It's funny how the tides have turned. For the first time, James can't wait for the annual tournament to conclude so he can spend more time with Lily. Sure, the event is all to raise money for charity, and he'd never skive off and risk sabotaging the fundraiser, but that doesn't stop him from looking forward to what comes next.

He wastes no time exiting the natatorium after the final race, pulling Lily along and advising her to get ready for the afternoon. Despite her protests of leaving so abruptly—she didn't want to be rude—he doesn't let that deter him. And now, he is leading her down to the barn behind the property.

"I didn't think you were serious when you said you were going to take me out on horseback!"

James reaches out and slides his hand into hers, interlocking their fingers as they walk. "When have I ever not been serious when it comes to our dates?"

"I suppose you make a valid point, but it's been years since I've ridden a horse."

"It won't be that hard to get the hang of."

"From the three lessons I had when I was twelve? Sure, okay." Her arms are folded across her chest in indignation.

James's heart warms at the small detail she's chosen to share about her life despite her standoffish behavior. Little by little, he's learning more about her, which only furthers his curiosity. He wants to know everything and to share everything about himself with her in return. At some point throughout their night of love-making, he made a poignant revelation.

I'm in love with Lily Evans.

He's still surprised she's joined him this afternoon, though maybe he shouldn't be after last night. The last thing he expected was for Lily to come knocking on his door. When he'd stepped out of the shower, he resisted the urge to walk across the hall to wish her goodnight, knowing he wouldn't be able to refrain from taking her to bed if given the chance. Things were still too fragile at that point, and he didn't want to push her too far too soon. He was going to settle for a simple text goodnight, but then she'd knocked on his door and—

James shakes the memorable thoughts from his head. He doesn't need to sport an erection while riding a horse. And though last night satisfied his every craving—and then some—he still finds himself at the ready for more. With Lily, he knows he'll never have enough.

As he lay awake in the middle of the night, holding her in his arms as she peacefully slept, everything became clear. Cue their date now and his plans for this evening during the ball. He's planned the perfect date. A horseback ride to his favorite childhood treehouse, a picnic lunch, and then a walk in the garden before he would reluctantly let her go to get ready for the ball this evening. And for the first time, he is looking forward to the party.

"I'll get you started and will be right beside you. You're going to ride on Buttercup. She's gentle and listens well." He strokes the horse's side as he holds the reins, steadying the animal so Lily can climb on.

"If you say so."

"Let me know if you feel like anything's wrong and we'll stop."

"I'll be fine," she insists, masking her discomfort well.

He shakes his head and smiles. Despite everything they've shared, she's still unrelentingly independent. And while James holds massive respect for that quality, there's a bigger part of him that wants to take care of her.

You've worn her down this much. It's only a matter of time.

As they set off down the long path toward the woods, they ride side-by-side. The air is crisp, but the clouds block the sun, making it chillier than he'd hoped. Birds are chirping and the smell of spring is in the air; a fresh, clean scent that will soon be accompanied by the budding flowers back in the garden. Lily is quiet as they ride, focused on Buttercup, leaving James to admire her beauty in silence.

The ride is short and when the horses slow at the base of the massive oak tree, Lily speaks up.

"That's quite the treehouse." There's a sense of awe in her voice as she looks up at the massive structure that makes the tree look dwarfish in comparison.

Pride swells in his chest for his late father's handiwork. "It is, isn't it? And it's held quite well over the years."

"I'm surprised."

"Me too, but my dad made sure it was taken care of even after Sirius and I grew out of our treehouse stage. I was ready to let it run down after he—but then Dora would come here to be alone after her parents passed and I decided to make sure it held strong for her use."

He almost goes into detail about losing his father, but it's never been a topic he is comfortable discussing. So, he holds back. But as he dismounts, he notices Lily eye him curiously as she follows his lead and they tie the horses to some neighboring trees to graze.

"I'm sorry. I should have realized—but I didn't know and—I can't imagine it was easy," Lily babbles.

James isn't used to seeing her so flustered and knows it's because of his lack of explanation. A sudden shift in thinking compels him to offer her more of an explanation. "It's alright. We lost my dad shortly after I finished university. So, now it's just mum and I. Dora too."

Lily nods. "Is that why your mum seems so protective?"

