A rainy day, a warm fire, soft blankets and warm bodies.
This was how Lily Evans wanted to spend the rest of her life.
It didn't matter that she might have to die to save so many. It didn't matter that she'd be in danger. What mattered, right now, was that she was laying on a couch in the common room, in front of the fire, drinking stolen-from-the-kitchens hot chocolate with her best friends. What mattered was James's hand on the small of her back, reminding her that he was there, for always, for support and guidance. What mattered was the way Sirius barked out his laughter at every joke he and James made up, reminding her that Sirius would remain loyal to James, and even herself, until his dying day. Alli's legs sprawled across Lily's lap reminded her that sometimes, whatever God may be up there, he sends us angels through the form of a friend. Remus taught Lily to never stereotype anything, for even something considered a monster can be beautiful. Peter.. Well, Lily hadn't quite figured him out yet, but something told her to keep an eye on Peter.
Rain was softly falling outside. It was a Saturday, and a Hogsmeade weekend at that. The common room was empty and lit only by the fire. It had been a full week since Lyla Dubaer had reappeared, and the only thing Lily felt was contentment. Sweet, relaxing contentment.
"You look a lot better, Lily," Sirius said suddenly, adding "If that's your real name," with a smart wink.
James threw a pillow at him. Lily just laughed and leaned back on him lazily.
"Yeah," she said, closing her eyes. "I feel a lot better. Though, certainly not from lack of teasing from my friends..." Sirius had been lovingly calling Lily Lyla all week.
"Stuff it, Black," Alli said in a muffled way; she was lying face-down on the opposite side of the couch from Lily and James, her blond hair falling over her face.
Lily lived for these days. N.E.W.T.'s were coming up, as well as an unknown future. Maybe these lazy Saturdays were just the calm before the storm. Maybe Lily's friends would change in the future. Maybe she would be put in danger working with the Order.
All she knew was, whatever the future brought for her, as long as she was being comfortably smothered by the ones that she loved, she was ready for it.