The Immeasurable Marauder

New Years Secrets

The next day was consumed by party preparations. The flowers arrived and Hephaestus went to work. The boys had to clear the driveway again because the snow had fallen considerably since Diagon Alley. 

We had heard that there was an attack in Diagon Alley that happened moments before we disapparated. The Ministry of Magic wouldn't confirm whether it was a Death Eater attack but James and Sirius were adamant that it had to have been. I kept quiet silently thanking fate for intervening in my life this one time. I couldn't live with myself if I had put Mrs. Potter in danger.

I was a wanted woman. I had to be more careful.

That evening I went up to my room to find it full of boxes and parcels. I hadn't realized just how generous Mrs. Potter had been. There were four pairs of shoes, a pair of boots, some costume jewellery, make up and some casual clothes I hadn't seen at the shop.

"Yves dear," Mrs. Potter said from the door, the tears were streaming down my face. "I didn't mean to offend you..." she said when she saw my face.

"No, you didn't. It's just so overwhelming. I don't deserve all this, really." I said crying in earnest now.

"Yes you do dear. And I am in the position to do it so I will have none of this." She said wiping my tears before tucking me into a very firm hug. 

"Can I help you choose your outfit for tomorrow?" she asked eagerly and I couldn't help but laugh at her boundless energy.

"Of course you can." I said smiling at her. 

The morning was consumed by the final preparations for the party. Mr. Potter helped Mrs. Potter and I prepare the food while the boys ate it almost as quickly as we made it. Eventually, Fleamont chased them from the kitchen with a flying mop. I disappeared upstairs to get ready. I had a long bath, pampering myself with all the things Mrs. Potter had bought me before doing my make up and getting dressed. I figured, that I could be dramatic tonight. It was, after all, a grand affair. I kept my make up minimal but decided to use some crimson Magic Martha's Un-Transferable Lipstick and some Sleekeasy's on my hair again. 

I slid the dress on and went to the mirror. I looked so much like my old self. This little break had been good for me. The dress was black of course. It had little sleeves, a V-neck in front and a lace back. It was full length but had a slit running up the leg to mid-thigh. I paired it with a pair of nude heels, sprayed some of Sirius's perfume in my neck and wrists before going down to meet our friends.

I could hear Remus's characteristic laugh coming from the bottom of the stairs and Mary's booming voice. I hurried around the corner. Everyone had already arrived.

"Merlin Yves. You look amazing." Mary said her eyes sparkling. She was wearing a beautiful yellow dress that would have been hideous on anyone else. Alice wore flower print white dress and tights, and Lily, a stunning white dress.

I hugged them each warmly. I had missed them. The boys looked elegant in their suits, Remus especially who usually looked completely disheveled, looked very handsome. Sirius was noticeably absent from the group but I assumed he was helping Mr. Potter with something while James coordinated everyone.

The den had been transformed. The ceiling was covered in Jasmine, the little flowers scenting the air beautifully; Lilies were on nearly every open surface. There was a huge table of eats and another one with drinks. This was a teenager's paradise. Lily walked in open mouthed, looking around at all the flowers. James followed her, walking slightly behind her into the room, his hands in his pockets. He looked so fragile watching her, like she held all the possibilities for all of his hopes and dreams. She turned to look at him, her face completely blank.