In the Days of Lily Evans and James Potter

Disclaimer: If I made this whole Harry Potter thing, I wouldn't be on Fanfiction right now. I'd be making more gold.

A/N: Okay, for those who don't know (or pay attention), I needed a beta. I've decided on 2 people, each who's writing style is different and unique. We're back to Lily's POV, this is the last time I will remind you, but it's not that hard to figure out, if you have brains (or pay attention). Still need names for Mr. and Mrs. Potter, James's parents, for probably either chapter 5 or 6. BTW, thanks to everyone's kind words and offers to be the beta, but SE got there first. Also, I found out Lily is younger than Petunia (thank you chopperchick!), so I may go back in and change it. We now present to you the third chapter of this oh-so epic tale everyone likes.

"Don't forget to write!" Petunia called.

"Don't forget to write back!" Lily called back, and before James Potter could catch her eye she disappeared into the wall and was soon being caught by Frank.

"A little tipsy there, ma'am," he said, helping her regain balance. "No more of the old tankard for you. I believe we'll need to sober you up with lots of treats...of course you simply must share with a poor mate who's pocket money has run dry." Lily snatched the birdcage from his hand and her things were soon loaded onto the train.

"I'm not drunk," she laughed. "I was in a rush to get away from him." Frank tilted his head as they found Alice's compartment.

"Snape?" he asked.

"Potter!" Lily exclaimed. Alice shook her head.

"He's really not all as bad as he was, Lily," she said, giving into Frank's puppy dog face and promising him a few chocolate frogs. The train started with a jolt, and the three watched out the window.

"Then you go date him," Lily said back. "He's in the compartment next to us, probably trying to listen to what we're saying." Alice stuck out her tongue at Lily.

"No, thanks," she said. "He's your problem."

"That's exactly what he is," Lily groaned. "A problem!" Just then, the compartment door flew open.

"Lily Evans, you have coordinally been invited to come and join Sir James Potter for a delightful lunch in the next compartment. Refusal of this gracious invitation will leave Sir Potter devastated," Sirius Black concluded. Lily rolled her eyes and looked to Alice, hoping for some help.

"I represent Ms. Evans," Alice said. "Ms. Evans will accept your invitation, otherwise be turned out by her friends until she has at least spoken to Sir Potter." Alice smiled wickedly and Lily looked back, horrified. She pulled Alice by her sleeve until she could whisper in her ear.

"You just want me to get out so you can try to snog Frank," she whispered. Alice just smiled and shoved Lily off her seat.

"Fine. Friar Black, please take me to see Sir Potter at once," Lily stated. If she was going to be forced into this, she might as well play along. Instead of moving one compartment over, Sirius took her almost all the way to the back of the train.

"Here you are, young damsel. I believe Sir Potter will be delighted with your appearance," Sirius stated, linking his arm with hers.

"Cut it out," Lily said, shoving his arm off of hers. She knocked on the door, and when she turned Sirius had disappeared. Turning back to the door, she saw James waiting for her to come in.

"Hey, Lily," he said, sounding very nervous. He ran his hand through his hair, making it messier. This made Lily roll her eyes, but seeing his face she hid it as looking around.

"Nice retrieval service," she said sarcastically. "Friar Black sure does know how to sell Sir Potter." James shrugged.

"He made all that up himself," he said. Lily sat across from him, sure she knew what would happen if she sat beside him.

"So, I suppose you got me here so you could attempt yet again to get me to date you," she said flatly. James wrinkled his brow, now rubbing his arm sheepishly. Maybe she should lighten up.

"Not this time," he said. Lily was shocked. James Potter hadn't brought her here to ask her out? This was a definite first.

"Then...why?"

"Well, seeing as we will see each other a lot this year, I don't want there to be a wall between us. You keep building barriers higher and higher, but this year, I want...I want to be your friend." James shifted a little. Maybe Alice was right. Maybe James wasn't so bad. But then again, why would he change now?

"Friends? I...I don't suppose why not, just..." Lily was lost for words.

"I understand," James said. "You don't have to..."

"No, what I meant was, maybe," Lily rushed. What was she doing?

"Okay," James replied, smiling. Lily suddenly remembered the owl.

"James, did you send me an owl for my birthday?" James shook his head, his messy hair barely moving.

"An owl? Nah, wish I thought of it, though. Sounds like a great present. Why?" he asked.

"Oh, just someone who knew I was Head Girl sent me one."

"Well, it was not me."

After sharing lunch with James, they chatted more, almost acting as if they were already friends. Lily was surprised at how James had been so different. Before she knew it, Hogwarts was in sight.

"Oh! I've got to go collect my things. They're with Alice and Frank. See you at the feast!" she called behind her back, rushing to her friends compartment. Alice and Frank were working together to get their trunks from the racks.

"Wow, you must have had some lunch," Alice commented. Lily rolled her eyes and shrugged. She wasn't sure about James Potter anymore.

Gryffindor gained ten new students that night, and Lily and her friends and James and his friends had managed to sit together through the ceremony. Even Remus Lupin was joining in the conversation, though he did look rather ill.

After the feast was over, the two groups broke apart, and Lily, Alica and Frank retired early, full and content.

The last thought Lily had before she fell asleep was that maybe, just maybe, James Potter wasn't so bad.

A/N: I just wanted to thank everyone including my new betas for everything. R&R, oh, and ps, another thing I need is Alice's maiden name, if anyone has it. Thanks!