Disclaimer: Wish I did, but I don't.

A/n: Okay, sorry again for the long wait. Enjoy!

"Denial/ Rejection"

Lily could have been anywhere in the world, but she had to be placed next to Camille Baker. It wasn't that Lily had much against the girl, but the fact was she got horrible vibes off of her. Nasty looks where shot in her direction constantly. The rolling of the eyes and the snickering of Lily's hair that seem to never end drove Lily insane. Every time Lily confronted Camille with it Camille just put on an innocent face and walked away. Lily was nice about it too. She sure didn't want to start a cat fight, but knocking over her sample of her potion was the last straw.

"Oops, my fault," Baker put on a false smile and walked away. Lily growled in frustration and resentment. She angrily walked to the front of her desk and quickly cleaned up the glass and the potion on the floor.

"Lily, need help?"

She turned around to see James looking at her. She shook her head and offered a small smile.

"Quickly people, hand the potion in," Professor Slughorn said in the front of the glass.

Lily quickly got a new sample of her potion and walked to the front of the class. She placed her potion down and walked back to her seat to pack. As she began to place her books into her bag several of them fell to the ground. Lily looked up to see Baker smirking with her fellow posse. Lily glared.

"Bitch," Lily said to Camille's face. They held each other gaze until Camille leaned forward towards Lily's ear. Lily didn't flinch.

"I always get what I want," she whispered. Lily watched her gaze at James who was laughing with Sirius, "no matter what."

She pulled back, smirked, and left. Lily watched her leave, anger boiling at the pit of her stomach. Lily swore the next time that girl crossed her path wands will be drawn. She sighed as she looked down at the books on the floor. She bent down to pick them up and saw another pair of hands reach for them. Lily looked to see that the person was James. He handed her books to her.

"Thank you," she said.

"Baker's a bitch. Don't let her get to you."

"I'll try not to," Lily said smiling at the genuine concern of James. He returned it.

"We don't want to be late for Charms, do we?"

"No, let me just pack these things away."

James waited as Lily placed her stuff away. As they walked together to Charms Lily couldn't help remembering what Baker last said.

"I always get what I want, no matter what."

…

You're everything I ever wanted

Everything I will ever need

I hope when you know who I am you will want me too

But for now I will remain always yours

A stranger, maybe, or one who thinks he is not worthy of you.

Your secret admirer

Alice was flattered. No one had ever sent her anything so touching before.

"I'm going to marry this guy," she said. Lily and Allie laughed.

"You don't even know who he is," Allie pointed out.

"He sounds so perfect, my prince charming, my knight in shining armor!" Alice exclaimed dramatically. They laughed.

"Sounds too good to be true, though," Allie said.

"Allie, don't be a party pooper," Alice cried.

Allie laughed, "I'm not!"

Alice sighed, "I really wish I knew who he was."

Lily looked at her. "He will reveal himself soon, don't worry."

"Hope so," Alice said as she hugged her pillow to her chest.

…

"Be ready for this Saturday's game," James said to his team. "Good practice."

The team left leaving only Sirius and James on the Quidditch pitch.

"James! Sirius!" A voice shouted. They looked up to see Lily running towards them.

"Lily, my love," Sirius greeted. Lily smiled at him.

"What are you doing?" James asked her.

"I felt like walking back up with you guys," Lily confessed.

"She truly does love me too much," Sirius joked. He placed his arm around her shoulder and smiled. Lily rolled her eyes, but despite that she smiled.

"Big ego," she commented, and Sirius laughed.

"Well, sorry darling I won't be able to accompany you guys back inside. I have plans with someone, if you know what I mean." He winked at Lily and left them laughing.

"I guess it's just us two then," James said.

"Guess so," Lily answered.

Conversation was light as the walked back. They shared a couple of laughs and teases. As they slowly walked closer to the castle the winds began to pick up speed. James wrapped his arms around Lily's shoulder to keep them warm. Lily was washed with a feeling of warmth and protection at James' touch, and unconsciously smiled. Lily watched him as he quickly walked towards the castle. It was a wonder why she never noticed how good looking he was. His manly face with dancing, childlike, hazel eyes he could easily win one of the top best looking guys at Hogwarts.

James turned to look at her and saw her looking at him.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" he joked.

Lily shook her head feeling heat rise up to her face at being caught looking. He laughed.

"We better go in," Lily commented. She began to walk away from James' protective arm.

"Lily, wait," he cried out. She turned around confused. He took a step towards her. They were close enough that if he wanted to he could kiss her. Lily felt her stomach flutter. Her heart beat increased, and she felt like she couldn't speak even if she wanted to.

"Yes," she said unsteadily.

James looked down at her, peering into her green eyes. His fingers gently brushed her skin. Lily didn't breathe and just stared at James. She felt his hand reach up for something on her head.

"There was something in you hair," he said holding up a red leaf.

Lily blushed lightly.

"Oh, thanks."

"We better get in soon. It's getting dark."

Lily just nodded and together they walked the remaining steps back inside.

James' POV

Coward! You had the chance and you didn't take it. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

…

As soon as Lily entered the Gryffindor Common Room she quickly excused herself from James' presence. She practically ran up the stairs towards the seventh year girls' dorm.

Lily jumped onto her bed, grabbed her pillow, and held it close to her. She was so confused. What was she feeling towards James? It wasn't an attraction, was it? Lily groaned. She couldn't like James. He was her friend. Besides, what would a guy like him see in her?

I don't like James. We're only friends, nothing more. Lily told herself. Nothing more.

…

James sat staring at the fire. He rubbed his temples. Why didn't he do anything? Why was he so scared? It was his chance, and he didn't make a move?

The door slammed. James looked up to see Remus walking in. Remus walked towards him and sat down across him.

"Why the glum face?" Remus asked. He had immediately notice James' expression.

"Nothing."

"Prongs, you know you can trust me," Remus started.

"I know, I know," James said. "But how would you response when I tell you I tried to kiss Lily?"

"And what stopped you from doing it?" Remus asked.

James shrugged. "I suppose I'm scared of rejection."

Remus looked at him for a moment. "How did Lily respond?"

"I don't know. That's the problem! I don't know how she feels about me!" he cried.

"Prongs, you have to take chances."

"I know, but I don't know how I'll cope if she didn't want me. Do you get it, Remus; it's our last year of Hogwarts. I may never see her again. This is my last chance."

James buries his head into his hands and groaned.

"I believe Lily will come around. Just give it time."

"I think I love her."

Remus stared at James. He wasn't expecting that. The room was silent. How was he going to response to that?

A/n: I really liked writing this chapter and would greatly appreciate it if you told me your opinion. Review it means so much to me.

Faithful readers: You guys are the best. It makes me feel so good to be appreciated for what I write.

Silent readers: I really do wish you guys would review, but thanks for reading anyway!