Chapter 33
As Lily sat alone in the Heads Room, she gazed up at the full moon through the window, contemplating all the complications that were happening in the wizarding world. She let her hair out, brushing the flaming streaks of red, unable to take in all that had happened during the year; so many things had changed and she admitted that she did not necessarily enjoy all of it. As she crawled into her flannel pajamas, she curled up on the couch and chuckled silently to herself as the handsome face of James Potter appeared in her thoughts.
He was of course, her arch nemesis, she hated his charisma, his carefree nature, the way in which everybody adored him. In fact, she had to admit that she had been jealous of his popularity, of his influence over other people…she had never been truly accepted, never experienced the glory of being well-liked by her peers and all her teachers. Although she knew it was selfish of her, she couldn't accept James' personality. The fact that he had constantly bugged her, asked her to go out with him; that had irked her even more. By rejecting him, Lily had found the only way to express her dislike for James Potter.
Yet this year…their 7th year had changed everything. James' selflessness, his nobility and courage had moved her, the fact he was willing to sacrifice his life for hers or anybody else who was in danger brought indescribable warmth to her heart. She started to admire his optimistic outlook on life and became a part of his world, in fact, as she contemplated, she could not imagine life without him now. Had it really gotten to such a stage? His unwavering strength when he had saved her life not only once but twice from the Death Eaters overtook all his annoying attributes, and she could not help but smile at the way he would run his hands through his hair when he was nervous or agitated.
He had been nothing but a gentleman to her this year, the perfect role model and partner…and the way he danced with her made her spine tingle. In fact, his presence always made her nervous, when she was close to him, she felt ill-at-ease and unable to control her thoughts and actions. Was that normal? Shaking her jitters away, Lily flicked her hair and was surprised that it was already into the wee hours of the morning…and James had still not returned. The Marauders were having another late night expedition but she was starting to get worried, the Common Room felt so empty without James…his large ego could fill it up any day.
Smiling, Lily got up and making sure she didn't disturb the Damsel, she crept out of the Room heading towards the Kitchens where she had a gnawing thought that she would find James there. Her urge to see right then and there could not be quenched…she knew it was silly, but she wanted him to know that she no longer hated him…that he was no longer the annoying immature young prat in her mind. She had no idea why she needed to tell him, but her heart told her it was important for him to know. And her feet followed her heart.
Walking briskly along the deserted corridor, she strained to see with the few candles that were lighted and which flickered incessantly. 'Lumos' Scrambling towards the stairs, Lily yelled as she almost tripped over something…or rather, someone.
"Severus!" She exclaimed as she saw his crouched form huddled in the middle of the corridor, shivering with cold, his mop of oily hair covered his face which was buried in his arms. Indeed, Snape's body was quivering…but it was from his bitter tears. He was determined not to let Lily see him in his state and mumbled 'go away' but it fell on deaf ears as Lily crouched down next to him. He hastily wiped away his tears and gritted his teeth.
"I don't need your pity" He refused to meet her eyes.
"Severus, what's wrong? Are you angry at me?" Lily pleaded with him, now sitting next to him, her voice echoing along the wooden floor.
After a pause, Snape looked at her with a watery gaze, his expression full of regret, longing and sorrow. "Lily, we used to be such close friends…and then you drifted away, and there was n-nothing I could do. I felt s-so powerless, w-watching you l-l-leave my life forever". Snape's voice quivered as he whispered to her. "I miss you" he added as an afterthought.
Lily sighed, knowing that her friendship with Snape was over. "We were friends, Severus…and I wish we were still, but you and I we're very different people. I don't agree with your friends, the so-called Slytherins, Nott, McAvery…they're all low-life scums!" Her chest heaved "And…you're so uncaring towards others – how do you expect us to remain friends with you being so antagonistic?!" Her voice broke, but nonetheless, she was defensive in what she was saying.
