I stare at the book in my lap, the words going unseen. I am too busy contemplating the messy black hair sitting at the desk in the corner, muttering as he works on his Charms essay. Do I offer to help him? I know he struggles with the subject. Perhaps offer to tutor him if he will help me with Transfiguration? That is my worst subject, after all, and his best. Why do I even want to speak with him?
I'd this were last year, he would be badgering me about going to Hogsmeade, or something similar. If this were last year, I would be savouring the silence. But this is not last year.
Sharing the Head's Common Room with him had taught me that I saw a James Potter that bi longer exists; it has grown and matured into the handsome young man sitting there now. This young man is someone I might allow myself to come to love. But do I allow myself to take the plunge?
I come to a decision now. I snap the heavy tomb shut with an audible sound and stand, setting the book down on the coffee table as I do so. I turn to face James, who had jumped get I closed my book into the silence, and us now watching me with warm hazel eyes.
"Lily?" he asks, voice full of concern, "What is it?"
I hesitate. Now that the moment is here, I do not know if I can make the plunge. It seems my courage has failed me. I take a deep breath and plunge before I can think better of it.
"James," I say, "if you asked me to Hogsmeade again, this time I'd say yes."
There is silence again as he stares at me, processing my request. I bite my lip and fidget nervously. What if I was too late?
"Do... do ya mean it?" he asks hesitantly, like he's unable to believe it.
I smile in relief as I say, "Yes."