"Mate!" the voice rang in James's ears as he drifted out of his slumber.
Rubbing his eyes from the inside of his palms, he tried to open his heavy lids. "What is it?" asked James, half opening his eyes. Sirius was hovering over him with a huge smile.
"I'm done with the assignment," he stated, showing his toothy smile. James had no idea what he was talking about or why was it important?
"Congratulations," he mumbled incoherently. Turning to his side, he closed his eyes once again.
The bed sunk as Sirius shifted closer to James, he spoke in a low voice, "We have to go for our walk."
Maybe it was morning already. "What time is it?" asked James, opening his eyes to look outside the window. It was still dark. He couldn't see a thing.
"3:58 a.m."
James glared at Sirius; his brows furrowed. "Are you joking? Go back to sleep," he cried, pushing Sirius out of his bed.
"You promised!" Sirius stood on the cold floor with a frown, glaring back at James.
"Am I dying in a few hours?"
"No."
"Then wait for a few hours."
Sleep pooled on his eyes once again. And soon James was wrapped in a deep slumber.
Had Sirius done his assignment on time, he wouldn't have overslept. The boys were already ready when they tried to wake him up. But in vain. So, they went for breakfast, hoping he'd wake up by the time they were back. Thankfully, they had snuck four toasts for him. Because Sirius was still snoring when they came back.
"When do we wake him up?" squeaked Peter, fidgeting with his fingers.
James slung the strap of his bag over his shoulder. He looked over at Sirius. "He slept after 4, I doubt he'll wake up right now," he noted.
"But it's transfiguration!" cried Peter. He looked terrified for Sirius, as one should be. Professor McGonagall didn't entertain students who were late.
Walking over to Sirius's bed, Remus tore Sirius's blanket away from him. "Wake up," said Remus in a stern voice, dropping the blanket on the foot of his bed.
"I'm up!" shouted Sirius, springing up. "Who is it?" He looked around the room as if to find an intruder. When he found his friends glaring at him, he relaxed.
Picking up Sirius's uniform, Remus threw it at him. He spoke in a low voice, "You're late, get dressed we have Transfiguration."
"Why didn't you wake me before?" asked Sirius. He tumbled out of the bed, getting dressed as fast as he could.
It hardly took him 5 minutes to get dressed. His buttons weren't all the way done; his tie was hanging loose around his neck. At least his shoelaces were tied. But nonetheless, the boys were late. They raced down to transfiguration as Sirius stuffed his mouth with the toasts, they bought him.
They walked in a few seconds after Professor McGonagall. She gave them a stern look before turning to Sirius, "Fix your shirt Mister Black." The boys took their seats as Sirius buttoned up his shirt.
"Aren't you going to tell me?" whispered Sirius, as he and James sat down.
"Mister Black!" Professor McGonagall's voice bloomed across the classroom. The boys straightened up. James decided it wasn't wise to push Professor McGonagall's button anymore.
A few minutes later, Sirius passed a small parchment to James. James snuck it under the desk and opened the parchment. 'Aren't you going to tell me?' Sirius had scribbled.
Glaring at Sirius, James mouthed, 'Stop it!'
There was no way James was going to write down Evans's name on a parchment. And he knew, Sirius would never be able to control his expressions. The last thing he needed was McGonagall giving them detention.
Sirius glued himself against the wall outside McGonagall's classroom. He was glaring at James and Remus. "If you don't tell me right now, I'll not move!"
"Fine," sighed Remus. He walked over to Sirius and whispered in his ear. It was hardly audible. But James knew what he had said. He could already feel his cheeks burning up.
Sirius gasped, his head whipping towards James. "EV –" bellowed Sirius, before Remus pressed his hand against Sirius's mouth. But they had already earned a lot of attention. James's face had already turned pink.
"Are you mad?!" hissed Remus, hitting Sirius on the back of his head.
"Evans?!" whisper-shouted Sirius, his eyes growing as wide as they could.
"Evans?!" said Peter with the same disbelief. He covered his mouth with his hands.
"Hush!" James pressed his index finger against his lips. He looked around to see if someone had heard them. His cheeks were already red, he knew it!
"Mate, when did that happen?" asked Sirius, grinning. He waggled his brows, draping his arm around James's shoulder. He poked James in the ribs with his index finger.
As if James wasn't red enough already. "And you wonder why I didn't tell you first?" he mumbled, pushing Sirius away.
Laughing, Sirius caught James by his shoulders. Turning James towards himself, he asked, "What do you like about her?"
