I deeply apologise for the amount of time between updates but i have had literally no time to write over these last few weeks. Life got on top of me rather badly. I should perhaps explain that i use writing as an escape. Most of the time i find it relaxing and i genuinely enjoy it. But in order to do that i actually need time available to spend on it. Needless to say the fact that i haven't has been proving annoying. I cannot guarantee updates on certain dates and i am sorry if that means some of you lovely readers choose not to continue following my story. But what i can promise is i won't be quitting with this story. If i have a large gap between updates it isn't because i've lost interest, it's because i simply have other priorities (believe me, i'd love to just be able to sit and write all day). I feel this chapter is not my best, as i didn't have a block of time to work on it, but i hope it is enough to hold you all over. Thank you to every single person who has reviewed and favourited my story. I am not worthy.

Chapter 7

It dawned on Lily as she clutched her mug of hot chocolate, the porcelain so hot it almost burned her palm, that not too long ago, she would've thought herself insane.

She was walking with Potter.

Hand in hand.

Wearing his jumper.

In public!

And though a small part of Lily still somewhat loathed to admit it, it felt... well rather wonderful. In the moments they shared alone, she felt utterly comfortable. Even in the silence, which there generally wasn't a lot of, no tension filled the air. It was just as easy to walk along, stealing fleeting glances, listening to their footsteps as it was to laugh and tease. Even venturing to the kitchens (something she had felt rather awkward about doing in the past) felt easy and natural. All the elves had greeted James with such a clearly familiar warmth that any discomfort Lily felt about asking them for libations had quickly evaporated. They seemed blissfully happy at the prospect, packing a little basket with items for them to take.

"I can't believe how many different types of biscuits you wanted!" said Lily, shaking her head in disbelief again as he struggled to extract one from the basket hanging off his forearm, without taking his hand from hers.

That really shouldn't make me as happy as it does, she considered with a little smile.

James flashed her a grin when he achieved success, popping a whole custard cream into his mouth.

"I'm a growing boy. Besides I heard you ask for the jaffa cakes so don't get all hypocritical," he said with an elbow nudge that nearly sent her hot chocolate flying.

"Careful!" Lily screeched, snatching her hand from his to save some of cream from slopping out with her finger. She fought back a grin as she sucked the digit into her mouth, feeling eyes on her.

Frothy cream melted onto her tongue and Lily was more than satisfied when she heard James clear his throat gruffly before he spoke the password.

"Strawberry cre-am." Lily didn't miss the crack in his voice, smirking into her cup. Swirls of the heady, chocolate aroma danced into her nose and the taste lingered on her tongue without her taking a sip. It was one of the scents that made up Amortentia for her. Never a bar of chocolate. The distinct scent that only comes from hot, sweet tasting liquid.

Guaranteed to melt her from the inside out.

"Er, Evans? Are you going in or are you going to stand there sniffing all night?"

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and Lily didn't reply, taking a long, deep swallow of the hot liquid, feeling the delightful heat work its way into her stomach.

And then her blissful, chocolatey bubble was abruptly burst when James scooped some of the cream out onto his finger, smirking at her as she shot him a glare.

"Oi, do you mind?!" asked Lily indignantly, grabbing his hand. Before she'd even had time for a scream of protest from her brain, she pulled his hand back and sucked his finger into her mouth.

An instant, horrified blush hit her cheeks and she let go, watching James' neck turn scarlet and his eyes widen. Lily wouldn't have even done that as part of her plan for breaking him! What was she thinking!

She cleared her throat awkwardly.

"Er, you – you don't touch my hot chocolate Potter!" she snapped, rushing into their room before James could respond.

Still perfectly horrified, her face on fire, Lily quickly set her drink down onto the table, the porcelain making a soft thunk on the polished wood, and threw herself into the sofa cushions, willing herself to sink right in.

Get a grip, she thought, trying to compose herself. Be proud! You've probably just left him standing there horny as hell because you did that.

Despite her little internal pep talk, she grabbed her Transfiguration book to hide behind when she heard James close the portrait. Cringing as he settled next to her on the sofa, Lily tried to shake herself out of the embarrassment she felt and get back to her plan of attack.

A jaffa cake slid into view on her page. She instantly felt her mouth pull up at the corners.

