James and Lily

Part Five

James POV

I can't believe she actually said yes. I mean, its not a date or anything. She doesn't want it be a date so it isn't. That doesn't mean a tiny part of me doesn't think deep down in there that it's kind of a date. C'mon, were in Hogsmeade together, alone.......

I push the thought out of my mind. I really want Lily to not hate me.

"Lily, may I carry you bag?" I say in a mock accent, so o sound like a Butler.

"I think that may be going a bit far." She says her lips forming a smile I know she is trying to hold back.

"I'm serious Lily, can I carry your bag." I say in a serious voice.

She seems suprised that I wasn't kidding.

"Well- alright." She takes the bag of her shoulder and hands it to him.

"We're to first?" I say. Turning towards her ever so slightly as we keep walking. She looks deep in thought. Almost like she's arguing with two shoulder angels.

"How about the shrieking shack?" She says finally meeting my gaze.

"To the Shack it is!" I say enthusiasticly.

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Lily POV

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm enjoying myself. I can't deny this new side of Potter is like a breath of fresh air. But I don't want him to know that.

My mouth betrays me by letting out a giggle at his enthusiasm.

We walk in a companiable silence for a while until I break the silence.

"How do you think your O.W.L's went?" I say, trying to make conversation.

"Pretty good actually, I think my best was DADA. What about you? How did the famously smart Lily Evans think she did?"

"Oh please! That's not true. But I think I did fairly well. May have missed one thing in Ancient Ruins." I say in a proud tone. Because I am proud. I went from not knowing Hogwarts existed to being one of the top in my year.

"Knowing you, you probably got ten O's." He says and I feel my cheeks heat up against my will.

I'm silent for a few moments.

"Do you ever feel like once things speed up there never gonna slow down?" I say not really responding to his previous comment.

We reach the shrieking shack. And stand at the gate, but don't stop our conversation.

His eyebrows scrunch up. "What do you mean?"

"Well ever since I came to Hogwarts I've taken as many classes as I could, studied so hard, spent countless hours in the library, and now that I have sped up like that, I can't just take a break. I have to keep of with this reputation. And sometimes I just want it to all slow down. I want to not stress my self out when I don't get a ten out of ten. Heck I want to not turn in my assignment!! But I have to, because I'm Lily Evans goody two shoes, and teachers pet." I slowly turn to face him.

"Lily -" he stops. I suddenly start to worry.

"I've said to much, I'm sorry." I say regretting saying anything. Avoiding his eye contact.

"No, that's not what I meant! I just had no idea you felt this way. I don't want you to feel this way. And I'm sure the teachers don't either." He runs his hand through his hair.

"I know." Was all managed to say. His tenderness suprised me. He had suprised me alot today.

"Ready to head back?" I say turning away from him.

"Lily. I'm here if you ever need to talk ok?"

Potter wasn't so bad after all. I put my hand on his arm.

"I know Potter."