Chapter 31: Party [R-18]

Marlene was yanked from sleep by a set of unmistakable, rhythmically obscene sounds wet slaps and soft, escalating moans echoing off the enchanted walls. Her usual morning grogginess, which clung to her like a stubborn charm for a good half-hour, vanished in an instant. She blinked, alert, the moment she recognized that voice because of course she did. She'd heard it all night. That melodic, breathless cry belonged to none other than her best friend and honorary sister, Lily Evans.

And judging by the sheer enthusiasm woven into every gasped syllable, her beloved redhead was currently being taken to a level of pleasure that could probably register on magical seismic charts. Again.

Flashes of the previous night lit up her mind like enchanted fireworks, and a slow, thoroughly satisfied grin spread across Marlene’s face. If she were ever asked to recount the night she lost her virginity, she’d say it had been nothing short of magical emotionally, physically, cosmically magical. Rick had been attentive, intuitive, and wildly skilled, treating her body with a kind of reverence and hunger that turned every moan into music. That would be her real first time. Compared to her awkward and forgettable trysts in Romania, last night had been an awakening. He hadn’t just known what he was doing he’d made it an art, like he’d studied her every reaction and composed a symphony of pleasure with every move.

Stretching, she pulled the sheets from her body and gave a satisfied little hum as her gaze landed on the constellation of hickies decorating her skin. The inner thighs and breasts had clearly been his favorite canvas and hers. The memories sent a shiver of smug delight through her.

Drawn by the unmistakable chorus of pleasure from the adjoining bathroom, she padded toward the source and what a sight it was. Rick and Lily, under the cascade of the enchanted shower, locked in a passionate tangle of limbs and water. Lily was folded against the tile, her legs hoisted high on either side of Rick's shoulders while he thrust into her with a fervor that bordered on animalistic. He moved like a man possessed, and Lily oh, Lily was moaning like a siren in storm-tossed seas.

Marlene wasn’t surprised. The night before, she’d seen firsthand the dual nature of their intimacy. When they made love, it was ethereal, almost sacred. But when lust overtook them, they became wild creatures, driven by need and instinct. Lily had told her between blushes and giggles that until recently, they had only shared slow, tender moments due to circumstance or inexperience. But here, in the safety of the Room of Requirement, they had the privacy to unleash their truest, most carnal selves. And clearly, her fiery sister had decided to indulge her inner deviant.

And Marlene? She adored discovering this daring, kinky side of Lily. Especially when she got to be part of the adventure.

Sliding into the shower without a word, Marlene pressed herself flush against Rick’s back, her arms curling around his waist with a teasing slowness. Her fingers trailed lightly over the ridges of his abdomen, while her breasts molded warmly to his damp skin, the steam around them rising in lazy curls. Rising onto the tips of her toes, she reached forward and captured Lily’s lips in a kiss gentle at first, then deepening into something hot and urgent. Lily responded instinctively, her mouth eager, her mind adrift in a haze of pleasure, barely aware of anything beyond the heat and the intimacy binding the three of them together.

“I’m going to cum soon.”

“Not inside!”

“I know!”

“My face!”

Rick thrust into her a few more times deep, deliberate strokes that dragged moans from Lily’s throat and sent tremors through her legs before he finally pulled out with a slick, obscene sound. His hand guided her down by the shoulder, and she sank to her knees without hesitation, her mouth already open, breath already hot. The tip of his cock, flushed red and slick with her arousal, slid past her lips, and she wrapped one hand tight around the base while the other worked him in firm, twisting strokes.

The first thick spurt hit the back of her tongue, and her throat bobbed as she swallowed instinctively. But instead of taking it all, Lily pulled back with a wet pop, letting the next rope of cum streak across her cheek, then another, and another, painting her flushed face in warm, pearly lines. Her tongue darted out to catch the last droplet hanging from his tip and then came the shift.

