Lily’s head was throbbing. That was the first thing the thought of when she woke up. Who is doing all that shouting? was the second. Her arm and her leg ached. She wanted to stretch, but somehow didn’t have the energy to move.

She forced herself to open her eyes. She was lying on a bed in the hospital wing apparently. Her left arm was bandaged onto a splint next to her side. Guess I won’t be writing any more papers in the next few hours, Professor Binns, she thought. Her leg wasn’t restricted, but it hurt when she tried to move it. “Ow!”

Madame Pomfrey rushed in to administer a potion to numb the pain, then helped Lily drink a mouthful of water.

“What happened?” Lily was still confused.

The medic looked clinically at the dazed red-head and said, “You fell out of a window, Miss Evans. Luckily, Mr. Potter managed to catch you before you fell too far.”

Lily struggled to remember. “James?” She recalled the door hitting her, and the sensation of flying—

Abruptly, Severus burst through the doors and jumped over a bed to get to the wounded girl. “Lily! I just heard! Are you okay?”

“She is awake, Mr. Snape, but she still has some healing to do.” Madame Pomfrey saw the boy’s expression and said, “Perhaps I’ll give the two of you a moment.”

Lily gave her dear friend a weak smile. “I’m fine, Sev. Just a little tired is all.” She grabbed Severus’ arm with her good hand and squeezed it.

Without another word, the worried young man burst into tears.

The surprised red-head’s jaw nearly dropped on the bed. In all their years of friendship, she had never once seen him cry. Not even when his parents were killed.

“Sev? Sev? It’s all right. I’m okay.” She patted his head uncomfortably, not sure of what to do. This was a side she’d never seen before.

Severus covered his face with his hands and continued to weep. He couldn’t help it. All through his argument with James he’d been thinking about life without her. What meaning would there be without their talks? Without her tender, fierce hugs? Without that stubborn fringe of hair around her forehead that refused to grow? Who would remind him what was really important, and that he was truly a good person? Who would help him to laugh at himself? What if he had lost her, and she never knew how he felt? He just couldn’t get the idea out of his mind.

“I-I know, Lily. I’m sorry. I just...I just.”

He felt her hands on his. She moved them so she could look into his deep brown eyes. “Nothing happened. Everything’s fine now.” Lily wrapped her right arm around Sev’s shoulders and gave him an awkward hug. “I’ll be out tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.” Lily accio’d a box of tissues and handed one to the tender-hearted boy now clinging to her. Severus wiped his eyes, and looked up at her. “I’ll kill Potter for this!”

“For what?”

Severus looked up at her in surprise. “For pushing you out the window.”

The patient went pale. “That was James?” She busted up laughing.

The long-haired Slytherin was now totally confused. “You didn’t know?” She shook her head, laughing even harder. “What? What’s so funny?”

Lily tried to catch her breath and choked out: “It—it’s so dumb!”

Severus tried to quiet her a little, so Madame Pomfrey wouldn’t come in and make him leave. “Shh! Shh. What’s so dumb?”

“I—I just had this thought…hahahaha! I thought—” she took a deeper breath and swallowed before she could start drooling. “It just flashed through my mind. ‘Man, that boy will do anything to beat me at Quidditch!” She sighed, a few giggles left, then took a drink of water. “Told you it was dumb.”

“Yes, you did.” Severus rolled his eyes and chuckled. The darling girl had nearly been killed a few hours ago, and now she was laughing about it. He loved that she could do that. Lily looked at her friend peculiarly. “Sev? Are you okay?”

He sighed. “Just mad at Potter, I guess. Of all the irresponsible things.”

“It was an accident. He didn’t know I was behind the door.” She tried to catch Severus’ eye. “At least he had the presence of mind to catch me.”

“That’s what he said.” Severus sighed again.

“How did you know I was here?”

“Actually,” the rattled boy looked down at the sheets. “Um, Potter told me.”

“Sev. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“Um…”

Lily sighed this time. “What is it?”

The tall boy felt very sheepish. “I, uh, well, I may have, sort of yelled at him when he told me…” He looked into her emerald eyes bashfully, she was shaking her head. “I got upset,” he said lamely.

Dropping her face onto Severus’ shoulder, Lily tried hard not to giggle. Her Severus really was a good-hearted boy, he just overreacted sometimes, and tended to blow things out of proportion. He was very protective of her. She raised her head again and looked into his eyes. He felt so foolish.

“Okay, what have you learned?”

