Hello, there. My name is Lily Evans, and if you go to Hogwarts as I do, I take it you know who I am. Several people do, and I'm not saying that in an overly conceited manner. I mean it by the fact that most everyone believes I'm a suck up, a teacher's pet, the nerd. While I don't disagree with some of these beliefs, I don't completely agree either. It's not the fact that I like sweetening a teacher's regards for myself more so than that I want to play to the best of my ability. I like both equally.

First of all, I don't want to come off as a stuck up, snobby brat. I like being on the good list for teachers, and the way I come to that is by working hard and complying to the teachers' requests. I don't suck up on purpose, regardless of what everyone else says. Don't listen to them; they don't know what they're talking about. Please.

Secondly, I try my best, and that's that. Does that necessarily mean I'm a nerd? No! And don't you even begin to think that. I want a bright future for myself, so I work hard to achieve one. Effort does not equal nerd. Memorize that.

Thirdly, while I did mention I'm known to most of the population at Hogwarts, I never said it was a good thing. What am I talking about, you ask? How could that be possible? You're shocked, I know. The answer is simple: I'm not popular. I don't follow the latest trends. I don't wear layers and layers of dusty make up. And I don't, nor will I ever succumb to the pressures of shameless flirtation. Oh, and apparently I'm a geek. That probably doesn't help.

My closest friends have constantly pestered me to get a new wardrobe, but what's the point in that? We're just going to cover up the hours we put into finding the outfits by wearing a long, unflattering cloak over it. Last I checked, there was nothing wrong with jeans and a tee. But of course, I'm "horribly outdated and probably mistook this era with that of the cave men." Quoted from a dear friend of mine.

As for the flirtation problem, I can't bring myself to do it. And while everyone else in the world is, I'm the only person not into the apparent hobby. Sucks, doesn't it?

Oh, look at that. I've just about given a whole autobiography about myself, fine points and all. There's just one small thing I seemed to have left out, but really, I don't want to get into the details of this minor, minor problem.

Well, all right. You've convinced me.

Just to review all the important facts: I'm known. I'm not popular. I'm a geek. Got it all written down and memorized? Good. I commend you.

The biggest problem with being… unpopular, if you will, is that I'm not liked by the people I'd like to be liked by. Err, rephrase. There are too many things going on in this head of mine that several things get jumbled up. Excuse this unfortunate turn in events. Ooh, plot twist! I bet you didn't see that coming.

Anyway, I'll be frank. No more beating around the bush. I like this guy in my year, and well, being put in the situation that I'm in, he doesn't like me back. Okay, well I can't necessarily say that. It's more the fact that he doesn't know who I am, than him not liking me.

I over exaggerate. I mean, we know each other, we've talked a bit, but he really has never given me the time of day. The furthest our relationship has progressed is from being Potions partners, and even then we barely communicated. He probably figured I'd do all the work, which I'm ashamed to say I did. I couldn't help it, but we'd fail if I didn't do anything. That doesn't make me more of a nerd, does it?

Like I said, we're not exactly on the best terms. Then again, we're not on any terms, so I have nothing to worry about with him not liking me. He doesn't know me well enough to have anything against me.

Let me explain more clearly and to the point. Our relationship is still in the baby-steps phase. All he probably sees me as at the moment is "the girl who does his Potions work for him." Damn that class.

I've liked this guy for maybe a year or two. Same difference really—three hundred and sixty-five days to seven hundred-thirty. Either way, I still like him.

Unlike all the other girls in this school, I don't live for romance. My life does not revolve around guys. It's quite unfortunate, really. Therefore, I have this philosophy for the whole crush-on-guy problem. I live by this philosophy; it's the only thing that gets me through the fact that there's probably no guy out there who thinks of me as more than just Lily Evans, star nerd. What is this oh-so-brilliant philosophy, you wonder?

Well, I've lived seventeen lovely years without a guy by my side. I figure, why does that have to change now? I could just live a long successful life, fighting for woman's rights. That sounds like a well-lived life, doesn't it?

Wrong. I tricked you. My actual philosophy is that I'm going through a phase in which I like this guy. We all grow through phases. I'll grow out of this one. Hell to it if I don't.

So, there it is. I'm really not going after this guy. I'll be damned if I actually start liking him more. I wouldn't be able to handle that, what with all the great experience I've managed to collect through the years. I'll grow out of this irritating phase just as I did others. Hurrah to confidence and determination!

At this point, I've practically revealed my whole life to you. Thanks for listening, really, but I'm beginning to think I'm about to get some freaky stalkers. Stalkers be gone!

And I did realize I left out one fine piece of information out of this whole ordeal. His name. But why mention his name when I'm going to fly past this phase like no other? It's not like I'm going to be in contact with him. Forgetting him? Easy.

Unless he's heading straight in my direction! Why the fates decided to stick us both in the same hall at such a freaking early hour is beyond me.

Okay, Lily. Breathe. Don't pay any attention to the fact that your heart is beating a hundred times faster than is healthy. Ignore his wandering gaze. Take no notice to him walking ever the closer. Just keep walking yourself, and you'll be fine.

No, don't look at him. I subconsciously hold my breath. That isn't too healthy I suppose. If he stopped and followed me, I'd probably run out of breath and die. It's a good thing he would never think of doing that then.

Almost past him when—

"Evans," he acknowledged me with a nod.

Bloody hell. James Potter just said my name.

A/N: Hey, everyone! This here is my first attempt at a short story, so I hope you liked the first chapter. This is also in response to Emerald Girl's Title-Genre challenge on hpff. Any feedback, criticism, and comments are welcome and encouraged. What were some of your favorite quotes? Thanks for reading! :)