"I don't know," replied James. He averted his eyes to the floor. He couldn't look at anyone right now. His heart was thumping against his chest. There was no apparent reason James could give. He liked everything about her!
"This is mental!" exclaimed Sirius, letting go of James. He threw his arms in the air. Then he paused and turned to his friends. "Where is she?" He looked around as if to spot her.
"Probably in the library," replied Remus, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Let's go," ordered Sirius. He pulled James by his arm, and the other two followed him.
"Where?" asked Peter, catching up with them. He was beaming too, as he looked at James.
"Library," replied Sirius in a matter-of-fact voice. James liked the idea. Though he wasn't going to admit it out loud.
"Why?" asked Remus. Though it looked like he was enjoying it as much as Sirius and Peter.
"I'm sure James would love to sit in her company," said Sirius, looking over his shoulder. He gave James a grin, pulling him faster.
"What an idiot," said Remus, chuckling.
James looked over his shoulder, and there she sat. She was writing something, too immersed into it. James smiled as she pushed her hair behind his ear. The way she pursed her lips, the way her brows lifted when she read something interesting, everything about her was endearing.
"She's sitting alone, why don't you talk to her?" encouraged Sirius, elbowing James in the ribs.
James turned his attention back to his table. Everyone was looking at him. With random books pulled out in front of them. It was clear they weren't here to study. "About?" questioned James.
"The weather? I don't know," replied Sirius, pursing his lips and shrugging.
"She's getting up!" announced Peter, who had a clear view of her. He continued his commentary, "She's going to the transfiguration section."
"You need to go to the transfiguration section!" exclaimed Sirius, with a grin on his face.
"Why?" asked James, shaking his head. Wouldn't it be too obvious? This was a bad idea.
Sirius rummaged for an excuse. He looked around as if an inspiration would strike him, and then it did. "Uhh – you need a book – on switching spells," said Sirius, in a low voice. "Get up already." He pushed James out of his chair. James almost landed on his bottom. Everyone around them were looking at what they were up to.
Throwing a last glance towards his friends, James disappeared towards the Transfiguration section.
He took a deep breath when his eyes landed on Evans. Chuckling to himself, he watched her stretch up to pull out a book from the top shelf. She was a few inches too short to reach it. With quick steps, he made his way towards her. Pulling out the book for her, he handed it to her.
She took the book and turned around. "Thanks –" the words were stuck in her throat, she gasped. Her eyes travelled from his chest up to his face and she froze. James realised they were too close. Every instinct in him told him to step back. But he froze, his heart beating too fast. He wondered if she could hear it too?
"Alright, Evans?" he choked out, smiling. He couldn't take his eyes off her beautiful green eyes. It couldn't be, but it felt like he was looking into her soul.
"What are you up to?" asked Evans, looking away. She took a step back, and then glared at him.
"Nothing," replied James, blinking in confusion.
Without missing a beat, Evans walked away. James stared at where she disappeared. Unable to move for a few seconds, he couldn't believe how close they were standing.
He returned back to his friends, still lost deep in his thoughts. Why would Evans think he was up to something? All he did was help her.
"What happened?" asked Sirius, bouncing in his chair. He looked over at Evans, who seemed like she was packing her bag to leave.
James frowned and shook his head. "She thought I was up to something," said James.
"You both haven't ever talked to each other," said Remus in a matter-of-fact voice. He was right. Evans didn't trust James. He was after all famous for his pranks. And she had no clue about his feelings for her.
Sirius looked back at his friends and stated, "That'll change now."
So, James started doing what everyone did when they had a crush. He tried to be in her company, show off his talents and talk to her. It almost always started with, "Alright, Evans?"
That resulted in one of two reactions from Evans. She would either look at him with disgust and move on, or say something along the lines of, "Don't talk to me next time."
On a fine Saturday afternoon, James was sitting with his friends in the courtyard. As always, the moment she walked past him, she was all he could look at. Everything about her drew James to her. Be the way she smiled or the way her hands moved when she talked.
Beaming as bright as the sun, he turned to his friends. "I'll be back," stated James, getting up from his bench.
"Is he going to talk to her again?" he could hear Remus in the background. But James's eyes were focused on only one person. She was walking away with her friends.
Peter tried to warn James with a "Don't do it." But James was already far away from his friends.
