Chapter 7: Finally

Over the next few days, Lily packed up her belongings in her room and other items that she had left in places throughout the house. She was glad that she had pictures of her parents in her room so her sister wouldn't notice pictures missing and track her down. Lily also took some things that she and her dad had shared specifically between them and the same kind of things between her and her mother.

When Lily showed up after that fight, Petunia was furious but she couldn't act on it because there were always people coming and going paying their respects. Lily stayed out of her way only to show herself before she took things to the Potter's. She couldn't Apparate in the house in case Vernon got nosey.

Lily had spent most of the days in her old room packing things but the rest were spent either at the Potter's or with Mary, Alice and Emily. Everyone said they would go with Lily to the funeral but Lily refused saying she needed to do this by herself. After her parents were finally laid to rest and the other mourners had left, including Petunia and Vernon, she turned around to see James standing a little ways away. She walked over to him and began to cry into his arms. They walked around for a little bit to make sure no one was around before they Disapparated back to James'.

For the next week, Lily ate very little and slept a lot. Everyone seemed to notice because she was paler than normal and she had lost some weight. Her hair didn't have the brightness to it that it normally did and the sparkle in her eyes wasn't there. Eventually, James managed to get her to start eating again and she started to get her color back.

During the second week after her parent's funeral, Lily started to become herself again. She laughed and smiled and joked like she used to. Everyone started to relax around her, less afraid that they might say something to set her off. She even joined James and Sirius for a game of Quidditch. She almost won too but James scored at the last minute.

Soon after, they met up with Remus, Peter, Frank, Alice, Emily, and Mary in Diagon Alley to get their school supplies. James and Sirius had warned Remus and Peter ahead of time about Lily's parents because Lily still didn't look quiet herself yet. No one mentioned anything about it and they had a fantastic time.

While at Diagon Alley, Alice and Frank announced their engagement to their friends. Everyone was so happy for them and it actually lifted Lily spirits. She felt more like herself again. Alice told them that they were planning on getting married shortly after school ended because they wanted to finish school and take their N.E. . The girls were so excited for them that they almost forgot the reason that they were there in the first place.

James woke up in the middle of the night after having one of those dreams where it feels like you're falling. He groaned and fell back against his pillow. He squinted at his watch and saw that it was a little before three in the morning. He tried to fall asleep again but just couldn't. Instead he decided to go where he used to go when he couldn't sleep. He hadn't done this in a few years but grabbed his glasses anyway.

All the way around his house, just above the first story, there was a balcony. There was no railing around it, only a short ledge. His window, Sirius' window and Lily's window all opened out onto this balcony. When James stepped out of his window, he saw that he wasn't alone. Lily was sitting there with her legs crossed and a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She looked over when she heard James sit down next to her.

"I guess I wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep" Lily laughed quietly.

"I guess not" James smiled "do you come out here often?"

"Not really. I've come out here a few times but not much. I just got out here a little bit before you did. What about you?"

"I use to a lot but I haven't in a few years." They were silent for a few more minutes and just stared at the moon. Lily was the first to break the silence.

"James, you must be cold. You forgot to put a shirt on. Here, my blanket is big enough for us both" she said unwrapping herself from the blanket and offering him some.

"Nah, I'm use to this." But Lily gave him a look that said "get under here or else."

James and Lily scooted closer until they were both covered by the blanket. Lily hesitated a little but leaned into James while he wrapped an arm around her pulling her closer. They sat there for the longest time before either of them spoke again.

"I guess congratulations are in order, Miss Head Girl" James laughed.

"Oh, thank you." Lily blushed "I was really shocked when I found out."

"Why? You're the obvious choice for the job especially compared to the other choices."

Lily laughed "I guess you're right. But I was still shocked. James, did I ever show you what was in that box? I know I showed your Mum and my friends."

James shook his head and Lily pulled away from him to face him. She took the necklace from her hand and placed it in James'. He picked it up and examined it.

"It's what my parents got me for becoming head girl. When I first received it, I hadn't taken it out of the box and I didn't until a few days ago. That's when I found the inscription on the back."

