Summer of Sixth Year

I love you, Lily. Those words changed Lily's whole perspective of James Henry Potter. She used to think of him as an arrogant prat whose head was so big that she was surprised he could still go up on a broomstick. But James, unfortunately, acquired an enormous crush on her in their fifth year together, which proceeded, eventually, into love. And Lily hated love.

Lily was what people called independent. She didn't need anyone else, much less a man, to help her stand on her own two feet. She had always insisted to both family and friends that she didn't need anyone beside herself. She made a vow to herself to never give her heart to any man, no matter how tempting, because it made her vulnerable. And Lily definitely hated being vulnerable, especially to heartbreak and rejection.

However, she found herself falling hard and fast for the great almighty James Potter. Could anything be worse?

She wished that they could go back to the times where they hated each other. Where they both shouted insults and curses at each other and had quite a few numbers of spats from the common room to the corridors.

But Lily had to admit that James had changed for her, and she found her heart slowly giving in to his so-called "Potter charm". Why had she fallen? James took girls' hearts, but he discarded them all away, except for Lily's. Oh no, he wanted Lily's heart, and badly. However, it was different this time. It wasn't just another fling; it was true love.

All her life, Lily had fought against love and vulnerability, but now, entering her seventh and final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she fell harder and faster than any other bubbly girl at school, and it made her depressed. She admitted that she was in love with James, but she didn't want him to know. He'd probably shower her with love and gifts, find another girl who was ten times prettier than she, and then dump her without a blink of an eye. But somehow, she knew this time it was sincere. James was no hypocrite, as much as he was conceited and egotistical. Deep in her heart, Lily knew that James would never hurt her. But you'd never know, right?

So Lily had decided to consult her three best friends: Arabella Figg, Jennifer Dean, and Violet Walker. And all three had told her the same thing: stop worrying so much and have the boy already.

As serious as the situation was, Lily had to laugh at their replies. They could always make her life no matter what.

"Lily!" cried Mrs. Evans, shuffling near the entrance hall. "Lily, come down! We sup this very second!"

"Yes, Mum!" replied Lily, walking out of her room.

"What were you thinking about?" her mother returned slyly.

"Nothing," lied Lily, a flush creeping up to her cheeks. "Why would you think something's up?"

"You wouldn't happen to be thinking about James Potter, now, would you?" said Mrs. Evans, ignoring her daughter's protests.

"Anne, don't bother the girl so," scolded Mr. Evans, shaking his head at his wife. "Though, Lily, I wouldn't object if you were thinking about the boy."

"Father! I was not."

"You were too," said Petunia, smirking at her sister. "You're always thinking about that Potter, that I wouldn't be surprised if you two got married."

"If only you knew," muttered Lily, as she proceeded to the kitchen and sat down at the dining table.

The meal was a rather loud one. Petunia had started to brag about Vernon's accomplishments and his dream of being in charge of a drill company, which Lily found extremely dull and ponderous…just as awful as Binns' History of Magic classes.

"Aren't you going to your friend Jennifer's house soon, Lily?" inquired Mrs. Evans curiously.

"Yes, Mum, next week."

"Is she inviting James over?"

"MUM!"

"What? What did I say?"

Lily was frustrated. "Why do you always bring up James to me?"

"Well, dear, I couldn't think of a better son-in-law than that boy. He's sweet, kind, and he has a definite thing for you."

Petunia sniggered into her napkin, and Lily shot her sister daggers over her bowl of chicken soup.

"Anne," said Mr. Evans, exasperated. "Do stop pestering Lily so."

"Is James coming though?" pushed Mrs. Evans, ignoring her husband.

"Yes, Mum, he is."

"How nice!" she said brightly. "Is that young rascal going as well?"

"Who? Oh, you mean Sirius Black. Oh, of course he's coming. Where there's James, there's Sirius."

"I take it that they are close friends."

"As close as you'd ever find any two boys. They're rarely seen without each other…Sirius even lives with James' family."

"And as I do recall, there were two other young men as well."

"Remus and Peter. Peter's pretty much just a tag-along, but he's pretty cool, and Remus is very nice and understanding, as well as the sanest of the group."

"They have a name for their group," said Mr. Evans thoughtfully. "What is it? The Melodies?"

"The Marauders, Dad," corrected Lily, giggling. "The most popular boys at school. I swear, they have about every single girl drooling after them like dogs looking at bones."

