Full Summary:
What happens when Hogwarts is hit by the biggest snow storm in over 200 years? People fall madly in love. Lily and James get to know each other amidst a winter wonderland of candy cane gardens, magic fish, and exploding Christmas trees. The holiday cheer seems to soften the fragile relationship between the two students allowing it to blossom into a true Christmas Miracle. With nine-fingered pirates and French-speaking yeti's this is how the most famous love story of our time came to be.

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“Working hard or hardly working?” Grace inquired as she slid into the seat beside me.

Looking up from my textbook through droopy eyes I glared at Grace and said sarcastically, “The latter.”

“Oh, then you’re too busy doing nothing to take a much needed break and grab a cup of tea with me.” She went to stand up and I gave an audible sigh.

“I’d love to have a cup of tea Grace, but I really can’t. You know the pressure I’m under right now, I’ve got to do well tomorrow.” Feeling dejected I returned to the puzzle of letters in the book beneath me.

“Ah, I’m sorry mate. Look I’ll just bring you a cup okay?” Grace said with a sideways smile.

Gratefully I nodded my head and counted her footsteps as she left me alone in the library to continue laboriously with my work. Stupid Severus. I thought hatefully. If the twit hadn’t insisted to Slughorn that we “partake in a friendly battle of knowledge” then my grade in the class wouldn’t depend on his diabolical scheme.

“Splendid idea Mr. Snape!” Slughorn had tittered last week in Potions. Of course the potions master thought it would only be appropriate to use this challenge to determine our grades for the class. On top of mid term stress, now I had an audience for the spectacle my reputation as ‘best potions student’ depended on.

Fuming I said another couple of unladylike words about Severus before memorizing a table of activity reactions for the first twenty singular purpose potions. Grace told me the competition was petty, she was rooting for me to decline and look like a chicken. But no way was Severus going to win that easily! If he wanted the title of ‘best potions student’ he’d better put his fat nose to the grindstone and work for it.

With this in mind I determinedly reviewed cutting techniques and combination of ingredient rules. Never add rosemary to a boiling potion. Check. Always combine beetle skins and frogspawn separately before adding to main concoction. Check. Grinning confidently I checked off every rule mentally committing them to memory effortlessly.

A couple minutes later I watched Grace walk into the library with alarmed eyes wide and a hand tucked in the side of her cloak. She walked carefully and slowly her eyes shifting from her cloak to the librarian reading intently at her desk across the room. She approached me and with every step she took I head the distinct clink of china. Snorting I watched Grace try to discreetly place the tea cup and matching plate behind a large book that was propped up on the table.

“There you are,” She said scooting the book and tea over to me with a dull scrape on the table.

“Thank you,” I said hunkering down in my seat to take a sip that I slurped loudly to Grace’s great dislike.

“Look, I didn’t smuggle that in for you to loose ‘cause of your terrible manners.” Then with a sarcastic drama she said, “What would your mother think?” I laughed and she winked before turning and flouncing away. I envied her greatly for no doubt she was headed for her welcoming bed or the arms of Remus Lupin who would distract her from mid term anxieties.

My mind wandered momentarily without rule to a handsome face with hazel eyes and my envy doubled. But habitually I tucked those feelings away and resumed my studying with the occasional under the radar sip of tea.

I must have been studying in my sleep because the first words out of my mouth when James’ hand rustled me awake were, “Don’t add the frogspawn yet!” I blinked and then took in my surroundings. I was still in the library but the lanterns had dimmed and the librarian had retired leaving me all by myself. Except for James of course.

“Get up Evans, and go to bed. You’ll study yourself to death.”

Yawning I set my head back down in my arms feeling at home by the sound of his voice. “Can’t Potter, I’ve got potions to perfect.”

“They already are.” James said while he tidied up the table I occupied. I gave him a pointed look for explanation. “You talk in your sleep, love.”

I felt a blush ink it’s way across my face and cursed it as a traitor. Feigning inattention I stated, “It’s a sign of genius.”

“Or not,” was all James replied. I slapped his hands away from my teacup, which held a couple drops of cold tea. I stood and gathered my books while James stood back with his arms crossed.

“What are you doing here anyways? I didn’t ask for a wake up call.”

“Well, since I covered your duties tonight I thought I could come get you to grovel at my feet for being so generous.”

“In your dreams,” I spat at him out of habit.

James gave me a wink, “Which aren’t nearly as talkative as yours.”

