A Sweet Goodnight

James walked into the common room, Sirius, Remus, and Peter behind him. They were in their 4^th year, and had just come back from a quick midnight snack in the kitchens. They were all surprised to find some one else in the common room: Lily Evans.

She was in a chair, her head resting on her arms, which were folded over scattered parchment. Her dark red hair fell around her face lightly. James stopped dead in his tracks and ignored the protests of a certain Sirius, Remus, and Peter who had all just run into him.

"Oooh, Jamesie-lad, it's your girlfriend," chided Sirius.

"He wishes," Remus replied.

"Every second of every day," added Peter.

"Oh, Shut Up!" James elbowed them hard in the ribs. He went over to Lily, hoping not to wake her. She would wake up with a terrible crick in her neck if she stayed their all night, however it seemed amazingly rude to wake her up. He lightly scooped her into his arms. He was well-toned thanks to his Quidditch practice. He shivered lightly. He had never touched her hair before. It was so silky and shiny and soft. A strand of hair slid out from over his arm, and he felt her neck, which sent prickles down his spine. He froze.

"Once your done obsessing with the fact that you're actually touching her, we'd like to go to bed," Sirius interrupted.

"Unless you'd like us to leave you two alone," said Peter.

That just gave unnecessary thoughts and pictures to everyone, Peter," Remus shot back with a shiver. James shot a glare at all of them that clearly meant death.

He turned and set her lightly on a couch, propping her head up with pillows, and relaxing her legs down. He shivered again as he touched one of her smooth legs.

"Actually, I like Peter's idea. You guys go on to bed," he said quietly.

"You know, you're gonna freak her out when she wakes up and sees you in her face," Remus said, amongst sniggers from Sirius and Peter, "But whatever makes you happy, Jamesie." With that, he led the other two to bed.

James looked at Lily, knowing the beautiful green eyes resting behind the eyelids. He had seen them flash in anger, and sometimes smile in laughter. He hadn't noticed how well done her make-up was before. She was so beautiful... Like she'd ever listen to him. He remembered only this morning, when he told her she had really pretty eyes, and she yelled at him for ages. If only she would let him tell her everything...

"I should probably go too," he told her, brushing a strand of hair out of her face, "I wish I could stay here forever, but Remus is probably right... G'night, Lily. If you ever need anything, ask me." With that, he stood up and left.

He didn't notice that her face spread into a smile.

Or that her eyes opened.

And he definitely did not hear her reply.

"G'night James."