"Look James, it's quite simple really - you just have to enunciate"

Remus Lupin was trying to help him and to be fair, was probably doing a good job, but James had other things on his mind. Today, he would ask Lily Evans to the Yule Ball.

He couldn't put it off any longer and besides, he couldn't risk anybody else asking her first. After all, Lily was very pretty, and pretty fifth years (much to the dismay of Sirius), were in high demand.

"I'm sorry Lupe" said James, using one of his friends' various nicknames.

"I just can't concentrate today"

James wouldn't normally have a problem with doing magic, he was one of the most talented wizards at Hogwarts. This particular spell was a reversal spell and quite challenging - advanced magic for their year. The spell wouldn't be vital to their exam, but could gain students extra merit. The Marauders didn't learn such spells for more marks though. They enjoyed the prestige that came with being the best.

"Alright James" Remus consoled. "I wouldn't worry, I'm pretty sure it'll just click eventually and you'll be sorted"

He laughed thoughtfully "That's what always seems to happen with you".

It was true. Remus Lupin was the most studious of the trio. James and Sirius were gifted with an inate ability at magic, and surpassed most of their classmates with little effort. Remus had to work harder to achieve as much, but luckily for him, he was a natural at studying.

"Cheers Lupe, I hope your right!"

James flopped to the floor. A huge pile of cushions softened his landing. The Room of Requirement was so….handy!

"So" began Lupin in a neutral tone "You're going to ask Lily out today"

It was a statement rather than a question. James replied with a non-committal "Yeah". He wasn't surprised his friend knew. Remus possessed an unnerving ability at insight. All part of being a werewolf, mused James.

"Are you nervous?"

"Nah…it'll be…..fine". James realised he sounded less than convincing. A guilty look at Remus confirmed his suspicion. His friend looked sceptical. They both laughed.

"Well, I hope it'll be fine. I really like her Lupe. She's so……fiesty!"

More laughter.

"She is indeed" I always thought she was quite quiet until this year. Now she's, well, she's almost as bad as us!"

James thought about this as he stretched out on the pillows. They were richly coloured pillows with velvet covers and huge tassels. They smelled slightly fusty but were comfortable. Just like everything at Hogwarts.

Lily had been much quieter before their fifth year. Now, she was always at the middle of her group of friends, and the one people would go to for advice. And boys had started to notice her. And she was witty and clever and good at magic and…

"James?"

Snapping back to attention, James realised Remus was laughing at him again.

"You've got it bad this time haven't you? Good thing she likes you too"

James sat up on his elbows, and eyed Remus, one eyebrow raised.

"Oh yeah? How can you be so sure?"

Remus also propped himself up. As he did so, a shaft of light fell into his eyes. They were grey eyes, filled with honesty and intelligence. But they were also sad and full of secrets. He shifted backwards, shielding his eyes, and titled his head back slightly…his thinking stance.

"Well" he began "I just know. Trust me. It's all about phermomones."

"What are 'ferrymoans' ?" Asked a puzzled James.

"Well, I'm not exactly sure, it's a muggle thing. But I'm more aware of them than normal people because of, well, you know. And I can tell that she like you because of the pheromones she gives off"

James looked doubtful. Muggles were so behind the wizarding world. The things he'd heard about that went on in their hospitals! And as for Rugby, what sort of a game was that! No skill involved at all.

"Well anyway" Remus continued " pheromones aside, I think she'll say yes"

"You do? Good."

"When are you going to ask her?"

James was about to reply with a vague 'sometime later', but he felt a sudden urgency. His two closest friends both thought him and Lily would make a good match. He thought so too. They couldn't all be wrong, why put it off? He sat up.

"I'm going now"

Clambering out of the nest of pillows, James brushed himself down, and strode towards the door. Remus grinned at his departing back. It was the same walk James used when entering the Quidditch pitch, and James never lost the Snitch.

Lying back on the pillows, Remus stared up at a window set high in the stine wall. The sun hid behind a cloud, and in the midst of his happiness for his friend, Remus suddenly felt a chill. A wave of apprehension swept over him. He was filled with a sense of terrible foreboding, but didn't know why. But then, as quickly as it had come, the feeling was gone. Being a logical young man, Remus soon put it down to the approach of the full moon. Years later, he would remember that moment, alone in the Room of Requirement and understand what it had meant. But for now, it was forgotten.