Picking up the five separate volumes of potion encyclopedias I stood and brushed my hair from my face. Politely I said, “Thank you for covering my duties. I won’t grovel but I will cover for you if you need.”

James gave a chuckle, which took my breath away. “You’ll do as I please. You are at my mercy.” He reached out and like a gentleman took my books for me and began walking toward the doors leading away from the library.

I bit my lip to hide a smile. Casually he sauntered beside me as we walked the quiet halls of Hogwarts. I too was quiet marveling at this dreamlike feeling James’s presence had over me tonight.

“You’re quiet.” He remarked. I shrugged. “I think I like you better tired. You aren’t so difficult.” He laughed at his own jibe.

“You’re pretty tame yourself. No rules to break tonight then?” I retorted stealing away the books from him defiantly. Smoothly he grabbed them back and made to bite at my hand. I tucked it underneath my arm and pouted.

“I am actually sort of worn out. Praise Merlin for the upcoming holiday. I don’t think I can bare another week of testing.” He shook his head.

“Hmph. I didn’t think anything could unsettle you, Potter.”

“Yeah well, I actually need to do well in classes this year.”

“You’re a changed man.” I joked.

“Indeed.”

For a second I was sad at the thought but then I remembered how big headed he was before and how this year he’d hardly spent a minute pursuing me. It was a relief to be friends.

We were quiet the rest of the walk to the Gryffindor tower. When we entered the common room it was empty and the fireplace had a spark of life left to it. Sighing I took my books from James and set them on a table beside my favorite armchair.

Lifting my wand I cast a spell at the fireplace and it roared to life unnaturally fast making my face burn with its heat. I sat down in the armchair and opened the book on top of my stack, curiously I glanced up where James had been standing moments before. He was still standing there with a look on his face.

“You’re not honestly going to continue studying are you?” He asked in disbelief.

I frowned and tried to think of a way to explain to Potter just exactly what was on the line tomorrow besides my grade. But before I could say a word he pulled an armchair opposite of me, sat down, stole my book from my lap and asked me a question I didn’t actually hear. I saw his mouth moving but I was too confused to make out his words.

“Huh?” I said brilliantly.

James cocked an eyebrow at me, “I said, what ingredients make up the Threst potion?”

“Why do you ask?” I asked him, a reprise of my stupid questions for the night.

He set his hands down in an exasperated fashion. “Evans. I’m going to help you study. Now stop being so bloody smug about it and answer the question.”

I gave a chuckle, “You mean…you help me? Why that’s impossible!”

James narrowed his eyes. “No, just improbable.”

“Are you under a spell?” I snapped my fingers in front of his face. “Who’s got you drinking sour butterbeers? There is no way you aren’t here to sabotage me.”

“All in the name of love my dear.” James replied in a bored expression.

“Pish posh. Love is no excuse for setting my hair on fire Potter.” I told him coldly bringing up the prank he pulled on me in third year. I still hadn’t forgiven him.

“I didn’t mean to.” He objected then tried to hide his grin behind his hand. I scoffed. “Oh come on Evans! I’m really here to help you. Now accept the help graciously like I know you’re capable and let’s be done with it. Shall we?”

“Oh.” I wiggled my eyebrows at James and told him, “I know why you’re so eager to aid me. I get it. Oh Potter did you really think I wouldn’t catch on? Come on now. You’re hate of Severus is legendary…and not necessarily misplaced. But you can’t truly think I’ll sit here and let you help me for that reason.”

James looked offended. “Go away. Go to sleep. I am going to kick his arse of my own accord thank you very much.” I insisted. I replaced my book back to my lap and kicked Potter in the leg to motivate him to leave.

“Evans, no matter what anyone tells you, stubborn is not becoming on you.” Then the stood and walked away making faces at me.

“Nor is immature on you, love.” I informed mocking him.

“La la la I can’t hear you.” He whispered at me from the top of the stairs over looking the common room.

“Talk to the hand.” I hollered up at him.

Instantly he scolded me, “Evans, be quiet would you? Merlin! People are trying to sleep you know. We aren’t all crazy bibliophiles up at ungodly hours to study.” With that, before I could get the last word in, he disappeared off to his dormitory.

