A new story! Was reading, and got inspired. Hope you like it!

"I bloody hate you," she mumbled, peering into the murky depths of the lake. He only laughed.

"It wasn't me who said it, Lils. For once, it's entirely your fault," he countered. He, too, was peering into the lake, occasionally stealing a glance at the girl beside him.

She glanced back, her green eyes giving him a glare that would have sent a lesser man running.

He only snorted and turned his attention back to the water. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed as he spied movement in the water, not too far from the surface.

"Looks like he's here, Lily. A very punctual gentleman," He teased. She only sent him another glare, then watched as the giant squid surfaced, his massive tentacles spreading out to keep him afloat.

"...ugh," was all she could manage. "You know, I could also not go to Hogsmeade with you tomorrow. That would solve a lot of problems – most importantly, this one."

He only gave her a blank stare. She heaved a sigh and sat down, a few feet from the nearest tentacle.

"Fine, fine. But what the hell am I supposed to do?" she complained, staring in horrid fascination at the quid-appendage writhing in the water. He grinned when she wiggled away from the lake as the slimy mass neared the shore.

"I dunno," he replied. "But I'm sure you'll think of something." He stayed a few moments more, then decided it was time to leave the two alone.

"So I'll pick you up this evening, yeah? Towards seven-ish," he asked her, backing away as she turned to glare at him once more. "Just let me know if you two need more time!" he called, turning and sprinting towards the castle, laughing at the curses that followed him.

…

He was still grinning when he climbed through the portrait hole to the Gryffindor common room and walked over to where Sirius was sitting near the fire. Sirius looked up as he sat down, then glanced behind him at the portrait hole.

"She out there, then?" he asked, one eyebrow raised as a smile crept onto his face.

"Yep," James replied cheerfully. "Chatting up the squid. I'm sure he doesn't mind, though I don't think Lil is too happy 'bout it."

"You're a cruel man, Potter," Sirius said, shaking his head and grinning like a fool. "It must be below zero out there."

"She'll be fine. Besides," James added, a sly glint lighting up his eyes, "she was the one who vowed she'd go on a date with the giant squid before she ever went out with me."

Ah, Prongs. If you liked it, press the pretty review button. If you didn't...press it anyway :p You can tell me how to improve.