DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, or anything recognizable here. All rights belong to J.K. Rowling and whomever she has sold the rights to. I make no money from this.
It was Valentines day, and Lily had been harassed by Potter the entire day. She had taken to traveling with at least three other friends whenever she wanted to go somewhere, for some measure of protection. Not that it did much. James seemed to not mind if the whole student body of Hogwarts (and even a few teachers) were watching when he hit on her. Lily was getting sick of it, though. Yes, he had stopped hexing Severus, and yes he was somewhat handsome, and intelligent... but he was still annoying.
It was dinnertime, and Lily was sitting at the opposite end of the Gryffindor table from James, poking her food with her fork grumpily. The hall was decorated in pink and red hearts, and occasionally a flying cupid would drop confetti on their food, which irritated Lily to no end. Stupid holiday...
"Hey, Lily!" Maria waved a hand in front of her friend's face and Lily looked up with irritation, about to snap, but then Maria pointed at a majestic grey owl that had landed in front of her food. Lily glanced over at James, but he wasn't paying attention to her. Perhaps it wasn't from him... but Lily was still very careful when she opened the letter and read the contents.
Lily,
I'm not perfect. I've cursed Snape, I've been an idiot trying to impress you, and I'm not as smart as Remus or as handsome as Sirius. But I'm willing to change for you, if you'll give me a chance. I've always wanted you. I know you think it's just some crush, but it's not. I watch you all the time. I know you like cherries the most, and that your favorite book is "Pride and Prejudice", which Remus got for me from his Muggle mother. I love you more than Darcy loves Elizabeth, and more than you love Jane Austen novels (I've seen you reading some other things by her, too. I'll read all of them, if you want me too.)
I'll change for you, Lily. I want to be a better man. I want to be a man who is worthy of you. I feel different when I'm around you—like I can do anything. I can change. Please, let me prove it to you. I'll show you how much I love you. I'll become the man you need... the man you deserve.
I will always love you,
James
"What does it say?" Maria asked. Lily looked up, straight at James, who gave her a shy, almost meek smile. Lily could feel tears brimming in her eyes and she folded the letter and put it in her robes pocket. A small, white lily fell from the envelope and she picked it up and held it to her nose, inhaling deeply.
"Lily?" Maria prompted.
"It says... exactly what I needed to hear."