He hadn't noticed when Snivellus jumped out in front of him. Blocking his view of Evans. Groaning, he glared at Snivellus. The last thing he wanted was to look at the greasy git. Looking over Snivellus's head, he could see Lily disappearing inside the castle.
"What do you think you're doing Potter?" hissed Snivellus, pushing his chest out. His black eyes threw daggers at James.
James scowled, and rolled his eyes, "Sod off Snivellus."
"Don't go after Lily," warned Snivellus, narrowing his eyes. He pulled out his wand. James reckoned it was to look intimidating. If anything, he looked like a clown.
"Or what?" asked James from between his teeth. He pulled out his wand too, clutching onto it. Snivellus's entire existence bothered James.
Snivellus bared his teeth, narrowing his eyes. "You'll regret it," threatened Snivellus.
"What'll you do? Call Filch?" scoffed James. The way Snivellus's face paled, James knew their suspicions were correct. "Yes, we know it was you."
"I don't need help," growled Snivellus. The way his chin jutted, and his face grew red, James knew he had gotten under Snivellus's skin.
"Have you grown a pair Snivellus?" asked James cockily. He snickered, rolling his eyes. Was he going to have to fight Snivellus for Evans's affection?
Snivellus raised his wand, but James was faster. "Immobulus!"
Snivellus froze in his place, as stiff as a board. James wanted to gloat in his victory. He wanted to laugh, but he reckoned it would be better if he went ahead to follow Evans. He would do it right in front of Snivellus's eyes. Smirking, he walked around Snivellus, to follow Evans where she disappeared.
James was sitting with his friends near the Great Lake. It was a beautiful autumn day. Sitting underneath the shade of a tree, the boys were enjoying their free time. The leaves were dancing to the tunes of the wind as they cascaded down the tree.
"Potter!" a voice bloomed, catching James's attention. Evans was fuming as she marched her way towards James.
In all honesty, James should be at least concerned. Yet, his heart was leaping with joy. He couldn't stop his lips from curling upwards in a smile. He was on his feet at once.
"This is new," remarked Sirius, as he grinned.
Of course, James had missed something. Because as soon as Evans stood in front of him, she pulled out her wand. Her hands were clenched so tight, her knuckles were white. But James hadn't done anything! "I saw what you did to Severus," hissed Evans. There it was! The missing link was found. "You know you deserve a special place in hell."
James let out a breath. His jaw was gritted and brows furrowed. How was it that he was always the bad guy? It was Snivellus who started the whole ordeal. What was James supposed to do? Let Snivellus walk all over him. He spoke from between his teeth, "I reckon it'll be boring, seeing as your Snivellus would be there too."
"Stop hexing people for the fun of it," warned Evans. She raised her wand, pointing it at James's chest. She didn't use any spell, but it stayed there.
James looked at the wand, and then at Lily. He clenched his fist, feeling irritation bubbling in the pit of his stomach. "I didn't hex Snivellus for the fun of it," said James. He stepped closer to Evans, her wand now poking his chest. He watched Evans's eyes grow wide. "Next time you point your wand at me, use a hex."
Walking away at the moment seemed like a logical thing to do. But once James calmed down enough and saw Evans in the Great Hall, he wasn't sure anymore. Why did he think it was okay to do that? She would at least look at him in disgust before, right now, she wasn't even looking at him.
"She's never going to talk to me!" cried James, dropping his head on the table.
"I have to agree," squeaked Peter, shaking his head.
He whipped his head, looking at his friends. "What am I going to do?"
"I don't think you have to be dramatic about it," mumbled Remus, folding his newspaper. He kept it away and shrugged.
"Dramatic?!" cried James, as his mouth hung open. Evans would never talk to him! It was a huge deal; how could Remus be calm about it? James wanted to rip his hair off. Or apologize to Evans.
"You've had your share of little spats with her since the beginning, this isn't new!" huffed Remus, throwing his hands in the air as he rolled his eyes.
James paused; his meltdown calmed too. Could Remus be right? James wished he was.
"Yes, he's right," agreed Sirius, nodding his head.
James dropped his head back on the table and mumbled, "I hope he is, or what am I going to do?"
Nothing held James's attention other than Evans. He tried to focus on the potion Slughorn was making. But Evans was sitting right in front of him. His eyes kept drifting towards her instead of the potion or Slughorn. Of course, Snivellus was right next to her. But James blocked him out. He couldn't take his eyes of Lily – or more precisely, her back. Even the back of her head looked more beautiful than anyone James had ever seen.