"Peace offering for the crazy hot chocolate girl?" said James jovially.

Still smiling, Lily snatched it and shoved the whole thing into her mouth in one go.

"Merlin Evans you nearly took my hand off!"

"'Erves uoo righ'," said Lily thickly.

James snorted. "How very ladylike."

Lily quickly swallowed. "I'll have you know Potter," she started loftily, grabbing her hot chocolate again. "That I am perfectly ladylike. I may very well be the perfect woman don't you know?"

She took another deep draw of the liquid, glancing at James through her eyelashes all the while. She watched his adam's apple bob, but his face stayed calm, cocking an eyebrow.

"Careful Evans," he said, in almost a purr. "You're starting to rival my ego."

"I don't hear you disagreeing Potter," she said softly back, licking the remnants of cream off her top lip.

Never had Lily felt her body react in such a way, to something as simple as the words they were currently exchanging. She was heating up, her skin practically one huge tingle. Or maybe it was the way James was currently looking at her. Normally it was round about now that he'd get all awkward, trying to restrain himself; but right now that seemed to be the last thing on his mind.

The brown in his hazel eyes seemed to darken, dropping to Lily's mouth, then back to her gaze.

"Can I have some?"

YES! Have anything you like!

She felt the cup being taken from her hand.

"Just a sip," said James, and this time it was him staring at her as he swallowed, licking his lips.

Oh Lily knew damn well she was getting sucked in, losing sight of her own goal in making this something serious, but right now she really couldn't care less. All she knew was she wanted that pink tongue that flitted over his lips in her mouth. Wanted those lips hungry on her own. Wanted to taste the mixture of cream and hot chocolate and whatever James Potter would naturally taste like.

Later, she reminded herself. You can have that later. Think of that needy kiss he'll give you when he cracks. Drive him crazy first.

She crossed one leg over the other and squeezed her thighs together, trying to relieve some of the pounding heat that was arguing with her brain. He gave her the cup back.

"So human Transfiguration tonight then?" said James, clearly looking for a subject change. It seemed his brain had kicked back in.

"Yes if you think you can handle that," she replied, taking another drink. "I imagine it might be dangerous when I first try it."

"Good job you're in my safe hands then," James smirked.

If only.

"That's why I asked you to tutor me," said Lily. "I trust you."

She felt her face heat again but fought against it. She felt like a set of traffic lights tonight, constantly turning red. It was odd that her mouth had ran of its own accord there. But it was true. For a while now there was one thing she knew for certain: James Potter equalled safety. He would never let anything harm her. She wasn't sure how she knew, but it was a solid feeling through her whole being. The pride was clear on his face as he beamed at her.

"So you should."

"You know, I think your ego is perfectly safe from competition."

James snorted again.

"Two words. Sirius. Black."

Lily internally debated. "Point taken."

"Exactly. I'm not the one who spends an hour in the shower some mornings."

Lily couldn't help but laugh. "Oh Merlin what a woman! Even I don't shower that long!"

James laughed too and Lily decided she really liked the sound. She remembered the way his chuckle had reverberated through her on the train and found herself wanting to press her face to his chest to hear the vibrations properly.

"I've learned not to use the shower now."

Lily jumped all over that comment. "Ew, you don't shower? That explains a lot."

"Oi, don't make me tickle you again Evans!" said James, elbowing her in the side again. "I meant I've taken to having baths. Prefer them anyway."

"Wouldn't have pegged you as a bath person," Lily pondered.

"I wasn't until I went in the Prefect's one," said James. "I defy anyone to hate that bath."

"Oh I know what you mean," said Lily, replaying her earlier visit in there. "I love showers but I love those taps!"

"I know they're great aren't they?!" said James enthusiastically.

The comfortable atmosphere was back and Lily curled up rather close to him.

"Which one is your favourite?" she asked.

"There's one that bounces and makes these arcs," said James.

"Mine too!" said Lily laughing. "Have you tried using the diving board to jump through them?"

James' eyes suddenly darkened again. Lily realised what image must be in his head right now.

"I'll have to try that next time," he said, shifting his eyes from hers.

