Gateway to Heaven - James and Lily Potter (Jily) #Wattys2016

Madam Malkin's - Lily

Hiiiii guys I hope you'll enjoy reading this part as much as I did writing it! What's more, I cast Lily James (THAT NAME GIVES ME LIFE IF YOU GET WHAT I MEAN) as Daisy Hamilton, Lily (Evans') friend, and she's on of my favorite actresses, and since she's in this chapter anyway, I decided to put her in the media to get you guys in the mood :) Anyway, happy reading!

Lily

"Lily, dear, which one do you think looks best on me?" Daisy is twirling around in the Dress Robe Section of Madam Malkin's. She is holding a baby blue, multi-layered dress in one arm and a bright pink flowered gown in the other. Her brown eyes shine with an almost childlike expression as she waits for my decisive opinion. "The blue one is absolutely gorgeous," I state carefully,"and it's a tad bit fancier than the pink one."

"You think so?" she now holds them in her arms, her eyebrows knitted in concern. "But the pink one has frilly ribbons, isn't that fancy enough?" I laugh, shaking my head. "Choose whichever one you like, Daisy."

"Are you having trouble picking a dress?" a young voice approaches us from behind. Madam Malkin, a young lady in her twenties that recently took over the business from her parents, stands behind us with an amused expression. Without waiting for an answer, she gives us her personal advice.

"Is this for the Hogwarts homecoming ball? I thought so, yes. How old are you? Fifteen, sixteen?" "I'll be seventeen in May," my friend answers shyly.

"Ah, yes. Well, for such a pretty sixteen-year-old, I'd go for the blue one. You've got a slight tan too, that'll make it even better. Have you tried it on yet? No? Then go try it on! The dressing rooms are over there," she beckons towards the back of the store and Daisy hurries off, hanging the pink dress back on the shelf.

"And you, miss? Have you chosen a dress yet?" I shake my head. "I haven't really looked, to be honest. Balls aren't really my thing. I'm not even sure to go."

"But why not, dear?" Madam Malkin asks. "Balls are such fun, even if you're not into dancing, and" "That's not it," I interrupt,"I like dancing fine. It's just that..." I blush slightly. Why did I ever start on this?

"Is it a boy problem?" she questions softly, winking.

"Oh, it's not that I have a sweetheart!" I exclaim, reddening even more. "It's just that there's someone I know who... and, well, there's someone else who also... But I don't want them to..." I mutter, staring at the ground.

"My dear, I haven't understood a word you just said, but I can pretty well guess what it's about. Let me tell you a secret: do not, ever, cancel something you want because you're afraid others will stand in your way. Especially if it's a boy problem, which I'm assuming is your case. You're fifteen. These boys, they're still young, they'll get over it. Just do whatever you like, promise me that?"

She clasps her hand on my back and rubs it affectionately. I half-smile at her, not sure what to say. Maybe she's right. Maybe I shouldn't be caring about whatever James and Seve...

"Here I am!" Daisy throws open the changing room doors, an enormous smile plastered to her face. Both Madam Malkin and I gasp in unison. Daisy looks absolutely gorgeous, the blue gown showing off her slender features I so envy. "Daisy... you look perfect." I whisper in awe. "If you don't buy that dress I'll hate you forever." My friend gives a little laugh and then addresses Madam Malkin. "How much does it cost?" "That'll be thirteen galleons and fifteen sickles, dear, but it looks so good on you, I'll give you a discount if it's not affordable..." "Don't worry about that," Daisy says airily, turning back to the changing room to retrieve her wallet.

"Well then," the saleslady says,"that girl certainly found the dress of her dreams. And now for you! You know what, I know just the right one for you." She doesn't give me time to protest as she flutters towards the long rows of fancy outfits, babbling incomprehensibly as she traces her finger through the clothes as she passes by. "Ah! There it is!" She takes out a long, blue-green dress from the rack and comes back to where I sit. "This dress," she motions, excitedly,"has been waiting for three months to find its rightful owner. Something's telling me this will fit you like a glove. Why don't you try it on? It matches the colour of your eyes so wonderfully." I look at her hesitantly but take the dress from her hands, anyways. It wouldn't hurt to try it on.

When I return from the changing room Daisy is chattering enthusiastically with Madam Malkin. It's only when I really come close that they look around. Both of them are silent for a moment. I smile shyly.

Then Daisy lets out a high-pitched squeal and hugs me excitedly. "Oh Lily you look so lovely! You're such a beautiful lady! Oh my godness I hope I'm not ruining your dress right now!" She quickly unwinds her arms from my waist and stands before me, still beaming. I look at Madam Malkin, waiting for some sort of reply. "You are such a beautiful girl," she says,"and that is such a beautiful dress." I blush a little. "How much does it cost?" I ask. "I'm glad you decided to go," she says, smiling,"I knew this dress would help."

Suddenly our conversation is interrupted by a violent bang against the shop window. From the looks on their faces, Sirius Black seemed to have pushed James Potter against the glass and was now holding his sides in laughter.

"Were they... Were they spying on me or!? I don't feel too comfortable with this..." I suddenly look pretty insecure as I watch Madam Malkin knocking on the shop window and shooing them away. "Scoundrels," she mutters distractedly. "Anyways, that'll be eleven galleons, three sickles and a knut. You want to keep it on or...?" I look down at the soft, blue-green gown with the little trail behind me. "I'll change," I say, rummaging through my purse as I pay her.

I hope I made the right choice.

Next chapter will be James telling his homecoming ball experience! And yes, you'll witness the actual ball ;) I just wanted to add some of Lily's perspective so you experience a bit of both sides! Andddd there will be some Jily action coming soooooon!

Love always,

Isa