I fumed at this fact and contemplated going up to his dorm and saying something really nasty. But then I came to my senses. You know those rational things you get sometimes? I forced myself to focus on my encyclopedia after that, though the focus drifted away after a while and morphed into a something else. Sleep…

James couldn’t quiet get the smile off his face as he got into his sleep ware. The image of Lily’s peacefully sleeping face cemented itself to the back of his eyelids. Every time he tried to close his eyes and sleep he saw her and felt slightly giddy all over again at the successful night of banter and perhaps…bonding.

Something had changed this year between himself and Lily. Years previous he had ruthlessly chased after the red head and she refused him day after day, year after year. Finally this year she was different.

So was James though. He’d grown up a bit and it was true that school stole away some of his attention from Lily. This year he’d found himself interested in other girls too. Which was genuinely new, though Lily still owned his heart.

They were now something of friends instead of bitter enemies. She tolerated his presence now and actually spared a smile or two his way. He was restless with thoughts of Lily and he rolled over and over in his bed knowing she was right down stairs by herself relentlessly studying in that stubborn way she had.

Finally after a time James carefully got out of his bed and padded down the stairs to see how her progress was going. However instead of finding her ready to tear him down for bothering her, James found Lily sprawled out in the armchair sleeping deeply.

Tenderly he gathered her books into a neat stack and then he bent down to be face to face with Lily as she slept. With a wary finger James poked it into her arm. Her eyes flickered beneath her eyelids. He poked her again softer this time and her eyelashes fluttered open and groggy green eyes stared at him in confusion.

Without saying anything Lily sat up in a haze of drowsiness. Her eyes were barely open and James took her hand into his. Whispering calming nothings in her ear he helped her stand and practically carried her to the girl’s staircase.

When they reached the stairs Lily slumped into James and gave a soft little snore. James stifled a laugh. Then he scooped her into his arms. Slowly he climbed a couple of steps relishing the feel of her in his arms, and breathing in her candy sweet perfume. Then he came upon the trick stair, the one that would make the staircase turn into a hazardous slide. Holding Lily close he stroked a piece of hair from her face and she woke up slightly. In one fluent movement he set her down on her feet and held both of her hands to keep her standing up.

“Okay Lily, just up the stairs into your bed okay?” James told her.

“But- Sev’s probably still up.” She protested and then a huge yawn over came her making her legs wobbly.

Patting her shoulder James said, “You will do great tomorrow. There is no one better than you at potions. The only thing you need to do is sleep so you’ll be ready. I believe in you.”

Yawning again she nodded and unexpectedly gave James a hug. Before he could react however, and while his mind was in shock and delight, Lily took a step up the stairs and made her slow way to the top waiting until the very last moment possible to let go of James’s hand.

James watched her go then yawning himself, and then he climbed the stairs to his own bed and plopped down without a fight. He fell asleep with in minutes.

“Well done!”

“Brilliant Lily.”

“You showed him.”

I exited the dungeons with a swarm of gleeful Gryffindors congratulating me. I had not even realized but there was a heavy lump stuck in the back of my throat through out the entire ordeal in Slughorn’s. It only now dissipated as I left behind the dungeons and Sev’s furious face he hid behind that curtain of black hair.

My face fell as I thanked the supportive group around me. Poor Sev, I thought miserably reflecting on how red he became the meager three times he missed a question.

Just then James came up beside me with his posse of friends whooping and hollering in the name of Gryffindor. He noticed my sour expression and said quietly, “Smile sunshine, he got what he deserved.”

Suddenly enraged I wanted to yell at James Potter that Sev deserved nothing of the sort. But before I could formulate a sentence he joined in a chorus of celebratory cheers with lyrics that mocked the Slytherins.

Clenching my mouth shut I fell behind the group and rubbed the sleep from the corner of my eyes. I wonder if Sev had seen that. If he could tell that I was exhausted because he truly was a worthy opponent. I wonder if he could tell that I was terrified to face him. The entire class with every question Slughorn demanded an answer of me I felt like the threads holding Severus and I together were clipped into pieces.

“Come on Lily,” Gracie turned and looked to me. I shook my head.

“I’ll catch up with you.” I said hoarsely.

She nodded reluctantly but carried on with the rambunctious group of Gryffindors. I stood with my back against a wall and waited for Severus to come out of the dungeon. I had to talk to him.

After several moments he finally emerged. He was hunched over his head hanging low and the sight of it made me sick. I felt like an evil ****. How could I ever have agreed to this?

I caught up with him and at first I couldn’t say anything.

“Good match.” I finally decided on. However Snape was decidedly silent towards me. I forged on anyways my voice a bit higher than normal.

