Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling created everything. I worship her!
A/N: Okay, I'm sort of reposting this because I decided to make a short story collection about how some couples came to be. This is the first one, and soon I'll post one about Ron and Hermione. If you're a H/H shipper, I respect that, but you probably won't want to read that one. This particular story hasn't changed.
A Kiss to Remember
Lily Evans was not the most popular girl in school. She didn't have that many friends, but she wasn't a complete outcast. She was fairly pretty with short, spunky auburn hair and large bright green eyes. She had a smattering of freckles over the bridge of her nose and a friendly smile. When she thought about it (and she thought about it a lot), she assumed that the reason she didn't have that many friends was because she was too prone to express her opinions, she was too much of a know-it-all, and sometimes she could be insensitive.
So she wasn't popular, but she wasn't completely unhappy. She had a few very good friends, particularly a Spanish girl named Anita and a sweet boy named Remus. Remus belonged to a group called the Marauders. Lily and the Marauders were friendly, but sometimes she felt that they really didn't want her around. She tried to be nice and positive, and emulate a girl named Genevieve Scott who was beloved by anything male. But it didn't work. Lily had to be herself and for some unknown reason, being herself drove people away.
One of the Marauders, a boy Lily had been trying to impress for several years, was named James Potter. Lily had a huge crush on him and while they were on good terms, they weren't what you would call best friends. Lily was much closer to Remus. Remus Lupin was a werewolf, he told her so in their third year, but despite being a horrible monster once a month, Remus was a sympathetic listener and someone who could always make her laugh. Sometimes Lily wondered if he had a crush on her, but she sincerely hoped not. She just couldn't think of Remus that way. He was only a friend. Besides, she was fixated on James Potter.
Once in their fifth year, James had asked her to go to Hogsmeade with him. Lily had been absolutely thrilled and absolutely terrified, but she accepted. They had a good time, but it was uncomfortable, and Lily decided that as much as she liked James, she wasn't ready to date anyone. Without saying anything, things between them got weird and James started to date Genevieve. Lily felt a strange feeling in her stomach every time she saw them together. Not that James going out with a girl was unusual. He did it on a regular basis. Every time, Lily wished that she was that girl, but she lost her chance and James wasn't interested in her anymore. They were barely friends.
It was their Seventh year and Lily was anxiously awaiting graduation. Not to her surprise, she had been made Head Girl and James was made Head Boy. They had to spend a lot of time together during that last year and put up a valiant pretense at normalcy. Still, there was a lot of tension in the air.
The only person who knew of Lily's crush on James was Anita. She constantly peppered Lily with bad advice.
"If you really like him, Lils, then you should tell him. What's the worst that could happen?"
"I could ruin what we have now! What if he says he doesn't like me back? I'd be mortified and I'd never be able to look at him again! And you've seen how he acts around Genevieve. He likes her."
"But, Lily, we're graduating soon and you may never see him again! This could be your last chance."
As far as Lily was concerned that was the best news she ever heard. Soon they'd graduate and she'd never see James Potter, Quidditch Captain and Head Boy, ever again. She'd be off in the real world where she could meet new fellows and get over this unhealthy crush. Soon she'd never have to watch James and Genevieve kissing again. And while she would miss having fun with the Marauders (and they were always a ton of fun) she knew she had to leave them behind and move on with her life.
Lily was walking to Potions when James ran up next to her.
"Hi, Lily, what's new?"
"Nothing's new, James. Why do you ask?" James was so cute. And he made her laugh. And he was so sweet.
James shrugged. "I can't ask a friend how she is?"
Lily laughed lightly. "Thanks for your concern."
"What are friends for?"
Lily's heart plummeted into her stomach at those words and matters weren't helped when Genevieve came running up and grabbed James' arm.
"Hi, Lily. How are you?" James snaked his arms around her waist. "Oh, James stop that! That tickles!" Genevieve giggled.
Lily felt her mouth go dry. This was making her sick. "Oh, damn, I left my Potions book back in the common room. You two go on ahead. I'll catch up."
They nodded and hand in hand they walked down the corridor. Lily stood there, staring after them.
Genevieve used to be her best friend. They were still friends, but not best friends. It had been too complicated when they were best friends. Now both were happy, but Lily was often jealous of Genevieve's popularity. She couldn't understand why Genevieve was so popular when she was so annoying to Lily.
But she had James. Whatever Genevieve was doing, she was doing it right.
