Ch Five

Kisses and Forever

It was a pleasant Saturday in October, the 31st to be exact.  Lily was enjoying the warm sunshine as she walked through Hogsmeade.  James was going to meet her in the Three Broomsticks at noon, but she had some book shopping to do first.  She couldn't help but smiling as she opened the door to Squiggles and Dot's, an extension of Diagon Alley's Flourish and Blott's.  Lily deeply inhaled the smell of the books, old and worn tomes just waiting to be bought.  She waved hello to the owner, a kindly old man who could give expert advice on any book you might be looking for.  Lily turned into the mythological/ancient rune section.  She needed to find a book on prophecies of the early centuries, not to mention a good leisure book on Celtic Mythology.  Slowly scanning the titles, she frowned as the dust tickled her nose.  Proving Myths and Legends…The Great Magical Kings of a Forgotten Age…aha! Archaic Prophecies, Original Excerpts from Runic Texts.  This was exactly what she was looking for!  It was a good start if there ever was one.  As Lily carefully pulled the books out of the shelf, she failed to notice the figure behind her until he spoke.

"Lily," an oily voice whispered, "What a pleasure to meet you here."

Lily groaned inwardly, it was Snape.  She would recognize that intensely annoying voice anywhere.

"I have always wondered what you see in that Potter of yours," he said disdainfully.

Lily turned around, catching the grimace of his face as he said her boyfriend's name.  "What do you want, Snape?"

"Want?  I desire something that I plainly can't have."  His ghastly pale hand reached out to stroke Lily's cheek.  "I'm sure all Potter wants is a good shag, but I-I want more then that.  I could give more then that."

Lily backed up against the bookshelf, greatly disturbed by his words and the intensity of his black eyes.

"Sure I could offer a good snog or shag, but I can also offer you protection, a protection that James could never give you."  As he said this, he leaned in closer, finally brushing his lips gently over Lily's.

Before she realized it, Lily had lashed out and slapped his face.  His head snapped back, and his eyes visibly hardened, but were tinged with sadness.

"If that is your choice," he whispered, "I shall not be responsible for the harm that you indivertibly place on yourself."

"What are you playing at?"  Lily eyed him suspiciously.  "Is that a threat?"

"No, it is a warning.  A warning of what might come.  I could help you Lily," his voice almost pleading, "I have the power, the connections to protect you."

Lily was confused, not to mention overwhelmed.  If she was hearing him right, then did that mean attempts would be made on her life?  Lily shook her head trying to dislodge these unsettling thoughts.

Snape continued to gaze at her with a penetrating look.  He seemed to not notice her uncomfortable shiver.  "There may be a time in which I shall ask again.  Choose wisely my pretty one."  With a turn of his black cloak, he was gone as silently as he had come.

Lily leaned back, letting go of the breath that she hadn't realized that she was holding.  A few minutes ticked by as she regained her composure.  Slowly turning, she picked up the tome that she'd been eyeing before her encounter.  Randomly selecting a Celtic Mythology book, she made her way to the front of the store.

"Good morning to you Ms. Evans," the kind owner greeted her.  "What are we purchasing today?"

Lily handed him her books as she smiled, "Some mythology and prophecies Sir."

"Ah, yes I remember I had quite a thirst for knowledge of the Old Magic in my younger days.  Interesting choices you have Ms. Evans."  He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment.  "Now this one here," he held up Archaic Prophecies, Original Excerpts from Runic Texts, "This is very old and quite expensive.  Are you sure you don't want something newer?"

Lily nodded, but secretly hopping that it wouldn't empty her pocket too much.

"That'll be four galleons and seven sickles," he looked at her, almost as if he was expecting her to cancel her purchase.

Scraping the last sickle out of her purse, Lily paid for her books.  "Good day Sir and she waved as she exited the store.

Glancing at her watch Lily saw that she was fifteen minutes late.  "I know James will want an explanation," she muttered to herself.

Walking into the Three Broomsticks, she heard her nickname being called from across the room.  "Over here, Tiger!" Sirius shouted.

Lily worked her way through the crowded building towards Cassandra and the Marauders.  Panting she sat down next to James, who promptly handed her a butterbeer.  "Thanks," she mumbled, taking a large sip.

Cassandra looked at her closely, "Did you get what you were looking for Lily?"

Lily glanced up, mildly surprised, "Er…yes, I did."

"Is there something else that you should be telling us Lily?" Cassandra prompted.

Lily sighed, "There isn't much to tell."

Her best friend leaned over so the boys wouldn't overhear.  "I think you should tell James, Lily.  He has the right to know."

Lily nodded, knowing that Cassandra was right.  "The problem is that I don't want James to tear him apart, even if he might deserve it."

Cassandra thought for a moment, "I think you should tell him, but carefully, so he doesn't come to any wrong conclusions."

Lily smiled grimly, "Right as always, Cass."

Her best friend looked at her carefully.  "Are you going to say something now or wait until later?"

Lily looked a bit uncomfortable, "I think later will be fine.  Besides, he might take it better if we are alone."

Cassandra just shook her head as she stood up.  "I'll see you later then."

"Alright," Lily called out to her retreating back.

As soon as Cassandra left, James turned around to face her again.  "You're done with your little private chat I presume."

Lily nodded, "But I need to talk to you later, alone, it's important."

