Lily woke up on Sunday very late, when the sun's rays were disturbing her sleep. She opened her eyes and the first thing she saw, was James lying next to her, already awake, watching her with a smile on his face.
"How long have you been awake?"
"Only a couple of minutes."
"Been counting my freckles again, surely."
He only grinned and kissed her on the nose. Lily smiled and curled up against his chest, while James hugged her tightly.
"What do you want to do today," asked James, his breathing tickling Lily's ear.
"We could do something useful and go to shopping. I haven't bought a dress yet, to Petunia's wedding, you know. And I doubt you haven't, either."
"So you're still going?"
"Yeah," she sighed, "she's my sister, after all. I know she hates me, but she sent me an invitation, although it's only to the party, not to the church… And I want to see my parents, it's been nearly three months since I last saw them."
"And you want to show Petunia how good you're doing," James added laughing.
"True."
So after they had taken a shower and eaten, they Apparated to a quiet street, which was only a walk away from Oxford Street, where all the shops were.
When they had wandered about 5 hours and their feet were aching, they had only found a black suit for James. Lily's dress, however, was more difficult to find. They had been in dozens of shops and boutiques, but all the dresses were either wrong style or too "normal". Petunia and Vernon's invitation, you see, had clearly said "evening gowns and suits are required!" James was already bored.
When they had been in all the shops, they headed for Harrods. They had only been there for 10 minutes, when James pointed at a stunning emerald gown.
"That one would be perfect for you. It's just like your eyes."
Lily gasped and muttered:
"It's gorgeous."
She walked to the dress to take a good look at it. It was actually a cocktail dress, not an evening gown. It was emerald and had spaghetti straps. It wasn't long, only to the knees, and it had little diamonds all over it. She quickly picked the right size and went to the dressing rooms. James, being the gentleman, followed quietly.
When Lily emerged from the fitting room, James´ eyes lit up.
"You know, we should have come here first, because that's the one."
"You think so? You don't think it's too… fancy?"
James snorted and said proudly:
"If you mean that you'll be the most beautiful woman in the whole wedding, then yes. You definitely want to buy this one."
Lily smiled at him and looked at the price. Her face well immediately.
"Ah, I don't think I want this one."
James stared at her, dumb.
"Huh, why not? It's perfect."
He also looked at the price tag. Before he could say anything, a saleswoman had come and asked:
"Can I help you?"
"No thanks," James said. "We already found what we were looking for. We take this one", he said, pointing at the dress Lily was still wearing.
The woman smiled and nodded.
"Good choice. I'll go and get you a another one, while you take that one off."
"But…"
"No buts, Lily. I'm paying," said James, pushing Lily back to the fitting room.
Once he had paid and found Lily again, he gave the bag to Lily and took her hand in his.
"I'll pay you back, you know that."
"Nah, you don't. I won't let you. Just think it's an early Christmas present from me."
"But it cost a fortune! That's more like the next 10 years presents!"
James only laughed and said:
"Ok, that's a deal!"
They walked back to Lily's apartment. Before she went in, Lily asked:
"Do you want to come inside?"
"I don't think I should. I'd love to, but if I would come inside, I would be there all night, and I have to go to work early."
Lily stared at her shoes. She always went quiet, when James's work as an Auror was said aloud. She didn't like the idea of James fighting against Death Eaters. Of course, it was very important work, but you could never know when she would be getting one of those "I'm sorry for your loss"-letters. James raised her chin and said quietly:
"Hey, cheer up. I'll be okay."
"Be careful, will you?" She said, her eyes pleading.
"Always. You too," and he kissed her goodnight. When their lips separated, Lily opened the door and said:
"I had wonderful time. Thank you for the dress. Love you."
She kissed him one more time and went inside.
"I love you too."
And he Apparated away.
Lily had only put the dress in her wardrobe, when the doorbell rang. Wondering who it might be, she opened the door, only to be kissed fiercely.
"Changed your mind, then," she said smiling.
"Move in with me."
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Though James was sure she had heard him.
"Move in with me. I know it's maybe too early, but it feels right. I can't bear the feeling when we're not together and this way, we would be seeing each other every day. Maybe only a couple of minutes or only in the bed, when the other one is sleeping, but at least I would know then you're safe. I love you too much."
He stopped to breathe, watching Lily closely.
"So, umm, what do you say?"
"When can I move in?"
James released the breath he had been holding and kissed Lily again.
"I can set the alarm," he added quickly.
He didn't go home that night.