Stop making the eyes at me,
I'll stop making my eyes at you.
What it is that surprises me is that I don't really want you to

9 : I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor (edited)

Catherine's face lit up as though things had finally became interesting. She sat up straighter in her seat, ready for Snape's wrath to her and his usual bumbling, silently-cursing-and-swearing self in front of the Marauders who taunted him relentlessly.

As Snape stalked over to the Gryffindor table, James cried out in faux surprise, "Oh, my, would you look at that? We're going to be late for class." He stood up, his lips twitching to hide his sneaky smile as he snagged Catherine's boxes and tucked it under one arm. With his other hand, he latched it around Catherine's wrist and tugged her up.

Snape was speeding towards them now, his hair bouncing and trouncing with every step he took as Lucius Malfoy watched him with a dropped jaw. Malfoy leaned over to Peggy Parkinson, the girl who was obsessed with Malfoy despite the fact that he was dating Narcissa Black. "Why the bloody hell does he have better hair than I do?" Malfoy fingered a lock of his long, pale blonde hair with his nose scrunched in distaste.

Peggy beamed at the fact that she was spoken to as her brother rolled his eyes at Peggy's attitude. Catherine thought of how the two Parkinson siblings despised each other and how their actual loathing contrasted with her and her brother — Catherine would have her usual sibling quarrels and bickering with him, but they were still family at the end of the day.

Catherine's eyes flashed to the breakfast food on the table. "No — wait — food!"

Lily, being the good friend she was, tossed her a bread roll as Sirius carried the plate Catherine had filled with egg whites she got from James and added some bacon to it. James began dragging her away as Sirius, Remus, and Peter followed after.

"Oi, Creevey!" Sirius cried out obnoxiously at the third year Muggle boy who snapped photos dedicatedly with his brand new camera. "Bet you'd like a picture of Snivellus in the common room."

Snape halted on his feet, his eyes darting around at the students who were laughing at him. Embarrassed, he attempted to shield his luscious hair with his hands and spun on his heel as he ran out of the Great Hall.

Catherine would've felt sorry for him, but she still thought that she'd never forgive him for what he did to Lily after everything the redhead had done to befriend him. She was soon dragged outside and to the Gryffindor Common Room.

"Here." Sirius sat on the couch across her and slid the plate over to Catherine.

"But," she protested lightly although her forking a bacon into her mouth said otherwise, "won't we be late to class?"

Peter checked his watch. "Don't worry, Cathy, we still have enough time."

"Thanks," she said after swallowing and turning to James. "Potter."

James, who was talking to Remus about probably going home on Christmas break, dropped his gaze to Catherine. "Yes, Queen?"

She cut off the limp, fatty part of the bacon and pushed it aside as she nodded at the box which was James's present. "Thank you for the fudge."

"No problem, Valentine," he said, eyes dropping to the piece she separated. "Are you gonna eat that?"

She shook her head. "No, I only like crispy bacon." She handed her fork to James who used it to eat the piece she didn't want.

"Oh, yeah — I almost forgot." James snapped his fingers, remembering something as he pushed his glasses higher up his nose He stretched a hand out to Remus who snagged the velvet box on top of the treacle fudge and tossed it to James.

Sirius sat up straighter now as soon as his gaze landed on it — he knew that box. He'd seen that before and there was no way James would give that to Catherine.

James grinned lopsidedly at Catherine, handing her the present. "Don't think too much into it. It's just a thank you gift for all the help you're giving me. I mean, Evans isn't a cold witch to me any longer. She's," James paused to find the right word, "civilized. And all thanks to you, Valentine." He winked playfully at her.

Catherine couldn't help but smile, she never knew James was actually thoughtful — excluding the scarf incidents. Maybe he is a good person for Lily, Catherine finally admitted to herself with a delighted nod of her head.

The three other Marauders leaned over in anticipation as Catherine flicked it open. There, inside, was a beautiful ring. A thin, rose-gold band that was dotted with tiny crystals around it and had a gorgeous jade stone in the center, the same color of her eyes.