"Protective?"

"Um, yeah. Over you. I mean, you're her only son, so it makes sense, but…"

"I thought you two were getting on well?" James frowns, wondering what she's not telling him.

He thinks back to the exchange he observed before his race. Both women seemed to be happy. They were smiling and chatting and it didn't look tense. But looks can be deceiving.

"I wouldn't say it was awful, but it wasn't the easiest conversation I've ever had. Regulus wasn't helping either."

Of course, Regulus had to butt in.

"I'm probably reading into things."

"Don't worry much about Regulus. He doesn't know when he's stepped too far, a trait he's learned from his mother."

James wraps his arms around Lily's waist, as she leans against the old wooden ladder leading to the treehouse. She relaxes at his touch and a surge of affection flows through him.

"Well, it won't do well to help him find someone of his own, will it?" There's a sense of pride in her snide remark as she hides a smile by nuzzling into his chest. Her words reverberate through his soul, and he loves how she sees through Regulus's bullshit.

Chuckling, he dips his head and presses a feather-light kiss to her lips. "This is true. Now, I didn't bring you out here to talk about Regulus, so why don't we head up this ladder so you can see what's waiting inside."

"That doesn't sound ominous or anything."

"Hmm, maybe I should reevaluate then. I was going for romance." James's gaze falls on Lily's arse as she climbs up the ladder. The way her jeans hug her curves sends another sensation of desire pulsating through his veins.

"I'll give you a romance point for a horseback ride, but then you lose your gain with a stop at an abandoned treehouse in the woods. Even if it's a fond childhood memo—oh."

As James follows her up the ladder, he can't help but smirk at the way she's stopped mid-sentence.

"Care to take that previous statement back?" he quips, slinking his arms around her from behind.

He has to admit that Benjy has outdone himself with the set-up. After arranging everything earlier that morning, he entrusted the faithful butler to transform the abandoned treehouse into a romantic oasis. The floor is covered with plush blankets and pillows. A picnic basket lies in the center of the small room, with plates and silverware set on either side, and champagne is chilling on ice in front of the basket with glasses at the ready. To top off the aesthetic, Benjy's gone so far as to hang sheer, makeshift curtains around the open windows, and there are even doorway beads hanging at the entrance to give them additional privacy.

"James, when did you have time to do all of this?"

Flinching, James offers a sheepish look. "I had some help with the timing and set-up, considering I was a bit busy this morning."

"It's lovely."

James pops open the bottle of champagne while Lily makes herself comfortable among the sea of sherpa and fleece. They sip on the bubbly liquid and feast on tea sandwiches, crisps, and chocolate biscuits.

"I don't suppose you made these biscuits, did you?" Lily asks as she snaps the item in question in two.

"Yes, I slipped down to the kitchen while you slept to make biscuits and homemade bread for the sandwiches today."

Her eyes sparkle and her face lights up in delight as she doubles over in genuine laughter. "I didn't realize you were capable of being funny."

When they've finished eating, James puts all the remaining items in the basket and moves it to the side. Now that there's no risk of spilling food and no barrier between them, he leans forward, eager to pick up where they left off this morning. "There's a lot about me you've yet to discover."

She sighs as he captures her mouth with his, leaning back against the pillows. Hovering on top of her, his glasses slip down his nose, knocking into Lily. Giggling, she pulls away and reaches up to right the square frames.

"Just take them off."

"But then you won't be able to see me."

"Mmm," he groans against her neck. "Good point. But maybe I want to use my other senses this time around." His fingertips trail down her body in an effortless dance as he buries his face into her hair. "Like touch and smell—" James moves his head lower to place a slow, wet kiss on the sensitive spot just above her collarbone. "—and taste."

"James," she whimpers.

"And lest we forget sound."

His trousers tighten as another moan escapes her lips. Relieved that nothing has changed since last night, James teases Lily by pulling away a tiny amount to drink in the sight of her. Despite insisting he can get his fill using his other senses, he knows he'll never tire of looking at her, and the sight of the vivacious redhead writhing underneath him is enough to spur his undoing.

As if sensing his want and desire building, Lily reaches up. Her hands fist his hair and it's clear by the way she yanks him towards her that her impatience is winning. Hungrily, he gives in to her nonverbal request and kisses her hard. There's an urgency in the treehouse that was absent last night. Even though it's only been hours, it feels like months, and he can't get close enough to her.

