Severus and Lily spent the days leading up New Year's Eve together as much as possible, while also getting together with Arthur, Molly, Xenophilius and Amos. The group went to Hogsmeade, played in the snow and spent time in each other's common rooms, happy for company. They sensed a shift in the relationship between Severus and Lily, but didn't want to pry. Their suspicions were confirmed on New Year's Eve morning. The pair came into the Great Hall for breakfast looking completely relaxed, but still exuding the utmost of happiness, while holding hands. Their laughter filled the Hall as they talked about everything, from what they had done during the holidays to what their families were doing back home.
They departed the Hall and decided to walk around the lake as a group, enjoying the seemingly perpetual sunshine. They started talking as a giant group, but soon paired off, each carrying their own conversation. No one seemed to mind, but they were amused as they caught bits of each other's conversations. Amos and Xenophilius were snickering as Arthur was attempting to explain why he gave Molly a rubber duck as a Christmas present, while the latter pair were tuning into Severus and Lily's topic of New Year's resolutions.
"My mum always asks me to make some good resolutions, but I never really got why we make them in the first place."
"Sev, it's because each year is a fresh new start. You know, resolutions are..erm…promises that you make to yourself that you hope to fulfill during the year."
"Okay than. What are some of yours?"
She tapped her nose in thought. "I would have to say being diligent and making amends."
He gave her a sidelong look. "Lily, you are Head Girl, charismatic, and you're the top of our class. Why in Merlin's beard would you want to make resolutions for things that you're already doing so well with?"
"It's mostly due to Tuney. She still holds a grudge and I always hope that one day, she can learn to let it go. I can only help the process along so much…What about you?"
He stared at out at the lake with his hands shoved in his pocket, deep in thought. "Now that I'm really thinking about it, I'd say…learning to stand up for myself."
"The Marauders?"
He nodded. "As much as I really want to throw a Jelly-Legs Jinx at them whenever we make eye contact, I know that I'm better than that. You taught me that with being assertive with my words. Thank you for that, by the way." He held out his hand and she took it, squeezing with reassurance.
The group went back to the castle and ate dinner together, further discussing the merits of resolutions. Severus and Lily parted a little while later, for they had their own plans for New Year's Eve. He rolled his eyes as all of the guys waggled their eyebrows, but laughed anyway.
Lily had packed some leftover pastries into a small bag and bundled it into a pair of blankets. The pair made their way up to the Astronomy Tower to watch the night sky light up with the occasional firework from Hogsmeade. She sat with her back against his chest and his arms around her.
"You know what I never understood? The ball dropping. I've seen it in pictures." He wondered aloud.
"I think it has something to do with it signaling in the New Year. I've never really put that much thought into it either. I would love to go there for New Year's Eve."
"Where?"
"America. In Times Square in New York, they have this big elaborate celebration with lots of confetti and fireworks. My family and I watch it every year."
"What's New York like?"
"Like London it seems. Except crazier."
"Doubt it. But it sounds like a place I should visit, and take you along as well." He dropped a kiss on her head.
"There's this other tradition as well. I've always wanted to do it, but I've never found someone to do it with."
"What is it?"
"I always see couples kiss right at midnight. I don't understand why, but it seems terribly romantic."
"Well, now you have someone to do fulfill that with."
"That I do."
As the roar of the crowd in the distance grew louder, they stood up and leaned against the railing. Lily leaned back against Severus, sighing. Her ears perked up as the roar became more distinct. It was a countdown.
"10!" They looked at each other and smiled.
"9!" This was the best Christmas I could have ever asked for with Lily.
"8!" I didn't think that things would turn out this way so soon, but I'm glad it did.
"7!" He crushed her with a bear hug.
"6!" She reciprocated.
"5!" They let go of each other.
"4!" He brushed her hair out of her eyes.
"3!" "I love you, Lily Evans."
"2!" "And I love you, Severus Snape."
"1!" They leaned in…
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Their kiss was nothing short of spectacular as the fireworks that flooded the sky as the clock in the clock tower rung at midnight.
To say that this was a wonderful holiday for Severus Snape is a tremendous understatement. Their time together after the holiday should have come as a shock to the population of Hogwarts. After all, Gryffindors and Slytherins are sworn enemies. But as it has turned out, sometimes the students from these houses could have a love that makes the rivalry seem like nothing more than a dream. For those who saw the pair together and looked past the houses, they only saw a boy who loved a girl and girl who could have loved him too…luckily…she did.