Author's Note: All rights of Harry Potter to JK Rowling.

As the days went on, Potter and I had the routine down. I got first shower, and then I would change. Next he would shower while I got ready in front of the sink and mirror. He could shower and be ready for class in the time it took me to decide hair, makeup, and shoes for that day.

Of course that was just the morning. We finally came to the agreement that unless I was naked, he was allowed to use the bathroom if needed. So then came the awkward half-dressed encounters on both ends. I noted on more than one occasion his morning, er, 'friend'. Potter sometimes even helped me with the back of my hair, learning spells to smooth out the mess into loose curls or straight locks. We generally got along okay, which was a complete change from any other time in our relationship. He didn't kiss me again, which I was grateful for. It made living with him easier if I knew he wasn't going to sneak attack around every corner.

By the end of the first month of our seventh year, I didn't even panic when Potter walked in on me in the bare minimum clothing (bra and knickers). I ignored him (and his naked reflection) as he stripped down and jumped into the shower. We finally had a good thing going. He agreed to stop making sexual jokes directed at me if I smiled politely and spent time 'getting to know him' so we could get along better. Which benefited everyone; it eliminated anger and brought a general understanding towards each other.

Our complicated story really begins in the beginning of November.

"Lily, I'm sure you've heard this thousands of times, but your eyes are beautiful." Trevor Locke stared deeply into my eyes, and I felt giddy as he leaned closer. I closed my eyes, and his lips just barely brushed mine when he yelled, "Bloody Hell!"

My eyes shot open. "What happened?" I asked, slightly panicked as I observed him doubled over and clutching his stomach.

"Sorry, Lily." Trevor straightened up with a look of pain and hurried away.

I scoured my mind for any possible explanation, coming to one conclusion. I stocked back to the Head's common room. I burst into Potter's bedroom, which was slightly disarrayed, and marched over to the bed. I shook his shoulder hard, not believing one bit that he was asleep.

Either he actually was (which I completely doubted) or he was a better actor than I thought possible. "Potter?"

"Mmm, Lils." His hand shot out and grabbed me around the waist, to my surprise, and I was pulled down against him, under the covers. He was only in boxers, and I noted with a blush his amazing abdomen muscles. Up close and personal. Pressed against me.

"Potter," I choked out, slightly outraged but mostly amused. But I should be completely angry. Whatever; I'd analyze my emotions sometime when I wasn't being pulled up against a buff, almost naked Quidditch player. In his bed. I gulped, not liking where this was headed.

He nuzzled his nose into my neck, taking a deep breath. His arms surrounded mine in a tight lock. "You smell pretty," he mumbled against my shoulder.

"Potter!" I found my voice at last.

"Huh?" His eyes fluttered open, a hand immediately reaching out for his glasses. "Lily, why are you in my bed?"

"You little git," I said, sitting up. "You bloody well know why. And by the way, what you did to Trevor? Uncalled for. If you ever do that again, I'm having you reported and your title taken away." I marched back into my room, slamming the door.

"Lily Evans," I heard as I tossed my robes into a corner. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Black, you shouldn't scare me like that," I gasped, trying to restart my heart. Sirius was lounging in the sole chair in the room. I loosened my tie and chucked it in the general direction of where my robes landed. Untucking my shirt, I kicked off my shoes and yanked off my stockings.

"You know, if James walked in her, it would look like you were undressing for me," Sirius said conversationally.

"I don't care what the wanker thinks," I informed him.

"And that's the reason I'm here. That wasn't James who hexed Trevor. It was me."

What? "Why?" I asked.

"Because James is my best friend, and no matter how much I support freedom to choose, I'd rather not watch him torment himself over the girl he loves kissing someone else."

I rolled my eyes. "You lot are still on about him loving me? Isn't the joke getting old yet?" I sat on my bed, facing him.