James presses his erection into her center and Lily moves her hips against him. He feels like a randy teenager again between the grinding, the unadulterated need, and the location, and it's not until his hands reach for the hem of her jumper, revealing her skin and feeling the gooseflesh erupt in its wake, that sense is knocked back into him.

Reluctantly, he pulls away. Lily frowns at his movement, looking for some sort of explanation. "As exhilarating as it is acting like a teen sneaking around my parent's property, perhaps we should return to where it's warmer?"

Her frown is replaced by a smirk at his suggestion. "What? Worried the cold will affect your performance?"

He's not expecting her cheeky response, and, viewing it as a challenge, is quick to retort. "Hardly. Remind me not to worry about your wellbeing in the future then."

"What's best for my wellbeing is to feel you inside me. Now."

God, I love her.

The thought sticks in his mind as he abandons all thoughts of returning to a warm, cozy bed in favor of taking her right then and there.

"Your wish is my command."

By the time they return to the barn, it's late afternoon. The sun is already setting and they aren't left with much time to get ready for the ball, not that James minds. He'd have been perfectly content staying in the treehouse with Lily all evening if staying warm wasn't an issue. Or if the horses didn't need feeding.

They only parted ways an hour ago, yet Lily's absence is like a black hole that threatens to expand if he doesn't return to her side soon. Since when has he become so dependent on a woman when it comes to his happiness?

Since you've fallen head over heels in love with Lily Evans, that's when.

He still has trouble wrapping his head around how he could have fallen for a woman so headstrong, independent, and quite frankly, infuriating half the time. But she is a challenge he's willing to never give up on. Because even those qualities aren't negative. They make her who she is, a strong, determined woman who is passionate about what she wants, and he hopes after the last twenty-four hours, things have changed for her as well.

Last night's shift in their relationship seems like tiny cracks in the foundation compared to this afternoon. Where last night held the reservations of their first time, today was full of confidence in the way their bodies moved together and how she'd sung for him time and time again as he took the time to get to know her. The urgency of needing her slipping away as he relished in the way they moved as one, or the way he anticipated what she needed.

The memories alone are enough to make James want to march across the hall and forget the birthday foray completely. He'd much rather whisk her away, take her to the sea and profess his love to her in the most romantic gesture he can think of. But things are still delicate, still new, despite the dance they've been playing for the last two months.

So instead, he straightens his bowtie and slides his arms into the jacket of his tuxedo. Usually, he hates dressing up for these stuffy events—even if the stuffy event in question is his birthday—but today feels different.

Because you have Lily.

A goofy grin escapes his lips as he ruffles his hair and rights his specs. It's time to collect his date. Shutting the door behind him, James takes the two steps across the hall and knocks softly on Lily's door.

"Lily? Almost ready, love?"

His inquiry is met with silence before the door opens. The motion of the heavy wood barrier is agonizingly slow, drawing out the suspense of her reveal. But it's more than worth it once the door is fully open, revealing Lily in the most gorgeous burgundy sequin dress James has ever seen.

"Wow."

It is the only word he can muster. Though usually eloquent with his words, James is rendered speechless by Lily's beauty. She spins around to give him the full effect.

"Like what you see?"

Her hair is pulled out of her face in a delicate half-updo, pinned in the back with soft waves cascading down her back. A hint of gold adorns her eyes, bringing out the bright green that James has grown so used to staring into when they are together. If he doubted his love for her before, all hopes of denial now are obliterated.

"Let's just say if we don't leave now, we won't make it to the party at all."

A light flush falls over her cheeks as she giggles. "We couldn't have that."

"No one would miss me."

"Are you sure about that? Who will blow out the candles on your birthday cake?"

James smiles, reaching forward to pull Lily close to him and kisses her temple. "You are stunning."

"You don't look so bad yourself."

She takes his hand and leads him down the hall. After climbing down the main staircase, they turn to the left where the wide double doors that are usually closed have opened to the Potter family's ballroom.

James has spent an adequate amount of time here for various parties over the years, but he'll never get used to the elaborate detail of the decor his mum chooses. No two events have ever looked the same. Euphemia Potter has always had an eye for sophistication and eloquence, and this evening is no different.

