XVI. Mistake 21—Wearing Strappy, Silver Heels

I wouldn't miss Sirius' birthday if my life depended on it. When I told my mum that, she just said.

"Well I'm glad your life isn't at stake, dear. Mind handing me my notebook—I'm double checking Petunia's guest list. We want to make sure we order enough invites," she added. My stomach sank. I still hadn't said anything to my family about Vernon's visit.

My mum would die, and Petunia would still somehow find a way to blame it on me.

She would probably think I'd hexed him or something ridiculous like that.

Please.

I don't care enough about Petunia's wedding to try and ruin it.

Besides, I have the capability of being a nice and loving person. I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's wedding! (And yes, anyone even includes Petunia).

Unless…you know, James was marrying someone…like Emmeline. There's an exception to every rule, after all. Urgh. That's a horrible thought. Why would I even think of something like that?

Either way, I am perfectly content. I'd written James, thanking him for the beautiful emerald pendent necklace he'd gotten me for Christmas (I totally cheated and opened it up early...he wouldn't know). I was wearing it right now, actually. My mom asked me where I'd gotten it, and I didn't know what to say. My friend? My boyfriend? We hadn't really…er…talked very much. And I didn't want to ask him in a letter. That just seemed too informal. However, there was no way I was going to see him before New Years, so I was going to have to be content just writing letters to him.

In fact, I was so pleased when an owl arrived until I realized it wasn't James'—it was Marlene's.

I opened it, ignoring Petunia's offended expression as she stalked out of the kitchen.

"Who's it from, dear? Not that boy again, is it?" she smiled secretly at me. I shook my head.

"No, it's only Marlene," I said opening it up. It wasn't very long.

Lily,

You are the worst best friend ever.

I expect details proto when I arrive Saturday to get ready for the party.

The better friend,

Marlene.

Oops. I think Marlene must've found out. Probably from Sirius. Or quite possibly James himself. I don't know why I hadn't told her. I'd meant to write her right afterwards, but it was Christmas after all. Leave it to Marlene to blow it way out of proportion.

Either way, even Marlene's letter didn't make me feel too guilty. I was just anxiously awaiting for the week to end. I fingered my necklace and sighed.

"That's new," my mother commented suddenly, glancing up at me. I had dodged her comment about it last time.

"Oh—yeah…"

"It's very lovely," she frowned, "Where did you say you got it again—did a boy give it to you?" she asked knowingly, "Was it James? Your father said—" she began.

"Yes," I said quickly, "But, er, I don't really know what it means," I sighed. I can't believe I was about to ask my mother about this sort of thing. I felt my cheeks pinkening, and I made sure to avoid her eye. My mother didn't seem to notice, thankfully.

"Hm," she looked thoughtful, "Usually, jewelry is a good thing, Lily…be a dear and fetch Petunia. I need her to help me with these invites…" I didn't need to, however, because Petunia had come back in. She was glaring at me.

"Is that ruddy owl gone?" she asked, peering around.

"I think the owls are cute," my mother cooed. Petunia looked annoyed at this but said nothing. She glanced at me instead.

"Do you mind?" she asked archly, "Mum and I are busy. Don't you have to practice turning into a toad or something?"

"No…unless you want me to practice on you," I smiled slyly at her.

"Stop it girls," my mother warned, "Lily, why don't you go make sure you have something to wear to your party. Petunia, what have I told you about teasing Lily?"

Teasing. It was more than teasing, I thought bitterly as I headed out of the kitchen, Petunia's glare burning holes in my back.

It was loathing. Petunia loathed me…and I still didn't understand exactly why.

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"Marlene, quit your moping and help me with my dress," I said, laughing at her sullen expression as she sat at the edge of my bed. She had come to get ready at my house before we left for the party, and she was still sulking over the fact that she had to find out about James and I through Sirius.

"Do you know how embarrassing that is?" she asked.

I shrugged, "No. Besides, it was Christmas Eve. How on earth did you find out that fast?"

Marlene smirked, "You didn't expect James to keep it quiet, did you? I wouldn't be surprised if all of Hogwarts knew before we were even back at school."

I swallowed and said nothing. Urgh. I did not care to be the center of gossip. Besides, we hadn't even had the opportunity to clarify our relationship yet. I wondered if that would be inappropriate to bring up during Sirius' party.