Marlene, who had knelt silently beside her, watching with wide, greedy eyes and heaving breaths, moved. In one smooth motion, she pressed Lily backward, the redhead’s back hitting the cool floor with a soft gasp. Then Marlene pounced, her mouth claiming Lily’s in a kiss that was anything but delicate. Their lips mashed together, sticky and wet, and Marlene moaned as she licked Rick’s cum straight off her best friend’s face trailing her tongue from chin to cheek to the corner of Lily’s mouth before diving in again, kissing her hard, open-mouthed and panting.

Rick, barely restraining himself, dropped to his knees and buried his face between Lily’s trembling thighs. His tongue found her soaked, needy cunt and went to work immediately fast, focused, merciless. Lily’s hips jerked off the floor, hands flailing before they latched onto the nearest thing she could grab: Marlene’s tits. Her fingers dug deep into the soft, full flesh through the thin shirt, kneading with wild abandon as Rick’s tongue flicked her clit over and over until she shattered. She screamed into Marlene’s mouth, her whole body going rigid as the orgasm hit her like lightning, thighs clamping around Rick’s head and arms trembling with intensity.

Marlene moaned right with her, not from touch but from the raw, visceral pleasure of watching Lily come undone while grinding her palms into her own breasts, still tangled in the kiss like it was the only thing keeping her tethered to reality.

Once the two lovers came down from the dizzying high of their shared climax, Lily’s expression softened into something tender. She reached for Rick and drew him into a kiss not rushed or hungry like before, but slow and affectionate, grounding them both in the warmth of each other. When they broke apart, her gaze drifted toward Marlene, still flushed and radiant in the afterglow, and she turned to her with the same gentle affection glowing in her eyes.

“You’re awake!” she said.

“I am. Difficult to sleep when you were screaming like a banshee.” she joked.

“I wasn’t!” the redhead blushed.

“You were.” Rick inserted himself into the conversation.

“You’re my boyfriend! You’re supposed to support me!”

“I am and why do you think I spoke up? I love hearing you scream in pleasure. That’s just… making me work even harder to hear more.”

Rick shifted with a glint of renewed hunger in his eyes and leaned over Lily, capturing her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss that made her toes curl. The air around them practically shimmered with the threat of round two, his body already tensing with anticipation. It was only Marlene’s quick, knowing intervention a playful tug on his arm and a pointed raise of an eyebrow that derailed the incoming avalanche of hormones. She knew that look, and if she hadn’t stepped in, Rick would’ve absolutely pinned Lily right there again and reignited the inferno.

“Yeah, yeah. You love each other. Completely nuts about each other even, we get it.”

Rick let go of Lily and turned to Marlene, his eyes dark with affection and a fresh wave of desire. He cupped her cheek as he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, toe-curling kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. It wasn’t rushed it was slow, confident, and thoroughly consuming. Marlene moaned softly into his mouth, her hands slipping up to his shoulders as she melted into the moment, her earlier teasing now fully eclipsed by heat and connection.

“Morgana...” she whispered out of breath when he let her go.

“We better wash, we’re going to be behind schedule for our usual appearance for breakfast.” Lily commented.

“There is a problem though. Marlene is completely awake.”

“I’m not that bad!”

““You are.”” the blonde was rebuffed and she huffed, crossing her arms under her tits making them stand out even more.

“We just have to say we woke her up even earlier.”

“That works. Smart boyfriend.”

Lily gave him a quick, affectionate peck on the lips, and with the ease of those who had done this before, the trio moved in unspoken sync. They rose from the tiled floor of the steamy shower, rinsed off the last remnants of their indulgence, and used a few quick cleansing charms to dry themselves. The enchantments did their job efficiently, leaving them spotless and fresh.

But the moment they returned to the cozy bedroom section the Room of Requirement had conjured for them, reality hit like a badly aimed stinging hex: they had absolutely no clean clothes. Not a sock. Not a scarf. Just three freshly washed, stark-naked students staring at each other in amused dismay. Thankfully Rick had a solution.

“Young master Corvus called Tipsy?”

“Hello Tipsy! It’s so good to see you again. I missed you.” Rick greeted his favorite family house elf.

“Tipsy, missed young master Corvus too!”

“I was wondering if you could help us? You see, we need clean clothes from the day and we left them in our respective bedrooms. Lily and Marlene share a room. Do you think you can apparently yes.” he said as Tispy popped away.