Snape's voice was rose, also and his expression became dark. "that's something you don't understand, the Slytherins, they're powerful wizards – they have power that you could not imagine in your wildest dreams. They offer immortality" Snape's features fell into a dream-like state, but it was neither pretty nor blissful. "And what about your friends?" he sneered "Potter? He is the real low-life, he takes everything for granted, his arrogance and egotism" Snape closed his eyes in anger "He thinks nobody is as good as him, he thinks he is at the top of the world. I hate him, I hate all of his kind, he thinks he's noble but he's just a bully. He rides on those who are weaker than him, exploits them…and those fools, they don't even know they're being used"
Lily interrupted "You're referring to yourself" Smiling sadly at his outraged expression, she continued. "You're jealous of Potter…because he receives so much attention while the rest of us, indeed do not. But we can't hate him because of that, we can't hate him just because he's received better in this world that us. I used to hate him as well, Severus, I was also jealous and found his high and mighty attitude annoying. But this year has taught me differently. James Potter might be arrogant and annoyingly perfect, a rebel…but he is the courageous Gryffindor, the moral man – I cannot deny that" Lily stood up to leave "And neither can you"
As Lily took a few steps leaving Snape where he was, she felt sad to have lost one of her closest childhood friends, before they had entered this world, she and him had played together. She, Snape and Petunia had spent their innocent childhood days frolicking in the sandpit, on the swings and reminiscing on these memories, Lily's heart ached for that was a period of her life which she would never experience again.
What happened next caused her to gasp in pain and drop her wand. Snape had strode towards her, wiped his running nose on his sleeve and grabbed her wrist. He whispered menacingly "I don't hate Potter because of only that"
He led her against the wall, but as much as Lily struggled, she could not get Snape to let go. "Please Sev, you're hurting me…please stop"
"He fancies you, Lily…I've seen him watching you, talking about you with his despicable friends. You've always been mine, I've known you first and he can't take that away from me." Snape hissed "I can't let that happen, Lily…he has no right to do that"
Lily grimaced from pain and her breaths were coming in ragged gasps, she did not have the energy left to yell out. But Snape seemed oblivious to her current condition as he rambled on. "And you Lily! I thought you would have better sense than to succumb to his 'charms' like the rest of this god-forsaken school. I thought you would have seen past his façade."
"So I took things into my own hands. I had to make you see the light. I thought making you see him with Missy would be enough to stop your falling for him. But I was wrong…I thought it wasn't possible but you've only grown closer"
Something clicked in Lily's mind and she gasped. "It was you! That wasn't James in the cupboard…th-that was YOU!" Snape smirked down at her and released his grip on her arm. "Yeah, you see that cupboard" he pointed to a faint shadow in the distance, "that's where it happened"
Lily flexed her arm which was now completely paralyzed, she watched Snape apprehensively, knowing it was useless to run as her wand was still somewhere on the floor. Her best chance was to distract him, to stall him as long as possible so she had time to search for her wand. But she was fuming…she had misjudged Potter once again, and he had proved his maturity once again.
"But now…I won't let Potter take you Lily, never" Lily attempted to duck but it was too late, she emitted a short scream before Snape clamped his hand over her mouth, leaving her unable to move her body. She was scared, scared at what Snape was capable of…if he truly cared for her, or valued her friendship, he wouldn't be hurting like this. Tears streamed down her face as she batted her arms down on his hands, but to no avail. Snape was slowly bringing her to the floor…she had no idea what was to become of her.
Suddenly, a zap of red light beamed at them, forcing Snape to let go of her and as he hastily stood up with his wand, a shadow ran up to them from the direction of the Forbidden Forest.
"Who's there? Sectumpsera!" Snape yelled with his wand at the ready, directing a green flash of light at the approaching figure.
"Unhand her you filthy thing!" A wave of dizziness swept over Lily but the voice was like music to her ears…she had never been happier to see James Potter's sweaty frame approaching.
With another stream of well-aimed red light and Snape's failed shield charm, he had fallen unconscious onto the floor and as James' feature came into the light above her, Lily smiled as her consciousness also, gave way and she collapsed onto the floor.
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Waking up to the fire in the Heads Room, Lily felt a sharp pain in her head, as all the previous memories flashed into her head. Gazing outside, the sun was just about to rise and she hastily got up off the couch, looking wildly around for the other she shared the Room with. In her haste, another wave of dizziness overcame her, and after taking a few steps, she was about to collapse when a pair of sturdy hands caught her in the middle.
"Where do you think you're going?" James' voice drifted in her ear as he prevented her fall, he was now supporting her and his presence ironically made Lily even dizzier, but a wave of happiness drifted over her. Leaning back against him, enveloped within his frame, Lily felt never before experienced security. She could feel his beating heart against her back, her back was crushed against his ribs in the embrace, but she could think of no other place in the world she would rather be.
