Chapter 7: Oh Man!

AN: Sorry for the messed up chapter. I think I'll post on whichever computer is available, but I'll come back onto the Windows computer, and I'll re-update it. Please read and review: Thanks guys!!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Oh Man!

A week had gone by since the kiss. It was also, in fact, a week since I found my hidden crush. Yes... I fancy James. And I've spent the last week trying to get over him. I know... funny, yes. It was weird that I never realized before. I did find him attractive, and he was a great friend... but he was so much more. He was a good portion of my everyday life. I woke up and saw him, and right before I went to sleep I saw him. Not just in person, but in my mind. He took control of my dreams. I found myself anticipating break hour... or meals time, to sit and be able to talk to him. Over-all, it was quite scary.

Come to think of it, I'm not afraid to fall from James: I know he'll always love me, and be there for me. No, that's not what I'm afraid of. I'm afraid of how he'll take it. I know that it'll probably be the most difficult thing to do. I think he's been trying to get over me. Then I turn around and tell him I'd like very much, to go to Hogsmeade with him. It would be very awkward... and I think I would be moving too quickly.

Christmas break is barely two days away. Actually... we'll be leaving school tomorrow. I think I'll take James up on his offer. I think I'll take him home. I've realized that, though, I haven't spent much time with Dorcas, Edgar and Amelia (and I regret not spending time with them), they've noticed that I do have a thing for James. We'll definitely have to hang out more a little bit later. But right now, I had to speak to James. It was a difficult thing for me to do... I had been ignoring him all week, trying to figure out my feelings. But now that my packing was done, I decided to talk to him about Christmas.

"Hello," I said timidly, and damn the ping I felt in my stomach when he turned to look at me.

"Hey," he smiled slightly. "I need to—"

"—talk to you..."

"Exactly," he said and we both shared a smile.

We walked to the same spot where Sirius had been telling my to give James a chance. Oh, if Sirius only knew....

"I wanted to talk to you, rather, about the kiss," he said quietly.

"Likewise."

"I'm sorry, Lil. I really am... I know you probably hate me for it—"

"Honestly, James, it's all right. I just..." I trailed off, thinking about what I should say to him. I decided now wasn't a good time. I'd wait for the opportune moment, then.

"Remember the train ride here," I said suddenly. "When you offered to come to my home and talk to my parents with me?"

He stared... momentarily lost for word.

"I... do you still want to? Because I'd very much like you to meet my parents."

"S-sure," he stuttered out. "My parents would very much like to meet you, also."

I smiled and pulled him into a dangerous hug, praying he didn't feel my stomach flip, or my heart beat faster. "Great."

"Great," he repeated, as we walked back into the common room.

POP!

"James' here!" I called to my parents who were in the living room: they came over. "Hi James!"

"Hey," he said, pulling me into a hug.

"Mum.. Dad.. This is James Potter..."

"The James Potter?" asked my father, shaking James' hand.

"Yes, sir," said James, nicely.

"The James Potter that used to make my daughter furious beyond belief?" he asked again.

"I—"

"Not any longer," I cut in quickly, saving James, who kissed my mother's hand, and mouthed 'thank you' to me; I nodded back.

For the next couple of hours, my parents sat in the love seat, and James and I were on a rather large, one-person chair. Slowly, but surely he told them about Voldemort and things going on in the Wizarding World.

"Is my daughter in danger?"

"You see, sir," began James. "The patterns of the attacks are very unpredictable. We are not sure who Voldemort and his Death Eaters will attack next. I for one, along with my father, who was a great Auror—"

"Auror?"

"Dark wizard or witch hunter," I answered and James continued.

"Yes, well, we both believe that the attacks are mostly random. A Muggle village... a pure-blood family... then maybe a Muggle-born.... Anyone and everyone who is not on their side is in danger. I have to say that the entire Wizarding World has got defenses against Voldemort... They are pretty effective, seeing as most Muggles know nothing of it. I can talk to you about protection on your home. My father is the Minister of Magic—"

"Your father is the Minister?" Very intelligent man, he must be.... And here's the offspring... proving to be a very intelligent boy."

"Lily is quite intelligent you know," added James. "Head Girl... gives me a run for my grades, I'll tell you that. Responsible... gets everything done that needs to be done. Perfect role model. She's taught me a thing or two. Excellent grasp of everything inside and out of the Wizarding World, I must say."

I blushed bright red, and James brought the subject back onto the matters of Voldemort, and his supporters.

"I was wondering if tomorrow Lily would like to come with me and meet my parents," said James, getting my attention again. "I can Apparate her both ways, or Floo."

My father looked thoroughly impressed with James all around. "I suppose so."

"What time do you normally eat dinner? I shall have her home by then."

"Why don't you two go out to eat?" asked my mum, and I know I went bright red. She set me up for a date! Well... I don't mind or anything... She exchanged glances with my father. "Perhaps we can have a night in, and you and Lily can spend some quality time together with your parents, and not rush home. I hate to think all you two talk about are politics, Death Eater rubbish, and Head Boy and Girl things."

James looked at me, and I to him. At the same time we nodded. "All right. I shall Apparated over at eleven tomorrow, then."

I walked James to the door.

"Son? Can I have a quick word?" my father called. James nodded, and my mother and I watched them walk into the dining room, and talk. We could hear every word.

"I'm very impressed with you, Mr. Potter."

"Thank you, sir. It's been an honour to meet you."

He waved James' statement aside. "I've noticed a... peculiar way you and my daughter have been acting."

James stayed silent, and I closed my eyes in embarrassment.

"I know my daughter has grown up, and can make her own decision in the Wizarding World," I could tell he was choosing his words carefully. "And I know of your feelings for her."

James was utterly speechless, I saw, when I opened my eyes.

"Sir, you have my word that—"

"You seem like the kind of boy that would take care of a man's daughter. Be that as it may, I still trust you... and yet I don't. Take care of Lily tomorrow. I can see in her eyes that she too has feelings for you. Your future looks bright, both in your job life, and in your personal life. If you want a future with my daughter, I suggest you start planning a nice way to take her out, and a respectful way to show your feelings. Take care, Mr. Potter."

James nodded and he walked towards the front door where I was standing, trying to look unfazed.

"Can—can I walk you out?" I stuttered. James nodded quickly and followed me out the door. "I am so sorry," I quickly stated.

"Don't apologize... I've met protective fathers before."

"Mine's really over-protective, since I'm the youngest and all."

"Don't worry," he smiled slightly. "Your father's a great man, and I think he's even better for caring for you so much. He's a very respectable man."

I nodded, and smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow. And James?"

"Yeah?" he asked, giving me a small hug.

"There... there's something I want to tell you... I want to tell you on Christmas... can we meet then?"

He nodded, "I've got a gift to give you, anyway."

Oh, damn, a gift! It slipped my mind.

"I don't—you're joking, right?"

"Lily?"

"James... I don't know what to get you..." How about a kiss? I ask myself, then smile spite it all.

"You don't need to get me anything." Yes, yes I do.

"I'll take Sirius with me to get a gift for you!" I once, smiling as I hug him once more.

"Sure," he laughed, and with a wave he was gone. Physically, yes, but he was still here with me. And that's one place he'd never leave.

AN: How was that? Please read and review! Thanks guys!!

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