Merlin she'd never be able to go in that bath again without thinking that James had been in there too... naked. A vivid scenario of him joining her in the bubbles blossomed in her mind, burying her hands in his soaked black hair while his hands spanned her bare body under the hot water. She heated as though she really was immersed in that tub. Oh Merlin she wondered what he'd look like naked. His chest was toned enough to stand out through his wet shirt, so she could just picture what he was like topless. Yes he was thin but she'd bet her Head Girl badge that he was muscle under there... and as for lower down...

How amazing it was, the way he affected her. All he had to do was look at her in a certain way and her insides started to go insane. Her original dreams had resulted in her trying to push these thoughts away; now she couldn't help but embrace them during the daytime too. Often at the most inappropriate times. Her self control was slipping.

And when she'd be alone all night with him, that was a very bad thing.

***

This is not good. This is not good. Calm the fuck down you randy git!

James' restraint was slipping. Merlin this girl had no idea what she did to him! Talking about jumping off that diving board had set off a mural of undoubtedly wonderful ideas in his head. Wonderful if he'd been alone that is.

When she'd sucked his finger... Well needless to say he'd needed to wait a considerable length of time before following after her. He never known something could have him on the edge of coming in an instant. But the feel of her warm, wet mouth encasing his finger...

Better not even think about it right now.

And he just couldn't help the thoughts rushing through his head! Damn her for putting them there. Her and her stupidly green eyes, and hot chocolate that kept making her lick her lips. So badly had he wanted to know what kissing her would taste like, he'd had to steal a sip of that drink.

"What do you think I should start with?" Lily asked, putting her mug back down. Ah yes he was here to tutor her after all.

"Er, well something simple," said James, looking at the textbook she pulled closer. "I'd start by enlarging something. It's generally the easiest."

He heard her stifling a fit of giggles and groaned.

"And you call me immature Evans?!"

"Oh come on!" she said, starting to laugh.

"Never realised what a dirty mind you're harbouring," he said, elbow nudging her. He'd been doing that a lot tonight, enjoying the extra contact he could get away with.

"You shouldn't make comments open to interpretation," she replied easily.

"Dirty minded interpretation," he said.

Lily simply smirked and returned to studying the page. "So what should I try to enlarge first?"

Just as the thought of her chestsprang into his mind, she flashed him a look with raised eyebrows. Clearly saying "now who's dirty minded?!".

"Har har Evans," he replied smoothly, although he wanted to smack himself for being caught out. "Why not try your hand?"

"What give myself a man sized hand?" Lily laughed, pulling her wand out from the pocket of her shorts.

James started to laugh too. "Give it a try!"

He watched Lily's face turn to serious concentration mode, attempting the spell twice, but to no avail. James observed her carefully, and noticed her wand movements were slightly off. Lily was marvellous at Charms work because she always had flourish to every manipulation of her wand. Transfiguration was more subtle and that's where she was falling down.

"Try twisting your wrist a little less," James said. "Focus more on the object than your wand. I think you're just flourishing too much."

Amazingly, she followed his direction without protest and to the letter. He grinned as he watched her fingers lengthen and thicken, the span of her palm growing wider. She laughed in triumph and he found himself beaming at her.

"See," James said. "Not as hard as you thought right?"

"Not when you help," Lily beamed, wiggling her huge fingers. "Thanks James!"

He laughed, putting his palm against her. It was only just larger than his.

"Try and reverse it?"

A mutter came from her and he watched proudly as her hand shrunk to its normal size, disappearing from his view as his suddenly swamped hers.

"I think you've got it," said James happily. "You're really not as bad as you made out."

Lily smiled, her cheeks flushing at his words. He felt his chest inflate. He could make her blush! He was about to take his hand from hers, but for some reason, he found he couldn't move it. The warmth of her skin against his was sense tingling. Even though her hand was dwarfed by his, he'd swear hers held the most strength.

"Your hands are..." he started, before he felt his face heat.

"Perfectly ladylike?" Lily supplied with an 'I told you so' expression on her face.

He couldn't help but laugh and she did too, their contact finally ending when she reached for her mug. He watched that tranquil look spread across her face, just as it had outside the portrait hole when she raised it to her lips.

"Is hot chocolate your favourite?"

Lily looked across at him, her green eyes seeming even deeper than usual.

