Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own Harry Potter or anything else that is owned by someone else that I put into this story.

A/N: This chapter starts off with James' point of view. I kinda liked writing from his POV so I very well might write some more chapters like this... Hope you like it.

Chapter 14

She'll Come Around

James reclined back in a big armchair in the Gryffindor Common Room.

What a night. He was thoroughly exhausted and was in no way going to fit a kip in today. It was already six a.m. and he would have to head down to breakfast soon and endure another long day of lessons.

He didn't mind being tired though. He enjoyed helping one of his best friends as he himself must endure something the rest of them couldn't imagine going through.

Sirius and Peter went to their dormitories earlier to fit in an hour kip before class, whereas Remus never attended classes after the full moon. It usually took too much energy out of him to be of any use, so he normally would sleep the entire day... James, however, was never able to sleep. He didn't take naps very well and would just be more tired afterwards. So he pulled an "all-nighter" and would just deal with the sleep deprivation. Maybe he'd have a cup of coffee at breakfast.

After a while, the early birds were up and were already going to breakfast. James remained in his chair, staring at the at the fire and thinking about Kat...

He wondered if she ever noticed that his heart would skip a beat every time he laid his eyes upon her.

He had mellowed out on the whole asking-her-out-everyday rhythm, but that still did not mean that he didn't think about it... Or think about being with her everyday. He wanted her to be a part of everything he did, that's why he wanted her there last night. Just knowing that she was up there watching them gave him a sense of peace.

He did wonder, though, how long she would keep up the denial barrier. He wasn't blind, he knew her heart would race every time she saw him. He noticed she would blush every time he grabbed her hand or complimented her.

So, he would have to keep waiting. After all, he had only been waiting for a couple weeks now... What would a few more do to him?

Drive him insane, no doubt.

He let out a heavy sigh... It sure was hard to wait... But, she was worth it.

Then, he looked over his shoulder as he heard more people descending the stairs. Down came Renee, Laura, and Jordan from the girls' dormitory. His heart sank a little once he saw that she wasn't with them. Oh well, he would wait for her, like always. James returned a sloppy smile and waved back at them as the three climbed out of the portrait hole.

A few more minutes went by as more people left the Tower. He sighed again and leaned his head back, beginning to think she might just ditch today... Which actually didn't sound like such a bad idea at the moment...

"Good morning, Prongs."

James hollered at the silky voice in his ear, leaping out of his chair involuntarily. He had not heard her tip toe behind him and sure enough, she had finally gotten him back for all the times he had scared her.

But he didn't care. There she was, standing in front of him looking adorable all sleepy eyed and grinning.

"Ha, ha. You finally got me," he mocked.

She giggled, "Yes, I finally did. Why are you sitting down here by yourself?" She cocked her head to the side questioningly.

James wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "Waiting for you, of course. Did you enjoy last night?"

"Yes, I did. It was very..." She paused and James watched her as they walked down the corridor to breakfast. "Neat to experience that." She then reached into her robes and pulled out his Invisibility Cloak.

"Glad you liked it. And thanks." He said, stuffing the Cloak in his own pocket.

"James..." He could not hide the fact that he loved it whenever she'd say his name, and he stopped with her as she stared up at him with those big, sleepy brownies. "Will you teach me how to become an Animagus?"

A little stunned, he paused before he answered, "I uh... It's not something I think I can teach... I mean, yes I know we all taught each other... But it was different when we were learning together..."

"I think you can teach me just fine. I'm a very quick learner, I know how to produce a Patronus already. I mean... I am Dumbledore's granddaughter after all."

"You're what?" James did not hear her right.

She chuckled, "Yeah, surprise!" She exclaimed as she threw her hands up in the air, "I am his granddaughter and supposed to be like this big time awesome witch. Whatever, I'm nothing like that but hey, I can challenge myself just a little, right?"

"How are you his granddaughter?" He was still stuck on the subject.

"My grandmother had an affair with him, blah blah and then he told her he was a wizard and she left him... Kinda strange and it was very awkward when he told me. My mom is probably in her late twenties around now. She should have me in about three years... How strange..." She trailed off.

