A/N: Hey, y'all. I hope I left you thinking at the end of the last chappie. Evil smirk.

We're Gonna Go Swimming

Chapter 5: Of Black Cherries and Fire Fairies

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Previous Chapter:

James turned the corner and came upon to figures silhouetted in the moonlight. They were kissing. It wasn't until he saw the wings that he realized that the girl was Lily.

"Bloody hell."

"James." Lily pulled away from the boy standing in front of her, looking mortified. The boy also seemed embarrassed.

"Right, I – er – just came to see if you were all right but evidently you're being taken care of so I'll just be going, then." James turned on his heel and left. Lily watched as he hurried around the corner and then turned back to Aden.

"I'm – er – really sorry about that Lily. I don't know what happened."

"Don't worry about it," Lily replied softly. Aden smiled and took her hand.

"I'd like to know you better, would you like to go for a walk around the castle?"

"Of course." Lily had a slight hesitation in her voice. What was she doing?

* * *

James didn't want to go back to the common room but he heard people in the corridors and figured he was out past his curfew. He reluctantly hurried back the common room.

"Mandagora," he muttered and the portrait of the fat lady swung open revealing the circular entrance to the room. Everything had been cleaned up and the lighting had returned too normal. Sirius still lay passed out on the couch while Remus and Peter sat playing a game of chess. James sat down by the fire.

"James, where have you been?" asked Peter.

"I was looking for Lily."

"Did you find her?" Remus sounded worried.

"Yeah," James answered shortly.

"And?"

"I didn't really get a chance to talk to her. She was a bit busy snogging Adam Killerman in the middle of the corridor. "

"Aden Kellerman? As in handsome, mysterious Ravenclaw brainiac, all the ladies flaunt over?" Remus asked in a mock feminine tone.

"One in the same."

"Merlin's beard, what did you do?"

"Ran away."

"Hum." Remus was now deep in thought. Peter threw a pawn at him and he made his move on the chessboard, taking Peter's king and winning the game. Peter sulked off to the dormitory. Remus left a few moments later, stopping first to collect a comatose Sirius.

"Are you coming?" Remus asked, dragging Sirius along not really caring if the big lug ran into something.

"Later." James waved his hand. He heard Remus continue up the flight of stairs. James stared into the fire. It reminded him of Lily. She had looked dazzling as a fire fairy. Red was definitely a good color on her. What was he saying? He had a gorgeous, wonderful girlfriend who he loved. He laughed. Love was an awfully strong word. Nevertheless, Lily had a certain essence about her that Rhi could never achieve. It is what still attracted him to her. Stop that James. He told himself. Besides, it looked like Lily had already found herself a suitor, Aden Kellerman. What kind of a name was that? Killerman? It was like she was dating a serial killer. Stop that James, You have NO ownership over Lily. James smacked himself. He was excited for her. She could finally be happy. He had noticed that her spirits had seemed burdened for quite some time. Now, she could have something to be happy about. He wasn't at all jealous. Well, maybe a little.

* * *

Lily felt terrible. She wasn't even entirely sure why. Aden was wonderful. They had walked for a long time through the moonlit corridors and discovered they had quite a few things in common. Aden was charming, sweet, and funny. When he had kissed her, even if it was a brief kiss, Lily had felt a connection. Now, after seeing James, she wasn't entirely positive what she felt. She felt a tinge of guilt as she gazed into those stormy bluish-gray eyes. They were so complex. She looked closer and could almost see the dark blue and gray waves raging over a stormy sea. She couldn't take her eyes off them. They were enchanting.

"Lily? Are you okay?"

"What? Oh, yes, I am fine." She blinked and backed away a few steps. Really Lily, scare him away before the first date. Lily was surprised at herself. Making plans in her head. She pinched herself.

"I was wondering if you wanted to – perhaps do something tomorrow?" Aden asked, smiling nervously.

"No thank you, I - I will be awfully busy - studying for a presentation with James. It is a Potions project. Very important."

"How about Sunday?" Aden appeared deflated.

"I don't, I don't know, Aden. I just don't know," Lily managed to spit out before she turned, giving him a soft, hasty goodbye, and hurried away. She didn't know what she was doing. Half of her wanted to get the hell away from that place while the other half pulled her back.

Go back, Lily. He likes you. You like Aden. Forget about the other one.

About who? Lily thought.

About James, Lily. Forget about James.

Lily turned back around, but Aden had already gone. That was a sign, she thought. She kept walking in the other direction.

* * *

James awoke in the mourning to find the rest of the Marauders still asleep. He was going to enjoy this.

"Sonorous," he whispered causing the volume in his voice to increase. "GET UP ALL OF YOU! GET YOUR ARSES OUT OF BED. IT LOOKS LIKE A LOVELY DAY! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING...," James sang. He danced around the room singing loudly until Remus socked him in the face with a pillow.

