** Thanks again to all who keep reading! Your kind and encouraging words
are greatly appreciated. And this chapter is a bit longer than the
previous ones. ( **
~* Mirrors and Mistletoe *~
Chapter 4---
The brisk winter air took Lily's breath away as she took her first steps outside of Hogwarts. Flipping her long Gryffindor scarf around her neck and tugging her matching mittens on tightly, she braced herself against the cold and started for the woods. The snow had tapered off and now the falling flakes were few, not even enough to warrant the knitted hat she had pulled down over her head only moments ago.
As she walked, her feet sinking slightly into the snow-covered ground, she noticed that apart from a few students who were going from one building to another, no one else was outside. Where was James? She didn't see him down near the edge of the woods and was beginning to wonder if his invitation for a walk was simply another one of his jokes.
Reaching the tree line, Lily paused and spun around to survey the area around her. Still no James. Glancing back up toward Hogwarts, there were now no other students in sight, and the blanket of snow created a near silent atmosphere. As she looked back at the woods one last time before returning inside, she was startled by a small flock of birds that had suddenly lighted from their roosts in the branches. After calming her racing heart, a movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Jerking her head to the left she squinted her eyes to peer between some low branches and underbrush and took a few steps forward. Another movement assured her that she had indeed seen something.
"Hello?" she called softly. "Is someone there?" A rustling was followed by a sound something akin to a snort and she stepped back apprehensively. But all of her apprehension vanished when out from behind the stand of trees emerged one of the most beautiful creatures Lily had ever seen. It was a majestic, muscular stag sporting a near perfect rack of antlers. Its size was a bit intimidating, and something told Lily that she should probably run. However, she was frozen in place, mesmerized it seemed by its very large, very round eyes that were locked with her own. If she didn't know better, she would almost swear that its eyes were a shade of green, perhaps a dark hazel in color instead of the usual rich brown these animals were known to have.
It continued to come out from behind its cover and Lily whispered, "What a beauty you are!" The stag threw its head up and snorted again taking yet another step closer to her, and she tentatively held out her hand. "I probably shouldn't do this, but I have this strange desire to touch you." Getting up her nerve, she took a step closer to the animal, and it didn't move until she was within arm's reach. Then it gently pushed its snout forward and nudged her outstretched hand urging Lily to touch it.
"Oh my!" she exclaimed softly. No one would believe her if she told them about this, her being a city girl and never one to deal well with wild animals. In fact, James Potter would probably laugh his head off if she shared this tale with him. Well, no matter, she decided. He would never get the chance because she would never tell him.
The stag stood motionless while Lily continued to pet it, but it never took its eyes from hers. There was something magical happening at this very moment, Lily knew, but she didn't know what or why it gave her such a feeling of peace and calm.
"You're wonderful, you are," she complimented. "It's a wonder someone hasn't found you and hung your head over his mantle. You'd best stay away from Hagrid, that's for sure. It would be a shame for something horrid to happen to such an amazing creature like you." Another snort of approval issued from the stag's snout and then it pulled away to return to the cover of the woods. Lily offered one last pat before it was out of reach watching it leave with a slight feeling of loss. Once it was out of sight, Lily sighed and turned to head back to her room. It had been such a magical moment shared between her and this glorious animal and she hated for it to come to an end. She only wanted the stag to return and no longer cared about taking a walk or studying.
Halfway up the small incline, Lily heard her name.
"Evans! Hey! Wait up!"
She turned to look back toward the woods and was surprised to see James Potter. He was trotting up to her, a huge smile on his face and his hair mussed as usual.
"Where are you going?" he asked. "I thought we were going for a walk."
"That's what I thought, too, only I've been waiting for several minutes and you were nowhere to be found. I figured it was another one of your jokes."
A stunned look came to James' face. "A joke? Why would I joke about taking a walk with you?" he asked sincerely, and Lily almost felt guilty for misjudging him. "I just got--- held up, that's all." His cheeks were flushed, his nose was red from the cold, and Lily was more confused than ever. If he had been held up then why was he running from the direction of the woods instead of the buildings? By the look of him, he'd been exposed to the cold for a bit in order to appear so red in the face. "Now, how about that walk? It is for the good of your brain, remember," he added with a small smile.
Lily contemplated saying no, but if she didn't he'd probably continue to annoy her for the rest of the day. Better to get it over and done with so that she could study in peace later.
