lily groaned as she, James and Remus got back to the Heads dorm the next morning after the meeting.
"It wasn't long," Remus said, "People just kept asking you questions," he said, flopping down on Lily's armchair.
"They were such stupid questions too," James said, lying down on the sofa. Lily sat on the floor, ignoring the other armchair, and rested her head against the sofa.
"Well everyone shut up after we warned them about Voldemort," she said, and Remus rolled his eyes.
"Such cowards; 'what do we do?' 'Should we reply?'" James and Lily laughed as Remus mimicked their voices. Just then, the door opened and Dumbledore walked in, followed by Alice and Frank.
"Alice!" Lily squealed, and ran into Alice's arms.
"Lily I missed you!" Alice laughed, and the two girls hugged. Frank walked over to Remus and the two of them hugged, clapping each other on the back, then James and Frank did the same thing. Dumbledore cleared his throat, amused, and five of them turned.
"I want to congratulate you on a job well done with the meeting this morning," Dumbledore said, looking at Lily and James. James guffawed then clapped a hand over his mouth, and Dumbledore laughed, "It was a well organized meeting and you delivered the news well. Also, am I correct in hearing about a party in the Gryffindor tower tonight?" Dumbledore asked, raising his eyebrows at James.
"Well, yes," James said, looking down at the floor.
"Just don't make too much noise," Dumbledore said, and with a smile to Lily, walked out of the dorm.
"Party?" Alice asked, looking at Lily.
"I have so much to tell you," Lily said, looking at Alice, "C'mon let's go," she said, pulling Alice to the door.
"Where are you going?" James and Frank said at the same time.
"To Hestia and Gwenog," Lily said over her shoulder, "I'll send Sirius and Peter here," she said, and walked out the door, "Ah I missed you Alice!" Lily said, putting her arm around Alice's shoulder, "How are you?"
"I'm fine," Alice said, "I mean, it was weird watching them bury dad, but there's not much I can do about it but join the Order and fight," she shrugged. Lily nodded and entered through the portrait hole. They walked up the stairs to the Marauders dormitory first.
"Black!" Lily said, walking over to Sirius's bed. Sirius was fast asleep, his limbs all over the bed, "Wake up," she said, poking at him.
"What?" Sirius whined, turning away from her, and Lily roller her eyes.
"Go to the Heads dorm and plan your party," Lily said, and Sirius sat up quickly.
"Lily-flower! What are you doing in my room?" he said, wagging his eyebrows and Lily rolled her eyes, "I'm going," he said, getting out of bed, and Lily and Alice walked out. They walked to the dormitory and pushed the door open to see Hestia and Gwenog sitting up in their beds talking. When the girls saw Alice, they screamed and ran towards her, and the four of them had a group hug. They sat down together on Lily's old bed and talked for a long time.
"Oh Merlin we have to start getting ready for the party!" Hestia squealed, jumping up and down. Lily turned to look at the clock and saw that the party would start in about an hour.
"We've been sitting here the whole day?" she asked, looking at Hestia who grinned.
"I know right? That went by fast. Anyway, time to get ready!" she squealed, jumping off the bed, pulling Alice and Gwenog with her.
"What are you going to wear?" Alice asked.
"I was thinking jeans and a shirt," Lily shrugged, but Hestia gasped.
"That's it, I am dressing you Lily," she said, and ignoring Lily's screams of protest and the other girls laughs, pulled Lily up by her hand, "Let's go to your dorm Lily," she said.
"Why?"
"Because you have a giant room and even bigger bathroom," Gwenog said as if it was obvious, and together the four girls walked down the stairs. They reached the Heads dorm to see the four Marauders and Frank sitting in front of the fire playing Exploding snap.
"Out!" Hestia instructed, pointing her finger at the door, and the boys looked up at them.
"Why?" Sirius asked looking bewildered as he eyed the bag Hestia had brought along with her, which was full of cosmetics and clothes.
"We need to get ready," Hestia said, and walked over to them, pulling all of them up.
"Alright we're leaving," James said, raising his hands in surrender as Hestia glared at him dangerously.
"Yeah we have to go get the goods anyway," Sirius said, winking at Hestia who blushed, "I'll see you at the party then Jones," he said, and walked out. Once the boys had left, Hestia pointed her wand at the door and locked it.
"Let's get busy," Hestia said. She walked to the bathroom, the others following her, and emptied the bag on the counter. Lily groaned as products that were made to enhance every part of your body rolled out, and as quite a few pieces of Hestia's clothes rolled out as well.
Hestia conjured up three chairs and made Alice, Gwenog and Lily sit down in them, "What about you Hest?" Gwenog asked, eyeing the eyelash curler in front of her warily.
"I can get ready in a jiffy," Hestia said, as she pulled a jar of Sleaksy's hair straightening cream out of her bag, and made her way over to Lily.