"We're all up, already," Remus said groggily

"JUST..." James returned his voice to its normal volume. "Just making sure." He smiled as he looked over at Sirius. He was sitting on the side of his bed, massaging his forehead.

"Good morning, Padfoot. A bit hung over are we?"

"James could you please keep your bloody voice down."

"Is that better?" James whispered.

"Perfect."

"All right, Sirius, get you out of bed and cleaned up. You reek of fire whiskey."

"Just one question, first. Did I get snogged?" The other Marauders laughed.

"Sorry, mate." James said, clapping Sirius on the back.

* * *

Lily was, as usual, the last to get up. When she finally opened her eyes Ling and Reggie were quietly talking, fully clothed, on Ling's bed.

"Aren't we up early, this morning?" Lily yawned sat up in bed.

"Oh, Lily, I'm so sorry about last night. I am discarding that useless boyfriend of mine as soon as I know he is sober." Reggie had come over and sat next to Lily.

"Don't worry about it, Regg. You can't hold him accountable for what he did. He was drunk." Lily wasn't positive why she was saying that. She was infuriated with that foolish git.

"I don't like alcoholics, Lily. They remind me to much of that obnoxious muggle father of mine."

"Sirius is not an alcoholic, Reggie. A prat yes, but not an alcoholic." Ling had also sat down next to Lily. Reggie looked angry. She glared at Ling and then turned back to Lily.

"Anyway, what happened to you last night?" Lily frowned. She had completely forgotten about her run in with Aden. She hesitantly informed her friends on the story.

"Why didn't you go for it, Lily? Aden Kellerman. Hell, I'd take Aden Kellerman any day of the week!" Reggie exclaimed. They all giggled.

"I don't know. I just panicked."

"Well, you should talk to him today," Ling replied.

"If he will. He might not ever want to see you again." Reggie always had a way with optimism. Especially when she was unhappy herself.

"Thanks, Regg. Maybe I will talk to him, if I see him or something."

* * *

After breakfast, Lily and James had planned to meet in the common room. Their presentation was Monday and Lily wanted to make sure they were properly prepared. Lily had eaten rather slowly and made sure James had left long before she excused herself. She didn't want to run into him in the corridors, in case Aden was there. She glanced over at the Ravenclaw table. He still sat there, eating away and smiling. This made Lily happy. She headed off towards the common room.

"Mandagora." Lily stepped inside to find James sitting in the corner.

"James."

"Morning, Evans." So, he had gone back to last names. How childish.

"Well, let's get right to work."

"Yes. I am sure you have places to go and people to meet today." James seemed rather grouchy. Then it dawned on Lily.

"I am not going to see Aden today." This took James by suprise.

"Hum." Was all he could think of to react?

"Anyway, let's just get started," Lily rolled her eyes as she spoke. They went over their plans for the presentation rather awkwardly. James didn't understand why he was angry with Lily, and Lily felt guilty because James was angry. It was quite uncomfortable so Lily sped things up a bit.

After they had finished, Lily quickly began to gather her belongings but James stopped her.

"Lily? Why aren't you doing anything with Aden?"

"That isn't any of your business, James," Lily snapped. She didn't want him meddling in her business. Especially since he was one of the reasons she hadn't pursued Aden in the first place. Wait! What am I saying? James was the reason? Oh dear. Lily realized the mistake she had made. Now she didn't know if she could emend it. She sat down and let out a long sigh. She had messed everything up because she thought she was still infatuated with James. James? Rude, arrogant, almost killed her James? No! Kind, smart, caring James. The James who sat with Lily in the hospital wing. Only because he had turned her blue and then white. Lily laughed at herself. She was completely off her rocker.

"What's so funny?" James looked genuinely perplexed.

"I'm an imbecile. I made a terrible mistake. Things are never going to work with us and I cheated myself out of a relationship with a handsome, lovable boy because I couldn't see that. Well, you know what? No more. I am done with you, James Potter. Done." Lily hadn't meant to say all that aloud but the words came pouring out of her mouth. She rose from where she was sitting and swiftly left the common room.

* * *

Aden was walking alone through the corridor when it happened. A pair of hands attacked him from behind, spinning him around. Then a mouth covered his and kissed him tenderly. Being of the male gender, he let this girl continue kissing him. The lips felt familiar, tasted familiar. Even her touch, the thin graceful hands roaming up and down his back were familiar. His hands wound themselves around the woman's back as she deepened the kiss a bit. Not only did the taste seem familiar, this style – the slow, sensual, yet erotic style seemed familiar. Then it dawned on him who this gentle woman was. He pulled away for a moment to confirm who his "attacker" was. He opened his eyes to see a set of green ones staring him in the face.

