Date started: Jan 2, 2005

Date finished: Jan 17, 2005

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or settings.

Sidebar: I'm not too pleased with the outcome of this… The only reason its been taking me such a long time to write a chapter is because of homework and much procrastination… sweat drop

Chapter 3: Christmas Morning and secrets about.

Lily awoke to see what she was watching when she fell asleep, the snow falling. She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. It was Christmas morning and even though, she was excited to see what she had gotten, she really just wanted to stay in bed. But having a friend like Charlotte, who flew the door open and let it hit the wall with a loud thud.

"Get up!" Charlotte yelled for joy. "Everybody is waiting downstairs for you, so get your lazy bum out of bed!" She yelled once more.

Lily groaned and rolled over and dug her head under her pillow. "Not now…" She muffled.

"Come on Lily! Kioko's brother sent you something.." She enticed her friend. "And so did Maaaaarrrrrk…." Charlotte had already grabbed Lily's attention by mentioning Kioko's brother, Haruko or Haru as she called him.

Their friend Kioko was away in Japan for the Holidays with her family and one summer brought Lily there when her parents had gone off to Spain. There, she met the oldest in the Mishima line, Haruko who was about 19 when she was 16. They had a few friendly snogs here and there and sent her an owl almost every month since then.

Sitting up with her pillow on her lap, stretched with a yawn. "I'll be down in a minute. I just first need to-" She broke her sentence with another yawn and Charlotte headed back downstairs. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and slide off. Her hair was in a mess and she didn't feel like going down to the common room just yet. She was very reluctant to see anybody but had no choice.

So, throwing caution into the wind, she headed down with her hair a bid tidier and still in her pj's. She was greeted by a warm fire and laughter coming from those seated by the fireplace. Like her, everybody was in their pj's and didn't have a care in the world. It came to a surprise to her to see that even James, Sirius and Remus waited for her.

As everybody was busy talking, James had spotted Lily and made room for her on the couch next to him. Still a bit groggy, she sat down with her arms crossing her chest. Lily was still sleepy but aware of the fact that she was wearing a white sleeveless undershirt and no bra.

"Now that everybody is here," Sirius began as the present separated into piles according to the names on them. "Let's begin." Everybody dug into their pile but Lily slowly reached into hers and picked one up from her parents. It ended up being a goofy pair of sunglasses, a note saying that they would pay make her first payment for a flat and a rather bright skirt from her sister. She opened one containing a fan from Kioko, that when somebody would fan himself or herself with it, the Tiger Lily's on it would sway. Lily kept on fanning herself and watched the swaying Tiger Lily's in amusement before opening the gift from Haruko. She ran her fingers over the soft dark green silk and stared at an awe. She lifted it up and found that much like the fan, it had Tiger Lily's that swayed when it moved.

"wow… its beautiful…" Lily whispered with a smile on her face. She was glad she had sent a gift to him.

James looked at Lily and the kimono through the corner of his eye. He had gotten a little jealous, which is a first, and slid a gift under the couch.

Once everybody had finished unwrapping gifts, Lily and Charlotte headed upstairs with their gifts in their arms. With their gifts on their beds, they got dressed. Lily looked around for her left shoe and spotted an unwrapped gift under Charlottes pillow. Sneaking over, she pulled the gift out of its hiding spot and frowned. "I thought you were going to give this to Remus." She said, holding it out.

Taking it from Lily, Charlotte sighed and stared down at it. "I am.. but I don't know when I should…" She began to trail off. Charlotte usually wasn't shy, only when it comes to a bloke who she really fancies and wants to be serious about.

"If you're not going to give it to him, then you'll going to regret it."

"Don't worry Lily, I'm going to give it to him… Just not right now… but I will." There was a smile of reassurance on Charlottes face as she hugged it close to her chest. Lily smiled back and nodded.

"Good." Lily paused as she glanced outside. "Now let's go outside before breakfast."

Lily put her new gloves on (automatic warmth for playing in the snow or being in the cold) and headed down to the common room. James, Sirius and Remus were sitting back and enjoying their new toys and gadgets. Remus and Sirius were using Remus' brand new Wizards Chest as James was reading a users guide to the new broom he received.

"Where are you headin?" Sirius asked after he looked up. "Snow time." Charlotte replied as they walked past them and waved good-bye.

After a few minutes, James had his cloak, hat, scarves and gloves on. "Now where are you goin, Prongs?"

"Goin out for a little run.." He replied with a grin before exiting.

--

Lily and Charlotte had made it outside and were busy working together on snowmen. The snow was softly falling on their cloaks as they packed it together. Lily was grateful she had new gloves that kept her hands warm. It was freezing outside, but they didn't care, fresh fallen snow and it was all theirs to enjoy!

After finishing one snowman (by hand), they began another. "So how sent you that lovely.. umm.. what was that robe type thing that matches your fan?" Charlotte asked as she began the center of the snowman.

"It's called a kimono and it was from Haruko, Kioko's brother."

Charlotte stopped and looked at Lily. "I thought you and Mark were an item."

Lily shook her head. "Nope. He and I are just friends."