“I was up all night studying. I barely got any sleep. You really had me up in arms.”

“Shut up.” He snapped at me.

Taken aback I stopped walking. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

My mouth was ajar in an angry frown. “Sev, you did really well. You should be proud. No one else knew the answers to those questions in the class! I mean that one with the barley leaves had me really stumped! But you knew it. You’re really good at potions you know?”

“Get away from me. Go gloat somewhere else.” He growled.

I grabbed his arm and whirled him around to face me. My nostrils flared. I didn’t know what to say but then it all came out in a rushed jumble. “Severus you did this! This was all your idea! I didn’t want to battle you. Friends don’t battle each other. I just wanted to take the stupid final like everyone else.”

“We are not friends. I do not consort with mudbloods.”

I slapped him across the face just then. Before I knew it I had him pinned to the ground and I was wrestling him and hitting him and trying to keep my crying quiet. A group formed around us almost instantly. Like moths to a flame students came to watch a fight.

I grabbed Snape’s wand from his pocket and threw it hard away from him. That’s when he pinched the underside of my thigh and I fell backwards. He crawled on his hands and knees to his wand. When he reached it he unleashed a dark spell on me that felt like my head was going to explode. Blind with anger I fired a spell at Severus and petrified him. When he was still and I only felt a minor throbbing resound through my head I faced him.

“You’re a bloody prat!” I screeched hiccupping. “My blood’s got nothing to do with the fact I’M BETTER THAN YOU AT POTIONS AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH DARK MAGIC YOU DO I WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN YOU. AND I’M NOT SORRY FOR THAT.”

Suddenly strong arms slithered around my waist and lifted me up kicking and carried me away from Snape’s pained face. Breathing hard I freed myself from James, of course. I stomped off toward the lake a bunch of girls in my house chasing after me but I wouldn’t see any of them right now.

I was pacing back and forth on the outskirts of the forbidden forest when James finally showed up ten agonizing minutes later. “Go away.” I said and returned to pacing.

James didn’t say anything he just held out a mint candy to me. I laughed tonelessly and said, “Potter this is hardly the time to tell me I’ve bad breath you know.”

“It’s to help with your head.” He told me mildly. I groaned at the mention of it as the pain returned to me and I was now unable to ignore it.

“Way to go. I’d almost forgotten about that.” I grumbled and took the mint. Then I sat down heavily. James sat beside me.

“Mid terms are over.” He stated plainly. I didn’t respond. “First day of holiday is tomorrow. What a relief.” He kept going, “Sometimes I think it’d be great to always be on holiday. But how could you ever appreciate holiday unless it was rare? Maybe if you are on holiday too much being on holiday itself becomes a chore. Then what can you do? You can’t take a holiday from a holiday.”

I laughed. “Thanks Potter that was deep.”

He shrugged, “I think I’m going to sleep a third of the time I’m on holiday.”

“Oh Merlin. Sleep sounds nice,” I told him thinking wishfully for my bed. The cold was starting to penetrate through my sweater and outdoor cloak. It was mid afternoon and the sun was still out but we sat in the shade and the wind though weak, was bitter cold and crept down my spine.

“Yeah. What are you going to do for holiday?” James asked me.

“I’m staying at Hogwarts. Too much to do this year to waste two weeks away at home procrastinating.”

“My thoughts precisely.”

“Did you hear about the storm that’s supposed to blow in? Monstrous is what the daily prophet is predicting. Storm of the century, it’ll be good to have the lake to ourselves when it freezes over.” I commented thinking about ice skating and feeling excited.

“I haven’t heard that. I’ll have to write my mum and ask her to send along an extra pair of socks. She knits the really soft kind.” He chuckled. “They do wonders in the snow.”

I couldn’t keep the pride out of my voice, “Oh I know, I can make those.” I laughed and James looked at me surprised.

“You can? I thought that was a lost art!”

“Nope, I learned from Molly. You know- Arthur’s girl? She’s a genius at that kind of thing. She’ll be a great mom one day.”

“Incredible.”

“If you’re nice to me I’ll make you a pair in case your mother doesn’t come through,” I offered shyly flicking a glance at James.

He looked completely satisfied and said, “Okay deal.” Then under his breath he said, “Toss that letter…”

I laughed. “It’s really not that hard. Just a matter of demonstration. If you show the needles how to make a line of stitches flawlessly it will continue doing that and voila you’ve got a perfect pair of socks. But don’t sell my secrets.”

