**italics are letters/song/Peter's thoughts
...

In the past, Lily had never been very good at dealing with stress and working under pressure. She found it easier when she knew she had more time if she needed it, but that didn't work when the Holiday Ball was due to start in a few hours.

James, on the other hand, thrived under pressure. Essays, homework, and timed quidditch plays seemed to be his best work when he was overly stressed out about something. The rush of adrenaline right before he completed whatever it was gave him the thrill he yearned for.

It gave the impression, once again, that the two balanced each other out properly. They were like two opposite sides of a scale, she was left while he was right.

Lily admired the charm work that showed her adamant hard work in charms class had paid off. She was proud that she had something to show for the sleepless nights, study sessions, and constant overwhelming stress Hogwarts had given her over the years.

The enchanted ceiling had its usual magic shining brightly through the hall, but Lily added to it to make it look like snow was falling into the ground, where the "snowflakes" "melted."

James had taken on the task of arranging the tables, accompanied by the centerpieces the girls had worked on earlier that day.

He threw on either a white base table cloth first, followed by a light blue one as Doodledorf stressed the fact that not everyone celebrated Christmas. Therefore, it had to be winter-themed.

Fake ice sculptures that resembled one of the four houses stood at the center of each table just as Lily walked over to check on his progress.

"The snow was a great touch," he remarked as he shifted the placement of one of the sculptures.

If James was given the time, he could be quite the perfectionist. So, Lily watched and laughed as he inspected every singular sculpture.

"I owe it all to seven years of Charms class," her eyes sparkled with admiration for the boy in front of her.

Soon after, they were walking up to the Gryffindor tower, pride alight in their eyes, and love in their hearts. Stopping at the start of the staircases, they looked at each other for an uncomfortably nauseating amount of time until Lily arched her eyebrow at James and laughed.

"Fuck, I love you," James said impulsively like his true Marauder self.

Lily's eyes widened for a split second before it truly sunk in. The boy she had avoided for years on end while calling him multiple insults, had just told her that he loved her.

"And I love you," she responded her cheeks blushing a crimson red.

James let out a victory whoop and ran straight up to the boys' dormitory, she just laughed herself as she ran up the girls' staircase.

She entered the dorm immediately feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over her. Marlene narrowed her eyes at her friend as she went around the room humming a random song accompanied by a deep blush.

"Spill it, Evans!" Marlene said the anticipation near killing her.

"Hold it! I know that face anywhere! How did James make you swoon this time?" Mary asked joining in Marlene's interrogation.

"I do not swoon!" Lily shouted breaking into peals of laughter.

"We'll agree to disagree because I really want to know what happened now!" Alice responded for the other girls, sending an inquisitive towards Lily.

"He told me he loves me!" She abruptly answered, burying her head in a pillow as the girls all responded with screams of joy.

...

"We said the 'L' word!" James screeched as he runs and jumped into his old bed.

Remus's eyes widened as he knew what James meant right away and you could practically see the gears turning in Sirius's head moments later. Peter, had no idea what was going on.

"L word?" Pete asked at the time Sirius screeched and started jumping around in a circle with James.

"Think about it, Wormy," Remus said shaking his head towards the other two.

Leaf? Log? Leg? Ladder? Love!

"Holy Merlin! I never thought I'd see the day!" Peter finally joined in the screaming.

After much more screaming that they called celebrating, they threw on their black dress robes. Seeing as it was such short notice, they didn't have time to get a new set of robes. The boys combed quickly through their hair, tied up the laces to their shoes, and ran out the door of the dorm to meet the girls at the Great Hall.

...

Seeing each other, for them, was like a breath of fresh air. Everything else seemed to evaporate as hazel eyes met green ones.

Lily had taken one of Marlene's old dresses, as she hadn't had any time to get a new one herself, but it fit her in all the right places. In turn, Marlene took one of Lily's old dresses that she had been eyeing for a while.

Mary had worn one of Alice's old dresses but stayed up for two nights in a row cutting off the sleeves and stitching the fabric back together, which was quite the process.

Alice had worn a dress that Michelle quickly sent her in the express owl mail, surprisingly, Alice quite liked it. Even though, she and her sister did not have the same style when it came to dresses at all.

