Advent
The common room always looked very festive for Advent. Tinsel, garlands, and the odd card placed around the room made it feel inviting for everyone in Gryffindor. Lily thought it felt more, personal, than the other common rooms. She glanced up at the clock from the book she had curled up with and gasped. She had meant to meet Severus five minutes ago to give him his Advent present. She had put a lot of thought into it and she really hoped he would like it.
"There you are!" Lily finally caught up with Severus just as he was leaving the Black Lake, a thunderous look on his face.
"You're late. Busy with Potter?" Severus sneered, not looking at Lily.
"I was not!" Lily almost shouted, "I was sorting out your Advent present, thank you very much."
Severus snorted, "why do you bother?"
"I bother because I actually enjoy Advent and Christmas. Come on Severus, where is the holiday spirit?" she asked him, holding out the small carefully wrapped present. Severus took it, looked at her once and left without saying another word.