Mr. Evans chuckled. "Oh, they sound exactly like I was when I was seventeen."

"Do tell, Dad." Lily always loved to hear stories of his parents when they were younger.

"Well, when I was seventeen years old, I had a group of friends: Sam Ellis, Mark Rogers, and Glutty Davis. I also had the worst reputation of all four of us. I was kind of known to be"—he looked uncomfortable—"a player, so to speak. Anyway, to the point.

"Your mother didn't like me too much. She was one of those smart and bookworm types, with her own group of friends. But what she didn't know was that I was head-over-heels for her ever since I laid eyes on her. So my friends made a little bet with me, and bet me five pounds that I couldn't get her to go out with me.

"Unfortunately, they were quite right. I asked her out, and she rejected me on the spot. Of course, I was hurt, and my reputation went down the drain. I started to act like a normal boy, and then she took notice of me. The rest was history."

"That sounds like the relationship Jam—er—it's a good story, Dad." Lily blushed, as she had almost given away her dilemma to her parents. "James' parents had the same relationship when they were at Hogwarts."

"Did they?" Mr. Evans was genuinely interested.

"But then you must marry James," insisted Mrs. Evans, giggling.

"Mum…" Lily rolled her eyes. "I can't believe Daddy said that you were the mature one at school! Look at you now."

"She's had some influence from my previous girlfriends," said Mr. Evans slyly. "They befriended your mother soon after she and I started dating. Wanted to know how she got hold of the 'great Steven Evans'."

"Were you vain, Dad?"

"As vain as a boy could ever be."

"Oh, probably not as bad as James was."

Mr. Evans turned serious. "Lily, I want you to listen to me, all right? James is a good boy, and I can tell, because I was nearly the worst boy you can know back in my days. I saw how much he changed since a few years ago, and I can see that he is very much in love with you. I saw it in those eyes of his, Flower. He has amazing eyes, that boy, and I saw love and anguish in them when he looked at you."

"Steve," began Mrs. Evans, but her husband held up a hand for silence. "Anne, let me finish please."

Mrs. Evans frowned and sank back into her chair, eating quietly once more.

"So, Lily, the next time James asks you out, please do all of us a favor and say 'yes'. I can see that your friends and even your teachers are looking forward for you two to be together at last. Yes, Anne, now, what were you going to say?"

"I was going to say that I haven't been influenced by those girlfriends of yours, Steve," she said stiffly. "I, for one, don't like any of them. I just tend to be a bit scatter-brained when it comes to my girls and dating."

Mr. Evans rolled his eyes. "I didn't imply—"

"Oh, yes, you did!"

Lily stood up. "May I be excused, Dad?"

"Of course, Flower."

Lily went up to her room again and heaved a great sigh. What was she to do? Everyone wanted her to be with James, but why?

'Cause you two are 'meant to be', said a voice she knew all too well.

"Oh wonderful," she sighed, "not you again."

Oh yes, Lily Evans: me. C'mon, I'm not that bad! I am part of you, after all.

"Yeah, an evil part of me."

I'll pretend I never heard you say that. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that you should go out with James Potter. And mind you, I'm not just another pesky person; I'm a part of you, remember?

"Yeah, whatever. You're evil, you know that? I know I'm in love with James! But what if I catch him kissing another girl? Do you know how heartbroken I'd be?"

Certainly, my dear, I do understand. But you see, James is different. You even said so yourself.

"I suppose. But what should I do?"

Simple. Send him a letter, duh.

"Oh, fine. And this had better work, or I'll have your head."

You have my utmost sincerity.

Lily grabbed a roll of parchment and a quill, and began to write:

Dear James,

I know that I told you that I would think about your offer during the summer…and I have. I've finally admitted to myself that I love you. Yes, that's what I said, Potter! I love you. I know you probably think I'm joking, since I can see that stupid incredulous look on your face right now.

You're kind, you're loyal, you're smart, and you're sweet. I'm lucky to be the object of your affections. But I'm not done yet. I know you've changed, and I'd love to go out with you, but I'm afraid. That's right, you heard me. Me, Lily Evans, is afraid of love. And I hate it as well.

All my life, I told myself that I could stand on my own two feet without anyone's help, especially a man's. And by being defensive, I wouldn't be vulnerable, and be rejected often. But if we started dating, what if another girl prettier and smarter than me caught your eye? What would I do then? So you do see my dilemma?

