James' knee bounces up and down while he waits in the sitting room of the Peverell Estate. The decades-old furniture that outfits the space gives the room a Victorian decorative flair, which couldn't be further from his preferred style. At least the color scheme isn't terrible—the sofa is upholstered in a velvet burgundy, with an oriental rug laid out under his feet that boasts hues of dark red interjected with swirls of gold. Two matching chairs take residence opposite the sofa, with a dark mahogany coffee table in the center that is laden with his mother's finest tea set. A crackling fire roars to his right, disrupting the slightly uncomfortable silence as he stares off into space.

Despite being in the company of his mother and Dora, James's mind drifts to thoughts of Lily, and impatience over his current situation courses through him. This unexpected trip to Peverell has delayed his chances of meeting her for a second week, and all he's had of her are memories of their date and a handful of texts here and there. Yet, he craves so much more. The distance is driving him insane, but tomorrow will remedy that. Or so he hopes.

The faintest clink of china draws James's attention back to his current company. Euphemia Potter sips daintily from her teacup, holding the delicate saucer underneath with as much poise and delicacy as the Queen herself. The formality of it all is a bit off-putting to James, who prefers sitting around the kitchen table while telling stories of recent events from their time spent apart. But because James's visits to Peverell have become more and more infrequent, the sense of comfort and informality has long been replaced.

The thought makes James feel guilty, knowing he is only there for the week with Dora in tow at his mother's request, much to Dora's chagrin. The visit was unplanned, but also inevitable since they hadn't been since Christmas. When his mother pressed for an explanation of his continued absence upon his arrival, he blamed life and work for getting in the way, or needing to remain in London more often than not for Dora's sake. But the truth is that returning home has been hard on James ever since his father's passing. He loves his mother more than anything, but her demeanor has become much more overbearing in the years since they both lost their rock.

Despite his absence, they still talk regularly, so it's not as if James is purposely isolating himself. He bears the brunt of discomfort as she questions him weekly about his relationship status, wondering when he's going to settle down. James suppresses a shudder as he reminds himself of his mother's latest antics, which have included sending him a list of single women whom she deems to be suitable to take on the Potter surname.

The whole thing is appalling, but there's nothing James can do to stop it. He refuses to settle on a partner simply because his mother wishes he'd marry, and after years of digging his heels in, his mother also refuses to back down. He's still surprised she hasn't brought up the topic yet, but some foreboding intuition tells him it's coming.

At least we're headed back to London after this.

It's been a long week at Peverell. His mother's timing was impeccable when she called, requesting that he and Dora spend Dora's school holiday with her, and he knew he couldn't say no. It was either appease her now or have an extended stay for his birthday. Visiting this week is a small sacrifice even if it is the last place he wants to be.

Yes, because you'd much rather be spending more time with Lily.

Since he's satisfied that his mother isn't going to pull him into mindless conversation yet, he allows himself to think of the sexy redhead again. He'd never been more thankful for passing on his phone number to her when he did. She probably wouldn't have forgiven him if he just disappeared for two weeks without any contact.

James likes to think she was disappointed when he had to delay his return home, but the tone in a text is too hard to decipher most of the time. He hopes that his intention to surprise her tomorrow as the guest judge will be worth the two weeks since they last saw each other. He heard from the coordinators that Lily had soared through the first week with flying colors, impressing the judges with her perfectly executed walnut whirls and 'kitchen sink' biscuit bars.

As long as we don't have a repeat experience of the Belfast Bake Off.

Images of gold glitter flash in his mind, followed by the feeling of her body pressed against his in the tent as he replayed the best kiss of his life for the millionth time…

Euphemia clears her throat now, drawing James back to reality, and just when his thoughts were getting good, too.

"I've made all the arrangements for your birthday festivities later this month. You are coming home, aren't you?"

"Mum, I'm turning thirty-one. That's hardly a cause for celebration."

"Who says it's for celebration? You'll be thirty-one and still wifeless. Perhaps this year I'm throwing a ball to help you find your better half."

Dora snorts and James shoots her a look. "It'll be like a reverse Cinderella. Oh! A Cinderfella!" She dissolves into a fit of giggles, clearly impressed by her wittiness.

James, however, is less than pleased. "Really funny, Dora. Mum, we've been over this. I don't believe in looking for love."

