'' Three months detention? But, Professor, I didn't do anything! It was all Black's doing! '' cried Lily incessantly. '' Isn't three months a bit harsh? I'm only a first year! ''
Professor McGonagall let her stern gaze fall on the protesting girl irritably.
'' All the more reason why we must nip this blatant disregard for the welfare of others and the laws in place by the Ministry in the bud. For four mere first years to use unlicenced, advanced transfiguration on three older students – I was scandalised. And all of you Gryffindors, no less! There will be no discussions – I have concluded that only a lengthy sentence will have any impact on you. The punishment fits the crime. I hope that in the future, you will alll remember how severely you will be reprimanded for any further wrongdoing. Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, will meet you in the Great Hall at eight o clock tonight for your first detention. That will be all,''
Just as Lily opened her mouth to object, McGonagall pursed her lips angrily.
'' Really, Miss Evans, I do not want to hear it. You are dismissed,''
Lily glared at Sirius and James, who were smirking and high-fiving each other, as they left McGonagall's office.
'' Thanks a lot! Three months detention. '' she hissed angrily at them. '' We've barely even been in school for a day and you managed to get us all into deep trouble. Three months for first years has to be some sort of record! ''
'' Exactly! '' chortled Sirius. '' You should be thanking us, Evans. What better way to make your mark? Everyone will know our names,''
Lily's eyes nearly popped out of her head in disbelief.
'' Are you serious? Then you need help, Black,'' she spat. '' This isn't some glorifying ego trip. We'll be stuck inside every afternoon, with some snooty teacher, running errands, and probably cleaning, for a quarter of a year,''
Remus noddedvigorously in stoic agreement.
'' Yeah, that is a downer, alright. But think of all the pluses! We got one over on Malfoy and his cronies, everyone at school is talking about us and now…'' James puffed his chest proudly. '' Well…now…everyone will be in awe of us. Can you imagine? Getting such a looong detention before we even hit Hogwarts! It's every troublemakers dream…ahh, the praise…the recognition….''
Lily shook her head.
'' You are pathetic, Potter. And you too Black. Remus and I are the only ones who seem to have any sense. I didn't even do anything, for crying out loud! ''
'' Oh, so we're not on first name bases anymore, eh? Well, ok then, Miss high and mighty Evans. Just you remember that we tried to be friends with you…we defended your honour from Malfoy. And this is how you repay us? You should be begging for our friendship,'' Sirius barked snobbishly, sick of arguing.
Lily reacted as though he had slapped her.
'' Begging, Black? What, you want me to grovel at your feet? You are so arrogant and conceited! Why would I want to be friends with people who let innocent parties be punished for their crimes? '' she shouted, her eyes burning.
'' Look, Lily, we're sorry. Sirius doesn't mean what he said…'' James began, nudging the scowling boy with his foot. '' I know it's not your fault…we're just trying to get you to look on the bright side,''
'' What bright side? There are no positives to this! What good could possibly come from it? '' she retorted.
James grinned.
'' You get to spend all your afternoons with me, of course,''
Lily's eyes widened and she groaned.
'' You…you…you're so stuck up! I don't want to spend time with you. You just let Professor McGonagall hand me that punishment on a platter and you didn't back me up when I tried to show her that it wasn't me. And all just because you want to hit on me! Get a grip, Potter,''
James mouth dropped open and he stared at her in shock.
'' Are you joking or something? You don't like me? ''
'' Hardly, after what you just did. Or didn't do, more like. You could have told her that Remus and I did nothing. What kind of a selfish person lets others be blamed with them? ''
James spluttered in horror.
'' But everyone likes me! I'm…James Potter,''
'' Oh get real. What's so great about you? You're mean and selfish with, clearly, the biggest ego since Hitler! ''
James frowned.
'' So…you won't go out with me? '' he asked hopefully, as though doubting she was really saying all this to him.
'' NO! '' Lily shrieked, outraged. '' You sicken me. I thought today maybe we could be friends, that I could overlook your constant need to hex others just because, obviously, you've got an advantage of actually knowing magic and want to show off and do in people who screw you over, but now, I realise we can't. I just couldn't tolerate your apparent disregard for others' feelings as well as your UNBELIEVABLE arrogance. Goodbye,''
With that, Lily spun on her heel and stormed away, her black robes billowing behind her.
'' Isn't she amazing? So…hot tempered…and…feisty,'' chuckled James, gazing after her as though irresistably drawn to her. Sirius rolled his eyes.
'' Awkward choice of love, James. She clearly can't stand you,''
James sighed deeply.
'' Yeah…but she'll come round. The old Potter charm never fails. I'll get her, just you see,''
Remus quirked an eyebrow.
'' Somehow, I think not,''
'' Just you see,'' James replied confidently. '' Just you see. ''
Five years later, James was in the same situation – head over heels for a girl who detested him. But, maybe, in their sixth year, they could overcome their they? Only time would tell....
