A/N: Just a little idea that popped into my head at one in the morning.
It's impossible, really, to describe the beautiful tragedy that was James and Lily Potter. But, for your sake, I will do my best.
It started with a look. Contrary to what you might believe, it was not a look of adoration. It was a look of scorn, given to James by Lily. To be fair, the look was also thrown my way, but it never had the same effect on me that it had on James. This one fleeting look stirred something in my best friend. Some drive to get that one person, that one girl, to like him. He never really stood a chance, in my opinion.
It started with showing off. Hexing people, pulling pranks, causing ruckus; all in hopes of gaining the attention of the elusive Lily Evans. Honestly, I never understood James' plan to win her over. Lily was so mature, even for a first year. How he could have thought those tactics would work, I have no idea.
It started with an argument. Poor James, so caught up in his jealousy of Snape, never thought about how Lily would react to him insulting her best friend. Needless to say, she was not happy. If you ask me, the main reason they argued like that is because neither of them knew when to shut their mouths. It never ended well.
It started with the Marauders. Mainly, the Marauder's Map. James began to - for lack of a better word- stalk Lily. "Accidentally" bumping into her in the deserted corridors, "coincidentally" staying in the common room to study the same night she did, and just generally keeping tabs on her. It was kinda creepy, now that I look back.
It started with a betrayal. Nobody had seen it coming, except maybe Lily. I don't even think Snape knew he was about to ruin his friendship with Lily forever. As much as I hate the guy, I really don't think he meant it. But, Lily had had enough of him, and his dabbling in the Dark Arts. His insult had been the last straw. That fateful day changed everything.
It started with a smile. Lily's smile, to be precise. The first time she had ever genuinely smiled at James. He had been ecstatic. He talked about it for days afterward. I am still in wonder of the fact that he found so many things to say about her smile. It had only been there for a few seconds, yet he managed to get hours worth of talking time out of it.
It started with an agreement. I was proven wrong that day. Ever since first year, I thought James would never get his girl. But he did. It took seven years, but finally, after years of asking, Lily agreed to go on a date with James. If I thought the smile-talk was bad, it was nothing compared to the amount he talked about her saying yes.
It started with an "I do". I stood beside James as he married the girl of his dreams. James had never looked happier. The wedding was extravagant; everyone was there, and the decorations were over-the-top. Typical Marauder fashion.
It started with a pregnancy. They had both been elated at the prospect of having a child, despite the dangerous times. It was exactly what everyone needed to feel hopeful again. And more than that, James and Lily found a stronger reason to fight. To protect you, Harry, and to make the world a place where you could safely live.
It ended with a look. Not a look of love, happiness, or content. It was a look of pure fear. It was a look that James gave Lily as everything came crashing down around them. It was the last look that ever passed between them. It was the last time they ever saw each other alive.
It's impossible, really, to describe the beautiful tragedy that was James and Lily Potter.
So, in case you were confused, Sirius is speaking to Harry here. I hope you like it, and as always, please review!