"Don't believe in looking for love? Or don't believe in love, period?"

"I never said the latter, so please don't make assumptions or put words in my mouth."

"Well, regardless of whether you believe or not, you need to marry and carry on the Potter name. It's what your father would want."

Of course, she'd try to guilt-trip me with Dad. Well, two can play at that game.

"Dad would have wanted me to be happy."

"A wife will make you happy."

"Even if she's not off the approved list?" Dora pipes up and James whips his head around, throwing her the most serious death stare he can muster.

"Ah, Dora, don't make me laugh, darling! If there's anything I've taught my son, it's that of his place in society."

"Mum, not this again."

"What? You know you need to be careful when you're searching for a partner! The family has worked far too hard for all our wealth to be squandered away if you choose some gold-digging middle-class hussy."

Dora's eyes widen in shock at his mother's bluntness as James rubs his temples with his hand. Thankfully, Dora hasn't let anything slip about Lily. Not that what he has with Lily is anything serious.

"Mum, I will not say this again. Who I choose to date or marry will be my choice, but I make no promises that marriage is in the cards for me."

Euphemia takes the time to sip her tea slowly before responding to her son. James can tell she's deep in thought about something, and he's almost afraid to know what she might say next. He holds his breath in anticipation until finally Euphemia sets her teacup down and purses her lips.

"Ah. I see what this is about."

"Oh?" James knows she's goading him and decides to indulge her flair for the dramatic.

"It's clear as day. All this talk of how marriage is out of the question, or not carrying on the Potter name? Frankly, I'm insulted you felt you couldn't confide in me sooner."

He's afraid to ask any further questions, developing a hunch about where her mind might be going. But surely his mother was far too traditional to even consider that. Maybe he should bite the bullet and ask for an explanation. She's going to give it anyway, he knows.

"About what exactly?"

"Your sexuality, of course! James, you don't honestly think I would love you any less if you preferred men, do you?"

He had a feeling this was where the conversation was headed, but he had no idea why. His preference for a partner has never been on his mother's radar before. And wasn't his history of dating in Uni enough to solidify that he was interested in women? Where was this even coming from?

His comprehension attempts are stifled by Dora's outburst of laughter from the other side of the sofa.

"Dora, maybe you should go make sure you're packed. We'll be leaving after tea."

"But James—"

"Dora."

"I'm all packed! My bags are by the door."

He doesn't believe her, but in the grand scheme of priorities, he needs to set his mother straight. There's no time to argue with his goddaughter.

"Mum, I'm not gay."

"Darling, you don't have to deny it. I love you for who you are. "

"Which would be a straight male who is very much interested in women."

Dora erupted into a coughing fit and James thought he heard her mutter, "yeah, a certain red-headed woman," but he couldn't be sure.

At least his mum doesn't seem to hear her. "If you wanted to lie about it, saying you're bisexual would be more convincing."

"Mum, what rubbish are you watching on the telly now?"

James is sure the extent of his mother's street smarts and other current events come from the ridiculous programs she watches in the evenings.

"Nothing new, nothing new. But Regulus has been coming 'round more often to discuss plans for your birthday and we've talked extensively about you. Isn't he just the sweetest?"

James groans. He should have known Regulus might be behind this. He'd never put it past Reg to sidle up to his mother in an attempt to get more information about his life, or share information he'd rather his mum not know. Certain details are meant to be private for a reason.

A mixture of anger and annoyance swirls in his veins, allowing his impulsivity to win in the war against his reserved nature. Perhaps that's the reason why he admits more than he wants next.

"Well, Regulus doesn't know what he's talking about. And for your information, if you are planning on inviting a list of women to this ball, you can throw it out now. I already have a date."

"You do?" Both Dora and Euphemia exclaim with wide eyes that are round with shock.

"Yes. A Miss Lily Evans."

"And where did you meet her?" his mother scrutinizes.

"That's neither here nor there. Shouldn't you be happy I have a date?"

James stares into his mum's eyes, not backing down as she narrows her gaze, trying to find the bluff in James's statement. Then, as if a switch is flipped, realization sweeps over her face as he watches her lip curl upward and her eyebrows raise.

"This wouldn't happen to be the same woman you brought to the tent, would it?"

