{Thanks to Karenina for her idea for this chapter, I know James thanks you. And to Red-Devil, The Nash, Daydream Queen Misha and Miss Mrprk for their reviews.}

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO A Death of Preconceptions

Lily giggled and rolled onto her stomach.

She had never felt like this before, as if she would never again be sad. As if she had absolutely no worries in the world.

"I'm so hot." she murmured, peeling off her thin sweater.

Ophelia jumped down to help her back into it, knocking James out of the way.

"You know," she began. "We could just turn down the temperature, and you could keep your clothes on."

Lily leaned forward secretively. "James looks very cute right now."

"You're drunk, my friend." said Ophelia. "And James is always cute."

"He is, isn't he?"

"Maybe you should stay away from him tonight..."

Lily looked scandalized. "Stay away from James? I don't think that'll happen."

Ophelia returned to her spot on the couch between him and Sirius. "Just some advice, Lil. You might not feel so loving tomorrow morning."

"You know who I'd like to feel--"

"Silencio."

Sirius laughed and took out his own wand. "Finite."

Lily threw her head back and laughed.

James once again tried to join her on the rug, but Ophelia grabbed him by the collar.

"Why won't you let James come play?"

"You'll thank me in the morning."

"Pwease?"

She lessened her hold on him. "Have fun you two crazy kids."

James leapt off the couch and took Lily's hand. Together they ran outside onto the moonlight bathed grounds.

She collapsed onto an iron chair, propping her head up on her hand. "So what do you want to do out here, James?" she asked, making her voice deep and seductive.

"I dunno. Let's talk."

"'Bout what? How we're all alone... in the dark... with nothing to do.."

"I guess." he shrugged. "Sounds kinda boring if you ask me. I was thinking more along the lines of life's questions. What do you think happens after we die?"

Lily was snapped out of her thoughts. "I've never thought about it..."

"Neither have I, but it's a good time to start."

She wandered over to a low hill and laid down, gazing at the stars. A few moments later, James sprawled down next to her.

Lily turned onto her side to stare at him. "You're quite good looking, Potter." She took off his thin-rimmed glasses and smiled, replacing them. "I like it better with them on."

"So do I," grinned James. "I can see you."

She blushed, the shade of her cheeks nearly matching that of her hair. "You're sweet when you want to be."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Yes."

"My first from Miss Evans. Thank you."

"You're welcome. James?"

"Yes Lily?"

"Why do you... like me?"

He thought for a moment, the question sobering him. "Because you're kind. You're beautiful. You're brilliant. You care for your friends. You're fun... most of the time."

Lily swatted his arm and turned back to the black sky.

"Now it's my turn to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"Why do you hate me?"

She frowned. "I don't hate you, James. I've never hated you. But sometimes you can be such a complete and utter prat."

"I'm never a prat!"

"I'm sure I could find a handful of people at Hogwarts that would disagree with you."

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I was only having a bit of fun."

"There are other ways you can have fun."

"Like what?" he replied, his eyes gleaming.

"You know like what."

"I'm led to believe we're not thinking of the same thing."

Lily leaned close to his ear. "Yes we are."

As she pulled away, James caught the distinct scent of Firewhiskey on her breath. His heart dropped as he realised she was drunk.

"No we're not." he said reluctantly. "My idea of fun would be spending the night out here talking to you."

"Just talking?"

"Yes, Lily."

"You don't want to kiss me then?"

"I've never wanted anything more." he admitted. "But not here... not like this."

She shrugged her shoulders and collapsed back onto the springy ground. "Whatever you like, James."

"Right," he grimaced, reminding himself that he was to be a perfect gentleman. "So about the OWLs, how do you think you did?"

She groaned. "Do we have to talk about the OWLs right now? I mean, we just finished them last night. Their behind us."

"I think I got straight O's and E's."

"That's likely. I know I've gotten all E's."

"I would expect so since you've spent the past five years with your nose in a book."

She stuck out her tongue. "Where's Sirius?"

"Er... inside."

"No, the star. I can't find it."

James studied the sky, all the while throwing quick glances across at Lily. A moment later he pointed into a patch of darkness over the forest. "There. See it? Above that really tall pine on the right."

She squinted, straining to see it. "No, I can't."

He took her hand and traced a circle around the star. "Right there. The really bright one."

"Oh. There it is." She looked down at their clasped hands and smiled. "What time do you think it is?"

"About two in the morning." he ventured. "Why? Are you tired?"

"Nope, not at all." Lily smiled, snuggling closer to James and resting her head on his chest.

"So do you think our truce can last after we return to school?"

"Whatever you like, James." she repeated.

"So... we're friends?"

"Are you going to stop hexing Severus?"

"Er... I'm sorry what?"

"Are you going to stop hexing Severus?" she demanded.

"How 'bout I ease up? When you're around?"

"I can agree to that." sighed Lily contentedly.

"Do you think Phe really likes Sirius?" asked James, breaking the silence that had engulfed them.

Her head rose gently as he took a breath. "Mmm..."

"Pardon?"

But she had fallen asleep.

James smiled fondly at her. "Accio blanket." he muttered, as a thick quilt wrapped around himself and Lily.

He lowered his face to her's and lightly kissed her forehead. "Good night, Lily."