James put a hand to his heart and said, “Promise.”

We were quiet for a moment and I felt at peace despite the coldness that stung at my face and the knuckles of my hands.

“Kind of chilly, shall we head back?” James asked me and it was only then that I noticed he didn’t have a cloak on.

“Yeah alright. My hands are starting to freeze.” I stood up and shoved them in my pockets. But after a couple of steps to the castle James walked really near to me and stuck his own frozen hands into my pockets.

I laughed and James begged me to, “Have a heart! My hands are getting frost bite!” I conceded with a playful roll of my eyes. I didn’t even notice when my fingers intertwined with his in the depths of my pockets. They were big and cold and it felt nice to have them holding my hand.

Conversationally I said, “It’s like if my hands are cold then I’m cold. I could be in a skirt without leggings at 50 below but if I have a pair or gloves I don’t feel it at all.”

He laughed, “I’m not like that. If my hands are cold…my hands are cold. I’m a heat machine sort of anyways, I’m always hot to the touch.”

I sputtered, “So full of yourself aren’t you?” Then laughed.

“But it’s true!” He protested and bumped my shoulder companionably.

“Oh dear I think I’m getting weak in the knees,” I said in a deadpan tone.

James nodded in agreement, “I have that affect on people.”

“You ought to come with a warning label.” I perked and said too happily, “I could tattoo one on your forehead for you.” I gave a false smile making James chuckle.

We entered Hogwarts finally and I was very relaxed. It was then that those buggered senses came again. I quickly let go of James’s hand and stepped away from him averting my eyes. “Thanks for the chat.” I said already turning to the stairs to go into my room to hide. Students were staring at me with mixtures of pity, interest, and pride on their faces.

“Anytime.” But I was already practically a floor up and away from James.


There is something severely wrong with this thread. D: I can't seem to get a new post in. D:

Hello. To answer agriggs6 questions: 1. Yes but not until the end(ish). 2. No. 3. Yes towards the middle(ish). I hope that doesn't deter any readers

Dinner time rolled around much too quickly. I was dreading being in the same room as Severus. But I put on a smile and walked with a group of Gryffindor girls to the Great Hall. The girls all eagerly told me of their plans for the coming two weeks and while tales of Aspen and Paris were interesting I was relieved to see Grace had saved me a seat beside her.

“Carline, that sounds like a really exciting holiday. I know you’ll be busy being a glamorous skier, but will you write me everyday and tell me about your escapades?” I asked Carline. She assured me she would and then we parted ways after I shared with her some advice about chair lifts. She was a pureblood and was unfamiliar with the idea of moving chairs.

Finally I sat down next to Grace and gave her a smile. “Thanks for the seat mate.”

“Sure thing. Where is Carline going anyways? Her suitcase is the size of a train.”

“Aspen. Lucky girl,” I said before greedily grabbing a biscuit and taking an unceremonious big bite out of it.

“Oh. Lucky indeed. I’m stuck for a whole week at my Aunt Maggie’s place. How will I cope? She’ll make me bake cookies and sing ‘Oh Christmas Tree’ a billion times. The whole thing is down right ghastly.”

I giggled through a mouthful of biscuit and managed to say, “Dreadful.”

“Remus, I don’t think Lily understands the full severity of it all,” Grace complained to her boyfriend who was seated on her other side.

“No Grace, she said dreadful it can’t get any more accurate than that.” He replied.

Grace sighed and buttered a roll of her own then muttered, “Catastrophic, tortuous…”

“Cruel, inhumane.” Remus agreed.

“Luckily you’ll only be a town away.” Grace told him with a tender smile.

Remus puffed out his chest and said, “I’ll bewitch your Aunt Maggie in her sleep to prove my love.”

Grace laughed and a smile snaked it’s way onto her lips, “Bewitch her how?”

Remus grinned and said quietly, “Cold sores.”

“My hero!” Then they abandoned their plates of food to snog passionately.

James sidled up to the table just then with Peter Pettigrew, a buck toothed boy with dimples, and Sirius Black, a dashing fellow with dark hair and a heart melting smile.

“Oh Merlin, they are so precious I might be sick.” Sirius howled covering his face. In retaliation Remus and Grace flicked spoonfuls of mashed potatoes at him.

“Hello chums.” James said taking a seat opposite of me his plate piled high with food.