"Then how come he sent you a gift?"

"He told me he found a fantastic book in his house and said I would enjoy it. So instead of lending it to me, he gave it to me as a present." Lily replied as she continues to work on the bottom, trying to make it as big as possible. "A very sweet bloke, he is. Besides, him and Fiona are dating and have been for months now." She added in.

"I see…"

"Yes… Speaking of couple, when are you going to give that present to Remus?" She said nudging her friend once more.

"At the opportune moment! Now quit nudging me or we are going to end up with a messed up center."

"Fine," Lily said as she stopped nudging Charlotte and continued to build up the bottom. "But when are you going to?"

"I don't know… Like I said, the most opportune moment." Charlotte replied as she lifted the center and placed it on top of the bottom.

Lily stared at the half finished snowman and an idea popped into her head. "I know!" She said, turning to face her friend. "Why not just get Remus to help you? After all, you do need help on DADA and he's good at it." She suggested.

"Yeah… sure. I'll ask him." Charlotte replied with a shrug. "But to change the subject, tell me about Haruko."

Lily let out a happy sigh with a smile. "What's there to say? He's great at snogging and with his hands." She hinted with a grin.

Charlotte looked up. "You didn't!"

With a laugh, Lily shook her head. "We didn't shag!"

Charlotte narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"No chance to…" Lily continued in a quieter voice as she worked on the head.

They both looked at each other and giggled and from a distance, a tall young stag sat quietly, watching and listening as the two girls chatted unaware of his presence.

As they placed the head on the snowman, Lily glanced over and spotted Sirius and Remus heading towards them. "Now is your chance to ask Remus for help." Lily said and motioned towards them. Without a thought, Charlotte ducked behind the snowmen and she felt kind of stupid for doing it.

"Hey Evans." Sirius called out as he waved his hand. "Hey Black." She replied.

Charlotte pretended to pat more snow onto the snowman as Remus leaned over and watched. If her cheeks could turn redder, they would. "I think it's well reinforce." He said as he continued to watch her with a smile. Charlotte tried to avoid eye contact as she stood up. "Yeeuup.."

"Have you seen me mate, Prongs?" Sirius asked as he shifted in his place.

"Nope. Haven't seen Potter since this morning." Lily replied, placing coals on the snowmans head to indicate its face.

Sirius stared off in the distance as he smirked at spotting the stag walking away. "I'm sure he'll be here any moment…"

Before they knew it, James was following the path Sirius and Remus walked down. Lily glanced over and saw him. Oh great… She thought as she began another snowman. As she was building the snowman, she carefully watched James, Sirius, Remus and Charlotte talk. She watched Charlotte shake her head a few times with shrugs as James had an expression what Lily thought was pleading. But James pleading? Noo…

Remus caught Lily watching and walked over to help her. "What're they talking about?" Lily asked him.

"Just asking if they know a girl that goes my Vicky in Ravenclaw."

Lily cocked a brow, sensing he was lying.

"It's surprising to see you out here. I thought you'd be inside doing homework." Remus said, breaking the silence.

"And its much to my surprise not seeing a book in your hands." Lily replied as she looked at him with a smirk. She let out at a laugh as she watched Remus pull out a small and held it up with a smile. "Like I said, thanks again." He then put it away back into his pocket.

"I was wondering Remus…" Lily began as she found him glancing over at Charlotte a few times.

"Hmm?" He replied, looking back at Lily.

"What do you think about Charlotte?"

"Oh um… She's alright." Remus replied as he adjusted the arms of the snowman.

"Alright?" Lily cocked a brow as she found him looking at her.

"Yeah… alright. Why?"

Lily shrugged. "By the way you were looking at Charlotte, it seems like you fancy a shag with her."

Remus chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck and looked down. "Yeah… but-"

"But what?" Lily interrupted him.

He let out a sigh and dropped his arms to his side before looking up. "You know, I don't want to hurt her." Remus said, referring her to him being a werewolf.

Years ago, being a clever muggle born, Lily had figured out Remus's secret and he had no way to deny it. She confronted him in their 5th year, when they had become close friends. A few nights after the full moon, Remus had just come out of the Hospital Wing and found Lily alone in the common room. She found the courage to talk to him about it.

"But listen, you should atleast try-"

"I know I know.. 'at least try to get close to somebody'" Remus said, interrupting her in a mimicking voice.

"Charlotte can handle herself. She's one tough witch Remus." Lily reassured him.

He didn't say anything.

"Fine, if you don't want to talk about it, then tell me what they're talking about because it looks like its either upsetting her or confusing her.." Lily said with a small laugh after observing their friends keeping their voices down as it seemed that they were hiding behind the snowmen.

Remus shook his head. "Nope."

Letting out a sigh, Lily patted the snow off her gloves. "I'm gonna go warm up inside."

Turning her attention away from Remus, she began to walk the path back up to the school. The snow now began to slow to a stop and the sun shined through the clouds.

"Hey Lily, heading in already?" Charlotte called from standing in between James and Sirius.

