Disclaimer: All mentioned characters are property of J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 9. Induction

That night, the four Marauders as well as Lily, Dorcas and Marlene made their way up the Gryffindor stairs and sat together in the Heads' common room. They talked for hours, none of them really believing what they had heard in Dumbledore's office. But even if every single one of them knew how dangerous it would be to join the Order of the Phoenix, it was clear in all of their minds that it was what they had to do. Except maybe Peter's.

"Dumbledore told us to take time and think about it though."

"What's there to think about Pete? I mean, we can't just stand by and let them try and wipe out everyone who doesn't fit in to their perfect little mould or who doesn't agree with them." James replied straightaway.

"Well. No. Of course not. I just meant... Well it would be dangerous." He stammered trying to defend himself.

"Yeah well so is being best friends with muggle-borns and half-bloods." Replied Sirius looking at Lily then at Remus. "But that's not gonna change. So why not do something about it, eh?"

For some reason that she couldn't explain, Lily's eyes flew to James at that statement, a jolt running threw her when she saw his eyes already on hers. And without looking away from Lily one instant, James continued. "Yeah Pete. We're already blood-traitors you know." And then, Lily would have sworn his eyes became even more intense as he finished. "We're already marked."

She knew what he was trying to say. She had understood it the second Dumbledore had offered them to join. And so still holding his gaze, she answered. "Guess we're all going to have to protect each other now."

Later that night, as each of their friends made their way back to their respective dorms, Lily stayed behind, willing James to do the same. He had grown more distant since their talk before transfiguration class, but as he rose to follow his friends out of the room, Lily managed to catch his eye.

"Can I have a word?" Her voice came out soft and timid. He nodded curtly before turning to his friends and wishing them goodnight. As they left, he simply turned back to Lily, hazel eyes on green, but made no attempt to approach her.

"I just..." She began stepping nervously towards him before stopping mid step. "James. I - uh."

"I know what you're going to say. And I know it dangerous, but I'm doing this. I'm not yours to protect." His voice was stern, guarded.

"I know. That's not what I was going to say." When he simply looked at her expectantly, she took another step forward before continuing, her face gaining a rosy tint. "I just. I meant what I said. When I said we all needed to protect each other." And then, suddenly growing bolder, she closed the remaining space between them, and looking him straight in the eye, finished. "We could protect each other."

"What are you saying Lily?" His voice was hesitant. Afraid he was understanding simply what he wanted to, and not what she truly meant.

"I'm saying that I was wrong. I mean. I want you to be safe. But I want you to be safe... with me." And then she added, blushing furiously as the words spilled out of her. "Once we graduate and Dumbledore starts sending us on missions... We're all going to be in the thick of it. In danger. Fighting for the cause but also for our lives. And I think... if we have a reason for fighting. I mean. If we have someone to come back to... I know I would fight harder to stay alive, if I had... If you still... want me..."

They stood there, eyes locked on one another, neither daring to move or even breath. But Lily's hand were shaking and James' gaze had instantly become passionate. And when they would tell this story to their friends, neither of them would be able to say if seconds or minutes or hours had passed before James' hands were suddenly cupping her face as their lips were crashing together. Lily's arms reaching behind him, her hands splayed across his back as she pulled his body to hers. And as his fingers found their way to her hair, and then to her neck and her shoulders, Lily raised herself to her tiptoes, pulling him impossibly closer, beckoning him to deepen the kiss. Before they knew it, James had Lily pressed against the wall, fingers gliding under the hem of her shirt as she was moaning into his mouth, tugging on his shirt.

"Lily." Gasped a breathless James while pulling away. "I'm sorry I don't want to push - "

"Will... um..." She started before swallowing visibly, eyes briefly flickering away. "Will you still - want me - in the morning?" She asked apprehensively.

"What? Of course!" And then taking her chin in his hand and looking deeply in her eyes, he whispered earnestly. "I'll always want you Lily. It's only ever been you." And then his voice getting impossible more tender. "I - I love you, Lily."

"Then make love to me." She whispered back, biting his ear lightly.

Most would think that their first time would have been fast and clumsy, fuelled by months, years even, of yearning. But James was delicate as he took her in his arms and laid her on his bed, his eyes never leaving hers. His lips worshiped her body as his fingers lightly grazed her thighs, her sides, her breasts. As his lips found hers once more, he kissed her passionately, deeply, his fingers finding their way to her wet folds. And when her body rocked against his forcefully, a loud moan escaping her lips as if begging for more, he finally buried himself deep within her. Slowly at first, careful not to hurt her, but deeper and faster as they gained confidence. And when her walls clasped around him and he spilled within her, he held her close to him. Whispering words of comfort and love as he kissed her hair.

There may be a war raging outside these walls, but right here, in this moment, all that matters is that they have finally found their way to each other.