The tears were flowing freely now that she was alone.

"How could I be so stupid?" she asked herself out loud.

"You could never be stupid," a familiar voice said. "It's physically impossible."

Being Head Girl, Lily said the first thing that popped into her mind. "How did you get into the girl's dorm?"

A smile flickered across his face, but just as quickly as it had come, it was gone. "I have my ways," he said simply.

"What do you want James?" she asked.

"First names?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Would you prefer Potter?" Lily asked, wiping a tear from my eye.

"I don't really care, but this way, I can say Lily as much as I want."

She laughed humorlessly.

"Lily, Lily, Lily. It's a beautiful name," he said lightly. "It suits you," he added, looking into my eyes.

Lily smiled in spite of herself. "Thanks."

"I'm sorry if I annoy you," he said, and Lily could see the pain in his eyes. "I don't mean to. I just can't help but ask you out. You look so beautiful, it would be a shame if someone didn't."

He hadn't smiled or laughed or said one bit or it sarcastically. Lily was touched.

He turned to leave, and without thinking about the repercussions, Lily got off her bed and put her hand on his shoulder.

He turned to face her, and she leaned forward slowly until their lips met.

Pulling away, James was grinning like an idiot.

"Took you long enough to realize you love me," he said with a lopsided grin.

He laughed, and Lily felt her whole body warm up at the sound.