* * *
It was their graduation day and Lily was sitting by the lake, reflecting on her time at Hogwarts.
Life had been okay. James and Genevieve had broken up and decided to just be friends, which once again filled Lily with a ray of hope. But nothing came of it. Lily didn't have a boyfriend, in fact she only went on a few dates during her time at Hogwarts, all of which had ended up as nothing.
Lily was truly looking forward to life after Hogwarts. No more James, no more horrible Severus Snape, and no more homework. She would be free to travel and meet new people. Her world would expand.
Remus approached and sat down on a rock next to her. For a long time they just sat there and stared across the lake. It was a gorgeous day. The sky was a crystal clear blue and there was a slight breeze; just enough to make the temperature perfect. The lake had turned a deep rich cerulean, and the giant squid was resting comfortably at the bottom. Birds twittered in the trees and there were sounds of celebration coming from every corner of the school. Everyone was preparing to go home for the summer.
Remus turned to her. "This could be the last time we ever see each other, you know."
Lily smiled. "Don't say that, Remus. We'll talk to each other again. A friendship like ours doesn't just stop."
Remus stared back out at the lake. He took a deep breath and spoke. "Do you think that if things had been different, you would have gone out with me?"
Lily looked at him; he was avoiding her gaze. Lily shook her head sadly. "No, Remus. I'm sorry. I love you as my friend, but truthfully my heart belongs to someone else. And it's not because you're a werewolf, I just don't have those feelings for you."
Remus nodded, but Lily knew he was upset. "I understand. I really do. I wouldn't have said anything, but I thought that this was my last chance. I knew if I didn't say something now, I'd regret it for the rest of my life.
Lily felt terrible. "Oh, Remus, I still care deeply about you. I want to be your friend, please don't cast me aside."
Remus smiled sadly. "I would never do that. I'm sorry if I ruined things between us, but I had to say something. You understand that, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. And you know what? You're right. You have to risk it or regret it for the rest of your life. Thank you."
She kissed him on the cheek and then ran off to get ready to leave.
* * *
Lily was sitting in the last compartment on the train reading a book. The train ride was almost at an end and soon she would be out in the real world. The rest of the compartment was empty, but soon the door opened.
"Hi there, Lily," James Potter said casually.
Lily looked up from her book. "Oh, hello James."
"Why are you sitting here all by yourself?" James asked as he sat down next to her.
Lily shrugged. "I just wanted some peace and quiet. You know, kind of calm before the storm."
"Oh. Well, I just came to tell you that we'll be stopping soon."
"Really?" As she said that the train started to come to a stop. There was a pause. "Do you think we'll ever see each other again, James?"
"Who knows? Maybe not."
"You promise?" It was now or never. "Okay, James, come here." Slightly confused, James moved closer. Lily took a deep breath. "Now close your eyes."
And she kissed him. It was one of those movie kisses where stars burst and flowers bloom, fireworks explode and violins play sweet melodies. It was the sweetest kiss Lily had ever experienced and she held it as long as possible. Finally when she could no longer breathe, Lily pulled away.
"Goodbye, James," she said softly before leaving the compartment and walking off the train.
When James got his wits back, he ran off the train looking for her, but she was nowhere to be found. He stood there for a moment before his best friend Sirius Black hopped off the train and stood next to him.
"Hey, buddy," Sirius said jovially. "Can you believe that we're graduates? We now go into the world as adults!"
"Yeah," James said absently. "Yeah, we are."
* * *
Five years later James Potter was standing around in the Golden Snitch holding his glass of champagne. It was his five year reunion and everyone gathered at the chic club in Hogsmeade to catch up. James was searching for just one person, and he hoped she would show up.
"Hey, Prongs, isn't this terrific?" Sirius asked. "Can you believe how much some of these people have changed? Look at Anita, she's the assistant to the Minister of Magic, and Genevieve, your old girlfriend, she's married with three kids!"
"Yeah," James agreed. But the one person he was hoping would be there hadn't shown up yet. He had thought about her for five years, he couldn't get her or that kiss out of his mind. James couldn't help comparing every other kiss since then to it and it ruined more than one possible relationship.
"Hey, there's Remus!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Sirius, we saw him yesterday."
"Yeah, but...oh never mind."
James started laughing. "Hullo, Remus. Long time no see."
Remus smiled. "You too."
James fidgeted. "Er, have you seen Lily Evans around?"
