A/N: thank you to Muirnin who actually reviewed my story; for the rest of you readers, please review! You do not know how much it means to me to have reviews; as many of you fellow writers know, it is the only thing that keeps a person going. Well, enjoy!
Four: Lessons in Love
"Close your mouth," Lily snapped, "Lesson one. Don't stare at your date. It will make her uncomfortable and it's rude, not to mention it is quite unbecoming." Lily walked over and closed James' mouth, while he remained awestruck.
As soon as he regained his senses, he retorted, "What, are you some sort of Mary Poppins?"
"Mary Poppins? Oh, no, I'm just giving you your lessons. Soon girls will line up to date you!" Lily replied.
"Well, let's go then," James suggested. He offered his arm to Lily, who took it in flawless formality. When they arrived at the Great Hall, James opened the door for Lily.
"You're doing quite a bit better than I expected," she commented.
"What's that supposed to mean?" James queried indignantly.
"Oh, well, I just sort of thought that you were some sort of, well, never mind what I thought," Lily answered, "Well, let's get a seat with the rest of the gang."
Sirius, with his natural "charm," had managed to get a date with a Ravenclaw, Eliza Holbecker, who was one of the prettiest girls in their year. Remus, after James and Lily's deal, had been asked by a 6th year, Susan White, to the ball, but Peter remained single.
"How's the new dorm?" Sirius asked when they sat down.
"Great! The staff rooms are really nice, and they put an extra bathroom in it too," James replied.
"I still think it was Peeves," Sirius said.
"No, someone was trying to break in. It was probably a Death Eater," Lily replied.
"A Death Eater? No, don't you think they would have told us?" Sirius wasn't totally sure about that.
"Well, you very well know that even Hogwarts isn't completely safe these days," Lily said.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean that it's always a Death Eater," Sirius said, "Unless there's enough evidence."
"Evidence? There's plenty of evidence! Weren't you listening to the announcement Dumbledore made?" Lily retorted angrily.
"No," Sirius replied easily.
"They found a wand somebody dropped, and when Priori Incantatem was performed, they found the Cruciatus curse and a summoning charm on something, although they won't even tell the Head boy and Girl what!" Lily said indignantly.
"Calm down, Lil, you don't want the whole world to hear you, do you?" James was attempting to calm his date.
"I guess your right," Lily said as the music started, "would you care to dance?"
"Sure, why not?" James answered.
They danced that song, and the next and the next, totally unaware of the golden glow that was surrounding them. This was the glow of true love, visible only when the each of the couple is completely immersed in the other, and nothing else. At first, The danced as friends, but slowly, Lily's arms came around James' neck, and James slipped his arms around Lily's petite waist, drawing her close, and inhaling her perfume, the Easter lilies' aroma mingling with her smell, the smell of magic. Lily looked up into James' brown eyes, he looked into those vivid emerald pools, and kissed her. It was nothing like any other girl, they were simple swings at the Three Broomsticks. It was nothing like when Lily had kissed Remus: that had been awkward, feeling like kissing a friend; this was the kiss of a lover. It wasn't just a deal anymore, they knew, as other people had already assumed, that they were meant for each other. Unfortunately, at that moment, Remus had turned away from Susan to look towards his two friends. He turned around quickly, no longer enjoying the ball, knowing that Lily's affection had gone to James. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day, James and Lily officialized their new relationship, apologizing profusely to Remus, who had stopped talking to them. They were both upset and confused at their love and the effect of it on their friend. But there was little they could do, except refrain from public display of affection, resorting to the Charms classroom during Prefect patrolling duties. They had several times been caught after hours, usually making excuses about Head Boy and Girl duties, although their shared dormitory made thing easier. Professor McGonagall had temporarily separated them, but she was unsuccessful.