"James?" she whispered her lips finding his chin as he leant down.
"Yes Lilykins" he whispered into her ear, bending down so his stubble grazed her face, causing her to chuckle.
"I don't think I hate you anymore" she said, after a pause. James' was taken aback, but regained composure and held her tighter; his glasses had steamed up, making the sight quite comical. "Well that's good, I think" he questioned, confused.
"But I still can't decide whether I like you or not" she said playfully, placing her arms on top of his.
"Hmmm…I suppose that's not good" James mused in an equally playful tone. Turning her around, he looked deep into her eyes with the most sincerity he could muster, his expression turning really serious. Lily's cheeks started to flush, and as he opened his mouth, she expected a deep set of words to come from his heart.
However, as quick as the sincerity had appeared on his face, James smiled devilishly, engulfing her and leant down, kissing her deeply and passionately, declaring the emotions which words could evidently not. Lily, although surprised at his reaction, did not have the energy to muster up any resistance. That was an effect that James Potter had on people…he left them powerless and at his wake. He left them speechless and unable to do anything. She knew from experience because on both occasions, rather than wishing to resist his kiss, it made her long for more…and that sensation was so powerful...
Feeling more confused than ever, her cheeks on fire, Lily could not muster up the courage to look up at him.
"So do you like me now?" He whispered softly, pressing her petite frame against his, causing her to smile. No tension existed, rather there was a mutual understanding that had formed between them. They had fought together, survived and now, multiple things had brought their relationship even closer. James knew now, more than ever than the red-headed girl that stood in front of him was an intricate part of his life. Both were as much dependant on the other.
The sunrise was beautiful as it shed multiple coloured rays over the Room. As Lily and James sat on the couch, the beautiful warm rays were an outer reflection of their inner feelings, they were content despite all the unhappy things that were taking place around them.
"About Snape…did you know we used to be the best childhood friends?" Lily broke the serene silence as she lay on James' shoulder, appreciating his masculine presence and the smell of his skin, the smell of strength and determination.
"No…Snivelly and you were friends? But he's so rude to you, calling you, you know…he doesn't deserve to have a friends like you"
Lily smiled tearily "we drifted apart after Hogwarts…we each found different Houses, and befriended different people. Our values are different, but I acknowledge and appreciate our past friendship…and I will, belief it or not, treasure it forever."
James sighed, but after a pause "Alright Lillies, I'll go easier on Snivelly…just make sure Sirius doesn't get to him first" James sunk lower into the couch.
Lily jumped over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you James…he's just jealous of your-"
"Yess, pumpkin, of my what?" James perked up and winked at her. "Looks, brains, friends…magical ability?"
"Yeah, I suppose. But you're really not as bad as he thinks" Lily mumbled, she knew he was only joking, but she realized he was right. Severus Snape lacked all the things James took for granted…and that was somewhat disheartening.
"But I don't care about any of that…I know what he's most jealous of…" he trailed off
"And what's that?" Lily yawned, hearing commotion outside and realized that it was a school day.
"That Lily Evans likes me. That she is going to my girlfriend" James leaned over and began tickling her. She knew he was only joking; the idea would have seemed absolutely ludicrous only half a year ago. She would've told whoever said that she would come to be James Potter's girlfriend that they were out of their minds and must be living in an alternate universe.
But now everything was different.
"Hey! I never said I liked you" Lily denied in amongst squeals.
"Oh…but you did" James smiled, and leant down over her once again, his hazel eyes catching her emerald orbs. They were never going to let their gaze go. At that moment, there were only the two of them in the world. Nothing could disturb them and nothing world. There was nothing else but them, and their undeniable attraction. The attraction that had taken so long to be uncovered…but never the less, exposed in its true form. It was true that the two most unlikely lovers had come together despite the odds. That was the most magical thing of all.
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A/N: Okay!! I just had a random 2 hours after exams tonight so I decided to update after reading some other fanfic stories. It might seem a bit random, but hope it satisfies your desires for lovey dovey, sickeningly sweet get togethers…I had a really romantic feeling today. So don't blame mee!!
Well, whether or not you liked it, I would appreciate it if you dropped off some comments D Whatever you want to say would be great!!
As you can all tell, the story is drawing to an end…I might add 1 or 2 more chapters max. But I can't promise that will come up soon DD
Thanx for all the support throughout the course of this story!!
Looking forward to hearing from you all,
Purebliss90