So, James, I need you to prove to me that you are worthy, loyal, and would never reject or turn your back on me. I know it seems like a lot, but if you love me that much, you'd do it. And then I'll say "yes" when you ask me to go out with you.

Yours truly,

Lily

"Hannah, can you send this to James?" she asked softly, as she finished her letter. "You know where he is."

Hannah hooted softly in reply and took off with the scroll between her claws, into the night.

Lily lay down on her bed and closed the curtains, sighing. She looked over at her clock, and it read 7:30. Well, it was still early, so she might as well read. She took out a book from her bookshelf (A/N: I'm going on to three bookshelves and proud of it! LOL!), and started to read. It was A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, one of her favorite American books.

Lily always loved the book, and read the ending at least one hundred times. The heroine in the story, Francie, was her idol. Francie had been cheated by a man she barely knew for forty-eight hours, and had to move on with life. Like her mother, Katie Nolan had said, "You will be happy again, but you'll never forget."

Lily pondered on those words. Would that happen to her and James? No, James had integrity. He was a good person, and would never cheat on her and pretend to be in love with her like Lee Rhynor had done to Francie.

Maybe I'm thinking too much, she thought wryly, as she stared up at the still-light sky outside. She was waiting with anticipation for James' answer to her letter.

But a horrible thought struck her. What if he didn't reply? Or worse, what if he replied and told her that he didn't care anymore, and found a new girl to love?

I definitely need to get some sleep, mused Lily, as she clicked off the light switch, closing her eyes in the process.

***

Meanwhile, James' house was still rowdy and loud, as he and Sirius set off fireworks everywhere, keeping Mr. and Mrs. Potter quite entertained for the night.

"Hey, Prongs, look at this one!" exclaimed Sirius, setting off a bright neon green one. "Looks like Lily's eyes, hey?"

James turned pink and looked away. "Er—yeah, Padfoot."

"James, isn't that Lily's owl?" asked Mrs. Potter, peering at the small owl that was tapping at their window.

"Is it?" he said eagerly, and immediately sprinted toward the window and took the owl inside.

"Oho, a love letter, is it?" said Sirius, grinning slyly. "Read it out loud, Prongs."

"No way!" James laughed and scanned the letter quickly. Then his eyes grew wide, and he nearly fainted dead onto the ground. Luckily, Sirius caught him before his head hit the floor.

"All right, Prongs?" he asked anxiously. "Was it Lily?"

"Sirius…" James smiled shakily. "S-She…she…"

"She what?"

"She's going to accept me if I can prove my love to her."

Sirius jumped up and started to cheer loudly, startling James' parents, who weren't paying any attention to their conversation.

"Sirius Black!" shrieked Mrs. Potter. "Stop it right now! What did the letter say, James?"

"Er—" said James shyly.

"This calls for a man-to-man talk," boomed Mr. Potter. "Now, Sarah, don't pester our son so; this conversation is for men only."

Mrs. Potter rolled her eyes. "Well, have fun."

"What about me?" said Sirius pleadingly. "I go too, right, Mr. Potter?"

"Merlin's beard, Sirius, call me 'Dad' already," said Mr. Potter, laughing. "And of course you're coming; you're a man too, and you're also my surrogate son."

"You mean it? Wow, thanks Mr. P—I mean, Dad." He grinned.

Mr. Potter took the two boys to his study, and motioned for them to sit down. They obeyed, not knowing what else to do in these situations.

"James, tell me what the letter says and what's going on between you and Lily for the past three years." He raised an eyebrow.

So James spilled everything, beginning from where he discovered his feelings for Lily in his fifth year, to the contents of the letter that he had just received. Mr. Potter listened gravely and attentively, not missing a single word.

"Well, James," he said, when his son finally finished his tale, "that's quite a story. Now, let me tell you something.

"When I was at Hogwarts with your mother—"

"Don't worry, I already know your story," said James hastily.

"What? How would you know?"

"Er—Professor Hurst told me at Potions one day."

Mr. Potter appeared angry. "That git told my son our story? Well, did he tell you how I got your mother?"

"He said that you charmed her or something."

James' father snorted. "Charmed her…ha! Yeah, right. No, James, that's what I'm about to tell you right now. I didn't charm your mother; it wouldn't be possible. No, you see, I showed her my love for her.

"It was Valentine's Day, and I took her to a small shop. Not Madam Puddifoot's, mind you; that place didn't open yet. So I took her there, and I told her why I loved her so much, and why she meant so much to me. And I tell you, James, my boy, that is no charm; it's honestly…it's the truth. Women like to hear about the truth from us men; they don't like it when we tell them in a roundabout way. They want it said plain."

