Disclaimer: Don't own anything you recognize, much to my dismay. I also don't own Mary's Song, for which this is based upon, by Taylor Swift. I'm not that cool.

"Race ya!"

"Okay. One, two, three, GO!"

The two children took off down the street dividing their yards. They were neck and neck, with their short legs flailing and their hair streaming behind them, a mix of sable and crimson. The redhead pulled ahead a nose before the stop sign that signified the finish line, triumphing over her neighbor.

They doubled over, breathing heavily for a moment before she pointed at him declaring herself the champion.

"I so beat you. Don't even try to deny it!"

"Fine, you won. But I will win someday, when you least expect it," he promised. She scoffed and started off back down the street, skipping, high off her victory. He jogged behind her and they fell into step as they always did.

Down the street, a pair of parents socialized. The fathers chuckled, joking about the "inevitable" future of the children, how they were to fall in love and they'd have grandchildren before they knew it. The mothers jokingly scolded them, rolling their eyes and smiling good-naturedly. Despite their chastisement, they both hoped that one day the two families would connect with the union of James Potter and Lily Evans.

*insertpagebreakhere*

James stood below the great oak in the Potter's backyard, looking up as Lily conquered its branches. She found a suitable branch and sat herself upon it, turning to gaze down at James.

"I could beat you up, you know," James stated. "I'm bigger than you, and older too."

"Sure, James," Lily said noncommittally.

"I could!"

"Perhaps, but you wouldn't. Plus, you're fully aware that I could, and would, take you down in a fight if it ever were to come to that."

James just stood there, with his mouth agape in evident shock.

"Stop looking so surprised, you know I'm right. And close your mouth, you'll start swallowing flies," Lily finished smugly.

And James knew she was right.

*insertpagebreakhere*

"I'm going to become an auror, just like my dad," James said decidedly. "And I'm going to live in that house, right there." He pointed to the two story home across the street. "But I'm going to repaint it. That color it is right now is simply horrid." Lily giggled. "You're welcome to live with me," he added.

"Oh really? We're going to be married like our moms and dads and have potluck dinners with the neighbors?" James nodded and Lily laughed again.

"What sounds so strange about that?"

"If you're so convinced that we're going to end up married, then kiss me. I dare you."

James leaned over to Lily, who, in turn, shrieked and jumped off the curb, running away from the nine-year-old with puckered lips.

A/N: Listen to the lyrics of this song, they're adorable. I decided to run with the idea that James and Lily were neighbors and grew up together, thus sparking their undying love. I know that this is not what happened, but that's the joy of fanfiction, anything can happen! Part two will come soon, school is almost done. Just two more days of finals, then I'M DONE! Please let me know what you think, your opinion means the world to me!

With Love, Sadie