Author's Note: This is my first attempt at a James and Lily story. I have been a long time reader of the pair, but have always had trouble writing them. The pair are mysterious and elusive to me. I've been working on this idea for a while, and I will probably regret posting it. But anyways...

...

So there they sat. On opposite ends of the narrow and crammed train compartment, listening to the Head Boy and Girl divvy up rounds and responsibilities. He hadn't looked at her once. Lily Evans, typically known for her composure, sat rigidly on the train bench, growing more and more frustrated by the moment. She had even worn her hair the way she knew he liked.

Merlin, not even an, "Alright, Evans?" or a sharp, "Stuff it, Lils."

James Potter was already driving her mad, and he had yet to speak to her. Tall and covered in the lean muscles, his clothes hung on him in the way only old money could allow. Lily knew he came from money, although neither he, nor his best friend Sirius Black, ever made it a point. But those boys carried themselves in a way that boasted good breeding. It was their ridiculous antics that grounded them.

But the handsome English boy sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Brow furrowed as he listened attentively.

Now this baffled the red headed prefect. James Potter was actually paying attention? He wasn't kicked back, flirting with whatever girl caught his attention (which used to be Lily). He wasn't playing with that blasted snitch, or ruffling up his unruly dark hair. James Potter, with his steel cut jaw and his frustratingly drawing eyes were fixed on Helene Silverman as she droned on about the importance of being punctual for nightly rounds.

Now Lily would have been paying attention too. Honestly. She was always in the know. Being a prefect was a big honor and responsibility, that she took seriously. Especially because it would help boost her application for the prestigious Healer program that she was so keen to start after her graduation from Hogwarts.

But right now, Lily was actively talking herself back into following through with the plans she had made since early this summer. She had made this pact with herself, after her rubbish bin filled with letter after unfinished letter. It was just about time to make good on it.

Sooner than the she was ready, the start of term prefect meeting was over and all the prefects began rising and milling about the carriage. Lily waited as patiently as she could, as some of the prefects started heading back to other compartments to be with their friends.

Her green eyes kept watch over the dark haired boy. Who was currently chatting with Dexter Wood, a fellow Gryffindor in 7th year. He and James were teammates on the quidditch team. She sat there feigning patience and not after too long, the boys said their goodbyes and started exiting the door.

Before she could lose delicate nerve, Lily quickly rose from her seat, straightened her skirt, fluffed her hair, swallowed her pride and said, "Potter."

Both boys stopped and turned round. Dex, who had always been on friendly terms with Lily, smiled pleasantly, "Lily Evans, always a pleasure. You are getting more beautiful every year."

Lily blushed, as she always did when she received this type of attention from boys. Which was often. She noticed James stiffen at his compliment, his defined jaw flexing as his eyes fixed themselves on his satchel that was slung over the dark haired boys shoulder. "Thanks Dex. I hope you had a nice summer," Lily offered politely.

Dex opened his mouth to continue, but Lily cut him off, "I just needed a quick word with Potter, if you don't mind?" Lily told the 7th year sweetly.

Dex's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Everyone knew of the infamous animosity between she and James Potter. He let out a surprised laugh, and chucked James on the shoulder. "Be gentle with him Lily," The older boy winked and left the awkward couple alone in the carriage.

Lily felt the blush creeping back up her neck, when she began, "Potter, listen-"

"Evans, I can't talk right now. I have somewhere to be," James interrupted, his voice impatient and clipped. Lily was once again shocked at her obvious dismissal, and even more so when she realized James was turning to leave. He had never turned down an opportunity to be alone with her before.

This infuriated Lily for some reason. Godric, she was trying to be a decent person here! Before she could stop herself, she quickly skirted around him to block his exit out the door. "Well, that will not be a problem because this will not take long," she shot back at him, her voice as sharp as his.

James stopped short and backed up, as if he was afraid of accidentally touching her. Lily rolled her eyes and crossed her arms impatiently over her chest, already tired of the conversation they had yet to have. She noticed him give a nod to someone over her shoulder, and quickly glanced to see Sirius, Remus and Peter (the rest of the marauder's) waiting for him just down the train corridor.

Lily gave the group of boys an unamused wave, which was kindly returned by Remus, eagerly returned by Peter, and not returned at all by Sirius, who just blew her kisses.

"Did you need something, Evans?" asked James quickly, pulling Lily's attention back to the carriage where they stood, in an odd standoff. Shifting his satchel more comfortably over his shoulder, James looked around at the compartment. He looked at anything but her.

"Uh, yes. Listen, I wanted to say I'm sorry," Lily started, her voice getting quieter on the last words, and James' eyes quickly flicked to her's.

"You don't need to do this," He told her tightly, making to leave again.

Lily just moved into his path once more, determined. Continuing, she blushed, but kept her voice steady, "No. I do. At the end of last term, I was upset. I...I was very angry with you," She explained to his chest. "I acted - well, I was cruel, and the more I think about how I was to you, the more embarrassed I am. I used the way you felt about me to hurt you. And I'm ashamed of myself-"

"Evans, just stop." He told her, his voice angry and emotional. Their eyes caught for a moment and something strange passed between them. He leaned in, his hazel's eyes fixed on her mouth. Lifting a hand, just an inch, before dropping it, and once again making for the exit. This same something caused Lily to reach out and grab the front of the shirt of the boy she swore she loathed, and push him against the wall to stop his retreat.

James' back hit the compartment wall, and his jaw flexed in frustration. He was stronger than her. It was not debatable, but he allowed himself to be thrown about, with no fight left in him.

"I'm sorry, James," the redhead told him, her eyes hard and earnest, and James' eyes widened in shock as he looked down at the determined girl in front of him. She hadn't called him James in years.

With their bodies as close as they were, she couldn't help but feel the muscles flexing beneath her hand that she kept on his chest. And he could smell her perfume. They stilled for a moment, as their breathing slowed.

"What do you want, Evans?" He asked her, quietly. Sounding like he was in some sort of pain. Lily seemed to come to herself and she let go of him then. Her mouth opening as if to answer, before shutting it again. Her lovely cheeks pinked in a rather endearing way, and her green eyes glanced off in the distance. As if she was trying to find the answer there.

James straightened up. Running a hard hand through his dark hair. He couldn't help but think, 'This girl. Why this girl?'

Finally realizing what she wanted needed to be said, Lily answered the desperate boy, "James, I don't want you to think that I am still that same person from last year."

James let out a long breath, before taking a step towards her. Lily arched back to meet his hazel gaze. "Don't we all, Lily," he agreed solemnly, before catching up his satchel once more and exiting the compartment.

Lily stood there for a long moment, ignoring the tingle in her spine that hearing her name from his lips brought about.