Jily One Shots

Slughorn's Christmas Party

Lily

"You look beautiful."

It was the evening of Slughorn's Christmas Party and Lily Evans shimmered in a backless emerald dress which flowed to her ankles. Marlene was currently applying the finishing touches to Lily's hair which was finally in a perfect wave over her shoulders.

"Thank you, Mar," she said, smiling at her friend in the mirror.

Marlene grinned wickedly back at her, "Potter's gonna love it."

"Mar!" Lily cried, shoving her lightly, feeling her cheeks burn as a pair of hazel eyes appeared unwelcome in her mind. "We're just friends."

Marlene shrugged, an amused smile on her face. 

It was strange even calling James a friend. 6th-year Lily would have thrown up at the thought.

"Right, I'm finished!" Marlene said, after expertly pulling back some strands of Lily's hair from her face.

Lily gave her friend a grateful hug, grabbed her shoes and headed out of the dormitory and the Gryffindor Common Room. Her date was waiting for her outside of the entrance. 

Théodore Johnson was a bookish half-blood Ravenclaw she had befriended in 6th year when they were partnered up on a Herbology assignment. They had bonded quickly over their shared love of 'muggle' crime novels and Fleetwood Mac. He was a lovely friend and Lily was genuinely pleased when he had asked her to Slughorn's party, although she suspected it was only because his best friend (a girl whom he always talked about), had already been asked out. 

"Hi Lily!" he greeted enthusiastically, enveloping her in a hug. "You look nice!"

They chatted about the latest book he'd had been reading as they strolled to Slughorn's office. 

"Wow," Lily breathed as they entered. The office had been transformed into a cosy winter wonderland. Wreaths adorned the walls, green ribbons draped elegantly, and twinkling Christmas lights danced around the room. A fire in the hearth flickered in time to a cheerful wizarding orchestra playing Christmas hits on a nearby radio. Christmas trees stood proudly in each corner, decked out in silver baubles, while mistletoe hung in strategic places, and snowflakes drifted from the enchanted ceiling, giving the room the feel of a snow globe.

Lily grinned up at Théodore, but he was staring wistfully across the room. She followed his gaze to  where his best friend was engaged in conversation with her date. 

"Um, I'll go grab us some drinks," he mumbled, deflated, and disappeared before Lily could respond.

She turned, hoping to spot a familiar face, just as two couples entered through the door, instantly capturing everyone's attention. 

Sirius Black looked effortlessly dashing in all black, his long hair falling in perfect disarray, as always. On the other side, James Potter strode in confidently, with an easy smile lighting up his face. Lily's stomach did a strange flutter at the sight of him in his smart robes. They were walking with two girls who were chatting animatedly to each other.

Lily recognized them from Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Her eyes lingered on the Ravenclaw girl, who wore a stunning lilac dress, her arm looped through James's.

Lily quickly averted her gaze back to Sirius, who had spotted her across the room. With a grin, he waved and motioned for the group to come over.

"Looking good, Lily," he commented with his usual charm. 

"Thank you," she replied, returning his smile. "You all look really nice too." 

She stole a quick glance at James who had been uncharacteristically quiet.