James flipped the necklace over and found the inscription she was talking about. It said For Lily, Our flower and beautiful daughter. Love Mum and Dad. He told her to turn around and he put the necklace around her neck. She turned back to him and gave him a slightly teary smile. He thought she was going to sit back in his arms but then she spoke again.

"James, I have to tell you something. First, I want to thank you for the past month. You have been there for me when I have had trouble coping and your parents opened your home to me. I am so grateful for it" Lily paused and looked down. James was about to say something but Lily cut him off.

Lily looked up, straight into James' eyes, took a deep breath and confessed, "James, I'm in love with you."

James was surprised, but extremely glad. Lily stared at him wondering if he went into shock but then a huge smile crossed his face.

"Lily, I'm in love with you too."

Lily smiled and the next thing she knew, she and James were kissing. At first, the kiss was soft and gentle. Both were just testing the waters, making sure they both wanted this. Then, the kiss got deeper and more passionate. James pulled Lily closer, keeping both hands around her waist. Lily wrapped one arm around his neck and the other hand in his hair. The kiss was different than any other kiss either of them had ever had. It was fierce yet soft and they were both in love with the other so it made this one fantastic "first" kiss. (They have both been kissed before.)

The kiss lasted at least five minutes before Lily, unwillingly, pulled away.

"Sorry James… but I… couldn't… breathe anymore" Lily laughed breathlessly.

"That's alright… I was… just… about to… anyway" James laughed breathlessly as well.

Once they both caught their breath, Lily sat in between James' legs and leaned back onto his chest. He pulled the blanket around them both and then wrapped his arms around her. They sat there for the longest time just being in each other's arms. James and Lily were so close that he could smell the aroma from Lily's hair and skin. Her hair smelled of vanilla and lavender and her skin gave off the faint scent of lilies. The scents complimented each other in a way that made it all her own.

After a while, James noticed that Lily had fallen asleep and decided that they should go inside so they don't catch a cold. He checked to make sure her window was shut before he shifted so he could carry her. James was just a little selfish tonight, he didn't want to let go of Lily. He carefully maneuvered through his window so he wouldn't drop her or accidentally hit her head on the window frame.

Once he made it through safely, he shut the window to keep the cold air out. He saw his watch and noticed that it was near four-thirty. James gently laid Lily on his bed and then crawled in next to her so they were facing each other. He wrapped an arm around her and then she moved so her head was nestled on his chest. He rested his cheek on the top of her head and then fell asleep.

When Lily woke up, she was slightly confused but when she saw James, everything came flooding back to her. She smiled and then snuggled closer to James, who was still sleeping. As Lily lay there, her senses were overcome by the aroma coming from James. His hair smelled faintly of vanilla and honey and then his skin had this inviting aroma of cinnamon and spices. Lily sighed contentedly, waking James up.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to wake you" Lily whispered as she moved to look at him. He still had his glasses on and his hair was, somehow, messier than ever before.

James just smiled and leaned down to kiss Lily. This kiss didn't last as long as the one last night but it was definitely as good as. They smiled at each other and just laid there with each other for the longest time, talking softly every once in a while. Lily looked at James' watch, it was eight.

"James?"

"Hmm."

"I think we should start to get ready."

"Why? We don't leave for another three hours."

"Yes, I know, but there are three of us who need to get ready and I'm guessing you're not done packing yet" Lily laughed.

"You know me too well. Alright, I guess I will let you go become even more beautiful than you already are." They both stood up and Lily walked to the window.

Lily giggled and shook her head. "You are so biased but I love you anyway."

James was laughing now, "What? How am I biased?"

"Because, you love me, so of course you're going to say I'm beautiful."

"Trust me, I am not as biased as you think I am. You should know that a lot of boys find you very attractive" James paused and walked over to Lily and pulled her into a hug "but I am the lucky one." James gave Lily one last kiss and helped her out the window.

Lily decided that she would go out the window instead of through the door in case someone happened to walk by in the hallway. As Lily got ready, she was basically floating on air. She was so happy that she finally told James that she loved him and that he felt the same way about her.

