Written for

Around the World - Write about going to a new City/Town/Village

Gardening - Marry Me - Emile Autumn / James/Lily

Seasonal:

Days of the Year - Feb 1st - National Freedom Day - Write about someone being free

Winter - Word: Bleak

Colour - Tea Green

Flowers - Plum Blossom - Theme: New Start

Winter in Japan - Write about someone wearing their best outfit

Specfic House Challenge - Severus Snape

Writing Club -

Assorted Appreciation - 14 - Write about someone cutting something negative/bad from their life

Disney - Songs - 1- The Bells of Notre Dame - Write about an introduction

Showtime - 18 - Character: Snape

Amber's Attic - 12 - Write about someone running away [5 bonus]

Angel's Arcade - Soundtrack - 2- Write about an escape

Film Festival - 10: Running / 12: hiding from someone

Cheese Board - Extra - Dried Berries - "Forget I said anything."

Pop Figures - Scarlet Witch - 4- Character: Lily

Fortnightly - Family Feud - 1 - Dress - Write about a ball/party

1000 prompts - Having to hide true identity

365 - Word: Perfect

Scavenger Hunt - Write a pairing you've never written before (Snape/Lily)

Assignment 1 - Demonology - Task 4 - Write about someone who lives a wealthy and prosperous life, but is miserable.

Becoming Lily

James/Lily

She stared blankly ahead as her father placed her hand in that of her soon-to-be-husband's. A Lord. Of course her father had accepted the large amount of gold offered because only a madman would refuse that money. Well, a madman or a father who actually cared about what his daughter wanted.

He only focused on his own gain. He'd have a lot of gold, and also not have to worry about his youngest daughter. Her future title as the wife of a Lord would reflect onto him and it'd be easier to wed her sister off - the sister of a Lady.

Severus' fingers were cold as they grasped hers and she didn't turn her head. Though her dress was the most beautiful thing she had ever owned, and she had always secretly desired dresses made of finer materials, this wasn't how she wanted it all.

She barely registered the words. Didn't focus on the lips that touched hers. All she knew was that the bleak life she was now subjected to was something she would never choose. Ever.

...oOo...

She forced a smile on her lips as she stepped onto the balcony of the ball. Many lessons to fix her behaviour, to hide how 'common' she had been prior to her marriage and she had finally been allowed out in public. So far Severus had been somewhat nice, but she didn't know how long that would last. She didn't know what would anger him and didn't want to do something that'd bring about the anger.

Or perhaps he wasn't that sort of man. However, she wasn't going to take that risk.

After smiling at strangers, moving around the ball with unfamiliar materials from the tea green dress she wore, which itched at her skin. It was the most beautiful dress in her closet, though she didn't truly think of these things as 'hers' because she never chose them, never had the chance to pick the colours or materials. The choices had been made for her.

She found escape, claiming to her husband that she felt dizzy from the heat. She insisted she would be fine alone out there, wanting more than just an escape from the party - she wanted an escape from him too.

When she stepped out onto the balcony however, it wasn't empty. The smile appeared on her lips as it had all night. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise that someone was out here," she said, already turning to go back inside. Perhaps she could find somewhere else to hide out?

"No, don't go. If you wanted a moment to yourself, allow me to be the one to leave." The man had a kind voice, enough to stop her in her tracks.

She turned, curious. The man who was standing there was one of the few she had yet to meet. Severus had informed her he had introduced her to all important people, so this man was someone of a lower status. She instantly felt more comfortable at the idea of not being the only person there that didn't belong.

"James Potter," the man said, noticing her hesitation and silence. His gaze moved to her hand and she brought it up, twisting the band on her finger.

"Jane Evans," she replied. "Oh. I… I mean, Snape."

She didn't miss the twitch of his eyebrows as he began to raise them, but he fixed his expression quickly.

"My condolences," he whispered.

Jane knew she should defend her husband. But she was a wife by purchase and couldn't find the loyalty inside of her.

At her silence, James seemed to understand that she wasn't ignoring his comment and he smile widened. "May I get you a drink?"

"Please," she replied. Perhaps a drink would make things easier?

James nodded, disappearing and returning a couple of minutes later with a sparkling wine for each of them.

...oOo...

"Potter," Snape drawled, walking out onto the balcony and looking at him as one would look upon a rat or bug. Jane looked between them warily. She had been laughing at one of James' jokes only moments ago, but the joy had quickly faded upon her husband's arrival.

"Snape. I've just had the pleasure of meeting your beautiful wife," James replied. The kindness from his voice faded when speaking to the man and Jane stayed silent, unsure what a Lady would do in the situation.

"She is beautiful," Snape agreed.

"Shame you couldn't get a woman like that without throwing your money around," James added. "Poor woman."

Severus' gaze slowly moved from James to Jane and she was filled with panic. "I never said any such thing," she quickly insisted.

"Oh, she didn't have to," James said. "People have been talking."

She glanced away.

"Allow them to say what they want," Severus replied. "People will always have something to gossip about. Now, if you will excuse us…" He offered his arm to her.