Severus looked at the bed again. He was glad Lily wasn’t upset with him, but then, she wasn’t the type to get over-emotional about anything. Still, he hated disappointing her. “I dunno.”

She punched him in the arm. “Yes you do! I know you. Now you’re feeling stupid and wishing you hadn’t yelled and you’re going to beat yourself up about it for a few days—maybe longer—and then you’ll wish you could apologize to James, but you’re pride will get in the way and you’ll end up hiding your guilt by being more mean when you’re around him…” Lily looked pointedly at her friend. “Am I close?”

He couldn’t help it, he had to laugh. She knows me better than she should! That was exactly what he normally did.

Lily laughed with him a minute, then said seriously. “You know, all that could be avoided if you just apologized to him tonight.” Severus made a face as if to protest, but Lily interrupted him. “You don’t have to do it in front of people. Just do it in your own way.” She smiled encouragingly.

Over my dead body, the proud Slytherin thought. But he knew that, eventually, he’d feel better if he’d did. “We’ll see,” he said.

“Okay.” Lily hugged the shy boy as well as she could with one arm. “Oi! What time is it? Shouldn’t you be in class!”

Severus glanced at the clock and jumped up. “Oh no! There go the ten points I earned today!”

“You earned ten points?” The freckle-faced girl’s eyes lit up. “How? Oh—Go! You can tell me later!”

He ran out of the wing at full tilt.

----------

When Lily awoke the next morning, Madame Pomfrey was already up. Does that woman ever sleep? she thought, but the red-head really didn’t mind. She begged to be released, so the medic looked the teenager over carefully, pronounced her well, and sent Lily away.

Free!! Lily thought, as she stretched out her newly healed limbs. Yay! I couldn’t stand to just sit there any more. She jogged a bit and enjoyed the soreness. It’s good to be alive!

As she reached the southwest staircase, she began to wonder if her roommate would be up yet. Judging from the day before she doubted it. He hadn’t been to see her, and she wondered how he was doing, being the cause of the accident and all.

“Blathering blatherskite!” The stairs slid away, and Lily stepped into the dark common room.

Just as I thought. Still sleeping.

She groped for the table she knew was next to the entrance, and found a candle. Pulling her wand out of her pocket and aiming it at the wick, she muttered, “Lumos.”

Suddenly, all the candles lit at once, and at least a dozen voices screamed, “Surprise!”

Lily was stunned! There, in front of her, was James Potter—still in his pajamas—and all the ghosts in the school. On the coffee table was a spread of fruit, breads, jellies, eggs, and bacon. “James? What the--?”

The spikey-haired boy grinned lop-sidedly. “I decided to throw you a surprise ‘Welcome Home’ party.” He guestured to the ghosts. “And since nobody knows where we live, I invited the ghosts. I hope you don’t mind.” The guest of honor grinned and shook her head quickly. “Oh good! Well, dig in! The food’s getting cold!”

James flicked his wand, and music started filtering through the air. Then he grabbed a plate and heaped eggs and bacon on it.

Lily was still reeling over the surprise. She shook her head again and chuckled. Only James would come up with a party where you invited the ghosts, she thought. Still, it’s a good idea. Running her fingers through her hair, hoping she looked mildly presentable, she realized how hungry she was. She picked up a plate and put some grapefruit on it, and a few pieces of toast.

She stifled a laugh when she noticed that James was talking animatedly with Peeves. The mischievous Head Boy was trying to tease the poltergeist into doing something naughty, but Peeves was being closely watched by the Bloody Baron. It looked like the yellow spirit was about to cry from frustration.

Amazing to the slim girl was the way her roommate had already shoveled down all the food on his plate and was now going for seconds. Lily had grown up with a mom and a sister who were obsessed about their weight—consequently, Lily was too—and she didn’t get how so many boys could just eat, and eat, and eat and not gain a pound.

Professor Binns and Pumpkinpants the Studious were in deep conversation about the pirate’s observations about his crew during the late 14th century. The newly-late teacher seemed in his element, talking to another historical buff. Lily was secretly glad the Ravenclaw ghost wasn’t talking to her. Pumpkinpants was very nice, and very helpful when it came to homework, but the nerdy ghost tended to go into far more detail then was necessary, and he didn’t seem to notice if whoever he was talking to had fallen asleep…or was trying to fall asleep.

Lily sprinkled a bit of salt onto her grapefruit, before sitting next to Sir Nicholas, who was looking longingly at the breakfast.

