"I don't know what to wear!" I wailed, digging through my closet.

Christmas had passed by uneventfully. Byron, Edgar, and Holly had even gotten along, surprisingly. Of course all through break, Jane, Georgie, Ary, and Carly had all treated my house as theirs, but I hadn't really minded, and neither had my parents. I think they were relieved I had adjusted so well to living in England.

And now the time had come for the Weasley/Potter clan and friends annual dinner on December 30th. Ary had stopped by so we could apparate together, and she was now watching in amusement as I tried to find an appropriate outfit.

Ary just rolled her eyes. "James Potter would think you attractive if you showed up wearing a ratty t-shirt and holey pajama bottoms."

I blushed. "And who said I was trying to impress Potter? I just want to look nice!"

Ary rolled her eyes again. "Dolt. And to think it was just a couple of months ago that I was convincing you to give him a chance. And now you're quite on your way to falling in love."

I flushed and protested heatedly, "I am not falling in love! Now, are you going to help me or not?"

She sighed. "Pants and a nice blouse sound good to me. That way you'll be prepared for the inevitable quidditch match." She stood up and threw a deep blue silk blouse at me. "Don't forget your leather jacket. It's quite cold outside, and it's supposed to snow some more tonight." She made her way to the door. "You have five minutes to get ready!"

I scowled at her back as she closed the door behind her, but followed her commands. I had long forgone tying my hair up in a bun. It was starting to grow on me, so I left it down.

We were right on time, and as soon as we entered the door, we were bombarded by several people at once.

"Ary! Linny!" Jane, Ginny, and Elizabeth all exclaimed at once. After the mandatory hugs and greetings were exchanged, Elizabeth and Ginny carefully regarded me.

"We were so afraid you'd decline our invitation," Ginny admitted. "James was so rude to you."

I blushed. "It's no problem Mrs. Potter. James and I have patched things up. We're friends now."

Elizabeth's eyes twinkled with this news. "Friends, hmm?"

"Yes." I kept a poker face as I examined the room. "There are quite a few more people here than last time."

Elizabeth and Ginny laughed. Jane smiled slyly at me. "You sound very British, Lin."

"I am slowly being corrupted!" I moaned, but winked at her.

Ginny put an arm around me. She pulled me to a dirty blonde haired woman, standing with a tall and dark haired man and two boys who looked to be about my age, with dirty blond hair and identical features.

"Luna!" she waved the family over. "This is Caroline Benedetto, the American that transferred to Hogwarts last year. She's become very good friends with the children."

Luna smiled dreamily at me. "Yes, of course. The girl James is absolutely obsessed with."

I blushed furiously. The man chuckled. "You must forgive my wife, Ms. Benedetto. She can be very blunt." He held his hand out to me. "Rolfe Scamander at your service." I shook his hand.

"I've read several of your studies, Mr. Scamander. I'm very impressed with your studies into the behavior of acromantula. But please, call me Linny." I smiled.

He grinned enthusiastically. "Thank you very much! And I shall call you Linny, but you must call me Rolfe." He gestured to the two boys who were standing politely to the side. "My sons, Linny, Lorcan and Lysander."

They shook my hand in turns. "Pleasure to meet you, Linny," Lorcan smiled enthusiastically. "I've heard loads about you. We grew up with the Weasley and Potter children you see."

Lysander smiled at me. "Yes. You are special indeed. The wrakspurts around your head are minimal."

I blinked in surprise, but quickly recovered. "Thank you?" I paused. "I understand you don't attend Hogwarts."

Lorcan shook his head ruefully. "Unfortunately, or fortunately, considering your point of view, our parents' travels have made us nomads, and therefore we spend more time out of the country than in it."

I beamed enthusiastically. "That sounds awesome."

Ary and Jane approached me from behind. "Linny, Victoire is in the other room, working on her wedding plans. Care to join us?"

I paled. "Not really."

They laughed and proceeded to drag me away. "Too bad! See you later, Lorcan and Lysander!"

The laughed as I groaned. They proceeded upstairs to one of the bedrooms. Inside it looked like a warzone. Papers were scattered all over the place, and Victoire, who was surrounded by Lily, Rose, and several other girls I didn't recognize, looked like she was ready to pull her hair out.

"We've brought Lin with us!" Jane announced as she pushed me down onto a chair on the corner of the room.

Victoire looked at me with a nervous expression. "There is so much to do, and Teddy and I want to have our wedding in March during your Easter break! That's only three months. I still have to choose a dress, and bridesmaids' dresses, plus pick out a venue, and the food!"

I grimaced. "I definitely don't envy you."

But apparently that was the wrong thing to say. Victoire burst into tears. Ary slapped me upside the head. "Don't worry Victoire, we'll get this figured out."

The three girls sitting next to Victoire glared at me. I shrank back in my seat. Jane rolled her eyes. "Stop being so dramatic you three. Look, Victoire, we'll go dress shopping next week. I'm sure Celeste's in Hogsmeade will have something for you and the bridesmaids. That's where you got your dress for your last anniversary, remember?"

Victoire nodded. "You're right." She looked relieved.

Lily began massaging Victoire's back. "As far as the venue, I'm sure Grandmum and Granddad would be honored if you held it here. That's where your mum and dad got married, you know."

Victoire slapped herself on her forehead. "Of course," she moaned. "Why didn't I think of that before?"

The girl sitting on Victoire's left ran a hand through her black hair. "That just leaves the food. That's much more manageable.

I started slinking towards the exit, feeling more uncomfortable with each word. I made a full out run for it when Victoire started screeching. "No! I forgot! The guest list!"

I sighed with relief as I shut the door behind me. "Escaping the pandemonium, Lin?" an amused voice asked me

I tugged at my hair. "It's mad in there. If I ever get married, I'd prefer to elope."

James chuckled. "Well, you'll cross that bridge when you get to it." He regarded me carefully. "Your hair is down," he stated.

I tucked a strand behind my ear. "So?"

He grinned at me. "It looks nice."

I blushed, but was saved by having to reply as Mr. Wood's voice echoed throughout the house. "Quidditch time!"

Ary rushed out the door and ran past me without looking back. I gathered from her expression that she had had enough of the wedding talk, too. Lily followed at a more leisurely pace. "Coming, you guys?"

James and I nodded and followed her. He leaned closer to me to whisper in my ear. "I prefer your hair down." He paused and I felt my cheeks flush. "Save a dance for me tomorrow, Lin."

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye as we joined the crowd of people moving to the backyard. "We'll see," I murmured.

He tugged a strand of my hair playfully as he went to get his broom.

I sighed. What am I getting myself into?