"It would."

"Ah, so the nameless has now been identified."

"I thought you'd be happier."

"I'll be plenty happy if she proves that she's suitable for my son."

James's gut tightens at his mother's words. He knows that Lily won't meet his mother's standards in the slightest. Not that he cares. Despite her infuriating need to contradict him at every turn, he is fascinated by her, and if these two weeks have taught him anything, it's that he can't stop thinking about her. Deciding it is best to end this conversation now before his mother can press him more, James stands.

"It's getting late, and we should be getting back. I've got an early engagement in the city tomorrow morning."

"So soon?"

"Yes. We'll be back in a few weeks for my birthday. I promise we'll be there, even if I'd prefer a smaller gathering without the big to-do."

"Oh, come now, James. What's the point in having such a large home if we don't host an occasional party once in a while?"

"Just a home?" Dora asks, and James laughs at her cheeky response. "Thank you for having us, Aunt Euphemia. I, for one, can't wait for James's birthday ball! I've already picked out my dress and everything."

Euphemia smiles as she stands to embrace Dora. "Well, at least one of you appreciates my meticulous party planning."

"I never said I didn't appreciate it, Mum. Just that I didn't need it."

Euphemia lets Dora go to wrap James in a tight hug.

"I'm looking forward to meeting 'Miss Lily Evans,'" she whispers into his ear, but there's something about her tone that isn't convincing.

Whether his mum is skeptical of Lily or not, he hopes he is overthinking things. After all, he has yet to extend the invitation for Lily to accompany him to Peverell. He doesn't even know if she'll still be in London. And even if she is, he could see her arguing to stay for Mona's or the competition's sake. So, even though he's promised his mum that he'll have a date, it isn't set in stone.

The following morning, James enters the warehouse in South London that's been converted into Gourmet Gloucester's second, more centralized location. He is eager to see the ground floor that has been renovated to host the competition, but James resists the urge. Instead, he bypasses the area to head upstairs, where smaller offices and the break room for contestants are located. It is where he is supposed to meet the other two judges, Albus Dumbledore and Arabella Figg, to go over the day's challenges.

"Ah, James! Welcome," Albus greets upon his arrival.

"Albus, Arabella. Thanks for having me."

"Thanks for agreeing to judge with us today." Arabella smiles and gestures to the vacant chair at the round table where she and Albus are seated. "You're aware that this week is pastry week, yes?"

James nods. "I am, and we're still doing two challenges?"

"Yes, the first is a shorter technical challenge, and the second is the longer main challenge."

"Are there any other specifications I should be aware of?"

"In the technical challenge, the contestants will have to bake with specific ingredients, and there will be a twist in the main challenge," Arabella explains.

"The contestants will have to incorporate a disguise into their main bake," Albus lets James in on the secret.

"Color me intrigued."

Arabella nods. "It will be interesting to see how the contestants react and respond, but that is the purpose of the twist, I suppose. Now, I'm not sure if you're aware, but we're trying something different with our guest judges. You won't be introduced until the judging for the main challenge. You'll watch both bakes from a separate room, but the producers have decided to only welcome the guest judges on for the main bake."

"So, I'm only judging one half of the week's competition? That hardly seems fair if I'm weighing in on sending someone home," James argues.

This procedure wasn't outlined in the original plans for the competition. He knows there have been last-minute changes, but this doesn't seem well thought out.

Albus drums his fingertips together, contemplating James's argument before responding. "There are so many baking shows and competitions that are televised as of late that the producers wanted to spice things up and keep our take fresh. Part of the drama of the show will be the reveal of the guest judge each week."

"And the contestants will still be making three dishes, so you will be able to try what they've made, and make notes for us to discuss during deliberation," Arabella reassures him.

The explanation of the procedure does little to comfort James, considering it is his name and company tied to the project, but it seems there is nothing he can do. He was away during the first week of filming, and it's not like they can go back and redo things now.

"Alright. I know it's too late to change things since we're already in week two, but perhaps we should reexamine the role of a guest judge if we pursue future seasons," James says as he makes a mental note.

"We have the same concerns, James, but this adds the element of suspense and surprise for everyone involved, including the audience! Plus, we wouldn't want our contestants to become starstruck by the guest judges we pull in, thus inhibiting their ability to complete the challenge." There's an all-knowing twinkle in Albus's eye that causes James to shift in his seat.

