Lily couldn't believe how natural the moment felt. It was like she was meeting him for the first time. "You know, I think we might be able to have a little bit of fun together here."

James's eyes lit up in a smile. "Lets hope so. The last time you said we should try to be friends, you hexed me to stick to a wall."

"Come on," James said, "Lets get out of here"

Lily smiled and for the first time in their history said, "Sure."

"Want to come over tonight?" he asked her. "My family wants to meet you."

Lily laughed that her parents already knew about her. "I'd love to."

And with a final peck on the lips he walked out the door leaving her dancing around the back room singing.

Lily shook her head and leaned against the register. "So. You've been lucky enough to meet my two biggest problems in twenty four hours. Anything you'd like to warn me about?"

James grinned lopsidedly. "A have one or two...You won't have to meet them until school comes back around though."

"Let me guess. The James Potter fan club and quidditch?"

"Something like that..." he ran his hand through his hair.

"We're going to talk to Dumbledore about what happened last night. I'm not promising anything about you being able to talk to him...and Remus I can't speak for you, but I'm sure he'll have the same verdict for you all."

"I thought we were best friends. Why you can't trust me?" Paula complained. "What kind of friendship is that?"

"Paula, come on," Lily said a little shaky, "You would understand if you knew, but I just can't tell you right now."

"James," Lily said softly. Her hand reached up to rest on his cheek. "I don't want to break up. I always want to be with you, but I'm trying to be realistic. We can live in a bubble where we'll always be just a hallway away from each other, but that'll make it even harder when the bubble pops."

"Well, I was thinking I could buy him a new broom that hasn't been released yet, or a new captain's uniform for this season. I'm so scared he wouldn't like it though! I've never messed up this bad before!"

Lily's jaw dropped, "You're acting like he's your boyfriend! For Merlin's sake, man up and go say you're sorry!"