James could not believe that he was having dinner with Lily freaking Evans….. with Sirius, and his mum, and his dad. Just figures, James thinks to himself, the first time I have dinner with Lily and my parents, and my best friends cramp my style.

James kept sneaking glances at Lily, sitting directly across from him at the table. She is so beautiful, James thought. Her dark red hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, her t-shirt was snug across her chest (which he was desperately trying hard to not stare at), her creamy skin was glowing, and every time she smiled, he swore the entire room lit up.

With her hair in a ponytail, Lily's elegant neck was exposed. James couldn't help but think about trailing wet, open-mouthed kisses up her neck, while lightly tugging on her ponytail, causing her to tilt her head back, allowing him to press more kisses to her delicate skin. He could only imagine the soft moans of pleasure that would escape those kissable lips…..

"So, Miss Evans," his father's voice interrupts James's fantasy (which was probably for the best since his trousers were slightly tighter than they had been a few minutes ago). "James tells us you're something of a potions master."

Lily laughs. "That's very kind of him, but I think James is being just a little too generous."

Sirius lets out his signature bark-like laugh. "Yeah, right, Evans. You're easily the best in our year. Slughorn loves you; he basically creams his pants anytime you enter the dungeons."

"Sirius," Mrs. Potter scolded. "That is no way to talk to a lady at the dinner table. Or anytime, really."

Lily blushed deeply at Sirius's comment. James glared at him with a look that read, Dude, this might be my only shot. Don't fucking blow it for me.

Sirius shot him an apologetic look. "My apologies, Lily, how very rude of me. I simply meant to convey the deep feelings of admiration and appreciation the resident Hogwarts Potions Master bestows upon you."

Everyone rolled their eyes at him. "You didn't have to be so crass, Sirius. Besides, you and James are just as good at potions as I am. Or you could be, if you didn't sit in the back, passing notes and braiding each other's hair every class."

Everyone laughed at that. "Yes, I'm afraid my son did not inherit my love for potions," Mr. Potter said.

"Oh, are you a potions master, sir?" Lily asked attentively. James loved the way she could do that. She could engage anyone in conversation, making them feel like they were the most exciting person in the room, even if they were the dullest person alive. It was part of her charm.

"I used to be," his dad admitted. "I retired some years ago. Raising these two has not been easy."

Lily laughed. "What kind of potions did you work on?"

"Ever heard of Sleekeazy Hair Potion?" he asked her.

Lily nearly spit out her drink. "You invited Sleekeazy? We only go through about 50 bottles of that in our dormitory every year."

James highly doubted Lily had ever used Sleekeazy. He had never seen her hair be anything other than her beautiful, natural princess curls that were just as stunning and unpredictable as she was. Why would she want to change that? But James assumed she was just making polite conversation and paying her father a nice compliment. I bet it's Marlene, James thought. Marlene always takes the longest to get ready.

Marlene was the Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, and they were always waiting on her to start practice, and she was always the last one to show up before matches. He also noticed she took an abnormally long time to arrive at breakfast most days. Some days she didn't make it at all, appearing just at the start of their first class.

Mr. Potter laughed at this. "I'm glad to hear you're a fan. Yes, I spent many years making different hair potions, but nothing as successful as Sleekeazy. I retired several years ago, around the time Euphemia and I had James. I consulted for several years after that, but I've been out of the game for a long time."

"If your father invented Sleekeazy, there is no excuse for your hair to still look like that," Lily said to James.

Everyone laughed at this, even James. Lily sent a wink to James, and he swore his heart skipped a beat.

"Yes, James has always been a peculiar case. Sleekeazy has never worked on him. We think it might be based on some sort of immunity based on how he was conceived," Mr. Potter said, with a sly look at his wife across the table.

Lily and Sirius were howling with laughter, while James just looked absolutely mortified. "Merlin, dad. Do you always have to make that joke? Isn't it getting a little old?" James groaned.

"And miss you looking like that? Never," Mr. Potter joked. "So, Miss Evans, is potions something you are considering pursuing post-Hogwarts?"

"No, I don't think so," Lily answered. "I do love potions, but I haven't ever really thought about it as a career."

"What do you want to do, dear?" Mrs. Potter asked curiously.

