Lily sat in History of Magic feeling quite elated. James Potter had taken the seat right next to her. Not behind her or in front of her, but aside of her. He had even asked her if she had a spare quill. Now Lily didn't happen to have one but this didn't stop her from giving James her only quill. She was quite content to sit and listen to Professor Binns without taking notes. Lily was especially looking forward to receiving her quill back. At the moment she was deciding whether she would encase it in a shrine or use it and run the risk of perhaps losing the only precious object she had that James touched. Because of Lily's excitement she did not notice the snickers and glances exchanged between James and Sirius.
Before class had even begun Sirius cornered James, "So, Prongs. I was curious. How do you plan to seduce Miss Evans? Flowers, candy, or how about an offer in bed right away? Who knows, she could be one of those girls."
James shook his head mournfully, "Oh Sirius. When will you ever understand the ways of a woman." He pointed to Lily who happened to be walking by them as he spoke, "Seduction is a game. One that must be played patiently and carefully. Let us compare seduction to something you can understand, like food."
Sirius chuckled doubtfully but fell in step next to James as they continued to class, "Please James. Enlighten me."
"Well, there are all kinds of food. Each type of meal is treated differently. For instance, would you ever put ketchup on ice cream or chocolate syrup on steak? No you would not. Each woman has her own style, her own substance. You must feel out the way she wants to loved and adapt to her flavor. Just like not all foods go with syrup not all women go with the same type of flavor."
Sirius stopped and looked James square in the eye, "That has got to be by far the worst interpretation of women I have ever heard and if you ever repeat that to anyone but me, especially to a woman, I'm sure you will be tried for treason and shot."
James laughed heartily at this and continued with his explanation, "Lily has a unique and somewhat intense flavor. I look forward to the challenge she offers. She is unusually bright, a bit of an introvert, and she is a prefect. However, the prefect status is something I do not look forward to. For as you remember Sirius, trouble making seems to be our greatest attribute."
"Too true, James. Too true."
"In Lily's case I shall have to play the part of the destitute scholar, thus appealing to her sensitive and benevolent nature. I shall simply ask her to tutor me in a class that she appears to do well in. Girls can't resist hoping they can change the typical bad boy into a sensitive and caring model citizen."
"James, I sincerely believe that if you achieve this plan that it will be your most infamous and admirable conquests ever."
"Thank you Padfoot. Let us continue to History of Magic where Phase 1 of seducing Lily Evans can begin."
The end of class came all too soon for Lily. She had enjoyed sitting next to James. Some people called him cocky but confidence drove Lily mad. The way he casually flicked his black hair away from his eyes, the way he walked through the hallways. Everything about him was incredibly addicting. So, with one last heartfelt look at James, Lily resigned herself to the fact that she would spend the rest of her days admiring him from afar.
"Oh Lily." Morgan called, catching up to her friend, "Was that the incredible James Potter sitting next to you in class today? I wasn't sure if I had become involved in your sadistic fantasies or if that was the real live thing."
Lily walked along dreamily, feeling as if she was floating on air, "Yeah. It was him. He borrowed my quill."
With those words Lily clutched the writing utensil to her chest and sighed dramatically.
"Oy Evans!" a familiar voice rang from the crowded hallway.
Lily felt her heart begin beating faster and she turned to Morgan, "Quick. How do I look?"
Morgan fluffed Lily's hair, smoothed her blazer, and tossed her some lip-gloss. She ran a sharp eye over the rest of her friend and whispered, "Put some lip-gloss on and you'll be fine. Don't be a wuss and for heaven's sake don't stutter!"
Morgan disappeared quickly feeling as if she was leaving Lily to her doom.
Lily turned to face what she knew was coming, James Potter.
He jogged up to her and leaned casually against the wall, "Hey."
"Hey." Lily replied softly.
James grinned at her letting his hair fall in front of his eyes, knowing it drove girls wild. Sure enough he saw Lily's gaze land wistfully on his hair, as if she wanted to comb it back.
"So Evans, I know you're a genius in Binns' class and I've been having some difficulty coping with the giant wars. I was hoping you could tutor me before the test."
Lily bit her lip, weighing her options. James Potter was asking her for help. That would require time alone with him, maybe hours alone with him. On the other hand, Lily was quite busy. She looked doubtfully at James.
"I'm not sure. My prefect duties are really important and this year we've got N.E.W.T's and everything."
"I know. I was stupid to ask. I'm sorry. I won't bother you again," James turned away looking dejected, "It's just my mum. She had heart set on me being an Auror and if I don't do well on the next couple of test I don't know what will happen. Anyways, maybe I'll ask someone else."
He took a few steps away, making sure to keep his head down and his pace less confident.
Lily's heart went out to him, "Wait James. I'm sure I can find time. If it means that much to you I can tutor you on Thursday nights."
James grinned, his eyes shining with victory. He tried to look grateful as he turned back to Lily.
"Thanks so much Lily. Well, I've got Quidditch practice. We'll finalize stuff later."
Lily turned, her green eyes lit up with happiness. This was turning out just right.
Sirius and Remus waited around the corner for James.
"Did she buy it?" Remus asked eagerly.
James shrugged his shoulders, "Hook, line, and sinker."
Sirius laughed gleefully, "That's my boy! You've got your work cut out for you, mate."
The three boys did their secret handshake which involved a series of complicated hand slaps, followed by a loud and obnoxious chant of, "Whose the man?"
"This will be a snap." James stated, "Let's find Peter and go celebrate. I think an outing to the Shrieking Shack will serve our purpose tonight."
A/N I know I've made Lily a bit pathetic but that's part of the story. I promise you she won't remain starstruck with James forever.
BtWI don't own Harry Potter. I only own Morgan who I am growing quite attached to so if anyone steals her I'll sic James on you and have him explain his confusing theory on girlsin true detail.