DISCLAIM

Short but Thick.

Chapter 21: Merry

Lily was jolted awake early -before the sun- on Christmas morning by two figures; One still bouncing at her feet and the other could just be seen tumbling off the side of her bed. She leaned over and clicked the lamp beside her on.

The light hurt her eyes, but James kneeled down towards her, still bouncing; "Christmas, Lily! Presents!"

"Allrigh' Immup" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes, and pulling her sheets away. James grabbed her arm, and waited for Sirius to stand up again, rubbing his head, before they set off down the hall, jumping down the stairs two at a time, headed straight for a gargantuan illuminated Christmas tree set directly in the middle of their main hall. As they hit the landing Lily could only stand in awe of the scene looming before her. The lights flickered magically on the tree, lighting the wrapped boxes just so that her heart sang. Snow floated down around the room and-

"Lily!" she was snatched from her joy, "this one's for you!" James teased, he disappeared behind the tree.

Lily ran on pure adrenaline the entire morning; around the tree, through her presents. That first pure grin of true joy never left her face, not once. It was still there nestled on her face when she sat on the couch of their study that very evening. She sat cozyied up in a small lumpy arm chair, wrapped in a soft blanket, holding a warm cup of hot chocolate in her hands with a melted candy cane hanging on the inside. A softly dying fire illuminated the world in gold. James and Sirius lay on the ground between Lily and the fire, lazily playing a game of wizard's chess, as their energy had worn out hours ago. Mr. And Mrs. Potter were snuggled up happily on the sofa across from Lily, dozing lightly.

Life in her mind could not have been more perfect. She was not sure if this was what heaven was like but it was pretty darn close. Her insides were all fuzzy, and the air around her was warm with the idea of a family. Siblings who loved her, and Parents who were happy. Not that her parents had been unhappy, just very subtle with their affections; and of course not that her sister didn't deep down inside, love her. However, Lily was feeling more at home that ever she had at her own home.

If only she could freeze time and remain here forever. She settled with observing and soaking in the scene as much as possible. A sensation like the static of everything turning off and focusing on this life, filled her mind. Try though she might, she could not keep her eyes open for very long. Soon she was lulled into a light slumber, and the love that coursed through her veins at that very moment was the thickest and most pure love that had ever existed. And at that very instant, Fate decided something very important for the outcome of Lily Evan's love.

Lily's head fell forward and she snapped awake. Her hot chocolate and blanket were gone. And though she hardly felt she had dozed at all, she must have, for she was somewhere completely different indeed. Fear raced through her. Pain ached at her. And the strange room that surrounded her, did not make her feel anything but worse. She felt dizzy and nauseous. The shock and pain ached inside her terribly and she could feel the sudden sour taste of sickness in her mouth and ache rising in her throat. . .

Reveiw. I accept crazy theories.