James looked thoughtful for a moment before wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.  "Later tonight in the common room would be great," he whispered.  "I have something to talk to you about too."

She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.  Letting go a small sigh while James stroked her hair; she didn't know how life could get any better.

"Could you two stop it with the lovey-dovey nonsense?"  Sirius interrupted, "It's driving me nutters."

Lily looked up to see James's eyes twinkle, contrasting with his semi-serious face.  "But Sirius, love isn't nonsense.  It's quite serious actually."

Lily giggled, knowing where James was heading with his teasing of Sirius.

"How could it be serious?  I'm Sirius!" he exclaimed in a good natured way.

James gave Lily a small squeeze around her waist.  "Sirius, when you fall in love you'll know exactly what I'm talking about."

The Marauder just rolled his eyes.  "There you go with the mushy stuff all over again.  I can see that we'll get nowhere in this debate."

Lily grinned, "Who said it was a debate.  I consider it fact; therefore there is nothing to debate over."

Remus groaned, "Padfoot, I think our little Tiger just outmanoeuvred you in this war of words."

Sirius waved his friend off literally with a flourish of his hand.  "She wins every time anyway Moony.  But I think that now would be an excellent time to head back … we wouldn't want to get behind on our homework."

This last statement was directed towards Lily, who laughed.  "So what if I actually study?  I didn't become Head Girl for nothing."

"I could argue about James on that account," Sirius muttered as they exited the building.

James let go of Lily's waist and shoved his friend in mock outrage.  "I heard that you great dog.  I do too study.  It's not like you were ever in the running."

Sirius gave him an abashed look.  "You mean I wouldn't have gotten any points for dashing good looks?"

Lily snorted, "Maybe from the Hufflepuffs, but no one else."

Sirius turned around to face her, "You mean you don't find me attractive?"

She gave him a sad smile.  "Sorry, but I don't suppose you remember that I am going out with your best friend.  Hence I can't answer that question."  As if to prove a point, Lily grabbed James's hand, pulling him in for a quick, but intense kiss.

Sirius started to gag, "I get your point. I did not, I repeat, did not need to see that."

Lily glanced at James as they smirked at the same time.  "Tough luck mate," he concluded.

The five continued up the stairs into the castle, to finish the remainder of the afternoon.

*~*

Later that evening Lily could be found curled up in an armchair by the fire, reading away.  This was how James found her when he entered the common room.

"A good read I presume?"

His remark startled Lily, who jumped slightly, then blushed when she realized who it was.  "It's on old prophecies.  Some are very interesting, like the Pendragon for example.  The last known one was King Arthur, and the next one is destined to restore the balance in both the mortal and immortal world."

James nodded as he sat down on the armrest.  "That's intriguing, but what was it that you wanted to talk to me about earlier?"

Lily blushed again as she shut her book.  "I had a… er…had a run in…with Snape today at the bookstore."  Glancing up she saw his face darken.  "He was odd, saying a few mean things about you, but mostly hinted to how he would be able to protect me better then you could."

He bent down to her eye level, his eyes showing his concern.  "Did anything else happen?"

She shifted a little in the chair, "He tried to kiss me."

James stiffened, "That no good, dirty…"

"James!" Lily hissed.  "Listen to me.  I slapped him when he tried to, which he wasn't too happy about.  The greasy git left after that."

James sighed as he pushed up his glasses.  "I won't cause any trouble, but please tell me when he bothers you again."

She smiled at his protectiveness.  "I wouldn't think of doing otherwise."

James returned her smile and kissed her gently on the lips.  "Is it my turn to talk now?" he asked while he moved into the chair beside her.  After she nodded he continued.  "I did some thinking the other day.  I know this is a bit early, but I can't think of anything else that I'm surer of." 

Out of his pocket he drew a small black box.  Lily gasped and stuttered, "Is it…I mean…oh my…I…"

James smiled as he opened it to reveal a simple gold band with a heart etched in the centre.  "It's a promise ring.  I know neither of us wants to think of marriage, but I had the urge to get you something.  Something that would show you that I'll always be there for you, I'll love and support you, and whenever we're both ready I'll be there to make that commitment with you.  I love you with all my heart Lily Evans."

She couldn't believe it.  Of course she had always imagined it, but so soon, was this really happening?  Unbidden, a few tears drifted down her cheeks.  He quickly wiped them away with his thumb, then gently cupping her face.

He seemed to read the surprise in her eyes.  "You're not dreaming love, this is as real as it gets.  I'm making a promise that I want to keep for the rest of my life and beyond."

Lily smiled shyly through the still falling tears.  Gently he slipped the ring on and brought his hands to wipe the tears away once more.  Slowly he lowered his head, bringing their lips to meet in a kiss that was gentle, sweet, and full of love.  She smiled inwardly.  It was as if it was their first kiss over again, but even better and if possible, more magical.

A/N: *sniff* [wipes a tear] You got to love well deserved fluff! I'm so proud that I actually updated in less then a month, go me! I hope that I'm really getting into the swing of things now.  So maybe I'll be updating sooner, it all depends on that time consuming thing called school.  So tell me what you think about this chapter, i.e. review!! Oh and the Pendragon thing was a reference to two stories by Irina, which are awesome!!! They are The Rebirth and Galatae. Go read them!! ~TigerLily, oh and thank you to my soon to be new beta, hermione0327. Plus I could never forget to shout out to my first and original beta and supporter, greeneyes.