Chapter Eight: Christmas Eve at Hogwarts
Lily didn't go out the next day to see off the students that were leaving for their Christmas holiday. She waited until lunch, more than twenty-four hours since the incident with the Marauders, to head down to finally eat something. She was starved as she sat down at the tables in the great hall and dove into the food offered. There were few people in the great hall, and Lily was grateful for that.
"I don't think I have ever seen you tear into food quite so ravenously," a voice said from behind Lily. She audibly groaned as James sat down right next to her. He stole a piece of bread off her plate.
"Why didn't you go home for Christmas?" Lily asked in an almost whining way.
"Don't pretend you aren't thrilled to spend the whole three week long holiday with me," James teased. He leaned into her, lowering his voice as he glared across the hall at Severus Snape. "I told the others that I would stay behind and try to convince you to keep our secrets. You really shouldn't be mad at us. We had no idea you were going to disrobe."
"Do you understand how mortifying it was to find out that I have been kissing all over and pining for Sirius Black? You caught me in the prefects' bathroom with a dog who is really Sirius, Remus, and me with my saturated under garments," Lily whispered heatedly, facing James. Their faces were a few inches apart and James couldn't help but smile.
"You still looked beautiful," James said. Lily brushed her hair behind her ear, her arm brushing against his chest. "Sirius really did need that bath, anyways." Lily laughed lightly, blushing. James took her hand in his under the table.
"James," Lily protested as her eyes opened wide. James squeezed it lightly. He leaned forward, closing the gap between them. Lily touched the tip of her tongue to her lips, wetting them in anticipation.
"Please, keep our secret Lily. Especially Remus' secret," James begged her, his mouth was near her ear as he whispered. She brought his face into view.
"Ok," Lily breathed in a quiet whisper. She looked deep into his eyes, how perfectly they were framed by his glasses. Lily suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to throw herself into his arms and to kiss him. She released his hand and dropped her gaze.
"Ok? You will keep our secret?" James pressed. He looked at her expectantly.
"Yes, James, I will keep the secret," Lily said. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, casting Severus a smug look when she hugged him back. Severus looked at James with a stony coldness to his expression. He pulled away hurriedly. He glanced back at Lily.
"Sorry, Lily," James said as heat crept into his cheeks. She smiled at warmly.
"Mistletoe," Lily murmured as she looked up at the enchanted mistletoe that seemed to have sprouted above their heads. James looked up as well.
"It wouldn't be lucky not to kiss," James said as his fingers touched her cheek. Lily bit her bottom lip slightly, contemplating the truth. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his lips, her lips slightly parted.
"How is that for luck?" Lily asked quietly as she let her eyes meet his. His eyes were wide open, surprised.
"I think I might just carry mistletoe around when I know I am going to be around you," James teased gently. Lily laughed as she blushed.
"Just me?" Lily asked amused.
"Only you," James said grinning like a fool. Lily couldn't help but smile.
"James Potter, I just don't know what to say to you about that," Lily said playfully.
"Meet me at the astronomy tower tonight," James said seriously. "Midnight."
"It's Christmas Eve!" Lily exclaimed challengingly.
"I know," James said. He leaned forward and brushed his slightly parted lips across her cheek before climbing up from the table. "Midnight." He tossed back at her before he left her alone at the table. Lily watched him leave, ignoring all the other people in the great hall. Lily Evans had fallen for James Potter.
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