Then she thought of that kiss last night. It was the best kiss she had ever had. Just thinking of it made her heart beat faster and made her stomach do flips but the good kind of flips that made her sure of her decision. She hoped that James was feeling the same way.

Just as she opened her door, she saw James getting ready to knock. She jumped a little but smiled at him. She closed her door and took his hand as they walked down the stairs for breakfast.

As they entered the kitchen, Sirius was already at the table stuffing his face with anything and everything. He acknowledged them with a grunt and didn't even look up at them. Mrs. Potter turned around when they laughed at Sirius and as soon as she saw them, she zeroed in on their intertwined hands. A smug smile crossed her face.

"Ha, Sirius pay up" she laughed.

"Huh?" Sirius managed.

"You owe me. I won the bet."

"Mum, you bet with him?" James asked in disbelief.

"Ahh, so that is where your gambling comes from" Lily laughed as she took a seat.

"Yes, what's wrong with that?" Jillian asked.

"Nothing, really, but what did you bet on?" James answered with a shake of his head.

"Well, Sirius, your father and I bet on when you two would finally become a couple. Sirius bet during Christmas break, your father said October, and I said before school starts. And seeing how school doesn't "technically" start for another two and a half hours, I win."

"Well, glad to be of service" Lily laughed.

"Okay, eat up; I want to leave earlier than normal just so we make it with plenty of time considering this one" she pointed at Sirius "seems to take forever."

"What? Mrs. Potter, I'm insulted. This look is something that takes time. I thought you of all people would understand that" he said sarcastically.

Just as Mrs. Potter wished, they left earlier than normal. They arrived at Platform Nine and Three Quarters with fifteen minutes to spare. The platform was crowded with students and their families.

"Oh, good-bye dears, I will see you all at Christmas. Lily, you are coming back for Christmas, aren't you?" Mrs. Potter asked as she hugged all three of them.

"Of course I am. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else" Lily said as Mrs. Potter released her.

"Good, well good-bye again. Oh, and James," she leaned to whisper in his ear "take care of her."

"I will Mum. Good-bye."

James, Sirius, and Lily made their way through the train and managed to find one of the larger compartments. Soon after, Mary, Alice, Emily, Frank, Remus, and Peter found them and settled in as well. They were all telling stories of their summers when the train left the platform. Lily was congratulated several times for being chosen for head girl. Lily was a little disappointed that Remus hadn't gotten head boy but she knew some of the other prefects would do a good job as well.

"Lily, when does the prefect meeting start?" Remus asked. She looked at her watch before speaking.

"In about fifteen minutes. I guess you and I should patrol the hallways before the meeting."

Lily and Remus bid their friends good-bye and patrolled the hallways. They only broke up two fights but it was still early. Luckily, none of the fighters were Gryffindors so their house wouldn't be negative points before school even started. When they reached the prefect compartment, there was only one other prefect in there, a sixth year. There were still five minutes left before Lily would start the meeting. Gradually, prefects from all years showed up including, despite what Lily wanted, Snape.

By the time the meeting started, no one had declared that they were head boy. Lily shrugged it off thinking he had a good reason to be late and started without him.

"Welcome, new and old prefects. I'm your Head Girl, Lily Evans. I know most of you and those of you I don't know, I will soon enough. Now, I'm going to make this meeting last as short as possible, so please leave your questions until the end. Thanks." Lily paused and just then the door opened and closed.

"Sorry, I'm late. I was… breaking up a fight" a familiar voice said breathlessly.

"Potter! What are you doing in here? It's for prefects only" Snape shouted with intense loathing.

Lily turned around to see James standing behind her, glaring at Snape.

"For your information, Snape, I'm the Head Boy. So sit down and be quiet."

Lily stared at James until he turned to look at her. "What?" he said.

"James Potter, you complete and utter arse" Lily laughed as she repeatedly hit him on the shoulder. "I have been living with you for the past month and you didn't think to tell me before now!"

"Lily, I'm sorry, but I thought it might upset you. Please stop hitting me" he laughed.

