I was sitting down, pouring through my potions books when a tawny owl pecked on the window. I ran over and opened it immediately. The owl dropped an envelope on the ledge and flew off into the snow. I closed the window and picked up the envelope. It was addressed to me, but I didn't recognise the handwriting. Who would write me a letter?
Curiously, I tore open the envelope and read the letter inside.
To Lily,
Hi. It's James. BUT DON'T SCREW UP THE PAPER OR BURN IT YET. I just want you to read this and, if at the end of it, you still hate my guts, then that's fine and I will accept that. Okay? I just want you to hear my side of the story.
Right, well first of all, I hope that you appreciate that I am writing to you. I don't write to many people, believe me. And I am only writing to you because it seems that there is no alternative, as you are ignoring me and all.
Now, the story. Well, I was all hyped up about the date, so it turned out that I arrived real early. So I sat down and waited for you to turn up. Well, obviously, I mean, what else would you do? And then Mary turns up and sits in your seat. So, I said to her "Sorry, that seat is taken". But she ignores me! And then she starts flirting sooo badly. So, I said to her "Excuse my, my date will be here soon." And her face turns really evil and I'm kinda getting a bit freaked out here, 'coz everyone knows how great Mary is at magic. No, I'm not saying! You're obviously so much better…
Anyway. Mary asks who. Who my date is. And I say "Lily Evans, look here she is" (coz you're just walking up at this point). So Mary looks round and sees you. And then you can practically see the light bulb appear above her head and then…well, you saw what happened next. As soon I could get away from her, I ran straight after you.
So, anyway, that's what happened. And you see, I never meant for it to happen. I really hope that you believe me because I would honestly never deliberately do anything to hurt you, ever.
And I just want you to know that I am really, really sorry. And I will understand if you never want to see me again. Because I am a low-life scumbag and I don't deserve someone like you anyway. But I really don't think that William is good enough for you either. You can do better than either of us.
Oh, yeah, and Merry Christmas!
James
I wiped a tear from my eye and collapsed into my chair. I didn't know whether I loved him or I hated him.