"All right then," she declared. "Let's walk." She took off at a brisk pace and James had to nearly run to catch up. He gently grabbed her arm causing her to stop and turn to face him.
"Slow down, would you? We're not running a race! Let's enjoy each other's company and the beautiful winter weather." He dropped his hand from her arm and started to walk toward the woods. Neither of them spoke for several moments until they were several yards down the hiking trail. James was first to speak.
"So, do you like the outdoors?" he asked, reaching out to help her over a fallen log that blocked the path.
"I really never got the chance to be truly in the wild when I was growing up. City parks aren't quite the same as a place like this," she answered, already amazed at how at ease she was beginning to feel around him.
"What about animals?"
The question stopped Lily dead in her tracks and she stared directly at James. "What makes you ask that?" she responded, noticing how the color of his eyes appeared almost identical to--- no--- it couldn't be. It was just her imagination.
James smiled mischievously. "It's only a question, Evans. No need to get all riled up." He took off down the trail in front of her, continuing to stay just a few steps ahead, clearing any obstacles out of her way.
So much for ease. Only James Potter could manage to so completely annoy her in so little time.
"I am not riled up!" she exclaimed, trying to be angry while still avoiding raised stumps and small holes hidden by the snow. "And why must you always insist on calling me by my last name like I'm one of your bloody mates? It's irritating and disrespectful, in my opinion."
James stopped and turned around to reply just as Lily stumbled over a hidden rock and landed right in his arms. Once she realized where she was, she immediately began struggling to stand on her own. He fought back a laugh, opting only for a wide smirk, and then righted her before letting go. He towered over her, his nose nearly touching hers, their eyes locked and then he whispered, "I'm sorry--- Lily."
The sound of her first name on his lips made her insides do a little flip, and it seemed as if all time had ceased. His jaw clenched. She stopped breathing, and then James abruptly turned away and resumed walking, only this time he was heading back to the clearing. Shaking her head as if to rouse her from some dream, Lily began to follow.
"You know, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you call me by my first name," she said, adding to herself—'I think I liked it.'
"Well, I didn't know my calling you Evans bothered you so much," James threw back over his shoulder. A second later he came to an abrupt halt. "No, I take that back. I did know it bothered you. In fact, I think that's why I did it actually—to bother you."
Lily's mouth dropped open to hear his confession. "You try to irritate me? But why?"
"The truth?" he asked. She nodded. "All right then. I annoy you so that you will at least pay some sort of attention to me, even if it is negative. If I didn't tease you, you'd never pay me any mind at all. So there. Now you know my real motivation."
Lily simply stared dumbfounded. His revelation, although not totally new to her, seemed this time to be more heartfelt and completely honest. After all these years, had she been so wrong about James Potter? Did he really care about her?
"Speechless, I see," he said. "Trying to think of a witty comeback? --- Or maybe you're trying to remember my every pathetic word so that you can recount it to your friends and have a good laugh at my expense?"
She could sense the hint of anger in his voice and didn't like it at all. "No, no--- not at all. I wouldn't do that. I just thought---"
"Thought what? That I was incapable of having true feelings for you? I'm not a total, uncaring dolt, Lily."
Again the sound of her name coming from him sent a pleasant shiver through her body and left her speechless. Luckily, he didn't notice her unease and started back up the trail.
It wasn't long before they reached the clearing, the enormous buildings of Hogwarts looming above them at the top of the hill. James paused and turned to offer her a slight smile. His face was very red from the chill air and his hair was even messier than ever. Lily was stunned to realize that he was really very handsome.
"Well," she finally mustered, "I suppose I'll go back inside now. I've a lot of reading to catch up on."
James's smile left his face and he diverted his eyes from her. "Maybe you and Clarkson can study together."
Lily's heart nearly stopped. "Howard?" she stammered. "Why would I want to study with him?" If she was lucky, maybe she could bluff her way out of this mess.
James snorted derisively and Lily stared at him in shock. The noise reminded her of another sound she had heard only a short time before, and again she shook it off as her vivid imagination--- the one she never knew she had--- until today.
"What was that then?" she asked, becoming a bit more confident as her temper began to heat up. With James Potter around, it never took very long. "That sound--- what was that for?"
James's hazel gaze narrowed and studied her as he contemplated what to say next. After a brief moment, he responded. "Nothing. I just assumed you and he were getting close after watching the way you looked at each other last night over dinner. He couldn't take his eyes off of you," James added with a hint of disgust on his face.