"Hey," he clapped a hand on her shoulder again, "sure, I can try to teach you how to be an Animagus. But you must know, it took us three years to learn it and it's supposed to take at least five. But I'm okay with the idea of you being here longer," he grinned widely, making his glasses bump upward. "It is a little different than learning a Patronus, though," he added.

"I know..." Kat said as they resumed walking. "And I'm not so sure what's going to happen anymore, James. Dumbledore hasn't found any way of getting me back, I almost think he doesn't want me to go back. He wants me here to keep helping him find the Horcruxes."

"The what?" James asked. Then her eyes went huge as if she realized she wasn't supposed to tell him.

"Oh, never mind. Sorry, you weren't supposed to know that."

"How come? You can tell me anything, Kat, you know you can."

She smiled at him, "I know."

After breakfast, they went to their lessons. James wasn't in any of Katharine's classes that day except for Defense Against the Dark Arts after lunch. This absolutely tortured him.

Sirius was in each of his classes today, so at least he had his best friend with him all day. It wasn't easy to hide his gloominess though. Sirius saw right through him, as always.

"Man, what's wrong with you? You've hardly said anything all morning except for breakfast," Sirius questioned as they headed to their next class.

"You know what's wrong, Padfoot. Don't make me say it," he groaned.

"Is it Kat?"

James frowned.

"Wow, you've got it bad," Sirius shook his head.

"I've got what bad?"

"You weren't even like this with Evans, mate! You literally can't stop thinking about her, can you?"

"No, I can't! I told you, I swear she's here for a reason! I've never cared so much about a relationship before in my life."

Sirius half sighed, half laughed at him. "Look man, I never thought I'd say this to you, but just focus on your NEWT's for now okay? Your time will come. This girl is a little overwhelmed right now, I mean come on," he lowered his voice but still spoke firmly, "she's from the future. She has a lot on her plate right now. So just chill."

"I know..." James sighed. "You wanna know what she asked me today?" Sirius shrugged his shoulders and James continued, "She asked me to teach her how to be an Animagus. I guess we inspired her," he laughed.

"I guess that's a good sign, mate. Quidditch practices, Animagus lessons - sounds like she keeps trying to be alone with you." Sirius punched him jokingly in the arm.

"I know right? See why I'm a mess? My heart is dangling on a string and she's teasing it like a cat with a mouse toy."

"Well, you shouldn't have put it on a string in the first place," Sirius said as they took their seats in Ancient Ruins next to Peter.

"Not helping, Sirius," James groaned.

Finally, James was reunited with Katharine and Defense Against the Dark Arts went by much faster than usual. It was his favorite class, but he enjoyed it far more when he was partnered with her. They were to practice an Anti-Disapparition Jinx that can prevent one from Disapparating or Apparating into an area for a period of time, such as preventing someone from entering an area or trapping someone in an area.

She was decent at it, but James was better. He had to admit to himself that he was definitely showing off for her. He couldn't help it; it was in his nature to act out.

The rest of the day the five of them studied together in the library for their NEWT's. Remus joined them at supper and went to the library with them. Three of the Marauders were against it, but Kat and Remus together had convinced them that it was best to get a head start.

Course James hadn't been able to focus much when Remus was drilling him with some practice quiz he had made up himself... Seriously, the guy studied WAY too much.

Anyway, James couldn't take his eyes off of Kat as her dark reddish hair was draped down her face and around the book she was reading...

Suddenly he took a blow to the head from his right, "JAMES! Mate! Snap out of it!"

James recoiled for a second and saw that it was Sirius who had slapped the bloody mess out of him.

"Dude, what the hell?"

"Get a hold of yourself and focus," Remus snapped at him from his left.

Peter was snickering next to Katharine. She was now looking at him, completely oblivious to his previous staring.

James blushed, "Sorry..."

After hours of studying, the other Marauders eventually understood the cues James had given them and they gave their lame excuses to leave. Finally, he and Katharine were pretty much the only ones left in the library.

"Okay, so the answer to number ten was what again?" Katharine looked up and asked.