“That’s your house elf? She seems to like you a lot.” commented Marlene.

“She was my nanny as a baby. She blamed herself for my disappearance so she's been extra nice and serviceable ever since I came back as a way to atone, I suppose.”

The small elf popped back with a huge pile of clothes in her hands.

“Here, young master Corvus! Tispy took clothes for Miss Lilies and Miss Sunny.”

“That friend is Marlene McKinnon. Our best friend in fact.”

“Tispy is honored to meet another friend of young master Corvus.”

“Hm, Tipsy. I can't find my panties.” Lily said looking at her bundle of clothes she had taken from the elf’s hands.

“Tipsy didn’t take any, Miss Lilies.”

“Why?”

“It gets in the way to make babies.”

Rick choked on air, his face contorting into an expression somewhere between horror and disbelief, like someone had just suggested a hippogriff could wear trousers. Marlene let out a scandalized snort, doubling over with laughter as her shoulders shook and tears pricked the corners of her eyes. Meanwhile, Lily turned a shade of red so intense it could rival a Weasley family reunion, burying her face in her hands with a groan that sounded more like a whimper of existential dread.

“B-babies? Tipsy, we’re a bit young to think about such a thing.”

“But young master and Miss Lilies and youz friend are all naked?”

Rick quickly intervened to put an end to the conversation. “We’re not making babies yet, Tipsy. And please don’t say anything to anyone. That includes my parents. Especially my mother.”

“Tipsy won’t tell!”

“Thank you. You should probably go now, before mom or dad notices your disappearance.”

“Bye, young master! Bye Miss Lilies! By Miss Sunny!” And with that she popped away.

“She’s adorable.” Marlene commented and her friends agreed with her.

“We still don’t have underwear.” Lily pointed out.

“Which is fine, we can always go back to the dorms after breakfast.” replied Rick.

“Or we could… You know… don’t bother with it?”

“Marlene! That’s…Quite daring. I like the idea.”

Rick disagreed, however. “Yeah, well not today. Now we should really go.”

“Maybe next time we could even… Oh no, I forgot about Remus.” The redhead was downtrodden suddenly. The werewolf's sense of smell put an end to whatever idea she had.

“What about Remus?” asked Marlene, not understanding what her fellow Gryffindor had to do with the conversation.

“He doesn’t advertise it. In fact it’s a secret but he has a very developed sense of smell. He would smell sex on someone.” Rick told the truth, just not all of it. It wasn’t his place to share the boy’s affliction, even to Marlene.

“Oh.”

“We don’t know how good, so let’s not risk it. Better be safe than sorry.”

Marlene nodded solemnly at Rick’s reminder, and the trio exited the Room of Requirement, a trace of shared mischief still clinging to their expressions. They descended the spiral staircase from the Astronomy Tower, their footfalls light and echoing slightly in the high stone corridors. Rather than take the well-traveled Great Staircase, they veered toward the Library Annex, choosing the scenic route that led them over the viaduct bridge, where morning sunlight glittered off the frost-kissed stone railings.

By the time they entered the Great Hall, they were about fifteen minutes behind their usual routine. A rare occurrence so rare, in fact, that Professor McGonagall’s sharp eyes narrowed in their direction the moment they stepped inside. She didn’t say a word, but her gaze lingered on them longer than usual, especially on Marlene. It was, after all, something of a minor miracle to see the blonde witch fully dressed, alert, and not shuffling like a befuddled zombie clinging to her first cup of tea. McGonagall had never quite understood how someone so energetic in class or in general during the day, could be so chronically useless before breakfast.

In the end, the girls decided it was wiser to make a detour to their dormitory and put on some proper underwear if only to avoid any Remus-related scent complications. The day that followed, while functionally uneventful, was anything but forgettable for each of them. To Marlene, the hours crawled by with the sluggish pace of pre-party anticipation; she was buzzing to get to the evening's festivities.

For Rick, every ticking minute was a silent countdown to seeing his mother again. She hadn't responded to his owl, but he knew her she’d be there. She had to be. As for Lily, she was practically vibrating with excitement, though she played it cool. The idea of seeing Rick, Marlene, and most of all Amelia dressed to kill. Each of them was waiting for something... or someone.

