"Evans," James whispered fiercely, "Leave, now." James Potter didn't relax the grip on his wand, or his intense stare down the dark hallway trying to decipher movement.
Lily, just as tensed as James, didn't move. "Lily, please," James whispered, strained with emotion. "It's me that they want." His eyes didn't wander, but stared straight ahead.
There wasn't time to ponder this new side of Potter. "Potte- James. You're not getting rid of me. I'm here with you. Deal with it."
"That's not too hard to deal with. You and me…" James smiled slightly, but Lily could tell he was thinking about the Death Eaters that could possibly be, at this very minute, around the corner. And, well, rightly so.
Footsteps rebounded sinisterly off of the stone walls, and wand light flickered at the end of the hallway, coming closer. James turned, hazel eyes bearing into hers. "Please Lily. Hide, run. Anything. Please," he pleaded.
Lily looked up at him, wondering whether this James Potter had been their all along, or if it was a long lost twin. Captivated, she couldn't doubt his sincerity. "Sorry, James."
Swiftly moving shadows fluttered across the corner. They both tensed wands ready.
Somehow this wasn't what Lily had imagined for their first date.