----------

Malfoy had gotten up left the seventh-years’ dorm early, but Severus was still sitting on his bed, the bedcurtains drawn so he could not be disturbed. He liked his private time, and Caesar, Jules Darius, and Philo Dibble—his other roommates—tended to be rather nosey. Though, at the moment, Philo and Caesar seemed to be competing for the “Sounds Most Like A Freight Train” snoring award.

The little candle glowed just enough for the brooding boy to see his journal. Usually he wrote at night—he’d been keeping it for six years—but he’d been up late talking with Lily in the hospital wing. It was probably a good thing he had waited. His mind was more clear, and he could see how unreasonable he’d been to Potter. He still didn’t think the words, “I’m sorry” were quite necessary, but if Lily believed Severus needed to make peace, he’d do it. He just wasn’t quite sure how.

But writing in his journal helped him to gather his thoughts and come to conclusions. Plus, he came up with his best ideas that way.

Finally deciding he had nothing more he could put into the thin black book, he peeked out of the curtains to make sure his roommates were still asleep, and drew the curtains. Ready for today. If I can catch Potter away from that cursed Black. ----------

“What do you mean he said ‘no?’” Malfoy was glad that his father’s head was the only thing sitting in the fireplace. “You did tell him the position was in the Department of Mysteries?” He glared at the younger boy. “Must I do everything myself?”

The pale-haired teenager didn’t flinch. He had learned never to show emotion in the presence of his father. “No, Father. I told him, but he said he could find his own job. He wouldn’t listen to me any further.”

A strange clicking sound filled the room, and Malfoy realized his father must be drumming his fingers on his desk. “The Master will not be pleased. I do not know why He wants him, but...” Annubi Malfoy focused his steel gray eyes on his son. “We will discuss this later.” Without saying good-bye, the older Malfoy disappeared.

----------

Severus entered the common room to find Malfoy staring into the fire, clenching his fists. He didn’t really want to know what the Prefect was doing. He tried to walk silently past so as not to attract notice.

It didn’t work. “Ah! Severus! Just the man I wanted to see.” Malfoy smiled insincerely at the taller man, and swiftly moved towards him. “I wondered if you could help me with a little problem I’m having.”

“What is it?”

The dark-haired boy could practically see the wheels turning in Malfoy’s head. “My potions homework, dear boy. Rumor has it you are a marvelous tutor.” He looked at Severus expectantly.

But the suspicious Slytherin didn’t like the idea of spending any amount of time with Malfoy, and he suspected that wasn’t what the smaller student really wanted. “Perhaps.” He stepped around Malfoy and out of the common room.

----------

Lily couldn’t believe what a terrible dancer James was. But he was totally unashamed and having a great time—his long, gangly limbs flailing about—with all the ghosts. She couldn’t help but laugh. It had to be said, James Potter threw a great party.

She glanced at the clock and sighed. “Hey, James? We gotta get ready for classes pretty soon.”

The smiling boy gave her a thumbs up and said, “All right.” He turned to the ghosts. “Stay as long as you like. The music and lights will go off when the room is empty.”

“Thanks for the party, James. I really had a good time.”

“Me too.” The tall Gryffindor flashed his lop-sided smile again. “Hey, it’s the least—the very least—I could do. We’ll have to do it again sometime.” He leaned in a little closer, winked, and whispered, “but maybe without the ghosts.”

Lily stifled a laugh. “It’s a date.” She looked at the ghosts, who were looking at her, and said, “Thank you all for coming. It really means a lot to me.”

The ghosts all filed past one by one and said how glad they were Lily was alive and well—though Moaning Myrtle didn’t look like she meant it.

When they were finally left alone, Lily and James looked around the room, then at each other.

“Well,” James commented. “One bonus for having ghosts as guests is that they don’t make any mess.”

Thinking of the mess left after each of her mother’s parties, Lily wholeheartedly agreed.

----------

“Hi Severus.”

“Hello Rees.” The older boy wrapped his eleven-year old brother in a brief hug. “How is Hufflepuff tower treating you?”

The skinny kid looked up and grinned. “Great! Everyone is real nice, and Frank Longbottom said if I ever need any help just to ask, and…” He talked seemingly without breathing for a few minutes.

Severus didn’t mind. He’d enjoyed it all summer, and unlike his roommates, he knew Rees didn’t have any hidden agenda. “That’s good,” he replied when the excited boy stopped talking. “I’m glad you like Hogwarts.”