Standing before the mirror, Rick gave himself a final once-over, smoothing the transfigured folds of his dress robes with deliberate care. They were black classic, timeless, and most importantly, safe. According to Lily and Marlene, black went with everything, and since he had no clue what color Amelia would be wearing, it felt like a smart, stylish bet. He had briefly toyed with the idea of dark red to match Lily’s vibrant hair, but red especially any shade that bold had a way of clashing with his complexion in a way that made him look like he was either cursed or sunburned.

He adjusted his collar, checked the cuffs, and tightened the charm-locks on his wand holster. Then, with one last self-assured nod, he stepped out of his room and sealed it behind him with enough protective enchantments to stop a small army.

But all of that preparation, all of that measured poise, vanished the second he descended into the Gryffindor common room.

Lily stood there waiting, radiant and statuesque, in a sleeveless dark green dress that made Rick’s heart stutter in his chest. Not just green Dartmouth green, as he’d learn later a rich, forest hue that clung to her neck like an elegant choker before falling into flowing, graceful lines. The fabric moved like water, ample and elegant, cutting off just above her ankles to reveal matching heels that glinted subtly in the light. The entire ensemble was daring without being loud, refined without being stuffy. She looked like a goddess masquerading as a schoolgirl, and Rick felt like the luckiest idiot on the planet.

Next to her stood Marlene, breathtaking in a dress that could only be described as unapologetically bold if not outright scandalous by traditional magical standards. The one-shoulder azure gown hugged her curves with confident ease, leaving one shoulder completely bare and putting her graceful neckline on full display. The cut of the bodice showcased a generous amount of cleavage, tastefully toeing the line between daring and divine. The skirt flowed down to just below her knees, and stitched proudly near the hem, shimmering slightly with movement, was the golden lion of Gryffindor a statement of pride wrapped in allure. She looked like a rebellious goddess in house colors, and Rick was sure several onlookers were about to walk into walls.

Rick’s internal admiration came to a screeching halt when an all-too-familiar, obnoxiously theatrical whistle echoed from the side of the common room. He didn’t need to turn his head every fiber of his being already knew it was Sirius Black, radiating smug chaos like a one-man prank battalion about to launch a verbal grenade. To his side was his eternal accomplice, James Potter.

“That’s quite the dress, Evans. Is that for me?”

Lily didn’t dignify Potter’s comment with a response she didn’t even glance in his direction. Her eyes were locked on Rick, who had just emerged from the boys’ dormitory staircase with a calm, confident stride and robes that somehow made him look taller, older, and unfairly handsome. Her breath caught slightly as she took in the full picture. He looked dashing, yes, but more than that he looked like hers, and the spark of pride and heat that bloomed in her chest could have lit the entire common room on fire.

“Ah! Wald. Dressing up as a clown, now?” Black exclaimed when Rick made his way to the girls.

“Well, someone in Gryffindor has to bring the fun from time to time since you’re failing miserably at that, your grades aside, Black.”

“You take that back! I’m the life of the party!” Sirius retorted without any animosity in his tone.

“Not in the one we’re going to.”

“Slughorn is completely barmy to invite you to his parties but then again they’re lame so you’d fit right in, Wald.”

“Lame or not, you will be spending the evening playing kissy faces with Black and that’s if you're lucky, while I’ll be having all kinds of fun with a gorgeous redhead, Potter. I prefer being in my shoes than yours.”

Lily and Marlene nearly doubled over with laughter at the savage verbal takedown Rick had just delivered to Potter, wrapped in that smug, razor-sharp wit of his. The bit about the 'gorgeous redhead' had been the cherry on top deliberately misleading, perfectly timed, and devastatingly effective. Predictably, Potter's chest puffed up like a proud hippogriff, utterly convinced Rick was talking about Lily, when in reality, the punchline hadn’t even landed yet. The girls shared a conspiratorial look, biting their lips to keep from outright cackling in the middle of the common room.

“Like Evans would go on a date with you when you have nothing going for you.”