"Lily? No, not yet. In fact, I haven't spoken to her in five years," Remus said.
And then she walked in. She was wearing long flowing violet robes and her red hair had grown longer in the last five years; it reached past her shoulders. As she entered, time seemed to stand still and she floated across the floor. Lily wandered around the room, smiling at old acquaintances and hugging old friends.
"Wow," James whispered. "Is that Lily? Look at her! She's gorgeous!"
"She was always beautiful," Remus said huffily. "Apparently she's an actress in American films now."
"Is she dating anyone?" James asked before he could stop himself.
Remus shrugged. "How should I know?"
Without realizing it, James started walking toward her. Lily was smiling and laughing at something Anita had said. She turned to get a drink from the bar and James approached her.
"Hello," he said softly. Lily turned and gasped. Her cheeks flushed and James could see apprehension in her sparkling green eyes.
"Hello, James," she said when she found her voice.
"Hello, Lily," James replied. "I want to talk to you for a moment. Come outside with me."
Lily nodded and together they walked out onto the terrace. It was a beautiful night. The stars were shining and the temperature was cool. The lights of the city glowed brightly and there was a stillness in the air. James couldn't believe that after five years he was finally coming face to face with the girl he was constantly thinking about.
"Why did you kiss me?" he asked abruptly.
Lily was silent for a moment. "I don't know, it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Carpe diem, I suppose."
"Carpe what?"
"It means seize the day. I have Remus to thank for it actually. He told me that sometimes you have to take chances or regret it for the rest of your life. I took a chance and I don't regret it. I never meant to see you again, you know." She paused. "Do you hate me for kissing you?"
"No," James said after a long period of silence. "I haven't been able to forget it. Why didn't you ever tell me you liked me?"
"Because I was afraid you didn't like me back. I thought this way I could let you know and not have to face the consequences. But here I am, five years later, facing them."
"I didn't like you that way," James confessed. "But when you kissed me, I spent five years dwelling on it and praying that you'd come tonight."
"Really? Why? So you could rant and rave at me? If that's what you're going to do, I think I'll leave."
"No," James said. "So I could do this."
And he kissed her. It was the kind of kiss where stars burst, flowers bloom, fireworks explode, and violins play sweet melodies. And in that moment, Lily kissed him back.
A/N: Okay, I'm sort of reposting this because I decided to make a short story collection about how some couples came to be. This is the first one, and soon I'll post one about Ron and Hermione. If you're a H/H shipper, I respect that, but you probably won't want to read that one. This particular story hasn't changed.
A Kiss to Remember
Lily Evans was not the most popular girl in school. She didn't have that many friends, but she wasn't a complete outcast. She was fairly pretty with short, spunky auburn hair and large bright green eyes. She had a smattering of freckles over the bridge of her nose and a friendly smile. When she thought about it (and she thought about it a lot), she assumed that the reason she didn't have that many friends was because she was too prone to express her opinions, she was too much of a know-it-all, and sometimes she could be insensitive.
So she wasn't popular, but she wasn't completely unhappy. She had a few very good friends, particularly a Spanish girl named Anita and a sweet boy named Remus. Remus belonged to a group called the Marauders. Lily and the Marauders were friendly, but sometimes she felt that they really didn't want her around. She tried to be nice and positive, and emulate a girl named Genevieve Scott who was beloved by anything male. But it didn't work. Lily had to be herself and for some unknown reason, being herself drove people away.
One of the Marauders, a boy Lily had been trying to impress for several years, was named James Potter. Lily had a huge crush on him and while they were on good terms, they weren't what you would call best friends. Lily was much closer to Remus. Remus Lupin was a werewolf, he told her so in their third year, but despite being a horrible monster once a month, Remus was a sympathetic listener and someone who could always make her laugh. Sometimes Lily wondered if he had a crush on her, but she sincerely hoped not. She just couldn't think of Remus that way. He was only a friend. Besides, she was fixated on James Potter.
Once in their fifth year, James had asked her to go to Hogsmeade with him. Lily had been absolutely thrilled and absolutely terrified, but she accepted. They had a good time, but it was uncomfortable, and Lily decided that as much as she liked James, she wasn't ready to date anyone. Without saying anything, things between them got weird and James started to date Genevieve. Lily felt a strange feeling in her stomach every time she saw them together. Not that James going out with a girl was unusual. He did it on a regular basis. Every time, Lily wished that she was that girl, but she lost her chance and James wasn't interested in her anymore. They were barely friends.
