James sighs his annoyance. "Very," he confirms.
Sirius falls silent, pushing a hand through his shaggy hair. "She pays attention when you're obnoxious," he points out. "Up your game, mate. See what happens."
"You think I'm obnoxious?"
"Nah. But Evans does," Sirius chuckles.
James shrugs, considering for a moment. "I could throw a firework in her cauldron tomorrow."
"That's the spirit!" Sirius cheers.
OoOoO
"You insufferable bloody prat!" Lily screams, her body trembling with anger. Bits of her robe, splashed by the potion, have torn away. "Do you know what would have happened if I hadn't jumped back?"
"I'd finally see what's under your jumpers?"
With a growl, Lily's hand cracks across his face. "You're a pig!" she hisses, storming off.
All eyes in the corridor are on James as he rubs the sting out of his cheek. "Well... That could have going better."
OoOoO
"You really took Padfoot's advice?" Remus asks in disbelief. His eyes shift to their friend who is in the process of charming a fourth year. "Because he's the poster child of stable relationships."
James sighs, slumping into the armchair. He glances over at Lily who is deep in conversation with Marlene. "Then what do I do?"
"I'm no expert," Remus says, "but, have you tried being yourself?"
"She hates me."
"No. She hates the moronic toerag you present yourself as."
James looks as though he's been struck. "Moronic toe-"
"Her word, not mine," Remus adds quickly. "James, I know you. You're charming when you want to be. What's wrong with showing that side to Lily?"
"Lily? You're on first name basis now?" James ventures, brows raising.
"Focus."
"Myself. I think I can do that."
OoOoO
"Well?"
Lily laughs, shaking her head. "All right. You win," she says, standing on her tiptoes and kissing James on the cheek. "You're not as bad as I thought."