How happy are you that there's another chapter? You're ecstatic, I know. :) Enjoy! But before you go….I do not own the idea of James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, Peter, you get the point….but I DO own their personalities, somewhat and what goes on between them in this story. Not that you couldn't have guessed…..

"Lily! Wake up. It's Hogsmead."

"Hang on…..Oof. Yep, I'm sore from standing in the stands yesterday." There was a Quidditch game yesterday and we were late, so we had to stand. Fun, right? Anyway. I managed to hoist myself off the bed, somehow and get dressed. Well, I don't feel like narrating with stiff muscles, so let me skip ahead.

"Hello my honey, hello my darling, hello my ragtime gal!"

"Potter, stop spouting off random Muggle songs."

"Not until you smile."

"Why would I do that? You're here." Jeanne giggled next to me; Potter's face fell. Now I could smile, but I won't. That would just please him. But it might make him go away…. Nah, too much work.

"You're mean today."

"Yeah, and?"

"You need cake." He walked towards me with his arms out.

"Potter, don't you dare." He smirked and threw me over his shoulder. I kicked and screamed all the way there. It wasn't too effective. Jeanne just followed with a grin on her face. We walked- or Potter and Jeanne did, I was carried- into Madam Puddifoot's. Why here?

"There you go."

"Now you put me down. Why are we here, again?"

"To get you cake."

"You are a crazy man, Potter."

"Yay! You called me a man- uh; let's pretend you didn't hear that."

"Fine with me. Jeanne, sit down, come on, it's okay." Potter grabbed my arm and sat me down next to him. "What are you doing, Potter?"

"Helping you sit down."

"Why next to you?"

"Who's been after you since first year?"

"Right…..so….." Madam Puddifoot finally got around to our table.

"What would you like to-"

"Cake," James said without letting her finish.

"I'll have some tea, please. Jeanne, what do you want?"

"Coffee, please."

"Nothing to drink for you, dear?" she asked James.

"Umm, tea."

"It'll be out in a few minutes."

"Thank you." Wasn't that a fascinating and riveting event?

"Potter, is there any specific reason you ordered tea?"

"Yeah, but you won't want to hear it."

"I think I know what it is. I don't feel like yelling anymore."

"Maybe because you yelled all the way here."

"Only because you slung me over your shoulder!"

"Guys, stop yelling. People are starting to stare." Indeed they were. I blushed in embarrassment and sipped my tea once it had arrived. Unfortunately, I was too eager once it came. I hissed in pain. Very hot tea.

"Ow."

"Need a kiss to make it better?"

"Don't even try it, Potter."

"My hopes are crushed."

"So how did you get rid of your buddies?"

"I gave them gift cards to Honeydukes."

"You mean you spoiled them with your parents' riches?"

"That's pretty much it, yes." I shook my head.

"Never thought you'd need to bribe your friends."

"It's the only way I could be sure they wouldn't actually spy on me. A guy can't stay away from sweets. Especially ones with bright green gumdrop eyes."

"Potter!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Jeanne was smirking.

"Don't say a word." I glared daggers at her.

"I think I'll go to the Quillshop. Ta ta." She drained her coffee and fumbled in her pockets for the right amount of coins.

"Don't worry, friend of Lily's; I'll take care of it." She nodded at Potter and left, avoiding my glare with a smirk on her face.

"She is going to hear from me later."

"I don't doubt it. I'll probably talk to her, too. I'd like to thank her."

"Watch it."

"What if I don't want to?"

"Then I think you'll find a very unforgiving knee in your groin and a hand around your throat."

"Was that a threat, Miss Evans?"

"Indeed it was, Mr. Potter." I quickly hopped over to sit at the other end of the table and out of his reach.

"I see where we stand. Er- sit, rather."

"Yes, you're very articulate today."

"I know, right?"

"Before we go straight into the sarcastic banter, you are going to promise me something."

"Anything for you."

"You haven't heard what I want yet."

"So?"

"You are not to ask me out again or make any moves on me until after the holidays."

"But you and I are the only Gryffindors staying over."

"Oh, please. You've got a nice comfy mansion to go home to."

"Then come with me."

"Only in your dreams."

"But those are very sweet dreams."

"Whatever, just agree to the deal so you won't make me sick."

"I would never do that."

"Intentionally."

"Good point."

"Anyway, promise."