She shot James an apologetic look. Though he had been rude to Severus, he had been kind to her. She disliked that she had to leave so abruptly.

"You'd do well to stay away from him," Severus said, as they headed back inside. "Don't be fooled - he's not a good man."

She didn't argue.

...oOo...

"What brings you here?" She asked, stepping out into the garden where James stood waiting for her.

"I had to see you again," James admitted. "I went back to London and I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"You shouldn't be saying that to a married woman," she replied quietly. "I'm sorry, James."

"Don't be," he replied. "I know, and if the marriage were your choice, I'd not be standing here. I wouldn't be seeking a woman who loved someone else, or even had married them because she had herself chosen the marriage because of the lifestyle that came with it. You didn't choose this, you didn't chose him."

She laughed. It wasn't joyful or happy in the slightest. It was the only thing to stop her from crying. James saw what other people pretended they could not.

"I may not be a Lord, but I can offer you a happy life," he told her. "He won't find you, I promise you that. Leave with me."

It was too good to be true. But on the other hand, the life she had been trapped in was also too good to be true. The offer that she knew she should refuse was too tempting. Not because he offered an escape, but because there was something about this man that told her she would be safe.

"Because I'm 'beautiful'?" she asked. "Or because you and Severus hate each other?"

James shook his head, taking no offence at the accusing tone she used.

"No. The world is full of pretty women. Of course I noticed that, but I just found you remarkable. The sound of your laugh was what did it. For the first time since I laid eyes on you that day, two months ago, you looked happy. I knew in that moment I wanted to cause you to laugh often. I tried to stay away, but couldn't."

She could only see honesty in his eyes and it was with sudden clarity that she realised that this may be her only escape. With a handsome man who had only treated her with kindness. "Should I… should I pack?" she asked. "How will you stop him from finding me?"

James grinned. "Trust me," he said, holding his hand out.

Jane couldn't help it. She pulled the rings from her finger, setting them down on the garden table. Part of her knew she should leave a note, but she felt like there was no time. Should she stop to do anything else, she may change her mind and end up staying. Her husband was due home in an hour, and what if he came back early?

She took James' hand and allowed him to lead her to the back of the garden where the hedges were torn. She allowed him to lead her away from the house and to a carriage that was waiting. As they ran for the carriage, Jane had never felt so free.

"I keep my promises," James insisted softly.

"Will he suspect you?"

James shook his head. "My best friend is the master of disguise. 'James Potter' is currently at a business meeting in London. One that many people will be talking about. There's no way he could travel from London and back." He took her hand in his as the carriage made its way back towards London and the redhead smiled, looking forward to the future.

...oOo...

She stared as they entered the City, awe on her face. She had never been anywhere with such a large amount of people.

"Never been to London before?" James asked softly.

She shook her head. "Where will I stay?" she asked. "I mean… what is your home like? How will you explain my existence?"

"A plan was made about a week ago," James said. "My friend's Uncle passed away a month ago and our conversation had turned to family. As you know, the closest male relative is the one to take care of a woman when her father or guardian is gone. Well, how would you like to be his cousin?"

Jane stared at him blankly.

"It'll explain your presence in London, and allow you to stay where he stays," James continued to explain. "Though I have made sure to have other plans should you not like this one. We've laid the groundwork already, talking to others of this cousin, though we never mentioned a name - a choice I didn't want to take from you if you did choose to come. We made it appear as though you were already in London."

"Lily," Jane murmured. "A name I've loved since I was a young girl."

"Lily," James echoed softly. "A beautiful name. From here on out, your name is Lily, and you're the cousin of Remus Lupin and you've been in London for a month, but have been in mourning of your father for a month and not left the house."

Lily considered it. "Can I meet this person whose cousin I'm claiming to be first?" she asked. "The story makes sense and… and you said you want to be with me?"

James nodded. "If you feel the same," he replied quietly. "I know that I've offered you an escape and you may have left just to escape rather than because you returned my feelings, but that's a risk I had to take," he said. "I don't want you to be in a loveless relationship here - if you are, I'll be just like Snape. No, I'm going to give you the choice. I'm going to take you out to dinner, treat you how you deserve and hope to win your heart."

Lily's lips curved back into a smile. "I think you're already on the track to winning it," she admitted.

James' smile widened. "Would it be too forward to request a kiss?" he asked. Silence followed his request as Lily considered the fact that James had asked so politely, shyly.

"Forget I said anything," James quickly replied, misunderstanding her silence as hesitation.

"Just one," Lily said, leaning in. Her green eyes fluttered closed as she waited, her heart beating quickly. James' lips brushed hers softly and she couldn't help but let her smile widen.

"I think I'm going to enjoy my new life in London," she said.

"I think I'm going to enjoy your new life in London too," James agreed. "Now, I'd show you some landmarks, but we've been in this carriage for hours, so how about I show you to my home and your room? I can escort you around London tomorrow."

Lily nodded. "That sounds perfect."

It's been a while since I wrote this pairing...

Reviews are much appreciated!