"Wouldn't it be better if you focus on Slughorn instead of Evans?" asked Sirius, nudging James in the arm.
James tore his eyes from Evans and looked at Sirius. "Do you reckon she's still angry at me?" he questioned back. His heart still broke into pieces, knowing Evans was angry at him.
Sirius shrugged in a nonchalant manner. He turned back to his work, working on Powdered Griffin claw. They were making Strengthening Solution. "She's always angry at you," replied Sirius, as if it wasn't a big deal.
James thought about it for a moment. When have they ever had a decent conversation? Yet, here they were. At least she hasn't killed him. James nodded, fixing his gaze on Evans again. He spoke in a whisper, "You've a point."
Evans was working on her potion. It looked like she was almost done. James could see her cheeks rising. That meant she must be smiling. The thought made James smile too. "JAMES YOUR POT!" yelped Peter, making James jump.
If Sirius hadn't moved James's hand, the cauldron would have emptied its contents on his hand. "Merlin's bloody –" hissed Sirius, glaring at James.
James knew all eyes were on him. He flashed Sirius a grin. Rumpling his hair, he looked straight ahead. His heart almost jumped out of his chest. Evans was looking at him! Not that it lasted long, she looked away as soon as their eyes met.
"Mister Potter, are you okay?" asked Professor Slughorn, craning his neck to get a better view of James.
"Yes Professor," replied James giving Slughorn a thumbs up. Slughorn turned his attention back to the class, as he shook his head.
James could hear Remus chuckling from behind him. Remus mumbled in a low voice, "If only you'd keep your eyes on your pot." If only he could! But with Evans sitting a few feet away from him, how could he?
How many months has it been since they started their journey on being an Animagus? How many attempts did it take? James couldn't believe that they had completed the first stage. Albeit it was the second time. But the strange surge of joy was still there. They no longer had to keep a leaf in their mouth. That part was over.
"I can't believe we did it!" exclaimed Peter, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He looked at James and Sirius with a grin on his face.
James let out a sigh of relief. He couldn't believe it either. "Now, let's lay low for another month. We'll be going back for Christmas, so it won't be difficult to read the incantation," instructed James. It was only a few days until Christmas break. They could avoid Snivellus and his group, stay out of Filch's way. It wasn't going to be that difficult.
"I believe we're going to do it this time," said Sirius. His smile had only grown throughout the night. The days leading up to today were days where Sirius seemed the happiest.
"I do too," agreed Peter, nodding his head fervently.
"I can't wait for the electrical storm," remarked Sirius, looking at the sky. As if the electrical storm would hit them right at the moment.
James had looked up in his Astronomy book and tried to figure out when that might be. "If I'm not wrong, it's not supposed to happen until the mid of January," replied James, his eyes glistening with joy.
It seemed like they were going to succeed this time. And at last, Remus won't have to be alone. James could feel a giddiness in the pit of his stomach every time he thought of it.
James was the last one to join his friend in the Great Hall. After breakfast, Hogwarts Express was leaving. The Christmas breaks were starting as of today. James couldn't wait to come back, even though he hadn't even left yet.
"Are you done packing?" asked Remus, looking up from his plate.
James nodded in response. His eyes instantly looked down the table. Evans was sitting there with her friends, enjoying her breakfast.
Sirius pulled at the sleeves of his jumper. "Sit down then," instructed the grey-eyed boy. The boy had his attention now, as James sat down.
Remus's eyes drifted between Evans and James. A smirk grew on his lips as he asked, "You can't keep your eyes off her, can you?"
James grinned, looking at Remus. He didn't feel any need to hide the fact that he was crushing on Evans. It was clear as the day.
Sirius snorted, looking over at Evans. "Ask her out already," said Sirius, now looking at James.
'Ask her out?' thought James, he froze in his spot. Blinking his eyes, as he whipped his head around. His eyes landed once again on Evans. Could it be that he could go out with Evans? The thought alone made him grin. His mind was running far ahead already.
"Don't," spoke Peter, his mouth full of mashed potatoes.
"Why not?" questioned James, pursing his lips as his brows furrowed.
"You both have never had a decent conversation, why would you ask her out, out of the blue?" Remus questioned back. He looked at James with his lips pressed in a straight line. As if he hadn't heard something more unreasonable.
"They can have that conversation during the date," interrupted Sirius, patting James on his back.
James nodded and gave the idea some thought. He turned towards his friends. "What if I ask her to go to the movie?"
