Ch. 3

Two weeks later, James woke up from a particularly vivid dream of Lily doing unspeakable things to him. He was sweaty and his boxers felt sticky. Great, he thought, I'm fourteen years old again having wet dreams. He looked at the clock- 6:30 am. He knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep so he got up to take a shower.

After a shameful wank and a cold shower he came back into his room he saw a small tawny owl sitting on his bed.

"Hello, Winston." He'd recognize Lily's owl anywhere. He had a unique pattern on his face and his orange brown color was different than any other owls he'd seen. He excitedly took the letter off Winston's leg and stroked his head.

James,

I'm sorry I ran off the other night, I can explain. Also, since we are head girl and boy, I think it might be good to meet to discuss a few things before term begins. Let me know when you are free if you'd like to get together.

-Lily

He read the short letter several times. He laughed at her tiny, messy handwriting. There were several lines scratched out. He went to his desk and took out his quill.

Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour at 2 pm tomorrow

He scribbled his message on the back of her letter and attached it to Winston's leg. He jumped up in excitement. He couldn't believe that she had asked to meet him. He skipped breakfast, deciding a fly on his broom was an order.

"PRONGS! Come down here!" Sirius called down from below. "You've got a letter." James flew down at full speed toward Sirius, almost knocking him off his feet. He smoothly dismounted and grabbed the letter.

See you then.

"YES!" James punched the air.

"What? What is it?"

"Mr. Padfoot, I am going out with Lily Evans tomorrow," He smirked.

"Really? And how did you manage that?" Sirius asked as they walked toward the house.

"I didn't. She asked me."

"No way. What'd you do? Confund her?"

"She did! Well she said we should 'talk about out head duties' but she also wants to explain why she ran away the other night. So I don't know, it's not exactly a date."

"Yeah, Prongs, I wouldn't get your hopes up on shagging Evans based on that."

"Ah, but we'll be alone together, which is when I can turn on my charm. Then she'll go out with me again and eventually realize she's loved me all along."

"Sounds like you've got a plan. Good luck mate." He clapped James on the back and sauntered off.

James arrived early the next day and waited anxiously in front of the ice cream parlor. At 2:01, he saw her walking down Diagon Alley toward him. She wore jean cut off shorts and a loose tank top that had the cover of a Rolling Stones album on it. He wild hair was in a ponytail, and she looked just as beautiful as ever. She saw him and waved.

"Hey Lilypad."

She laughed, "Lilypad? Really?"

"I suppose that wasn't the most creative of nicknames. How are you?" He asked as they walked into Fortescue's.

"I'm okay. Busy I guess," She sighed.

"Do you work?"

Lily nodded. "Me and Alice work at The Leaky Cauldron."

"That sounds fun."

"That's one way to put it. Tom is a good boss but he can be hard on us. The tips are good too, especially when we're willing to flirt a bit with the customers. But its not like we are getting free drinks the whole time; just a few."

"Wow. Well I'll have to come visit. See you ladies in action." Lily giggled.

"Yes you should." They laughed and then ordered their ice cream. After a bit of debate, Lily let James pay for her.

"Do you work?" Lily asked when they sat down.

"Kind of. I help my mum at her office sometimes when he needs me. She works for the ministry." James shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed. He never had to think about money, and didn't think about the fact that most people actually worked to earn their money. "Um, Lily?"

"Hm?" She had her spoon in her mouth.

"Why did you run away, you know, that night?" She sighed.

"I didn't want to. Well, a part of me didn't want to…" She blushed, "but suddenly another part of me set off this siren in my head. I know you've changed, James. And I like you; I think you're great. I suppose the other night I got scared, because I have a hard time forgetting the past."

"Oh." James frowned.

Lily laughed at his disappointment. "But my friends have convinced me to get over it. They want me to give you a chance." James almost screamed. Calm down, she didn't say she would.

"And?"

"And I reckon the world is turning upside down, so at this point, why not?" She laughed. His heart skipped a beat.

James smiled. "Yeah. Why not?" They had both finished their ice cream and sat in silence for a moment. "Want to go for a walk?"

"Sure. It's a little busy today but…"

"No, I have somewhere else to show you." Lily eyed him suspiciously but took his hand as they disapparated.

Lily looked around when she got her bearings. James had taken her to a beautiful forest with some of the tallest oak trees she had ever seen. They were in the middle of a clearing and the sun was breaking through. A large stream ran along a path leading through the trees. It was something out of a fairy tale.

"What is this place?"

James looked around. "It's just a place I come sometimes. You know, when I want to think."

"It's beautiful. The forest is my favorite. It can be so peaceful, and I love the smells, and sounds." She closed her eyes for a moment to let herself feel the sun.

"I know. It's like a different world out here. I feel so free." He looked at her and cleared his throat. This was the first time they were having a deep conversation.

Lily smiled and stood up. "So how 'bout that walk?"

