Disclaimer: What a cute couple, but no, they're not mine. Unfortunately, my initials are not JKR.

Summary: One date; that was it. Just one date to pacify Potter's insane desire to go out with her. But things are never easy for Lily Evans.

0 0 0

Pacifying Potter

Part One

Scrutinizing

She tilted her head, trying to be discreet in her scrutinizing of James Potter. What was so special about him anyway? True, he was smart. Even she had to admit that some of his pranks were quite clever... but then why were his marks so unpredictable?

He wasn't good looking. Not traditionally, anyway. His hair was always rather mussed and his glasses constantly askew. Only just that year did his body take on a more manly physique as opposed to the beanpole he'd been in the past.

So what made all of the girls swoon over him? Potter had a certain charm, and his smile was rather boyish, but she could name loads of other boys who had the same appeal. Well. Maybe not the exact same.

"Miss Evans, would you kindly return your attention to the front?" Professor McGonagall said dryly. Everyone turned, seeing the usually composed Head Girl turn a shade of red that clashed with her hair rather horribly. Everyone included a certain James Potter, who merely raised an eyebrow at her, wondering what caused her to be so distracted.

"Sorry, Professor," mumbled said Miss Evans, who immediately set to work, copying notes, vowing never to stare—scrutinize—Potter in class again.

0 0 0

"So what was that all about?" Lily's best friend and fellow seventh year, Alice Eaton, asked.

"What was what all about?" Lily replied, trying to play dumb.

"In transfiguration, of course," Alice prodded, with an exasperated sigh. "You never space out in classes; especially inMcGonagall's-- her class is actually worth paying attention in!"

'IwasjustscrutinizingPotter," mumbled the red-headed girl.

"You were scr—what?"

"I was scrutinizing Potter," Lily finally admitted. "I was just trying to figure out what was so special about him."

"Uh-huh," Alice's eyes narrowed, unimpressed. "Have you finally caved in? Do you see why James Potter is the most popular boy in school and why you should actually give him a chance?" For whatever reason, Alice had recently taken to trying to fix James and Lily up although it was beyond Lily as to why. Just last year both girls were complaining on what an immature prat he was.

"No," Lily replied petulantly. "I do not. When it comes down to it, James Potter is nothing but an arrogant playboy who hardly knows where he's going to be doing a year from now. And besides, it's just a game to him. I think he may have really liked me in the beginning, I'll give him that, but after I kept saying 'no'... well. It's all about the chase now, isn't it?"

Frowning, Alice said. "I think that's where you're wrong. If anything, Potter's liked you even more since you started saying 'no' to him. Have no clue why—boys are weird like that—but I say you should give him a chance."

"No."

"Come on—even you have to admit that he's matured since oh... The Squid Incident. Now please, we all know you would rather go out with Potter than the Giant Squid."

"You don't know that."

"I think I do. What's the harm in one date?"

Lily pretended to ponder on that answer. "How much time do you have on your hands?"

"I'm serious, Lily!"

"So am I. Besides, he hasn't asked me in weeks." Exactly 38 days, but who's counting?

"Fine," persisted Alice, "but if he does, I think you should say 'yes' to him. Go on the date. If he doesn't do it for you, then tell him. One date should pacify him."

At hearing Alice's plan, Lily couldn't help but grin. "Pacifying Potter, eh?" She thought it over for a moment.

One date. It couldn't hurt. Besides, although Potter was a big thorn in her side, she didn't hate him. Not anymore. He had become more mature in the past couple of years, now that she thought about it. By going on that one date, it would prove that it was just the chase for him. Besides, three hours of her time just to get Potter off her back? A sacrifice worth making. "All right. I'll do it."

Alice gave her an approving look.

"But only if he asks me again. Which I doubt he will."

Alice had to turn away to hide her guilty grin. Oh he will all right. Leave that to me, Miss Lily.

0 0 0

Notes: I really shouldn't be starting another story. Not with two other stories I should be focusing on. But whatever. I'm planning for this to be a five-parter with pretty short chapters. Never fear, I've got it pretty much mapped out.

Feedback is, as always, greatly appreciated; review if you like. Thanks!