Well, a great Jily fanfiction might be the ones that delve into their unspoken feelings during their school years. For example, a story where James tries to win Lily over with his Quidditch skills while Lily is trying to focus on her studies. Also, there are fanfictions that show how their relationship developed during the war against Voldemort, which is really exciting as it combines the romance with the action and danger of the wizarding world.
Some Jily fanfiction stories are really creative. There are those that rewrite the whole Harry Potter series from the perspective of their relationship. In these stories, we can see how their love story was intertwined with the events in the wizarding world. There are also fanfics that explore their relationship in a more modern - day setting, like if they were muggles. This gives a fresh take on their characters and how their relationship might have developed without magic.
A really interesting Jily fanfiction in this context is 'Love or Lust: The Marauders' Era'. It not only focuses on James and Lily but also shows how their relationship is intertwined with the lives of the Marauders. It gives a broader perspective on how lust and love play out in the wizarding world during their time at Hogwarts. It's full of twists and turns that keep you hooked from start to finish.
Well, 'The Red and the Gold' is a must - read. It beautifully captures the essence of James and Lily's relationship. It has detailed descriptions of their interactions, from their study sessions in the library to their adventures on the Hogwarts grounds. 'James and Lily: Destiny' is also excellent. This fanfiction takes a more magical approach, exploring how fate seems to draw them together. Then there's 'The Love of Potter and Evans' which gives a fresh take on their relationship, showing their insecurities and how they overcame them together.
There are fanfictions where James and Lily alive means that they are part of a time - travel plot. Maybe they are sent back in time to before Voldemort rose to power. They then use their knowledge of the future to prevent the dark wizard from ever becoming a threat. In this kind of fanfiction, they would interact with younger versions of their friends and family, and have to be careful not to disrupt the timeline too much. This creates a really interesting and complex story.
One great fanfiction could be where their Patronuses interact in a magical forest. Maybe James' stag and Lily's doe are drawn to each other, symbolizing their unspoken connection even before they fully realize their feelings. It could be a story filled with mystery and a touch of magic, exploring how their Patronuses are a manifestation of their souls.
The setting of the wizarding world. A good fanfic will use the magic, the Hogwarts environment, and the wizarding society to enhance their relationship. For example, a scene where they study magic together or go on a magical adventure in the Forbidden Forest can add a lot of charm.
I really like 'James and Lily: A Love Story'. It delves deep into their relationship, starting from their initial dislike for each other to their deep, abiding love. It also includes some really interesting side plots involving their friends like Sirius and Remus. And 'Potter's Love' is also a great read. It shows how their love survived the challenges of the wizarding world around them.
One interesting scenario could be that the kiss happens right after James has finally proven himself to Lily. Maybe he has just saved her from some sort of danger, like a dark wizard attack at Hogwarts. Lily, seeing James in a new light, is so overcome with gratitude and a newfound attraction that she impulsively kisses him. This would be a moment of realization for both of them, as James has been longing for Lily's affection for so long.
One interesting scenario could be their first meeting in a magical forest. The forest is filled with glittering fireflies and strange, beautiful plants. James might be a bit clumsy and say something silly at first, but Lily finds it endearing. They start to talk about their dreams for the wizarding world, and there's an instant connection between them.
One great fanfiction on this theme is 'The Marauders' Era: Lily's Perspective'. It delves deep into how Lily might have gradually fallen for James. It shows their interactions in Hogwarts in a very detailed and engaging way.
Often, it's James' ability to show his vulnerability. When he lets Lily see the real him, not just the popular, confident boy, she starts to fall for him. For example, in some fanfictions, he might open up about his family or his fears, and that connection makes Lily's feelings change. Fanfictions also play on their shared experiences at Hogwarts, like fighting against the dark arts threats together, which brings them closer.