"Hi," he said slowly.

"Hi," Lily responded.

"How are you?"

"Until now, terrible, but then I realized that I kind of fancied you," Lily smiled shyly. She had a beautiful smile.

"I kind of fancy you too."

"I am sorry about last night."

"Hey, it is over and done with. You want to go somewhere?"

"Please."

* * *

James was still standing, baffled. What had Lily been raving about? She was mad. What was that "done with him" nonsense? He sat down feeling very drained. Listening to insane people really took a lot of energy out of him. He closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep but his nap would have to take a rain check as three loud young men.

"Did you see her attack him? POW!" Sirius laughed.

"Now, Sirius, I'm happy that she found someone she really fancied," Remus added.

"She found him all right. I bet she is finding more of him right now."

"You. Are. Disgusting," Remus replied.

"What are you two jabbering about?" James said sitting up.

"Lily and Aden Kellerman," said Peter simply. Aden Kellerman, that's right! Dimwit Ravenclaw.

"She's a fiery one," Sirius put in.

"Might I remind you, Padfoot, that Lily already has enough reason to hex you, so I suggest that you don't give her any more? She is the best at Charms in our class," Remus said.

"Hey!" James added in. He didn't like to hear about people being the best at anything, even if it was the truth.

"Sorry, James but I only speaketh the truth," Remus laughed.

"Why in the hell is that funny-eth?" Sirius blurted out. James and Peter laughed in agreement and Remus, looking slightly crestfallen, took a seat.

"So, Lily and a Ravenclaw. If you ask me she is some sort of traitor." Peter spat.

"What's it to you, Pete?" James snapped.

"Whoa, is Jamsie-wamsie a wittle jeawous?" Sirius started taking in a high-pitched voice. He was obviously long over his hangover. It was amazing how quickly his health restored. It must have been the dog in his blood. Damn dog blood.

"Jealous of what? Of that mindless oaf? Ha!"

"Yes, I would say you are extremely jealous," Remus added.

"What is this? Pick on Prongs day? I have a wonderful girlfriend. She is energetic, fun and – and – well, allow me to just excuse myself from this lovely party." James made a few rude gestures (which were met with laughter from the receiving end) but stopped at the portrait hole when Sirius spoke.

"James, sit your bloody arse back down."

* * *

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Aden asked Lily, who was holding his hand as they walked around. Lily liked being outside even if it was chilly.

"Oh, I don't know. Let's just find a spot to sit and take it from there."

"How about this nice ledge here?" Aden pointed towards the knee-high wall that lined the outer corridor.

"All right." The pair sat down and began to talk.

"So, Lily, tell me a bit about your family."

"Well, both of my parents are Muggles. I have a sister, as well."

"Really? How wonderful." Lily snorted. "What on Earth was that all about?"

"Petunia and I aren't exactly wonderful together."

"I think it would be magnificent to have siblings. I am an only child."

"I see," grinned Lily. She wished she were an only child.

"My mum's a witch but my dad is a Muggle." Lily and Aden talked for a while longer about their families. Lily realized how much they had in common. It was wonderful. He knew how she felt to have two worlds to fit into – the wizarding world and the Muggle one. Lily had long ago decided that she would rather live in the wizarding world but Aden wasn't as sure.

"I feel like I don't really belong in either world. I am not positive where I would rather be either."

"I completely understand. It is hard to be a part of both though."

Aden leaned over Lily and brought his hand to her face. It was smooth and soft as it rubbed over her cheekbone and bottom lip. She closed her eyes and pressed harder against the silk of his hand. He leaned in closer to her, tilting her chin up towards him. He pressed his lips against hers. His taste of black cherries entered her mouth and smothered her taste buds with it's savory essence. The hand that resided on her cheek traveled down the curvature of her neck, causing the hairs to rise as her nerve endings tingled with excitement. It was if her feet slowly began to leave the ground and she ascended upward towards the sky, her head clouding with a state of total euphoria. Her receptive nerves caught every movement of his silky hand as it made it's way around her waist pulling her gently closer. Every deepening of his supple lips into their kiss brought a new ember of intensity to her heart before shooting through her body like a wave of energy. Everything around Lily was nonexistent except for him. Her body was weightless and hot as if she was melting into him.

Lily felt the arms holding her become incredibly weak, and she lowered herself to the ground, not breaking the intimate connection holding her and Aden together. His kiss became even more intimate, unwavering, sensual, and passionate. Lily felt his tongue slide across her dry lips. She opened her mouth wider and let a stronger sensation submerge her body in an ocean of desire. Lily realized that the first kiss was nearly an appetizer as the pleasing flavor of black cherries strengthened adding a dash of cinnamon and the spicy tang burned her mouth with flavor and zeal. His hand moved up to her face as he ran his fingers through her hair, damp with sweat, before traveling back down to rub her neck. The passion and excitement and fervor flowed endlessly through Lily's veins like a white water river raging down a canyon. She could feel the rapidity of her heartbeat against his chest as he pressed harder against her body.

