The heat beat down relentlessly from the brightly burning sun, giving the Hogwarts Grounds a temperature more suited to warmer climes than Scotland, even if it was June. All around her people were sunbathing, chatting to friends, or splashing each other down by the Lake, but sat here in the shade of the wide beech tree it was pleasantly quiet. That was why Lily had chosen to sit there in the first place, thinking it was the perfect place to get some revision done. She sighed as she looked over her Transfiguration notes. She had so much to learn for the upcoming exam, and maybe she would be able to get started if it weren't so bloody hot! How was anyone meant to concentrate in this heat? And the Hufflepuff girls down by the Lake weren't exactly helping with their incessant squealing!

"For Merlin's sake it was only a bit of water!" she muttered under her breath, glaring at a particularly annoying one who appeared to be having a heart attack over her now slightly damp dress.

"What was that Evans?" said a loud voice behind her.

Jumping, Lily whirled around, coming face-to-knee with the last person she wanted to see.

"I was just thinking to myself how annoying it is to be interrupted, Potter." She said craning her neck up to look at his face so she could scowl at him. He simply grinned back down at her.

"I can't imagine how someone would ever be inconsiderate enough to do that" he said, smirking,"What are you doing anyway?"

"None of your business Potter"

"Oh don't be like that! I could help!"

She snorted. "Don't make me laugh. As if you would ever help me!"

"You wound me Evans. How could you ever think that of me?"

"Oh let me see. Could it be because every time I so much as walk near you I somehow end up covered in something green and slimy? Or because you seem to think it is your duty to trick, hassle and otherwise annoy me whenever you can? Or maybe it's because - "

"All right, all right, I get it! I haven't exactly been the most trustworthy person ever, but I really mean it when I say I could help you. You're doing Transfiguration revision, right? Well, not to sound arrogant or anything, but I'm actually really good at Transfiguration. I could help you with anything you don't understand. You know, if you wanted me too."

Lily stared at him in shock. Did he sound unsure? The James Potter she knew never sounded unsure! Arrogant, yes. Cocky, yes. But unsure? It made him sound like he was being genuine, like he actually wanted to help her. And that made her nervous. But then again, she really did need help. Transfiguration was hardly her best subject, and she needed a good grade in it if she wanted to be an Auror. Biting her lip, she studied him sceptically. "If I agreed to let you help me – and that is an if – what exactly would you be doing?"

James' grin widened as she said this and when he next spoke he sounded more like himself. Cocky.

"Well, first I would tell you to put away all of your books. It's far too hot out here to be doing any studying." Seeing that she was about to protest, he held up a hand, effectively cutting her off. "I'm not saying that you should stop for good, I'm just saying you should stop for now. Wait until later when it's cooler and you can study inside. You'll learn more then anyway. It'll be easier to concentrate."

Lily nodded, seeing that what he was saying made sense. "So what do you suggest then?" She asked.

"I suggest that we meet up later in the Library. Say around 8 o'clock?"

"Oh, um yeah, Ok then." Lily stuttered. That wasn't what she had expected him to say. James smiled at her.

"See you later then." He said before turning and walking away. Lily watched him go, worrying about what she had just got herself into.