"Um, I don't remember. We can ask Remus later." She eyed him skeptically. He hurriedly added, "Madam Pince is kinda glaring at me from over there so maybe we ought to leave."

They quickly shoved their things back into their bags and hurried out of the library.

"So, you're probably really tired. We should get to bed early so we're ready for Quidditch tomorrow," Katharine said as they proceeded up the stairs to the seventh floor.

"Nah, I'll be fine. How are you, though? You nervous at all?"

"Course I'm nervous! Every time I think about it, I have to swallow my stomach back down," she whimpered.

James laughed, "Yeah, that's pretty much how I feel before every game too... Especially the first game."

"Yeah, but you have more pressure on you than I do, being Captain and all."

"True." He had wanted to be alone with her and now he couldn't think of anything more to say. Sometimes, he felt like he couldn't think properly at all around her.

He looked over at her periodically as they walked down the corridor in silence... Yet it wasn't awkward at all. It was as if they were simply enjoying each other's company without even saying a word at all.

After a while, she wouldn't look up at him anymore. He could tell that she was in deep thought as she bit her bottom lip and stared blankly ahead of her.

"What are you thinking about?" James wondered out loud.

"What?" She looked up, her eyebrows furrowed together. "Oh, sorry... Um... Nothing."

"Yeah, sure. You just don't want to tell me," James teased.

"I can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"Because if I do, you will never shut up about it."

"I promise I will do whatever you wish of me." He tried to look serious but found it very difficult to keep a straight face.

"Oh, don't be so ridiculous," she groaned.

"Don't be so mysterious," he shot back.

They were now at the Fat Lady's portrait. But it was empty!

"Where the hell is she?" Katharine exclaimed.

"Hello!" James hollered as he banged on the portrait, thinking someone would open it up or that the Fat Lady would hear him.

"I can't believe she's gone! Dumbledore needs to have a serious talk with her!"

James looked down at his watch, "Well, it is after curfew so maybe she expected no one to be late?"

Katharine glared at him menacingly, which made him bust out laughing.

"This isn't funny, James! I guess I have to wait for her now..."

Hmm... James thought happily. Things must be in my favor tonight.

"Uh, why don't we just wait at my dorm and we can come back and check in a little while? It's better than sitting on the ground."

"No thanks, James. I can just wait here," she turned around and proceeded to bang on the portrait some more.

He placed his hand on her arm, "Come on, you know you'd like to hang out with me a little longer," he attempted to sound seductive. He noticed her eyes widen and her cheeks turn slightly pink, but she recoiled quickly and attempted to cover it up.

"I- uh- sorry, don't think that's a good idea," she stuttered.

James frowned and slumped against the wall. He pouted and averted his eyes from her, but he still felt her dumbstruck gaze upon him. He knew he had her.

"Dammit!" He heard her whisper to herself. He suppressed a chuckle. "Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine," she exclaimed to him and threw her hands up in the air, "we can go back to your dorm, but only for a little while."

"Yes ma'am," he grinned wildly. He grabbed her hand immediately and pulled her down the corridor to the Head Boy and Girl common room.

He arrived to the knight and horse, gave the password, and dragged her inside- afraid that if he loosened his grip only slightly, that she'd change her mind and storm off.

"So, um..." He started. They just stood there in the middle of the empty common room, not sure what to do.

"We could sit down, you know," Kat said, clearly amused by his sudden hesitancy.

James strode over to the couch, still holding her hand, and sat down. However, she didn't join him, perhaps rethinking about sitting. She merely stood there with his hand in hers and gazed down at him.

"What?" He asked, a little confused.

"What are we doing?" She asked, her eyebrows furrowed together.

"Um, waiting for the Fat Lady to come back, and I am currently sitting on the couch with my arm falling asleep because you're holding it above my head." He tried to be funny, but she was in no way amused and she ripped her hand from his.

"No, James! I mean, what are we doing with each other? Why do we keep letting ourselves be alone together? Actually, I should be asking myself what the hell am I doing? I shouldn't be here- I shouldn't be alone with you. I'm leading you on- I- I can't do this." She proceeded back to the door which was what James had been afraid of.

