"I can't believe there are hidden tunnels around the school" Lily snorted, as she came out of one into the castle. "Ha, behind the Joan of Arc statue?"
"Shh, Evans" James hissed behind her "Do you want everyone to find out?"
Lily closed her mouth embarrassed, but she was happy. There was some sort of adrenaline going through her veins. She had been worried her whole life about breaking the rules or being an impeccable student. Not tonight.
"Told you, the castle was refuge during the second war. Me and the boys found a bloody bullet in one of the tunnels"
"Whaaat?" Lily tried to scream but James covered her mouth. The gesture made her extremely flustered.
James smirked then, so pleased with himself. Which reminded Lily of everything they had been doing before arriving.
It had been an odd weekend for Lily. She didn't expect to spend it with James Potter. A few years back she would have cut her own leg before doing something as stupid as inviting him for Petunia's wedding. But Lily was surprised with how much fun they had together.
James quickly became tight with Lily's cousins, was respectful with Lily's aunties, making them blush, and ended up calling Lily's mum by her first name. Talking like good old friends.
They also laughed together, drank together, shared cake and danced all night long. At the end, Lily took the reckless decision of kissing him.
The next day, Lily made the same mistake of kissing James again and again and again. It was torture that she couldn't stop, she couldn't stop him. She just let herself go like a fool. The boy even convinced her to snuck into Hogsmeade before coming back to school.
The day spent at Hogsmeade had been one of the most magical of Lily's life. She had never laughed so much, she had never smiled so much, she had never had so much fun, God, she had never snogged this much.
Lily was still confused about what the heck was going on between them. A month ago, Lily still found Potter annoying. A week ago, they had nice conversations as friends. Just hours ago, he had his tongue inside her mouth and her fingers were running wild across his hair.
"I had a nice time, Evans" James said now, lowering his hand. If it wasn't for the poor light, Lily would have sworn he was blushing. But James Potter never blushed.
"Me too" she confessed embarrassingly.
"See? Nothing happened" James shrugged "We didn't get caught and you had a good time"
Lily wanted to roll her eyes "Everything is so easy for you, eh Potter?"
James smirked "Just don't tell the boys I told you about the tunnel or they might kill me. We promise to keep the secret"
"You broke the Marauders rules for me?" Lily teased. "How dare you?"
"I'll do anything for you, Evans"
The way he said it, sent shivers down Lily's spine.
When James scooped closer, pulling her by her wrist, Lily let him. She hated herself with how easy she gave in for a kiss. But she couldn't help it.
It felt good to be wanted like this. It felt good to be kissed like this.
"I usually don't do this" Lily managed to mumble between kisses.
"Aha" But she closed her eyes, melting away as James kissed her again. He was even caressing her cheek.
"I am not this type of girl" She said again, but deepened the next kiss.
"Whatever you say, Evans" James was only interested in what he was doing with his tongue.
Lily finally pushed him away the second her body started warming up, scared of what might happen. She was scared of how much she liked kissing this boy. She had never felt this way.
"I don't do casual" Lily added "You need to do this right and take me out of a date"
Lily regretted saying that the second James beamed.
"Besides the two we already had?" James ducked his head to the side.
"Those weren't dates" Lily snapped, making James laugh "You... You were just my scort to Tuney's wedding"
"In which I remind you, everyone thought I was your boyfriend"
Lily rolled her eyes. It was easy that way. Plus she saved Potter from getting Marge's claws all over him.
"What about Hogmeade?" James asked with a cheeky smile.
It had been wonderful. Lily would always remember the way she felt as she held James's hand and they walked down the streets. The way they talked and laughed like they were old time friends. How easy it felt with him. Because he walked around thinking everything was easy and wonderful and it felt good to be infected with that vibe.
"We don't even know what is going on here, Potter" Lily said, ignoring the last part.
"I know how I feel" James answered confidently. "Do you?"
Lily had dreamed her whole life to have the epic romantic fantasy she read in those novels she devoured. But in reality, she didn't know what to do. The list of boys that had flirted with her had been minimal. And one of them used to do it as a joke: Potter. She still remembered how he made that bet with his friends about how he could have her in fourth year.
Still, Lily believed this was all new to her. She hadn't fancied anyone before. Sure, she had been in love with the idea of love. But she didn't feel what others described when they talked about their crushes.
The reason she had kissed Potter was unknown to her. There was something about him that made her feel safe. But she didn't know if it was love yet. She didn't feel like it was. Perhaps she needed time.
"I don't know..." she answered which clearly hurt James "I mean I liked spending time with you" she fixed it "But it is weird because I used to hate you"
"Noted..." James looked down.
"We can see how this goes!" Lily added trying to make him feel better.
"I mean" James put his hands on his pockets "I wouldn't mind repeating today" he smiled slightly.
"Eager, are we?" Lily laughed.
"If it were for me, Evans, I would do this tomorrow"
But it was Sunday, tomorrow they were back to class.
"Okay, we can do something on Saturday" Lily answered with embarrassment.
The way James's face lit up made her feel good.
"Maybe we shouldn't tell anyone though. Foe now"
It wasn't that Lily was embarrassed, well maybe a little. But mainly she was scared. Many years saying no to James Potter, putting him in his place, cursing his name, and telling herself she would rather die alone than to be with someone like him. It was pathetic but she was scared of what they would say about her. How James Potter had finally won her over.
And her mind went to Snape. Lily had recently given him a chance. They were mending their friendship. He would go mental knowing everything she did this weekend.
James seemed disappointed.
"But I really want to tell my friends"
Which reminded Lily about the bet she heard. It had been years ago. Many things had happened between them since then. But Lily couldn't shake it off. It made her think maybe she had always been a trophy for him.
"I... I think we should figure this out first, don't you think?"
James pursed his lips, considering it. For a second, Lily thought he might get angry. But then he smiled.
"Okay, Evans" he said "I really want to do this right"
Something about the way James was smiling and looking at her with sincerity made her smile as well.
"Yep" Lily bit her lip. She was surprised to realise she was looking forward to Saturday.
"Maybe..." James scooped closer "I can steal some secret kisses from you until then?"
Lily couldn't help but laugh.
"In your dreams, Potter" Lily teased "You will have to be a patient boy"
"Wait" he said, staring at her face.
He pointed at her face, making her think she had something on it. Perhaps her lipstick was smeared with so much kissing. Or she had a booger. How embarrassing!
But at the end James leaned in to steal a kiss from Lily so fast she barely had time to react. She just melted again into the kiss. Like a fool.
James Potter laughed satisfied with his accomplishments. Lily wished she could've been stronger. Insult him or something like she used to. But she just laughed. With her face on fire.
"Goodnight, Evans" James winked walking away.
That's when Lily reacted.
"You stupid wanker!" She exclaimed making him laugh like a little kid. She went after him. But she was laughing as well.
Lily was surprised how good this boy made her feel. Maybe this could mean something. Something wonderful.