"But I thought we were going together!" cried Sirius, dropping his toast in his plate. His mouth hung open, looking at James in disbelief.
It would be wrong of James to ditch Sirius. "Yes," mumbled James, forcing a smile. He picked up a toast, nibbling onto it.
Sirius put his hand on James's shoulder. That made James look at him. Sirius was smiling. "No, ask her, she might appreciate a muggle date," said Sirius, giving James's shoulder a light squeeze.
"Alright!" exclaimed James, grinning along with Sirius.
"James don't," advised Remus, shaking his head.
"Yes, listen to Remus," agreed Peter, crinkling his nose.
"What's the worse that's going to happen?" asked Sirius, with a huff.
"She'll say no?" Remus questioned back, rolling his eyes. James's eyes grew wide at the possibility. He turned his head towards Sirius.
"No, she won't," hissed Sirius, narrowing his eyes at Remus and Peter. "Don't underestimate him. He's handsome, and funny. Not to mention smart," he continued, waving his hand in the air.
"I'll do it," asserted James, pumping his fists in air. He could do it, that way he won't regret not asking Evans out.
"She's leaving!" exclaimed Sirius, pushing James out of the bench.
James jogged out of the Great Hall. Evans and her friends were fast. Were they purposefully trying to run away from James? He ignored the eyes on him, trying to catch up with Evans.
"Evans!" called out James. Evans and her friends stopped near the Grand Staircase. They turned around – most of them looked stunned. Evans looked like she was disgusted. "Can I talk to you?"
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, eyeing James suspiciously. "What do you want?"
Now James's heart was pounding against his chest. He looked over her shoulder, where her friends were waiting. None of them moved. James guessed he'd have to do it in front of them. "I have to ask you something," said James, clearing his throat.
"What?"
James took a deep breath and ignored his thumping heart. "Will you go out with me?"
Evans's friends gasped; their jaws slacked. "Are you joking?" Evans narrowed her eyes, a crease between her eyes.
"No," replied James, shaking his head. Why would he joke about something like that?
"No, I will not," spat Evans, turning around. James's feet remained glued to the ground. His wide eyes staring at the red-haired girl.
"Wait," said James, making Evans look over her shoulder. "I meant a date."
"I know what you meant, the answer is no," scoffed Evans, walking up the stairs hurriedly. Her friends looked at James in stunned shock, before rushing off with Evans.
James returned to his friends, his shoulders slump. He sat down on the bench with a thump. His grin had turned upside down. Eyes blinking away tears. It felt like Evans had ripped his heart out. Then, stepped on it, leaving it in pieces.
"What happened?" inquired Remus, his chin resting on his hand.
"She said no," replied James, swallowing the lump forming at the back of his throat.
"What?!" cried Sirius, his jaw dropping to the floor. His eyes were already wide in shock.
"We told you," replied Peter in a matter-of-fact voice.
"What am I going to do now?!" cried James, his lower lip jutted out. "Did I ruin my chance with her?" James pressed his head against the cold wooden table.
The next time James saw Evans was when they reached London. She was pulling her trunk behind her. He assumed she was looking for her parents. Her wide green eyes were scanning the crowd.
With a huge grin plastered on his face, James walked up to her. Evans jumped back, when James came into her view. He waved at her, as he spoke, "See you after Holidays Evans."
Picking up pace, James walked away. His friends followed his suit, catching up with him. James swore his heart was still aching over the rejection. But he just needed to find out why Evans rejected him. That way, he could rectify it.
"You're pathetic," remarked Remus, as he scoffed and shook his head.
"She didn't even respond," agreed Peter.
"She was speechless," concluded James, raising his chin up, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Merlin!" laughed Sirius, draping his arm over James's shoulder.
James looked at Sirius with a grin. "Let's find mum and dad," said James, earning an excited nod from Sirius.
Before going to look for Euphemia and Fleamont, the boys turned to their friends. Remus and Peter had already found their parents. "Write us a letter, every week," instructed James, glancing at both the boys.
"It's only two weeks," said Remus with a shrug.
Sirius pressed his lips, as he spoke, "Then we will expect two letters."
Wishing Remus and Peter's parents Christmas in advance, the boys went looking for their parents. The elderly couple were waiting for the boys. Their faces lit up as soon as the boys rushed over to them.
Engulfing them in a hug, Euphemia beamed, "You're here."
Fleamont too embraced his sons, as he said, "Let's go home."
"I've prepared something for both of you," informed Euphemia, as the four made way home together.