“I have a personality which you lack severely for starters and don’t presume to know what Lily would or wouldn’t do.” Rick turned to the girls and offered them his arms. Which they took. “Let’s go, I don’t want to be late.”

“Amelia would not forgive you if you are.” Lily commented, toying with Potter and making sure he didn’t think she was dating Rick.

“Wait! Amelia? As in Bones? Big tiddied, fat arsed, pornstar body Amelia Bones in Hufflepuff? Shut up! No way!” Sirius interjected in shock.

“Yes way.” insisted Marlene.

“I told you I will be having all kinds of fun with a gorgeous redhead tonight, didn’t I?” The smug smirk Rick gave Sirius struck him into speechlessness with his jaw hitting the ground.

“Wait! Evans with whom are you going?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, Potter but I’m going with Marlene.”

“Merlin’s saggy balls! Together?” Sirius kept getting shock after shock.

“As friends, so get your mind out of the gutter, you pervert.” He gulped when Lily looked at him with narrow eyes.

“Have fun playing with yourselves boys. I mean… by yourselves.” joked Marlene and sent a seductive wink to Black.

Leaving behind a slack-jawed Sirius and a visibly fuming Potter, the trio swept out of the Gryffindor common room with the kind of collective confidence that only comes from a perfectly delivered mic drop. They chose to bypass the bustle of the Great Staircase and instead took the quicker, more picturesque route through the Library Annex and across the Viaduct Bridge moonlight spilling across the stonework, the crisp evening air sharpening their anticipation.

Rick had arranged to meet Amelia in the Viaduct Courtyard, intending to escort her to the party together. But when they reached the open space and spotted her waiting by the fountain, every single member of the trio came to a stunned halt.

Their jaws dropped in unison.

Amelia didn’t just look stunning she looked like something out of a fantasy, too perfect to be real. The fountain behind her, the soft ambient glow from the enchanted torches, the slight breeze that teased her hair all of it framed her like a goddess descending into mortal realms just long enough to ruin hearts and make memories.

Even Lily, who had seen Amelia in plenty of dresses before, leaned closer to Rick and whispered, "Oh my. You better sleep with her tonight and show me the memory afterward. I won’t forgive you if you don’t do any of those tasks.”

“Me too! Hot damn she has such a sinful body! She’s even making me insecure! ME!”

Rick smiled amusedly, shaking his head. He let go of his friends and made his way towards Amelia alone. If he thought Marlene’s dress had been scandalous for the wizarding world, it pales in comparison to Amelia's.

The dress was a masterpiece of crimson velvet, its rich hue reminiscent of ripe wine under candlelight. Delicate spaghetti straps rose from the bodice like whispers of elegance, framing a sweetheart neckline that seemed to breathe with life, its gentle gathers drawing the eye to the promise of timeless allure.

Around the waist, a corset of black lacing wove like an enchanting spell, cinching the fabric to accentuate curves with a deliberate touch of mystery. Below, the skirt unfurled in layers of cascading ruffles, each fold a ripple of passion. It dipped daringly in the front, revealing a high-low hemline that hinted at grace and mischief, while the back flowed like a regal train, brushing the ground with quiet majesty.

It was a dress meant for nights of whispered secrets and stolen glances, a garment that could turn even the humblest ballroom into a stage fit for a queen.

“Good evening, Amelia. I would compliment you but I don’t think there are any words that would do proper justice to how gorgeous you look tonight.”

“Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself. Except…”

With a practiced grace and a faint smile tugging at her lips, Amelia reached for his tie, which had managed to skew itself to one side in that charmingly disheveled way he always seemed to carry. Her fingers moved with delicate precision, tugging and straightening it until the knot sat just right beneath his collar a small, intimate ritual that said far more than words ever could.

“Careful, Amy. I’m of the mind to skip the party and just play with you like we used to.”

“You’d like that, huh?” she said with a smirk.

“Of course I would and I know you’d like it too. My memory is quite vivid about it.”

“Well…” she said, finished with her task and putting both hands on his chest. “Play your cards right tonight and you may. As long as you don’t fall in love with me.”

“You know I love you, Amy but not like that.”

