Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognise.
The Debutante Ball
Chapter One
Every single student in this graduating class has made the past seven years more exciting, more bearable, more dramatic or more mundane. Everyone has a purpose that only they could have fulfilled. I'm not going to pretend I was best friends with each of you, because I wasn't, but I do want you to know that your presence was valued by our teachers, by the younger students, by your friends, by the person sitting next to you, by Potter and by me.
Lily Evans looked over her unfinished speech in disdain. She hated writing. She hated speeches. On her first night back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, after her summer break, she was writing her speech as Head Girl for Graduation. She was starting early so she'd have an entire year to practice and perfect her unwanted speech. Writing the speech was reminding her of all the things that had happened during her first six years here. Her first tour of Hogwart's. Her first experience on a broom. The Quidditch pitch. Hogsmeade. The Lake. Her friends…
"I have so many memories here." She chuckled slightly. Once upon a time she was a stranger to the wizarding world, now she was the Head Girl of one of their oldest schools and had her hopes set on becoming a healer after she graduated.
She glanced through one of the windows in her dormitory. The sun was setting on her first day as Head Girl… on her first day of seventh year. She sighed sadly and rubbed her eyes in exhaustion. Her final year had already begun and eventually it would end. She hated saying goodbye.
Her silence was soon disturbed by the shuffling of footsteps heading towards the door. She looked up expectantly. She had left her friends in the common room earlier for the privacy of their dorm, but thinking about her past and her future would be more endurable and less depressing if she wasn't alone.
Hestia Jones and Emmeline Vance entered their dormitory laughing heartily. Hestia Jones was a pink cheeked, slightly chubby girl with black hair. She was always found with a smile on her face and a giggle waiting to erupt. Emmeline Vance on the other hand was found only on very rare occasions to be laughing and smiling as she was. She had the features of an aristocrat and a personality to match. Both came from old wizarding families, but both were raised differently. The Jones' cared less about tradition than the Vance's.
"Sirius Black and the other boys have set one goal this year." Hestia announced, on the verge of laughing. "They want to get up our stairs."
Hestia collapsed on Lily's bed, giggling uncontrollably.
Lily raised an eyebrow at the crazy girl. Emmeline had composed herself and was no longer laughing hysterically, although there was a thin smile on her face that remained.
"Lily, this is not your speech for the end of the year, is it?" Asked Emmeline, looking down and skimming over the words.
Lily smiled guiltily. "Afraid so."
"No offence, but it's not very good. Anyway it is a tad bit early to write this speech. You're writing a speech for the last day of school on the first day of school. "
"I know, but at least it can get better throughout the year." Lily folded the piece of parchment and placed it on her nightstand. "So what's this about our resident mischief makers?"
"They want to walk up our stairs!" Yelled Hestia. "That's their one goal for this entire year. It's their final year and that's all they want to do. I'd thought they'd want to sabotage our Debutante Ball, redecorate Dumbledore's office or flood the dungeons again, but they don't. All they want is to walk up our stairs! It sounds so silly."
"I think they're aiming low because James' is Head Boy this year. They don't want him to lose his badge. Or they just want to get into one of our pants." Em suggested. Hestia wriggled her eyebrows and winked at Lily.
Lily laughed. James Potter had stopped liking her last year. They were classmates. Nothing more and nothing less. Although they were barely friends she knew Potter better than she liked to admit. They had spent six years in the same house, sharing classes, meals and a handful of Christmas' and other celebrations together. How could she not know that boy! In her mind she had already figured out why Potter had chosen to conquer the girls' stairs.
Potter had spent the past six years terrorizing and exploring other parts of the castle. He and his friends had found secret passages around the castle and Hogsmeade. This year they planned on 'aiming low', not because of Potter's appointment as Head Boy, she knew he knew exactly how far to push the limits without getting into trouble, and not because he wanted to get into her pants, but because after six years of conquering the entire school they still hadn't conquered the Gryffindor girls staircase.
To Hestia and Em itdidn't seemas challenging to the boys as their other successes, like stealing from the kitchens or bringing back Firewhiskey from the Hogshead, but it was in fact their greatest challenge ever. The boys had to outsmart Godric Gryffindor.
"They're finally hitting home." Lily said matter-of-factly.
Hestia and Em looked at her funny. Lily chuckled. "Never mind. I think I should give Potter a little scare tomorrow. Let him know I know his little goal."
Hestia gave Lily a sharp look, all her humour had disappeared from her chubby face. "Lily, please don't be a bitch."