"Well, I've always been interested in Magical Law Enforcement," Lily said. James noticed she was suddenly very bashful, focusing on her dinner and refusing to make eye contact. "I've always been a firm believer in justice, fairness, and equality. I think too often people are accused of crimes and punishments are doled out, without the accused ever having had their fair say in court. I believe everyone has a right to a fair trial and should be allowed to speak their peace before being sentenced. Even if what they did was wrong, they should be allowed a chance to explain themselves and share their side of the story. There is no black and white when it comes to justice. There is only shades of grey."

Everyone was silent for a few moments. While Lily had started her speech shy and hesitant, she ended it strong and confident. That's my girl, James thought. He was beaming at her, he had never heard her speak like that before, and he could not be prouder or more impressed.

"Spoken like a true Gryffindor," Mrs. Potter said. She seemed to have a look quite similar to James' while regarding Lily.

Lily smiled at the compliment.

"Here, here," Sirius said, raising his glass in salute. If there was anyone who knew about shades of grey, it was the Black Sheep of the Black family.

"Very well spoken, Miss Evans," Mr. Potter said impressed. James knew his dad was captivated by Lily already. He had a look on his face that he only shared with a few people. For some reason, it made James swell with pride again.

"Thank you, sir," Lily said.

"I happen to know the new Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Barty Crouch," Mr. Potter said. "I would be happy to set up an introduction."

"Really?" Lily asked, shocked. "That would be wonderful! I've been reading a lot about his stances on dark wizards, and I have a lot of opinions. I actually wonder if he was the right choice for the job. No offense, sir." Lily added hastily.

Lily's determination to speak her mind and her fierce convictions were some of the many things James loved about her. He was thrilled that his parents got to see that side of her tonight.

"Interesting, and no offense taken," Mr. Potter assured her. Mr. Potter also appreciated when people freely stated their opinion, as long as they were able to back them up. "I'm not saying you're wrong. But I'm curious, why do you think so?"

"Well," Lily started. She gracefully set her silverware down on her plate and took a long gulp of water. James knew she was gearing up for a heated discussion. James cast a nervous glance at Sirius, who had stopped his bite halfway to his mouth. They were both very familiar with this side of Lily. They knew all too well the damage she could inflict with her sharp tongue and quick wit.

"You see, sir, Mr. Crouch has taken a very radical stance in opposition to this war. Please don't misunderstand me, this war needs to be taken seriously, and I believe the Ministry in general needs to take a firmer stance, but Mr. Couch is fighting fire with fire. He is fighting with the same ruthless brutality as the Death Eaters. And in the end, does that really make him any better?"

"What would you do differently, Miss Evans?" Mr. Potter was not used to having such lively and stimulating conversation with young people. He wanted to challenge her. He was goading her to back up her claim and prove her point. Mr. Potter only did this when he was thoroughly engaged in a conversation. His father had a way of coaxing others to state their beliefs even when (especially when) they were not of the majority. It was why the Minister was always making house calls and sending owls.

James knew exactly what his father was doing, and he loved every second of it. He wanted Lily to show off her brilliance and dazzle his parents. He didn't know why, but he found it very important that Lily not back down to his father's intense gaze.

"Well, I would leave the handling of dark wizards to the Auror Office. Mr. Crouch does not come from an Auror background, and he lacks the proper training to make those tough calls. I believe he is grossly overstepping his role by proceeding over all trials and deciding every punishment for anyone who is involved in even a whisper of the dark arts. Just the other day, he sentenced a 16-year-old boy to life in Azkaban for evidence that at best can be considered circumstantial, but in reality, was simply hearsay. He thinks all the arrests will look good to the public when in actuality, it is just misleading the people into a false sense of security."

"That's an interesting point, Miss Evans," Mr. Potter said, while deep in thought mulling over Lily's words. He also knew, as did James, that Lily was not done. And James knew from experience; you don't stop Lily before she's done.

"I'm not saying Crouch shouldn't be tough or punish those who deserve it. I believe anyone who supports Voldemort should be condemned to Azkaban, and that's where Crouch shines. But I think it goes back to what I was saying earlier, sir. Justice and fairness are still required even in a war, not just blind rage.

"Furthermore, I think the Ministry needs to start focusing on their own. More protections need to be put in place to protect the Muggleborns and their families. You know what they say, the best offense is a good defense. So, let's give our people the means and ways to protect themselves. Magical Law Enforcement cannot catch every dark wizard, and until Voldemort is caught, we are all living in fear that every day might be out last."

Lily finished powerfully. She seemed to have realized that she had gotten very heated during the discussion and was embarrassed at throwing the "we" in at the end. Sirius and James knew she was a Muggleborn, but James hadn't thought to inform his parents. He knew they wouldn't care what her blood status was. But he hadn't realized how difficult things had been for Lily, and how scared she must be feeling. He suddenly had a much more profound respect for Lily and all Muggleborns for what they have been going through.

