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Lily wrapped her hands around her mug of hot chocolate, smiling at the scene around her. It was snowing outside, but in the Gryffindor Common Room, six friends were huddled around the fire in a mess of blankets and pillows, laughing and telling stories.

She turned to look at James. One hand was holding his mug, and the other was in his mouth.

"I didn't know you bit your fingernails, Potter," Lily said in surprise.

James turned to look at her, then glanced down at his nails. "Er… yeah. I've done it since I was a little kid. You never noticed?"

Lily shook her head smiling.

"My mum's always trying to get me to stop. She thinks it's rather disgusting, actually!" James laughed. "But I just can't seem to find something to occupy my hands."

James, now mindful of Lily's watchful eyes, placed his hands in his lap. They turned back to their friends and listened as Sirius told a particularly funny story about his younger brother, Regulus.

After a few moments, Lily saw James fidgeting out of the corner of her eye. She paused for a moment, then without taking her eyes from the group, she slipped one of his hands into his.