Professor Horace Slughorn sat at the front of the dungeon, awaiting the entrance of his seventh year students. One by one they took their seats, greeting each other and smiling at their aging professor. He loved this year level. Each one of his students would be very successful. Very promising witches and wizards indeed, he thought.
He chuckled slightly when James Potter and Lily Evans walked in together. James looked guilty and was blabbering incoherently, while Lily looked frustrated, angry and… amused. Sirius Black walked behind them and grabbed James' robe, dragging him to their bench.
Lily continued to walk to the middle bench, a small smile gracing her lips. She shot her favourite professor a wide smile and took a seat. Unlike everyone else in his class, Lily sat on a bench by herself. It wasn't that no one wanted to sit next to her, who wouldn't want to sit next to the brightest witch he had ever taught, but she just ended up working by herself and she preferred it.
"Welcome back." Professor Slughorn greeted them. "Another school year has just begun. For all of you, this is your final year. The most challenging year of your academic life. I remember my seventh year…" His eyes glazed over and he looked like he was reminiscing. "Yes, well we're all going to work hard. Today we're going to attempt a potion you have yet to brew. A potion all of you know. " He looked around the classroom to build up the suspense. "We will be brewing Skele-gro."
Most students seemed relieved that their first assignment was Skele-gro. They had spent a fair bit of time studying it last year. Although it would only be their first attempt they would all be able to easily complete it.
"Maybe if we slipped some into Flitwick's drink he might grow." Sirius scoffed. The class stifled their laughter, while Sirius looked around lazily. It was well known that Professor Flitwick and Sirius Black weren't exactly best friends.
Lily ignored Sirius' comment and commenced making the potion. She was quite excited to brew this potion, if she intended on becoming a Healer this would be one of many potions she would have to perfect.
Without Lily noticing Dorcas Meadowes had moved all her supplies and her cauldron on Lily's bench. Dorcas Meadowes was the Slytherin female prefect, she was intelligent and talented in anything she participated in. She might even have been appointed Head Girl had she not been caught sleeping with last years Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
"Hey Lily." Dorcas greeted warmly. Lily and Dorcas had become fast friends during fifth year when they both had been appointed prefects. They often patrolled the hallways together and sat next to each other in prefect's meetings.
Lily looked up and laughed slightly. "Sorry, I didn't notice you there."
"Would it be alright if I bench with you this year? It's just that Damien is unbearable. He's just…well he just changed that's all." Explained Dorcas, tilting her head towards the back of the classroom.
Damien Rosier, John Wilkes and Severus Snape sat together at the back of the classroom. Rosier caught Lily staring and shot her a withering glance. Lily rolled her eyes.
"Have you guys broken up again?" Lily asked curiously.
Dorcas sighed sadly. "Yes, but I know I'll go back. I always do. He always takes me back. Even after I slept with Professor Smith last year. He always takes me back. Always… That's us." She paused slightly and added the next ingredient. "Did you know that Rosier is the name of a fallen angel who's the patron demon of tainted love and seduction. He always reminds me that when we make up. He also says that our love can only result in torment of spirit, heart and soul. How hopeful."
"Dorcas you're not happy with him. You deserve better. I know you know that. Don't you?"
Dorcas smiled gratefully. "Anyway, are you excited for our Debutante Ball?"
"Honestly, I'm not." Lily answered truthfully. "I'm dreading having to ask someone to be my escort. Oh and I'm an absolute klutz when I dance."
"At least you're escort isn't a snotty ex-boyfriend who your family absolutely adores."
"Why don't we both just not show up?" Suggested Lily hopefully.
"McGonagall would snap your wand in half Lily." Dorcas exclaimed. "You're Head Girl and the Gryffindor golden girl. You would be her ideal debutante."
Lily laughed. "Well, it wouldn't be that bad. It would be exciting to experience a Debutante Ball in the wizarding world. My great-grandmother was a debutante in the muggle world. My grandmother says I look just like her. Anyway, now all I have to do is find myself an escort."
Lily turned around and scanned the dungeon. Her eyes unintentionally fell on Potter.
"So Lily, who are you going to ask?"
Dinner had finished 15 minutes ago, yet the Great Hall was still occupied by the chattering seventh year girls, Professor Louvet, Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout. Some of the girls sat eagerly, waiting for the meeting to begin. Some of the girls looked around disappointedly, hoping that the Debutante Ball tradition would be abolished due to its useless purpose and portrayal of girls as property to be surveyed then auctioned. Others, like Lily, were fidgeting uncontrollably because they wanted the meeting to end soon.