It was their Seventh year and Lily was anxiously awaiting graduation. Not to her surprise, she had been made Head Girl and James was made Head Boy. They had to spend a lot of time together during that last year and put up a valiant pretense at normalcy. Still, there was a lot of tension in the air.
The only person who knew of Lily's crush on James was Anita. She constantly peppered Lily with bad advice.
"If you really like him, Lils, then you should tell him. What's the worst that could happen?"
"I could ruin what we have now! What if he says he doesn't like me back? I'd be mortified and I'd never be able to look at him again! And you've seen how he acts around Genevieve. He likes her."
"But, Lily, we're graduating soon and you may never see him again! This could be your last chance."
As far as Lily was concerned that was the best news she ever heard. Soon they'd graduate and she'd never see James Potter, Quidditch Captain and Head Boy, ever again. She'd be off in the real world where she could meet new fellows and get over this unhealthy crush. Soon she'd never have to watch James and Genevieve kissing again. And while she would miss having fun with the Marauders (and they were always a ton of fun) she knew she had to leave them behind and move on with her life.
Lily was walking to Potions when James ran up next to her.
"Hi, Lily, what's new?"
"Nothing's new, James. Why do you ask?" James was so cute. And he made her laugh. And he was so sweet.
James shrugged. "I can't ask a friend how she is?"
Lily laughed lightly. "Thanks for your concern."
"What are friends for?"
Lily's heart plummeted into her stomach at those words and matters weren't helped when Genevieve came running up and grabbed James' arm.
"Hi, Lily. How are you?" James snaked his arms around her waist. "Oh, James stop that! That tickles!" Genevieve giggled.
Lily felt her mouth go dry. This was making her sick. "Oh, damn, I left my Potions book back in the common room. You two go on ahead. I'll catch up."
They nodded and hand in hand they walked down the corridor. Lily stood there, staring after them.
Genevieve used to be her best friend. They were still friends, but not best friends. It had been too complicated when they were best friends. Now both were happy, but Lily was often jealous of Genevieve's popularity. She couldn't understand why Genevieve was so popular when she was so annoying to Lily.
But she had James. Whatever Genevieve was doing, she was doing it right.
* * *
It was their graduation day and Lily was sitting by the lake, reflecting on her time at Hogwarts.
Life had been okay. James and Genevieve had broken up and decided to just be friends, which once again filled Lily with a ray of hope. But nothing came of it. Lily didn't have a boyfriend, in fact she only went on a few dates during her time at Hogwarts, all of which had ended up as nothing.
Lily was truly looking forward to life after Hogwarts. No more James, no more horrible Severus Snape, and no more homework. She would be free to travel and meet new people. Her world would expand.
Remus approached and sat down on a rock next to her. For a long time they just sat there and stared across the lake. It was a gorgeous day. The sky was a crystal clear blue and there was a slight breeze; just enough to make the temperature perfect. The lake had turned a deep rich cerulean, and the giant squid was resting comfortably at the bottom. Birds twittered in the trees and there were sounds of celebration coming from every corner of the school. Everyone was preparing to go home for the summer.
Remus turned to her. "This could be the last time we ever see each other, you know."
Lily smiled. "Don't say that, Remus. We'll talk to each other again. A friendship like ours doesn't just stop."
Remus stared back out at the lake. He took a deep breath and spoke. "Do you think that if things had been different, you would have gone out with me?"
Lily looked at him; he was avoiding her gaze. Lily shook her head sadly. "No, Remus. I'm sorry. I love you as my friend, but truthfully my heart belongs to someone else. And it's not because you're a werewolf, I just don't have those feelings for you."
Remus nodded, but Lily knew he was upset. "I understand. I really do. I wouldn't have said anything, but I thought that this was my last chance. I knew if I didn't say something now, I'd regret it for the rest of my life.
Lily felt terrible. "Oh, Remus, I still care deeply about you. I want to be your friend, please don't cast me aside."
Remus smiled sadly. "I would never do that. I'm sorry if I ruined things between us, but I had to say something. You understand that, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. And you know what? You're right. You have to risk it or regret it for the rest of your life. Thank you."
She kissed him on the cheek and then ran off to get ready to leave.
* * *
Lily was sitting in the last compartment on the train reading a book. The train ride was almost at an end and soon she would be out in the real world. The rest of the compartment was empty, but soon the door opened.
"Hi there, Lily," James Potter said casually.
