Disclaimer: Even though I was I was Ms. Rowling, I fear that will never be true.

James Potter was not used to losing. When asked to describe himself, the trait he was most proud of was 'being a winner' (and sometimes bravery). Girls fawned over him simply because he was the best at everything he set his mind to. He was the top of his class, and, at the moment, the top of the school. James Potter was Quidditch captain and the best chaser (and all around player if you asked him) that Hogwarts had had in the last twenty years at least. So when he found out that Lily Evans was not only beating him in Charms, but Transfiguration and Potions as well, you could say a bit of a competitive streak was brought out in him.

Game on.


Chapter One: And so it begins

It was a sunny Wednesday when he found out.

"What do you mean Evans is doing better than me in Charms?" James had always thought she was simply rubbish at the subject, as she had often complained loudly for the whole common room to hear.

Remus shifted his gaze up from his book. "I mean that Lily is beating you at Charms."

"That wasn't funny Moony. How is she doing it? She has alwaysstruggled at Charms, and it's my best subject! Doesn't that make it sound a bit odd to you?"

"You're just upset someone's better than you at something." Sirius added from his spot on the ground.

"And that that someone is Miss Lily Evans." Remus chuckled. In response to this, James took it upon himself to shove Moony's book in his face.

James pushed his glasses up him nose, "It's fine that someone is doing better. But my point is that no one has ever beaten me, and its unlikely that Evans could go from being terrible at Charms, to doing better than the best in the class."

"I was never terrible at Charms."

Prongs jumped ten feet in the air, only to land on Sirius who had yet to vacate his spot on the floor.

"EVANS! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SNEAK UP ON ME LIKE TH-" James was cut off when the injured Sirius shoved him violently off.

"She's been standing there for at least two minutes." Remus was more that a bit annoyed that his book had been crinkled from the personal time it had with his face.

"That I have, and since your faith in my Charms ability seems to be in jeopardy, may I point out that I have had perfect grades in that class since second year," She starts digging around in her bag, "Remus, here is the book I borrowed from you yesterday," she handed it to him, "you were right it really was interesting. Do you think you could recommend another to me sometime?"

Remus nodded. "Of course! If you found that interesting, you might like The History of Modern Spells. I think I have a copy somewh-"

"Its fine! I can just check it out later from the library, I have to run!"

James was bright red, his fists were crossed in front of him. Sirius figured he looked like an angry goat, in an weird sort of way. "You two seemed awfully chummy. Something I should know about? Hmmmm." James had been slowly leaning in and by the end of this accusation, he was face to face with the poor werewolf.

"Lily and I are friends. Always have been. Besides, we're partners in Arithmany, last year we were prefects together, and we both happen to like reading. Nothing more."

James was now resembling the big bad wolf. "And you never happened to mention any of this? I've been head boy for a total of two months and have yet to get her to say that much to me, then you happen to be here and all of a sudden she's talking up a storm!"

"I guess its not a good time to mention she's also beating you at potions and transfiguration then."

James was livid.


The next day Lily was being chased down the hall by the Head Boy and she wished it was unusual.

"Evans, I need to talk to you!" Potter was ears were bright red and he seemed to be chocking on his lungs. Lily thought that she should just get this over with, and slowed to a stop.

"What is it you want, Potter." If he asks me out I swear I will punch him in the nose, and he was doing so well this year.

"I wanted to ask you to compete against me."

"Come again?"

"You pick the subject. I pick the test. Lets find out who's really the best once and for all." He seems pleased with himself.

"And why would I want to do that, and what could you possibly mean 'once and for all'. I didn't realize that this was an ongoing competition?" Lily was now glaring dagger in his direction. He's finally lost it.

"You're just scared you're going to lose." James had arranged his features to appear mocking and innocent, completing the look by rocking back and forth on this heels.

"You know what? Why not."

That hadn't taken much convincing.


A.N. Well, here goes my first fanfiction! Please favorite, follow, and review if you liked it! I think that this will only be about 5,ooo words longish. 3 chapters at the most! This was just kind of a preview chapter because I wanted to see if i liked the story. If you notice anything thats wrong PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Much thanks!