Lily Evans sat in the common room and cried. Her parents had died, yet she was stuck at Hogwarts. Petunia refused to delay the funeral to a time when she could be home, so she was stuck grieving without any real closure. She felt like she was standing on the edge of something, and she wasn't sure she could make it across.

Of course, as life does, life moved past her. As a seventh year, she was busy with studying for N.E.W.T.s and the piles of homework the teachers gave them. She never truly had time to grieve, and she struggled to balance her emotions with her piles of schoolwork. Both threatened to knock her down.

The only respite in her struggle was James Potter. He was always there when she had a bad day, and he never failed to make her smile. Even as she felt she was walking a tightrope, he was always there to catch her when she fell. She smiled slightly, looking at the portrait hole as it opened. As they say, speak of the devil and he shall appear.

"Hey Evans! I have a surprise for you." His voice carried across the common room, but the only thing she cared about was that it was directed towards her. She grinned at him, and walked over.

"What is it this time, Potter?" She stands on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek. "Have you and those Marauders of yours finally created a prank you can't undo?"

"No, this time it's a good surprise. I solemnly swear on my Marauder's honor," he replied, grinning at her open show of affection.

"There really isn't much honor in that, but I suppose I'll believe you," she answered cheekily, smirking.

He chuckled, and it made him look even more handsome. It took all she had not to kiss him right there, in front of the entire common room. He always knew what to say to get her to cheer up, even on her darkest days. He reached out and grasped her hand, a mischievous smile working its way onto his face.

In what felt like no time at all they were down by the Quidditch Pitch, where James' broom was waiting. She looked at it, slightly worried as she had never been on a broom that fast. He glanced at her, noticing her worry, and squeezed her hand tightly. She smiled up at him, happy he was there with her. He pulled her over to his broom, a smile on his face.

"Don't worry Lily. We're only using the broom to get to your surprise," he said, smiling reassuringly.

"Do you promise not to let me go?" She asked, staring into his eyes.

"Never. I promise." At his affirmation, she climbed onto the broom, never releasing his hand. He sat behind her, and they took off. She shut her eyes tight, not wanting to see how high they were. After a minute or two, she felt his breath on her ear. "Lily, open your eyes."

"James, I'm afraid," she admitted.

"Lily, what did I promise?" He asked her, and she felt him smiling.

"You promised to never let go," she remembered, and slowly opened her eyes. "Oh, James. It's beautiful." A smile grew on her face.

"Yeah, the view is breathtaking, isn't it." She turned and saw him looking at her. A light blush rose to her cheeks as they began to descend towards the lake, where James had set up a picnic. Once their feet were back on the ground, Lily quickly dismounted, pulling James with her. They walked to the blanket and sat down.

"Oh James, this is a wonderful surprise. Why would you do all of this?" She smiled at him, obviously very happy.

"Lily, you've just seemed so sad ever since your parents died. I just wanted to do something nice for you, so I could see a smile on your face again," he replied, running a hand through his already messy hair. She used to be so mad when he did that, but now it just made him all the more perfect in her eyes. She had truly fallen for the hazel-eyed Gryffindor chaser. She hugged him tightly, enjoying his presence.

"Thank you so much, James. For everything," she said in a voice thick with tears. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but it must have been something amazing." He didn't seem to notice the growing wet spot on his shirt as she cried, finally letting out the emotions she had been holding in ever since she lost her parents. He wrapped his arms around her, and she felt a feeling of safety wash over her.

"I'm glad you finally decided I wasn't an arrogant prick, or whatever it was you called me for six years. I've loved you for a long time, Lily Evans, and I hope you'll love me as long as we live." His heartfelt declaration was accompanied by a kiss on her head as he sat hugging her like she was the only thing that mattered.

She sniffled, a giggle coming from her mouth despite her crying. "I don't know how you did it, but you made me fall in love with you. I'm so glad I did, though. I don't know what I'd do if you weren't around. I love you, James Potter, so I risk it all just to be with you." His only response was the tightening of his arms around her midsection. The two sat like that for quite some time before they pulled apart, still joined at the hands.

They began eating the wonderful picnic James had prepared, and gradually they began to return to their joyful selves. Laughter and smiles filled the rest of their afternoon as James and Lily spent time healing and simply enjoying being together.