For the Love of Lily

Chapter 15

A few days after New Years, the students that went home for the holidays returned to Hogwarts. Classes resumed and the days dragged on as usual. James found himself falling more and more in love with Lily. Every time he saw her walking down the corridor he felt his heart flutter in his chest. He had a standing order at Flowers With the Wave of a Wand. Every Sunday night, an orange rose would be delivered to Lily. He loved seeing the look on her face on Monday mornings. She always came running into the common room, the rose in her hand, and announced to the whole room, "Look! My admirer sent me another rose!"

By now he had sent her at least two dozen roses. He planned to send her a rose every Sunday until Valentine's Day. Then on Valentine's Day, he would give her a bouquet of two dozen red roses. He couldn't wait for that day.

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Lily woke up on February 14 to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. Awwww! They're so cute, she thought. I wonder if my secret admirer will reveal himself today, or what he'll give me? She got out of bed and quickly put on her uniform. While she was dressing, she looked over at her nightstand. The pile of orange roses on her nightstand had grown so large that the flowers had fallen to the floor. During the past two weeks, she had gotten a rose every day in addition to her Sunday rose.

Once she was dressed, she grabbed the books for the classes she had that day. I hope my admirer is James. The last few months had taught her a lot about her friend. He really cared for her and would do anything for her. Yes, Remus and Sirius would do the same, but it was different with James. She could tell him anything, and he would listen patiently and then offer advice or comfort.

When she reached the Great Hall, James was standing at the entrance with a bouquet of two dozen red roses. James is my secret admirer! she thought as she came closer to him. She felt like she was living a fairy tale. When she reached him, he gave her the bouquet and whispered in her ear, "I love you! I always have!"

Tears streamed down Lily's cheeks. She couldn't believe this was happening. Everything seemed so right.

"I'd hoped you were my admirer!" she told him

Without a moment's hesitation, James leaned down and kissed her. She dropped the bouquet and wrapped her arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist. I could stay like this forever, Lily thought as James held her close. When they broke apart they noticed their classmates surrounding them. They looked at each other and burst into laughter. James picked up Lily's books for her and she picked up her flowers. Then hand - in - hand, they walked into the Great Hall.

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Severus was on his way to breakfast when he noticed a crowd forming in front of the Great Hall. As he looked over other student's heads, he saw James and Lily kissing in the doorway. Can't they do that in their common room? Everybody doesn't want to see them sticking their tongues down each other's throats. He turned away in disgust just as they broke apart and started to gather their stuff. I'm glad Lily is happy, he thought. Deep down he knew he would always love her no matter where life took them.

For the Love of Lily