"I promise."

"You promise to…." I prodded.

"I promise to keep our relationship no more than friendly until after the holidays."

"Good."

"As long as you allow me to take you to the dance."

"Hmm. To be annoyed and asked out a lot or to be miserable, hmmm….."

"Oh, you know you want to go with me. Besides, your misery will only be temporary."

"I'd rather not."

"Fine. Evans, go with me to the next Hogsmead trip?"

"Not on your life."

"Okay then, misery it is."

"Oh, you!"

"'Oh, me' what?"

"You are very clever."

"I know it."

"And so are your friends."

"What?" Three faces were peering through the glass window of the store. Actually, one was pressed against the glass and distorted, one was peering, and the other was standing nearby, looking away. Or down at a book: I couldn't tell. Guess who was who? In order they were Black, Pettigrew, and Remus. Anyway, Potter turned around and I saw his glower. It had no effect on either of the three.

"Well, I guess I'd better go then, shall I?"

"Yeah, I'll come with you."

"Why? Our friendly gathering is over, I believe."

"Well, I've got to go pound Padfoot into the ground so I'm leaving, too."

"Whatever." I started walking. I was halfway to the door when I heard the clatter of coins hitting the table and running footsteps. Wow, that boy never gives up. I was by the door this time, but before I could leave, the 'lovely James Potter' opened it for me.

"Potter, I can deal with a door by myself.

"But you shouldn't have to."

"I'm going to the dance with you, so shut up and go away."

"Your wish is my command." And with that, he departed for the trio at the other end of the teashop with, "Padfoot, you'd better start running!" I heard a laugh and saw what must have been Black retreat into the distance. Suddenly the wind picked up and the remnants of snow swirled around me. I put my hood up and started towards the Quillshop to find Jeanne. I needed some parchment. Soon after that, I would need to comfort of a Hogwarts fire and a squishy armchair.

"Oh, Lilyflower." Potter singsonged.

"Ugh, Potter, get lost. I'm trying to sleep."

"Yeah, but you're in the middle of the common room, smudging the ink on your essay. It's late: you should get to bed." Common room? Since when? I sat up groggily. Yep. Common room. And my essay was smudged. Great. I wonder what my face looked like. It must have looked funny, since James-Potter took one look at me and tried to suppress a smile. Tried, being the key word.

"Stop smirking and clean it up. I can't see it!"

"Yes, Oh Queen." I glared at him. He just laughed. I took this moment to look around me. The only people in the common room were me and Potter. Joy and fun. It really was late.

"So what did you do to Black?"

"You'll see in the morning."

"Why isn't he down here making fun of me with you?"

"I did tell you it was late."

"Then why are you awake?"

"Because I needed to make sure you were okay." Aww, how sweet. Lily! Stop it. You're only going to the dance to get him to leave you alone for a while. Or is it? Stop it! Fine, fine.

"What happened to our deal? You know, you leaving me alone as long as I go to the dance with you?"

"And what in my manner has led you to believe that I am doing anything other than being friendly?"

"Touché. Now clean my face off. It's evanesco, remember? We had worked on Charms a bit during a free period a few weeks ago. The holidays were two weeks away and Potter hadn't stopped talking to me yet, despite our deal.

"Yes, of course I remember. Evanesco!" He said, pointing at my face. I tried not to flinch, but I did and the spell hit the sofa behind me, causing it to sizzle and blacken.

"Never mind, I'll do it so we don't set the common room on fire." I touched my wand to my face and silently performed the spell. Somehow, I was able to do perform spells without speaking better than some of the teachers. It was one of my inexplicable skills. James- I mean, Potter was awed by this, even though he was the next best in our year at it.

"Wait, why can't we set the common room on fire?"

"Because I am a Prefect and will not allow it. No let's get to bed."

"But that means I can't see you."

"Remember our deal, or you will find yourself without a date to the dance and you will have made a fool of yourself."

"Oh, fine. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Potter."

"If we're friends now, why don't you call me James?"

"Old habits die hard."

"That's all too true, my Lily."

"I'm not yours, Potter."

"No, not yet." I opened my mouth to retort, but I knew there was no point.

"Be gone with your inflated head and silly notions." He chuckled and climbed the stairs to his dormitory. I followed suit and headed off to bed.

So, what did you guys think? I hope you liked it. :)