Etiquette for a Lady

The sexiest curve on your body is your smile. Flaunt it.

James sat at the Welcoming Feast surrounded by food. He hadn't eaten since morning, but he wasn't hungry. Not for food.

He stared fixedly at Lily Evans where she sat with her friends at the other end of the table. She was laughing at something Mary said. Not the little girlish giggles that he and Sirius got but a real full-throated laugh. Lily's face was split in two with her smile. She threw her head back and clapped he hands. Her laughter floated down the table.

As she turned from Mary to Marlene her eyes passed over James. For an instant, he was caught in the brilliance of her joy. James's breath hitched in his throat. It felt like the world slowed down.

But then it was gone. She reached across the table for more potatoes. James was back to staring at her.

"James," Remus nudged him but he didn't respond.

"Wake up Loverboy!" Sirius flicked his wand and water doused James's head.

"Hey!" James gasped as the other three Marauders laughed. "Jerk," he muttered as he wiped his glasses.

"Actually, I'd say that cold shower is exactly what you needed," said Remus, to more laughter.

"You are a goner over that girl," Sirius teased.

"I am not," James muttered.

"Really?"

"Really. I got over her this summer."

"You're not in love with her anymore?"

"Not in the slightest."

"So I can make a pass at her then?"

James grabbed his goblet and doused Sirius in pumpkin juice.

"Don't you dare!"

"Um, gents," Peter nodded down the table. The commotion had stopped all conversation at the Gryffindor table and half the Hufflepuff table behind them. Peter held a hand on to his cheek, shielding his face from the rest of the table. Remus was staring at his plate like it was a crystal ball that would tell him how to go back in time and never befriend either James or Sirius.

James sat down and sank into his seat. Sirius dried himself with a spell.

"So much for that, Prongs," he whispered.

"Shut up, Padfoot."

Sirius started humming a love song that had been playing on the radio all summer. James hit him in the arm but that only encouraged Remus and Peter to join in for a three-part harmony.

"What I'd give for a smile from you, lady

The world will never know.

'Cause you always spurn me, lady

And leave me all alone."

James buried his head in his hands. "I hate you all."