Lily looked up from her book. "Oh, hello James."
"Why are you sitting here all by yourself?" James asked as he sat down next to her.
Lily shrugged. "I just wanted some peace and quiet. You know, kind of calm before the storm."
"Oh. Well, I just came to tell you that we'll be stopping soon."
"Really?" As she said that the train started to come to a stop. There was a pause. "Do you think we'll ever see each other again, James?"
"Who knows? Maybe not."
"You promise?" It was now or never. "Okay, James, come here." Slightly confused, James moved closer. Lily took a deep breath. "Now close your eyes."
And she kissed him. It was one of those movie kisses where stars burst and flowers bloom, fireworks explode and violins play sweet melodies. It was the sweetest kiss Lily had ever experienced and she held it as long as possible. Finally when she could no longer breathe, Lily pulled away.
"Goodbye, James," she said softly before leaving the compartment and walking off the train.
When James got his wits back, he ran off the train looking for her, but she was nowhere to be found. He stood there for a moment before his best friend Sirius Black hopped off the train and stood next to him.
"Hey, buddy," Sirius said jovially. "Can you believe that we're graduates? We now go into the world as adults!"
"Yeah," James said absently. "Yeah, we are."
* * *
Five years later James Potter was standing around in the Golden Snitch holding his glass of champagne. It was his five year reunion and everyone gathered at the chic club in Hogsmeade to catch up. James was searching for just one person, and he hoped she would show up.
"Hey, Prongs, isn't this terrific?" Sirius asked. "Can you believe how much some of these people have changed? Look at Anita, she's the assistant to the Minister of Magic, and Genevieve, your old girlfriend, she's married with three kids!"
"Yeah," James agreed. But the one person he was hoping would be there hadn't shown up yet. He had thought about her for five years, he couldn't get her or that kiss out of his mind. James couldn't help comparing every other kiss since then to it and it ruined more than one possible relationship.
"Hey, there's Remus!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Sirius, we saw him yesterday."
"Yeah, but...oh never mind."
James started laughing. "Hullo, Remus. Long time no see."
Remus smiled. "You too."
James fidgeted. "Er, have you seen Lily Evans around?"
"Lily? No, not yet. In fact, I haven't spoken to her in five years," Remus said.
And then she walked in. She was wearing long flowing violet robes and her red hair had grown longer in the last five years; it reached past her shoulders. As she entered, time seemed to stand still and she floated across the floor. Lily wandered around the room, smiling at old acquaintances and hugging old friends.
"Wow," James whispered. "Is that Lily? Look at her! She's gorgeous!"
"She was always beautiful," Remus said huffily. "Apparently she's an actress in American films now."
"Is she dating anyone?" James asked before he could stop himself.
Remus shrugged. "How should I know?"
Without realizing it, James started walking toward her. Lily was smiling and laughing at something Anita had said. She turned to get a drink from the bar and James approached her.
"Hello," he said softly. Lily turned and gasped. Her cheeks flushed and James could see apprehension in her sparkling green eyes.
"Hello, James," she said when she found her voice.
"Hello, Lily," James replied. "I want to talk to you for a moment. Come outside with me."
Lily nodded and together they walked out onto the terrace. It was a beautiful night. The stars were shining and the temperature was cool. The lights of the city glowed brightly and there was a stillness in the air. James couldn't believe that after five years he was finally coming face to face with the girl he was constantly thinking about.
"Why did you kiss me?" he asked abruptly.
Lily was silent for a moment. "I don't know, it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Carpe diem, I suppose."
"Carpe what?"
"It means seize the day. I have Remus to thank for it actually. He told me that sometimes you have to take chances or regret it for the rest of your life. I took a chance and I don't regret it. I never meant to see you again, you know." She paused. "Do you hate me for kissing you?"
"No," James said after a long period of silence. "I haven't been able to forget it. Why didn't you ever tell me you liked me?"
"Because I was afraid you didn't like me back. I thought this way I could let you know and not have to face the consequences. But here I am, five years later, facing them."
"I didn't like you that way," James confessed. "But when you kissed me, I spent five years dwelling on it and praying that you'd come tonight."
"Really? Why? So you could rant and rave at me? If that's what you're going to do, I think I'll leave."
"No," James said. "So I could do this."
And he kissed her. It was the kind of kiss where stars burst, flowers bloom, fireworks explode, and violins play sweet melodies. And in that moment, Lily kissed him back.