The next day at breakfast James asked me to pass the bacon. "That's one question, Potter," I said as I handed it to him. He didn't argue with me, and he looked awfully glum. This was not the James I knew. He did not say another word all through breakfast. I made eye contact with Sirius, and then nodded my head towards James, asking without words if he was alright. Sirius continued our silent conversation with a shrug.
Later, when we were in charms, James turned to me and asked, "Hey, Lily, will you hold my book for a second? My shoe's untied."
I took the book and said, "That's question number two Potter. You're done for today." He finished tying his shoe and shrugged at me, then took the book back. I didn't talk to him again until after dinner.
I was leaving the Great Hall when I heard my name. I looked around, and I didn't see anybody. "Lily! Over here!" I heard my name hissed again. Then I saw Potter's hand waving at me from the broom cupboard. I looked around to make sure no one was watching me and quickly walked over there and went inside. The broom cupboard was the notorious make-out place of the school. If anyone saw me go in there, my reputation would surely be ruined.
It was awfully cramped. Potter's body was pressed up against mine. I jumped back the moment I realized this, throwing my body into numerous cleaning products and sending buckets toppling down on my head. I looked at him, and hissed "What?"
"I just… uh… wanted to talk to you." I swear I felt him move closer to me as he said these words.
"Alright then. About what?"
"Lily… I think I uh… like you."
"Yes, yes James, I like you too."
"No… you don't understand." With that he pulled me into a totally unexpected kiss. No wonder this place has a reputation. There is something romantic about wearing a bucket as a hat. He kissed me thoroughly. I pulled the bucket off my head and kissed him. I never thought I would kiss Potter. Seeing as I'm kissing him, I should probably call him James. I never thought I would kiss James. "Lily, there's something I want to ask you."
"Go ahead James." My voice was breathy.
"I can't. I'm over my limit."
I looked into his brown eyes. "Are you serious?" This was the first time my voice was louder than a whisper the whole time I'd been in the cupboard. "Did you plan this? Are you seriously that bitter? So bitter that you'd put me through that, then wait until morning to know what you have to say? This isn't fair. Do you think this is fair? Is this a joke? It is isn't it? This is one of your cruel pranks to make me feel like an idiot and make me have feelings for you, when you couldn't care less about me. How could you be so cruel? Why would you do that? Do you really hate me that much? Why did I come in here? Why do I like you?"
"Wow Lily. Eleven questions in a minute. That's got to be a record. I think it's time we put you on a limit. Goodnight Lily." He kissed me once more, this one more platonic than the last. I slumped to the floor and began to cry. I was just so confused.
The next morning, as I came down from the girl's dormitory, James was waiting at the foot of the stairs. "Lily, I have a question."
"Go ahead James." I held my breath, truly having no idea what he would say.
"I was wondering… if you wanted to go out with me sometime?" He was sweating. That's so cute, he's nervous.
"Yeah, I would." I stood up on my tiptoes to peck him on the cheek.
"I have another question."
"What's that?"
"Can we get rid of this stupid limit now?"
Then I kissed him, and all of Gryffindor house cheered.