“Careful of the potato brigade,” I warned him dryly pointing lazily at Grace and Remus who had gone back to snogging indecently.

“Hey Lily!” Peter greeted me cheerfully flashing a toothy grin.

“ ’Lo Peter. How’d that final go?” I asked him referring the Charms midterm I’d spent a couple of afternoons helping him prepare for.

Around a forkful of yams he told me, “It went quite good.”

“Excellent.” I picked up the fork placed to my right and examined it for spots before using it to scoop a mountain of stew onto my plate. Next I held up my cup to make sure it was clean and then poured milk into it. I took a large gulp.

“Ah- refreshing. Say, I wonder who decided to milk a cow for the first time anyways,” I pondered aloud before eating some stew off my plate.

Grace giggled and gestured like she was milking a cow and Peter coughed into his hand with a laugh. Sirius made a face and then laughed but James said, “You would wonder about something like that.” This made Sirius laugh harder and he banged his fists on the table top.

“Oh shut up,” I scowled and took another sip of milk.

“Lily I have a serious question for you,” Sirius said unexpectedly.

“Oh Merlin, not another would you rather scenario.” I rolled my eyes.

“You must have an O in divination because that is exactly what it is!” Peter chuckled at the crack. “Awlright here it is the question of the night… Would you rather be pecked to death in an obscure Owlery, or, let the giant squid in the lake eat you?”

“I’d rather let the squid eat me.” I replied and James made a face as I said it.

“Even if your body was excreted whole?” Sirius asked eagerly making the table groan in disgust.

“Oh that’s sick. Fine, no, I’d want to be pecked to death then.”

“Ha!” He triumphed, “Got you to change your mind.” Then he gave Remus a high five of victory.

I scoffed and said, “Yeah but you didn’t tell me this was going to be circumstantial.”

Grace nodded and pointed an accusatory finger at Sirius, “You’ve got to call circumstances before you do that.”

“Pssht. Very well then next time I’ll call circumstances and you will still loose and change your mind.”

“We’ll see about that.” With that I flicked a pea from my stew at Sirius and he ducked and returned the favor by wiping a handful of dressing on my sleeve. Laughing I wiped my arm on Grace who protested loudly drawing the attention of the entire Great Hall. Sheepishly I looked around and spotted Severus looking at me stone faced. My good mood vanished and I had to fight the urge to make a rude hand gesture at him.

My appetite vanished along with my good humor and I pushed my plate away from me in repugnance. James nudged my legs underneath the table with his feet. I looked up at him and he mouthed to me, “Cheer up sunshine.”

Sighing I faked a smile then began to twirl my hair restlessly while Grace finished eating. I was hoping she’d use her best friend intuition and realize I needed some healthy distractions. Unfortunately she was very much absorbed in Remus despite the fact they would only be a ten minute broom ride away from each other over the holiday.

We ended up sitting at the table long after the dishes cleared, magically of course, and long after all the other students left to enjoy their last night at Hogwarts. We talked amongst ourselves bantering back and forth laughing at the other’s expense. But finally late into the evening Peter stood from the wooden bench and stretched.

His back gave a chorus of sickening cracks but he only laughed. “Well, I’ve still got to get up early to pack my things. Night.” Then he excused himself and left the Great Hall. I saw in the corner of my eye Remus and Grace exchange a look and right on cue Remus declared, “Yes, well I’ve got some last minute things to do tonight too. Good night Lily. See you mates in the dorm.”

He got up too and left, Grace hot on his heels with the excuse that she had to, “Fold my clothes just right to prevent wrinkles.” Sirius coughed and it sounded something like, “Liar.” I snickered as Grace feigned confusion.

“Well it looks like it’s just us.” James said looking from me to Sirius.

“Sorry to disappoint. But I’ve actually got a couple of ladies to wish farewell to tonight. I’ve put them off for far too long this night. Duty calls.”

I watched him go and noticed a pretty blonde 5th year waiting for him at the doors of the Great Hall. He snaked an arm around her and they walked out of my sight.

Shaking his head James said, “Who needs ‘em. I’m sure you can entertain me all by your lonesome Evans.”

I stifled a yawn, “Oh yeah, I’m tons of fun.” James gave me a wry smile.

“Look at you practically a narcoleptic. I saw you trying to hide it all night.” I giggled.

“Can’t help it if you’re a bore.”