"Uh.. Yeah.. Can't feel my legs and I'm sure my toes are gone." Lily called back as she walked backwards towards the castle. Turning back around, she hugged her cloak close to her body.

----

Upon reaching the fountain in the center, she heard somebody calling her name. Turning around, she saw James running towards her. Her walking stopped as she waited for him to catch up. "I thought you were going to stay out and play some more in the snow."

"Yeah…" James replied. "But I can always do that later." He continued with a grin.

Lily began her pace again after rolling her eyes. She hugged her cloak close to her body as they continued to walk in silence.

"N.E.W.T.S." James said after entering Hogwarts, trying to make conversation.

"What about them?" Lily asked, thinking about the small amphibian.

"Which one s are you going to study?" He asked.

"Oh N.E.W.T.S… um… I'm not sure. I'm interested in Charm work.. umm… maybe work for the Ministry? I don't know yet… It's all just coming to fast and there isn't enough time to think hard about it.." Lily replied.

"Yeah…"

"Umm.. so what about you?" Lily asked, turning slightly to look at him.

"Maybe continue quidditch… I'm, good at defense, so I might go with that." He said turning to face her with a grin.

Lily slightly smiled in return. After a moment or two, Lily realized what she was doing and quickly erased the smile from her face and turned her attention to where she's going.

"But what about transfiguring? You never pay attention in that class, yet you seem to pass it with flying colors"

James shrugged. "I'm not to interested in Transfiguring. I've been thinking about becoming an Auror though. You know, fight the good fight." He added a slight punch in the air with a smirk.

"Isn't that a bit dangerous?" Lily asked in a worried voice and an expression to go with it.

"Evans, you're talking to a bloke who dodges bludger's, hexes, professors and detentions." He replied and smiled, noticing that Lily was actually worried about him.

"True… but aren't you afraid of dying? I mean," Lily began as she entered the kitchen. "Death Eater's are out there, waiting to attack and follow you know who… Voldemort.." She said in hushed voice after looking around and making sure no house elves were to hear.

James looked at Lily with slight shock and she looked back at him with a brave smile after they sat on crates. "How can I be scared with Dumbledore leading the way. He told me after you left his office that why should somebody be scared of somebody else that will be defeated by an unknown reason to that person? I don't understand it but I put my complete trust in him."

Lily waited after James had walked off. He returned a few moments later with two mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of little treats for them to share. He set the plate and a mug down in front of her before sitting across. "What about you?" Lily asked after removing her gloves and taking a sip of her hot chocolate. "The fearless James Potter scared of saying a name?" She asked.

James shook his head. "No, I don't say it because so many other's fear it and tend to wet themselves." He replied before taking a sip.

Lily slightly raised a brow, thinking he was hiding something. She sensed it and knew. James Potter was hiding something. Everybody hides things but this one topic made him uneasy and Lily wanted to know what it was. She giggled after glancing at James's hot chocolate mustache. "What?" He asked, looking confused. Lily pointed above her top lip and James wiped off only the corner. She giggled again. "It's still there."

"oh.."

"Here, let me get it for you." She said before leaning in close and using the end of her sleeve, she wiped off the hot chocolate from above his lip. "There." She said with a satisfied smile. James smiled back and noticed something new about Lily; she blushes if she's close to a guy.

Sitting back down, her face was still a bit red as she nibbled a treat. "So um… what did you get for Christmas?" James asked, breaking the silence.

"Some clothes and books. I saw you got the latest broom."

"Yeah. My dad doesn't really know what to get me except quidditch supplies."

"I'm guessing he's the busy type."

James nodded. "Death Eater's and Voldemort take up most of his time, so he rushes out last moment and thinks 'quidditch'." James said with a shrug before a solemn expression covered his face. Lily sat there and stared at him. The subject of James's father and Voldemort seem to bring him down and she wanted to cheer him up.

"Well, at least he tried, right?" Lily said, trying to bring him away from the gloom.

"Yeah, you're right." James replied.

"And I've seen him drop you off at King's Cross. So he mustn't be too busy." She added in.

"hmm.. yeah."

"And I must say… He is very attractive for his age…" Lily said with a grin. "You're mother is lucky to have snagged such a handsome bloke."

James looked up at Lily and back down at his mug. "Yeah.. she was." He sighed out.

Was? Lily thought. Divorce or death? She pondered.

James looked back up with the gloomy expression erased. "So you say me pop is a handsome bloke, eh?"

Lily nodded slowly. "Yeah, so?"

"Well…" He began. "People say I look a lot like him.." He grinned.

Lily rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Potter.."

"It was worth a shot." He shrugged. Little did James know, Lily thought when she first saw them together, they looked exactly alike except James's father looked tired, worn-out and hadn't shaved in days. Lily swooned at the first site of him. It was like a college student crushing on her professor. She thought James was actually willing to admit a slight attraction to him then but Lily soon changed her mind when she was reminded why she couldn't stand him.

They sat in silence as they watched the house elves scurry about. Lily finished her hot chocolate and left the kitchen. She had to get away from James as quickly as possible. Something about him made her blush and he seemed… not date-able in her standards but close to it.