Lily Evans sat in the Gryffindor common room beside the fireplace. The fire was crackling merrily and the castle was filled to the brim with Christmas decorations. It was nearly dawn of Christmas eve. The common room was pretty much empty, almost all of the students had gone home for the holidays. Not that there would be too many students awake at- 3 in the morning, she thought to herself as she checked her watch. Lily liked the peace and quiet. She could finally get her assignments done without any disturbances. Her friends were still sleeping in the dorm. She finished the last paragraph of her Potions essay( Describe the use of Mediterranean herbs in the making of healing potions)with haste. She had been awake all night and wanted to go to bed. She got up slowly, popping her fingers and yawning. With a flick of her wand, the parchment folded itself and flew inside her bag. She was about to head up when the portrait slid open and James Potter walked, no strutted inside the common room. A year ago, Potter's appearance would have made her anxious and irritated. She hated the ever-present arrogant smug on his face. But that was last year.

James had, well, changed. Lily had to admit it to herself begrudgingly. After the incident in the lake last year Potter hadn't looked her in the eye. She occasionally caught him staring at her, but he quickly averted his eyes. This behavior had been quite unnerving. She had even tried to talk to him a couple of times. James had simply made excuses and avoided her. She felt herself yanked back to reality as Potter smiled at her and walked up to her. He sat down beside her in a comfy chair. He spread his long legs and looked up at her once again.

"Hi Evans. Up so early?"

"I haven't slept all night. I was just about to head up, get some sleep."

James snorted and replied,

"You just don't want to deal with me right now do you? It's okay. I won't bother you."

Lily blushed uncharacteristically and replied,

"No! I really haven't slept all night."

Lily was sure James had muttered "Sure" in a quiet voice. She shook her head and turned around to leave.

"Evans?"

"Hmm?"

She turned around and looked at him. He gestured her to take the seat beside him. She sat down and looked at him, an inquiring look in her face.

"I- I wanted to apologize. About what happened by the lake last year. I really shouldn't have..."

His voice trailed off as he looked at her with genuine concern. Lily scrutinized him. Potter had never, ever apologized to her before. She wondered if he was messing with her. Her doubts vanished when she saw the look on his face. She smiled quietly and replied,

"Is that why you've been avoiding me all this time? Because you felt, what, ashamed?"

He nodded and added a weak smile. Lily didn't know what to say. Of all the scenarios in her head that involved Potter apologizing to her, she had never imagined Potter admitting to her that he was ashamed of his actions. She started to speak and paused, gathering words to say. She started and stopped again. James arched his eyebrows at her. Finally, she managed to utter a single phrase.

"It's okay."

James pondered over her reply for a while. He nodded slowly and turned around to face the fire, a small smile in his lips.

Sleep can wait, she thought to herself as she felt her cheeks redden. She too turned at the fire, enjoying it's warmth.

Hi! This is my first HP fanfiction. Tell me what you guys think. Leave reviews. I'll be writing longer chapters now on wards and the Marauders will come into big play after this. Thanks!