To Love Was A Mistake

the first Harry Potter story by

Stardust Firebolt

Author's note: I just wondered what it was really like when Harry's father fell in love, so I created this light-hearted story! It's just for fun, really, don't take it too seriously ^_^ By the way, I'm unsure as to whether James was a Chaser or a Seeker, so I'll just put him as a Chaser in this story. (Because in the movie James is supposedly a Seeker, but J.K. Rowling mentioned in an interview once that James was a Chaser.)

*Seen through the eyes of James*

God, was she damn beautiful. Strange how he never thought that way before. Maybe it was because they were in separate houses; he was in Gryffindor, and she in Slytherin, which were ultimate rivals. Perhaps it was also the personality clash - he was quiet, reserved, meek and shy, whereas she was the outgoing, more obnoxious type. They did have one thing in common though - both had a passion for Quidditch, which was why he was a Chaser and she a Seeker, really excellent players, in the first place. But now as he watched her stride through the Great Hall, a jolt went through his heart - nothing to do with nerves at all.

'Hey Potter, whatcha starin' at?' Someone had poked him, and he stopped being mesmerized for one minute to turn around and demand, 'What?'

His best friend grinned. That same, annoying smile that got him irritated once in a while. 'Lily Evans again, huh?' he winked.

James started to blush as Sirius teased.

His other chubby friend, Peter Pettigrew, laughed. 'That's funny. I heard she was going out with - Oof!' Remus Lupin, his other best friend, had elbowed him.

James spoke sharply. 'With who?'

'Nothing, nothing...' Peter said in a sheepish tone.

James sighed. His best friends were so...

'I'm going to check on Minny.' Remus declared.

'Minny?' James, Sirius and Peter howled.

'What?' Remus asked.

'Since when did you...what's the ridiculous name again?' Sirius joked. He was always the funny one.

'Hello?' Minerva McGonagall had walked by and set her tray down at James' table. 'Mind if I sit here?'

'Oh no, not at all, Minny!' Sirius said in a sugary-sweet tone, and evoked laughs from James and Peter.

'Minny?' asked Minerva, confused.

'I don't think it's funny.' Remus said stiffly.

'But of course, my dear man! You - Ow!' Sirius had been elbowed by Remus.

'Shut up, Sirius, and eat your sandwich.' Remus warned, and started stuffing food into Sirius' big and loud mouth.

Minerva nibbled daintily on her sandwich. James noticed she only had a tiny quarter of a sandwich on her plate (excluding the one she was eating), and a cup of juice. That was about it. Even the sandwich was just plain bread - no filling whatsoever.

'That's all you're eating?' James said disbelievingly.

Minerva smiled proudly. 'Yes. It's my new diet, and I'm sticking to it really well! I've already lost two pounds.'

James shook his head. Girls...

Sirius was grinning cheekily at Minerva. That prankster...he must be up to something now, James thought.

'Hey Minny - I mean, Minerrrrrva, are you free on Friday night?'

'Are you asking me out?' asked Minerva blatantly and put down her sandwich. James blanched - that was one thing about Minerva he didn't like. She was so straightforward.

'Not exactly.'

'Does that mean like a date?' continued Minerva.

'Noooooooo,' Sirius rolled his eyes. 'I've got better things to do than to go out with you - I mean, just listen, okay?'

'Whatever.' Minerva had now gone back to chewing her tiny portion of a sandwich. Doesn't she get hungry? James thought. 'I'm full.' Minerva announced. 'What? You're full?' cried James disbelievingly. Minerva gave him a glare, and James shut up at once.

'Miss Straight-A student, I, Sirius Black, am now asking you with honour, to go out with me on Friday night. If you're free, that is.' Sirius said casually. If he's asking her out how does he do it so calmly? James thought. Besides, he shouldn't be asking in the first place - Remus likes Minerva, he should know that.

'That's what I said.' Minerva said, irritated. 'You are so annoying.'

'Thank you. Well?'

'Don't be a fool. You know I'll say no.' Minerva said.

'Why?' whined Sirius, and put on a pitying look.

Minerva rolled her pretty eyes, and touched him teasingly and lightly on the nose with a finger. She said, 'Because you're so un-likable. Goodbye.' she sang, and walked away.

'There goes your chance, Remus.' Sirius said. 'Seriously, I don't know why you like her that much. She's so...stiff and so...studious and so...well, so...diligent. Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes.'

'You mean you were asking her out for Remus?' James asked. The strange things Sirius did...