She's chosen delicate golds and creams to outfit the room. Tables are arranged on the far side of the room for guests to relax and eat later on, and the waitstaff is walking around with trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. A band is playing soft jazz on the elevated stage behind the dance floor while guests mingle.

James takes a deep breath before making his way through the crowd, keeping his hand on the small of Lily's back or around her waist the entire time. He stops to make small talk with various groups of guests that are clustered together. He introduces Lily, who politely nods and asks all the right questions, winning over all his mum's close acquaintances.

It is not lost on James how easily Lily fits in, despite the hesitation and resistance she's always shown against this way of life. He wonders if she is simply playing the part for his sake and whether she is truly comfortable. Having Marlene and Remus here probably helps, considering how he felt her relax when they made their way over to their friends after all other pleasantries were made.

"Some party, birthday boy," Marlene greets them, holding her champagne glass up in cheers.

"I tried to tell her Mia goes all out for these sorts of events," Sirius defends.

"It was a compliment! It's not often we get to attend events like this, right Lils? I'm never the one in the gown. I usually just dress them."

Lily laughs. "She's right, Sirius. And Remus and I are usually behind the scenes, setting up the dessert table before we take our leave."

James draws circles with his fingers along her back. "Not tonight."

"No, tonight we live like kings and queens!" Marlene grins. "When does the dancing start?"

"Soon, I reckon."

The group looks up at the sound of Regulus's voice. James hadn't seen him until now, which has been a relief.

"Brilliant!"

James leans into Lily's ear and whispers, "I hope you'll save a dance or two for me."

"Maybe even three if you're lucky," she responds, a flirtatious smile on her face.

James pulls her in by the waist, their noses touching as he grins. "I'll be counting on it."

"Welp, what are we waiting for? Let's dance!" Marlene grabs Sirius's arm to drag him out to the dance floor, and James holds his arm out for Lily to take when Regulus blocks their path.

"Get out of the way, Reg," Sirius says.

"But if you all partner off and dance, what will I do?" Regulus sulks, attempting to make them all feel bad, but James will have nothing of it.

"I'm sure Mum will dance with you if you ask her. She seems to love doing everything else with you when it comes to the party."

The remark is more snippy than James intended, but he's sick of Regulus getting in the way. Pushing past him, he leads Lily out to the dance floor, feeling at home when he holds her close. Joining the throng of partygoers who have already littered the parquet floor, they move in slow circles to 'The Way You Look Tonight.'

"Thank you for agreeing to join me this weekend," he murmurs in her ear.

"I'd say you're welcome, but it's not like you gave me a choice in the matter." There is no malice in her voice when she responds, just a slight hint of teasing, which puts his mind at ease.

"Would it be too corny of me to tell you that your presence here made my birthday wish come true?"

"Yes."

They both laugh as she looks into his eyes. "Maybe I was being too stubborn about the whole thing."

"And I'll admit I was a bit pushy."

"Is that an apology?" Her eyes are full of mirth, yet James knows there's an edge of sincerity behind it.

He opens his mouth to respond but is interrupted by another guest approaching them.

"Mind if I cut in?"

Lily becomes rigid at the sound, a look of pure, unadulterated terror etched on her . The man who asked the question is unfamiliar to James. He is dressed in all black, which does nothing to help his sallow skin or long, greasy black hair that is slicked back. A languid smile crosses his pale lips as he extends a hand in Lily's direction.

"No." She steps back, almost tripping over the train of her gown in her effort to get away from the man.

The hair on the back of James's neck rises in discomfort. He never would have let the man cut in to begin with, but Lily's reaction to his question has James ready to protect her and keep her safe.

The man steps closer still, despite Lily's efforts to get away from him. "Come on, now, Lily, one short dance won't hurt," he drawls, and James is left with the urge to punch the man in the face.

He manages to graze Lily's arm before she snatches it back as if his fingertips have singed her skin.

"Don't touch me." The sentence is breathy, almost inaudible. But then, she must have gained some of her senses because she repeats herself, much louder this time. "Do. Not. Touch. Me."