He leaped up and wrapped his arms around her body.

"We aren't doing anything," he whispered into her ear, "You aren't doing anything wrong. You're not leading me on. We are simply waiting for the Fat Lady."

She sighed heavily under his grip.

"Can I let go of you now without you running away?"

She nodded her head slowly and he released her. He stood behind her and watched her slowly turn around to face him.

He studied her face for a moment as she stared up at him with her eyebrows slightly pointed together. She looked... Sad. But he couldn't understand why.

He had no clue what his face read. He was so taken aback by how close they were standing now that he probably looked like a deer in the headlights. He couldn't find his feet and he realized he felt numb from the neck down. He was completely lost in her big brown eyes, and he hoped she was lost in his.

"What are you thinking about now?" He whispered.

As if his voice snapped her out of their gaze, she looked down and backed away slowly, shaking her head. "Nothing... Nothing..."

"Katharine... Please..." He begged.

As if she hadn't heard him, she walked passed him and sat in the middle of the couch.

She was acting so strange...

"Ooookaaaayyy..." James said slowly. He followed her to the couch and mimicked her awkward, straight up sitting position.

"What's wrong?" He finally asked after he couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"Nothing," she said again as she continued to stare at the fire.

"Stop it, Kat, talk to me."

"I'm just confused."

"About?"

"You."

"Why?"

"I can't tell you."

"Oh my God, I am so sick of this! Just tell me!"

"I'm not supposed to like you, James! You're supposed to be with someone else!" She began to tear up.

But James didn't quite hear everything she said. He stopped listening after she said she liked him. "So you admit you like me?"

"Please don't play dumb, you can easily see that I like you," she sniffled.

"I know, but you're actually admitting it!"

She frowned at him.

He sighed, "Katharine..." He reached up and stroked her cheek. He didn't like it when she cried.

"Don't do that," she snapped at him.

"Do what?"

"Touch me. Say sweet things to me. Everything that you've been doing that makes this so hard for me!" She scooted over to the other side of the couch and pulled her legs up to her chest.

James didn't know what else to say... He felt like he was being too repetitive and didn't want to make this any harder for her. He didn't understand why it was so difficult to like him, why she couldn't be with him, but he would leave her be and not press it any further. Otherwise, he would end up pushing her away. She would tell him eventually on her own terms... He hoped.

After a short silence, he asked tentatively, "Are you going to stay over there the whole time?"

"Yep, I planned on it." She said.

"Please come sit next to me," he begged.

"No."

James huffed and pouted again.

"That's not going to work on me again, Potter."

He looked up and smirked. She was staring at him wide eyed, almost scary looking.

"What's wrong with you?" He couldn't help but laugh.

"You, is what's wrong with me! You're driving me crazy!"

"In a good way?"

"NO!"

James threw his head back and laughed. She had no idea that she was driving him just as crazy.

Then, out of the blue, she started to scoot closer towards him. He watched her with a lopsided grin, not believing his eyes.

This was all her. She just couldn't make up her mind. She wanted him, he knew that and she knew that. She just couldn't stop herself. He knew they had some force pulling them towards each other, and eventually they would be together, whenever she stopped fighting it.

"Just can't help yourself, can you?" He teased.

"Shut up, Potter." She ordered, surprising James by scooting even closer and curling up against him. He held his hands up in the air, not quite sure what to make of her sudden emotional change. Once she got settled into his side and rested her head onto his chest, he slowly lowered his arms, letting one drape over her lightly.

Then Katharine whispered sleepily after a while of cuddling, "James..."

"Yeah?" He replied, his stomach doing a light somersault when she said his name.

"Why are you so perfect?" Even though she sounded so sweet and sincere, James couldn't help but laugh again.

"I'm far from perfect. You should have seen me before you came... I told you, I am a different person now since you arrived."

"I find that hard... To... Believe..." And with that said, James looked over her cheek to see her eyes flutter shut.

Guess we aren't going back to the Fat Lady, James thought with a smile.

A few more minutes passed by. James simply enjoyed the silence, listening to Katharine's quiet breathing and stroking her hair lightly.