Was he--- jealous? Lily wondered. James Potter who could have any girl he wanted in school? Was it possible that he was truly jealous over her and Howard? The possibility shocked and amused her all at the same time.
While she paused to consider that thought, James's own temper was beginning to flare. He had taken her silence to be an admission of feelings for Howard Clarkson and was finally coming to the realization that he and Lily Evans would never be together. It was extremely disappointing, but it was time for him to get over it and move on.
So he started walking.
He made it several steps closer to the school when he felt a thud on his back. Spinning around, he saw Lily standing, one hand on her hip and the other tossing a snowball up and down in the air, a mischievous smirk on her lightly freckled face.
"Did you just hit me with a snowball?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, I did," she stated boldly.
James took one step forward and stopped. "Why did you do that?"
The brow over her left eye arched and she calmly replied, "Because you deserved it."
James was confused, but it was a 'good' confused. The fact that she was willing to fight with him gave him a tiny bit of hope. "Oh, I did, did I?" he said as he leaned down and scooped up a handful of snow, cupping it in his hands until it was rounded to his satisfaction.
Lily fought back a grin. For some reason, the thought of fighting with James Potter was suddenly an exciting proposition--- one she couldn't walk away from.
"Yes, you did," she said. "And you deserve this one, too." With those words she launched the snowball she'd been tossing in her hand, and it landed precisely where she'd been aiming---- on his face. The sight of him in shock with snow smashed all over the right side of his face, glasses askew, sent her into a fit of giggles.
Once he recovered, however, he didn't hesitate to fight back. He lobbed snowball after snowball as fast as he could at his now moving target. A few of his 'bullets' hit their mark, but she was running around laughing and trying to stay out of his range. James also started laughing and was finding it harder to aim accurately.
Then he had a bright idea. He decided to bend down, get an armful of snow, chase her down and dump it right on top of her head. So he stopped, bent down, but just as he was coming back up, he heard her shout, "Wingardium leviosa!"
His back stiffened and eyes widened when he saw the sight in front of him. Lily stood tall, a wicked smirk on her face, wand poised in her hand and a wall of snowballs floating at the ready in front of her. "What---?" he mumbled.
"Ready for round two?" she asked demurely, tapping her wand in her empty hand.
James stood motionless for a moment, his mouth agape. But then suddenly Lily noticed the surprise was gone, and instead a sly glint twinkled in his eyes. Almost too late she realized what he was about to do when he thrust his head down and ran forward to tackle her. She screamed and tried to run, but he was too fast, not even caring that he was being bombarded by a slew of snowballs.
In a flash, Lily found herself flat on her back in the snow. James was straddled atop her holding her arms down so she couldn't move. They were still laughing, trying to catch their breath, and slowly realized the position they were in. Within a few seconds, the laughing stopped and their breathing calmed. James loosened his grip on Lily's arms but couldn't seem to pull away from her gaze, which was mere inches from his own. Her heart started to speed up again due to the unfamiliar look in James's eyes, a look she'd never experienced before. His gaze seemed to drink in every single nuance of her face, branding it upon his memory, and her eyes did the same.
After what seemed a lifetime, James whispered, "I win." Before his arrogant comment could register, Lily's mouth was covered by his warm, gentle lips. For a second she was frozen in shock. He was kissing her! But then, against her better judgment, she felt herself answering back involuntarily--- and enjoying it. James finally pulled back, reluctantly, and rested his forehead against hers. Swallowing hard, he then whispered huskily, "Lily."
She didn't know what made her do it, maybe the sound of his pleasingly masculine voice or the smoldering look in his eyes. Whatever the reason, as soon as James whispered her name, she raised up just enough to kiss him again, and this time wasn't so light and hesitant. James was now the one stunned, but it didn't take him long to recover and take an active role in this long-awaited experience.
Just as the snow around them nearly started to sizzle, their kissing was forced to cease as quickly as it started.
"There you two are!" came a loud, familiar voice. James twisted around to see who it was, and Lily scrambled clumsily from beneath him causing him to fall back on his rear end in the snow.
"Ha-Hagrid!" Lily called jumping to her feet and brushing off the snow. "We were just having a snowball fight," she explained although the giant had not asked for an explanation. Hagrid looked from one to the other, a quick grin flashing across his heavily bearded face.