“Good because me too.”

“I guess I finally embraced wizarding culture. Sleeping with my own elder sister and all.” he joked, making her roll her eyes but still with a smirk on her lips.

He offered her his arm with a gentlemanly flourish, and Amelia took it with a graceful nod, a soft smile playing on her lips. Marlene and Lily soon joined them, and the girls launched into a flurry of compliments, practically beaming at one another like they'd each stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Lily, still simmering from the vivid image of Rick and Amelia’s past escapades, made a tactical decision linking arms with Marlene and gliding ahead to give the reunited 'siblings' a little space. It was part strategy, part self-preservation, and maybe just a dash of mischief.

As they arrived at the event, they were greeted by none other than Professor Slughorn, who welcomed them with his usual warm, blustery enthusiasm.

“Miss Evans, Miss McKinnon, good evening.”

“Thank you again for the invitation, Professor. You don’t mind me inviting Marlene don’t you?”

“Of course not.” the man replied with a chuckle. “After so many years, it is to be expected that wherever two members of your trio go, the third always tags along.”

“That is true.” said Marlene with a smile.

“I have to say, you both look quite lovely tonight.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Is Mister Wald running late? I would have expected him to be accompanied by one of you if not both.”

“I chose to invite Amelia instead, Professor.”

Horace's eyes flicked past Marlene and Lily, widening just a touch as he spotted Rick approaching with Amelia gracefully hooked on his arm. For a moment, the professor seemed genuinely taken aback not just by the visual, but by the sheer poise and presence the pair exuded. It wasn’t every day that two students walked into a gathering looking like they'd just stepped off the cover of a wizarding fashion magazine.

“Oh, my. Miss bones you’re going to draw the attention of everyone.”

“You’re quite the flatterer, professor.” replied the redhead.

“That I am! Now, come in, come in and join everyone. The buffet is on the left and drinks, non-alcoholic of course, are on the right. Miss Evans, Damocles is over the fireplace, I talked to him about you and he was very interested in your research. He can’t wait to meet you. Mister Wald, Miss Bones; Ludo Bagman is by the buffet and he kept hounding me to meet with you. He had heard quite the tale about your exploits on the quidditch pitch.”

When he heard a gasp, Horace turned to Marlene. “Miss McKinnon?”

“Professor, is that Elizabeth Burberry? The duelist champion?”

“It is! Interested in the circuit?”

“Interested? Sir, I’m going to dominate the circuit one day! I ended second in Romania’s national underage tournament this summer!”

“Really?” quite baffled, Horace suddenly found some interest in Marlene. "That’s quite the feat Miss Mckinnon. Perhaps you’d be interested in some introduction with Elizabeth?"

“I would love to, Professor.”

Without missing a beat, the two of them stepped deeper into the warmly lit room, the sounds of quiet laughter and clinking goblets fading slightly. The inviting scent of enchanted mulled cider drifted through the air, and soft string music charmed from a nearby record player, setting the mood with effortless elegance.

“And now she’s getting her invite.” Rick said with a victorious smirk.

The group split up smoothly Lily gravitated toward Damocles Balby, eager to dive into potioneering chatter, while Rick and Amelia made their way to Ludo Bagman, who was hovering near the buffet like an oversized, overly enthusiastic hummingbird. Bagman, former Wimbourne Wasps beater and current Ministry mascot for all things sporty, radiated energy and charm, if not necessarily intellect.

"Ah, my two favorite seekers!" he boomed before Rick even opened his mouth. Bagman launched into effusive praise, gushing about their flying skills as if he were giving post-match commentary. "You two phenomenal form! That duel over the Snitch at last spring match? Madness! Never seen anything like it both of you unconscious and still clinging to that golden ball like it was the Philosopher’s Stone! Brilliant stuff!"

Rick smiled politely while mentally counting the seconds until an escape route presented itself. Amelia, to her credit, nodded and humored the man with far more patience, though the flicker in her eyes suggested she’d rather be dueling a Hungarian Horntail. Still, it was hard not to be flattered Bagman might’ve lacked subtlety, but the genuine admiration in his voice rang clear as a victory bell.

