Lily Evans. It was the only thing James could think of since he'd heard her father say it. The way it so perfectly rolled off his tongue and flowed, as if it was meant to be revered. James was enthralled, he'd spent the last three hours staring at her, just fascinated. She was yet to notice, busy reading what, as far as James could tell, was the History of Magic textbook. Her eyes darted so quickly back and forth across the pages. Even from this angle her eyes were enchanting. Deep emerald pools, but somehow filled to the brim with light. She looked so...perfect. He couldn't imagine anyone more beautiful, with her dark red hair that she kept absentmindedly tucking behind her ear, and the way her skirt fell into place just above her knees. Sometimes she would turn to the two girls next to her and say something intelligent, about exactly what they were discussing, as if she'd been listening the whole time. Her voice was so melodious, like she was singing.
All too soon the train stopped, and somebody announced that they were at Hogwarts. The thought of finally being there distracted him for just long enough for her to disappear into a carriage. He sat down in one next to a boy his age, also with messy black hair. They struck up a conversation instantly, with James struggling to keep from daydreaming about Lily, and he resolved to ask her out as soon as he got the chance.