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Word of Lily Evans and Stephen McCormick being a couple had in fact spread rapidly around Hogwarts. Soon Lily didn't even try and fight hiding it anymore. Stephen her were together constantly now, they sat next to each other in classes, they ate together; they studied in the library together. They were inseparable.
Lily plopped down on the ground after her Divination class. Stephen was laying on his stomach on the bench she was resting her head against. He was wearing worn out dark jeans and a blank sweater, not the schools dress code, but he didn't care.
Lily smiled up at Stephen, who winked at her in return.
"How was seeing into the future?" He asked before going back to writing his paper.
Lily pulled her hair out of the elastic that held it in place. She shook her beautiful red waves loose and opened her Advanced Transfiguration book to chapter five.
"I saw the Hufflepuff twins seducing Peter Pettigrew," Lily mumbled, turning pages in her book.
Stephen rolled onto his back with laughter. Lily punched his shoulder and turned to face him, propping her elbows on his shaking stomach.
"It's not funny! I could've gotten in serious trouble with Madame Trelawney!"
Stephen's eyes were glinting with humor. "What did you say?"
Lily rested her chin on her hands. "That I saw her getting a raise in her salary. She said she saw the same thing last Tuesday."
Stephen laughed even louder and pulled Lily up on top of him. He kissed her hard on the mouth while they both laughed hysterically.
"You're a real twit, you know that?" He said before kissing her on the neck.
Lily giggled and pushed him off. "Not here!"
She jumped off of the bench and gathered her things. "Walk me to Transfiguration?"
Stephen nodded and jumped off the bench, throwing his arm around her shoulders.
Lily tossed her bag under her arms and turned towards the castle. It was mid-October and the leaves were starting to change color. She grinned at a couple of girls who were giggling in her direction. Her smile faded slightly when she looked in between two of the archways.
James Potter nodded in her direction as a girl walked away from him. He waved; just to be sure he had her attention.
Lily gave a tiny smile back at James and felt her stomach jump at the sight of him.
No! I'm not going to even allow the possibility. He's no good for you Lily. She thought to herself.
But her heart started beating faster. She had to stop it; there was no way she was going to let herself fall for James Potter.
Lily spun Stephen around to face and threw her arms around his neck. She planted her mouth on his, letting her books fall to the stone ground below her. She felt his lips form a smile but then he dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around her lower back.
Yet somehow, Lily couldn't stop imagining that it was James kissing her, and that made her heart flutter even more.
James felt himself tighten the grip he had on the library book about Quidditch. He heard the binding crack and felt some pages crumple but it didn't cross his mind. Lily and Stephen, why did it bother him so much?
He turned on his heel and bolted to the Gryffindor common room. He knew he had Transfiguration next, but he didn't care if he had another detention. He couldn't face being in that classroom with Lily so close.
James slid to a stop outside of the common room. The Fat Lady was pinning her brown hair up in curls but her eyes narrowed when she saw James.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" She inquired.
James shook his head. "I'm off this period. What's it to you anyway?"
The Fat Lady sighed and rolled her eyes. "You children are getting more and more rude each year!"
James took a few deep breaths so he didn't lash out at her. "Lizard Bunion. Now may I go in, please?"
The Fat Lady opened the portrait hole and scowled. "Fine, fine. Learn some manners for next time!"
The portrait swung open and James fled to his favorite couch. It was the worn green one in the corner that was far too soft for anyone else. All of the other students were in classes so he had the common room to himself. He grabbed the book he kept hidden underneath the seat cushion. He pulled out his quill and started to write.
When I thought I would stop being lost I was wrong. I get lost in your eyes. Yet I like the feeling of being lost when I know that I'm with you.
James didn't realize he was smiling. Whenever he was writing, whether it was about Lily or his friends, he felt good. Writing let him express himself and get his feelings out in what Dumbledore called a 'constructive' way.
He didn't even hear the footsteps behind him that were approaching.
"You're going to get detention again. Skipping class is severely against the rules."
James looked up to see a curious Lily Evans looking at him.
"What are you writing?" She asked, reaching for his notebooks.
James yanked the notebook away and slammed it shut. "It's nothing."
Lily sat down on the couch. James moved his legs out of the way and didn't meet her gaze.
Lily grabbed one end of the notebook. "I want to see it. If it's homework I can help you."
"It's not homework." James said quickly.
Lily tugged on the end she held in her hands. "I don't believe you. I bet it's the essay McGonagall wanted today and you're trying to finish."
"No, it's really not."
Lily looked over towards the fireplace behind James. "Sirius!"
James turned around and Lily yanked the notebook away from him, flipping to the pages he had been holding.
"Give it!" He snapped, but she kept reading as she scampered away.
"I can't help but wonder why I had to fall for you. I know I'll never stop and I want you to feel it too." She read out loud in a quiet voice.
James tried to protest. "Just give it back!"
"I'm lost in your eyes but I know I'm not alone. You're with me. And I'm free."
She stared at James, who looked at the floor.
"Is this true?" She asked quietly.
James laughed. "Oh what the hell." He sighed and took a few quick steps toward Lily, pulling her into him.
"Decide Evans, I hate suffering."
And he kissed her. He kissed her long and hot and full of passion.
No. NO! Lily's mind was screaming. But her body wouldn't listen. She felt her hand brush James's unruly hair. It was surprisingly soft and smooth, even though it stuck out at odd angles.
Lily Evans, stop this childish behavior at once. And she felt herself put a hand on his muscular, athletic chest.
She didn't protest. He kissed her longer.
God, this is so messed up.
