I had a flash of inspiration on this one. I hope you like it!

I don't own anything of course.

James

Quidditch training runs late, and it's past 11 when I finally walk through the Portrait hole.

I'm about to go up to bed when I see Lily, nose in some book, in an armchair by the fire. I walk over to her.

"Watcha reading?" I ask, entranced by the firelight reflecting off her red hair.

She turns around, and to my surprise, doesn't hex me into oblivion for once. Well, there's a first.

"A book."

Typical.

"What kind of book?"

She lifts it up so I can see the cover.

"Anne of Green Gables…sounds like a disease."

She giggles, and I love that sound.

I take the opportunity to sit next to her, and she doesn't slide away.

Another first.

"So, what's it about?"

She looks at me.

"Are you serious?"

"No, I'm James"

She smiles. Merlin she's beautiful.

"It's a muggle kids book. It's about a red-haired girl called Anne."

"I like it already!"

"And there's this dark haired boy as well. Gilbert."

I wrinkle my nose. "Poor kid. And let me guess, they love each other?"

"No, they hate each other. At least, Anne hates Gilbert. She smashes a slate over his head"

"A what?"

"It's this hard thing muggles used to use to write on. Imagine me throwing a cauldron at you."

"Wait, I think you did that once."

"First year from memory. You paid out my hair."

"Did not!"

"Did so!"

I'm laughing, and so is she.

"So what happens?" I don't want her to go.

"Well, they grow up. Gilbert becomes nicer. They fall in love."

"I love this story!"

"But Anne doesn't want to admit it to herself. She wants to keep hating him. It's easier that way, see."

"So then what?"

"She goes out with other guys, and eventually Gilbert gets sick."

I give a huge, fake sneeze.

"Exactly" she says, approvingly.

"And Anne realises that she can't stay away from him forever, because deep down, he's the man for her."

She's looking at me with this strange expression. Sweet Merlin.

"And then?" I say softly.

She doesn't answer. She just leans over and – Merlin's left sock – she kisses me. And it's everything I ever dreamed and more.

After a while we break apart.

"Hey Lily?" I murmur, looking into her beautiful green eyes, "Want to go to Hogsmeade with me next weekend?"

She just smiles and kisses me again.

The book slides to the floor, unnoticed by Lily, but I pick it up and place it fondly on the table.

Because, Merlin, I'm grateful to Anne of Green Gables.

What do you think? Review?

Merry Christmas!