Prologue

She ran through the dark hallways, her long, red hair flowing, as sleek as the nightfall had taken over daylight.

It was important that she got to the Astronomy Tower as quickly as possible. He was waiting for her and she longed to be in his arms.

Yet she knew that she could not stay long. If she stayed a minute longer, it was possible, if not certain that he would be destroyed. Her love for him, kept her away from him for as long as she could.

Even so over the past month it had become impossible. Since they were both Head Students it had become inevitable for them to meet, even though she kept away for two months.

When mid-November came though, things were in full function therefore their responsibilities were at maximum and soon, preparations for Christmas would have to be made. And so, Lily grew closer to him and so did he to her.

Hence, this is how their love for one another could not be hidden any longer. It was visible in their eyes, filling them with happiness and this was mirrored between them.

As she reached the Astronomy Tower, she searched the room with her emerald-green eyes, but he was no where to be found.

A worry surged through her, thinking that he was caught but simultaneously she felt relief. Relief, because if he did not come, it would make it easier.

They would just forget each other, or maybe he would forget her. But there was no way whatsoever that she could forget him. Not after what she saw.

James was pacing through the long corridors and climbed the staircases, whilst looking in his Maurader map. This was probably the greatest and most valuable belonging oh his and his fellow Mauraders.

He longed to see the girl with the lovely, soft white skin. He missed her. Yes, he did see her everyday but this was different. He missed seeing her away from the indiscreet eyes of other students.

He did not really mind showing his affection for her in-front of others but she had seen this differently. She believed that it was to her best interest, especially to his best interest she emphasized, to keep it private.

Yet this didn't make much-if not any- sense to him.

Anytime he tried to question her, she became defensive and immediately began changing the subject.

He loved her though, even back when she was hostile towards him. Even though, he loved those times. When she was stern and her replies to is flirty remarks were acidy. That is what made him feel drawn to her anyway.

Lately though, she had changed. Yes, they were together now so there was no room for loathing. Even so in the beginning of their relationship she still made sarcastic comments, it was just a game between them.

Now, their relationship lacked the spice. She was still tender and sweet but something was wrong. It was in Lily's character to be contradictive and answer back, but in the past two weeks this seemed to have been sucked out of her.

He continued walking towards the Tower, always careful not to get caught.

As he entered, he saw the figure he was looking for, standing with her back to him, gazing at the great, starry sky.

He crept close to her, wanting to surprise her and he did so, as he slid his hands around her waist, pulling her close to him.

She gave a slight jump and turned around in is embrace to face him.

"Hey there" she said flirtingly, planting a brief kiss on the corners of his lips.

"Excuse me? What was that?" he said, a grin forming on his lips.

She pressed her lips on his and broke off somewhat too soon. This happened often lately, but it hurt James. Her passionate kisses had changed to brief, peck-like kisses in a span of just two weeks.

"What if we're caught?" Lily said.

He could feel her worry yet he couldn't comprehend what brought this about. Ever time they met she had been cautious.

"So what?" he replied, trying to hide his misery.

"It's just not right" she said, awkwardly sweeping her hair off her face.

James had no reply. He absolutely did not understand why she acted so, yet something had held him back from asking.

"You think this is right?" she said, suddenly quivering under his embrace.

"I don't care all I know…" he paused as if trying to collect all the words in his mind, to form the right phrase, the right meaning.

She looked up into his face. She tried to see his deep chocolate eyes but the surrounding darkness made that impossible.

He wasn't sure if it was appropriate to say at that moment in time, considering her change in character which lately always made him consider his actions and his words. He almost feared her reaction and James was to be known as not really caring about other peoples' reactions, replies or observations. This of course was different.

"I love you" he whispered in her ear.

A warmth surrounded them and their embrace grew closer, as if, if they let go they would be driven apart, lost.

"I love you too" she admitted almost to herself, even though she already knew how she felt for him.

Their kiss was long and passionate, emerging into each other, as Lily forgot for once whilst James was letting go of his previous thoughts. They hesitated to part in order to breathe, but Lily broke the kiss abruptly, all of James' thoughts flooding back into his troubled mind.

He traced her face and could feel the warmth of her tears.

"I'm sorry. I just…I can't do this to you."

She stood there for a second, taking in his scent, his feel. And then she disengaged herself from him and ran. Ran as fast as her legs could take her.

Away, before she could do any hurting.