Disclaimer: All belongs to J.K. Rowling

She's Awake

When Lily woke up it was like the sun was alive and the birds were finally singing. James practically, well, not practically he did jump with joy and let out a yell of victory. She'd said his name. Yes, when he'd told her, she'd said there was no possible way and gave him a half-hearted glare but James knew she did. And Lily knew she did, not that she would ever tell him.

Everyone came to visit the girl, much to Madame Pomfrey's chagrin. "The girl just woke up, she needs her rest!" she had yelled at an exceptionally rowdy Marlene. Lily simply basked in it. She felt refreshed and needed distractions from the dark memories that plagued her. The gown did not do much to cover up the word branding her. Tying her down to this worn life.

When darkness fell and took over the Hospital Wing Lily struggled the most. Nightmares filled her sleep and each time she woke up she was sweating profusely. One time Madame Pomfrey heard her screaming and took to giving her a sleeping draught which finally allowed her some much needed rest from the long, tireless days.

"Ready to go back?" James asked cheerily one day. She simply smiled weakly up at him and he'd grabbed her hand knowingly. Their connection had deepened since the attack and all bitter resentments and juvenile worries had been long forgotten. Finally, she was to return to the Heads dormitory. Her recovery had not been easy.

Lily had required a healthy dose of blood donated from her mum who had been made aware of the incident. Then, she'd had to heal up from the severe internal and mental wounds they'd given her. Luckily, Lily Evans was strong, always had been, and had recovered quicker than most. Anyhow, as James offered his hand to her to help her up she'd gripped it tightly and stood on her feet, wobbling slightly.

"All right, Evans?" he'd asked her and for a moment she was thrown back to a simpler time and she could almost see his cheeky grin as he looked down at her. Instead of the usual scowl, however, she simply smiled softly.

"Thanks, Potter." though her voice was still light he heard the gratitude and his eyes crinkled.

"Anytime." he said and helped her make her way to the Head dormitories.

*''*

"Damn Potions." James muttered, chewing on his lip in frustration.

"James Potter and his naughty mouth." Lily said teasingly and James looked up, pleased to see her standing there. She set down a tray of biscuits and two goblets of pumpkin juice.

"Learned it from you, love." he said and chomped down on a rather flaky biscuit. "This is marvelous."

"Yes, the House elves took pity on me." Lily explained, her eyes dancing with laughter as he gulped down his pumpkin juice.

"Finally up out of bed." he responded and eyed her. She'd lost a bit of weight and looked quite pale but maintained her muscular form and curves. She'd become a woman, no denying that.

"I was getting quite bored." she ran a hand lazily through her hair, a gesture similar to one he did. "What are you working on?" she peered at the piece of parchment he was currently writing on.

"Potions essay. Not doing too well but at least I can say I'm ahead of you." Lily laughed at this and James grin dropped, "How?" he shook his head in bewilderment, "You've already finished haven't you." she nodded slowly.

"You underestimate me." she said, ruffling his hair. He stared at her for a moment which made Lily blush.

"Best be off to bed." he said, standing up with a yawn as if to prove his point.

"Best be." Lily sighed and they made their way to their separate stairs. "G'night James." she called tiredly.

"Sleep tight, flower." he saluted her and as he entered his dorm could still hear her faint, tinkling laugh.

*''*

Her shrieks were the first thing to wake James up. They were heart wrenching and petrifying and James was flying to her dormitory as fast as his long legs would allow him, "Lily!" he yelled, his heart being forcefully torn open as she emitted another of those haunting screams. He threw open the door to her dorm and found her thrashing around in bed. "Lily! Lily!" he grabbed ahold of her arms and shook her slightly in an attempt to get her to wake up. He fought back the tears burning his hazel eyes angrily.

Emerald met gold and immediately leaked fat tears, "James," she sobbed, "James." he cradled her, gathering her in his arms. When she finally resorted to slight hiccups he got up to leave but she tugged him back down, head pressed tightly into his chest, "Please," she said quietly, "Stay." and in that moment James knew. He knew he'd be by her side until the day he finally took his last fall for Lily Evans.

And with him by her side in that large green bed she never had another nightmare again.

La, la, another chapter done! Are you guys proud? I'm proud! Sorry for this short one I was lacking inspiration. Shucks. Leave me a review and I'll love you forever. (Who am I kidding I'll love my readers forever anyway!) Ta-ta!