“Oh, I do!” Rees looked up at his big brother and blew his brown hair out of his eyes. “’Cept I wish I was with you.”

“I know. Me too.” Severus gave the little boy another quick hug. “But that’s the way it is sometimes. I’ll see you around.”

Rees grinned again. “Okay. See you later!” He waved and ran over to the Hufflepuff table.

----------

As soon as Lily stepped into Transfiguration, she was accosted by nineteen people, all very worried about her.

“We heard you were thrown out of a window—“

“—A Slytherin plot to win the House Cup—“

“—But Professor Dumbledore saved you by flying—“

“—And you got killed—“

“—But Snell brought you back with a Philosopher’s Stone—“

Lily had to laugh. It was good to be back at Hogwarts. She took her place next to Murron MacPherson, and told everyone what really happened—which turned out to be almost as exciting, but not quite, as the rumors.

She was almost to the party, when Professor McGonagall pronounced class in session.

Her first full day back in class went by quickly. Before she knew it, she was running around the Quidditch pitch with the rest of her team. Murron was there, of course, along with Wesley Pease and Brinton Holmes—the best chasers in school, according to captain and beater Aaron Argyle. The other beater, Caleb Riker, was puffing a bit already.

“What does running have to do with Quidditch?” Aaron’s little sister Abby, team keeper, was complaining.

Aaron shook his head. “You have to stay in shape, Abby, and don’t even get me started on endurance. How will you stay on a broom if you get tired halfway through the game?” Not waiting for anyone else to answer—sarcastically or otherwise—he continued. “You won’t. And I won’t be humiliated this year. Not after being so close last year.”

Brinton finally flung himself on the ground and wheezed, “If you kill me the first day, Aaron, I’ll be back to haunt you.” He gasped dramatically and squeaked out, “Water! I need water!”

Laughing, Murron pointed her wand at the lolling curly-headed blond boy. “Aquariorus.” A stream of water hit him in the face.

“Hey!” Brinton couldn’t keep a straight face, and laughed along with the rest of the team.

“C’mon, give us a break, Aaron.” Lily loved to run, and she wasn’t even breaking a sweat, but she was feeling for the rest of the team. “Let’s get up in the air!”

Aaron folded his arms and pursed his lips. “Last time I checked I was team captain. But,” he looked around at his teammates, “I’m no Slytherin tyrant. Everyone mount your brooms!”

“Yay!” Everyone ran to their brooms and kicked off. They each took a few practice laps, enjoying the cold evening air on their faces.

“Alright everyone! I’m releasing the balls!” Aaron threw the quaffle in the air, and let the bludgers go. Lily knew Aaron liked to work with these awhile before releasing the snitch. She didn’t mind. It gave her a chance to watch the team work together, and of course, she loved free-flying. She spent the next hour working on the Wronski feint, and a couple other strategic moves, before Aaron yelled at her to begin looking for the snitch.

She’d caught it in about eight minutes, and before she knew it, practice was over and they were heading back to the castle.

“Hey Lily,” Murron was saying. “How ‘bout spending the night in Ravenclaw tower? You know, like old times.” The tall, statuesque brunette put her arm around the smaller red-head. “We miss you in our room!”

Abby was right behind her. “Yeah. Come with us!” She shook her chocolate curls out of her face and agreed, “It’s just not the same without you!”

Lily did miss the activity of in the common room, but she had slept in the hospital wing the night before, and she kind of liked having her own room. Plus, she was eager to establish a steady schedule or rhythm. She didn’t quite feel at home yet. “C’mon, girls, it’s only been a few days,” she joked. More seriously, she looked at her friends and said, “Another time.”

“Woo-hoo!” Abby shrieked. “Slumber party!”

Murron shoved her fourth-year teammate slightly. “What are you talking about Abby? You’re not even in our room!”

Abby shrugged. “Yeah, but we can always drag our blankets into the common room…”

The girls laughed together. “All we need is Lizzie’s Ultimate Make-up Kit—“

“—And her Mini Hair Salon—“

“—And a trip to the kitchens—“

“—And we have a wicked party!”

Murron winked. “And, of course, we have to charm the door so the boys can’t spy…”

“Speaking of whom…” Lily nodded toward the castle doors, where Aaron was calling and gesturing for the girls to hurry.

“Think about it Lily. We do miss you.”

The pretty red-head hugged her friends and took off for her chambers. “I will!”