Chapter Twelve

"So, this is what this potion actually does?" Peter asked James and he held up some notes.

"Yes! See, you're starting to get it! I knew you would! If you know what each ingredient means in itself, it's easy to figure out. You'll do great on the test tomorrow." James exclaimed, as he patted Peter on the back.

He was taking pride in being able to help his friend. He felt like he could finally put his potion skills to real use. He liked seeing his friends succeed.

As Peter finished working on his paper, James glanced up. He, right away, noticed Lily sitting at the other end of the room, but she was looking his way, smiling. Was she smiling at him? But as soon as he smiled back, she quickly looked back down. He kept looking but she didn't look back up.

She had been rather quiet lately and he didn't know why. Was it because of him? Or because of all this stuff about Voldemort? He was scared to ask, but scared to see her this way. He had been wanting to go up to her for days now but cowardly backs down. If she let him, he could be there for her, he could help her let go of whats bothering her, he could help her be happier but he was too scared of rejection.

He looked back up. She was definitely smiling at him again! He was sure of it. But to his dismay, she packed her bag, glanced once more his way, smiling. And walked out.

No, he was not going to back this time. He had to just tell her how he felt, and finally ask her exactly how she felt. Screw waiting for fate to happen. He had to make it happen.

"I'm sorry Peter, I have to go do something. This is really important but I promise I will help you more later!" With that, he ran out of The Three Broomsticks, and followed her towards the castle.

Once he caught up to her, he grabbed her hand, swinging her to face him.

"James, what are you doing?" She asked, a little startled.

"Lily. I can't take this any longer. I am so in love with you it hurts. I can't just be you friend anymore, it's not enough. You are all I want, all I have ever wanted! And I know you know that! But when are you going to admit your feelings for me?"

Lily looked up at him, her cheeks burning red from that last question.

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"We both know you've been hiding your feelings, from me, but most importantly, from yourself. If you didn't have feelings for me, you wouldn't be blushing, you wouldn't be trembling nervously. Your hand wouldn't still be in mine." He reached his other hand up, and placed it on her cheek. "Your heart wouldn't start beating faster when I touch you."

And this time, without hesitation, his lips were on hers. It caught Lily off guard, but after a couple seconds, she was kissing him back.

When they finally pulled apart, James whispered, "I love you."

But it took a few moments before Lily looked up at him. But when she did, she looked him straight in the eyes.

"You're right. I am in love with you. I think I always have been."