"So you want me to tell Lily 'I love you' plain and straight?" asked James incredulously. "Dad, I've done that for at least ten times!"

"Hey, flatter her, will you?" Mr. Potter shrugged. "Tell her why. Tell her why you love her. There has to be a reason besides, 'she's very pretty'."

Sirius shot his best friend a full-fledged grin at that statement.

"You guys have got it easy," said James, groaning. "I mean, Sirius has had Arabella since second year. Sure, there were a few ups and downs in their relationship but all relationships have those. And you, Dad…you've got Mum."

"James, it wasn't easy getting your mum, and I still marvel, to this day, how I really did it."

"I'm best man, of course, at your wedding, Prongs," said Sirius suddenly.

He grinned. "'Course, Padfoot. Who else?"

Mr. Potter smiled. "Oh, now we're getting confident about this, are we? Good, I like that. You're boosting up your self-esteem."

"Dad." James rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I don't understand why Lily's afraid of love, though. Maybe I did something wrong."

"No, it isn't you, James. It's just that many girls are afraid of rejection and heartbreak. We're men, so we don't experience that as much as women. But let me tell you something, James: heartbreak is the worst thing that can ever happen to you in life. It takes away your soul and it shatters your whole life. It makes you break down and never be the same person again. So don't blame Lily for all this…all women feel the same. That's why you have to show her that you'd never break her heart and never let her go no matter what."

"That was beautiful, Dad," said Sirius, wiping away imaginary tears. Or so the Potter men thought they were imaginary, until they saw real shimmering droplets on his cheeks.

James blinked. He had never, ever seen Sirius cry before, and now he was crying because Mr. Potter had said a speech about winning a girl. It made no sense.

"Er—Padfoot? You all right? You're crying."

"Am I?" Sirius wiped away his tears and smiled. "Oops, there goes my reputation, huh? The girls will never look at me the same again."

"Who says they have to know?" retorted James. "It'll be our secret."

"Gee, thanks, Prongs."

"Shall I leave you two to it?" Mr. Potter smiled at the "bonding" that was going on between his son and his best friend.

"Thanks, Dad," said James absently. Mr. Potter left, still smiling at the boys.

"You know, Prongs, you've got a cool dad," commented Sirius. "He's everything I'd love in my own parents."

"Don't, Sirius," he said sharply. "You're part of the family now. Don't mention your parents…it'll make you depressed again."

"I s'pose you're right. Say, aren't you going to reply to Lily's letter?" He smirked.

James snorted. "Yeah, but not right now."

"Why not?"

"You think I'd reply to a letter in front of you?"

"Well, why not?" repeated Sirius, now frowning.

"Padfoot, I know you well enough knowing that you'd probably manipulate it in some way after I finish it."

"Now, Prongs, I think you're being a bit too accusatory here…"

"Aww…you know I'd never, Prongsies. Stop being so paranoid already. Oh, and we have to write to Moony and Wormtail about this as well…They need to be well-informed of our doings."

"Of course. You take Moony and I'll take Wormtail."

"Really? Gosh, thanks, Prongs! I wouldn't want to deal with the rat myself."

"Padfoot!"

"Sorry, Prongs." Sirius blushed. "But you know what the prophecy said; Wormtail was going to go to the Dark Side!"

"Oh, c'mon already. It's probably just a hoax that Voldemort wrote. You know it."

"I guess, but I just have a bad feeling about it."

James rolled his eyes once more. "You know, I'm starting my letter to Lily. I can't believe how paranoid my own best friend can be."

He grabbed a roll of parchment from his dad's bookshelf, as well as a bottle of ink and an elaborate peacock quill, and started to write in his elegant handwriting:

Dear Lily,

Your last letter brought surprise and elation to me. My heart felt as if it was going to burst when I read that you loved me too. You don't know how much those words mean to me, Lily. They're my "umbrella on a rainy day", as I've heard American Muggles say. Having my dad as an Auror is helpful for learning about Muggles.

Anyway, back to the gist. I will do anything to show you how much I love you. I will go as far as dying for you, because then I'd know that I died for you, and you lived, and that I had proved myself to you.