"Katharine..." He whispered.

No response.

He continued anyway.

"I... I'm not sure if you're listening... But, Kat..." He whispered, still stroking her smooth hair, "I think I'm falling in love with you... I might already be in love with you..."

There was a light, "Ahem," from behind him, and he whipped his head around.

Standing at the bottom of the staircase was Lily Evans. Shit... James had momentarily forgotten about her.

"Evans!" James hissed quietly. "What are you doing up?"

She proceeded towards him, "I should be asking you the same thing... I heard voices anyway."

She approached the couch and looked down at the scene. She smiled widely.

"What?" He whispered confusedly, making sure not to wake Kat.

"Oh, nothing," she whispered back.

James glared at her.

"Oh, come off it, Potter. I heard what you said to her, even though she's clearly asleep."

James' stomach instantly dropped. No one was supposed to hear that.

"I- uh- you- you heard?"

"It's okay. Your secret is safe with me," she beamed.

James was taken aback, "It is?"

"Yes. Everyone knows you like her. And everyone knows she likes you too, she just hasn't admitted it yet... Maybe not even to herself."

"I don't understand why she is making this so difficult..." He sighed as he looked back down at her sleeping face.

"Well, Katharine seems to be a very stubborn girl, so you pretty much have your hands full." She chuckled quietly. "But you can handle her."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" He asked.

"Well, now that I've seen you two like this, I'm thinking we should at least talk to each other like civilized human beings from now on... For Katharine's sake, of course."

"Really? You're not... Angry at me? For all the annoying trouble I've caused you? Constantly asking you out and I all of a sudden stop when she comes around?"

She crossed her arms and shrugged, "Nah. I think you two are far more compatible than you and I ever would have been. Plus, I may have my eyes on someone else." She blushed slightly.

"Really? Who?"

Lily cocked an eyebrow upward, "Like I'm going to tell you that."

James shook his head, "I see your point."

"Just don't let me run into you two snogging in here or something. I'd like my eyes spared, please."

"Oh, I don't think that will be happening anytime soon... Maybe even ever." He sighed heavily.

"Why do you say that? You don't think you'll get together?"

"I don't know... She seems very firm on not being with me..."

"Oh, clearly." Lily said sarcastically as she motioned towards Katharine cuddling with his side.

"Yeah, I know but... I think she is very lost... I don't think she knows her feelings anymore. It's like she lets her guard down for a split second around me and then quickly snatches it back up. I think she would have pulled away tonight after realizing what she was doing if she hadn't fallen asleep so quickly."

"She'll come around." She said matter-of-factly.

"You know she keeps trying to get you and I together." James said out of the blue.

"Yeah, she's mentioned things like that to me quite a few times..."

"I don't get it," he said, screwing up his face in thought.

"Me neither. But hey, don't give up, James. I really do think she'll change her mind soon." Lily was smiling at him... Actually smiling at him.

"Wow... Are we on a first name basis now?" He grinned.

"Oh, shut it before I actually realize what I'm saying," she smirked and was about to walk back towards the stairs when James spoke back up again.

"You realize this is the longest conversation we've ever had? I mean, an actual conversation without fighting."

"Huh..." She said thoughtfully stroking her chin. "I guess it is."

"So... Does this mean we're friends?" James wasn't quite sure how that came out of his mouth. Jeez, he sounded like a concerned woman.

Lily laughed quietly, "Um, lets just leave it at acquaintances."

James would have laughed, but he didn't want to wake Katharine up. Instead he smiled really big. "Thanks Lily."

"For what?"

"For keeping what you heard a secret... And for helping me see that you actually do have a sweet side." He added with a smirk.

"Hmm... You better watch it, or I might just change my mind about this whole nice thing." She laughed again and added, "Get some sleep. You're gonna need it tomorrow." And she disappeared up the stairs.

James smiled to himself and resumed stroking Katharine's hair. Guess she was a heavy sleeper; or very, very tired.

He leaned his head back against the couch, closed his eyes, and prepared for basically another sleepless night; but to him, it was so worth it.