Lily moved down the hallway, leaving the last lesson of the day for a walk in the sunlight. While she was glad to be back, an hour of Arithmacy had not been enjoyable.
Reaching the lake, she found her favourite spot and collapsed on the grass, letting her eyes wander about the grounds. Many students had also opted to stray outside, re-aquatinting themselves with Hogwarts after a long summer break.
She loved the school and her friends that attended it with her. With the exception of the Slytherins it was an environment as close to perfect as possible. Exempting James Potter too. He was obviously an intelligent person, but chose to use this to torture his enemies and gain popularity. Two traits she detested. Last year he had asked her out 415 times, to her great annoyance.
She was actually quite surprised that he hadn't asked her yet this year. With any luck he would have given up hope.
Just at that moment James appeared between the two magnificent stone doors. Briefly surveying the area, he walked towards Sirius, Reamus and Peter, smiling. Severus Snape also seemed to have that in mind, marching up to the group scowling.
'What do you want Snape?' James demanded, the cheer gone from his face,
'You stole my books!' he accused, drawing his wand.
'I did no such thing.' James made no attampt to draw his own wand, although his three friends behind him did.
Muttering, Snape sent a flash of blue light towards the Gryffindor, but he managed to pull out his wand and create a shield before it hit.
'Don't start that,' the taller boy warned.
Surprised he hadn't retaliated, he still wouldn't back down.'Why not, Potter? Scared?'
Ignoring his comment, James turned and walked away. Sirius hesitated before following him, but eventually they all moved off.
Snape launched another attack at their backs, sending a red wall at the four of them.
Anticipating this, James, Sirius and Reamus had their shields in place long before it hit.
Sirius turned around, ready for a deul, his eyes wild with hate and excitement.
James pulled him away. 'He isn't worth it.'
Casting Snape one last look, Sirius walked away with his friends.
Lily sat there, amazed at what had just happened. How could this be the same James Potter?