You're probably wondering why I love you. Well, I was going to tell you this in person, but I may as well tell you now. I love you because of everything you are, and everything you stand for. I love your dark red hair, and I love those almond-shaped green eyes of yours that look like pools of emerald water shimmering in darkness. I love your personality, especially your fiery temper, feistiness, and spirit. Those three things attracted me on the first day we met.

You're kind, loyal, and damn smart. I guess, what I mean to say is, I love you because you're different from everyone else…unique, as one may be permitted to say. To tell you the truth, Lily Evans, I love you because you're you, and don't pretend to be yourself. I hate people with spurious personalities even more than I hate Snape, if that's actually possible.

Now, Lily, I want you to say to me plain that you love me. I think I've said enough, and now it's your turn. I hope this wasn't too sappy to read.

Love,

James

"Whoa, who knew you were a considerate person and a romantic, Prongs!" exclaimed Sirius in awe. "Man, Lily will be knocked off her feet after she reads this!"

"You think, Padfoot?"

"I don't think, Prongs; I know."

James smiled. "Yeah, I guess I am a bit of a romantic now, aren't I?"

"I don't know why I'm saying this, Prongs, but I want you to teach me to be a romantic, too."

He raised an eyebrow. "You're pulling my foot."

"I'm quite serious, actually. Wait, no, don't say it, James! I'm in earnest."

"Well, Sirius, after I fell in love with Lily, I realized something. You can't be a romantic unless you've experienced the wonders of being with the girl or guy you truly love. Since you love Arabella, I can honestly say, Padfoot, that you are a romantic. Congratulations."

"Just like that?" he asked dubiously.

"Well, judging from the look on your face whenever Bella's mentioned, I'd say you're pretty good in the business."

His response was a hug that completely took him in surprise.

***

Remus couldn't stop grinning as Sirius told him the whole tale of what happened so far in the summer. Lily and James were almost together. Those words sounded unbelievable until now.

"Remus, be a gentleman and show the girls their room," said Mrs. Lupin, giving a critical eye on her son.

"Yes, Mum." He whisked away the girls and told them their room was right next to the Marauders'.

"Have fun," he added with a wink, and went downstairs again.

"Never knew Remus had it in him," said Violet, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, he is wonderful, isn't he?" said Jennifer dreamily.

The other three girls sighed at their best friend's dreamy state.

Back downstairs, James, Sirius, Remus, and Jackson were all in the Lupin's family room, listening to Sirius' so-called "chilling" tale, continued.

"—and now they're going out," he finished triumphantly, amid claps and cheers by the other two boys. James was too busy blushing.

"We're not going out, Padfoot," he said, annoyed.

"Yet," said Sirius, grinning.

"That's quite a story," said Jackson, genuinely interested. "Your children will be drooling by the time you finish it to them, James."

"Yeah, but I'll probably be the last to get married. After all, Lily still needs to think about it before we go out. You'll probably be the first to marry, Padfoot; you're already thinking of proposing to Arabella."

"Yeah, but what about Moony? He seems more like the husband sort, not me."

"I—er—" Remus stuttered awkwardly.

"You're not going to break up with Jennifer, are you?" said James, thunderstruck. "We thought you were joking last time!"

"I wasn't. I'm quite serious about it now, guys."

"Why would you break up with Jennifer?" queried Jackson, perplexed.

"Our relationship isn't working out too well," he replied quickly.

"You guys look fine to me. Besides, you'd break the poor girl's heart if you break up with her. After all, Remus, you and Jennifer look pretty cozy and happy together."

James sighed. He knew that they couldn't tell Jackson about Remus being a werewolf, even though he was nearly part of their group now. But he had to take sides with Jackson. Breaking their long relationship that lasted for nearly all of their years at Hogwarts would break Jennifer's heart into pieces. He had a feeling it wouldn't do justice to Remus as well.

"You are so not going to do it," said Sirius angrily. "If you do it, Moony, I will hex you into oblivion."

"It isn't much of a choice," said Remus resignedly.

"I still don't understand," said Jackson impatiently. "Why would you do this, Remus? I mean, look at the facts: you and Jennifer are totally in love with each other. Why spoil the relationship when you don't even know why yourself?"

"I know why," said Remus, starting to get angry as well.

"Then tell us!" roared Jackson, standing up. Remus followed suite.

"What in Merlin's beard is going on?" demanded the girls, coming downstairs toward them. "Remus, Jackson, what are you doing?"

"He—" Remus pointed an accusatory finger at Jackson. "He insulted me, the prat!"