Catherine gasped as Remus, Sirius, and Peter glanced from her to James with dropped jaws. "Oh, my God." She shut the box closed again and looked at James. "Potter, I can't accept this. It probably cost a fortune — "

James tutted, shaking his head as he took the box from her hands. "Nonsense, Valentine. I just got it back at Hogsmeade from some chap selling some of his bits and bobs." 

Catherine was still touched by his gesture, despite the ring probably being secondhand.

James then took the ring from the box and stretched a palm out to her. "May I?" Catherine hesitated at first before shyly slipping her hand in James's warm one, a zap coursing through their conjoined hands as she forced herself not to jerk away. James fumbled a bit with the ring, nearly dropping it, causing Catherine to laugh before he playfully glared at her. He then successfully slipped the piece of jewelry in her finger. "There you go. Pretty, isn't it? That bloke was quite nice to give it to me for a galleon or two."

Catherine turned red, her lips pulling up to a smile that lit up her face radiantly. "Yes, it really is beautiful. Thank you," she paused, "James."

James beamed and cheekily winked at her. "You're welcome, Catherine."

Sirius's mouth twitched as he tried not to snort over James's ridiculous story of buying a secondhand ring. From Hogsmeade, my arse. That ring was James's mother Euphemia's, and she had given it to James. That was a piece of jewelry that went all the way back to James's great, great, great, great grandmother.

In other words, it was ancient, priceless, and incomparable to any other kind of ring.

And James had given it to Catherine, confusing Sirius like hell. But who gives a fuck anyways about a bloody ring that's old? Yes, that's just it, Sirius thought to himself. It's practically like giving a rock to the girl.

A really pretty rock.

Remus glanced at his watch, pushing himself off the couch as he said, "As much as we would all love to stay here, we've got to get to class. And it's quite the walk to Care of Magical Creatures. I've heard we're handling fire crabs today."

"Oh, those are wicked." Catherine grinned, swishing her wand to send her box of treacle fudge levitating up to her room.

"I have a relative who owns one as a pet," Peter added thoughtfully. "Apparently you need a special license for it."

Remus gave her his hand as Catherine took it gratefully. He helped her to her feet and the five of them made their way out of the common room. They were greeted by sunlight, but with a chill of the wind that followed. It was the middle of October, nearly winter, and the weather could get quite bizarre.

Catherine shivered slightly, her eyes darting to James walking on her left. She shook her head inwardly, thinking how a third time would be too much to ask of him. She turned to Sirius who was on her right, mocking Snape as usual. She eyed his scarf that was tucked in his school bag and shyly tugged his arm.

"And then that git — yes, Cat?" He snapped his gaze to Catherine, ever the concerned friend he was.

She kept her line of sight on the path in front of them as she mumbled, "Can I borrow your scarf, Paddy?"

Without a word, Sirius immediately pulled the piece of clothing out to hand it to her. But as he looked up to face her, another scarf had been wrapped around her neck once again.

James grinned wolfishly at Catherine, pulling her hair out from under the scarf before continuing their walk as he tucked his hands in his pockets. "I told you — you can ask me, Queen. I am your boyfriend technically."

Catherine laughed and rolled her eyes at him though a blush creeped up her neck. "Prongs, you've done more than enough for me today. And technically, you're my pretend boyfriend. But thank you anyways — for the third time." She faced Sirius who had an irked expression on his face. She gently laid a hand on his forearm that was bare, seeing as how they all pushed their sleeves up to their elbows, and sent him a smile. "Sorry, Siri, but thanks, maybe next time."

««•»»

For two days, Catherine successfully avoided Snape like the plague and the greasy monkey finally gave up the chase. Today was Marlene's birthday and fifth years to seventh years were invited to her party tonight that would take place in the Room of Requirements.

After her last period which was Arithmancy with the Prewetts, she found the Marauders waiting for her by the door. Catherine quirked an eyebrow at them before waving a quick goodbye to the twins.

"'Ello, Queen." Sirius flashed her a grin as they started walking their way to the Common Room.

"What're you guys doing here?" Catherine grinned back. "Ooh, are we finally using the map?"

Remus shook his head, a book in his hands. "Not quite ready. It still needs some final touches then we're good to go."