He smirked "C'mon, this way." He was took her hand and lead her away from the clearing. The path, although small, was still paved.

They walked and talked until dusk. James had been nervous at first, but talking to Lily turned out to be as easy as talking to Sirius. They actually had a lot more in common than he thought. And to his incredible relief, she didn't pull away when he took her hand.

When the sun started to go down they had arrived at the clearing again at sat on a log. Lily created a small fire for them.

"So..." she smiled.

"So...this has been really fun Lils," James said.

"Has been? What, are you done with me for the day?" Lily laughed.

"Of course not. I've got a plan to kidnap you so you'll be my prisoner."

"Oh really?" She folded her arms.

"Yes, and you will be chained to my bed so I can ravish you any time I want." Lily laughed but James also noticed her cheeks go red.

"You'll have to catch me first!" She got up and ran toward the trees. He laughed and ran after her, but to his surprise she wasn't anywhere to be found.

He kept walking and looked around. "Lily?" Suddenly something fell on him and he was knocked to the ground.

"Now you're my prisoner," Lily said. She was lying on top of him with her hands on either side of his face. Fuck, she was so sexy. Who knew she was so wild?

James laughed. He could easily get out of her hold, but he wasn't in a rush to get out of a position where Lily Evans was basically straddling him. "I reckon I am. Will you be ravishing me now Mistress Lily?"

She leaned in so their lips were less than an inch away. "All in good time," she smirked and kissed his cheek. She went to get up but James grabbed her arms and rolled them over so he was the one pinning her now.

"I don't want to wait." He whispered in a husky tone. And he kissed her softly, releasing her arms. He went to pull away but she moved her hands to his neck to deepen the kiss. He used one of his arms to support himself so he was no longer putting all of his weight on her. The other was on her hip, where her top had ridden up and there was a bit of bare skin. He pulled away to kiss her neck and nibble her ear, while shifting so one of his legs was between both of hers. She sighed and ran her fingers through his hair.

James decided her sighs were a good sign and began to move his hand further up her shirt. He started to kiss her again, their tongues doing the waltz, as his hand reached her breast. He squeezed them and attempted to play with her nipple through her bra.

"James..." He loved the way she said his name. He couldn't help but thrust his erection against her. He pulled down her bra and began pinching and playing with her nipples. Get a hold of yourself James, or something truly embarrassing will happen.

"Oh god James! James stop!" He pulled away and sat up, nervous.

"What?" Lily's eyes were closed; she looked disheveled.

"We have to stop before...before we can't stop." James' face fell.

"Oh."

"I fancy you James, but I want to take this slow. To really give you a chance, I have to like you for more than what you can do in the sack, right?" She smirked.

"Ugh. I suppose..." Deep down James agreed with her, but a certain part of his anatomy loathed that theory. At least she finally agreed to go out with you.

"James?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you like me?" They got up and started walking toward the clearing again.

"Is that a joke?"

"No. I mean, I know you think I'm pretty, but what made you decide to ask me out all those times? Do you actually fancy me or was it just the chase?"

"Lily, I don't fancy you. I'm crazy about you, and it was never about the chase. I was just an idiot. You are so different from any other girl. You're clever and funny, and you're incredibly loyal. You are stubborn and short-tempered, but also the kindest person I know. But I know there's so much more to you and I want to learn it all."

"Oh," Her cheeks we pink.

"And Lily? You are not pretty. You're a goddess."

"You are full of it James Potter, but I'll take the compliment."

James laughed. "Come on, I'm starving. How about some dinner?"

"Sounds great. I know a place." She took his hand and off they went.

They arrived at a pizza place called 'Millie's' and got a table. James wasn't expecting this, but was delighted.

"Shall we share? What do you like on your pizza?"

"Hmm, alright. I'm a meat girl. Pepperoni, sausage, whatever."

"As am I. Meat lovers it is." James said and Lily laughed. James ordered them a large pizza.

Lily giggled. "We'll never finish a large have you seen the size of those things?"

"No, but I'm a growing teenage boy Lily. I know my amazing quidditch body doesn't look like I could, but I bet I could easily finish one of these pies."

"If you say so, Potter." Lily giggled.

James finally got home at around 11:00 pm. He had finished the pizza, and now he was regretting it. He rubbed his stomach as he sat down on the couch, but smiled as he reflected on the past few hours. Best. Day. Ever.

"So I take it your plan worked out?" Sirius came up behind him.

"I think I'm in love with her."

"So you've just been taking the piss for the last four years? Thanks for putting us through that mate."

"No, I'm serious this time. It's not just a crush. She's incredible."

"Well, good for you Prongs. I'm off to bed." He started to walk away.

"I'm gonna marry her, Padfoot."

"Well then I hope she's okay with me being best man. Otherwise we'll have problems."

James laughed. Yes. He thought. I will marry Lily Evans some day.