Disclaimer: I do not own any of this, obviously...

A/N: This is my first fanfiction ever, so I'm sure it's quite horrid.There will be several more chapters, and if I'm slow with updates, I apologize. School is quite hellish and I have other obligations. Thanks so much and try to enjoy :

"Listen, Potter. I do not want to be here any more than you do, but McGonagall is forcing us, and I don't see any way of getting out of it." I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to clear my head, trying to imagine what it would be like anywhere but here, away from this git. "Let's just not make this any worse than it already is, alright?" When I opened my eyes again, he was looking at me with the oddest expression on his face. He looked almost hurt.

"Who said I didn't want to be here?" He asked with complete sincerity. My expression must have turned somewhat alarmed for his mocking smirk and teasing hazel eyes returned after a moment.

"Right, well. Transfiguration. You're failing that class. You heard McGonagall. She's going to have to dismiss you of your Head duties as well as your place as quidditch captain if I do not help you raise you grade. So let me."

He leaned back into the cushioned chairs of the ancient library, his hazel eyes boring into my own shining emerald eyes. "Okay."

My eyes widened slightly; James Potter never, never, gave in. Maybe he was starting to get serious about his life after all. "Okay." I smiled and pulled a thick leather-bound textbook out of my book bag. It landed on the table with a dull thud. Madam Pince threw Potter and I a look that could kill. She was one of the few members of faculty that was still quite young and it was obvious that she would one day become one of those bitter old hags who ran the library, practically murdering students just for sneezing.

James smirked at me after Madam Pince turned away and my heart fluttered for a moment, before I could stop myself. I instantly knew that I was going to be in for a long night.

"No! Wait! You have to hold your wand erect, like so." I grabbed his hand and forced it into the correct position for transforming the radio back into a rat, ignoring my rioting hormones. Just because James was being civil did not mean anything.

I grinned largely when he successfully transfigured the radio and his expression matched my own. I was about to speak when I heard the clock chime eleven. It was time for our patrol.

"Come on." He stood gracefully, gathering his books and one hand and offering his other to me. With no thoughts of why not, I took his hand and he helped me out of my seat. He tugged a hand through his unkempt inky black hair ruggedly, making the muscles built up from numerous years as a quidditch star strain against his shirt. We walked along the corridors in comfortable silence for a while before he finally spoke. "Thank you, for helping me. I know you don't want to and that you hate me. What did McGonagall say she'd do to you if you didn't tutor me?"

"I don't hate you." I muttered almost inaudibly.

"What was that?"

"I don't hate you, James." I said a bit louder, with more conviction. "As much as I dislike you, I don't hate you."

He smiled sadly and stopped suddenly, turning to face me. "I don't think that's true." James paused thoughtfully, as though everything depended on this one conversation and maybe it did. "As much as I'd like it to be, I don't think it is." He touched my cheek with his fingertips, barely grazing my skin. My cheek tingled unsettlingly pleasantly at his touch. James cast me one last doleful look before heading back to the Heads' dormitories.

As much as I'd hate to admit it, his words stung. I know we bickered constantly, but I could never hate him. He was arrogant and cocky and self-assured, but he was charming and protected those he cared for. James had a certain air about him that put him above the rest. Dumbledore believed in him and if that wasn't enough of a reason to put faith in someone, I don't know what is.

It wasn't until much later, when I was in bed, reflecting on the events of that night, that I realized I had called him James.