"It's actually about McKinnon's party," Peter piped up, being the voice of the boys. "We were wondering if you had a present for her."

Catherine nodded. "Yeah, I do. Why?" She narrowed her eyes at the way they were looking anywhere but her. "The lot of you didn't get her anything, did you?"

"Now, now, Cat." Sirius held his hands up as though calming a wild dog. Well, cat in this case. "We didn't know what a girl like McKinnon wanted. Maybe you could add our names in the gift card?"

Catherine rolled her eyes, pressing the bridge of her nose. She opened her mouth again to say something when a familiar redhead came to sight. She beamed as a lightbulb flashed atop her head, and she made sure Lily was looking at her when she discreetly sent her a look. They'd made a plan a few days ago, and Catherine wanted to prank the boys with something.

     Likely walked over to Catherine, raising a hand to wave hello to her. "Hey, I was looking for you."

"'Ello, Evans." James couldn't help himself as he grinned rakishly at the girl.

"Potter," she muttered back at him with a curt nod, causing his face to light up like a Christmas tree. Lily faced Catherine once more as she went along accordingly to plan. "Cathy, I need some help with a research in Muggle Studies concerning tigers."

"Alright, what is it?" Catherine feigned inquisitiveness.

"I'm curious, what exactly do they eat?" Lily pursed her lips thoughtfully at Catherine.

The mischievous girl sent a sly look at James who looked particularly cocky and Remus, Sirius, and Peter who were confident about their request earlier that she would say yes. Catherine replied with a smug voice, "Well, they have a variety of animals to choose from since they are quite the predators. But if I must say, their personal favorites are dogs — "

Sirius's cocky smirk dropped.

" — wolves — "

Remus paled visibly.

" — the occasional rats — "

Peter gulped rather loudly.

" — and the most scrumptious of them all — " Catherine narrowed her eyes at James. " — deer."

James's arm dropped from her waist as he blanched. His charming grin that was once directed to Lily was now an ugly grimace as he leaned over to grumble to Catherine, "Did I ever tell you how much of an evil thing you are?"

"Yes, yes, you did." Catherine slipped away from the boys to stand next to Lily. She jumped her eyebrows at the direction of the boys who looked as though they wanted to be anywhere but near her. "Later, boys." Both Catherine and Lily spun around and started their way to the common room so they could get ready for the party. Catherine took a glance behind her shoulder, putting the tips of her fingers to her lips before making some fountain-like gesture. A universal sign for 'Mwa! Delicious!' She smirked at their ashen white faces before rushing up to the room.

"What was that all about?" Lily giggled with a slight shake of her head since she had no clue about the boys being Animagus (and werewolf, in Remus's case).

Catherine snorted, a small smile stretching her lips. "Nothing. They were just being their usual selves. Annoying and idiotic."

This earned her an agreeing huff from Lily as the two entered the common room and made their way up the stairs to their shared dorm. Entering, they caught sight of Marlene deciding whether she should wear a navy blue dress or a fuchsia pink dress, and of Alice laying down some make up she had purchased in a muggle store back in London.

"Happy birthday, you witch," Catherine squealed immaturely, tackling Marlene to a bear hug.

"Thanks, Ca — "

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AS WELL!" Lily exclaimed, launching herself to the two.

Marlene's eyes widened. "Lils, no — !"

"Fucking hell." Catherine groaned in pain as Lily sent the three crashing to the ground, the girl roughly slamming her shoulder against the ground. "That's going to bruise."

Lily tutted at Catherine for cursing as Marlene retaliated with a choice of her own swear words, whereas Alice, being the good friend she was, set her hands on her hips and laughed at them.

"Lily," Marlene grumbled, though she was giggling, "get your arse off of me!"

Lily complied, helping the other two up to their feet as well. "In my opinion, the blue dress is prettier." She winked at Marlene as she headed over to her own closet to pick a dress.

Marlene glanced at Catherine for a third opinion — Alice wanted her to wear the blue one as well — when her eyes dropped to her left hand that was rubbing her sore shoulder. A gasp escaped Marlene's lips, catching the attention of both Lily and Alice who approached them with a concerned look on their faces.