"Is that so?" he asked, glancing at James who was now standing with a happy- go-lucky smile of his own. "Well then, er, I've been sent to fetch you two. Professor Dumbledore wants to meet with you in his office."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC----
~* Mirrors and Mistletoe *~
Chapter 4---
The brisk winter air took Lily's breath away as she took her first steps outside of Hogwarts. Flipping her long Gryffindor scarf around her neck and tugging her matching mittens on tightly, she braced herself against the cold and started for the woods. The snow had tapered off and now the falling flakes were few, not even enough to warrant the knitted hat she had pulled down over her head only moments ago.
As she walked, her feet sinking slightly into the snow-covered ground, she noticed that apart from a few students who were going from one building to another, no one else was outside. Where was James? She didn't see him down near the edge of the woods and was beginning to wonder if his invitation for a walk was simply another one of his jokes.
Reaching the tree line, Lily paused and spun around to survey the area around her. Still no James. Glancing back up toward Hogwarts, there were now no other students in sight, and the blanket of snow created a near silent atmosphere. As she looked back at the woods one last time before returning inside, she was startled by a small flock of birds that had suddenly lighted from their roosts in the branches. After calming her racing heart, a movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Jerking her head to the left she squinted her eyes to peer between some low branches and underbrush and took a few steps forward. Another movement assured her that she had indeed seen something.
"Hello?" she called softly. "Is someone there?" A rustling was followed by a sound something akin to a snort and she stepped back apprehensively. But all of her apprehension vanished when out from behind the stand of trees emerged one of the most beautiful creatures Lily had ever seen. It was a majestic, muscular stag sporting a near perfect rack of antlers. Its size was a bit intimidating, and something told Lily that she should probably run. However, she was frozen in place, mesmerized it seemed by its very large, very round eyes that were locked with her own. If she didn't know better, she would almost swear that its eyes were a shade of green, perhaps a dark hazel in color instead of the usual rich brown these animals were known to have.
It continued to come out from behind its cover and Lily whispered, "What a beauty you are!" The stag threw its head up and snorted again taking yet another step closer to her, and she tentatively held out her hand. "I probably shouldn't do this, but I have this strange desire to touch you." Getting up her nerve, she took a step closer to the animal, and it didn't move until she was within arm's reach. Then it gently pushed its snout forward and nudged her outstretched hand urging Lily to touch it.
"Oh my!" she exclaimed softly. No one would believe her if she told them about this, her being a city girl and never one to deal well with wild animals. In fact, James Potter would probably laugh his head off if she shared this tale with him. Well, no matter, she decided. He would never get the chance because she would never tell him.
The stag stood motionless while Lily continued to pet it, but it never took its eyes from hers. There was something magical happening at this very moment, Lily knew, but she didn't know what or why it gave her such a feeling of peace and calm.
"You're wonderful, you are," she complimented. "It's a wonder someone hasn't found you and hung your head over his mantle. You'd best stay away from Hagrid, that's for sure. It would be a shame for something horrid to happen to such an amazing creature like you." Another snort of approval issued from the stag's snout and then it pulled away to return to the cover of the woods. Lily offered one last pat before it was out of reach watching it leave with a slight feeling of loss. Once it was out of sight, Lily sighed and turned to head back to her room. It had been such a magical moment shared between her and this glorious animal and she hated for it to come to an end. She only wanted the stag to return and no longer cared about taking a walk or studying.
Halfway up the small incline, Lily heard her name.
"Evans! Hey! Wait up!"
She turned to look back toward the woods and was surprised to see James Potter. He was trotting up to her, a huge smile on his face and his hair mussed as usual.
"Where are you going?" he asked. "I thought we were going for a walk."
"That's what I thought, too, only I've been waiting for several minutes and you were nowhere to be found. I figured it was another one of your jokes."
A stunned look came to James' face. "A joke? Why would I joke about taking a walk with you?" he asked sincerely, and Lily almost felt guilty for misjudging him. "I just got--- held up, that's all." His cheeks were flushed, his nose was red from the cold, and Lily was more confused than ever. If he had been held up then why was he running from the direction of the woods instead of the buildings? By the look of him, he'd been exposed to the cold for a bit in order to appear so red in the face. "Now, how about that walk? It is for the good of your brain, remember," he added with a small smile.
Lily contemplated saying no, but if she didn't he'd probably continue to annoy her for the rest of the day. Better to get it over and done with so that she could study in peace later.
"All right then," she declared. "Let's walk." She took off at a brisk pace and James had to nearly run to catch up. He gently grabbed her arm causing her to stop and turn to face him.