Her new volume draws the attention of the rest of the people on the dance floor, and even some of the guests mingling at the nearby cocktail tables. James notices Regulus is now watching with interest and the realization hits him like lightning. Whoever this man is, he is here by Regulus's invitation, and James needs to get to the bottom of his acquaintance with Lily.

"Lily, do you know this man?"

Lily glares at the man and responds with only a curt nod.

"Oh, yes. Lily and I are close friends. Intimate, you might say."

On instinct, James's heart drops to his stomach at the insinuation, but then he sees Lily's expression. If she could shoot daggers with her eyes, that's exactly what she'd be doing. Sharp, emerald daggers. Her nostrils flare and her hands ball into fists.

"That is not true and you know it, Severus." Lily bites her bottom lip as if to hold back from saying more.

"Is everything all right over here?" Sirius asks as he and Marlene join the group of three at their spot on the dance floor.

The rest of the dancers seem to have cleared out and James can feel the entire guest list's eyes on the confrontation. He needs to get this sorted. Now. Not that he has any clue of what to do. It's not like the man—Severus, apparently—has done anything wrong. At least he hasn't yet.

"Perhaps we should all take a step back and calm down," James suggests.

Lily whips her head toward him in disbelief, her mouth agape as she repeats his words. "Calm down?"

She looks pained but he doesn't understand why. He's simply trying to get to the bottom of the history between her and Severus, and why Severus might be pursuing her.

"Lils," Marlene pleads, attempting to calm her.

"Yes, I think Mr. Potter here makes a good point. Don't you, Miss Evans? You wouldn't want your temper to get the better of you again, would you? It wouldn't look good to add to the list. Of course, I'd be happy to discuss these things with you in private if you'd like." Severus narrows his eyes in question, a salacious smile playing at his lips. "Regulus and Mia have so kindly offered me a room for the evening. I'd be more than happy to escort you back there for a conversation."

The thought of what he is suggesting makes James physically ill. The insinuation in his words that more has occured between them hits him like a sucker punch to the groin. But then, he sees the way Lily's eyes grow wide as she frantically searches the room for some sort of lifeline. The image grounds him and provides clarity that something else is going on between the implied innuendos.

"It's a good thing I'm open to second chances," Severus continues to urge. "I'm sure you're eager to pick up where we left off last time, aren't you? Or I'm sure Mr. Potter would be interested to know some valuable information if you'd rather stay here."

"Miss Evans will not be going anywhere with you. Am I clear?" James finally finds his voice as he steps between Lily and the slimy git.

"Oh, dear," Regulus tuts. "Lily, I didn't know you and Severus knew each other. Did you, James?"

Where the fuck did he come from?

Red consumes James's vision. He momentarily forgets about Severus and rounds on Regulus. "That is the biggest lie I've ever heard. Is this why you were so insistent on helping Mum plan the party? To bring this man here? What's your goal, Regulus? What do you think you're going to accomplish by airing someone else's supposed dirty laundry?"

"James!" his mother gasps. "That's quite the accusation!"

Regulus fakes a hurt look on his face, trying to play the victim. "It is, isn't it, Mia? This is only to protect you from a gold digger—"

"You take that back!"

"He's not wrong. A whore like her will do anything to get ahead." Severus shrugs.

Something inside of James snaps. The next thing he knows, a blinding pain erupts in his knuckles and Severus is lying on the ground, out cold.

"James!" his mother screeches.

"Whew," Sirius lets out a long whistle. "He'll be out for a while."

James ignores everyone else as he rounds on Regulus. "As for you," he jabs a finger from his uninjured hand into Regulus's chest. "I never want to see you in this house, or my home in London ever again. You are no longer welcome here."

"But James, I was only trying to—"

James holds up a hand to stop whatever bullshit explanation Regulus has to offer. "Apologize to Lily, then leave."

He turns to reach out and put a comforting arm around Lily, intending to lead her away but she's nowhere to be found.

"Bloody hell, where is she?"

"Must have realized she was about to be outed," Regulus mutters under his breath.

James winds his arm back, ready to throw another punch despite the throbbing in his hand when a pair of arms grab him and pull him away.

"It's not worth it, mate. I'll take care of my brother. You go find her."

Sirius steers him toward the door and lets him go, his words sticking in James's head.

Find Lily. I have to find Lily.