“Touché. As much as I know you’d like to deprive yourself more sleep we ought to get out of here and take care of duties. Before I end up carrying you again.” James stood but I suddenly snapped awake.

“What?” I demanded more than asked.

“What?” He asked me back.

“Don’t answer with a question. What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” He averted his eyes and pressed on toward the doors. Feeling a bit uncomfortable I followed wondering if the dream I had of James carrying me up a set of stairs was actually not a dream. Decidedly denying I shrugged it off and fell into step beside him.

“Is Sirius going to be here over holiday?” I inquired changing the subject.

“No, he’s in the same boat as Grace. An awful aunt to visit this year.”

“No envy there.”

“None what so ever.” We exchanged smiles and for a moment I wondered if James was going to try to stick his hand in my pockets. Then I realized I didn’t have any pockets for him to stick his hands in.

Interrupting my thoughts someone shouted from a nearby corridor. We quickened our pace and rounded a corner to find a couple of arrogant 2nd years picking on a cowering 1st year. I became enraged.

“What’s this all about then?” I asked loudly startling the 2nd years. I stared at each one menacingly. A short chubby one in the front opened his mouth and replied, “Nothing ma’am.”

James lifted an eyebrow. “Doesn’t look like nothing.”

“What are you the nothing expert?” A scrawny 2nd year asked from beside the chubby one.

“As a matter of fact I am. Certified and everything. In my professional opinion this looks very much like something.” I bit my lip to keep a smile off my face.

“They’re mad cause I accidentally broke the wings off their wind-sweeper.” The 1st year said meekly referring to the broken broom figurine on the floor.

“Is that so.” I bent down to be face to face with the 1st year and I asked, “You said it was an accident?” He nodded his head. I rounded on the 2nd years, “He said it was an accident so why are you pressing it?” None of them had an answer.

“That’ll just be two days detention with McGonagall. To teach you about forgiveness and understanding. Now it’s past your curfew please go to your common rooms and stay there.”

“Don’t let us catch you misbehaving again or McGonagall detention will look generous.” I warned. The kids scattered off like dogs with their tails between their legs.

“Kids.” James said with a sigh. Then we continued our stroll through the halls with little incident.

Finally we came upon the Gryffindor common room and James, the gentleman, walked me to the staircase. I wasn’t surprised to find the room empty. Everyone was resting up after finals no doubt.

“Well, night then.” He said to me. There was a pause after he said that where we looked at each other awkwardly. I was just about to go when he cleared his throat. He seemed nervous and when his hand flew to his hair and rumpled it I knew for a fact he was.

“Yeah?”

“Well, erm…I was just thinking that it’ll just be us this holiday.” He began and I wasn’t sure if I liked where he was going.

“That’s true.” I said.

“Well, I was wondering if you’d want to maybe sneak into Hogsmead with me, or maybe go skating. Or something…” He wasn’t blushing but he was shifting his legs a lot.

“Uhm. Yeah alright.” I agreed but then stupidly I added, “But just as friends.” I could have kicked myself seeing the way his face fell a bit.

“Of course!”

“Well I just meant…” I stammered. “I just meant that. Well you know.”

By the look on James’s face I could tell he had no clue. So I awkwardly shook his hand and then hurried up the stairs. “Night, Potter.”

When I got to my dorm I found Betha and Louise still up and packing at a glacial pace. Grace hadn’t returned from her adventure with Remus though. I sat down on my bed and the girls greeted me with broad smiles. They fell back into meaningless conversation as I rummaged through the trunk at the foot of my bed.

Finally feeling the coarse yarn on my fingertips I grabbed the ball of yarn and pulled it out glad to see my knitting needles were securely in place. I changed into a plain purple top and a pair of silky white bottom then settled into my soft bed and fought sleep to knit a perfect pair of socks.

I finished the socks that night but fell asleep immediately after. I awoke from a nightmare sweaty and hot. Grace had finally made it to bed and Betha was snoring loudly like always. It was very late and I shoved the covers off me to sit up. Looking down at my lap I saw the perfect socks and felt comforted by them.

My nightmare had been about Severus. In my dream I saw his veined arm outstretched with a horrible long fingered hand carving a skull and snake into his white skin with a gnarled wand. I could hear his moans of pain still and thinking about it sent a chill down my spine. A lingering feel of evil hung over me and so I decided to get up. Without thinking I took the socks with me and before I noticed I had climbed the stairs to the boys dormitory and was peeking through doors trying to find James to give him his gift.