The elder culinary master always seemed to have a strong intuition about things, and James wonders if the man somehow knows about his connection to Lily. He's sure that Albus and Arabella know that Lily's late addition to the competition's roster is due in part to James's recommendation. But there's no reason for Albus to suspect anything more than James suggesting a talented friend...unless he's seen the—no, the photograph was in black and white. Lily is undecipherable.

"I doubt that will be an issue, Albus. I'm not as famous as you make me out to be."

"So humble," Albus says to Arabella before standing. "We'd better get going, Arabella. Ludo is due to start in ten minutes."

As if on cue, a tall, overconfident man strides in, wearing a ridiculous purple pinstripe suit.

"Ah, you must be James! The name's Ludo Bagman. I'm the host of London's Top Baker. You've heard that the competition is being filmed and will be aired on the Hogwarts Network, right?"

James shakes the man's extended hand and gives a curt nod. Does he not realize who James is? Not that he's going to call the man out or start one of those unspoken competitions where one tries to outdo the other. It's not worth the time or effort.

Instead, he thinks back to signing the paperwork for broadcasting permission last week, just before the first day of the competition began. It was a stretch to get a network to pick them up, but by some miracle, it had happened. This was exactly what Gourmet Gloucester needed to help expand the growing business and to put them on the map. The Hogwarts Network isn't the most popular channel on the telly, but James is hopeful that the show will gain traction once the season airs.

"Considering I signed the paperwork for it, yes."

"Wonderful, wonderful! We'll be starting to film the second episode in roughly ten minutes—"

"So I've heard," James interrupts.

He can't help it. There's something about the man that seems...unreal, and the less time James has to spend in his presence, the better.

"Right, well, there's a green room across the hall, where you'll be able to watch the bakers with their first challenge. One of the producers will bring you the dishes from the first round to judge, and then they'll come back to get you when it's time for your big reveal for the main challenge's judging. Ah, the contestants are going to be thrilled, just thrilled, I'd say!"

Ludo disappears before James has finished processing his rapid explanation. It's a good thing he doesn't have any questions because they wouldn't have been answered anyway. Since he is left to his own devices, James pulls out his mobile to check for messages as he makes his way across the hall, hoping that perhaps Lily has texted him. When his home screen reveals nothing new, he decides to send her a quick text.

James: Good luck today.

As soon as he presses send, he realizes Lily probably doesn't even have her mobile on her since the competition is about to start. He shoves his device back in his pocket and retreats to the green room to settle in for his private viewing.

Upon entering the smaller room James notices a black leather sofa on the wall that is opposite the large cinema-style screen. There's a table in front of the sofa, which has a notepad, pen, and bottle of water set up for him. The lighting is dim, and James wishes he were on set with the bright lights in the middle of all the bustling action.

As James makes himself comfortable, a notification rings from his pocket. He unconsciously holds his breath while he pulls his phone out, hoping there's a message from Lily and not Sirius or Dora.

Lily: Thanks. Are you back in London yet?

James: Yes. Have any plans tonight?

Lily: That remains to be seen.

James: Perhaps a celebratory drink after, then?

Lily: Don't jinx me, Potter.

James: Wouldn't dream of it.

She doesn't respond after that, and it's clear why. The screen lights up not two minutes later, showing Ludo and his obnoxious suit in all its magnified glory. He welcomes the bakers and introduces the judges, then explains the first challenge. It's the standard opening bit for any competition show.

The contestants are informed that their first challenge will consist of baking two creations using designated savory and sweet flavors that have been randomly distributed at their baking stations. They are given ninety minutes. As the challenge begins, James knows he should be watching all of the contestants, but his eyes drift toward Lily's workstation more often than not. He's impressed by the ease with which she makes bacon cheddar puff pastry twists and cinnamon cream cheese stuffed churros with a chocolate dipping sauce for the first challenge.

When the creations are delivered for him to try while he watches Arabella and Albus judge on-screen, James can't wipe the grin off his face when both judges praise Lily on the flavors during the initial judging. He's disappointed for her when another contestant edges her out and wins the advantage because they managed to seamlessly combine their two flavors to make an eclair and a hand pie taste unique despite using the same flavor profiles.