No.

I was going to have fun. I was going to have mindless fun in which I would not over-evaluate anything.

I could do that...couldn't I?

"Are you lecturing yourself? It's going to be fine," she assured me, giving me one of her quizzical looks, "You always blow everything out of proportion. Why are you so nervous? You look hot," she added. I was wearing black dress that fell right above my knees. It was rather flowy, but I must admit, I did look rather nice. I was also wearing the emerald pendant James had gotten me for Christmas. Marlene had been a bit jealous ('He got you jewelry?") but admired it all the same.

Eventually, we were done getting ready. Marlene had curled her hair and mine. She was wearing a short, navy sparkly number, and she forced me to wear a pair of her silver heels. I tried to explain that I'm clumsy and therefore not wearing heels seemed like an easy way to avoid disaster, but she wouldn't hear of it. (Besides, they looked a bit much for me.)

"Besides, they make your legs look like they go on for ages," she pushed me, "Ready?"

"I suppose," I muttered ungratefully.

"Hey," she gave me a stern look, "I'm looking out for you. I want James to be the only girl you look at," she snorted, "We can't have him drooling over Vance, now can we?"

"Wait-what?" But she had already apparated. Cursing, I followed in suite, "Marlene," I hissed, "What do you mean? Sirius invited Emmeline?" I demanded. We were out on the Potter's front lawn, and I became momentarily distracted.

He never mentioned he was a millionaire.

Seriously?

His house is huge.

It's a mansion. It's a huge, gigantic mansion. "Since when is James rich?" I asked before I could stop myself. Marlene looked semi-amused.

"You didn't know?"

"Er—no." It had a sprawling lawn, and the house itself was three stories with too many windows for me to count. We walked up to the wrap around white porch where glittering lights were arranged outside for festivity's sake. We could hear the music from inside the house as we reached the door, "I can't believe his parents let him have this party..." I said, grinning.

"They're at the Ministry Ball I'm sure...I mean, they usually have smaller get togethers anyway...I got invited last year but couldn't go since we were spending a holiday in France..."

"You were friends with them then?" I asked, frowning.

"Well, we all play Quidditch together," she shrugged, "You know I always had that love, hate relationship with those blokes."

"Okay, but why is Emmeline here again?" I asked, going back to her previous announcement. I hadn't forgotten about that. How did she manage to get an invite?

"Because," she sighed, "Sirius invited her before she and James broke up, and she told him he couldn't revoke his invitation—don't be so worried," she added, rolling her eyes and knocking on the door. It was opened by a house elf who looked surprised.

"Hello Misses, are you here for the party?" she asked peeking through the door crack. I always have found house elves sort of strange. It sort of unnerved me that James had one.

"Gilly, it's me, Marlene," Marlene smiled at her, "Here's our invitation though if you need it."

"Ah, I'm sorries Misses, please, come in. I'll show you to the party," she said, bowing deeply. She was wearing a hot pink wrap with lots of different colored patches. She was much more colorful than any house elf I'd ever seen.

"Here you are," she said, leading down the corridor to two large doors, "Master Black is inside…" she bowed again, leaving us there.

"Well," Marlene grinned, "Shall we? Apparently we're fashionably late."

"We're not that late," I argued as we entered. Immediately, I was taken aback. Half of the school had to be there! There was a band and people dancing crazily in a swish of sequins and colors. Laughter was loud, bouncing off the high ceilings which I realized were decorated with fairy lights, giving it all such a romantic look. I swallowed, "This is his birthday party?"

Part of me had still been expecting a crowded basement with cake and eighteen candles.

"Last one at the Potter house, I expect," Marlene shrugged, "He wanted to go all out. He even made it a muggle dress code...fortunate for you. I think he's been watching those James Bond movies again for his muggle studies class..."

"He knows Jaems Bond?" I asked in surprise. Marlene nodded and the two of us scanned the room. I spotted Frank Longbottom and Alice Walker and waved, "I'm going to go say hi," I said, grinning.

"You do know Frank is off the market...speaking of which so are you," Marlene began jokingly. I ignored her and went over to chat with them. That was until Marlene began pulling on my arm, trying to convince me to go find Sirius and wish him a Happy Birthday. I eventually agreed and we set out, pushing through people.

