Chapter 6

James' POV

"Merlin, Sirius! I can't take anymore of this!" I exclaim as Lily grins evilly at me, making me gulp as usual.

"Oh, cheer up Prongs! Herbology isn't that bad!" Padfoot says, and I can't tell if he's joking or being an idiot.

"Oh shut it, you dolt! " I say, hitting him on the back of the head.

"Oi! Look Prongs, it's not my fault you dared to try and mess with Evans' hormones!" He said.

"And head!" Added Peter.

"And we all know her head's just as good as yours, it's your own fault she's using it for evil." Moony said as well.

"Honestly you three! Are you going to lecture me or help me?"

They replied at the same time.

"Lecture you." Said Lupin

"Help you." Sighed Sirius.

"Help Evans!" Joked Wormtail.

"Alright, how do I make this in my favour?" I ask.

"Well, keep in mind that at least she's acknowledging your presence." Remus stated.

"Good point, so first what exactly is she going to do?" Sirius asked.

"Well, she mentioned games. Maybe ten fingers? Oh! What about seven minutes in heaven or something similar? 'Cause that keeps us away from prying eyes."

They all nodded in agreement.

"That makes sense. But there's one hole in the plan." Remus said.

"Where?" Asked Peter.

"They're locked in there for seven minutes." He stated, as it was obvious.

I grin.

Lily's POV

Potter doesn't know what's coming to him, I think in Herbology. I grin wickedly, expecting him to gulp. Which he does, but then says something to Sirius. He ends up hitting him and I chuckle. Boys. I look back to my work for a few minutes, until I hear 'THANK YOU MOONY!' from James as he proceeds to high-five him.

I give Remus a questioning look, and he mouths 'Sorry Lily'. Uh oh. I look to James and he pulls a Potter grin.

I gulp.

About 8 hours later

I walk down to the Great Hall early so I can set up before everyone comes back, so I can leave after Dumbledore's speech. I walk into the familiar scene of the Halloween feast, pumpkins hanging from the air with live bats swooping around them.

I sit and eat, but I'm mostly alone. About ten other students sit at their house tables, and sits at Gryffindor is the Marauders.

"So, when you go in you will have plenty of time to turn the tables, and that- hello Evans." Sirius stops mid-sentence, changing his hushed tone for a normal one.

I raise my eyebrow. "Classic Marauder, "I say as I look at James. "can't devise a plan without his accomplices."

"Just devising our annual Halloween prank." Sirius casually defended. I sit down and dish out my dinner.

"So, will the Slytherins receive the bad end of this 'prank'?" I ask, mildly concerned.

"Nope, just… reminding." Said Remus.

"Reminding?" I question.

"Marauders honour!" Peter says, holding up his arms.

I sigh. "Well, okay. Anyway, costumes ready?" I ask, having already prepared mine.

James pulled a face and looked at Sirius, who pulled the same face.

"Well, well! The infamous Marauders didn't think about what they're going to wear! Shame, all the costumes are sold out." I laugh, wondering how they'll recover.

"So, what are you wearing Lily?" Remus asked politely.

"I'm the Devil, you know matches the hai-" then I notice Remus is giving me a pitying look.

James, Sirius and even Peter on the other hand grin.

"You always ask the right questions, Moony! C'mon boys, we have some costumes to make!" James exclaims clapping him on the back, and they get up to leave.

Aw, crap.

About 3 hours later

After the Marauders 'reminding'- which consisted of a load of bats chasing all the wicked bully Slytherins down the Great Hall- I set everything up. The decorations are ready, and so has the food, drinks and music. Now it's time to get ready. I left everything ready, music on, just in case everyone turns up early. What is Potter up to? I can't not wear it now, I have nothing else! Annoyed I gather my costume, shoes and make-up and head to the bathroom.

I start with foundation and powder, before applying some mascara and eye shadow, and finish with some dark red lipstick. Then I have to tame my hair, but I washed it that morning so it's not bad. I curl my hair, but then straighten it slightly, so it falls in loose, wavy ringlets. I put on the pointy horn headband thingy, and then head for the dress. I pull it on, and admire my work. The dress is mid-thigh, red (obviously) and has spaghetti straps. It has a lace overlay with a flame pattern, it was tight enough to stick to my frame, but not nearly enough for me to look like a skank.

The dress was worth every Galleon.

I sit and put Marlene's red stilettos on, which have a bow on the outer side of each shoe. They're probably about 5 inches high, which for someone like me, is about 5 inches too high.

Should have just bought flats.

I walk around the dorm trying to get used to them, and after a few minutes I can probably dance in these babies.

"Wow, where did you find those shoes?" Marlene jokes as she walked in.