"Slow down, would you? We're not running a race! Let's enjoy each other's company and the beautiful winter weather." He dropped his hand from her arm and started to walk toward the woods. Neither of them spoke for several moments until they were several yards down the hiking trail. James was first to speak.
"So, do you like the outdoors?" he asked, reaching out to help her over a fallen log that blocked the path.
"I really never got the chance to be truly in the wild when I was growing up. City parks aren't quite the same as a place like this," she answered, already amazed at how at ease she was beginning to feel around him.
"What about animals?"
The question stopped Lily dead in her tracks and she stared directly at James. "What makes you ask that?" she responded, noticing how the color of his eyes appeared almost identical to--- no--- it couldn't be. It was just her imagination.
James smiled mischievously. "It's only a question, Evans. No need to get all riled up." He took off down the trail in front of her, continuing to stay just a few steps ahead, clearing any obstacles out of her way.
So much for ease. Only James Potter could manage to so completely annoy her in so little time.
"I am not riled up!" she exclaimed, trying to be angry while still avoiding raised stumps and small holes hidden by the snow. "And why must you always insist on calling me by my last name like I'm one of your bloody mates? It's irritating and disrespectful, in my opinion."
James stopped and turned around to reply just as Lily stumbled over a hidden rock and landed right in his arms. Once she realized where she was, she immediately began struggling to stand on her own. He fought back a laugh, opting only for a wide smirk, and then righted her before letting go. He towered over her, his nose nearly touching hers, their eyes locked and then he whispered, "I'm sorry--- Lily."
The sound of her first name on his lips made her insides do a little flip, and it seemed as if all time had ceased. His jaw clenched. She stopped breathing, and then James abruptly turned away and resumed walking, only this time he was heading back to the clearing. Shaking her head as if to rouse her from some dream, Lily began to follow.
"You know, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you call me by my first name," she said, adding to herself—'I think I liked it.'
"Well, I didn't know my calling you Evans bothered you so much," James threw back over his shoulder. A second later he came to an abrupt halt. "No, I take that back. I did know it bothered you. In fact, I think that's why I did it actually—to bother you."
Lily's mouth dropped open to hear his confession. "You try to irritate me? But why?"
"The truth?" he asked. She nodded. "All right then. I annoy you so that you will at least pay some sort of attention to me, even if it is negative. If I didn't tease you, you'd never pay me any mind at all. So there. Now you know my real motivation."
Lily simply stared dumbfounded. His revelation, although not totally new to her, seemed this time to be more heartfelt and completely honest. After all these years, had she been so wrong about James Potter? Did he really care about her?
"Speechless, I see," he said. "Trying to think of a witty comeback? --- Or maybe you're trying to remember my every pathetic word so that you can recount it to your friends and have a good laugh at my expense?"
She could sense the hint of anger in his voice and didn't like it at all. "No, no--- not at all. I wouldn't do that. I just thought---"
"Thought what? That I was incapable of having true feelings for you? I'm not a total, uncaring dolt, Lily."
Again the sound of her name coming from him sent a pleasant shiver through her body and left her speechless. Luckily, he didn't notice her unease and started back up the trail.
It wasn't long before they reached the clearing, the enormous buildings of Hogwarts looming above them at the top of the hill. James paused and turned to offer her a slight smile. His face was very red from the chill air and his hair was even messier than ever. Lily was stunned to realize that he was really very handsome.
"Well," she finally mustered, "I suppose I'll go back inside now. I've a lot of reading to catch up on."
James's smile left his face and he diverted his eyes from her. "Maybe you and Clarkson can study together."
Lily's heart nearly stopped. "Howard?" she stammered. "Why would I want to study with him?" If she was lucky, maybe she could bluff her way out of this mess.
James snorted derisively and Lily stared at him in shock. The noise reminded her of another sound she had heard only a short time before, and again she shook it off as her vivid imagination--- the one she never knew she had--- until today.
"What was that then?" she asked, becoming a bit more confident as her temper began to heat up. With James Potter around, it never took very long. "That sound--- what was that for?"
James's hazel gaze narrowed and studied her as he contemplated what to say next. After a brief moment, he responded. "Nothing. I just assumed you and he were getting close after watching the way you looked at each other last night over dinner. He couldn't take his eyes off of you," James added with a hint of disgust on his face.