'Duh,' Sirius said. 'What did you think - me, go out with that perfect princess? No way!' Sirius gagged.

'She's not -' Remus argued.

'Okay, I got your point.' Sirius said hastily. He turned back to James and grinned. 'Want me to ask the Bad Girl for you?' he asked teasingly, meaning Lily Evans, the beautiful and loud girl from Slytherin - the girl James had recently taken a liking to, after a Quidditch match.

James looked at the Slytherin table. Lily was currently using vulgar words to scold another girl.

James shook his head. 'No thanks.'

'Not the right one for you, huh? Seriously, I think she would be the right one for me - loud, prankster, obnoxious, rude like me. Too bad she's your girl now.' Sirius said, and winked.

James smiled. No surprise - Lily was easy to like.

*Seen through the eyes of Lily*

'Severus is so cute. Really. He's so bad...and wicked...and everything! I think I'd be the right one for him.' Lily said proudly.

'Ha! You'd win him over - no guy escapes the clutches of the Sophisticated Evans! You're attractive and charming, you know, plus you're so...BAD. Guys line up.' said her best friend, Dawn Leigher.

'I know.' Lily said. 'I saw James Potter checking me out today.'

'Oh...God, really?' Dawn squealed.

'Obviously...I'm so irresistible! Even a Chaser from Gryffindor falls for me...too bad I don't like him, though.' Lily smirked.

'Why?' asked Dawn.

'Well, he's become so...goody-two-shoes recently. Ever seen him breaking a rule lately?' Lily said.

'But he's so cute!' Dawn swooned.

Lily ignored the comment. 'Plus, he's from Gryffindor. Slytherins and Gryffindors don't hang out...much less to say to fall in love? Imagine the rumours going around. My reputation wouldn't quite be the same, since we're rival houses...Sure, he seems kind of sweet, but he's not my type either.' she explained.

'Huh! If I were you, I'd snatch him up right away.' sighed Dawn wistfully. 'Anyway, how was Greg today?'

'Greg?' Lily repeated and yawned. 'Boring, as usual. I know he's trying so hard, but I think I'm gonna drop him.'

'You mean, dump him? But that would be the fourteenth ex-boyfriend!' Dawn cried.

Lily looked sheepish. 'Come on, I'm not that bad, am I? You make me sound like I'm a playgirl. I'm serious about relationships, you know - at least some of them. I just haven't found the right one yet - one I can love wholeheartedly. Those relationships just didn't work out - I didn't really love them though. Only for a short time. Quit exaggerating about the break-ups.'

'Aw, man! You can't ignore the facts! There was Peter, and Andrew, and Darrell...' Dawn was counting them off her fingers.

'Come on!' laughed Lily. 'Stop it. But I do think Severus is charming.'

'Lily, you found Peter, Andrew, Darrell, Greg and Jeremy charming but they didn't work out, did they?' teased Dawn.

'I'm serious, Dawn. I've got this...strange feeling every time I meet him. That didn't come when I dated those...oh, all right, fourteen boys back then. Basically, it's not just a...flirtatious kind of thing that I want with him - no, not just a fling. It's hard to explain really - very indescribable. Like I know he's the right one - the one I would even spend my life with.'

'I bet it's like me and James...' swooned Dawn.

'Dawn!'

'Okay, okay, I'm listening...'

'In addition he's so cool. Kind of my type.'

'So you got your eye on him. Going after him?' Dawn asked.

Lily smiled. 'Sure. Severus will never regret falling in love with me for one minute.'

*Seen through the eyes of Sirius*

Sirius noticed James was looking very dreamy lately - a sight he really hadn't seen much in the seven years they'd known each other. Yes, they were currently seventh-years, and graduating from Hogwarts soon.

He knew James was crushing on the lovely Lily Evans, but he didn't think it'd be that serious. He looked for her everywhere he went; and when he didn't see her he'd get all disappointed.

Sirius didn't know much about how James started loving Lily, only during a Quidditch match he witnessed.

There was fierce competition between Gryffindor and Slytherin. James was flying around, looking for the Snitch. Sirius had noticed the new Slytherin seeker was immensely attractive, but he hoped that point wouldn't affect James' concentration. He knew James had a rather soft spot for girls, especially pretty girls. There was one incident last year that proved this; James was going out with a girl he deeply loved, after being attracted to her beauty, only to have his heart broken by her dumping of him since she didn't really love him, which resulted in him shutting himself out from the outside world, he'd almost become autistic. Luckily, he picked himself up and got on with his life. Sirius always knew James could be such a wimp at times - that's why he saved Severus from the Whomping Willow in the first place.