"But I don't want to straighten my hair!" Lily said, putting her hands on her hair, and Hestia rolled her eyes, and headed over to Gwenog instead. Gwenog attempted to protest but gave up, as Hestia looked determined.
"Lily you're going to wear the outfit on the right," Hestia said, gesturing to the clothes out on the couch. There was only a pile of clothes and Lily looked at Hestia questioningly. Hestia sighed and flicked her wand, and the outfits organized themselves into four outfits. Lily walked over to them and looked at the one on the right. It was an emerald coloured top with a black skirt and Lily groaned, eying the skirt, "Shut up Lily you're going to wear the skirt anyway," Hestia said and Lily rolled her eyes, "Put the top on now Lily. You can wear the skirt later." Lily did as she was told; she took of her Hogwarts robes and wore the emerald top on top of her short shorts that she wore to bed sometimes. She walked back to the bathroom and Hestia nodded her approval at the top, which complemented Lily's eyes.
"Alice yours is the one next to Lily's," Hestia said, and Alice sighed, walking over to the couch. Lily followed after Alice, as Hestia was still working on Gwenog's hair. Hestia had brought a light pink top and denim Capri pants for Alice.
"Why couldn't I wear Capri pants?" Lily whined and Hestia turned to glare at her. Lily huffed and helped Alice put the top on, which was a lot more complicated than it looked.
"Lily your turn," Hestia said, gesturing to a chair in the bathroom and Lily groaned, taking a seat in Gwenog's recently vacated seat. Gwenog walked out of the bathroom, her makeup and hair done, and grumpily looked down at the outfits; she was wearing a red top and shorts.
Once all the girls were done, they made their way to Gryffindor Tower. Hestia had twisted Lily's hair into an elegant knot at the back of her head, letting a few strands loose, and had put on dark mascara for her. Hestia was wearing a tight orange dress and matching orange heels. She had gotten wedged shoes for Lily and Gwenog, who she knew hated stilettos, but Alice was wearing pink stilettos.
"Why couldn't we have worn dress robes?" Gwenog groaned from beside Lily. She was the least girlish of them all and was having trouble walking around in the heels.
"Because muggle clothes are a lot more flattering," Hestia said, as they reached the portrait hole, "Ready?" she asked. The other girls nodded and Hestia said the password, and the four of them walked into Gryffindor tower.
"Oh my Merlin," Alice whimpered. The Gryffindor tower was full of people in muggle clothes, dressed up, and were dancing to the music that was blasting from Merlin knew where. Lily followed Hestia, and spotted a table in the corner that had bottles of Firewhisky and Butterbeer. She wondered how the Marauders had managed to sneak that into Hogwarts, let alone get out of Hogwarts to fetch it.
"Lily-flower!" Sirius boomed from behind them. The girls turned around to see Sirius canter towards them, a bottle of Firewhisky in his hand.
"Hey Black," Lily said, smiling at him. He looked the girls up and down and then smiled happily. Lily rolled her eyes and looked around the room.
"Prongs and the others, along with Frank, is over there," Sirius yelled over the music, gesturing to the other side of the common room where the couches were. The girls started to walk in that direction but Sirius grabbed Hestia around the waist, "Not so fast Jones," he said, smiling at her. Lily, not wanting to witness the moment, walked away quickly with Gwenog and Alice towards the armchairs by the fire. She saw Remus, James, Frank and Peter sitting in the armchairs. Remus, Peter and Frank had bottles of Firewhisky in their hands, much to the disapproval of Alice, and Lily was glad to see that James was drinking a Butterbeer. James' eyes widened as he saw Lily and the others approach. The other boys turned around and grinned.
Frank stood up and walked over to Alice, who grinned up at him. He gestured to the dance floor, holding out his hand, and Alice took it, turning to give Lily an excited smile, before letting Frank pull her onto the dance floor.
"Where's Hestia?" Remus asked, looking at Gwenog.
"Sirius grabbed her," Lily said, sitting down, and Remus, Peter and James snickered.
"Yeah, you're not going to see her for a while," Peter said, chuckling, and Lily groaned. She would, no doubt, be hearing everything from Hestia later.
James caught Lily's eye and nodded towards the dance floor. Lily shook her head frantically and James sighed. He stood up and walked over to Lily, grabbed her hand, and pulled her up from the sofa where she had sat down. Remus, Peter and Gwenog chuckled as Lily groaned and let James drag her onto the dance floor.
"I can't dance James," Lily squealed, as James stopped and turned to face her.
"I can," he said, grinning down at her. Lily rolled her eyes and let James take her hand, "I'll show you," he said, and started twirling her around. Lily laughed and let James continue to twirl her, "See that's not so hard," James said, as he grabbed Lily around the waist to steady her, "are you thirsty?" he asked, gesturing to where the bottles were. Lily nodded and James grabbed her hand, pulling her to the drinks. Sirius and Hestia were still standing there, Sirius' arms around Hestia's shoulders, talking. As they approached, Sirius turned towards them.