"From the sexiest girl to be at the party- seriously Mar, you look great!" I say, looking at her great Alice in Wonderland costume. It may be a muggle story, but even most of the Wizarding World knows the popular ones.

"Ready?" She asks.

"Almost, just got to put on my earrings." I say, walking over to the counter they were on.

"Alright, I'll see you down there. Good luck!" She shouts, from the stairs.

I put the studs in, and then put on a simple bracelet. Oh God, maybe this was a bad idea. I sigh, too late now. Let's do this.

James' POV

I wait in the common room, and it's already half full. A few are even were dancing, as I walk to where the other Marauders are, just as Lily walks down the stairs, smirking as she sees our costumes. And she looks stunning.

Lily's POV

I walk down the stairs and immediately saw the Marauders costumes, and I try not to laugh.

Not bad Potter, not bad at all.

The four Marauders had to make their own costumes, but they did alright. Sirius, Remus and Peter had what looked like sheets tied at the shoulder, and a halo of something like card which was enchanted to glow lightly, yet noticeably.

Angels.

James was dressed the same way, but his halo was brighter than the others.

He was God.

That slick bastard.

I smirk at him as I walk down the stairs, and his lips part as he sees me, as if he's gasping.

Ah, the magic of makeup.

When I reach the bottom of the stairs, more people had noticed me, and a few laughed when they realised what James had done.

The Devil and God. I admit, he did good.

"Not bad Potter." I say as I pull out a chair when I reach their group sitting at one of the tables.

"You too…" He says, (trying) to subtly look me up and down.

"Thanks. Anyway, better get started." I say as I stand up and am about to stand on the chair.

Then I remember the shoes.

"God damn it!" I mutter, having finally learned James would hear.

"You called?" James jokes.

"What's wrong?" Sirius asks.

"Shoes." Both Remus and James say matter-of-factually.

"See Evans, this is where accomplices come in handy." He grins, and I scowl and step up onto the chair.

Please Lord I'm too young too die. Don't let me fall. I am destined for big things...

I regain balance and am ready. "Hey! Everyone!" They quiet down and I continue. "Okay everyone, we're having karaoke, as requested by Marlene," I point to her at the other side of the common room, "She's been in charge of the games. Take it away Marlene!" I say, and they chatter and pay attention to Marlene who explains how it chooses one of the songs which one of the singers wants to sing.

Then I realize my problem is worse than before.

I got to get down.

I scowl at James. "You did that on purpose!" I accuse , and he stands and walks up to me.

He smiles. "Did I really?"

"Oh shut up and help me!" I say, thinking he'll extend a hand to help me down.

Instead, he puts his hands on my waist and lifts me up before I can argue, and gently puts me on my feet.

And we are pretty close, and he hasn't let go yet.

"Thank you." I say, and quickly rush off to Marlene.

James' POV

"That was a good move." Sirius states.

"It actually was. He was a little boundary-invading, but with cause. Very gentleman-y." Remus says, smirking about the 'gentleman-y'.

"Gentleman-y?" I inquire with a chuckle.

He shrugs. "Butterbeer damages my vocabulary," beamed Remus "I suppose... chivalric?"

"That's our Moony."

Lily's POV

Marlene calls others to the stage for karaoke as I stand on the sidelines, watching Alice and Frank embarrass themselves. James appears beside me.

"Want a Butterbeer?" He asks over the music.

"Um… okay. Just watch that I don't drink many, because it's hard enough to walk I these shoes!" I exclaim. He wanders off before returning with our drinks, handing it to me.

(AN: I am aware that this song wasn't out for a few years after this. Sue me. Oh, and I don't own this song.)

"'Opposites Attract' , eh?" He says, pointing out the current song. "Very… relatable." He implied huskily.

"We haven't proven anyone wrong!" I remark.

"Yet here we are talking normally." He retorts.

"I am. You're flirting. Or trying anyway." I joke.

"I am not! You could not resist the smolder of James Potter." He jokes teasingly.

"Mm hmm, you keep telling yourself that later." I smirk, knowing that's going to mess with him.

"…later I doubt that is what I'll be thinking about." He said flirtatiously. I giggled.

Jesus Christ, I giggled?

James Potter made me giggle.

…I am never going to live that down. Is this what hormones do to girls?

"See you in the closet." I smirk back, and walk over to Marlene.

"Hey Marls! Just wondering, how were you planning on playing seven minutes in Heaven?" I ask innocently with evil intentions in mind.

She laughs. "You're getting revenge on James, aren't you?" I nod guiltily.

"Okay, I'll make sure he gets in there with you, but are you sure?" She asks.

"What do you mean?"

"Lily, you can't just get out once revenge has been taken. You're in there for seven minutes. I think we all know what's going to happen. So I guess what I'm really asking is, well… do you want it to?" She rushed on.

