I walk, laughing, with Natalie down a corridor as we go to lunch. I carry a big stack of books in my arms which are taking quite a toile on my very nonexistent muscles. I start to strain as they begin slipping out from under me; of course Natalie is ignorant to the whole situation as she retells me the story of how she beat up Sirius and how sweet it felt. Suddenly, I can take no more.
My books fall with a loud slam on the floor and I go down with them, landing face forward. My whole body is suddenly sore and I can hear Natalie laughing. I smile, too, at my clumsiness, but not for long. Because I think you can guess who heard and came to help me up?
Yes; Potter.
"Lily, are you okay?" he asks, scurrying over to pick up my books.
"I'm fine," I reply sourly, getting on my knees.
James has all of my books in one arm and offers me his other hand. How he manages to carry those books, I don't know. All I know is that I'm not taking that offer. So, I get up by myself.
"Here are your books," he says, a twinkle in his eye.
"Thank you," I say dryly.
"Just one question," he says, smiling.
I knew it. "What is it now?"
"If you could be any element, which would you be?" he asks, the smile on his lips widening.
"I don't know. Air, I suppose. It's simple, and if I would be it, I could probably fly without the discomfort and awkwardness of a broomstick."
I prepare to leave, but Potter has to have his word in. "Do you know which one I'd be?"
"No, and frankly Potter, I honestly don't-
"I'd be fire," he says, leaning in and smiling a crooked smile. Then, he turns around and leaves.
I hear Natalie giggling behind me. "What's so funny?" I ask her.
"Don't you get it?" she asks, more seriously.
"No."
She sighs and says, "Lily, what color is your hair?"
"Red," I say, staring at her somewhat confused.
"Like fire," she whispers, and starts to walk away.