James's eyes shone with adoration as she walked up to him and pressed a kiss to his cheeks, which hadn't stopped blushing since she had told him she loved him. Lily twirled around in a circle to show him the full extent of her emerald green dress.

(I apologize if you don't like the dress I chose for Lily! Just imagine an alternate one!)

Lily's hair swept down her back in loose curls as they walked into the Great Hall, accepting compliments as they went.

...

Don't go changing to try and please me
You never let me down before

Even though it might've been Lily's dress, the bright red sleek dress made Marlene glow next to Sirius. His cheeky grin accompanied them as they swerved dangerously close to other couples, including Remus and Mary, who were dancing "platonically."

Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore

Mary didn't usually wear baby pink, but Remus quite liked the way it looked on her, so she just went with it. Their dancing was far tamer than Sirius and Marlene, but it seemed that they had bumped into a mini version of their friends.

I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far

They were far too young to understand their connection, but give it a few good years and Julia would realize how much Annie truly meant to her. Annie spun Julia around with a giggle and pointed at James and Lily, who happened to be sharing their own slow dance.

I took the good times; I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are

Their pure happiness danced off of the couple as they swayed slowly to the music. Who would've thought that Lily would find love in the boy that she had called an arrogant toe-rag?

Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair

In Craig's opinion, Lily, James, and the prefects had done a spectacular job on a ball they had so little time to plan. He marveled at this as he grabbed a glass of the closest fruit punch that happened to be served.

You always have my unspoken passion
Although I seem not to care

On his way back to his table, which was filled with his fellow Hufflepuffs, he tripped and almost fell, until someone caught him by his wrist. He looked up and met amiable grey eyes.

I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard

Regulus smiled softly at Craig, but said nothing and turned towards the rest of Slytherins calling his name, leaving Craig quite confused, staring in his wake.

I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way that you are

...

Hogwarts Express was filled with students eating chocolate from the trolley, getting caught under mistletoe and blushing, some saying every last thing that they needed to before they went home. Lily, did not know where she would place herself among them.

She definitely was not caught under mistletoe and did not plan on it in the future, but James was quite unpredictable. Already having finished her chocolate frogs she couldn't quite fit under that category either. So, that left her with talking her friends' ears off, which she wasn't doing either.

James had fallen asleep with his head in her lap and she listened to Sirius and Alice debate about whether Gringotts or Hogwarts was a safer place as she stroked James's hair.

They had blown off the traditional prefects meeting on the train, saying that the ball had been quite enough work for all of them and that they should just enjoy the holidays. Some of the prefects were distressed when this was announced, but James just sent them to patrol the train, which seemed to put their minds at ease.

All eight of them had been dreaming of the same thing, the Potter Ball. Extravagant dresses, good food, quality time with friends, and an excuse to leave their houses to go to Potter Manor.

Whatever the case was, when they arrived at King's Cross station many exploding snap games later, the group wasn't ready to leave each other for however long it was.

...

Dear Remus,

I hope your holidays are going well, I know how hard it is for you to return home without the boys. I asked my mum to make you some fudge to give you when we return to Hogwarts (which I cannot wait for!)

Isn't it scary to think about having our final term at Hogwarts start in like a week? (I'm not sure exactly when the new term starts...) It makes me nervous to think about the future, since that involves many revolting things, like getting a job and buying a house.

Ever since I got home, I've been doing chores, mind you, in a house, I didn't even consent to live in! I swear if I am asked to dust one more time... I'm not even allowed to use magic either because Petunia is always around, even though she has a home she lives in with her pig-headed husband.

Which reminds me, can you please write to James asking him to behave at a dinner my dearest mother insists upon having? She said that in order for me to go to the Potter Ball, James has to come to dinner with Vermin and Petunia! Does she want someone to die?

That ends my rant to you! I've enclosed some chocolate and healing potions just in case with my owl!

Love,
Lily xx

Dear Mary & Marlene,

My mother is being terribly unreasonable! Even though she let me go to the Potter Ball last year, she has put conditions upon my arrival. I was contemplating not listening to these newfound conditions and just apparating over to Potter Manor because what's she going to do about it? But, alas, I am being a good daughter and not letting the Marauders rub off on me (too much.)

