Glances.
You know that moment when someone turns their face away?
They look outside a window. Or they turn as they hear their name. There could be a variety of reasons.
I love that moment.
I stare at James' exposed jaw. The sharp line of his chin extending like a knife that stabs its way into his unruly, raven hair. The stubble that is only just beginning to come through. The glasses that so neatly dissect his features.
I take that moment to study the planes of his skinny face. The protruding cheekbone; the hollowness of his cheek. The way his lashes flutter. I can't see enough of his face to read an expression, but I love the anonymity of his taut neck.
He turns back after he realises he has zoned out. With the departure of his reverie, I turn my eyes away. The moment has elapsed.
But as my eyes guiltily shift from the obscure angle of James' face, they are caught by Sirius. He stares at me intently. His mouth twitches. I can see the gall forming in his expression as he reads the situation. Panic blossoms in response. I shake my head indiscernibly.
You fancy Potter, he mouths. His mouth forms each silent word with wide vowels.
I shake my head more palpably, eyes wide with a silent threat.
"James," he says loudly, catching the boy's attention. My heart leaps into my throat. I kick Sirius under the table but cannot manage a proper hit. Sirius steps on my rogue foot and pins it to the floor.
"Hmm?" James prompts.
"Do you have a spare quill?" Sirius asks, looking at me.
"Yeah, Pads, just take mine."
Sirius leans over and takes the quill. He responds with an exaggerated thank you. He gives me a wink.
I look away, relieved.
As I turn, I feel James studying my face.
A/N: I own nothing but a laptop that I write drabbles on to distract myself from how hard it is to write anything that is not Lily and James. I did promise something lighthearted in the marauder era though so ta-da.
