Disclaimer: Not mine.

Chapter 4 James

"Well that took you long enough." Sirius announces as soon as I walk into our dorm. "What kept you?"

"Nothing." I say.

"You're lying."

"I am not."

"Yes you are."

"I am not."

"Are too!"

"How can you tell I'm lying?"

"Because you always tug on your ear when you lie!" Curses! I was sure I had rid myself of that wretched habit! Sirius was the first one to point it out. Even my own parents haven't noticed. But Sirius…nothing gets past that kid.

We hadn't been friends for two weeks when he first noticed. I was lying to him about some amazing feat that of course, I had not achieved. I think it was flying to Spain and back on my broomstick.

Anyway, as I was telling my magnificent fib, he interrupted (as he often tends to do) and asked, "Is your ear itching?"

"No." I replied.

"Then why do you keep messing with it?"

I had no good answer. Kind of like now. Sirius is still staring at me, waiting to find out what held me up in the Common room.

"So am I going to get an answer or not?"

"You know, you were awfully quiet during dinner, James." Remus just pointed out. Thanks a lot, Buddy. "What's going on?"

"Nothing!"

"Quit tugging at that ear, Potter, and tell us what's going on!" Sirius demanded. I give in. They're going to find out eventually.

"I was just thinking…Evans is rather attractive…isn't she?"

"Evans? As in Lily Evans?" Sirius asks. I nod. The jerk gives a great bark of laughter and collapses onto his bed.

"What is so funny?"

"Come on James. Evans?"

"Yeah!"

"Are you off your nut? She can't stand you! I didn't think you cared much for her, either."

"You're telling me you don't think she's pretty?"

"Oh no. The girl is gorgeous. I'm just saying... Evans?!" Sirius snorts with laughter. He is absolutely no help. Ever. Unless you need someone to do something stupid without asking any questions, never go to Sirius for anything.

"What do you think, Remus? Do you think she's pretty?"

"Undoubtedly James. But…well…Sirius does have a point. You two always seemed to…clash."

"Well…maybe we wouldn't clash if we…I don't know…went out."

"Woah, woah, woah. Now you're thinking of asking her out?!" Sirius sits up. "James, get a hold of yourself. We're talking about Lily Evans! Mrs. Snivellus! You don't want anything that slime ball has touched." Sirius rises and looks down at me. "What you need is a good night's sleep. That will get your mind off of Little Miss Snivelly."

"You're right, mate." I realize. Maybe I am just tired. It's Lily Evans for goodness sake!

"'Course I am. Now let's go to sleep. I'm bloody exhausted."

As soon as we've all climbed into our four-poster beds and the lights are out, I begin to think again.

Of course I'm just being ridiculous. I haven't been around pretty girls all summer. That must be it. She's just the first semi-attractive girl I saw and since I have been deprived of beautiful girls all summer, I suddenly think she's some sort of goddess. Tomorrow, I'm sure I won't even notice her.