"Many of you have mothers and grandmothers who have participated in the past Debutante Balls held at Hogwarts. The group photos of the previous 99 debut's can be seen along the wall of the third floor corridor. All of you sitting before me will be Hogwart's 100th set of debutantes. Soon you all will be featured on that wall. The tradition of the debut may not be as old as the school itself, but it is just as pivotal as the moment the Sorting Hat determined which house you have spent six years in. Traditionally the debutante season is held between April and July. We have decided that your debut will be held in May, hoping it will not interfere with your upcoming NEWT's." Professor Louvet explained passionately.
Professor Loretta Louvet was a beautiful woman, even in her old age. She had held the post of Arithmancy professor for the past fifty years. She loved the school, her students and the debut. She taught the dances and organized decorations, flower arrangements, food and she even arranged escorts for some of the girls who were unable to find escorts themselves.
"The purpose of the debut is not only to show your family and friends just how beautiful you have grown up, but also to display your philanthropic, cultural and social training. You will be entering a world of civic responsibility and social awareness.
"This debut symbolizes your transformation from a girl into a woman. Your participation is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. Some of you have your astronomy class soon, so I'll wrap it up here. Have a look at the parchments Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout are handing out, if you do wish to participate you should come to the next meeting which will be held next Thursday. Goodnight darlings."
Lily and her roomates made their way slowly up to Gryffindor tower. All of her roommates were so excited about the whole debut thing. She definitely would not get any sleep tonight because they would babble on about it all night. She didn't understand why she was even dreading the debut so much. When she had first found out about the debut in her first year she was really excited, up until last year she was looking forward to the Debutante Ball.
Lily decided to block out her friends and looked down at her piece of parchment.
To Debutantes
ESCORTS
Escorts must be finalized BY Christmas break. If an escort cannot be found, one will be arranged for you. Remember to choose your escorts wisely.
DANCING
Dancing lessons commence in January through till May. All lessons MUST be attended. Shoes must be purchased before lessons commence. Dates and Times will be posted in each common room closer to the date.
GOWNS
Gowns must be white and to the floor – gowns bearing too much skin are NOT allowed. Elbow length white gloves must be worn. Adornment must be minimal - pearl jewelry only.
Any questions can be asked on Thursday.
Goodnight darlings
Lily and her roommates stopped abruptly. They had just turned the corner and found a group of seventh year girls standing around the portrait of the Fat Lady. They were from Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff.
The Gryffindor girls all looked at each other. Each wearing a look of curiousity. The Fat Lady was glaring daggers at the foreign faces.
"Please just let us in. We're trying to find escorts for the Debutante Ball." One girl cried out desperately.
"No password, no entrance."
"If you can't let us in can you make them go out?"
Em turned around from the portrait hole. "Let's go down to the Quidditch pitch and wait for these desperate girls to leave."
"One day soon they'll be women." Lily exclaimed teasingly. "That is if they find themselves some escorts."
They arrived at the empty Quidditch pitch and sat languidly right in the centre. Quidditch practice had yet to commence so they were in no danger of getting hit by bludger's.
"I don't think my mother would approve of half of the guys I want to ask to be my escort." Said Em bitterly. "Nothing's ever good enough for her. She'll scrutinize him thoroughly. 'He's too tall for you. His hair is too thick. His mother wasn't my friend back when I was in school.' Oh no, I can just imagine how controlling she'll be with my dress, my hair, my make-up and my shoes. I hate this debut!"
The other girls just laughed at her. Lily ripped some grass off and threw it at Em. "Who're thinking of asking?"
"Well, I'd feel comfortable going with one of the boys from Gryffindor, except well Peter because he's kind of annoying, but Remus, Sirius and James would be awesome partners." Em tilted her head to the side and looked thoughtful. "Actually my mum would probably love Caradoc Dearborn. He's handsome, smart and has grooming skills, something that every other boy seems to lack."
"Well Em, you better ask him before one of his fellow Ravenclaw's take him." Lily suggested helpfully. "Do you know what's really funny? The boys are like robes at a store. We look at the appearance, if we like what we see we try it on, but if it just doesn't catch our eye we move on without even bothering to find out whether it fits. You never will know if that ugly looking robe could have fit you perfectly."
Hestia started chuckling. "Shut up Lil.Your escort justneeds to look stunning in the photos and sexy on your arm. That's all that matters."
Patricia Bowman was the last of Lily's roommates. She was the quietest of all the girls and she was also the most reasonable of the four. "Lily have you ever tried on James Potter. You never know, he might fit you perfectly."
They looked around at each other then burst out laughing.
"James Potter got over me ages ago."