"I did no such thing!" shot back Jackson furiously.

Lily rolled her eyes and sighed. "Look, what happened?"

"None of your business!" the both of them shouted at once.

"Jackson, you're acting a bit too aggressive now," said Violet, eyeing her boyfriend warily.

"You, too, Remus," stated Jennifer, clearly in shock. "You're usually not like this."

"Dinner, kids!" called Mrs. Lupin from the dining room.

The Lupin's house wasn't as large or as ornate as the Potter mansion, but it was still nice and cozy to be in. They also had a chandelier right above the table, and Mrs. Lupin was also an excellent cook like Mrs. Walker was when they visited last summer.

"Very delicious pie, Mrs. Lupin," complimented Sirius. But unlike Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Lupin didn't blush or giggle.

"Thank you, Sirius," she said graciously, smiling at the boy. "Have you had enough? There's plenty more where that came from."

"Oh, yes," said Sirius quickly. Everyone chuckled at his eagerness. Sirius was always one for food.

James shook his head. "Sirius always likes to flatter Mrs. Lupin, but it never works," he explained to the girls and Jackson.

"I was not," protested Sirius, "I was merely stating the truth."

"Yeah, right." He snorted. "You've had that same pie for at least one hundred times, Sirius. Your charm may work on your girlfriend and your numerous fan clubs, but it doesn't work on Mrs. Lupin."

"That's right," agreed Mrs. Lupin. "I am a married woman of twenty-four years with two children, Sirius. I don't fall for your 'charms', as you call them, as twenty-year-old women do."

"Though I don't understand why," added Jackson, who was considerably calmer by then.

Mr. Lupin laughed lightly. Lily thought of him as a very nice man and very like Remus: quiet, yet kind. Mrs. Lupin, however, seemed the gregarious type; she laughed with the boys and shared jokes with them. Remus' younger sister, Rebecca Lupin, who was going into her third year at Hogwarts, was more like her mother in those ways.

"You boys are so immature," said Rebecca, rolling her eyes.

Sirius smirked. "Oh, but don't you love it, Becky. Say, you're going into your third year, right?"

"Yeah."

"You didn't happen to take Divination, did you?"

"Actually, I did. It sounded simple; all you have to do is make up a bunch of crap, and Trelawney will eat it up."

"Rebecca Lupin!" said Mrs. Lupin sharply.

James sniggered. "Now, now, Becca, no bad language."

"How many nicknames do they have for you?" asked Arabella.

"Three. Sirius calls me 'Becky', James calls me 'Becca', and my stupid brother calls me 'Beckums'."

"What about Peter?"

"Oh, he just calls me by my full name, Rebecca. As far as I'm concerned, he's the only sane person in their stupid group. It used to be Remus and Peter, but now that Remus has been under James and Sirius' influence, it's only Peter."

"Yeah, since you have a crush on our buddy," said Sirius, laughing.

"Oh, yeah," said Jennifer suddenly, "we've changed plans. You guys aren't coming to my house after all."

"Why the sudden change?" asked Lily curiously. "I thought your parents wanted to meet Remus."

"Oh—um—they already have," she said awkwardly. "Mum and Dad came by here by Floo Powder. We stayed here for two days. Mum loved him instantly, but Dad needed a little bit more convincing. He's suspicious of all magic folk, you see. But at the end, he found Remus 'an acceptable young man'."

"Well, that's good." Violet smiled.

After dinner, the group went immediately to the family room, which was quite commodious, and did their own thing. The boys, except James, played Exploding Snap, while the girls chatted. Soon, James decided that it was time for a chat with Lily.

"Lily? Can I talk to you?" he asked.

"Sure." She glared at Arabella's sudden fit of giggles.

They went into the hallway. James was shaking from head to toe, and Lily was quite nervous as to what he had to say as well.

"Lily," he began, "I don't want to push you into becoming my girlfriend, but I really would appreciate it if you put your whole heart into the situation. I'm in love with you. As I said in my letter—"

"I didn't get any letter," she interrupted, her green eyes burning into his hazel ones.

"Oh, well, good thing I made an extra copy then." James took out a folded piece of paper out of his jeans' pocket and handed it to Lily.

Lily read the letter carefully, and tears came to her eyes. She had never imagined James Potter to be so sweet. The way he wrote those words…they were absolutely beautiful. But what she loved most about it was that he wrote it from the bottom of his heart, and she finally saw how deep those feelings went, as he had already poured out his whole soul to her in one piece of paper. She was still doubtful of dating James so suddenly, but Lily was absolutely certain that the unexpected was going to happen: she was going to accept James.

