"Wait...wait, let me get this right," Marlene waved her hands around wildly. "You took Potter to Madam Puddifoot for a first official date and he stayed without kissing you?"

Chuckling, Lily took a sip from her pumpkin juice as she and her two friends sat near the lake. Since they had complained she spend hardly any time with them any more since befriending the Marauders and to celebrate Marlene's return from St Mungo's after some of the Slytherins had attacked her weeks ago, she had agreed to join them that afternoon after returning from the Hogsmeade visit.

"I'll have you know that we had a really good time there."

"You mean, you had a good time," Mary giggled.

"James enjoyed himself as well," she argued as she glanced between her two friends a little uneasily as they snickered louder.

"You do realise that most boys don't actually like tea shops, right?"

"Yeah, they just tag along because it means a guaranteed snogging session," Mary agreed.

"And some accompany you because they are actually serious and like you," she frowned, did they really think boys only had one thing on their mind?

"Oh please, Potter's just trying to get into your panties," Marlene snorted. "It's what he's been trying to do since third year!"

"It is really that hard to believe he just likes me and wants to spend time with me?" She was rapidly regretting joining them as she suddenly remembered why she had drifted away from these two lately.

"You are very likeable, but he is a guy and that's the only thing on their mind," tossing her long hair back over her shoulder, Mary leaned back.

"Mary, he didn't even touch me the entire date!" She had grown used to disagreeing about their gossip over the last few months; ever since befriending and truly getting to know the Marauders but the white hot anger growing inside of her at the implication of James not being honourable was new.

"He didn't even hold your hand?" Marlene huffed when Lily shook her head angrily. "Maybe he's not really interested in you then. I mean, if he was, why wouldn't he do so?"

"I don't know," Lily had to admit. "I'll talk to Sirius later."

"You can't ask Black something like that!" Marlene exclaimed. "I know you suddenly became friends with him last year, but that's not something you can ask a guy!"

"Why not? Sirius would give me an honest answer," of that she was sure as she'd found he wasn't the type to lie and usually just changed the subject or flat out told her if he didn't want to tell her something.

"Of course he wouldn't, he is a guy and Potter's best friend. Do you really think he will ever jeopardise Potter's chances to get into bed with you?"

"Neither of them is anything like that," Lily grumbled as she fought to keep her temper under control. "They are integer and have honour."

"Oh please, we all know Black's reputation. He's shagged with most of the upper level students!" Marlene sneered. "I'd not be surprised if there were some teachers involved, too."

"That's a lie and you know it," the venom in her voice made both girls blink but Lily couldn't stand to let them talk about the other boy like that.

"Lil, it's..."

"Actually, she's right, Black's a virgin," Mary cut into Marlene's scoff, warily eyeing Lily's annoyed expression. "At least he was a few weeks ago."

"What?" Eyes widening in shock, Marlene's head wiped around to stare at Mary. "How's that possible? Everyone says..."

"It was a lie," biting her lip, Mary brushed the fabric of her skirt flat; refusing to meet Lily's eyes. "It was Benjy Fenwick who slept around but girls were so ashamed when he treated them like dirt afterwards; that they claimed it was Black they'd slept with instead in the hopes of obtaining standing to the House of Black and save face."

"Then why has he never denied the rumours?"

Sighing, Lily brushed a lock behind her ear. "He never even knew about them."

"How couldn't he have?" Marlene huffed in disbelief. "Everyone knows about it."

"Most of the Marauders didn't know actually," smiling hesitantly as Lily deflated, Mary continued. "At least that's the impression I got when they found out about it. It was Pettigrew who explained the rumour to them, actually."

"They don't listen to gossip, they think it's the most pointless thing there is and Sirius believes that if you want to know something then you should go to the person involved to learn the truth."

Two pairs of eyes stared at her surprised and Mary curiously asked, "How do you know that?"

"I communicate with them."

"But how can you know for sure he's a virgin in the first place? He could be lying for all you know," Marlene insisted.

"I forgot you weren't there. Pettigrew messed up in Potions badly enough a few weeks ago that he blew his cauldron up. The explosion was massive and a flash spread throughout the whole castle," throwing her hands up in the air to indicate just how big the explosion had been, Mary leaned closer to Marlene in conspiracy. "The potion he botched up so badly? It was Amortentia and the explosion revealed everyone's sexual status, castle wide!"

"No way!" Marlene giggled as she leaned in as well; eager to learn more. "How?"

"A coloured glow appeared around them like an aura; it was so brilliant to be able to tell in one glance what their statuses were. Did you know that most of the fifth years and up were red?"

"Red meaning..."

"Exactly," Mary latched onto the topic much too enthusiastic for Lily's taste and she found her stomach turn as the two girls giggled together in delight. "Purple meant having made out, blue having kissed and green...well, it were only mostly lower years having that colour."

"And Black wasn't red?"

"No, he was blue like the rest of the Marauders. It was the shock of the century!"

"Even Pettigrew was blue? Who would kiss that boy?" Disgust flashed through Marlene's face.

"He's a nice boy," Lily muttered; unable to stop the fluttering in her stomach from rising at the reminder that James had never done more than kiss anyone either despite no doubt having had many chances as she knew girls flaunted themselves at him constantly.

"He is always sweating and stuttering, hiding behind Potter and Black, it's pathetic," shifting, Mary pulled Marlene's hair over her shoulder to loosely begin braiding it. "Not to mention that he is fat."

"Yeah, if you're going to kiss a Marauder then at least pick one of the other three. Potter and Black are totally hot and even Lupin isn't bad looking in that next door neighbour kind of way," Marlene agreed before pulling a face. "Though he's only got eyes for Black and you'd not get within a mile of him without the other two getting in your way."

"They are a family and family means they protect each other," as quickly as could be considered polite, Lily drained her pumpkin juice in the hopes she could escape their company.

Hanging out with the Marauders had ensured these type of topics never came up as they were far more interested in researching stuff and discussing their findings and she found her already little patience for the conversation rapidly being tested.

"Protect him from what, getting laid?" Snorting, Marlene tossed her hair back over her shoulder, undoing the braid Mary had made with the movement but ignoring the sigh it caused.

"From getting hurt," growling Lily shifted. "Guys clearly aren't the only ones with only one thing on their mind."

"We don't only think about that," Mary protested but Lily scoffed.

"Don't you? Why would you go to Madam Puddifoot with a guy if you know he only joins you to get snogged?" She sneered. "And I know you've both gone there an awful lot with your dates."

"You went there as well," flushing, Marlene's eyes flashed angrily.

"Today was my first visit there, to test if James was truly serious despite me being the one to ask him out," she swallowed. "But he was a complete gentlemen the entire date."

"I find that very hard to believe and you will change your mind after it's too late and he's already gotten what he wants from you and has dumped you afterwards," sneering, Marlene crossed her arms as she finally sensed her disgust. "You're no better than us."

"They are at it again," Mary softly interrupted before Lily could snap anything back and she turned to see Sirius and Remus walk up the path from Hogsmeade; as usually walking hand in hand while Remus was animatedly gesturing with his free hand as he spoke.

"At what again?"

"The holding hands thing, boys don't do that when they're just friends," Marlene ran a hand through her hair to completely pull it loose again and brushed part of it back to the front. "And even if they would, they certainly wouldn't act the way those two do, hugging and entwining fingers."

"I don't think it is any of your business what they do or don't do," frowning, Lily stared as Marlene shifted into what she recognised as her flirting position and something she'd seen work a lot as both Marlene and Mary had looks that made most boys drool and strive to get their attention.

Even now several of the guys in their surroundings kept shooting glances at them, their interest plain to see in their eyes but both girls' gazes were fixed on the two approaching boys.

"Are you truly still defending them? Even if the rumours about Black aren't true, it's still strange behaviour," Mary whispered as she shifted to fold her legs behind her as well, once more brushing the wrinkles out of her skirt and hitching it up a little to reveal part of her upper leg. "I'm surprised those three haven't shagged together yet with how they interact."

"You don't even know anything about them, how can you judge them so badly?" Disgust once more washed over her at the behaviour of the two.

Marlene's eyes followed Sirius' movements as he pulled something from his pocket and glanced at it. "I certainly wouldn't mind getting to know Black better, he is hot and even if he is apparently inexperienced, it is bound to be good fun."

Abruptly, Lily rose to her feet as Marlene was clearly undressing Sirius in her mind, licking her lips as she readjusted her skirt even more, both girls blinking up to her at the abrupt movement.

"Where are you going?"

"The both of you disgust me. You judge them without even knowing them and they deserve much better than that."

"You've always judged them, too. Don't be all high and mighty now," Marlene bit at her, eyes flashing worriedly to the rapidly nearing couple.

"I did and I apologised when I realised they were not all as I had thought they are and got to know them properly," she swallowed. "Any of those boys are worth thousands of you and Sirius deserves much better than to be spoken about like he's a glorified object. I refuse to be around either of you when you're being this horrible."

Turning, she ignored their scandalised exclamations as she moved to intercept the boys who had come to a stop nearby.

"Just so you know, they are disgusting arrogant harlots," she couldn't help but call out loudly by way of greeting, Remus meeting her gaze blankly.

"Good afternoon to you, too," Sirius glanced up from what he was holding in his hands. "I'll catch you at dinner, all right?"

"Hi, watch out for those two, they're trying to get into your pants."

"Pants? Who wants pants?" It was clear Sirius was only half listening as he fumbled with the item in his hand; a small hand mirror she had seen him and James carry around multiple times and although she had always wondered what the deal with it was, now wasn't the time to ask.

"Yes, I noticed," Remus' blank expression tightened momentarily, something dark flashing through his eyes. "The lake has suddenly lost its appeal today, might just be that the spot is tainted. What do you say we return to the castle before we catch the diseases I can just sense spreading around out here?"

The uncharacteristic loud and rude reply from Remus came as a surprise as was his direct stare at the two girls with clear revolt visible upon his face; both of them turning bright red at the clear implications behind his words.

"Are you sure? It would be a shame to give up the afternoon now that the temperature is finally rising a little," it was clear Sirius was still only half following their conversation as he slipped the mirror into his pocket and a fond smile crossed Remus' lips as his gaze shifted to him.

"All right, but we'll sit further down the shore. Would you do us the honour of accompanying us? I don't want you to catch the diseases either since it appears they have missed you so far."

"Diseases?"

"I would be delighted, thank you," speaking over Sirius' obvious confusion, she slipped her hand around his biceps and steered him far around the two gaping girls with Remus' amused help.

"What..." Sirius blinked as he glanced between the two before clearly deciding he wanted no part of their odd behaviour and let them direct him towards a tree a good distance away from Mary and Marlene without comment.

"So, how was your date?" Remus asked once they'd sat down.

"It was good; we walked around a little and then went to Madam Puddifoot. It was romantic," she added to see what the two would say about it.

"Madam Puddifoot is not romantic, it's like a bad toothache you can't shake," Sirius looked disgusted and Remus shuddered.

"Yeah? What would you call romantic then?" She wasn't able to keep the grin of her face at the reaction as she hadn't expected either of them to like that place and if she was truthful, neither had she.

"A picnic, a walk in the woods or over a beach at sunset. Dinner at a nice cosy place where no one disturbs your time together. Watching a film with just the two of you curled up together or even just spending time together doing absolutely nothing but just sit cuddling," Sirius summed up.

"You do realise that are things you do with James and me a lot, right?" Remus teased.

"Of course, you guys are my family and isn't the person you are romantically interested in someone you would like to become family and thus would want to do things you love doing with your family?"

Lily wasn't entirely sure if Sirius had the definition of a relationship figured out properly as that was not at all accurate to what couples did but even as she opened her mouth to say so, she closed it again as she realised he actually had quite a point.

She loved going on walks with her parents and just spend time together with them doing anything at all as long as they were close to her and she certainly loved them. And those were all things she found she would like to do with James as well.

In Sirius' words, the only difference between a normal relationship and a romantic one was the added sexual intimacy that usually existing between couples. For the rest the relationships were indeed fairly the same as ones between close friends or family and she couldn't help but smile.

For all that she had come to realise the dark-haired boy was rather naive and uninterested in relationships, she now realised he might be the one to understand them more than most people did.

And from the warm smile appearing on Remus' lips, he had realised that, too, even before Sirius continued.

"Going into some overly sugary sweet tea shop and be forced to listen to candy music while all around you people are sucking face is not something I would call romantic at all," Sirius shuddered.

"What would you call it then?"

"A first class nightmare. If you didn't know already then this should confirm it to you that James really likes you or he'd have left immediately."

"I like to think he had a good enough time..." trailing off at the sceptical looks, she bit her lip. "Why didn't he leave if he hated it so much?"

"He probably thought the visit made you happy," Remus shrugged.

"How can you be so certain he didn't enjoy himself," she pressed, wanting to know how they could be so sure even if she was aware her two companions knew James much better than she did.

"Did he hold your hand or touch you in any way like a hand on your arm or shoulder?"

"No...how did you know?" She wasn't sure why she was so surprised he knew that so easily when she was half convinced those two shared a mind half of the time.

"James isn't tactile when he is truly uncomfortable."

"He's never had a problem being tactile with you guys no matter the situation," she pointed out.

Remus gave her a wry smile. "Not really, he doesn't touch me or Peter when he's uncomfortable either. Sirius is an exception since he's his brother."

"True, you can usually tell if James is uncomfortable solely by how much he touches them," Sirius agreed.

"Then why didn't he say anything?" Horrified, she tensed at that information as she realised it was true. Even if it was just a brushing of arms or a hand on a biceps or shoulder, James was usually touching Remus or Pettigrew in some way if Sirius wasn't within reach.

"You are kidding, right? You asked him out, he'd go to Mars and back if that's what you want because you asked," snorting, Remus ran a hand through his hair. "You really have no idea how much he likes you, do you?"

"So he followed me into a tea shop he despises, just because he thought it would make me happy?" Ignoring the implication of just how deeply James felt about her as she wasn't quite sure how to feel about that, Lily bit her lip. "I only asked him there because I wanted to see if he was serious, but I honestly thought he did enjoy himself."

"If it makes you feel better, then I can tell you that it would have been worth it to him if you were happy," Sirius reached out to pat her hand comfortingly.

"I had hoped our date would have been fantastic and memorable, not something cringe-worthy."

Grey eyes bore into her for a long moment before Sirius turned to Remus, a soft smile spreading over his lips.

"Hey, do you remember that lovely spot on Gryffindor Tower? The one with the great view of the stars and fireworks and is a really lovely place to just sit together to watch either?"

"Yes?" Looking a little uncertainly at his quiet voice, Remus nodded.

"We sure have spent a lot of quiet evenings up there, haven't we? And they couldn't say we were out after curfew because we were in our tower and no one's ever disturbed us at all."

"That's because I think we're the only ones who even know of its existence," Remus pointed out confused. "And it's always been more your and James' spot, I've only been up there once or twice."

An inkling of what Sirius was getting at began to come to Lily, a slow smile spreading over her lips as Sirius nodded. "All right, but just think about what a lovely clear evening it will probably be tonight and not even really cold if you bring a plaid or two. Add some candles and dinner and it could very well pass for a complete date, don't you think?"

His expression and tone had turned innocently suggestive and her smile spread at the subtle hint.

"But how would one get into the kitchens to prepare such a no doubt romantic date?" She wondered out loud, making sure to keep her voice as low as his own had been.

"Oh, that would be simple," a teasing smile crossed Remus' lips as he caught on as well. "You know the staircase leading to the Hufflepuff basement?"

"Yes?" She didn't if she was honest but figured it wouldn't be too hard to find.

"There is this hideous painting of a bowl of fruit, right?"

Ah, that one she did know so she nodded eagerly.

"You just tickle the pear until it laughs and it'll turn into a doorknob," Sirius took over. "It's so easy to request a lovely meal of the House-Elves; all one has to do is ask kindly."

"And no one ever comes up there to that tower?"

"No, like Remus said, we're the only ones who know of its existence."

"And you are certain of that?"

"Absolutely," suddenly Sirius rose to his feet. "We should go to get dinner. Do you think they'll have blackberries?"

"Eh...maybe?" Remus blinked at the sudden change in subject as he scrambled to his feet and Lily followed suit, happy to know she wasn't the only one lost.

"I just love blackberries and still can't quite believe James likes blueberries better, especially in pie," Sirius mused as he began to make his way towards the castle and Lily had to bite back a laugh at the clear suggestion of what to request.

"What else do you hope will be there for dinner?"

"Lamb or pork and roasted potatoes. There have to be roasted potatoes, can't be a meal without them," Sirius said. "Although James usually goes absolutely nuts when there are strawberries, doesn't he?"

"He quite fond of actual nuts as well, though he likes hazelnuts more than I do," Remus' eyes were full of laughter as he played along. "It's likely they'll still be there since it's just barely after the season for them."

"I hope there won't be fish, though," Sirius nodded in agreement. "I don't mind so much but James isn't very fond of it."

"No, especially not herring or tuna."

"What do you hope there will be for drinks?" Lily prompted, making mental notes of everything they were saying while trying to keep her laughter in at the deviousness Sirius possessed.

"I sure hope they'll have some warm red grape juice as that would fit perfectly with that lamb and roasted potatoes and with the right appetizer; like bread with herb butter...hmmm," Sirius licked his lips as he turned to her. "What about you, what do you like?"

"Everything you've mentioned sounds very good to me, actually," she admitted, noticing Remus was determinedly not looking at either of them and she was sure he would burst into laughter if he did. "Though I do like fish, I am sure that they won't serve it tonight."

"Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?"

"I think we both know I will have other plans, but thank you," she smiled as Sirius cocked his head innocently and before she could second guess herself, stepped forward to press a kiss onto his cheek in gratitude.

"What was that for?" Genuine surprise and faint alarm flashed through his expression, making her smile.

"I think you know. Do you think that when you meet James for dinner, you could send him up to our tower instead?"

"I think I left my drawing book up the tower yesterday eve, I'm sure he'll retrieve it for me if I asked," Sirius mused. "I think it might be half an hour before I'll be able to find him, though. We agreed to meet at six."

Glancing at her watch, she realised it was just after four thirty and wondered if she'd be able to pull it all off in time.

"You know, why don't you make your way to dinner," Sirius looked up to Remus, something crossing between them that she couldn't decipher.

"I'll go put away our purchases, pick Peter up and meet you at the Great Hall," he accepted the bag of what looked like chocolate eggs Sirius pulled out of his pocket and split up from them, leaving Lily behind with Sirius.

Turning to her, he nodded. "All right, we're on a tight schedule so let's drop the pretence, shall we?"

"Okay?"

"Think of exactly what you'd like for dinner while we walk," indicating she should follow, Sirius strode down the hallways in the opposite direction of Remus and Lily hurried after him.

"What are you planning?" She asked as she had no trouble keeping up with his quick pace once they were moving.

"To help you out to make it in time for dinner so the surprise won't be ruined as I didn't quite realise the time," it took them no time at all to reach the ugly painting and just like he had said, Sirius entered the kitchen without a problem.

Blinking surprised, Lily found hundreds of little voices greeting them; but specifically Sirius warmly and he returned the greeting while his eyes swept over them.

"Tiffy?"

Although Lily had read about them, had heard others talk about the little servants and seen House-Elves up close before at her friends“ houses, she had not expected there to be hundreds of them here at Hogwarts; all of them moving around like a well oiled beehive.

Where initially they had all turned at their entrance, they returned to their chores the moment Sirius called out a specific name while staying where he was to not disturb them more than he already had.

The elf requested immediately came forward, bowing ridiculously low before them as Lily had come to expect but was still uncomfortable with. "What can Tiffy does for yous?"

"Tif, Lily here is trying to set up a romantic dinner surprise for James to try and salvage their first date when it was unfortunately ruined earlier today."

"What food would yous like for Jamsie?" The change in her demeanour at his words was immediate and from grovelling low she straightened to meet Sirius' eyes, a warm smile crossing her lips as the formality disappeared completely.

The change was different enough from what Lily had always seen that her mind blanked even as her heart jumped.

Not only had James clearly mentioned her to the little elf enough times for her to recognise her name immediately; the little elf was both familiar enough with both to call them by name and to immediately know what Sirius had come to ask.

"I..." Her mind reeled as she couldn't remember any of what they had mentioned before.

"An appetizer of herb butter smeared bread and for the main course lamb with roasted potatoes and duchess potatoes with a side dish of lettuce and nuts should work. Blueberry pie with some of what's left over from the gooseberry tart we made last night as a desert with perhaps a scoop of strawberry ice cream included?" Sirius came to her rescue.

"With a nice warm red grape juice for drinks?" Tiffy squeaked happily and Sirius grinned.

"You read my mind," he turned to Lily. "You like duchess potatoes more than roasted potatoes, right?"

"I...yes, how..."

"I pay attention. Would you mind gooseberry as I know you're not fond of blueberry but we don't have time to make chocolate cake any more? The strawberry ice cream will give it a sweeter touch than chocolate would."

"I like gooseberries and strawberry ice cream is my favourite," it was hard not to stare in utter surprise as Sirius effortlessly put together a three course meal consisting of some of her favourites as well when she knew barely anything about him in turn.

"Good, do you think the appetizer could be ready at six, the main dish at seven and desert at eight thirty?"

"Silly Siri," the little elf fondly shook her head as if he'd made a hilarious joke and Sirius returned her smile knowingly. "Dinner will be at tower?"

"Yes, the usual spot."

"Do yous need plaids and pillows?" Tiffy inquired but Sirius shook his head before Lily could think of an answer.

"Already arranged. Do you happen to know where we can find candles, though? I'm not sure if we still have new ones left, ah, thank you Moky," he accepted the candles another elf immediately pushed into his hands and Lily marvelled that he could tell them apart from each other so easily.

She blinked when another, smaller, elf pulled Sirius down by his jacket to push a few wrapped packages into his pocket.

"Thanks Pippy," more than that, he clearly knew all of them by name as he shared a smile with the little brown eyed elf, who warily glanced at her and bowed before scurrying away again.

"Siri sets everything ups with Miss, Tiffy will arrange everything else," the blue eyed elf ignored the others actions and patted Sirius' hand.

"Thank you Tiffy, I don't know what I'd do without you," his voice was full of fondness.

"Yous be lost, Tiffy knows," she pulled him down for a quick hug before bowing to Lily and abruptly Lily realised they weren't just friendly; these two were actually friends. "Tiffy hopes Miss and Jamsie have lovely evening."

Managing to stammer out a thank you and a smile, Sirius pulled her out of the kitchen with him with one last wave to Tiffy and a called out greeting to the other elves that was happily returned.

"Good, now that that's taken care of, let's make sure your dinner spot is ready."

"What just happened in there?"

"We requested dinner of my friend, who will arrange it and have it served in intervals to give you time to digest a little and talk."

"No, I mean...how do you know all of them?" She finally blinked out of her stupor as she hurried her pace to fall into step with him again.

"I've known them since first year," came the calm reply, though she could see wariness enter those warm grey eyes as he glanced at her. "I wasn't expecting them to be a problem for you."

"It's not," she quickly assured him, swallowing thickly. "I just never expected...you are friends."

She didn't try to stop the warm smile from spreading as she met Sirius' gaze. "You are actually friends with House-Elves. It's so much more than what most people would even think of. Even those who claim to be pro House-Elves don't treat them the way you just did and it's amazing to see."

"They are all their own person and deserve to be treated as such. All creatures, human or not deserve to be treated friendly and decently unless they as a person themselves warrant a reason not to do so."

She could finally see how these boys had been able to befriend Remus and not care at all that he was a werewolf, with a unique mindset like that, why would they care as Remus was kind and friendly and that was all that mattered to them.

And with that realisation she could also understand why they never would have gotten along with Snape even if that first meeting hadn't been disastrous as he had continuously showed them to be rude and a bully, something neither James nor Sirius would have ever reacted to well.

"You never cease to amaze me; you and James both," she breathed out.

"Why? Because we treat everyone the same?"

"A lot of people don't," she took a deep breath. "I didn't either; from the start I've been rude to you both."

"I thought we'd already passed that stage and are friends now," frowning at her, Sirius side stepped a first year coming barrelling towards them without ever slowing down or even looking in that direction and Lily blinked surprised as she couldn't figure out how he'd seen him approach.

"I know, but..."

"No buts, we're friends," he shot an easy grin at her as they approached Gryffindor Tower. "You're going on a hopefully first of many dates with my brother and that's what you should be focusing on right now instead of reminiscing the past. Hi Lady, Fortunam et Salutem."

"The same to you, honey," the Fat Lady smiled at him as she opened and they both climbed through the portrait, Lily blinking as Sirius made a beeline to the boy's staircases.

"Well, come on."

Blinking, she hurried up the stairs after him, only momentarily hesitating as he entered his dorm as she'd never been inside a boys' dormitory before and wasn't sure what to expect but the dorm was clean and not at all the chaos she always heard other girls mention their brothers' rooms being.

The four beds were all made, possessions neatly placed on the bedside tables and all their clothes folded in the cupboards as only school books were visible in their trunks; the room a near match to her own dormitory with the exception of an extra cupboard placed beside the bathroom entrance and she approached it curiously as she recognised the gift bag with chocolate eggs that Sirius had handed over to Remus earlier placed on top of it. "What is that?"

"Our cooler," Sirius answered her and she turned to see he had moved to where several plaids and pillows were stashed on one of the bed edges. "We asked Tiffy for it since we have a habit of working late and usually eat something while studying or playing games. We also keep chocolate and candy in there in the warmer months so it doesn't melt."

"Oh," she was about to return to his side because it was not polite to go snooping around when her eyes fell onto a large moving picture frame hanging between the two beds in the middle and automatically turned to it.

It displayed four dark-haired people; a man who was without a doubt James' father and a woman who held remarkable resemblance to Sirius with the same nose and nearly the same shade of grey eyes. "She looks like you."

"That's Mum, she is a Black by birth."

She still wasn't quite sure why exactly Sirius always referred to the Potters as his own parents; despite having suspicions about his upbringing, but yet it felt somehow fitting that the boy before her would fit so perfectly into James' family as if he truly belonged. And maybe he did as the two elderly people were embracing a slightly younger looking Sirius and James while waving at her and the four truly looked like a family.

Smiling, her eyes fell onto the pile of books stacked on the bedside table. "Do you just like children's stories in general or specifically like the books on which Disney films are based?"

"I don't know that many films," Sirius admitted. "Remus has taken me to the cinema a few times when there is a Disney film playing and usually warns me when there is one shown on their television during holidays we're home but I've only seen a few."

Bambi, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Robin Hood, Oliver Twist, the Gnomobile, Peter Pan, Lord of the Rings; bemused she read some of the titles displayed and suspected Remus had told Sirius about most of these as there was no way the Pure-Blood knew about them otherwise.

"No Winnie the Pooh?" She couldn't help but tease.

"No, I didn't like it. James did so he borrows it from time to time from Auntie Hope."

"Your aunt has Muggle children books?" Incredulous, she looked up to him to see him smile.

"She is Remus' mother; but she's like an aunt to us. She is my main source for fairy tale books, actually."

Nodding her understanding she glanced back at the pile of books, an idea forming in her head and she spoke before she could change her mind.

"You know, there is a Children's Matinee back home every Wednesday and Sunday. I usually go there alone or with my parents at least once during the holidays and my Mum's send me a flyer of what films they will show during the Easter Holidays. I don't know if you've seen it yet, but there are two airings of Bambi."

"I haven't," his eyes lit up at the name. "I've wanted to see it ever since Remus told me there's a film as it's one of my favourite books."

"If you'd like, we could all go see it together," it was adorable to see an almost child-like excitement spread over his face. "We could make it a nice day out during the Easter Holidays; if you think the others would like to join?"

"They will. James likes the films as much as I do and Remus finds it amusing to see us watch them," he hesitated, clearly searching for the right words. "I don't think Pete's mother will let him leave so I doubt he'll join even if he cared for them."

"Then it's a done deal, we'll just all have to meet up after Easter and go see it," she decided, eyes once more finding the pile of books and taking in the various titles. She spotted Narnia in the pile; warmth rushing through her as she realised he'd taken her suggestion seriously as she'd been the one who had told him about that story only weeks ago.

"Have you read Watership Down, yet?"

"No, what's it about?" Curiously, Sirius rose to his feet and taking the hint that they had to get moving, she followed him out of the dormitory when he levitated the pile of plaids and pillows behind him and up the stairs.