"Let's find the boys, I think…ooh," she had stopped at a table and whisked around holding out a glass of what I figured to be— "Champagne," she said breathlessly, "You have to try some Lily—no buts!"

"Marlene," I wrinkled my nose, "I don't really—"

The last time I'd drank had been a glass of wine with my parents on my birthday. Oh the exciting life I live. But really...I wasn't big on that whole scene. There was a reason I skipped Quidditch parties when the boys managed to sneak in firewhiskey.

"You're legal…it's New Years…just one glass," she pushed. I sighed and took it, taking a small sip. It wasn't half bad.

"It's…bubbly," I said shrugging as she waited for my reaction.

"You're hopeless," she sighed, "Anyway…ooh, there's James! But…" she frowned.

"What?" I asked, following her line of vision, "Oh," I said stupidly.

Oh James was right. My heart fluttered at the very sight of him, and then it seemed to drop out of my stomach a fraction of a second later. James was standing by the punch table, nodding at something Emmeline Vance was saying. She laughed all of a sudden, flicking her long, silky brown locks.

I swallowed, trying to control my temper. My first instinct was to march over there and tackle her to the ground.

Somehow, I think that would end disastrously.

Tackling Emmeline would not make me the better person. Tackling her would not make me a better person. Tackling her would not...

"I'll take care of this," Marlene began, glaring daggers in her direction. I stepped in front of her and shook my head. I could do this. I was going to be mature, and I was not going to ruin this night. I'd come here to have a good time with James, and I was not going to let anything silly like this ruin it.

"No—you're…you're just blowing it out of proportion," I muttered. I had to think. I was not going to act like the crazy, jealous girlfriend.

Breathe.

Oh what the hell? I swallowed the rest of my champagne and handed Marlene the glass, "I'm just going to go talk to them—"

"Ladies!"

Sirius Black had stepped into my point of view. He grinned at us, "You look lovely as always, girls. Birthday kiss?" he asked mockingly, pointing to himself.

I huffed, "Not right now, Black."

He raised his eyebrows, "Well fine. You don't need to be snobby on my own birthday, though—"

"Sorry," I muttered, "It's just—er—I need to go talk to James."

"Ah, right," he nodded, grinning impishly, "I heard what happened. About time, isn't it? We've been waiting for the two of you for ages," he sighed, "You know, my grand plan finally worked."

"Your grand plan?" Marlene asked. I gave her an impatient look, and she dropped it, "Well, if you want my suggestion, Black," she smirked at him, "I'd go get your best friend before Lily ends up hexing Vance before the night is over," she glanced casually at her nails as he looked at her in confusion, "Behind you," she added with a nod in their direction.

He swiveled around and rolled her eyes, "Merlin, I hate her—oy! PRONGS!" he yelled loudly, causing multiple people to glance his way—including James. He glanced over, frowning slightly, but then he caught my eye and grinned. He turned and said something to Emmeline who now looked rather sour (to my delight) and pushed his way over.

"Lily!" he beamed, "You look wonderful," he said, bending to kiss my cheek. I blushed and mumbled a thank you before he looked at Marlene, "You too, McKinnon."

She just laughed as Sirius disappeared and returned with four glasses, "A cheers…to me," he said, smirking. He glanced at me for a second, "Now, now, Evans, we're legal so we can't get in trouble for this—"

"I'll have a glass, thank you."

"Yes, Lily's so grown up," Marlene smirked, "She's on her second glass of champagne."

"Really?" Sirius looked pleased, "Excellent. We can be drinking buddies, Evans!"

"I don't think so," James said with a frown that only caused Sirius to chuckle.

"Ignore Prongs. He's just jealous that we're mates and you've like me longer," he said pouring everyone a glass, "Here we go!"

"Ignore him," James muttered in my ear. I laughed quietly, not quite meeting his eyes.

"To Sirius," Marlene said, raising her glass. We all followed in suit.

"Happy Birthday, mate," James grinned at him.

He smirked at all of us, looking thoughtful, "Indeed," he said, taking his glass and draining it. Marlene followed and grinned t him, "Dance?" he asked, holding out a hand to her.

"Only because it's your birthday," she said, rolling her eyes but grinning nonetheless.