After a half-hour break, Ludo announces the main challenge next, where the contestants must incorporate phyllo dough into their bake. James wonders if Ludo's forgotten to announce the twist, but in a dramatic flair, Ludo pauses and brings up the added specification. Every contestant seems thrown by the disguise element that Ludo announces, except for Lily, and James can see the wheels already spinning in her mind.

They have two hours to work with the thin, finicky pastry, and James wills himself to do a better job watching all of the contestants throughout the allotted time. As the competition clock ticks down, he witnesses one contestant burn their first batch of peach roses and have to start over, while another person struggles with time management and is unable to add a dollop of whipped cream to all of her walnut raisin galettes.

Meanwhile, he can't help but notice that Lily remains as cool as a cucumber, taking care to garnish her plates with time to spare. James is eager to join Albus and Arabella now, and he doesn't realize that his fingers are tapping on his leg in an attempt to expel his nervous energy while he waits for the producer to come and get him.

When James is finally escorted down to the first floor, he is forced to wait outside the doors until Ludo introduces him. The whole thing seems staged and incredibly forced. To an extent, he understands that it has to be, but he yearns for an experience that is closer to Bake Off, where the set always seemed much more relaxed. His thoughts drift back to memories of the junior competition, and he almost misses Ludo's extravagant introduction. The assistant who is waiting with him opens the door and nudges him along.

As James approaches the judge's table, he pulls on his tie then ruffles his hair, regretting his lack of forethought to check his appearance in the mirror before he walked on set. There are gasps from some of the contestants and he smiles for the camera and waves to the seven bakers who are standing behind their stations. He scans the room, making it look as though he's observing each contestant, but in truth, he's looking for one particular person.

It only takes a moment for his eyes to land on Lily, who is trying to hide her surprise. An imperceptible quirk of her eyebrow tells him that she's wondering why he didn't let her in on the secret—at least that's what he assumes—and he gives the tiniest of shrugs in response. He takes the empty seat between Albus and Arabella and Ludo turns to greet him.

"Mr. Potter! Thank you so much for joining us today. You're in for a real treat with what our remaining seven contestants have whipped up for us."

James steels himself for the television banter that's about to ensue, doing his best to play along with Ludo's cheery demeanor. "Thank you for having me. It's been a while since I've been involved in a competition."

Ludo laughs harder than is necessary at his joke. "Well, I'm sure the contestants are happy that you're on the opposite side of the judging table. How does it feel anyway?"

"I'll let you know after I've had a chance to taste the contestant's creations." James flashes a grin that's purely for the camera, so the audience can't tell how annoyed he is by the pointless interview.

"Well, judging by the smells, you're in for a treat. Katie, you're up first."

One by one, each of the contestants brings forward their desserts and James analyzes the flavor profiles and textures of each. It's a shame that Dani, the contestant who made the galettes, ran out of time because hers is well done, but her lack of time management puts her in jeopardy of elimination. As they go down the line, most of the phyllo creations prove to be well-prepared, and the only other one that seems to come up short is contestant Drew's Berries and Swedish Creme Tartlets, which lack any depth of flavor and don't seem to be disguised in the slightest.

Lily is the last to be called up for presentation, and James wonders if production has done that on purpose. He does his best to keep his face neutral while Lily places the dishes on the table and introduces her creation.

"Well, Lily, I have to admit I was wondering if anyone would try to make a baklava," Albus chuckles as he presses his fork into the dessert to break off a bite.

Lily offers a light-hearted laugh in response. "I know what you're thinking, but this isn't your standard baklava. Instead of using the traditional honey and chocolate, I've chosen to use guava and blackberry instead. And I've incorporated pine nuts instead of walnuts as well."

"How intriguing! Had you not said anything, I would have fully expected to taste traditional flavors," Arabella comments before popping a bite into her mouth.

James lets Albus and Arabella take the lead on their feedback first as he bites into the delicate, flaky creation that Lily's presented, and just like every other confection he's tasted from her, there's an explosion of flavor on his tongue. The hints of tartness from the blackberries are masterfully paired with the sweetness of the guava. It's a flavor combination James never would have expected for the traditional Greek dessert, but it fits with the flakiness of the golden brown layers of phyllo that add the right amount of texture with the crunch.