"…Maybe." I mutter.

"Oh my Merlin! Are you serious!? Finally!" She squeals, jumping on the spot.

"Oh shut up. How do I know if I say yes, it won't just be for the chase? That he won't dump me straight away. I mean, I guess I'll date him first before actually agreeing to be his girlfriend but-" I wittered on, and Marlene raised her hand to halt my rambling.

"Faith. He wouldn't have waited this long for the chase." She says honestly, smiling.

I smile. She always knows what to say.

"Now let's go get you a man!" She exclaims (too loudly for my liking) and I laugh and silence her.

A few minutes later, karaoke had finished.

Marlene stood on a chair and announced we were playing Seven Minutes in Heaven.

"Girls, put something of yours in the hat!" It was like a magic top-hat, which she had borrowed from one of the boys. I wiggled off my bracelet and placed it in.

"Okay, so every girl will get a partner, and how it's chosen is simple. A guy puts his hand in, and whoever will be the best, funniest match or who the boy wants to be in there the most with, their object will stick to your hand. Don't worry, it'll come off once it's out of the hat. Okay, line up boys!"

They formed a line, and Sirius was at the front.

He stuck his hand in, and pulled it out with a ring stuck to it.

"Damn it Marlene!" Cries Hestia. This is going to be entertaining.

"Well, I suppose this is yours Jones? Lovely, we'll have lots of fun." He says mockingly, wrapping his arm around her.

"We'll do nothing of the sort!" Hestia scolded, throwing his arm off as the crowd pushed them towards the closet and locked them in.

Nothing happened for about a minute.

Until: "Merlin, woman! I get we aren't snogging, but you're not even going to talk to me?"

"Not if I can help it Black."

"… snogging doesn't involve talking, and I'm very good at that."

"Ugh, as if! Why would I even want to?"

"Have you seen me? I'm gorgeous." I snickered.

"You're a dog!" For whatever unknown reason, the Marauders doubled over and laughed uncontrollably, James especially.

"Quiet!" Everyone hushed. The time was almost up, about a minute left.

Hestia continued " I don't want to be someone's slag, okay? If we bloody snogged, and don't deny it, you wouldn't care at all after- " but she was cut-off, and I think we all know why. Marlene and I squealed and went mental, and the remaining Marauders range in reaction- James breaks out into a full-face grin that he's trying to hide, probably because he knows most about what Black is feeling. Remus is smiling begrudgingly too, and Peter looks like he has no idea what's going on.

When they came out, Hestia was disheveled and blushing. I just knew she had a thing for Sirius, though she never admitted it. He totally fancies her as well, though.

I've caught him staring at her and such, and I think it's kind of adorable.

Others go in, but it hasn't been nearly as entertaining as the first.

Then James puts his hand in.

My bracelet.

I internally squeaked.

The crowd quieted.

I sigh and say "It's mine Potter."

They cheer.

I hand Marlene my shoes, because they're killing my feet.

We stand inside the closet, and say "One word Potter and I swear to Merlin." So they don't suspect anything. I cast a charm so they can't hear us. They will just think we're not talking and leave, but screw 'em.

We stand about 30 centimeters apart in the small closet, lit dimly. I stand against the wall and swallow my nerves.

This was a bad idea. I think to myself.

"So why did you do this Lily?" He asks sultrily.

Bad, BAD idea.

Chill.

I grin. "I like a challenge and I know one when I see one."

"I don't think there's much challenge in seducing me Lily." He says seductively himself, murmuring the sentence as he inches closer.

"So why choose this one challenge?" He says as he steps closer, looking down at me. "What could you possibly gain?"

You.

But I don't answer the second question.

"I'm Gryffindor for a reason." He stares into my eyes, knowing exactly what I could gain, what I didn't say…

I look towards my feet, losing my nerve.

"There's more to the costumes you know." James said, placing his index finger beneath my chin so I meet his hazel eyes once more.

He leans in and whispers in my ear.

"Lucifer loved God."

With one swift movement, he grabs my waist and lifts me so I am taller than him instead of shorter, and kisses me.

His soft lips press to mine, tenderly with the meaning of the words we didn't dare to speak.

I kiss him back with more force, wrapping my arms around his neck, playing with his messy hair. He kisses me harder and more passionately, and I wrap my legs around his waist so he doesn't have to hold me up. His lips part at my movement, before he brings his hands to my face, and I feel his tongue sweep my lips.

This kiss is different. Very different. My body is on fire, my hormones boiling in my blood.

We kiss and kiss for Merlin knows how long, hands in hair and on skin and it's wonderful and addicting. I never want to stop.