We watched them go, and I frowned, "You don't think…"

I didn't get to finish my thought because James was holding out his hand, "Well…would you like to dance, Lily?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. I nodded and looked to my glass of champagne, taking another sip before setting it down. I was not about to drink another whole glass in a matter of ten minutes. Irresponsible. Tonight was going to go without a hitch (as long as I didn't trip in these forsaken shoes).

"Alright then," I nodded, "I suppose…since this is your house and all."

He grinned at me and led me out on the dance floor. Everyone was dancing wildly, and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to do exactly. I wasn't a very good dancer. Plus I was wearing these awful heels that were beginning to make my feet throb. What is the purpose of these forsaken shoes?

It turned out to be alright because of course, James was a good dancer.

What can this boy not do?

Well, he's not very good at wooing girls…until recently. He's also …erm…got very untidy hair.

Horrible traits.

...

What does he see in me again?

"What are you thinking of?" he asked suddenly.

"You—" I frowned, stopping myself, "Your hair. It's all messed up again."

He grinned, "It's always messed up. Trust me. My mum broke her comb one time trying to tame it for my cousin's wedding. Everyone else has given up."

"You're implying I should?"

"Maybe," he twirled me quickly, dipping me and I gasped. "I'm not going to drop you," he assured me, laughing. I felt my face burn and said haughtily.

"You might."

I couldn't help it, I smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips. He kissed me back, gently and I sighed against him, "I can't be acting like…like a slag! Everyone from school is here," I said, pulling away, frowning at him. I could feel myself blushing again.

Why do I have to turn the color of a tomato whenever I'm embarrassed or uncomfortable? I really think that's a horrible trait in my gene pool.

He laughed at me, "You're my girlfriend! Of course, you can! And you are not a slag, Lily Evans," he said the last one sternly.

I swallowed, "Girlfriend?"

He frowned deeply, no longer dancing, "Lily—"

"What? We never really clarified anything…just a bit of snogging and, well, snogging can mean anything—"

"What did it mean then?" he asked, crossing his arms.

I peered up at him nervously. Alright. I could do this. I was not going to screw this up. "Are you thirsty?" I asked suddenly, "Champagne, let me get us some—" I pushed by, spotting Sirius and Marlene laughing at something by our table.

"Here," James interrupted, thrusting me a glass, "Now, if you'll please..." he looked annoyed as he waved me on.

Hm. You know, he's impatient. That's a character flaw of his. I knew he had to have some of them. Besides, he's so stubborn and insistent—

"Lily!" he snapped, "Are you going to just stare at that all day?" he asked. I shook my head and swallowed some of the champagne. It was a bit too much, and I shook it off.

"I just…I guess…I mean…you know, I…er…like you."

He wasn't smiling just yet, "Then what's the problem?"

"Er—nothing…I just…it's all so sudden and—"

"It's really not that sudden," he said dryly, "I've liked you for ages."

"Well…I mean…I just…I wasn't even expecting to see you over break. My mind is just…bamboozled!"

"Bamboozled?" he repeated slowly.

"Exactly! So I just wanted to make sure…I didn't know if you were my boyfriend or if you wanted to wait, or maybe I was stupid when I tried to kiss you—" I had been talking way too fast, and he silenced me by bending in and kissing me.

That always works, I suppose.

If he wanted to shut me up. Although I don't see why…we need to have this conversation! It's important…but, I suppose…it could always wait.

Yeah. It could definitely wait.

"I would say get another room, but I can't help but enjoy this immensely," Sirius said with a sigh. We broke apart to see all the Marauders standing there, grinning at us.

"Hey Remus! Peter!" I said, grinning at them.

"Hey Lily," they chorused.

"Congrats," Peter shook his head, "I always thought it was a lost cause."

James rolled his eyes, "Thanks mate."

So. James Potter was my boyfriend.

My boyfriend.

Weird.

I never thought I'd say that.

"Yeah, you owe me ten galleons," Sirius reminded Remus.

"Where'd Marlene go?" I asked, deciding to ignore the fact that Sirius and Remus had made a bet about my relationship with James. I honestly shouldn't expect anything else from him anymore.

"Well, she was dancing with Fenprick—"

"Fenwick," I corrected then frowned, "Really?"