But now Sirius' thoughts were focused on the game. The Slytherin Beaters showed no mercy; a Bludger had just missed James by inches and almost sent him toppling off his broom. Lily, the fresh Seeker for Slytherin, didn't seem to care where the Snitch was; in fact she was filing her nails in mid-air, just suspending there with her broom, gently giving her nails a shine.

'Oh!' she said when her nail-filer spiralled to the ground below. Sirius grinned. 'That'll teach her - Quidditch isn't for manicure!'

Lily certainly had her eyes darting back to the game now. She flashed a dazzling smile at the Gryffindor Keeper (Williard Flounge), and the Keeper, distracted, failed to stop the Slytherin Chasers from scoring a goal.

'GOAL!' The Slytherin side of the stadium roared happily, whilst the dejected Gryffindors started booing.

'That girl's a cheat -'

'She charmed Williard!'

'That Williard is such a playboy - gave in to temptation!'

'She just had to smile and the guy lost his stand!'

Lily certainly seemed proud of herself for having resorted to such a dirty trick. Maybe she wasn't the best Seeker but she sure was intelligent and cunning - all the traits of a true Slytherin. James was now shaking his head sadly as Williard (the Quidditch captain as well) called for time-out and gave his team-members a pep talk.

'Right guys, give it your best shot.' Sirius could hear Williard say, and saw him mount his broom. James followed.

'We've got spirit! Gryffindor rocks! Yeah, Gryffindor! Go...Gryffindor!' the cheerleaders were shouting. Professor Dumbledore had introduced a new scheme as part of a Muggle Studies study, to have actual cheerleaders for matches and big sports events like Quidditch. The head cheerleader's a babe, thought Sirius helplessly.

'Are you ready, girls? Come on, let's give it all we've got!' The head cheerleader was shouting.

The cheerleaders got into a formation and started dancing and cheering to a hit record in the wizarding world, Timeless Magic by the popular, sassy, newest and hip wizarding pop music group, Kiss The Cat.

'Oh...you know you ain't got spirit till you show it...' The cheerleaders sang.

'So come on, give it all you've got, show them what it's like to have G-R-Y-F-F-I-N-D-O-R spirit! Then you'll know it's like timeless magic....'

They danced a few more numbers, then started their latest and newest cheer.

'I said...' The head cheerleader yelled.

On cue, the other cheerleaders yelled back, 'Brrr...It's cold in here! I said there must be some Gryffins in the atmosphere! I said, brrrr...it's cold in here! I said, there must be some Gryffins in the atmosphere! I said, oh-ee-oh-ee-oh, ice, ice, ice, oh-ee-oh-ee-oh, ice, ice, ice! Here we go!'

They moved so rhythmically and systemically; and it was so flawless that they could even beat the lousy and ugly Slytherin cheerleaders.

'Awesome! Oh, wow! Like, totally freak me out. I mean, right now! We Gryffindors are the best!' the Gryffindor cheerleaders screamed as they twirled when the Gryffindor Chasers scored a goal.

The Slytherin cheerleaders refused to concede defeat. They screamed back,

'I'm sexy, I'm cute, I'm popular to boot.

I'm bitchy, great hair, the boys all LOVE to stare.

I'm wanted, I'm hot, I'm everything YOU'RE not.

I'm PRETTY, I'm COOL, I DOMINATE this school.

Who am I? Just guess, guys wanna touch my chest

I'm ROCKIN', I smile, and many think I'm VILE.

I fly and I jump, you can look but don't you hump. Whoo!

I major, I roar, I swear I'm not a whore.

We cheer and we lead,

We act like we're on speed.

You hate us 'coz we're beautiful but we don't like you either

We're cheerleaders

We are CHEERLEADERS!'

The Gryffindor cheerleaders started booing and shouting, 'Gryffindor rules, Slytherin sucks!'

James had just scored another goal. The Gryffindor team was now pulling ahead by two goals. It was a tough match.

Then came the spectacular dive. Everything went stock-still as everyone stared with anticipation. Some people gasped.

Candy, the Gryffindor Seeker, and Lily had pummelled towards the ground, practically broom-to-broom, and head-to-head. They were both plunging for the Snitch, which glinted at a Slytherin Beater's foot. James Potter was holding the Quaffle, flying next to the Beater. James was blocking Lily's way.

