A teenage boy with messy black hair and a red hand print on his cheek returned to his compartment. His hazel eyes revealed nothing besides confusion. He had just told the girl of his dreams that he wanted to try and become friends.
James Potter thought he had made a good impression on Lily Evans. He hadn't asked her out or hexed anyone; all he had done was try to set a good example, seeing as he was head boy this year.
James opened the door to join his friends. He sat down next to a boy with long, black hair and blue-gray eyes, Sirius Black.
"What's up, Prongs?" a tired boy with sandy-brown hair and blue eyes, Remus Lupin, asked.
"Why does she hate me, Moony?" James inquired.
"Do you want the short list or the long, Mate?" Sirius joked.
"Well, what exactly did you say to her, James?" Remus ignored Sirius with ease.
"I just said, 'Hey, Lily, I was thinking that since we have to work together quite a bit this year, maybe we could try and be friends. What do you think?' Then she just slapped me." James explained.
"Did she say why?" Remus questioned his friend.
"No, she just said that she hates me more than words can say." James mumbled, "Direct quote."
"Wow, and that's a lot of words considering she's probably read the dictionary." Sirius was the only one who laughed at his joke.
"Well, any ideas?" James was agitated.
"Why not try pick-up lines?" Sirius suggested.
"Lily's too smart to fall for one of those." James pointed out.
"Actually, I agree with Padfoot." Remus interjected, receiving looks of astonishment and disbelief. "Think about it: there are hundreds of pick-up lines. Odds are that one will catch her eye, in a good way."
"Okay, so here's the plan: Prongs, here, can't speak to Evans except for using a line, for a week. And if you haven't gotten her by then, Mate, you never will." Sirius added.
"Fine, but it won't be easy if I have to move on after almost six years." James agreed.