"Yeah, he cut in to our dance—" he sighed, "Someone should probably save her…but…er…" he shrugged, "I have to go greet other ladies," he shook his head, "The troubles of Hogwart's most eligible bachelor."

I rolled my eyes, "Hold on, let me go find Marlene—I have to use the bathroom anyway," I said grinning at him, sneaking another kiss.

"You two are going to make me nauseous pretty soon, aren't you?" Sirius asked with a sigh.

I found her rolling her eyes at something that Benjy was saying before interrupting, "Marlene!" I glanced at him, "Oh, hi Benjy—you don't mind, do you? I need to steal Marlene...just for a moment" I said, pulling on her arm and not bothering to wait for his answer.

"Oh I'm so going to kill him!" she mumbled, "I distinctly told him when Benjy was coming that I didn't want to dance with him—he did it on purpose!" Marlene complained.

I didn't bother arguing. She was probably right. After all, this is Sirius Black. I shook my head, laughing, finishing another glass of champagne.

"I don't think I should drink anymore," I giggled.

"James has already corrupted you," Marlene laughed as we knocked on the bathroom door, still giggling to each other.

"Just a moment!" someone said. Then the door opened and we all stared at each other.

"Er—Selene," I said finally, still surprised. Funny running into her outside James Potter's bathroom—couldn't we have saved this for another day? Tonight was supposed to be fun, I thought miserably.

She stared at both of us in surprise. Marlene, however, looked the most shocked.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm Amos' date," she frowned, "Why are you here?" she gave Marlene a haughty look, "Did you decide to become Sirius' new flavor of the week?" she asked scathingly.

Marlene snorted, "Oh please…and don't tell me," she shook her head, staring at Selene with an intense gaze, "You still like him, don't you?"

Selene blushed, "Of course not! I'm perfectly happy with Amos. He's wonderful."

"He's a sleazebag. But then again, that does seem to be your type," Marlene bit. Selene blinked.

"Good to know what I'm not missing," she said, staring at Marlene with distaste. Then she looked at me and shook her head, "And you're just as bad, Lily."

"Excuse me?"

"Stealing Emmeline's boyfriend the way you did—" she shook her head, "You're both terrible people!" she said, her voice unnaturally high.

I glared at her, my fingers itching for my wand. Selene knew me well enough and she smiled slightly, "You're not going to hex me here, Lily. Don't be stupid," she sighed, "For someone so smart you do so many…well…stupid things."

"You know Emmeline didn't have a chance," I interrupted, "And I don't know what's wrong with you or when you became such a bitch, but James has liked me much longer than her—"

Selene just raised her eyebrows, "But he dated her longer than he's dated anyone else. It's possible to love more than one person at a time. How do you know he's not over Emmeline?"

I fell silent, gawking at her.

"You know," Marlene stepped in, "I think we know the Marauders a little better than you. Besides, James is in love with Lily. Emmeline was nothing but a distraction," she said, crossing her arms, "Just like Amos is to you. Criticizing other people's relations, Selene...tsk, tsk. How very hypocritical of you. Yours isn't much to brag about either—"

Marlene didn't get to finish her string of insults. Selene had reached out and slapped her.

Immediately, I had to reach for Marlene who literally might have tackled her. "You're a horrible person, Selene," I spat."

She eyed me and shook her head, "You're going to regret this…both of you. You deserve the consequences that are coming to you," she said, brushing past me while Marlene tried to kick her.

"You should have let me beat the shit out of her," Marlene growled, straightening her dress.

"Probably," I sighed, "It wouldn't have helped."

"I'm so going to snog Sirius in front of her tonight," she continued angrily, "I can't believe her! She used to be the nice one!" She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a lipstick, "I'm just…urgh!" she shook her head then looked at me sadly, "We were best friends, Lily…what the hell?"

I sighed and hugged her, "I don't know—I thought she'd turn around…you know? I never really understood why she was so upset with us. We were her friends...before Emmeline."

God, she just ruins everything, doesn't she?

Marlene cleared her throat, "Well…that was a confrontation I could've avoided," she fixed her makeup and turned to me, "Are you going to drink that?" she asked, pointing to my glass. I was about to say yes, but she had taken it and swallowed the rest of it, "C'mon—I need to go yell at someone…Sirius preferably."

