The first time James really noticed Lily was after a Quidditch match in their second year. Gryffindor had just smashed Hufflepuff, 290 points to 40. James had scored most of the points, and boy, did he know it. As tradition, a massive party had been thrown in the Gryffindor common room, food provided by Lupin and the house-elves and drink provided by Sirius and the secret passage way to Hogsmead. Despite the numerous girls flocking around him, James only had eyes for the red-headed girl Wormtail was nervously talking to. Making his excuses to his groupies, he pushed his way through the throng. Peter saw him coming over, but as the girl had her back to him, she didn't. He smirked and tapped her on the shoulder. James already had a cocky chat up line planned, but it flew from his mind as she turned around.
'Can I help you?' she asked, raising an eyebrow.
'E…Evans? Lily Evans?' He stuttered out.
Peter sighed and wandered off. Now James was interested in Lily, he didn't have a chance.
'What do you want Potter? I was having a conversation with Peter. I'm very proud you managed to put the ball through the hoop so many times, but Peter needed help with his Arithmancy.' Lily had changed since their first year, which was the last time James could remember seeing her.
'Where have you been for the last 2 years? I swear I haven't seen you around!' James could kick himself for his whiney, desperate tone.
'I've been here. You just haven't taken your eyes off those bimbos. How's Lupin?'
'Um, he's fine, I guess?' James didn't like the turn this conversation was taking. Girls were usually all too keen to talk about him, and very little else.
'Oh, it's just he's missed a bunch of classes this year. Quite regularly as well. I thought something might be up.' Lily shrugged her slim shoulders.
James flicked his fringe out of his eyes and ruffled up his hair.
'So do you want to get a drink or something?'
Lily's pretty green eyes twinkled with laughter. 'Er, no. I don't think so. Your fangirls would be very disapointed. Besides, I don't think 'has a brain' is really your type, is it?' With that resounding slap to his self-confidence, she turned and vanished into the crowd.