Was he--- jealous? Lily wondered. James Potter who could have any girl he wanted in school? Was it possible that he was truly jealous over her and Howard? The possibility shocked and amused her all at the same time.
While she paused to consider that thought, James's own temper was beginning to flare. He had taken her silence to be an admission of feelings for Howard Clarkson and was finally coming to the realization that he and Lily Evans would never be together. It was extremely disappointing, but it was time for him to get over it and move on.
So he started walking.
He made it several steps closer to the school when he felt a thud on his back. Spinning around, he saw Lily standing, one hand on her hip and the other tossing a snowball up and down in the air, a mischievous smirk on her lightly freckled face.
"Did you just hit me with a snowball?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, I did," she stated boldly.
James took one step forward and stopped. "Why did you do that?"
The brow over her left eye arched and she calmly replied, "Because you deserved it."
James was confused, but it was a 'good' confused. The fact that she was willing to fight with him gave him a tiny bit of hope. "Oh, I did, did I?" he said as he leaned down and scooped up a handful of snow, cupping it in his hands until it was rounded to his satisfaction.
Lily fought back a grin. For some reason, the thought of fighting with James Potter was suddenly an exciting proposition--- one she couldn't walk away from.
"Yes, you did," she said. "And you deserve this one, too." With those words she launched the snowball she'd been tossing in her hand, and it landed precisely where she'd been aiming---- on his face. The sight of him in shock with snow smashed all over the right side of his face, glasses askew, sent her into a fit of giggles.
Once he recovered, however, he didn't hesitate to fight back. He lobbed snowball after snowball as fast as he could at his now moving target. A few of his 'bullets' hit their mark, but she was running around laughing and trying to stay out of his range. James also started laughing and was finding it harder to aim accurately.
Then he had a bright idea. He decided to bend down, get an armful of snow, chase her down and dump it right on top of her head. So he stopped, bent down, but just as he was coming back up, he heard her shout, "Wingardium leviosa!"
His back stiffened and eyes widened when he saw the sight in front of him. Lily stood tall, a wicked smirk on her face, wand poised in her hand and a wall of snowballs floating at the ready in front of her. "What---?" he mumbled.
"Ready for round two?" she asked demurely, tapping her wand in her empty hand.
James stood motionless for a moment, his mouth agape. But then suddenly Lily noticed the surprise was gone, and instead a sly glint twinkled in his eyes. Almost too late she realized what he was about to do when he thrust his head down and ran forward to tackle her. She screamed and tried to run, but he was too fast, not even caring that he was being bombarded by a slew of snowballs.
In a flash, Lily found herself flat on her back in the snow. James was straddled atop her holding her arms down so she couldn't move. They were still laughing, trying to catch their breath, and slowly realized the position they were in. Within a few seconds, the laughing stopped and their breathing calmed. James loosened his grip on Lily's arms but couldn't seem to pull away from her gaze, which was mere inches from his own. Her heart started to speed up again due to the unfamiliar look in James's eyes, a look she'd never experienced before. His gaze seemed to drink in every single nuance of her face, branding it upon his memory, and her eyes did the same.
After what seemed a lifetime, James whispered, "I win." Before his arrogant comment could register, Lily's mouth was covered by his warm, gentle lips. For a second she was frozen in shock. He was kissing her! But then, against her better judgment, she felt herself answering back involuntarily--- and enjoying it. James finally pulled back, reluctantly, and rested his forehead against hers. Swallowing hard, he then whispered huskily, "Lily."
She didn't know what made her do it, maybe the sound of his pleasingly masculine voice or the smoldering look in his eyes. Whatever the reason, as soon as James whispered her name, she raised up just enough to kiss him again, and this time wasn't so light and hesitant. James was now the one stunned, but it didn't take him long to recover and take an active role in this long-awaited experience.
Just as the snow around them nearly started to sizzle, their kissing was forced to cease as quickly as it started.
"There you two are!" came a loud, familiar voice. James twisted around to see who it was, and Lily scrambled clumsily from beneath him causing him to fall back on his rear end in the snow.
"Ha-Hagrid!" Lily called jumping to her feet and brushing off the snow. "We were just having a snowball fight," she explained although the giant had not asked for an explanation. Hagrid looked from one to the other, a quick grin flashing across his heavily bearded face.
"Is that so?" he asked, glancing at James who was now standing with a happy- go-lucky smile of his own. "Well then, er, I've been sent to fetch you two. Professor Dumbledore wants to meet with you in his office."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC----