(A/N: I only posted this because my friend read it and told me to update it, so I did! But please, please, please review! I need suggestions! I need opinions! Please if u read, review!)

Lily had been pleasantly surprised when she was appointed Headgirl. But her surprise turned to horror when she found out who was headboy. Of all the people, James Potter! Now she was going to blush every time she saw him, and, as he was Headboy, that would be a lot. She wasn't going to be able to avoid him. She'd have to face him. It'd be horrible! She didn't need her heart broken, she'd much rather have it the way it was before all this, when she was just part of the scenery. Now she couldn't be invisible anymore. After the feast, she had to make sure everyone got back to their common rooms safely. She didn't see James, and thought he had probably just ignored the duties assigned to him and gone to bed. She didn't blame him, tonight was one of those nights where you just wanted to curl up in bed. But duties were duties, and they had to be completed. She was just walking up the staircase to check on the Hufflepuffs when she bumped into James.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"Don't be sorry." He said, pulling her to her feet. "Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes full of genuine concern.

"Yes. I-I'm fine." She answered, still feeling flustered.

"Would you like me to walk with you back to the common room?"

"Um-"

"It's okay if you don't want to…I" he broke off and his face fell.

"No, I'll walk with you."

"Really?" he asked, his whole face lighting up again.

"Really." She said, feeling confident and smiling at him.

He glanced sideways at her, as though unsure of her answer. Then he grinned and Lily felt herself wishing once again that James loved her, if only for that grin. They proceeded up the stairs in awkward silence. She sensed his uneasiness and desperately tried to think of something to talk about. But it was James who broke the silence.

"So, did you think you'd be named headgirl?"

"Well, I don't know. I hoped so. But I…" she trailed off, unable to finish. She managed a smile to make up for it.

"Hey, how come you're not wearing your badge?" she asked, confused.

James grinned sheepishly. "I lost it."

"Already?''

"Yep. I reckon it might be a record…"

* * *

Lily laughed, and James thought how much prettier she looked when she laughed. He made a mental note to think of more jokes that she would like. James was so captivated by Lily that he forgot to jump the trick step on the last flight of stairs, causing his foot to sink into the stair and his ears to turn bright red.

"Oh! Here, I'll help you." She said, and James could tell she was fighting back laughs. She finally managed to pull him out, but the noise had attracted the caretaker, and his footsteps echoed in the empty hall.

"Come quick!" James whispered. But he didn't wait for her response; he dragged her across the hall and into a closet and locked the door.

He pressed his ear to the door and straightened up.

"We'll have to stay here for a while, I'm sorry. It's all my fault." He hung his head and sat down on an overturned bucket.

"Its okay. Really. I don't mind…" she faltered, not sure how to comfort him.

"You mean it? You don't mind?" he looked hopeful.

"Yes, I mean it. In fact, this is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me."

"It is? You're not serious!"

She shrugged. "I don't get out much. Mostly I just study."

"Ah, I don't think I could take that. What's life without a little fun?"

She didn't know what to say to this so she remained silent and stared at her feet. James bit his lip, unsure if he'd hurt her feelings. To stall, he pressed his ear to the door again.

"Well, I think he's gone." He said. "I'll just check and make sure." He opened the door a crack and peeked out looking left and right.

"Coast's clear." He added, pushing the door open. They tumbled out of the broom closet and James struggled to fight back the urge to kiss Lily. She looked so beautiful. Her hair had fallen out of its ponytail, and curled gently around her shoulders. Those beautiful eyes of her's were full of laughter, for once. He wanted to sweep her off her feet and make her fall in love with him. He glanced at her, thinking. They set off in silence once again. In no time at all, they were in front of the portrait hole.

"Licorice twist." Said James and the portrait swung open to admit them.

They climbed through, each lost in their own private thoughts.

"Thanks for walking me." Said Lily, and she smiled.

James took her hand and kissed it. "Wonderful to be of service to such a lovely lady." He bowed deeply.

Lily giggled and blushed before turning away and climbing the stairs with one last look at James.

James watched her go, smiling to himself. Maybe she did like him after all…