James lay silently back on his bed, slowly the room was starting to look more occupied as he had realised that he wasn't going anywhere fast. One side of him missed Sirius; the other was overly content just lazing around Lily's home. Contemplating what to do since Lily was studying like a bookworm, he was growing to like her immensely even although her age would usually hint towards skittish, flirty girls; with Lily it didn't seem to be the case. Her father obviously had big hopes for her education. Sighing he jumped up, cocking his head at his mismatched socks before flicking his wand to match them.

Turning around the corner across from lily's library he stopped when hushed arguing was heading his way. Curious he jumped behind the armed suit peeking out behind the sword.

His fathers voice came into hearing first, barely able to hear what they were saying he held his breath. Excitement ran through his veins, and he realised it had always been much more fun with Sirius around. Seeing Lily's father made James smile at the thought of the red haired girl. James was determined to delay their leaving until he had gotten the chance to spend more time with her.

"But a union between our families would be a great force against the darkness that is approaching Richard."

"Perhaps, but why not Petunia, she is around James age, finished with her schooling and much more ready to settle down."

James gagged at the thought of living and even producing children with the horse. On the brink of laughter at the thought a smirk took over his features before it was wiped off with the next thing his father said.

"Yes, maybe, but James and Petunia have never been able to connect in the way that Lily and James have been, they have never gotten over the dispute in their first year."

"I am truly sorry Harold, but Lily and James is just not an option, she still has her youth, not even eighteen, besides, love isn't the object with arranged marriages, and with time, Petunia and James would learn to respect one another."

James heard his father sigh before nodding solemnly and replying. "I do not believe that Petunia and James would ever learn to like, respect or even stand each other. Therefore, I think we should just leave this matter for the time being."

They rounded the corner as James stood out from behind the armoury. Hearing the two men arguing about their futures had actually excited him at the mention of Lily, already he liked her more then Bellatrix, Petunia or any of the other possible suits. Liking Lily seemed pointless now and his happy mood on the thought of seeing her the next day was gone. The need for a walk left him as he soundlessly returned to his room.

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James was awake early the next morning, after much contemplating, he had decided to enjoy the time when he had it.

Sitting in the window seat he watched Lily run out of the manor towards the forest again.

Curiosity had a hold on him as he began to think that she wasn't just going back there for a run. Running out his door and down the stairs he sprinted to catch up.

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Lily chuckled as she splayed the water through her fingers. The coolness of it all caressing the heat of the summer off her skin. She had not been there since her last encounter with James. Always, she had loved this place, a safe haven from Petunia; she doubted that even her dad knew about her little paradise. Ducking under the water she rinsed the tree leaves from her hair.

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James had finally caught up to her, his eyes widened at the sight of the waterfall, never had he seen something so amazing made by nature, cautiously he scanned the area for Lily, surprised when the water separated when she jumped up.

Unsure on whether to approach her or not he simply watched as she played with the water, disturbing the fish. His eyes widened as she reached up to unhook her Bikini. With the speed of a very experienced quidditch player he spun around choosing to leave rather then violate her privacy.

Walking back towards the pool yard he saw his father searching the grounds for himself. Sighing he wandered towards him, his mother had made herself scarce for the whole trip, most likely still contemplating over the mess with Bellatrix.

His father greeted him as he always did before pulling him beneath the oak tree out of the heat.

"Merlin James, change your shirt when you get in, you have managed to frolic around in this heat for too long, its bad for your health you know."

James narrowed his eyes in suspicion, as his father seemed to avoid his original topic.

His father pulled at his collar for a minute before speaking again. "From what I hear, Bellatrix is furious." He paused before continuing. "I think it would be best for us to return home rather then stay this close."

James froze. Leave now. They weren't supposed to leave for another two weeks at least. James thought back to his father's conversation with Richard. Lily was way out of reach, but still, his desire for any kind of relationship with her, even friendship was increasing as every bad thing happened. He nodded before heading back towards his guest room to pack.

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Guilt came over him as he realized he most likely would not get the opportunity to say his goodbyes to Lily. She had dedicated so much time to him, never even hinting at his status, or fortunes. A smile overtook his face as he saw the redhead run into the manor and in a matter of minutes was puffing outside his door, cheeks flushed with a red tinge.

"I thought I had better say goodbye before you left." She smiled. "Keep in touch?" She offered.

James nodded, the memory of the waterfall still prominent in his mind. "Always."

He cringed as he heard his mother calling him downstairs. Even his car had been taken back when he arrived by Remus so that he had to travel with his parents.

Waving a final goodbye to Lily he jumped in across from his mother and father.

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Everyday for the next week, Lily would run to the owlery for the promised letter, it didn't come. Sadness over took her as she realised that maybe Petunia was right about James, she strolled towards the waterfall pushing the trees to one side.

"So you're the one that James keeps owling. Bella will be very pleased."

Lily screamed as her mind left her and her head collided against a rock.

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