He listens as the other judges praise her ambition and creativity, and he can't help but sit back and craft his comments in his mind as he awaits his turn to give feedback.

"James?" Arabella opens the floor to him.

James nods slowly as he uses his fork to break off another piece, feigning inspection in an attempt to make Lily sweat it out a bit.

"You've exceeded with the disguise element, crafting the flavor profile in a way I think none of us were expecting. At first glance, it looks like traditional baklava. The golden brown color of the phyllo masks the guava and makes us assume it's honey. Same with the blackberry jam. Without the seeds, it certainly looks like a chocolate drizzle at first glance."

"Thank you—"

"But, where I was expecting sweet, I received tart, which was unexpected but not altogether unwelcome."

James chances a glance at Lily, curious to see if he's riling her up with his comments, but her face remains passive. The only indication that she's reading into his words is the tiniest tinge of pink that's coloring her cheeks. He is taken back to his first time judging an entry from her and it's even clearer in hindsight just how much her flustered state turns him on. Not that he can allow himself to think about that right now.

This is perhaps what spurs his final criticism of the pastry—though it's grasping at straws because there isn't much fault in the dessert—in his attempts to get a rise out of her. "I would say my only regret is that there are too many layers, making it hard to cut through to the center, so the balance is slightly off. It's a bit hard to swallow and I'm left wanting more of the sweet and tangy mixture of the guava and blackberry."

In truth, the layers have little to nothing to do with the actual dessert and everything to do with the woman who's crafted it. While last time the double entendre had been completely unintentional, this time James says it with purpose. He hopes the look on his face can express the inner meaning, though Lily's hardening gaze tells him otherwise.

"I wasn't aware there was a specific number of layers one needs to have. I'll keep that in mind for next time. Thank you, Mr. Potter." Her words are clipped and her body language indicates that James has made his point, though she seems displeased by his observations.

He meets her gaze as her eyes narrow. Curling his lip up, James thanks her and the other two judges follow suit, otherwise speechless as they nervously eye the interaction between contestant and judge. The air is thick with growing tension between the two, and though at the surface, a deeper meaning can only be suspected by any onlookers, James's meaning is clear as day to Lily, who gives a curt nod before spinning on her heel and walking back to her work station.

The contestants are escorted to the break room while the judges discuss who should be sent home and who came out on top of the week's challenges. It is ultimately decided that Drew's flavorless tartlets are the reason he will not continue in the competition, and Jameson's Sugar Plum Phyllo Kringle helped solidify his number one spot.

Finally, Ludo bids the imaginary audience 'good day' and production calls it a wrap. All James wants to do is to walk over to Lily's station and congratulate her, but he doesn't want to arouse any suspicion from the remaining contestants. He shakes hands with Arabella and Albus and engages in small talk with the other contestants, but his eyes never leave Lily.

When he notices her bolting for the exit, he fakes a phone call that he needs to take and slips out the door behind her. James expects her to make her way outside, but she heads for the stairs instead. It's then that he remembers the contestants leave their belongings in lockers provided in the break room.

He hovers outside for a moment before retreating to the green room and texts her.

James: Meet me in the green room.

It's a risky move, not knowing if she'll meet him or not. For all he knows, she could be pissed and choose to ignore him. He paces the floor as he waits, though it's not for long. The door clicks open and barely has time to close before Lily rounds on him.

"What the hell was that?"

"I thought it'd be a nice surprise."

He knows what she's asking, but feigns ignorance instead. Lily approaches him, face as red as her hair as she backs him against the wall.

"It would have been until you had to pull that bit about too many layers and tartness or whatever you were droning on about. Tell me, did that actually have to do with the dessert, or were you having a go at me?"

James can't help the smirk that spreads over his face. "Who says it didn't have to do with both?"

"You really are an arrogant prat, aren't you?"

Perhaps he'd read her wrong, thinking she could take a playful joke. They were on good terms the last time he saw her, and he wants nothing more than to pick back up where they left off two weeks ago. The sensible thing to do would be to apologize for offending her, but James continues to goad her on instead.

"I prefer the term 'clever,'" he admits, reaching an arm out to take her waist, but she swats his hand away.

"Well, your cleverness seems to have caught the attention of the other contestants," she huffs.