Someone behind Lily cleared their throat which made Lily turn around. She saw that everyone was staring at her with the same confused look on their face, except for Snape who was throwing daggers at James. Lily turned bright red and looked down to avoid their gazes.

"Oh, er… everyone this is James Potter your Head Boy. So, let's continue so we can get out of here."

"So, you all should know the rules about after hours and the hallway rules as well. When on patrol, I expect you to behave and use your authority wisely. You may either take points off or give detentions or both for rule breakers but don't do it unless a student really did do something bad. Don't use your authority to take off points just because you don't like someone. If we find out that you are, you will be sent straight to Professor Dumbledore, no questions asked."

"You are expected to patrol two nights a week. If you are unable to patrol, you must find a replacement. Do not come crying to me or James because you cannot patrol, we are not your parents and expect you to be responsible. If one of us finds out that you never show up for patrol, we will send you straight to Professor Dumbledore."

"Here are the passwords to your houses, you'll get new ones periodically throughout the year" Lily handed the passwords to the Gryffindor and Slytherin prefects "Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff you know you the drill. Please memorize the password and then hand the slips of paper to James. Make sure no one but the people in your houses knows the password besides James and me. Also, I have the patrol schedule for the first two months. Pass those around please. And I have the patrol schedule for rest of the ride to school. I will let you look at that to see when you have to patrol. Oh, and fifth year prefects will lead everyone up to the common rooms after the feast tonight."

"Otherwise I'm finished. James do you have anything to add" he shook his head "okay, any questions then?" No one had any so she handed them the train patrol schedule to look at.

"James and I will take the first patrol. You can go. James, will you burn those slips of paper please?" James quickly burned them and cleared the smoke.

James, Lily and Remus kept back to talk a little while the rest cleared out. It looked as though Snape might have stayed behind but he left and Lily was grateful. Remus headed back to the compartment and Lily and James set off to patrol.

"James, are you okay? It looks like you took a hit." Lily said gently touching his cheek.

"Oh, yeah. When I was breaking up that fight, one of them took a swing and hit me, but it's nothing."

"Do you want me to fix it for you?"

"Nah, I think it looks good. It'll show people not to mess with the Head Boy, especially since I took twenty points off each of them and gave them detention. Don't worry they were Slytherins." James joked.

Lily laughed "Alright, I guess it's not too bad, just a little cut and a bruise. Don't let Madam Pomfrey see it though."

"So, Lily, I don't think our relationship is private anymore" he laughed.

"I guess not. I forgot about them when I said it" she blushed "I am sorry about hitting you so much."

"It's alright. I did deserve it considering I didn't tell you, I should have but I really didn't want to take the chance of making you sad."

"I know, but you could have told me last night. You did congratulate me" she laughed playfully pushing him.

"Okay, okay I give. It's all my fault. But honestly, I thought it was a mistake when I got the letter. I'm not even a prefect but I guess Dumbledore thought I was more competent than the others" James shrugged and gave Lily one of his dazzlingly breathtaking smiles. She giggled and they went back to patrolling.

Once they finished, the lunch trolley was just passing by the compartment with their friends in it. James quickly grabbed some food before sitting down next to Lily. For the rest of the trip, the girls talked about gossip that they already heard and other things the boys were not interested in. The boys talked of Quidditch and pretty much nothing else. Through the whole trip, James and Lily never let go of each other's hand, sometimes making an animated conversation a little difficult.

"Well, gents," James said "I say we leave these lovely ladies and go change into our robes."

The girls giggled as they left, pulled down the shades on the windows and started to change into their robes but before Lily even got out of her seat, her friends descended on her.

"Lily, guess what other gossip we heard" Mary giggled.

"Oh, Mary, stop beating around the bush, Lily we heard that you exclaimed to the whole prefect compartment that you spent the past month living with James. Of course, we already knew this but why would you do that?" Emily laughed.

"I didn't do it on purpose. I was introducing myself as Head Girl and then James came rushing in apologizing for being late because he was breaking up a fight. Snape shouted at him for being here and then he said he was Head Boy. I was shocked and called him an arse and let slip that I had been living with him for the past month."

The girls laughed and Lily blushed. "Lily, you do know what this means?" Emily asked and Lily shook her head.