Her head became light from lack of oxygen and wonder of it all, and she had to pull away for air. Lily gasped as Aden's velvety lips found there way to her neck, he planted a row of soft, ethereal kisses along her neck and down her collarbone. His luscious lips caressed her skin - savoring the taste of her, the way she squirmed at their tickling sensation, the way she ran her fingers through his chestnut hair and the way she teasingly breathed in his ear. He pulled away from her sweet skin and looked into her vibrant green eyes filled with excitement. Lily saw his eyes soften as he brushed a tendril of hair from her face. The tips of his fingers caused another shot of passion to rage through Lily and she pulled his head down, eager for more.

* * *

"So, Sirius. What happened between you and Reggie?" James hadn't yet broached that subject and was feeling in the mood for information (Men don't gossip they received "information.")

"I am not entirely positive on that one. We broke up and then we found the nearest broom closet and made up." Everyone laughed except for Peter.

"You shouldn't t-treat women like that, Sirius. They aren't p-play things," Peter stuttered. B/N: I can't believe I'm saying this, but GOOOO PETER!!!!!!!! He always stuttered when he was nervous.

"Are you trying to tell me that you know more about women then the great Sirius Black?" B/N: Bastard

"N-not exactly. I j-just d-don't l-like to see p-people treated l-like that." Peter stammered. Sirius had a look of anger on his face, which quickly turned into a smile as he began to laugh. Peter sighed. He had never been very good at confrontation.

"Well, we should all listen to you, Pete. You have had loads of experience with ladies," Sirius chuckled. B/N: Self-centered arrogant bastard

"I-I do okay," Peter stuttered.

"Right." Sirius rolled his eyes and Peter looked embarrassed. James couldn't help but laugh. Remus looked less amused. 'Typical' thought James.

"Sirius, Sirius, Sirius. Not everyone is as needy as you."

"It's a damn shame too."

"All right, I hate to break up this little debate but it is dinnertime and I am famished," James interrupted. The four stood and exited the common room.

* * *

Lily and Aden entered the Great Hall together. He kissed her on the cheek and moved towards the Ravenclaw table. She moved towards the Gryfindor table where her friends were beaming.

"I am so jealous, Lily," Reggie said before Lily had even sat down.

"Me too," added Ling.

"Now, let's not be jealous. It was a little peck on the cheek."

"Yeah, proceeded by an attack in the corridor and a heated snogging session in the cold - not that I was watching," Reggie laughed.

"You saw both events?" Lily felt her cheeks turning red.

"Well, I saw the snogging session but I only heard about your attack from Sirius."

"I thought you two were breaking up?"

"We did, but then sort of made up."

"Yeah, in the nearest broom closet," added Ling. Reggie slapped her playfully on the arm, and Lily laughed. Life seemed so much better for the time being.

* * *

The Marauders entered the Great Hall to find the Gryfindor table nearly full. Sirius wandered towards the end, where three young ladies were sitting. Remus leaned over to James and whispered, "Let's go with him," sounding very apprehensive. They followed and sat down at the table. James had forgotten to look for Rhi. A few moments later, she came down from the other end of the table and squeezed herself between James and Sirius.

"Rhi, dear. There isn't a seat there." Sirius said, sounding very polite. Too polite, knowing Sirius.

"Oh, I don't eat that much anyway." Rhi slapped her stomach. "I'll just share with James. That's okay isn't it?" She put on a very seductive expression.

"Er - yes! Of course you can share with me, love." James kissed her n the forehead. He felt like he was making quite a fool of himself.

"Evens. I didn't see you there. How are we this evening?" snarled Rhi.

"It's Evans. I am good, Rhiannon, and you?"

"Rhi, please. I am wonderful. And you two are Reggie Eastwood and Ling Qu, correct?"

"Oh, but you can call me Regina, doll." Sirius snorted into his dinner. James glared at him and then at Lily.

"What?"

"Could you please control your friends?" he said just loud enough for her to hear.

"Excuse me?" Lily was furious but the conversation cut short by the food that had just appeared on the table. Lily at silently and quickly left the table. She did not like Rhiannon Overholt. Not one bit.

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A/N: Okay! That chapter sucked I know. I am sort of at a breaking point in my writing career. Things aren't going well with this story. Please tell me in your review (hint hint) whether or not I should continue. Thanks! Thank you those of you who have stuck with me this far. Please keep reading. I think it might get better. Also, thank you beta. What was your name again?

B/N: O-l-i-v-i-a F-r-o-s-t

Eleena Thea