Always and Forever

chapter 7

James' pov-
I woke up and automatically rolled over to find my glasses. I placed them on my nose and turned back around
"Hey Lily-flower" I mumbled into the mane of flaming red hair that was spread out onto the pillow.
"Morning James" she snuggled even further into my chest and I plaited various strands of her hair absentmindedly. This was the best way to wake up. Laid next to a beautiful redhead, basking in the scent of her vanilla shampoo. I listened as her breathing sped up and she seemed to realise where she was. She turned in my arms, placing a hand on my chest to push herself away. I loosened my grip reluctantly. Her touch had the power to make me feel safe. I watched her pale face, trying to predict her next move. She turned her body and slid her feet onto the floor with a thud. I moved my hands up to behind my head and watched her as she grabbed some clothes and sidled out of the room.

Her lack of speech scared me and I wondered if I should have stayed on the floor after all. I had just become friends with her, I didn't want to push her. I stood up and left her room, entering my own so I could get dressed. After about 5 minutes, I heard her door open again and as she entered I heard her sigh. Maybe she noticed I wasn't there and was relieved? Maybe she was upset I had left without warning? Maybe she wanted to be alone? Maybe she was scared? No that wasn't a maybe. You could see in her face that she was scared. All the time. Scared of the world around her. She did a bloody good job of hiding it, but I knew she was scared for everyone around her. She felt like she was putting us all at risk because her parents were muggles.

I finished getting ready and walked down to the common room.

"Are you coming for breakfast, Lils?" I called up to her room, she didn't answer so after calling her name again, I began the climb to her room. I knocked but I pushed the door open, not waiting for an answer. She was sat on the windowsill, her head resting against the window as she looked over the forest wistfully.

"I think this has quite possibly been the worst first week at Hogwarts ever" she sighed and turned to face me.

"Nah, come on Evans, it's only Friday. Let's invite the marauders and your girls to the common room tonight and we'll make you forget everything" I grinned at her manically and she looked up, a glint of hope in her eyes.

"Back to Evans? I thought we were past that" her words shone with a slither of humour.

"Force of habit I guess" I shrugged and she laughed. "So, you on for tonight?"

"Yeah I suppose"

"Good"
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Lily's pov-
I was sat in between Marlene and Peter at dinner when James and Sirius walked in, somehow looking more mischievous than usual. I glanced up as James slid in, separating me and Peter-not that I minded. Sirius sat opposite him, next to Alice and Mary.

"Alright Evans?"

"I'm fine, Potter" he looked taken aback and I laughed at him. "You call me Evans, I call you Potter. That's just how it is"

"Fine then, Lily"

"Guess that's that then James" I smiled at him sweetly and he chuckled. I looked around at my friends and they were all staring at us. A second year from across the table said "Doesn't she hate him?"

"I don't hate him" I scowled, annoyed by the reaction of the gryffindor table. James, however, seemed very happy with this and basked in the moment of fame. "Anyway, are you all coming tonight?" The girls laughed at my sudden change of conversation but Sirius said seriously:

"I'll bring the fire whisky and the veritaserum" I arched my eyebrows at him disapprovingly, but he just laughed it off.

Half an hour later, we were all in our sweats and sitting around the heads common room. Alice was sat with Mary in the loveseat and she was braiding her hair. Marlene, Sirius and Peter were sprawled out on the sofa. James sat in the armchair, his legs hung over the armrest with me on the floor leaning against the seat. Remus was laid out in front of the fire.