Stopping mid step I was still with horror.

I was in the boy’s dormitory.

Looking for James Potter.

To give him a pair of socks.

At probably two in the morning.

Feeling the part of the stupid idiot I was playing I slapped my hand to my forehead and turned on my heel to go back into my bed.

“Evans…?” Came a drowsy voice from behind me.

I held my breath and shut my eyes tightly praying it was my imagination playing tricks on me. But the sound of bare feet on the cold stone floor assured me this was all very real. And mortifying.

I whirled around to find James standing a few feet away from me in a pair of plaid pajamas and no shirt. Oh Merlin.

“Uh.” I said dully.

Surprising me James asked, “Are you okay?” His voice was filled to the brim with concern.

“Uh.” I repeated. Then foolishly I held out the socks to him.

He stepped forward and took them from me. In the dark I saw his gleaming smile. He fiddled with the socks and whispered to me, “Incredibly soft.” He still hadn’t asked why on earth I was giving him the socks at two am.

“Yeah.” I whispered back a bit breathy. “I can’t sleep.” I admitted.

“You want some company?”

“I don’t know. But something feels…” I paused groping in the dark for the right word to express the fear I’d felt in my dorm. I settled for, “yucky.” James walked over to me and I could see his eyes were kind of closed with weariness and his hair was ruffled.

Before I could say anything else he took my hand in his and we sat down on the floor in the boy’s dormitory corridor. Our knees touched and I felt a smile creep its way onto my face at the sight of James’s bare feet beside my own.

Seeing my look James mocked offense and put on the socks I had made him. I giggled but tried to muffle it with my hand. He gave me a gentle smile and whispered, “That’s it sunshine. Smile.”

Then I did another stupid thing. I told James Potter, “I like it when you call me that.”

“What? Sunshine?”

“Yeah.” I blushed a furious blush.

“I like calling you it.”

“Well I’m glad we both like something.”

“Me too.” He agreed.

I snorted and said, “We need to stop agreeing, it’s unnatural.” His fingers stroked my hand.

“Or maybe you could tell me more about this yucky thing…?”

I took a shuddering breath I’d meant to hide. “It’s nothing.”

“Mmm, I see. Must I remind you of my qualifications in the nothing department?” I shrugged in reply. “Was it like the kind of yucky you feel when you’re home alone and you hear a creak? Or the kind of yucky that you feel when you had some bad cabbage?”

“The former.”

“Well, don’t you worry a bit.” He said reassuringly and I occupied myself by looking at his bare, toned arms.

“I can’t help it. I think Sev is in trouble.” After I said that I got the feeling James wanted to let go of my hand and I looked up in his eyes hesitantly. His face had hardened slightly but his hands were sweet as ever on my own.

“I think that might be your guilt about today.” He said extra quiet.

“Maybe.”

“Just don’t forget that Snivellus is perfectly aware of his actions. These aren’t mistakes. He knows what he is doing and what it’s doing to you.”

“Yeah.” The cold of the floor started to numb my behind as we sat there. “My bum is cold.”

“Blasted floors.” James said with humor.

“Sadly I think my bed might be colder yet.” I sighed thinking of my sweat soaked sheets.

James leaned in close to me and whispered, “If I could knit, I’d knit you a new bed.” I guffawed at the thought of James with knitting needles. “If you want you’re welcome in my bed.”

I looked up at James and gave him a reproachful look, “Yeah right.”

He shrugged, “Just offering.”

I yawned and gave his hand a squeeze, “I’ll just have to suffer.” But suddenly the thought of going back into my bed made me uneasy.

James stood up abruptly and held out a finger to tell me to wait. He tiptoed into his dorm which I counted was the third door on the left and returned with a massive quilt. It was made up of Quidditch team logos and I wanted to laugh at the predictability of it all. James Potter with a Quidditch quilt!

“Here you are. To chase away the chill. This is the warmest blanket I have ever owned. It will keep you toasty.” Then as if I were a child he wrapped me up in the quilt. Funnily enough I did feel warmer, but it was deeper than just temperature.

“Thank you.” He adjusted the quilt to snuggle closely around my neck as I said this.

“You bet.” I wanted to hug him or something to show my gratitude but somehow I found myself walking away already leaving him shirtless, sleepy, and sweet in the hallway. When I got back to my bed I fell into it with James’s blanket securely around me and fell asleep without a worrisome thought.