"James," she enunciated clearly, "I will go out with you when our seventh year arrives. I don't want to go into a relationship so suddenly out of the blue, and I want to wait a couple of months into school before we start dating. But I assure you, by November or December, I will go out with you."

James' jaw drooped, and his eyes clouded over. He hadn't expected an answer so quick, and her answer was definitely not what he expected her to say. But then, out of nowhere, he whooped so loudly that it startled Mr. and Mrs. Lupin, who were retiring to sleep, upstairs.

Everyone came into the hallway, alarmed. Sirius said, "What is it, mate? What happened?"

Lily smiled bashfully and took James' hand in hers. They instantly understood. "We're going to go out this year," she said shyly.

Sirius gave a whoop similar to James', and Remus and Jackson started to laugh and cheer. The girls screamed with joy, and soon Remus' parents and Rebecca had come to them, surprised and confused.

"What on earth are you guys all crying about?" the latter asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The final couple," was the only thing Remus managed to choke out, but Rebecca understood at once.

"Oh, finally." She grinned at Lily and James. "Right now, or waiting a little while."

"Probably November or December," said Lily, grinning like mad.

"Oh, you lucky girl." She sighed. "I hate to admit this, since he's one of my brother's best friends, but James is very handsome."

James burst out laughing. "Oh, Becca, you surprise me every day."

"This is so sweet," said Arabella tearfully, wiping her eyes with a tissue. Sirius put an arm around her and kissed her cheek.

"Well, kiss already!" roared Jackson. The boys and girls clapped in approval.

James looked into Lily's eyes, and then slowly leaned in, his lips on hers. It was slow and gentle, and Lily gave into the gentle demands of his mouth. And for the first time, however, neither of them pulled away for quite a time.

(A/N: This would've been the sweetest ending, but I'm nice, so I've decided to write more!)

After they ended the kiss, their friends cheered loudly. The girls were all crying, with their boyfriends comforting them, and the boys themselves—well—words did not even compare to their feelings. Sirius, Remus, and Jackson, especially Sirius, were cheering so hard that their lungs ached. Sirius smiled at his best friend of almost seven years, and was in complete bliss that he was happy for the first time in many years.

"I love you, Lily," whispered James quietly.

Lily's heart nearly stopped just then. All the memories of her past Hogwarts years floated right across her mind: her first ride to Hogwarts, meeting James, making a vow to hate James Potter forever, kissing James in a dare…it all passed by so quickly that it made her dizzy. But one thing was for certain. She and James were together, and nothing could tear them apart now.

"I love you, too, James," she said.

James' eyes widened. "You mean that." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Of course, silly. I mean it with all my heart."

James grinned a full-fledged grin, and kissed her again.

***

"No way," said James faintly.

"What?" asked Lily, peering over her own Hogwarts letter at him.

"I'm Head Boy," he countered weakly.

Everyone stopped shuffling papers to stare at him. James Potter, Head Boy? Who ever heard of such a thing?

"Dumbledore officially lost his marbles," said Sirius, nodding.

"But you weren't even a prefect!" exclaimed Jackson.

"And you're Head Girl, I presume," said James, looking at his soon-to-be girlfriend.

Lily nodded. "Yeah, I got the badge." She showed him it.

"If you all think I'm pulling your leg," said James, frowning at everyone's disbelieving looks, "then see for yourself." He held up the shining Head Boy badge.

"You would make you Head Boy?" said Jennifer.

"Dumbledore, apparently. And you make it sound like a bad thing!"

"Well, technically, it is," said Violet reasonably. "You never set a good example for the younger kids. All you do is play pranks and break rules all day, James. How can you expect to live up to your name if you do that all day?"

"Well, I'll just have to change, then," replied James, smiling.

"Prongs, don't you realize that this is a disaster?" cried Sirius. "We have a Head Boy in our group…and one of the main ringleaders too!" He pretended to sob wildly.

"Oh, Sirius, shut up," said Arabella, sighing with resignation. "Will you ever grow up?"

"No," he said at once.

Jackson laughed and put his arm around Violet. As if by impulse, James did the same, and to his delight, Lily, instead of pushing him away, snuggled closer. All their friends smiled at each other gleefully.