I chose not to argue with her and followed her back. She went off to look for Sirius, and I—well I took a seat. My feet were aching. I'm beginning to think it's a mistake for letting Marlene talk me into wearing these. I should have brought an extra pair. I wonder what James would say if I went barefoot.

Certainly he wouldn't mind?

"Hey Lily," Remus had taken a seat next to me.

"Hey," I grinned, "How are you doing?"

"Good—I just saw Marlene yelling at Mary for dancing with Sirius," he chuckled.

I frowned, "We ran into Selene in the bathroom—she's in a bit of a mood now."

"Hmm," he looked thoughtful, "She was looking for James, I think," he said frowning slightly. I raised my eyebrows.

"Why?"

"I don't know, she asked me where he was, and I said I wasn't sure—"

I sighed and began putting my shoes back on, "I should probably go find them—I don't know what's up with her, but if she's looking for James, she's probably trying to convince me what a horrible person I am or something ridiculous."

"Alright," Remus nodded as I wobbled away. Stupid shoes.

I pushed my way past people, glancing around. Then I spotted them. James was frowning, and Selene had been talking very fast as I approached them. She became silent as I reached them.

"Selene," I said curtly. Then I glanced at James, "Sorry, I took so long—"

"I'll be going," Selene said quickly, not meeting my eye. I frowned at her as she hurried off.

"What—?"

He looked at me for a long moment, wearing a slight frown, "Lily—did you and Sirius try to break me and Emmeline up?"

I stared at him.

Oh dear.

Hyperventilating…this very instant.

"Well," I swallowed, "that could be taken the wrong way…I mean, it's not like…we were…erm…deliberately plotting…well, not entirely—"

He sighed and gave me a look, "I…I need to go talk to Sirius," he muttered, still wearing a deep scowl.

"Wait—James, hold on, let me explain—"

"You don't need to explain anything," he said tightly, ignoring me as I lagged behind him.

"What did Selene tell you, anyway?" I demanded hotly.

"Listen, Lily," he turned looking equally aggravated, "I've put up with a lot of your shit…and I don't know…I just need to breathe for a minute, okay? Let me go talk to Sirius…I'll talk to you later," he muttered the last part, hurrying off before I could try and stop him.

"She's probably blowing it all out of proportion!" I yelled after him, "POTTER!"

A few people glanced my way and rolled their eyes. I know, I always seem to be yelling at him, but that's because the prat never listens!

Angrily, I went and rejoined Remus at the table. He raised his eyebrows.

"Couldn't find him?"

"Oh, I found him alright," I seethed, "With Selene."

Remus looked exasperated, "He doesn't like Selene, there's no reason for you to be—"

"I know," I interrupted shortly, "She told him about Sirius and I planning to break up him and Emmeline."

"Oh," Remus frowned. He was silent for a long stretch of time, "Sirius is such an idiot," he said finally.

"Yeah, well James didn't bother to hear me out and listen to the part where Sirius threatened to make me fail our Potions labs if I didn't comply!"

Remus gave me a look and I sighed, "Okay…okay, so I wasn't against the idea entirely, but that was before…well, I didn't like him then and I didn't really care about his feelings and all that dung."

He sighed, "Well, you should probably go talk to him…"

I was distracted, however. I glared, spotting Selene's pale blue dress, "Excuse me, I believe I have to go talk to someone," I said, standing abruptly. Remus tried to stop me, noticing her as well. Poor bloke. I ignored him.

After all, Selene had no business—no right! I mean, given, what I had done may not be the proudest moment of my life…but…urgh! Just when things were beginning to go right...

"Selene!" I snapped, reaching her. She glanced around at me and gave me a fierce look to match. Whatever happened to the calm, tranquil and happy Selene?

"You should've told him. I was just doing what you were too afraid to!" I claim no fault for what happened next. After all, my feet were killing me, I was emotionally unstable, and I'm guessing that drinking champagne was not helping my case. "You're a boyfriend-stealing—" she was saying.

I think that may have been when I hit her.

Oops.

A/N: A long chapter...with a bit of a cliffy :) Selene's made a bit of a mess, and throw in Emmeline and an irate Marlene...more chaos to come! :)