"Miss Evans, I do believe that is the most well-articulated and profound analysis on Crouch I have heard since he took office," Mr. Potter said, clearly impressed. "I said something very similar myself when the Minster asked my opinion on Crouch's appointment. Unfortunately, the Ministry is putting its public image over reason and sanity at the moment. Magical Law Enforcement could definitely use a mind like yours. You should also seriously consider a career in politics, Miss Evans. Merlin knows we could use something like you leading us all one day."

Lily blushed fiercely, and James beamed with pride. "I always knew I would be working for you one day," James said with a wink to Lily.

"Yeah, and with a face like that, you would be perfect for politics," Sirius said. Mrs. Potter glared at him, so he added, "Respectfully, of course."

"You are astoundingly well informed about the inner working of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Mr. Potter observed. "Do you have a parent or a family member that works in the Ministry?"

Lily hesitated for a moment. "No, sir, I'm a Muggleborn. I just know how to read between the lines of The Daily Prophet."

Mr. Potter laughed loudly at this. "Amazing! Yes, I am certainly going to make sure you come around the next time we have senior Ministry members over. You'll be a huge hit. I guarantee you'll have at least one job offer lined up by the time you leave."

Lily seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when James's dad glossed over her admission of being a Muggleborn. She smiled at Mr. Potter, clearly pleased with the compliment but also a little embarrassed by all the attention she was receiving, evident by the slight blush on her cheeks.

Mrs. Potter seemed to notice because she suddenly stood up and announced, "Well, how about some dessert? Would anyone like tea?"

"I would love a coffee," James said, smiling at Lily. He knew she wanted one, she always had at least one cup at dinner, but would be too polite to ask. "Lily, would you like one?"

"Coffee would be brilliant," she smiled at him gratefully. Maybe this "date" isn't going too bad after all, James thought.

"Please tell your parents thank you again for inviting me to dinner," Lily said as they stood outside on the front porch after dinner. "I had a wonderful time."

"I'm glad. I did, too," James admitted sheepishly. "My parents loved you. I'm pretty sure my dad is working on your campaign strategy for Minister for Magic as we speak."

She smiled at this. "I really enjoyed them as well. I'm glad I could meet them."

"Me too," James replied.

They stood there together on the front porch in silence. This felt like that moment on the date where the guy was supposed to kiss the girl. Expect this wasn't a date, James had to remind himself.

Suddenly, James was reminded of the other times they almost kissed, and he had to physically resist the urge to do it right now. Instead, he said, "I didn't know you were interested in Magical Law Enforcement."

Lily blushed and looked at her feet. "Yeah, I guess it isn't something I've shared too much. But with everything going on, I just feel like I need to do something to fight back. And this just feels like the best use of my skills."

"You'd be bloody brilliant, Lily," James said. She glanced up at him and smiled.

"You think so?"

"Of course! Although, there isn't much you wouldn't be good at," James was pleased to see her blush at this.

"What about you? What does James Potter want to do after Hogwarts?" Lily asked with a slight smirk.

"Well, for a while, I thought I was going to be a professional Quidditch player," James admitted. "But given the state of things, it seems a little foolish to be flying around on a broomstick while people are dying. Just like you said, I need to fight back. So, I think I'm going to apply to be an Auror."

"James, that's very noble," Lily said quietly. Now it was James's turn to be embarrassed and look away. Lily reached out and lightly touched his arm. "I think you'll be an amazing Auror."

"Thanks," James said. "I think you'd be an amazing Auror, too, for the record. I've been on the receiving end of far too many of your hexes."

Lily laughed at this. She still had her hand on his arm, and his whole body was warm and tingly from her touch. "I like it better now that we are fighting on the same side."

"Me too," he said. They stood like that for a few moments until she reached up and planted a light kiss on his cheek.

"Goodnight, James," she said. "I'll see you in a few days."

"Goodnight, Lily," he replied.

Even after she left, he could still feel the ghost of her lips on his cheek. He reached out and touched the place where she had been and just smiled, his entire body warming at the thought.

Later, when James had recovered enough to return back inside, he found his parents and Sirius waiting for him in the sitting room.

His father simply glanced up at him and stated, "If you don't marry her, I give Sirius full permission to kick your ass and then marry her himself."

I couldn't agree more, dad.