[ lily looks at him again a moment and it's one of those looks she used to get - where she wants to be fussed at him but can't really be. so finally, finally, she nods before starting a fire under the cauldron and setting about putting in some ingredients one by one. ]

Only because you asked so nicely. I'll even give you a cute boy's discount.

[ a little harmless flirting - or it would be harmless if they didn't both want to get back together (on some level or another).

eventually she frowns down at where she's chopping some mint leaves. ] James...?

[ there's a short and unsteady pause here. ] What do you think of becoming business partners?

[ hell, it's half a marriage proposal, from her - she's always been adamant she has to do everything on her own. so why now, suddenly? ]