"Prongsie!" he yelled. James laughed and Lily noticed Sirius' eyes narrow in on James' hand around her. She quickly yanked her hand out of James', not wanting Sirius to get the wrong idea. Hestia shrugged out from under Sirius' arms and walked over to Lily, and held out her hand.
"Want to dance?" Hestia yelled and Lily laughed and nodded. James and Sirius watched as Lily and Hestia started to dance together, their hair flying everywhere.
"I thought you couldn't dance," James yelled over the music, looking at Lily who rolled her eyes.
"Different kind of dancing," she yelled back, and James rolled his eyes, smiling.
"Well I think they dance really well," Sirius said, leaning back to watch the two girls dance. James smacked him in the arm and Sirius barked a laugh, "I was talking about mine Prongs," Sirius said, nodding at Hestia. James turned and raised his eyebrows at Sirius, who turned red.
"Yes, I like Jones okay?" Sirius said, looking at Hestia, and James grinned.
"Well I heard she likes you too so go for it," James said, clapping Sirius on the back, and Sirius grinned happily.
"You going to go for it with Evans?" Sirius asked quietly, and James shrugged, "I think you should," Sirius shrugged, and clapped James on the shoulder, "good luck mate,"
"You too," James said. Sirius gave James a grateful smile and walked over to the girls.
"My turn!" He said, grabbing Hestia around the waist and pulling her towards him, pushing Lily out of the way. Lily rolled her eyes and walked over to where James was standing, and grabbed his hand, pulling him onto the dance floor.
"I'm in the mood to dance now, okay?" she said, as James gave her an incredulous smile. She and James danced together with Lily's hair flying around, and James found himself having the most fun he'd had since Alissa had died.
The music changed to a slow song and James watched over Lily's shoulder as Remus pulled Gwenog onto the dance floor.
"You want to dance with me?" James said quietly, nervous, holding his hands out to Lily. Lily looked nervously at James' hands and James felt his heart sink. Was Lily Evans going to reject him again? James looked away from Lily, not wanting to watch her reject him again, but felt a pressure on the insides of his hands. He looked down incredulously to see Lily's hands in his. He looked up at her and saw a small smile on her blushing face. James felt as if his heart was going to jump out of his chest. He pulled her closer and put her hands up on his shoulders, then moved his hands down to her waist. Lily looked up at James and felt her stomach flip. She liked James Potter.
James grinned down at Lily and she felt her heart speed up. How had this happened? She had hated James last year, and even at the beginning of this year. Or at least she thought she had. Had she only been so harsh on him because she felt something? She thought back to when James had asked her out in their sixth year, and how she had said no, but her stomach had flipped when he had asked. How long had she liked James? Had she liked him, without knowing it, for as long as he'd liked her?
James was looking down at Lily, watching the frown in between her eyebrows deepen and deepen as she thought harder. He took a step towards her, and she snapped out of her trance, and looked up into James' eyes. He looked scared, she noticed, and realized it was because he had taken a step closer to her. She grinned up at James and he felt his heart speed up. Taking a deep breath, Lily took a step closer to James, and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging herself to him. James felt his heart speed up, and felt elated. He wrapped his arms around her and felt as if his chest was going to explode with happiness.
When the song was over, Lily, regretfully, unwrapped her arms from around James' neck, so they were on his shoulders, and looked down at the floor. James still had his arms wrapped around Lily's waist, holding her to him; he was not about to let her go. He unwrapped an arm and put his finger under her chin, pulling her face up so she was looking him in the eye, and slowly released his other arm from around her waist. Lily found herself absorbed in James' eyes as another slow song started. James wrapped his arms around her waist quickly and Lily, shocked, moved her hands so they were resting on James's chest. James chuckled at her reaction and she smiled up at him. James lowered his head so his forehead was resting on hers, and Lily looked into his eyes, nervous.
Carefully, she moved her arms to wrap them around his neck, and she smirked as James' eyes widened. James leaned in further, and Lily turned her head slightly to the side. James lowered his face so his lips were a centimeter from Lily's. Lily pushed herself up, and their lips met.
James responded with such enthusiasm that it lifted Lily off her feet. James was standing up straight, holding her up with no effort so Lily's feet were dangling in midair, as if she was as light as a feather. The song ended and James put Lily back on the floor. Lily, blushing furiously, looked anywhere but at James. James was doing the opposite, and looking directly at Lily. He put his hands on either side of her face and turned her so she had no choice but to look at him. James beamed at Lily, and Lily felt herself smile back.
"Lily, do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me next weekend?" he whispered, and Lily laughed and nodded. There was cheering and James and Lily looked up to see the whole of Gryffindor Tower watching them, clapping. Lily turned redder than her hair, and James looked over at Sirius, who had his wand out.
