Hello everyone! Sorry it has taken FOREVER to get another chapter up! I promise I have plenty more on the way, it has been a little hectic with work right now. Early hours waking up and long hours worked in the OR. Sadly, the basics are owned by the brilliant J.K. Rowling. The details and storyline are purely mine though! Enjoy the chapter and please R&R!

After they finished up at the last store, they made their way over to the restaurant. Lily and Mrs. Potter sat on one side of the table with Sirius and James across and Mr. Potter at the head of the table.

"Finally, some food!" cheered Sirius as a basket of bread was placed on the table. The waitress took their orders and the conversation resumed.

"So Lily, are you in Gryffindor like the boys?"

"Yes Mr. Potter, we are in the same year too," she replied.

"Ah, so you had the joy of taking your OWLs this year as well. How do you think you did?"

"I'm sure I did alright. Hopefully the extra studying paid off!" Lily laughed.

James jumped in "I bet Lily gets O's in all of the subjects. She has some of the highest marks in our year!"

Lily flushed again; she really wasn't used to flattery, especially when Potter actually meant it.

"Oh, I don't know about that. Transfiguration has been pretty difficult this past year."

Without trying to sound too eager, James replied "I could always tutor you if you want? Only if you help me with potions."

"Oh, that'd be lovely!" chimed Mrs. Potter. "I always wished James would take a love to Potions like I did. Sadly he takes after his father." Mr. Potter winked back at his wife. "Are you planning on doing something in Potions after you graduate Lily?"

"Well, I've always wanted to work in medicine like my parents. I think being a Healer would be the right path for me. I've been surrounding by the medical field my entire life; it just seems comfortable yet challenging for me. My dad was a doctor and my mum was a nurse."

Mr. Potter raised an eyebrow, "what's a nurse?"

"Well, it is similar to being a medi-witch I suppose. They do the majority of the patient care while a doctor would be the equivalent of a Healer. My parents met as students working at the local hospital." The memory made Lily smile. She loved how her parents would banter back and forth about new treatments versus older ones.

James stated sincerely, "I think it is really admirable of you to continue their legacy."

Again he took her by surprise. She couldn't believe the thoughtfulness of what he just said. She mentally slapped herself. James Potter wasn't thoughtful, he was a prat. Lily gave him a quick smile and said thank you.

The conversation during dinner was light and easy. Lily couldn't believe how much fun she was having with all of them. Potter's parents reminded her a lot of hers. They had this playfulness between them. Even though both of them were nearly in their sixties, it was evident that they loved each other if not even more now than when they were James' age. She noticed how much Potter was a total cross between his parents. He had his dad's build, messy hair, and coloring. Based on the conversation he was having with his son about the best Dungbombs on the market, Lily deducted that he inherited his mischievousness from him as well. However, his eyes, smile, and kindness came from his mother.

"Wait a minute, did I just think he was kind? What is the matter with me?" Lily mused to herself. A few good deeds does not make up for years of pranks and trouble. There was something different about the James Potter that was seated across from her. With his parents he seemed more relaxed and not so bent on making a spectacle of himself. It was almost like he was a normal human being. Almost.

"Oi, what are you staring at Lily-Flower? Does James have something on his face?" commented Sirius nonchalantly.

He was obviously still a royal pain in the ass; yet her fair skin gave her away.

"Um no Black, I was just going to ask him if he still plans on being an auror. You on the other hand have sauce all over your face you slob." She replied hotly.

Lily couldn't believe she had responded like that in front of Potter's parents, but Sirius deserved it! She could tell by the expression on Potter's face that he thought the same. She crossed her arms across her chest.

James was embarrassed and pissed off at his so-called best friend at that particular moment. He shot Sirius a dirty look and proceeded to reply. "Yeah, my dad inspired me to be one. It is kind of the same thing that you had with your parents. You're exposed to it so much that it becomes second nature for you to want the same thing."

Mr. Potter ruffled James' hair, "Like father, like son!"

James continued, "I'm doing an internship with the ministry this summer. Hopefully that will give me a foot in the door for the Auror training program in a year or so."

"Hey Red, aren't you doing one too this summer? Supposed to be at St. Mungo's but they're making you push paperwork at the ministry, right?" said Sirius with his mouth full of bread.

"How did you know about that?" Lily was perplexed; she never told him about that.

"Your lovely friend Marlene told me. Lovely pair of legs that girl has on her too. Maybe she'll get taller this –"

"Calm your teenage hormones Sirius, we are in fact trying to eat here," teased Mr. Potter.

"I suppose she would tell you wouldn't she? I thought the girl code would cancel out the teammate code." She scoffed. Lily reminded herself to be more careful with the information she shared with her Quidditch playing friend.

"Now, now, ginger snap, don't get testy. Just think about what a great summer you're going to have now. You and Jamsie over here can finally go on that dream date you two have been longing for!" Sirius taunted.

"Shut it you git!"

"Shut up Black!"

Both Lily and James felt the urge to hit Sirius. Yet the instigator laughed even harder when they both retorted at the same time.

Mrs. Potter tried to diffuse the situation. "Sirius, that's enough for one evening. We invite Lily to dinner and you think it's funny to harass her the whole time?! No more, understood?"

"Yes, mum…"

Mr. Potter on the other hand was desperately trying to keep a straight face. He didn't want to be the next one on the receiving line of his wife's wrath. It was incredibly obvious that his son was quite taken with this girl. He had heard him talk about her incessantly for years now and it was interesting to finally see the dynamics between them. His job required him to have a good sense about reading people. At this point it seemed like the two of them had a secret they were trying to keep from the dinner group, but what exactly was it? Charlus knew that if they had finally starting dating James would have sent his parents a letter immediately asking for advice and probably would spend the whole summer talking about it. Presently, James was trying to look calm and collected, yet she was eyeing him with an air of skepticism. It was as if she didn't know this young man that sat across from her, even though it was clear that she was more than familiar who him.

"How awful has he been at school?" Charlus thought. He had to admit, his son was a bit eccentric and a glorified prankster. Did James ever let his guard down so others besides his close group of four could see past the façade? His thoughts were interrupted by the waitress with the check. After they paid, they all made their way outside.

"Char, want to take the boys and I'll take Lily home?" asked his wife.

"Sure thing my dear! Lily, it was wonderful to finally meet you! I hope this won't be the last time! You'll have to join all of us for dinner again. We need another one to keep these two menaces in line." He gave her a quick hug.

"Thank you for dinner Mr. Potter, I had a really nice time with all of you. It was just what I needed." She stuck her hand out in front of Sirius. "Always a pleasure Black," She said stiffly.

He shook her hand with more vigor than she anticipated. "Lovely you to see you Red! Give my regards to Marlene won't you?" he winked.

Lily rolled her eyes and made her way over to James. Instead of a hand shake she surprised herself by giving him a hug. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear. She pulled away and followed his mom down the street to a spot where they could apparate.

To his father, James looked almost comical. His face was beet red and a lopsided grin was plastered on his face. "So my son, how long have you been in love with her?"