Lily was certain beyond any doubt that Potter would ask her to the Gryffindor party at the end of the year, just as he had done with every event that seemed even slightly formal the last few years. And even though she was (of course) going to turn him down, a feeling in the back of her head had her counting the days until the customary tap on her shoulder.
Her first twinge of concern came when Andrew Thomas pulled her friend Lupita aside. But it was, she reasoned, nothing at all; she had no reason to feel that way. So she did her utmost to pretend to be more interested in Lupita's description of her dress than anything else.
Days became weeks, and soon enough it was the day before the party. (What on EARTH could Potter be doing?) Lily found herself lost in thought as she headed to History of Magic - so lost in thought that she almost missed the tap on her shoulder.
"All right there, Evans?"
"Yes - just fine Potter, thanks," Lily mumbled in reply.
He raised his eyebrows. "I see. I was just thinking, since you've been so lost in thought these days, that you might want to know my plans for the upcoming festivities."
Lily rolled her eyes. "And what are they?"
James seemed inordinately pleased with himself. "I will be going stag." Noticing the questions in her eyes, he added, "You know, alone. Unaccompanied."
"Really?" Lily blurted out.
"Really," James said. He added, "I am truly sorry to be breaking your heart with my absence, Evans. But you see, this I must do."
Lily sighed and shook her head. With a small smile, she walked into the classroom.
The next night was the party. Even though Lily loved to dance, even though one boy after another asked for her hand, Lily decided to take a walk instead. She had not seen Potter. Where could he be?
Lily looked out the window. It was quite a pretty night. She sighed. If the war wasn't going on, it would be nice to be outside. The full moon illuminated the grounds below - wait, the full moon? And - was that why Potter was gone?
Feeling that she might have discovered something that could be important, Lily turned back toward the dance floor.