AN: Sorry about the late update! I was at our Seniors' Retreat, and I didn't really have access to a computer. Hope you guys enjoy this one!

Idea#2: The Art of Forgiving

"She's absolutely, completely mad at me," James sighed.

Sirius and Remus glanced up from their homework. "Well, you can't really expect her to forget so quickly. That was quite a number we did."

"I want her to at least forgive me! It's been three days already!"

"Well, she did have to wear the ski masks for two of those days," Remus quipped. "Not that they helped much."

James looked so forlorn that Sirius abandoned his Potions essay to go over to James.

"Tell you what," Sirius suggested, "how about you get her some flowers and candy and apologize? It's an age-old tactic. Works 99 percent of the time."

James looked up, his hazel eyes big and hopeful. "You think it'll do, Padfoot? Moony?"

Remus shrugged. "He's the expert, I'd say."

"I promise it'll work, Prongs," Sirius reassured James enthusiastically. "Let's get to Hogsmeade. I'll even help you pick out the flowers—how's that?"

James stood up. "Alright."

"Where am I in this beautiful plan of yours, Padfoot?" Remus asked icily.

"You can try talking to Evans, Moony. And—erm, please continue my essay for me."

"Whoopee," Remus grumbled.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"There you go," Sirius announced. "All nice and pretty."

Sirius and James had spent about an hour searching for the right kind of flower. James felt truly relieved for Sirius's presence—he'd been completely lost at the florist's. Sirius had pinpointed a spray of white flowers because it was apparently supposed to mean 'everlasting love'. James didn't understand why the woman at the counter was grinning so much though—maybe it was just because of Sirius. At Honeydukes, just before they taken the passageway back to Hogwarts, James had grabbed a box of Lily's favorite sugar quills. Back in the common room, Sirius had slaved for another hour working James's mop of black mess into a state of slightly neater.

Remus put down his quill and gave James a not-at-all-cursory glance. "Very nice, Prongs."

"Go see her now!" Sirius urged as he collected together his bottles of hair potions.

James tucked the bouquet into his robes—he did not want to take it out until the last possible minute. He first searched the library for Lily, but not finding her there, he started down the corridors. He eventually found the object of his affections and her group on the third floor. Lily stiffened when she saw him.

"Evans, I want to apologize," James began quickly. He held out the box of sugar quills awkwardly. Lily's friends grinned knowingly at each other.

"We'll just be around, Lily," called one of the girls, a pretty Ravenclaw, as she edged away with the others, leaving James and Lily alone.

Lily smiled as she opened the box. "Sugar quills? I love them!"

"I know you do." James's heart swelled. It was the first time she'd smiled at him in three whole days!

"Well...thanks, Potter." Lily dug a sugar quill out. "Would you like one?"

James accepted it gratefully. "Am I forgiven, then?"

Lily nodded. "You're forgiven. And your hair looks good."

James shuffled his feet boyishly, smiling almost shyly. "Thanks."

He suddenly remembered the bouquet. "Oh, I have something for you."

He brandished the flowers.

Lilys smile disappeared. "Potter," she said slowly, "have you any idea what these flowers are?"

James gulped. "Er—"

"They're flowers commonly used in a funeral."

"What? But Sirius said they meant—" James paused and sighed. "I'm sorry, Evans. I really don't know much about flowers."

"That much is obvious," Lily commented, the corners of her mouth twitching. "It's all right."

James felt his heart calm. Yes! Sirius's plan had been a success!

Unfortunately, as Lily drew the bouquet closer to her person, something yellow and black zoomed out.

"A BEE!" Lily shrieked. She ran around in panic, trying to evade the insect.

"Lily, just stay calm and—"

"Aaargh!!!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"She hates me," James sighed as he trudged inside the common room after taking Lily to the hospital wing.

"Padfoot did say it works 99 percent of the time," Remus chuckled. "Me thinks you were in that unlucky 1 percent."

AN: Many thanks to my reviewers:

LupinLover99- Thanks! I'll do my best. :)

Californianchick- Thanks! :)

Stephxd- Thank you! :) I'm glad you liked it

Anonymuz- Wow, thanks! I'm so touched and honored! :)

Inferno- Thanks! Me glad you thought so:)

Dans-girl-4ever- Thanks! :)

Alcapacien- Well...you'll see. ;)

Carmel March- Nice to see you again! :) I'm glad you liked the singing... :D Well, it was embarrassing for Lily... :)

Remembrall- I'll be good! I'll update! And thanks! :) Just don't hex me.... :)

SnoopyViz- Thanks!

And of course...

TO GOD BE THE GLORY! :)