Seven Reasons why James Should go to Bed… NOW

Written by Lily

For James

Foreword(s):

I, Lily, will paint a picture of the common room for you. I am sitting at a desk, my papers all stacked neatly, my homework finished. As I stretched (ready to head up to bed), I note the common room is empty, with the exception of one person. James Potter.

He is sitting in front of the fire, bent over his work, desperately trying to get it done. The dark circles under his eyes have been there for days, but they seem unnaturally black tonight. He's cramping in his left shoulder (he keeps stretching it and wincing), and I know he's physically tired from the Quidditch practise that he had conducted this afternoon, right after a mini Head meet with me (which he wasn't really focused at), and right before his detention with Filch (cleaning trophies – I can smell the polish from here), not to mention a slight reddish gold tinge to his face after a prank other pulled on him a time ago for not getting enough sleep. He compromised, going to a better routine, but now it's slipping, he's started with the late nights again.

Last night was full moon, and I know he does something for Remus on full moons (I hope they stay safe), and the night before he was conducting detentions (which should have been me, but he offered) and – I don't think that's right. James needs to go to sleep. If he wants to live, he ought to go to bed. I need to tell him, how can I tell him without another fight? (He gets easily irritated when he's tired) Maybe if I get him to read this, maybe he will realise that the essay can wait till tomorrow… or next week…

Reason #1: It's 11 o'clock

I'm playing 'mum' here. This is too late for someone who only got a couple of hours sleep last night. You were doing so well in the past few weeks, don't screw it up. Get your arse to bed, now.

Reason #2: Unfocused Eyes

Are you sleeping while sitting up? Can you even read what you're writing? Your eyes look glassed, like you're wiped-out, zombie, drunk even. Go sober up. Get your arse to bed, now.

Reason #3: Sloppy Writing

You're not getting top marks with the low quality of work you're producing. Better to do it when you're not so uh… dead. Get your arse to bed, now.

Reason #4: Heavy Head

Or bobble head, I can tell you're falling asleep in front of the fire. You want your potions essay to be on your face? Get your arse to bed, now.

Reason #5: Exhaustion

Gawd, Potter, your Quidditch team mates have all gone to bed straight after practise. I don't know how you did the trophy room and still sitting there. I don't want to see those dark rings tomorrow – they're not so attractive so, you look better without. Get your arse to bed, now.

Reason #6: Classes tomorrow

It's not Sunday tomorrow, it's Thursday. Thursday James, come on man, you don't want to be dealt another detention because you slept through Defense. Besides, it's a practical tomorrow, you need to be on top of your game and well rested. Get your arse to bed, now.

Reason #7: So I can go to bed too

I won't sleep if I know you're still down here working like crazy. You make me feel guilty, Potter, that I complain so much about things and yet you have to do a whole lot more with Quidditch and Remus' condition and detentions (although, you brought that one on by yourself), and you're here and… why are you still here? Get your arse to bed, now!

Lily carefully folded the pages on her diary back so only her latest list was seen before she stood up, marched over to where James sat and thrust it in front of his face.

James jumped slightly (he didn't realise he had company) and after a brief, questioning glance at Lily, he took the book and read the section she'd specified. The frown that had briefly appeared was quickly replaced by a smirk.

'Just my arse, Evans?' He quipped, amusedly, 'Or can the rest of me go to bed too?'

Lily swatted at his arm, scowling.

Still grinning, James passed the book back, packed up his things (Lily stood over him, silently with her arms crossed, ensuring he was packing up). Once everything was away, he swung the bag onto his shoulder, stood, and before Lily realised what he was doing, embraced her in a bear hug.

'What would my arse and I do without you?' He grinned against her ear before giving her a squeeze, pushed his lips briefly against her cheek before whispering 'Good night, Lily.'

And then he was gone, leaving Lily standing in the middle of the common room, blushing furiously as her cheek burned where he had kissed her.

A/N:

I know I said I wouldn't update till next week, but I'm bored with nothing to do except update! Much love to the two people who reviewed last chapter, this fluffy little one's for you 3 Bonus narrative! Yay!