A few weeks went by before anyone could say Quiddich. James and Lily hadnt kissed since that day on the Astronomy Tower. Today was the last Hogsmeade visit before Christmas and a certain Marauder had no ides what to get a certain red head.

"Remus, you've got to help me." James stated, walking next to his wolfish friend.

"I actually have an idea; however, it could be difficult." the wolf stated as they stopped to look in the window of a jewelry store. James could believed how hard it was to shop for the girl. The werent even officially dating yet. He looked at a heart shaped locket while answering Remus. "What do you think of the locket? What are you suggesting?"

Remus looked at the locket. "It's pretty and Lily would love it. I think she'd like hearing you play too."

James head snapped from the window to his friend. He never considered playing for her. He had tried to get her to come to his home for the holiday, but she gave some excuse about having to go home. He did get her to take his address in case she needed to escape for any reason, mainly Thomas.

"She didn't want to come home with me, Moony."

"I know, Prongs. He'd come after her. She doesn't have a choice. That's what she thinks anyway."

"Yeah." James sighed as they walked into the store so they could buy the locket for the Head Girl.

*********

The girls were walking down the street. Lily was thankful James hadnt found those gloves she got him. She has spent all morning with Hannah and Melissa helping them shop. Lily had already finished her shopping thanks to James sneaking them over.

"What about this one?" Melissa asked, looking at some books. Lily looked at the section her friend was looking in. Muggle Mystery...Remus' new fascination. No one really understood it, but loved him anyway. Hannah walked into the book store from the Quiddich Store. She decided to get a Sirius a new broom servicing kid since she couldnt exactly give her first gift in front of their families. After Melissa bought the book, the girls walked over to the Three Broomsticks to eat. They walked in and noticed the Marauders sitting I the corner. Hannah started over that way when Sirius noticed them and waved them over, the other two following.

"What'd you get me?" Sirius asked, trying to peak into the bag as his girlfriend sat next to him. Hannah slapped his hand. "If you don't quit, you get no sex all holiday."

"Damn woman." the dog muttered, sulking in his seat.

Everyone laughed at their friend as he sulked and pouted like a five year old. Rosemerta came over to take their orders before the conversation started again. Lily sat next to James and immediately took his hand while hiding them under the table. The Head Girl had been doing this for a few weeks. It was her way of showing James she was almost ready to be a normal couple. They had talked about it a week ago because James had finally asked her about it. He assured her that he was alright with how slow she wanted to go. He didnt and couldnt blame her for Thomas. James had taken to sleeping in her chair most nights because she felt safe and didnt have nightmares when he was in the same room. After lunch, the group broke off into couples since the train was leaving in the morning. James and Lily actually headed back to the school after about an hour because she wanted to talk to him.

"You alright, Lil?" James asked as she sat next to him on the couch, holding a bag.

"Yeah. Just wanted to give you your gift before I got home tomorrow. I didn't know if you'd actually get it." She whispered and gave the bag to the boy next to her. "Sorry it's not wrapped."

James took the bag and looked inside. He pulled out the pair of gloves. They were black and made of the finest dragon hide you could buy. He put them on, getting a feel of them. When he held out his hands, he saw the stags on each of the wrists. He ran a finger over one of them, noticing that the stag had something in its mouth. When he brought his hand to his eyes, he saw that the animal was holding an open lily. Turning his face, James looked at the girl next to him. "Thanks, Lil, These are really something. I've been meeting to get some new ones. I really like the stag. What made you think of these?"

Lily looked down at her lap and started playing with the hem of her shirt. "I don't know. After I got to know you a little and realized that you weren't him, I wanted to get you something nice. To show you how much I cared about you. How much it meant to me that you were in my life. I realized I was in love with you the day I bought those."

James took his gloved hand and put it under her chin. Lifting her face so he could look into her eyes, he stated. "You got these the day of the attack didnt you?"

Lily nodded as a tear slid down her cheek. James cupped her face and wiped the tear. Leaning in, he lightly brushed his lips against her, giving her the most tender kiss his will would let him. Breaking away, he smiled. "I love them. I love you. I wish you'd come home with me, Lily."

She opened her eyes. "I can't Jay. I can't risk it. Risk you. If you got hurt, I don't think I'd live through it." She leaned in this time, anticipating the kiss. She deepened the kiss, showing him what she felt and hoping it was enough. James kissed back just as eager. They met each other skill for skill and when James slipped his tongue to touch her bottom lip, Lily willingly let him through. Her arms slid up and wrapped around his neck as his slid down and around her waist, pulling her as close to him as he could. When air was needed, James kissed her cheek and leaned his forehead against hers. "I hate him, Lil." he stated, panting. "Me, too." When they caught their breath they took in their surroundings. Lily was straddling the Head boy while his hands were gripping her waist. Lily blushed and slid off of James, earning a hiss from the stag in the process. "Sorry."

"Don't be." James stated, turning his face and smiling at her. "I've got your gift too." He added, pulling the small box out of his pocket. Lily took it and slowly opened it. She had never really gotten anything of value for Christmas since Thomas entered her life. No matter what the boy on the couch had gotten her, she would cherish it always. Opening it fully, Lily looked at the silver heart shaped locket. Smiling she looked up at James and kissed him. "It's beautiful, thank you."

"I'm glad you like it."

Lily handed it to him. "Will you put it on me?"

James smiled, "Of course."

Lily lifted her hair out of the way as James slid the locked around her neck and clasped it into place.

"I'll never take it off." She gave him another kiss. "We should sleep, long day tomorrow."

James took a deep breath and exhaled, "Yeah. You wanted me on the chair tonight?"

"No..." When she saw his face she smiled. "I want you holding me. I wont get to see you for a long time. I need you beside me tonight."

Taking her hand and leading her to her room, James whispered. "Always, Lil. I'll be for always." Kissing once more, the Head Students changed in their separate rooms before climbing into Lilys bed and holding each other talking until sleep overcame them.

Sorry it took so long. I was trying to figure out the chapter. Hopefully the next one wont take as long. Thanks for the reviews, they are appreciated. I dont own anything you recognize.