You may be asking, what are the conditions, Lily? And why did they make you want to bang your head against a wall? Well, dear friends, I shall tell you.

My mum wants James and me to attend dinner out at this fancy restaurant WITH Vermin and Petunia. I have already thought of all the possible ways to get out of this, like forging James's handwriting and writing a letter from "him" saying that he can't attend or asking Petunia if we can sit at separate tables. Yet, I cannot do any of those because a) my mum wouldn't let me go to the ball and I'm dying to speak to Mia and b) PETUNIA ALREADY FUCKING AGREED!

Then, she had the audacity to drag me into an empty room (which I had never seen before despite my many chores and explorations) and tell ME what not to do. This included the word "freak" being used many, many times, but I'm used to that by now.

I hope the holidays at your house are holding up well! How many quidditch matches have you played so far and Mary how many times have you been hit accidentally by a bludger when sitting on the sidelines?

Also, let me just say, it is unfair of you two being able to stay over at the Potter's from Christmas all the way to when we get back to Hogwarts! Euphemia's cooking is killer. Please tell her I said that. I'm still trying to be her favorite.

My mum is yelling for me, so I guess that's all I'm going to be able to write to you.

Love,
Lily xx

Deer James,

First of all, I still don't understand the need for me to write 'deer' instead of dear. You can do it all you want, but frankly, it's grammatically incorrect and I find it difficult to write with a conscience.

Second, my mum is being annoying and strict. I can only attend the ball and stay after if you go to dinner with me, Vermin, and Petunia. She said something about building connections between the two of us.

Before you try to get out of this, I have already come up with multiple (you'd be proud) ways to avoid this dinner because really, who wants to eat with two people who disregard your existence? But, I have found that if I do any of these things, I will not be allowed to go to the ball and we wouldn't want that, would we? (No, but seriously (and no I am not writing siriusly) I can't wait to eat your mum's cooking!)

So, you can apparate your arse over here on the 23rd at 6:00 p.m. in nice muggle attire ready for the worst dinner you've ever been to. Please and thank you!

Love,
Lily xx

P.S. I understand if you won't come because I don't want to go either!

...

Dear Mary, (and perhaps Marlene)

My holidays are going well (if you could call it that.) My father is ignoring me and my mum seems to be using her only coping mechanism (baking) way too much. If she makes me eat one more sweet, I will probably explode.

Sometimes I wonder why I don't just stay at Hogwarts because it's quite obvious nobody here would like to speak to me. Yet, if I did that I wouldn't be able to go to the ball the Potter's throw.

I've never played McKinnon quidditch, but I have played Marauder quidditch, which should be around the same thing. Wear a helmet or something in case there seems to be a rogue bludger.

Did you write to Lily? I could feel her frustration radiating from the letter she sent me. I hope that the dinner goes alright.

See you in a few,
Remus

Deer Prongs and Padfoot,

Are you happy? I wrote deer instead of dear!

First, Lily wants me to remind James to be on his best behavior possible at the dinner with her sister. She asks you to bring manners and leave your Marauder brain at home. In other words, don't be reckless or impulsive and think through your words.

From what I've heard, Vermin is an egotistical bigot and is just a terrible person in general. (Make sure you know what drills are beforehand.) You have met him once before, but come prepared with patience and your ignoring abilities, that I know are there somewhere.

If you pull another prank on your mum I'm pretty sure she's going to lock you outside of the house. Although, she could be used to it by now seeing as she's your mother and has adopted Sirius practically since first-year.

I'll see you before the next full moon, so there's no need to write about it in this letter and I assure you I'll be completely fine on my own. You two don't need to make up an excuse that I'm sure your parents will see-through. (I've got a sneaking suspicion that they know you help me out during full moons.)

Moony

Dear Lily,

My holidays are going well at the current moment. As long as I stay out of everyone's way, it will continue to go well, which I'm sure you can relate to. It will be tough without the boys, but it is what is I guess.

I think I'm ready for the outside world. What more can Hogwarts teach me? It's given me lots of laughs and friends and I wouldn't change it for the world, but we're ready.