Knock knock. "About seven minutes now guys." Marlene says.

"Damn it." I moan against his lips, and I feel him smile. We slow down, and he tenderly places three kisses; one on my neck, on along my jaw and one on my lips.

"I'll see you in a minute." I say, admitting defeat.

He groans, and sets my feet on the floor.

We make sure we look alright, undid the charm and stepped out.

Marlene, Hestia and Sirius (who were standing together, yay!) Peter and Remus stood outside the door, all grinning.

Marlene gives me a look, a 'did you kiss?' look. I subtly nod. She grins and says 'Well I don't know about you six, but I'm going to bed." She turns to the few people in the Common Room.

"Oi, you lot. Parties over guys, 'night!" They all bustled to their dorms.

Marlene gives me an encouraging smile, and drags Hestia upstairs with her.

James' POV

Lily walks away to get a Butterbeer, obviously giving the guys a chance to freak.

"Did you kiss?! What happened?" Sirius scream-whispers.

"Go, I'll explain later."

"But-" He starts.

"Go!" I command with a chuckle.

"Fine." He sulks and walks off with Peter.

"You can do it." Remus says, patting me on the back.

"Should I ask her out?"

He hesitates.

"I think… I think she has a way of seeing the beauty in others even more perhaps, most especially when that person can't see it in themselves. Do you think she sees you yet and not the old you?"

"Yes, I think she does." I smile.

He smiles encouragingly. "Then good luck."

Remus left with a look over his shoulder.

I walked over to Lily, and flicked my wand at the music player so that it changes to a slow song. I bow with my arm extended.

"May I have this dance?" I ask... chivalrously, as Remus would say.

She laughs and takes my hand. I stand back up.

"I can't dance." She says nervously, but honestly.

Lily's POV

He rolled his eyes at me. "Then we'll sway romantically." He mocked, pulling me closer so my head rests against his chest.

"Just saying, that's my new favourite game." He says, and I chuckle.

"What about Quidditch?" I ask.

He looks very conflicted.

…

"Okay! Whatever! Man, you look like you're about to explode." I exclaim as he began to go red.

"Thank you." He sighs.

"…Why do you love me James? I know that's a little personal, but I can't understand what makes me so different?" I question.

"Because you always said no to me." He says gently. I instantly detach myself.

"What does that mean?" I demand.

James realises what was wrong. "No, no. Lily, hear me out, okay? Look, it's not for the chase. What I meant is that the first time I asked you out, you said no. And you kept saying no. It showed your persistence, that you would never give in to something you didn't agree with. I mean, though I hated the fact you didn't say yes to me, I think… it made me realise your courage. You would never say yes to you-know-who. That was the first thing. "

Oh.

I wasn't expecting that.

"Oh. I- um, I'm sorry."

James shrugs. "Sorry for not wording that differently."

I smile and return to dancing- well, swaying- with him.

"What else?" I whisper after a minute or so.

"Your well-placed kindness. Your intelligence. Your temper. And the fact that you are beautiful helps." He smiles.

"Thank you." He nods. "You're not all bad yourself. I mean, damn you look fabulous in that costume." I joke.

He laughs.

"So, you can't dance?" He asks.

"Nope, so no dancing." I reply.

"Well, don't worry. I can." He smirks, and twirls me around on the spot.

I look at him, and he shrugs and points to himself.

"Pureblood. Lots of parties."

I laugh. Seriously? Damn Pureblood fanciness. He continues swaying with me.

"Lily?" He asks tenderly.

"Yes James?" He lowers me so my head bends towards the floor.

"Is it never yet?" He asks hopefully. I pretend to think.

"Lily?"

"…I think it might be." I grin.

"Oh thank Merlin, about time. You'll be the death of me woman." He chuckles. He pulls me back upright.

"Lily Evans, will you do the extraordinary honour of letting me escort you to Hogsmeade?" He asks happily.

"Yes." I smile, finally letting my heart decide instead of my head.

He picks me up and spins me around, the both of us laughing.

He put me down and I said "Thank you James."

"For what?" He asks.

"For waiting."

AUTHORS NOTE:

Eiiii! Ugh, man I hate this. I just want to put them together but it won't be a good story unless there's drama...

Anyway, as an insight to future chapters, in 1976 on November 7th is a Full Moon.

Catch my drift?

And Quidditch matches start in November!

Oh, and Lil's birthday is in January!

Andddddd, of course... the DATE!

I HAVE EDITED PREVIOUS CHAPTERS, JAMES IS NO LONGER A PREFECT.

PLEASE REVIEW!

By the way, originally this chapter was going to be very different, but it didn't feel right, so I got rid of about half of it and re-wrote it. Just thought you might like to know.

-Seeker