Title: Then and Now
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): James/Hermione, Sirius/Remus
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 378

Notes: Written for Liza for the Gift Giving Extravaganza 2017.

It only made sense that I chose to write James/Hermione for her as she was the one that made me fall in love with the rare and beautiful pairing.

This will be a interconnected collection of six drabbles in chronological order. I'll post one chapter a day for six days.

The title is taken from the fact that 'Then and Now' is the ship name for the pairing.

Chapter 1: James' Realization

"Looking at Evans again?" Sirius asked with a grin.

Remus smirked. "Look again, Padfoot. It isn't Lily that caught his attention this time."

Sirius followed the path of James' gaze. "The new girl? Granger? Really?" he asked in disbelief.

James glared at his best friend. "Is there something wrong with her?" he asked carefully.

Sirius knew enough to be very careful with that expression aimed at him. "Of course not. She's just not your usual type. And I never thought you'd look at anyone other than Evans."

James sighed. "I just think maybe it's time for me to finally move on. I've been chasing Lily since third year. We're sixth years now, and I'm not any closer to getting her. Hermione is not only pretty and smart, but she's kind and fun. When she talks to me, she doesn't talk to me like I'm an idiot."

"Unlike Lily," Sirius said knowingly.

"Unlike Lily," James agreed. "I think I might have a chance with her as well."

"Prongs," Remus spoke hesitantly, but he stopped.

James tore his gaze away from the brunette that sat next to Marlene down the Gryffindor table to stare at the werewolf. "What is it, Moony?"

When Remus still seemed unsure about whether he should continue, Sirius elbowed him. "Go ahead, Moonpie. Say what's on your mind."

"You shouldn't go after Hermione just because you can't have Lily. She shouldn't be a consolation prize. That's not fair to her."

James' eyes widened. "That's not it at all. I think I've just finally realized that there are other options, and I think I could really like Hermione. I'm ready to focus on someone else."

"And if Lily came over to you right now and asked you out, you'd say no?" Remus asked with a raised eyebrow.

James opened his mouth but closed it. "I'm not sure because I haven't made anything with Hermione happen yet. But I can say that if Hermione and I are together, we're together and there's nothing that Lily would be able to say or do to get me to change that."

Remus sighed. "I guess that has to be good enough."

James focused back on Hermione. "I will make Hermione mine," he vowed, fire burning in his gut.