Alas! As Lily neared it, the Beater cracked James on the head with his bat so that James would spiral off course and clear Lily's way. Indeed James flew off course, hands clutching his head.

Candy, who got concerned with James, stopped chasing after the Snitch and sped off after the injured James. Lily too seemed worried and stopped in mid-air, giving up her chase for the Snitch. Sirius tried to make out what she was saying. She seemed to be saying, 'Oh God, are you okay?...Hey, you! Don't you know what you did just made us lose the Snitch?'

Lily seemed genuinely concerned about James.

God, I hope she's not flirting just to get the Snitch, Sirius thought, rolling his eyes.

After Lily consoled James she sped off, grinning to herself.

Okay. She was, thought Sirius disbelievingly. She's such a good actress. Talk about fair play - she's playing it dirty as well.

Sirius could see something in James clicking. He was in love! It was obvious how he tailed her when he wasn't playing with the Quaffle, trying to strike up a conversation.

Damn, he's doing it again - just because she said something "nice", Sirius thought sadly. You should know better than to get into Lily Evans's hands - she's a real tough cookie. Just don't come back to me with a broken heart. Lily's famed for being ruthless with break-ups. Sirius shook his head, and missed the amazing catch Lily made with the Snitch.

See? Sirius thought when he heard about it.

But it turned out that Lily had used unscrupulous means to achieve it so Candy turned out to be the winner. She hadn't seem too pissed, though.

'Hey Lily,' James had said after the match, following her to her locker room. 'Nice game.'

Lily only rolled her pretty eyes. 'Yeah, right.'

James didn't seem to notice and kept trying to talk, but she finally shut him down by saying, 'Do you mind?' she grinned, 'I want to change. This is the girls' locker room.'

James only nodded embarrassedly.

*Seen through the eyes of James*

Sirius got it all wrong. What James really saw that night was in total contrast with Sirius' statement. In actual fact, that wasn't it at all. What Sirius didn't understand was that Lily had been concerned.

Sure, she was flirting with the Gryffindor players to distract them from the game, and even he couldn't deny that she was attractive. However he wasn't so easily distracted. He even teased Lily about her dirty tricks during the match, when the Quaffle wasn't in his possession, so much that she got irritated and sped off with a killer frown, trying to avoid him.

But when he'd received that blow on the head by the blockhead Vincent Valent of Slytherin, Lily had rushed to his aid, no longer irritated, but wore a look of genuine despair and concern. He had not smiled then, but now he would make his tight lips curve into a charming grin - the smile that Sirius said attracted many girls to him.

He had loved the way she said it. 'Are you okay?'

Back then he thought, 'Ha! Lily Evans has real feelings! She's not as tough as she looks!'

But he hadn't taunted her about it, and till now he still kept it as a secret to himself, locked away safely in his lonely heart.

James was sure the feeling towards Lily was mutual. He couldn't explain why, but he just felt a special connection between the two of them.

*Seen through the eyes of Remus*

'Did you hear?' asked Mariela.

'Hear what?' asked Remus irritably. He hated gossipers like Mariela.

'Lily Evans's got another new boyfriend!' Mariela announced proudly.

'Whatever.' He couldn't care less about Lily's issues.

'No! Get it straight - she's got a new boyfriend!'

'I know! I heard you the first time!'

'God! You'll never guess who it is!' Mariela laughed.

'So what? I pity all her ex-boyfriends. Okay? Is that what you want to hear?' Remus said, and started to leave.

'No! Say, aren't you rivals with Severus Snape?' Mariela inquired.

'Don't be so nosy, okay? Go away.' Remus replied.

'Don't blame me for not telling you!...God, James is going to be so mad,' she taunted.

Now that caught his attention. Anything to do with his best friends had to concern him.

'Okay, I give in. What?' Remus asked.

Mariela smiled. 'James likes Lily, right? Oh - look, I don't have to tell you. Look for yourself!' she said gleefully and skipped away.

Lily had approached his way - but not alone, though. Severus was clinging on her arm.

Lily crooned, 'Oh, you are so funny.' and gave him a peck on the cheek. Severus glowed with pleasure.

It made Remus sick. The two of them...together? God! Help all the people of Hogwarts - Severus has got to be the worst person on earth! And if James finds out...he'll probably have a heart attack. Why??? Why Severus, Lily??? James had better not find out!