"He really does love you. A concept I don't understand, but of course it's not me. Anyways, Evans, if you know what's good for you, you won't go around kissing, touching, or even flirting with other boys. There's one man for you."

I glared. "Is that a threat, Black?" I said menacingly.

He merely laughed. "It's a fact; you're not going to break my best mate's heart. Prongs deserves you, so do us all a favor and get over yourself. You know you love him, you just won't admit it. And its fine for now, don't, just keep not admitting it while you let him kiss you."

"Detention tonight, Black," I said coldly.

He laughed. "Bring it, Evans. Just remember on your wedding day what, more specifically who, got you to realize how much you really did like him."

"Out." He easily got up and left. I shook my head at what he said; usually he thought it was funny when I rejected Potter. Speaking of which, he hadn't asked me out once this year. I sighed and collapsed on my bed. This was going to be interesting.

Looking back to what I was feeling earlier, and what Black said, I felt very confused. He loved me? For real, not a joke? And I almost enjoyed as he hugged me to him.

I shook my head out, deciding it was nothing but hormones. I lusted after the body, that was all; he had been nearly naked, and that abdomen was god-like by any standard.

So I lusted but didn't like. Interesting analysis of myself. I'd have to see what Marlene thought.

oO0Oo

"You're insane." Marlene's head rested in her hand as she glared through fingers across the library table.

"You're a bitch," I informed her.

"Maybe I wouldn't have to be if you got your shit together, Lily. For crying out loud, everyone who has ever had a beating heart wishes for someone who loves them. I'm positive there's nothing he wouldn't do for you. Try it sometime."

"You're getting off topic."

"As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, just give him a chance. You don't have to commit, or say anything. Just go along with him to Hogsmeade; if it makes you feel any better, call it a day with a friend. You're killing the damn man, ripping him apart from the heart."

"And me?" I asked, almost afraid of the answer.

"You're too scared to love, after your sister abandoned you, your mum died, and your dad became emotionally unavailable. You're afraid to trust, so you naturally shun relationships. Just open yourself a bit at a time, and maybe you'll like James."

I wasn't sure how much of that was true, but I thanked Marlene and we continued working on our homework.

oO0Oo

I was walking slowly near the lake as the sun set, appreciating the brilliant colours reflecting off the water. I sat under an ancient tree with my transfiguration book. I had to finish the chapter for tomorrow morning.

Eventually the sun disappeared and a cool, crisp breeze set over the lake. I got up and stretched. I started the trek back up to the castle under the stars.

"Going somewhere, mudblood?" I heard, a male voice. I jumped, looking around. Five people instantly surrounded me. My body tensed in fear. I reached into my robes and gripped my wand, but, "Expelliarmus. Thought you could get one on us, did you?" the same voice sneered. My wand was nowhere in sight and I could hear blood rush through my head.

"What do you want?" I squeaked.

"To put filthy mudbloods like you in their place. You march around with your badge, thinking you're so high and mighty, when really you're nothing more than a tarnished spot to the name 'witch'." It was a new voice now, female.

"Who are you?" I demanded. I would give them detention for the rest of the year. If only they tilted their heads up a bit further I would see past the shadow of their hoods.

Several voices laughed; nerve-racking crackling that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. "Like we'd tell you."

And suddenly, with a jet of dark light I was thrown backwards, up into the air. I landed painfully in the lake, my body shocked from the freezing water. I couldn't move because of the pain on my back. I'd slapped the water hard. It felt as if my head hit a rock. My robes splayed open as I slowly sunk downwards.

When my body got over the initial shock and my head cleared somewhat my lungs started begging for oxygen. I kicked and kicked, until I could see the moonlight from the surface a foot above my face. And then there were tentacles around me, pulling down; one creature on each arm and several on my legs, my back, one tangled in my hair... I struggled, screaming curses through the water at them. Without my wand it was useless as I was dragged downward, feeling bites over my body. My lungs were burning and I felt dizzy. I choked on water as my body decided to take a breath underwater. My eyes closed of their own accord as I still struggled against the mass of bodies converging on me.

