Before long, they were on the topmost deck of the Astronomy Tower. Luckily, no other couples had made their way to the tower yet, and they were alone. She had to stall…give enough time for James to build up his jealousy and make his appearance. She walked to the edge of the tower, looking serenely up at the stars and bright crescent moon.

"It's so beautiful," she murmured softly. And she wasn't lying, the sight was truly amazing. The thick darkness of the forest popped against the navy blue sky, filled with pockets of brilliant stars. The murmur of the party floated up to the deck, and she smiled.

"It's pretty," Severus corrected. "You're beautiful."

She blushed, and Severus took her hand softly. He leaned in to kiss her, but-

"Don't touch her." The voice was strong, cold, and powerful. It wasn't James, that voice was too…strong, powerful, serious.

She looked up, shocked. She couldn't see the speaker, his face was in shadow. He was tall, broad shoulders, big hands.

The man stepped out of the shadows. It was James. Lily thought she loved that boy, but truthfully, she didn't know what love was until she saw the man James had become. He twirled his wand lightly between his fingers, and his hazel eyes flashed.

"Snape, I've put up with you touching her for long enough. She's mine; get your greasy hands off."

Snape chuckled. "Oh, Potter. Sure, you've always been able to bully me with your little friends, but I can take you one on one. Should have brought Black and Lupin."

This time, it was James's turn to laugh. "I wouldn't leave them behind," he murmured; nearly wistfully. Sure enough, Sirius was lounging casually against the wall, one leg propped up and his head jauntily cocked to the side. Remus stood next to him, with his arms crossed. Both were frowning. James casually looked over his shoulder at

Snape frowned. "Potter, she's my girlfriend. I know you're thick, but surely even you could understand that."

James also frowned, and peered coldly at the pair. "I want her back," he said softly.

"You don't always get-" Snape started to sneer, but Lily interrupted him.

"Severus, may I please have a minute with James?"

"Of course," he tried to say gracefully, but the hurt leaked through into his words. He walked past James, Sirius, and Remus and gently closed the tower door behind him.

James stepped forward, taking Lily's hand. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I've been a git, I've been awful, this has been so messed up…I can't stand it Lily, I can't hurt you, this is horrible…" he was rambling on and on, and Lily gently pressed a finger to his lips.

"Shhh," she murmured. "I forgive you."

And they kissed. It was beyond perfect, her hopes and dreams were fulfilled and everything was right, in just that moment. She was perfectly content, right there in James's arms, wanting never to be apart from him again.

Of course, all good things come to an end. And this end's name was Sirius Black. "Hey, Prongise, get a room!"