"Sorry mate," he grinned, walking over to them, "I didn't mean to project your voice, but I couldn't hear," he winked, and the whole of Gryffindor Tower laughed. Lily blushed even harder, and turned to look at Hestia, who had come up behind Sirius, a grin on her face.
"It's about time Lily!" she yelled, and Sirius laughed, putting his arm around Hestia.
"Yeah well, right back at you," she said, gesturing to Sirius, who, to her immense satisfaction, turned red. Hestia, who was also blushing, rolled her eyes. James laughed at his best friends discomfort, and put his arm around Lily's shoulders.
"We're going to go now," James said, nodding from himself to Lily, who smiled gratefully up at him. The rest of Gryffindor Tower had gone back to dancing, and the four of them made their way over to Remus and Gwenog, who were sitting on the sofa talking. Remus grinned at James as he walked up.
"I see you finally said yes to him," Remus said, winking at Lily, who laughed, "Well, don't say I didn't warn you," he shrugged, and grinned up at James who pretended to look offended. Sirius barked a laugh and Remus turned to look at him too, "Well you finally got with Jones so I wouldn't be one to talk Pads," Remus said, and Sirius stopped laughing, causing the rest of them to laugh. Sirius unwrapped his arm from Hestia and walked over to Lily and James. He pushed Lily out of the way and pulled James into a hug. James hugged his friend back, clapping him on the back.
"We did it!" Sirius squealed in a girly way. James laughed and walked around Sirius to Hestia.
"Good luck," he said, shaking her hand, causing Hestia to laugh, before turning to Lily, holding out his hand. Lily took his hand, ignoring to way Sirius started clapping, and let James lead her out of the Gryffindor common room. James and Lily walked down the stairs, swinging their hands in between them.
James ran his free hand through his hair, "I can't believe you said yes," he chuckled, and Lily blushed. He nudged her shoulder, "Why are you blushing?"
"I'm not blushing!" she said, turning even redder, and James laughed.
"I think you're blushing," he said, nudging her.
"Well obviously I'm blushing if you keep nudging me like that," she said in a high pitched voice, and James laughed, "why are you laughing so much?" she asked him.
"Because I'm happy," he shrugged, and Lily looked down at the floor.
"Does this mean I have to come to your house for Christmas?" she groaned, and James laughed.
"I can't believe you read my dads letter," he said, shaking his head at the floor, and Lily smacked him in the arm.
"I was just-"
"Exploring?" James asked, smiling at her, and she narrowed her eyes at him playfully, "Ah Lils it's fine. You don't have to come over for Christmas, it's just an offer," he said, and Lily smiled.
"But I want to come over for Christmas," she said, grinning up at him, and James looked down incredulously.
"Do mine ears deceive me?" he said dramatically, and Lily laughed. They walked into the Heads dorm and sat down on the sofa. After about thirty minutes of talking, Lily made to get up, but was pulled back by James, causing her to fall into his lap.
"That's cheating," she said turning so she was facing James.
"I think you wearing that skirt is cheating," he said, looking down at her skirt, which was riding up. Lily pulled the skirt down and James laughed, "Now why did you do that?" Lily smacked him in the arm and tried to get up again, but James wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Really Potter, if I'd known you were this clingy I wouldn't have said yes to you," she said, rolling her eyes, and James rolled his eyes.
"I'm not clingy," he said, letting go of her. Lily laughed and stood up.
"I say we have a strict no touching rule," she said, stretching, and James stood up.
"I don't think I can agree to that," he said, wrapping his arms around her again.
"Well then I don't think this will work out," Lily said, mock seriously and James pouted. Lily laughed and hugged him, before disentangling herself, "I want to sleep!" she said, walking towards her staircase, but stopped as she saw a letter lying on her table, "Do you know who this is from?" she asked, looking down at it. James walked over and looked at the handwriting.
"It's neither one of my parents," he shrugged, and Lily opened the letter.
"It's from Petunia," she gasped, and James stood behind her, reading over her shoulder.
Lily,
I want to invite you to my wedding. Vernon proposed, and I am as happy as I can be. Please come, it would mean a lot to me. Anyway it's not like you have a choice, you're my Maid of Honour. Bring your boyfriend, or crush or whatever, and I know this because I am your sister and can sense that you have one and you have had one since your second year at that school.
Love,
Tuney
"You've had a crush since second year?" James asked slightly dejected.
"I cant believe she knew before I did," she said, shaking her head.
"She knew what before you did?" James said, turning Lily so he could look her in the eye.
"She knew I liked someone before I did," she shrugged.
"Who?" James asked curiously, and Lily smiled, looking up at him.
"You."
Yes I know the ending is really cheesy but I couldn't resist! Hope you like it!