"Bunnies trying to escape death and finding a safe home, I think you would like it. If you help remind me, I'll bring it back with me after Easter so you can read it."

"I'd like that if you don't mind borrowing it out."

"Sure, we could exchange books. I haven't read the last Lord of the Rings book yet and would like to borr..." trailing off as they passed the seventh year dormitory door and Sirius kept going into the pitch dark. "Sirius?"

"Don't worry, we're nearly there," he called back reassuringly so she followed him to find he had opened a door and stepping through it she was greeted by a fierce wind that made her shiver.

"I had no idea this was up here," her breathing stocked as she looked around at the amazing view.

"It's something Tiffy and Peeves showed me back in first year and even then no one had been here for years."

Looking down she quickly joined Sirius as he knelt down to spread out one of the plaids and stacked the pillows on top of it to make two comfortable seats across of each other with enough space between them for a dinner to be served.

Kneeling down the way she was, she was completely out of the wind without taking away from the still clearly visible view and she just knew this place would be beautiful under a starlit sky.

"It's beautiful," reaching out to place a hand on his, she smiled. "Thank you."

"You just make sure James has a good time," he cocked his head to the side as he considered his words and put the candles he'd gotten into a big candle holder; placing it securely in the middle of the plaids so it couldn't fall over or be disturbed by the wind. "That you both have a good time and enjoy the time together. You should get changed while I go fetch James as it's nearly five forty. I'll have him up here at six so you can greet him with the appetizer."

"Right," rising to their feet, she followed him back down the stairs; taking care to close the door behind them so no stray students would find this wonderful secret place because of her.

Without another word, Sirius disappeared through the portrait and Lily quickly changed into something warm but comfortable before returning.

She sat down at the far end from the door, determined to make this go much better than their Hogsmeade visit had gone because as disastrous as it had been, it had shown her one thing and that was that she really did want to see where this thing between them might lead and thanks to Sirius, she was given that chance once more.

She lit the candles and a minute before six the little House-Elf appeared with the appetizers; bowing low to her as she placed them down.

"You don't have to bow for me, but thank you...for everything," she smiled as Tiffy looked at her curiously. "I was a little overwhelmed earlier, but I am grateful for your help."

"Tiffy will dos anything for Siri to be happy," the little high voice squeaked. "Miss makes Siri's Jamsie happy and that makes Siri happy so Tiffy is delighted to help."

"You are a good friend and I'm thankful they have you. I'm Lily and would like it if you'd call me that instead of Miss," sticking her hand out to someone she'd already met was odd and she was definitely blaming Sirius for it but it felt like the right thing to do as large blue eyes looked up to her surprised before she took her hand with a small smile.

"Tiffy. Siri and Jamsie have a habit of making friends whos are different. Tiffy is delighted to learn Jamsie's Lily is the same."

Although the words were odd, Lily recognised it was meant as a compliment and smiled. "Being considered their friend is a privilege."

"Wait there, I'll get it," James' voice made her look up and Tiffy tactfully disappeared as footsteps approached. Taking a deep breath as the door opened; she ignored her wildly beating heart as James appeared through it, freezing nearly comically at the sight before him.

"Hi, care to join me?" She wasn't sure how she managed her voice to be steady when she felt so nervous.

"I...I...yes?" Colour spread over his cheeks, making him look adorably flustered as his warm eyes shone and he hesitantly let go of the door to come over and sit across of her. "How did you find this place?"

"A little birdie told me," she had to bite her lip not to smile as the door behind them closed magically, making him startle surprised before realisation crossed his features.

"I see, and I suppose that same little birdie lured me here?"

"That would be right," swallowing, she straightened a little. "This morning didn't go exactly as I'd hoped as I'm sure neither of us enjoyed ourselves so how about we forget what happened and start over?"

"It...eh...yeah?"

"Then, would you like to dine with me tonight?"

"It would be my honour," James' slightly stiff posture relaxed visibly; making him look more at ease in that single moment than she'd seen him all day and she knew Sirius had had the right idea.

The obvious relaxation made Lily forget all about her nerves as they shared a truly wonderful evening together; alternating between sharing stories and laughing to just enjoying the view between the delicious courses.