"Mm-hm," she nodded as she swallowed. "I love it."

"Ever had it with Butterbeer?" he asked.

"Is that even a real thing?" Lily replied, looking curiously from her cup, to the few bottles sticking out of the basket they'd brought.

"Dunno," said James, rubbing his palms together. "Fancy an experiment?"

Lily laughed and nodded. "All right then. Am I seeing some kind of glimpse into the Marauders way of thinking here?"

"You most certainly are," said James, opening one of the bottles and taking a gulp. "It's pure genius is what it is."

Lily snorted as she conjured another cup and tipped some of her drink into it. James sloshed in some of the Butterbeer. He looked at her and they laughed when they both eyed the liquid cautiously, neither wanting to be the first to drink.

"This was your idea, said Lily, sliding the cup towards him.

"No no Evans," James said, sliding it back. "This is your drink. Besides, thought you trusted me?"

He watched in amazement as Lily cocked her head to the side, picking up the cup. Holy shit she actually does trust me?

"I do this? Call me an honorary Marauder?" she asked.

James had to stop his mouth dropping open. He would have bet his broomstick that Evans would never think enough of him to even suggest such a thing. Maybe I'm doing better than I thought!

"Only for tonight," he replied, smirking. "To really earn that title, you'll need something much bigger than this."

"I'll get my thinking cap on," she said. "What did you do to earn it?"

"Now now that's top secret," James said, tapping the end of her nose. "Mind that."

"Oh come on, pleeeease," Lily said, her eyes going all puppy dog. James instantly felt the urge to spill every Marauder secret to her.

"Er, drink first," he said. "And I'll consider telling you."

"I'll tell you what," said Lily, nudging him with her elbow. His face split into an unbidden grin. "If you tell me a secret, I'll tell you one?"

James felt his mouth turn dry at that suggestion. Oh the things he wished he could tell her.

"I mean, we're friends now right? And I'd like it if we knew more about each other."

Friends. That word rang uncomfortably in his ears a split longer than the others. Lily wanted to be friends. Just friends.

His heart was starting to sink. Talk about see-saw emotional confusion. One minute James was sure he was making progress with her, the next he was flashing back to Remus' look of doubt. Lily was a friendly person by nature, despite the way she'd been with him for years. But he was curious to really know her, from the inside out... even if that meant only as friends.

"All right Evans," he decided. "Deal."

"Deal," she grinned.

With an easy move, she lifted the mug to toast him, before taking a mouthful. James waited a beat.

"Mmmm!" she moaned, licking her lips, handing him the cup.

His whole body stirred. Keeping his eyes on her, he took a mouthful. The hot chocolate was now even creamier and rich, sliding down into his stomach and leaving a warmer glow that he knew wasn't just from its temperature.

When he opened his eyes, they instantly fixed upon Lily's face, her cheeks pink and her mouth slightly wet, glistening in the flickering firelight. He realised, too late, that he was staring at them, lifting his gaze to her eyes. The pit of James' stomach erupted with those just-missed-a-step swoops, when he saw her eyes on his mouth too. He attempted to speak, but no words left him. Lily looked up at him, flushing. Her plush lips were ever so slightly parted and all of a sudden, James was shifting on the settee –

There was a loud hiss and James almost jumped out of his skin as a ginger kitten jumped into Lily's lap.

"What's the matter?" Lily crooned to the slightly squashed face.

Her cat hissed again at under the coffee table and James spotted a familiar, bald tail. Oh you're fucking kidding me!

"I, er, I'll go and get us more hot chocolate ok?"

"All right," said Lily, her face flushed much redder than before. "Sorry about Tigger. I don't know what scared him like that."

I do, thought James angrily, grabbing the culprit and putting him stealthily into his pocket as he 'took Lily's cup'.

"Tigger?" he asked as he stood.

"It's a Muggle thing," Lily shrugged. "If you hurry back I might elaborate."

James just grinned, moving quickly out of their common room.

As soon as he'd made it down the corridor, he pulled the, almost sheepish looking, rat out of his pocket.

"You. Are. Dead!" he hissed.

Ps i checked before adding the Tigger reference haha. Points to anyone who can guess who Lily's kitten really is. XXX