While you're doing chores, I'm just pretending not to exist as my parents are quite literally insane. Spending time with myself seems like the only way I'm going to get through holiday at this point, I suggest you try it too.

I wrote to James to tell him to stay on his best behavior during the dinner you told me about, but I make no promises deer friend. You chose the second (only to Sirius) most unpredictable person to date. I wish you good luck!

I was running a bit low on both chocolate and healing potions, so I thank you for those, but don't feel obligated to send me stuff!! Also, the fudge is appreciated but not expected.

Yours Truly,
Remus

...

Lily,

I am very sorry your mother is being unreasonable, which even my mum agreed upon, but if you explain to James how important this dinner is to you, he won't do anything daft. He's James! He loves you!

I've just met baby Asher for the first time and Merlin's bloody beard he was adorable... until he started screaming! I apparated away pushing excuses at my sister, such as studying? Do you think she believed me?

Your Christmas present is also attached to our family owl, instead of my personal one, because Gertrude would not make the journey, let's be honest. Do not peek! I will know too if you have because I charmed it! So, don't even try!

Frank can't come to the Potter Ball, but he's coming to our family Christmas Eve dinner and then I'm going over to his for Christmas dinner. I can't wait to see him!

I wish you love, prosperity, and happiness (unless you peek at your gift!)

Love,
Alice xxx

Marls & Mary,

Asher is simply adorable! I would send you a picture, but I've already attached all of mine to my wall. Michelle has dubbed me Auntie Alice and honestly, I can't wait for when the kid can actually say it!

Don't be too mean to your brothers! Remember there's this thing called karma! k-a-r-m-a!

I'll be sending your gifts in a little while, so just be patient! I ask that you wait to open them as excited as you are I don't expect much, but just know there's a surprise charm waiting for you! You've been warned!

I got a nice pastel yellow dress for the ball, but unfortunately Frank can't come! I will see him on Christmas Eve & Christmas though, so that'll have to do! I miss you guys so so so much and I can't wait to see you!

Love,
Alice xxx

...

Dear Craig,

Thanks for sending me your address before the end of term! I'm finding that writing this letter should be very... useful?

I've just been to a family dinner (retches) and the food was absolutely disgusting because my aunt never learned how to properly cook. So, as I write I'm eating some leftover Honeydukes chocolate. (Which is more brilliant than any muggle candy could ever strive to be! I don't care what you say!)

The dinners used to be bearable when Meda and Sirius could attend, but they are now burned off the family tapestry. So, the day they will be able to go to any family function, is the day that I die.

I'm finding that locking myself up in my room is way better than actually sitting with my parents. Their presence makes me want to vomit.

We are still doing the "tutoring" sessions in the library next term, right? I sure hope so because my marks have never been better, even if we don't actually work on any school work.

Best regards,
R.A.B.

Dear Reg,

No problem! I don't write to many people anyway, so it wasn't like it was of any inconvenience.

I'm sorry your aunt doesn't know how to cook, but I've just baked some mint cookies with my aunt and enclosed some along with this letter. I hope that makes up for it.

Meda sounds like a wonderful person. I'd love to hear more about her, of course, only if you'd be willing to share. I have had the pleasure of meeting your brother in person and he's one interesting bloke.

I was planning on continuing with the "tutoring" sessions if you'd like to. We really do need to come up with a more accurate name for them though.

See you soon,
Craig

...

The mirror showed an anxious-looking seventeen-year-old in black heels, an effort to make her look taller, which failed in her opinion. A black long sleeve jumpsuit, which went wide at the legs, but hugged everything else, was worn underneath a denim jacket with fleece on the inside.

It was five minutes till James was supposed to have arrived so she gave everything one more glance in the mirror and exited her room, effectively raising her anxiousness.

She sat on the maroon couch that did a great job of reminding her of the Gryffindor common room, which felt like more of a home than Henry's house ever could. In order to make it feel more like home, she supposed she could clean out the boxes in her room, but Lily was graduating soon anyway, so it felt like a waste of time.

There was a loud crack and then her boyfriend of a few months appeared in front of her with a large smile, wearing a muggle dress shirt and pants, just as she had requested. Lily jumped up off the couch and greeted him with a short kiss and a smile.