It was pure torment for Rick, who had never understood the Quidditch fanaticism that gripped most of the wizarding world, and knowing Amelia felt similarly only made the endless conversation with Bagman feel like a prolonged Bludger to the brain. Just when he thought he might have to fake a fainting spell to escape, Professor Slughorn mercifully swooped in, brimming with delight and dragging behind him a new guest like a child showing off a prized Chocolate Frog card.

Rick’s posture straightened immediately, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips the moment his eyes landed on the woman trailing just behind Slughorn.

His mother had arrived.

“I’m sorry Ludo, my good man, but I have to borrow Mister Wald and Miss Bones for a moment.”

“Of course, of course!” replied the professional beater who made himself scarce.

“Mistress Potter, how lovely to meet you again. I had lost hope you wouldn’t come. Oh, but where are my manners? This is my dear friend, Amelia Bones.”

“Nice to meet you, Lady Potter.” The Hufflepuff greeted her politely while being very tense. She had every right to be when Dorea bloody Potter was looking at her with narrowed eyes.

“Likewise Miss Bones.” The Potter matriarch greeted her back with a fake smile. It didn’t escape Rick who did his best to not frown. He took Amelia’s hand in his own discreetly to reassure her and spoke.

“I’d like to properly introduce you to my friend Lily who I talked to you about in a few of my letters. She’s as good as I am at potion brewing, if not more perhaps.”

“If she’s as smart and talented as you made her to be, I would love to.”

“Now If only I knew where she was. Professor, do you have an idea?”

“Hm? Oh yes, Damocles and Miss Evans are at the coffee table over there.”

Thanking the man who looked at his mother like she had just strolled out of a royal portrait Rick gently guided both Dorea and Amelia toward Lily. But as they neared, an unexpected shift occurred: Damocles Balby, who had been chatting animatedly with Lily, caught sight of Dorea from across the room. Whatever composure he’d maintained vanished instantly. His jaw dropped, his words tangled into nonsense, and the poor lad transformed into a human stammering charm gone haywire. After a few clumsy excuses, he bolted in the opposite direction, leaving Lily blinking in confusion just as the small group arrived.

"What just happened?” was the confused question she asked.

“Mom probably intimidated him with a look.” Rick whispered low enough that only his direct entourage would hear. “Which is fine unless she does it to my friends. Now stop tormenting Amelia.” he said as he sat down on the sofa, taking his date with him. “I expected better from you after Amelia did so much for me.”

“I’m just having a bit of fun.”

“Neither Amelia or I are laughing or even amused.”

“Fine, fine, you’re right. My apologies, Miss Bones. Sometimes I let my overprotectiveness take control of my actions.”

“That’s… quite alright. And understandable.” replied Amelia.

“Lily, it’s good to see you again. It’s quite a lovely dress you’re wearing, it goes so well with your eyes.”

“Thank you! I return the compliment.”

“One of my husband’s latest creations. For once it’s something I can wear publicly.” she confessed and Rick whispered to Amelia what his mother was talking about.

“There is only one more person you need to meet and that’s Marlene. As for where she is…”

Rick glanced around for his blonde best friend, but it was Lily who spotted her first. With a bright call of her name, Marlene poised and radiant made her way over with quick, confident strides. Her eyes lit up as she approached, and with the grace of someone used to high society yet untouched by its snobbery, the pureblood heiress greeted Dorea with a mixture of respect and open admiration.

“It’s such an honor to meet you, ma’am!”

“Probably because you felt left out that Lily got to meet her and you didn’t.”

“Well, yes but that’s not the main reason.” She turned to Dorea and looked at her with stars in her eyes. “You’re my idol ma’am! You’ve proven you can be a witch and kick ass all around! When I was a little girl I hoped to grow up to become like you. Strong and pretty and independent.”

“Likewise. Mother told me stories about what you did during the war. That’s why I want to be an Auror today and one day lead the DLME. Fighting for what is right and prove that witches are just as good as wizards.” Amelia confessed with a blush on her face. She was clearly embarrassed.

“You make it sound like I’m some symbol for the witches.”

