"How was it?" Mary squealed as Lily entered the Common Room, shaking her dripping cloak off her shoulders. She sat across from Mary and crossed her legs.

"Mm... exactly what I expected from Potter," she answered impassively.

"Amazing? Mind-blowing?"

"Not particularly impressive."

Mary's shoulders dropped disappointedly. "What? Oh. Well, what did you guys do?"

"Honeydukes."

"Honeydukes? Oh. Was that it?" That wasn't the norm for James Potter, Mary thought, surprised.

"No. He got me a box of custom-made chocolates with strawberry mousse and cream inside and pictures of lilies on top. And then we went to see the Shrieking Shack."

"He had chocolates custom-made for you? Custom-made! With your favourite filling! Wow!"

"I like chantilly cream."

"Oh excuse me!" Mary rolled her eyes in exasperation.

"You're excused."

"So how was the Shrieking Shack?"

"Surprisingly well-decorated." Lily's tone was dry as she took Mary's bewildered expression in.

"Huh?"

"But it's all been torn apart."

"Wait. He took you inside the Shack? Oh my word! How the hell did he manage that?"

"I have no idea. The prat blindfolded me. It was a really long walk. And I needed to pee and there wasn't a toilet." Lily's voice was coloured with irritation, but that didn't hinder Mary's excitement.

"Lily!" Mary smiled excitedly and clapped her hands together.

"What?"

"He took you inside the Shrieking Shack. You aren't impressed by that?"

"Hmm… not really. There weren't even any spirits."

"Well maybe they only come out at night."

"I don't think so. Potter seemed to be under the impression that it was something else that tore the place up." Lily's brow met in contemplation.

"Really? Do you think he knows? I can't believe you saw the inside of the Shrieking Shack! And you aren't even impressed!"

"He's still a prat, Mary."

"A remarkably handsome prat who's been in love with you since fifth year!"

"He just thinks I'm pretty, Mary. And he's dated at least half of the school. I don't want sloppy seconds. Or thirds… or whatever it is."

"You're so stubborn!" Mary shook her head as if scolding Lily. Lily smiled in response.

"And proud of it."

"So then did you come back?"

"No. We went back to Hogsmeade and walked around. It was raining." Lily's tone was disgruntled.

"Aw! Did he hold an umbrella up for you? Or did he offer you his cloak?"

"No."

"Oh." Oh dear, Mary thought, James clearly didn't make a good impression…

"He carried me over the big puddles, though."

"Aw! Lily, this guy is amazing!"

"I don't think so. It was boring, actually."

"Didn't he try to pull any moves? Did he hold your hand when you were blindfolded?"

"No."

"No, he didn't try to hold your hand, or no, he didn't pull any moves?"

"No, he didn't pull any moves."

"What? James Potter? You're kidding." Mary wondered if perhaps James's interest had waned since fifth year.

"No."

"Gosh. Did you…?"

"No! I just told you I think he's a prat!"

"Oh… well, did he ask you out again?"

"Of course."

"What did you say?"

"Yes." Lily couldn't contain the small smile on her lips.