"I have to say goodbye to Mum first and then we can apparate over," Lily explained pulling him into the kitchen where her mum and Henry stood speaking about something.

"I see you're off then! Be careful!" Rose Evans cheerfully said to Lily, before hugging her bye.

Lily opted to side along apparate with James as she didn't feel like her jitters would do any good when apparating, she didn't want to risk getting splinched. Every time she apparated, she was presented with an uncomfortable feeling liked getting sucked into a tube and then getting abruptly yanked out of the tube.

In front of them, was one of the fanciest buildings that they had ever had the pleasure of seeing, bar Hogwarts and Potter Manor. Henry had gotten the fanciest reservation he could manage, which Lily had tried to appreciate, but had failed in this.

She couldn't forget all the anger he had ever given her and how it felt like he was trying to isolate her from the rest of her family. When Lily had been dropped off at King's Cross before the start of her sixth-year, her mum had been perfectly fine(well as fine as you could be) with the prospect of being alone for the rest of her life. Why the sudden change?

"You alright?" James asked her as they walked into the restaurant looking as much out of place as they felt.

"Just nervous, how about you?" Lily returned the gesture.

She could spot Petunia's face from across the restaurant as it had looked as if she had eaten something extremely sour. Vermin sat next to her looking like a blown-up balloon and suddenly they didn't seem too daunting as she walked over hand in hand with James.

"Hello Petunia, Vernon," Lily made polite greetings as best as you could as they could only manage with curt head nods.

For a moment, only tension filled the air as Lily and James looked over the menu with her having to explain a few of the foods to James.

"We already ordered two salads for you. I felt that the school of yours had been feeding you too much," Petunia spoke up for the first time, evil like the glint in her eye.

Skip the pleasantries and just call me fat, why don't ya?

Lily bit back her retort and chose not to respond as her fiery-like Gryffindor tendencies fought to make their way to the surface against her sister in a battle knew she would win. James saw this and as much as he wanted to defend Lily too, he recited Remus's letter and his mother's lecture in his mind before putting his hand on Lily's in a comforting way.

"So, what's it like to be married?" Lily changed the subject while gritting her teeth.

"It's splendid! I've actually been promoted twice since our wedding and I think being a married man really gives me a boost in the office!" Vernon said just as Lily remembered how skilled he was at turning the subject towards him.

They sat through thirty-two minutes and forty-six seconds more of the most awkward dinner you could imagine, with James stealing Lily's wand halfway into it as she was about to give Petunia boils on her face.

"I shall see you later Petunia," Lily said after Vermin insisted upon paying the check as they were just poor students. Petunia didn't respond and just stalked after her husband.

Lily made it through apparating to Henry's house until James started to say his goodbyes, which is when she started to break down, pleading him not to leave her there at the house alone.

"Please don't leave me! I can't do it anymore!" She said on the doorstep with tears in her eyes.

"Are they hurting you?" James asked in a gentle voice filled with concern.

"No, but I can't bear it alone!"

"Listen, I'll be seeing you in a few days, right after Christmas and you can write to me every day! You are stronger than you believe, Lily-flower," he said trying to make the idea of staying at Henry's house more appealing.

"I won't hesitate to apparate to your house before that though. So, don't be surprised if I show up early!" She responded, her tears drying, the remark earning a chuckle from James.

"Mum would love it if you could come early, but she respects your mum's wishes and thinks that I should too."

"I love you, James."

"I love you too, Lily."

...

Author's Note:

Song: Just the way you are
By: Billy Joel

This is actually a few combined chapters! I got so excited about what's coming up that I squashed them all together!

The more I write about Lily's home life the more I realize just how shitty (💵) the Dursleys were to Harry and that makes me a bit sad. Just imagine the life he could've had with his mini leather jacket that I just know Sirius got him and Remus would totally keep him supplied with chocolate. I could go on for ages about that.

Taylor Swift's album might've officially killed my productiveness for the day, which is why I'm currently publishing a chapter instead of sleeping.

As the holidays approach, I hope you guys are staying safe and dealing with your stress in healthy ways! My messages are always open!

Lmao anyways thanks for reading
-teddy🎁