Chapter 7

During the first lesson of the year in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Lily was paired with Marlene.

"Today's class is quite exciting!" The professor said. "We'll be practicing quite a bit of advanced magic-the Patronus charm!"

Excited whispers spread through the classroom. James and Sirius grinned at each other. The professor pushed the tables against the walls with a flick of his wand and commenced the lesion.

"The Patronus charm is very personal, it will protect you in dangerous circumstances, and it springs from the happiest of your memories. As you say the words 'Expecto Patronus', think of the memory that fills you with absolute joy. Don't forget to point your wands and hold it steady. I will demonstrate." He cleared his throat. "Expecto Patronus!" A silver sliver shot out from his wand and took the form of a conure. It spinned around the classroom, the oohs and aahs almost feeding its flight. It returned to the professor, perched on his shoulder, bowed gracefully, and disappeared. "Ok let's get started!."

The students waisted no time. Marlene declared that she was going to try first. Her face looked painfully concentrated as she muttered the words, but only a pitiful spark emanated from her wand, once, twice, three times. Sirius chuckled not too far away, and the boys moved towards them.

"Baby, allow me to demonstrate. Expecto Patronum!" A shaggy silver dog emerged, playful and powerful at once. It drew circles around Marlene, and she let out a delighted laugh.

"And pray tell, what's this happy memory of yours that makes yout able to do that?" She asked.

"Well right now I'm think of the night during the summer when we snuck off and then we-"Marlene put up her hand against Sirius mouth to stop him from going further, her cheeks the color of Lily's hair.

"Right then, I'll try it again then. Expecto Patronum!" And this time, a clever little fox emerged. Marlene sparkled with joy. "Yes, that was a good memory." They burst out laughing. The two spent some time admiring their Patronuses.

"Why don't you try it now Lily?" James asked gently.

"I'm almost afraid to try."

"It's not so bad." He stood closer to her. "Think of a happy though, for your first one, you want it to be something really powerful. For subsequent times it can be any little happy memory. Let it consume you. Then speak the words clearly and hold your wand steady."He'd positioned himself behind her so that he was almost whispering in her ear. Lily prayed he couldn't see the goosebumps on her neck nor the shiver that ran down her spine. She followed his advice, she thought of a happy memory, one that almost took her breath away. And when she thought she couldn't keep it in anymore, when thinking about it was almost too overwhelming, she shouted, "Expecto Patronum!"

A blinding silver light filled the room. Everyone stopped the exercise to stare in awe. When some of the mist cleared, everyone gasped. A graceful doe strolled across the room, commanding and regal. "Oh, she's beautiful." She gasped and looked up at James, who'd turned white. Sirius wasted no time to approach them, grinning from ear to ear.

"Well done Lily!" Sirius remarked, but he slapped James on the back. James stumbled a bit, looking stunned. The professor came over, offering his congratulations as well.

"Mr. Potter, why don't you give it a try? Yours is the only one I haven't seen."

"I don't think I can right now sir." James took a step back.

"Nonsense, you taught Lily how to do it." Sirius insisted.

Lily joined in. "Yes, please, James Potter doesn't give up!"

He didn't take his eyes off her when he whispered hoarsely, "I warned you."

He took a breath and shouted clearly, "Expecto Patronum!" It wasn't like Lily's, with an overwhelming silver mist. No, James's Patronus was the epitome of control. He released it slowly, carefully, afraid of the repercussions. A majestic stag stood in the center of the room. The stag cautiously approached the doe, the two smelling each other and dancing in circles. The stag then then rested its neck along the neck of the doe, and she responded in kind. Then they both disappeared.

No one uttered a word. James and Lily were looking straight ahead where their respective Patronuses had been. And Lily looked guilty.

"Professor, may I be excused?" She didn't wait to hear his response, but her repose was short lived. Just after she exited the classroom, a strong hand clasped hers and made her stop. She looked back to see James's determined expression. Silently and without asking her, he led her away from the classroom, away from the castle, and towards the lake.

James chose one of the trees and pressed her against the trunk. "Why didn't you tell me?" He breathed out. He was dangerously close. She looked away but he wouldn't have it. He guided her face to look at him again, left hand resting against her neck.

"Because I didn't know." She answered.

"Liar." He inched even closer.

"Because I felt foolish. Because it wounded my pride. Because I spent too much time publicly declaring the exact opposite." She admitted, looking defeated.

"Since when?"

"Longer than I care to admit."

"I'm not going to let you get away with this."

"…I know."

It was the only invitation he needed. He pressed their foreheads together and slow, oh so slowly, pressed his lips against hers. When the mere touch became unbearable, they began moving in synchrony, lips parting, hands everywhere. James was gentle and demanding at once, deepening their kiss effortlessly. Lily was soft in all the right places-the base of her cheek, the back of neck, the small of her back, the side of her thigh. They broke away panting for air.

"Lily…"It thrilled her to hear him use her given name. His lips moved to her neck, desperate, pleading, driving her insane. He discovered placed she didn't even know were sensitive. When a soft gasp escaped her, he groaned and captured her lips once again.

It was unclear to them exactly how much time ellapsed, but when they headed back into the Gryffindor common room it was already nightfall. As they entered through the portrait hand-in-hand, they were met with a full common room. The chattering died as all faces turned to them. Someone in the back wolf-whistled, the catalyst for the ensuing shouts and applause.

"Settle down everyone," Sirius's voice boomed above the rest, "let's not embarrass the happy couple. I can start the collection now."

Some students grumbled and started emptying their pockets.

"Ryan, mate, you said two galleons that they'd never get together, cough it up." Sirius was all business. Currency exchanged hands several times. James looked dumbfounded while Lily just rolled her eyes. Marlene came round and surprised Lily with a hug while she whispered in her ear. "About time! I need details later, but after dinner the group is meeting with Professor McGonagall in the Room of Requirements. We're starting our training for the Order."

Lily sighted, "We'll be ready."

Marlene grinned. "Good, because McGonagall wants to start with the Patronus. She wants the two of you to demonstrate."

James squeezed Lily's hand and smirked.

The group of friends gathered their belongings and headed for the Great Hall, not yet prepared but hopeful for the fight to come.

THE END