“You are, ma’am! Were you not aware?”

“I’m afraid not, Miss Bones. After the war I rarely mingled with the high society then adopted a sheltered life when Corvus disappeared.”

“You’re not really spoken about much nowadays but in my childhood you were.”

Rick and Lily exchanged a look and let the three witches talk together. Clearly both Amelia and Marlene were impressed and curious about his mother’s prowess with a wand and wanted some advice. In the meantime, the secret couple began to talk about usual things regarding potions, most notably the work of Damocles which Lily was very interested in since it concerned the werewolves. After half an hour, Dorea joined the conversation, bringing her own experience and knowledge to the table. They didn’t arrive at an answer but they did get many ideas and leads.

Eventually, Dorea slipped her arm through Rick’s and gently led him away from the soft murmur of conversation and candlelight. The pair exited through the tall, arched doorway onto the balcony, where the crisp evening air wrapped around them like a long-forgotten lullaby. The stars glittered above the Hogwarts grounds, and for a moment, everything else fell away. Mother and son stood side by side in silence, a quiet interlude before the conversation they both knew was coming.

“I like your friends. Marlene is quite the outgoing and daring one. She fits well with Lily and you.”

“We’re inseparable. Have been ever since we met on the Hogwarts Castle in our first year. I can’t imagine a life without any of them. What about Amelia?”

Dorea looked at him in silence for a moment then let out a resigned sigh.  “She’s quite the lovely lady. A good head on her shoulders with good dreams. I… like her too.”

“That’s a relief. I already said it but I’ll say it again, she did a lot for me. I can’t imagine anyone else as a big sister.”

“She’s quite provocative. That dress…”

“I’m sure dad got you to wear something more indecent.” he joked.

“At home! In private, not in public!”

“It’s her way to show that she’s a witch and she owns it. It’s a statement I think. Like she’s beautiful but also a competent witch. That she’s more than a womb to be sold to pop heirs.”

“Well… she’s successful in that.”

“How are you? How is dad?”

“Your dad spends his time making dresses now. It’s really his new hobby which he partakes in even more since you left home and it’s only been a week!” she complained, naturally making Rick laugh. “As for me… I miss my son. He should be home with me, catching up on everything we miss as mother and son.”

“We will, mom. I’m coming home for Christmas, remember?”

“It’s still four months away.”

“Now you’re just being petulant.”

She ignored his comment and instead changed the subject. “That was quite the clever plot you came up with.”

“What can I say? I wanted to see my mom regularly so I could get to know her better and I found a way to do it.” he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

They lingered on the balcony a while longer, voices low and steady as they exchanged truths not always easy to say in daylight. Once they returned to the party, the once-lively gathering had mellowed into a pleasant, sleepy buzz laughter softer, music quieter. Dorea eventually excused herself to return home to Charlus, offering Rick one final hug that spoke volumes more than any farewell. The rest of the evening passed in gentle contentment for the trio and Amelia.

Lily and Marlene eventually peeled away, arms linked and eyes twinkling with mischief, leaving Rick with a final reminder of his "assigned tasks" though Lily couldn’t resist adding a wicked grin and a whispered promise to share the memory of whatever delightful chaos she and Marlene were about to cause back in their dorm.

As he escorted Amelia back to the Hufflepuff common room, her hand suddenly tugged at his, steering him off course just as they passed the Astronomy Tower. With a coy smile and a glint of mischief in her eye, she guided him down a side corridor, her steps light but purposeful like someone with a secret and every intention of sharing it.

“I guess I did play my cards right.”

“I got to meet my idol and despite her misgivings about me at first, had a very good time so yes you did play them right.”

“I’m not letting you go back to your common room before the sunrise tomorrow, you know.”

“Fine by me.”

Fingers interlaced, they strolled through the hushed corridors with quiet purpose, hearts pounding with anticipation. When they reached the familiar stretch of wall, the Room of Requirement welcomed them like an old friend, its door shimmering into existence before them. Inside, the room had already transformed bathed in candlelight, with silk sheets and plush cushions scattered like whispers of intention. It was going to be a night of tangled limbs, sweat and moans.