"Finally, it's happened," said Arabella softly. "Remember in our second year, we were matchmaking them, Sirius?"

"How could I forget, Bellsies? Though we never dreamed that it would take this long for them to get together. But that's what happens when two of the most stubborn people who happen to hate each other end up together. I'm glad Prongs is finally happy, though." Seeing his best friend happy brought joy to Sirius that he had never felt before, except when he was with Arabella.

"I'm glad everything's okay," she replied, smiling, as she kissed Sirius.

James glanced over at his best friend. "Think they're talking about us, Flower?"

"Oh, James," said Lily, laughing, "what do you think? Of course they are! When have they not talked about us in all of their conversations? I'm glad that we're together, though."

"I thought we would start dating in November, or so," said James in surprise.

"True, that I want it to get settled in first, but I consider myself James Potter's girlfriend already." Lily grinned at the goofy look at James' face.

"Lily?"

"Yes?"

"You don't know how happy you've made me."

She stared up at him questioningly. "What?"

"I mean, I dreamed of this day ever since our fifth year. I would see myself and you holding hands and saying cheesy lines to each other…and now it's become a reality."

Lily sighed happily. "You really know how to get a girl, James Potter."

"Yeah, well, I think I've waited long enough for you, Lily Evans. I remember when you told me off that day at the lake."

She hesitated. "Do you really want to talk about it?"

James turned his head to look at her straight in the eyes. "Yes. Let's forget all our past misunderstandings and move on together with life."

"Leave him ALONE!"

"All right, Evans?" said James, his tone of voice changing.

"Leave him alone," Lily repeated, looking at James with great dislike. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said James, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…"

"You think you're funny," she said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone."

"I will if you go out with me, Evans," said James quickly. "Go on…Go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again."

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid."

James roared with laughter along with Sirius and Peter as Snape was hung upside-down in his underpants.

"Let him down!"

"Certainly," said James, and he jerked his wand upward. "Locomotor mortis!" he cried, as Snape had scrambled to his feet.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Lily shouted. She had her own wand out, and James and Sirius eyed it warily.

"Ah, Evans, don't make me hex you," said James earnestly.

"Take the curse off him, then!"

"There you go," he said, as Snape struggled to his feet once more, "you're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus – "

"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!"

Lily blinked. "Fine," she said coolly. "I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus."

"Apologize to Evans!" roared James.

"I don't want you to make him apologize," Lily shouted, rounding to James. "You're just as bad as he is…"

"What?" yelped James. "I'd NEVER call you a—you-know-what!"

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can—I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK."

She turned on her heel and hurried away.

"Evans!" James shouted after her, "Hey, EVANS!"

But Lily didn't look back.

"What's it with her?"

"Reading between the lines, I'd say she thinks you're a bit conceited, mate," said Sirius.

"Right," said James, looking furious now, "right—"

"It was horrible," said Lily sadly, looking away from James.

"I feel terrible about it," said James guiltily. "I never knew I was so bad back then. I mean, I had no good reason to hex Snivellus, as much as I still hate him. But I hexed so many innocent people…I've even hexed Frank before because he took five points from Gryffindor for me hexing Ulysses Boot."

"I remember that," said Lily, laughing. "You got a week's worth of detention, and the look on your face was priceless."

"Yeah…" James shook out of the reverie. "It doesn't matter. We have each other now."

Lily leaned over and kissed James again. And this time, the kiss went on and on, sweet and innocent, and didn't end for a very, very long time.

- - - - -

Disclaimer: I own nothing and J.K. Rowling owns everything. Also, the italicized part of the last part of the story is in "Snape's Worst Memory" in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

A/N: *blush* All right, I lied! I said the next chapter would be up by September, but instead, I felt generous and have a nineteen-page chapter by the next day! Woo! Go me! But don't expect me to hand it out so easily next time…unless if I get reviews. Now, if I'm totally swamped with reviews, I will definitely try to update as often as possible. You have my word for it :D

Thanks to my reviewers of Chapter 24:

hannah – thanks a lot!

Princess Punky – hope you're not disappointed! *wink*

Agloechen – well, I've done my best, and I've done it in ONE DAY! Yes!

Kady Rilla Wholi – yeah, SATs suck, they really do. And school is just around the corner too. Ah, well. Hope you like this chapter! And yes, they are sort of together now *shouts and jumps for joy*

Oh, and I'm very sorry for the fluffiness in this chapter! I'm a hopeless romantic, you know *grin*