The crisp autumn breeze blew across the Hogwarts grounds, scattering the multi-colored leaves. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter strolled across the grounds, something they particularly enjoyed this time of year.
"I'm positive Gryffindor's going to win the next quidditch match," James bragged to his friends, "Ravenclaw's had a dreadful season. I already bet fifty galleons with Amelia McGrannigan that we're going to win!"
Remus's sighed, "Please tell me your joking."
James smirked, "Not at all!" he replied.
"One of these days, your going to make one of those stupid bets addend up losing. Then, I'll be the one you come complaining to afterward!" Remus chided, shaking his head.
"Oh, relax, Moony!" Sirius said, "James knows what he's doing."
"I sure hope so," Remus muttered.
James continued to boast, "Anyway, we've been practicing every day for the past two weeks! The chasers are faster than ever, our keeper is unstoppable, and—" James suddenly closed his mouth and stopped walking.
Peter stopped, "What are you doing? Is everything alright?" James didn't respond. He stared ahead in the direction of the forest. Then, the other three spotted her. She had long, silky red hair the color of the brilliant scarlet leaves that covered the ground. Her almond-shaped green eyes sparkled, standing out against her freckled, snow-white skin. Lily Evans.
"Oh, dear," Sirius teased, "Not her again! Why don't you stop staring and actually talk to her?"
James scowled at him, "It isn't that easy!"
Sirius snickered, "What? Is the great James Potter scared of talking to a pretty girl?"
"It's not just the way she looks," James said, "She's pretty, but she's so much more than that. Look at her, kind, smart, funny."
"I normally don't get involved in things like this, but I think I have to agree with Padfoot. You should at least try to talk to her," Remus piped up.
"Yeah," Peter agreed, "What have you got to lose?"
James glared at him, "My dignity."
"Oh, right…" Peter mumbled, shifting his eyes to the ground.
"Well come on then," Sirius said, "Go talk to her!" He shoved James forward, sending several papers flying out of his satchel. Lily suddenly noticed the commotion and turned to face the boys.
"Everything alright over there?" she asked, her eyes falling on James.
James straightened up and put on his usual cocky smile, "Just fine," he said, strutting towards Lily. Suddenly, another person ducked around Lily, a boy with greasy black hair and a hooked nose. Great, James thought, Severus Snape. The last person I want to see with Lily. "So," James said, ignoring Snape, "What are you doing?"
"Taking a stroll, same as you," Lily replied. Snape didn't say a word. He simply glared at James, piercing him with his dark eyes.
"Are you going to the quidditch match later?" James inquired.
Lily shrugged, "I dunno. I have a lot of homework to get done. Besides, I'm not very into sports."
"Oh. What about you, Snape?" James asked, trying to at least acknowledge him.
Snape continued to glare at him, "I hate sports," he answered.
James stared at him for a moment before deciding to ignore his answer and carry on. "Well, I must be going," he said, eager to get away from Snape's dangerous glare, "See you around, Evans."
She waved to him, "You too." Lily turned and walked away, Snape following her. James turned and hurried back to his friends.
"How'd you do?" Sirius asked as soon as James rejoined the group.
James shrugged, "Okay. Only problem was Snape was there."
"Why does she always hang around him?" Remus wondered, "He's so creepy. Not to mention strange."
"That's the one thing about Lily Evans I fail to understand," James replied.
"We should get back to the castle," Peter reminded them, "It's about time for the quidditch match." The other three boys agreed and together they hurried back to the castle.