Ah, so this is what that's about? Other people noticing the undeniable spark between them.

This time when James reaches out, there is no hesitancy when his hand latches on to her hip, pulling her into him. "So?"

"So? You took a mystery woman to the Great British Bake Off tent three weeks ago, and then I became a last-minute addition to the competition. It's not hard to put two and two together, Potter. Plus, you didn't see the looks or hear the whispers in the break room while deliberations were happening."

"I think you're reading too much into things."

"I don't want them to think I'm only here because I'm chummy with Gloucester's owner."

"Only chummy, are we?"

"Potter."

"Evans, I'm sure no one suspects a thing. And even if they did, what does it matter?

"Because I don't want anything handed to me on a silver platter. I'm here to prove that I deserve this because of my talent and hard work. Not because I'm snogging the owner."

"You're overthinking things. Besides, you didn't even get the top spot today, though you should have. So there are no grounds for anyone's accusations."

"Are you saying you manipulated Arabella and Albus into throwing today's results?"

"Not at all. I simply chose not to show favoritism in my rankings. Now, are you going to continue berating my judging habits or may I kiss you now?" His lips are dangerously close to hers, and he can taste the tantalizing tartness of blackberry that lingers on her breath.

His question has rendered her speechless as her green eyes flit up to meet his gaze as she offers a nod that's paired with a soft sigh. James wastes no time closing the remaining distance and losing himself in the feel of her soft lips. He nearly loses his senses as a hushed, breathy moan escapes her mouth.

"Maybe I shouldn't have been so vehement in my denial that we'd ever met before," Lily admits against his mouth.

He loves that he can effectively break down the protective barriers Lily has built with the simplest touch and the lightest of kisses. He smiles against her lips, satisfied with her admission that there is more between them than simple acquaintances as he plays along.

"Absolutely not. What could possibly make them think there'd be anything between us?" James agrees as he drags his hands up her back before threading his fingers through her hair.

"If anything, it should be obvious how much we can't stand each other."

"Yes, I'm absolutely disgusted by the sight of you," he says between pressing feather-light kisses along Lily's jaw and down her neck. "And don't even get me started with the layers. There are too many to keep track of. An exhausting job, really."

She tilts her head to the side, giving him better access to her neck as her hips press into his, causing an electric shock to ignite his core and awaken his ever-growing arousal for her.

"It's better than your one-note personality. Always falling back on what you know? How boring!"

"Can you imagine? Who would ever think we're compatible?"

"It's absurd. The only thing we have in common is our love of baking. It'd never work."

"Never," James murmurs against her porcelain skin, though the heat of their intertwined bodies suggests otherwise.

James can't help but play along as Lily tries to convince herself of all the ways they're wrong for each other, and as her argument falters with every passing statement, he basks in the glory of his victory. If she meant anything she was saying, then she wouldn't be pushing her body even further into his, her hands wouldn't be lost in his hair, guiding his mouth across her body as she breathes heavily against him.

"Imagine if they were to walk in on us now? They'd be in for quite the shock, wouldn't they?"

It was meant to be a joke, but the way Lily tenses causes immediate regret in James, which is amplified when she pulls away.

"We shouldn't be doing this."

"What?"

"Not here. I already feel guilty enough about—"

"Lily, you've earned this spot. How many times do I—"

"Earned it with my talent or by snogging the owner of Gloucester?"

"Lily, we've been over this—"

"I should go. I'm sorry. I promised Mona and Marlene I'd be home straightaway. We've got plans tonight. It was before—"

"You don't have to explain. I understand," he lies as disappointment pangs in his heart.

"I'm sorry. We'll catch up soon, though. That is, assuming you'll be in town for a while?"

"Sure. Perhaps I'll drop by the bakery and see what's in store for your signature this week."

"I'd like that. Make sure to ask for me when you're there."

"It's a date."

His statement causes Lily to turn back with her hand on the doorknob. "Bit of a step down after our last outing, don't you think?"

She flashes a wicked grin in his direction before disappearing out the door. A plan begins whirring through James's mind as he takes her parting words a bit too seriously. If she only knows what he has in store for her in the coming weeks, thinking of the prospects of spending a whole weekend with her at Peverell.

Ah, well. She'll find out soon enough.