Chapter Eleven: "I know."
The weeks flew past and Christmas approached quickly. I had put my name down to stay. When I had, I'd taken a sneaky peek at the other names. My horror was indescribable.
James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy, to name a few, had decided to stay.
"I'm stuck with Dumber and Just Plain Stupid over Christmas, whilst you two swan off and have wonderful times with your families. Then again, to have a wonderful time, you need a wonderful family. Do you reckon I could ask Santa for one?" I looked hopefully at my friends, whilst Jinx proceeded to shred my hand.
"Now Lily, don't you be talking like that. You might get what you wish for and more besides." Cassie admonished with all the warmth of a mother.
She and Bella were packing, getting ready to go home.
"I have your presents here, so take them with you." I handed them over. Bella eagerly ripped off the paper. "Or open them here." I added as an afterthought.
They both opened the parcels and looked astonished at the gift.
"I know it's not big, but I really like them. I hope you do too." I said.
Suddenly, my two best friends threw themselves at me, hugging and crushing.
"Can't… breathe…" I gasped. (A/N: Sound familiar?)
They let go and stood beaming at me. I had bought them each a necklace with a precious stone attached, amber for Cassie and sapphire for Bella.
Cass handed me my present. "Open it you daft thing." She said as I stared at it. I did as I was told. It was a beautiful charm bracelet, adorned with a little black cat with an emerald in its tummy, a four-leaved clover and three rings joined together. An eternity ring, a wedding ring and an engagement ring. She had got the same for Belle.
Then Bella handed me her present. I ripped off the paper and grinned. It was a photo album of us three. She had made one for Cassie too. She had entitled them: Lily's/Cassie's time at Hogwarts.
"Thank you!" We grinned at the same time.
I helped them carry their trunks down to the Entrance Hall. Filch was, as ever, checking names and faces. I stood outside, waving my friends goodbye and saying hello to what was most definitely going to be the Christmas from Hell.
When their carriage swept out of my sight, I turned back and headed inside. My charm bracelet twinkled as I moved my wrist. I walked past the Gryffindor table and grabbed a turkey sandwich. Mounting the stairs to the common room, a feeling of dread descended upon me. I was alone.
Remus appeared at my side and smiled at me. "Smile, it might not happen."
"Oh, it'll happen. It's just a question of when." I assured him.
Sirius sidled up to me and flung an arm around my shoulders. Sighing, I removed the offending item and turned to Remus.
"The answer is now." I said grimly. "Where's James?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Missing me already are you?" He asked as he planted a kiss on my cheek.
"Urgh!" I cried, slapping him soundly. "The day that I miss you is the day that I accept a proposal of marriage from you. And that will never happen." I added stonily.
His face fell for a second, before returning to its original state. "Padfoot, do you want to go to the kitchens?"
"Sure." He said and they set off together. Remus and I walked back to the common room for a game of Wizard Chess.
"He likes you, you know." Remus sighed as he sat down.
"I know." I replied.