Catherine sent Marlene an odd look before striding to her side of the room, pulling her closet door open and started sifting through her own dresses.

"Merlin's beard," Marlene mumbled, still in a daze.

"Honestly, Mar, if you think you saw Peeves in the room again, I need not remind you that you're dreaming." Catherine chuckled to herself.

"That ring," Marlene spoke, causing Catherine to freeze. "Where did you get it?"

"Why?" She tried to act nonchalant and casual as she finally pulled a dress out, laying it on her bed to avoid crumples and wrinkles. She grabbed her favorite rose-scented perfume and prepared it next to her dress.

"Blimey, I know that ring, too — that's antique!" Alice was now the one who oohed and aahed at the ring on Catherine's finger.

Catherine chuckled, shaking her head in disagreement as she snatched her towel. "Don't be silly, this is some cheap ring bought at Hogsmeade." She casted a sidelong glance at them, her brow raised in confusion. "Besides, I've been wearing this for three days now. I'm surprised you lot haven't noticed since."

"Rubbish," Marlene pointed out, "I know that ring. Potter's mother wore that before to some fancy schmancy party."

Alice nodded in return as poor Lily who was muggleborn had no idea what party they were talking about that usually took place during summer. "Yeah, I heard stories from me mum of how that band was used as engagement rings from all the Potter men to the ladies." She eyed Catherine. "We never got to see what was inside that velvet box James Potter gave you — that's what it is, isn't it?"

     Catherine had a baffled look on her face as she stammered, "I — wait — so you lot just happened to stare at Mrs. Potter's hand and ogle at the ring to know exactly what ring is which?" She let out a soft sigh and said, "You're all mistaken. Now if you excuse me, I'd like to take a nice shower before Marlene's night." She winked at Marlene who blushed, remembering that it was her sixteenth birthday.

Catherine couldn't help but ponder on what Marlene and Alice had said as the water beat down her back. She breathed out a laugh as she shook her head. Bloody impossible, she thought. James Potter would never give her something that resembled a timeless treasure. Taking extra care on washing her hair, she also made sure the rest of her body was clean and soft whilst grumbling about how much time it took to shave her legs as she did so.

She wrapped the towel around her hair, slipping on a bathrobe before leaving the bathroom. Catherine found Marlene decked in a beautiful navy blue dress that fit her well. She was sitting on a chair in front of the vanity mirror as Alice did her hair in curls. Alice was wearing a beautiful champagne colored dress that was long but hugged her figure well.

Lily went in where Catherine had just left as Alice announced her work was finished. Marlene then began doing her own make up as Alice beckoned Catherine over. She strode over, taking a seat as the three eased into a conversation to pass the time.

««•»»

James Potter and the other three Marauders were lounging in the Room of Requirements where terrible funky music was blasting. The room was dark as lights flashed around the place, resembling a disco. There were hundreds of people in here already, but James wasn't satisfied just yet. His darling Evans was taking too bloody long and she had better look damn good to make him wait for an eternity.

"Oi, Padfoot." Remus nudged Sirius with his shoe. "Your Ravenclaw girl is over there. Talk to her, yeah?"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "I've lost interest, mate."

Peter leaned over in curiosity. "Have you shagged her already?"

Sirius just shook his head with a casual shrug. "No, she wasn't all that fascinating, really."

James and Remus shared a worried glance. "Pad," James started slowly, "are you sick?"

Sirius blinked in response.

"Do you need a visit to Madam Pomfrey?"

"Do you need me to stick a broom up your arse?" Sirius retaliated sassily, making James snort.

     James muttered, "Never mind. He's back to his self again. False alarm, folks."

"Happy birthday, Marlene!"

James's ears perked up at the sound of students echoing their greetings. A large grin lit up his face as his eyes snapped to where the gorgeous redhead was standing. Lily's hair was straightened, volume being added to give it a fluff. A pale pink dress adorned her, cinched at the waist and came up above her knees. Most redheads look terrible in clashing pink, but the paleness of the dress looked beautiful on Lily.

She was perfect.

"Holy shit," came Sirius's mumbled voice.