"Oi! Marlene! Wait up!" James Potter tousled his jet-black hair and ran down the corridor after his friend Marlene McKinnon, who was walking with their other friend, Lily Evans, to lunch. Marlene rolled her eyes as he caught up to her. "I need a favor…" James started.
"And why should I help you? Lily and I could already be in the Great Hall eating lunch. But we're stuck here talking to you instead," Marlene smiled jokingly.
"Oh my dear, naive Marlene," James grinned widely. "I believe you are forgetting the pictures of your bald head that I possess, taken in the second year." Marlene's face turned a deep shade of red.
"Don't worry Marlene, I'll save you a seat at our table. This sounds," she made air quotes, "important." Lily's red ponytail swayed back and forth as she walked away through the castle's crowded Entrance Hall and into the Great Hall. The smell of a delicious, steaming hot meal wafted in through the large oak doors that hung ajar.
"Oh fine," Marlene eyed James warily. "What deviously hilarious prank do you have planned this time?"
"That's for me to know, and you to find out." James winked. "All I need for you to do is get a hold of Lily Evans' most embarrassing knickers for me."
"Oh no!" Marlene moaned. "I can't believe you're doing this, James!" she exclaimed, while trying to hide her grin.
"And I can't believe you let Sirius try to charm your hair three years ago."
"Oh fine. Hey, I've got to go, but I'll be in the common room at… let's say nine?"
"I'll be there!" said James called after her as he walked off to find his friends.