I'm not sure if I got Dumbledore right, so if he is OOC, I am sorry.

"As much as I despise to do this, I have to agree with Snivellus, you look really beautiful tonight Lily."

"Don't push your luck James"

There was silence between them for a few beats before Lily sighed.

"Thank you."

James beamed and looked slyly at Lily, "You're very welcome Miss Evans."

They walked silently until they reached the Great Hall, Lily ensuring that her hair created a wall between her face and James'. She knew without a doubt that her red hair had betrayed her again and her face was blushed crimson. Why? She couldn't decide. She had always been prone to blushing at the most insignificant things, but she also knew that there was something about James Potter that made her feel…strange. She didn't quite understand that feeling, but she knew she had to be wary of it.

"Hey, look it's snowing!

James was stood between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw hourglasses looking out of the snow-dusted windows, a look of sheer delight plastered across his face. Lily walked over to join him, peering over his shoulder and inhaling his unmistakable scent.

"It usually does around this time of year, Alice says it's because the sky knows it's her birthday."

Lily giggled and looked up into James' face. His eyes were alight as he looked between her and the snowy grounds beyond the window.

Lily's giggles reverberated around the Great Hall, "James you look like a kid on Christmas morning!"

James turned to look at Lily his expression sobering, he looked deep into her emerald eyes and smiled serenely.

"Well, Miss Evans I have been given a very good present," a cheeky grin spread across his face as he leant closer to Lily.

"And what's that Mr Potter?" Lily's breathe hitched in her throat as James' face came closer.

"Surely, if you two are no longer attending Professor Slughorn's party, you should be on your way to bed?" A deep voice rumbled through the Great Hall.

James and Lily span around to see Professor Dumbledore standing at the top of the ornate marble stairs. His eyes were alight with mischief and the corners of his mouth twitched. James tried to conceal a laugh at Dumbledore's night attire. He stood before them in long yellow robes, which wouldn't be too outrageous on it's own, however, the robes were scattered with bright pink rabbits. To add to the overall effect of the outfit the rabbits had been charmed to hop quickly across the material and a pair of matching slippers protruded from the hem.

"Of course Professor, we were on our way when we stopped to admire the snow," Lily was still supremely aware of how close James was to her and didn't quite pull off the nonchalant air she was aiming for.

"Ah yes, it is rather beautiful, I must say. The perfect night for a walk in the grounds, I think."

At this point, James's self restraint crumbled giving way to an echoing guffaw which he quickly started to stifle. Although, James and his friends found tormenting some teachers a great delight, Dumbledore was one of those that they had respect for.

"Yes, Mr Potter, is something funny, pray do tell, I am partial to a good joke."

"No sir, your nightwear is just a little…unusual, that's all." James looked at Lily with a panic stricken face and she couldn't help a small giggle escaping her lips.

"Ah well, as you mention it Mr Potter there is a funny story behind this outfit, Professor Flitwick and I had a little wager and unfortunately I lost which as you can see ended badly," the man began to chortle and for a moment was lost in his own memories. "Well, goodnight Miss Evans, Mr Potter, enjoy the snow while it lasts."

James shot Lily a quizzical look at the man's cryptic words and their apparent lack of punishment as the old man turned away with a small smile gracing his features. Just before Dumbledore disappeared there was an audible "click" as the doors to the Great Hall unlocked themselves, "apparently".

"He really is strange!" James said laughing.

"Yeah, we should go to bed." Lily took a large step away from James and felt suddenly uneasy.

"No chance! We're going for a walk," James lunged forwards and grabbed Lily's hand before pulling her towards the door, "Come on, it's not optional."

"James! Really we need to go to bed!" Lily tugged helplessly against James' restraint.

She felt flushed and confused. Was James going to kiss her? Why hadn't she moved away? She had been telling him for years that she wasn't interested. Was she? No. She couldn't be. He was just too…arrogant? One thing she did know was that she really wanted to go with him now.

As soon as James opened the door and they slipped out Lily regretted her decision. The snow was, of course, beautiful, but it was terribly cold and Lily only had a thin dress on! She shivered and shrunk closer to James who had not relinquished his soft grip on her hand yet. James looked down at her. Goose pimples covered her arms and her breath was a white fog as she took deep breathes that, James couldn't help but notice, made her chest heave in her dress. James was delighted about his choice of attire that evening, a black muggle tuxedo. His family were muggle supporters and if he was honest with himself he was trying to impress Lily, he had heard her talk about James Bond, a fictional character in the muggle world, and knew he looked a bit like him tonight. He shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around Lily's shoulders who snuggled into it's warmth.

"Thank you, James" she whispered and began to walk forward. "So, what's with the tuxedo anyway?" She shouted over her shoulder.

James laughed and ran to catch up with her. The two of them walked towards the lake chatting, laughing and playing in the snow. When they reached the lake's edge James stopped and leaned against a tree. Lily kept walking towards the lake, catching snowflakes in her outstretched hands. James marvelled at how beautiful she looked, standing there ankle deep in snow, wrapped in his jacket with a serene smile stretching her beautiful lips. Behind her the lake lay glossy and peaceful and the castle looked magical as the white fluffy snow swirled around it. James was so taken by the beauty of the scene before his eyes he couldn't stop his idiotic mouth saying the words in his head.

"You are unbelievably beautiful Lily Evans."

She turned to look at him, a look of irritation on her face. He almost loved her more as her forehead wrinkled and the fire exploded behind her eyes.

"James, I thought we were past this! We can't be friends if you keep trying it on!"

"Oh come on Lily, you can't say that I'm still that idiot that I was before, I know you like me more these days! I was just giving you a compliment." James moved towards her, but she stood her ground.

"No you're not the same, but you're still bloody annoying! I do like you more, but not like that!"

James was now stood very close to her, filling her nostrils with his own unique smell. She couldn't stop herself from staring into his caramel eyes as he stepped close enough for their arms to brush together. The snow fell in bigger flakes and started to collect in their hair.

"I don't believe you." James said softly.

Lily wanted to shout at him, push him away, tell him to stop being such an arrogant cretin, but she couldn't. She opened and closed her mouth before looking down at the floor. James took this as an invitation and leaned forwards towards her.

"Oi Evans," he whispered.

Lily looked up, surprised by just how close James had gotten. He didn't stop. Before she knew what was happening James' lips brushed hers and her mind emptied of all objections she had had. For a brief second she was paralysed, but soon she responded to James's lips with her own. Her hands reached up to tangle themselves in his unruly hair, feeling the cold snow there as the heat of his tongue seared her mouth. She felt one of James' hands slip into the small of her back and the other cradle the nape of her neck. She felt safe in the comfort of his arms and pulled him closer and closer, locking them together in a fierce embrace.

When they finally broke apart, gasping for air, the silence wrapped around them. They stayed close to each other before James took Lily's hand and lead her back to castle.

So, I know they've kissed and everything, but the story isn't coming to a nice happy ending, there unfortunately is a lot more in store for them, I just felt like moving them along a little, hope you don't hate me!

Thanks to all those who reviewed, I love you all! LilyBellaAlways, Ridingstar95, , trubholls25, GreyLadyRavenclaw, xrainbowsx, .limits111, bellatrix-and-werecats-rock

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leezie: glad you like it :D thanks for reading and reviewing!