"By the time the feast starts, everyone in school will think something more, than just living in the same house, happened between you and James." They all laughed, knowing it was true but before any of them could speak again the boys walked in. Luckily, they were all finished dressing. Soon after, the train stopped and they all got off the train. They were all glad that it wasn't raining considering the carriages to the school had no tops.

As predicted, the whole school knew that something was going on between James and Lily. Although, no one could ask them about it because just then the sorting began and that was when no one liked to speak trying to make the first years even more nervous. The hat sung its song and then Professor McGonagall called students one by one up to the stool. Once the sorting was finished, Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak.

"I have just a few words before the feast begins. Welcome, to our new hats and welcome back to our old ones. I hope you enjoyed your summers. I have just a few school rules to remind you of. The Forbidden Forest is off limits. Students are warned to stay away. Please be aware of the Whomping Willow, try not to get too close. I was asked by our caretaker Mr. Filch to remind you that magic in the corridors is strictly forbidden. I would also like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Goldman. Now, let's tuck in!"

And the feast began. First years were in awe of the all the food that just appeared on the table. The school ghosts entered the Great Hall soon after and as always, Sir Nicholas scared a first year but popping out of his plate. The feast was delicious and dessert was even better. Just as the leftovers disappeared, Professor Dumbledore stood up again.

"Now that we all are full and slightly drowsy, I will keep this as short as possible. Times are changing, so do not take your education for granted. Not everyone in this world is your friend but you should keep an eye on your friends and people you may disagree with. We are in this together and we will get through it together. We need to protect ourselves and others. We may see ourselves in dangerous times sooner than you think. Well, off to bed seeing how classes begin tomorrow. Good night."

As everyone got up to leave, they were all a little confused to what Dumbledore was talking about. Then again everyone thought he was slightly mad anyway. The older students fell back a little because they knew the way to the common rooms. James and Lily told their friends to go on ahead of them. They wanted a little time to themselves.

They were the last ones out of the Great Hall. Or so they thought.

"Lily!" an all too familiar voice called. She turned around to see Snape coming towards her. She groaned but stayed to see what he wanted. Lily whispered to James to let her handle this unless she asked for help. He begrudgingly agreed.

"What do you want?" Lily snapped.

"I just wanted to talk to you. But I would rather do it alone." he said glaring murderously at James.

"Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of James."

Snape paused for a moment and stared at Lily pleadingly. When he realized that she wasn't going to budge, he sighed and began his apology.

"Lily, I'm sorry. I know I made a huge mistake and" Lily stopped him.

"I don't want your apology. You know full well what you did and you can't change that. We are no longer friends. I'm done. Good-bye" and with that Lily left dragging James with her. She never looked back to see what Snape was doing, she didn't care.

"Lily, that was wonderful." James said and kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you" and they walked in silence, holding hands until they reached the Fat Lady.

"Password." the Fat Lady asked with the same monotonous tone as always.

"Lacewing flies" James answered.

The portrait swung open to reveal the little passageway that led into the common room. Once James and Lily entered, everyone turned to look at them. And then they threw an endless stream of questions at them, all asking about this summer. Lily and James blushed and before they could answer, Sirius came to the rescue.

"Alright, alright, you lot. Leave them alone. I'm sure you will all find out eventually."

"Thanks mate" James said to him and then to the rest of them "Oy, shouldn't you lot be in bed."

They all grumbled something and went up to their dormitories. A few sixth and seventh years stayed behind but Lily and James didn't send them off. They collapsed on the couch in front of the fire and just cuddled up with each other. Their friends had stayed behind and they finished up some conversations from dinner.

No one stayed up too much later considering they had classes in the morning. Finally, James and Lily were the only ones left in the common room. Lily lay on the couch with her head in James' lap. He was tracing designs on her arm. They just looked into each other's eyes feeling the same thing. They were both in love and didn't want to look away. Eventually, James said they really should go to bed. Lily sat up and kissed James good night. She pulled him up with her and they parted ways once they reached their separate staircases. Both dreamed of the other not realizing it was the same dream.