And they dropped from me; opening my eyes I saw flashes of red light all around me. Strong arms caught my waist and a bright yellow light flashed; we were speeding upwards. I was vaguely aware of us flying back towards the shore; I landed painfully on rocks and my eyes closed blissfully.

oO0Oo

My eyes flew open as I choked on water. I coughed mercilessly, spitting up everything that was in my lungs. "Thank Merlin, Lily." I rolled onto my stomach as I panted, still spitting up water into the cool grass beneath me. My body shook in complete exhaustion and coldness. I set my head down and took a deep, stabilizing breath. A hand stroked my back soothingly. I reached my hand out, palm up, and a big hand covered mine. "I thought I was too late, Lily. I love you, and I'm sorry that happened."

I would recognize Potter's voice anywhere. "Thank you," I whispered through my sore throat. It was all I could get out in gratitude for him saving my life. My body continued to shake as I was scooped up from the ground and cradled to Potter's chest. I nestled my face into his warm neck; even though he was soaking, he was warmer by far than me. A small trickle of blood in my hair told me my head was hurt, so I stayed still. Eventually I caught my breath enough to ask, "How did you find me?"

"I have my ways," he said elusively.

"What happened to them? Who were they?" I closed my eyes as I let his neck warm up my eyelids.

"They were aspiring Death Eaters, I'm afraid. I'm not quite sure who, but Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail should be able to tell us more later."

"Death Eaters?"

"Those who follow You-Know-Who."

"Oh." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Thank you for being my hero."

"Anytime, Lils."

We made it back to the Heads' dormitories. But instead of dropping me off in my room, Potter went straight to his. "Why am I in here?" I asked resignedly. He set me gently on my feet and I could barely hold myself up I was shaking so bad. My whole body screamed at me to lay down, but Potter held me up.

"You're staying with me tonight."

His hands opened my robes and started yanking at my clothes. Potter pulled off my sweater and I didn't resist. He quickly pulled off my tie and pulled my blouse, effectively untucking it. Potter's hands ripped open the buttons on my shirt and he pushed it off my shoulders. He pulled my feet out of my shoes. From his spot kneeling he pulled off my skirt and stockings. "Why?" I asked tiredly. Would he really sink so low as to take advantage of my fragile state?

"Because I take hypothermia seriously. Padfoot got it last year when he got thrown in, and I want you to be healthy."

"Madam Pomfrey—"

"Is new at her job and couldn't do much for Padfoot. I certainly do not trust her with you. Besides, I healed the cut on your head just fine. I'm just as qualified as her." Potter said this as he lifted me into his bed and under the soft blankets. "Trust me," he said into the silence.

And it was that moment when I realized James Potter had changed from the arrogant, self-absorbed arse that I grew up knowing into someone who cared for another. In that moment I felt completely safe. "I trust you."

He yanked off his shirt and tie while he kicked off his shoes and socks. "Do you mind?" I had no idea what he meant to ask as I sleepily shook my head. I was fighting just to keep my eyes open, let alone understand what he wanted to do. I blinked to make sure I was seeing him right as he pulled down his pants and was left standing in his boxers. He quickly slipped into the bed.

Potter didn't need to move to me; I automatically went to him. I felt the heat from a foot away, and I didn't hesitate as I pressed my near naked body into his. "For a moment there, I thought I was going to loose you. I couldn't see you in the water; I had to look for a while. You know I couldn't live with myself if I was too late to save you. Lily Evans, just let me hold you." I let his arms slip around me. Blame it on my tiredness, or maybe just the way I now saw him, my hero, but as I pressed up against him, I slid my arms around his neck and fully lied on top of him. He was warm, and I fell asleep with my face pressed against his chest.

Author's Note: Tell me what you guys think. I'll keep updating if you say you like it.