AN: My explanation for my inexcusable lateness is after the chapter.

James felt like he was sinking, like he was slowly descending into a state of perpetual discontent which he kept concealed within himself. But he couldn't quite place a finger on what was causing him this dull pain in his chest. All he did was accompany Remus on full moon nights, compose essays for homework and, something he dreaded, take nightly rounds with his co-head. No matter how hard he tried, his gloomy disposition could not be kept a secret from those closest to him.

"Mate," Sirius began, startling Prongs from his daydream. "What's gotten into you lately?"

"What? Nothing. I'm fine," James tried to reassure him. He looked into Padfoot's stormy grey eyes and hoped his friend couldn't see through his false pretenses. Sirius just gave him a 'are you really going to lie to me?' look. James sighed, defeated.

"I honestly don't know," he confessed. "I just feel so low all the time and not knowing the reason means I can't get rid of it." Sirius gave his friend a sad smile which said he was there for him. He cleared his throat and gave James his old devilish grin.

"Who wants to throw dungbombs at first years?"

James awoke to the sound of Sirius singing, it had become a Christmas tradition. He put on his glasses and saw Sirius using a hairbrush as a mic as he twirled around the room wishing everyone A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. James chuckled at his roommate as he got out of bed, hitting Sirius on the back of his head while passing him to go to the bathroom.

James opened his christmas presents one by one. His parents had sent him a jumper, Lemon Tarts and some other chocolates which they knew he'd like. Remus had gotten him a pair of shoes which would allow you to hover a few inches above the ground when you put them on. Lily had gifted him a new pair of Quidditch gloves which fit him... like a glove. Sirius gave him a bunch of some muggle magazines which had supermodels on their covers and Peter gave him a set of new quills, parchment, ink along with other stationary. james wasn't surprised to see that several other students, mostly female, had sent him sweets and candy; a pile he didn't even glance at.

That night he walked alongside Lily when they were on their rounds. The castle was covered in snow on the outside and holly and mistletoe on the inside. They walked in silence for a while before Lily interrupted his thoughts.

"The scarf was lovely," she smiled, referring to his gift. "Thanks for it."

"Pleasure, m'lady" He said with a small bow. "As were the gloves." They carried on for a it until they heard some noises coming from the corridor ahead. James gave Lily a puzzled look and tiptoed to the intersection. He peered around the corner and saw a couple snogging... quite enthusiastically. Before he could take any action, Lily was striding towards the students who were completely oblivious to their spectators. James scurried to stand next to the red head.

"Ahem," Lily cleared her throat loudly. The couple pulled apart, their faces flushed with equally guilty looks taking hold of their features. They murmured some inaudible excuses as they brushed past James as quickly as they could. As soon as they were out of earshot James and Lily burst out laughing. James threw his head back and laughed, wiping a tear from his eye when he saw it. A small mistletoe was staring back it him. His laughter suddenly died down as he realised what it meant for him to be there with Lily. He felt a wave of despair wash over him and he looked down quickly. Lily seemed to notice the tiny plant too because her cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

James turned around silently and began walking away when a hand grabbed him from behind, spun him around and a pair of lips found his.

AN: IT FINALLY HAPPENED! Oh my god how I've been DYING to write that part! Hope it was ok :]

As for why I haven't uploaded: I was going through a rough patch... I still am. It just got really bad for a while and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have neglected the story but I honestly didn't feel like writing which is weird since it's what I love doing most. I apologise but I can't make any promises because I might end up breaking them.

IMPORTANT: If any one is going through a bad time or is feeling not happy, I'm always here to talk. No one should have to face things alone because I know how hard it is. Even if you don't want to tell me what's wrong and just want to vent, I will listen. You might think I'm a stranger but I care about every single one of you and love you all more than you know.