Chapter Five: The Perfect Beginning

"Are you waiting for somebody?" Lily looked up to find James standing next to her. She didn't hear him approaching and he was definitely not the person she was expecting to see.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I'm waiting for…" And then it hit her. Remus, I'm going to kill you. This is called entrapment. "No one, I guess," she said looking away.

"Would you mind me sitting here?"

"You might as well. I'm leaving anyway." She started to gather her books without giving him a second look.

"Not on my account I hope." How could he make his voice sound so soft and comforting?

She remained silent for a while. He stood next to her waiting for her response. Lily finally looked up.

"What do you want from me Potter?"

He sat down next to her, looking at the lake. It seemed as if he was searching for the right words.

"I just want to be your friend," he simply said.

"Is that why you tried to kiss me yesterday, because you want to be my friend?" The words came rushing out of her mouth before she could stop them. But, why? This was the last conversation he wanted to have with James Potter.

He looked at her, and now it seemed like he was the one trying to read her mind.

"I'm sorry about that." She knew he was sincere. "I just don't want you to hate me Lily. I want to be your friend. Actually, I would like to be more than just your friend, but that would be a start."

"Why?" Her voice was not louder than a whisper.

"Are you kidding? You're smart, funny, brave... You care about your friends, and I would like to be one of them."

She opened her mouth but no sound came out, so James continued.

"I know it's my fault that you hate me, I've been horrible to you since our first year. I was just trying to get you to notice me, but I guess I took the wrong approach."

"I don't hate you, James." James. It was the first time she had said his name out loud. It sounded strangely nice. He seemed to notice it too, but didn't mention it.

"You don't?" he asked instead.

"No. It's just that you are so annoying sometimes. You are very smart and gifted, but you can't take anything seriously." Did she imagine it or he had blushed when she said he was smart? She expected him to gloat, but this truly surprised her.

There was a moment of silence while they looked into each other's eyes.

This is a mistake Lily, a voice inside her head warned her. He's all wrong for you. Would you be able to trust him to take you seriously?

But he was sincere. She didn't know how she knew it, but she was sure he was being honest with her. Or wasn't he?

Why should I trust him? She asked herself.

At that moment she remembered Remus' words, "Because he is a good friend, and he really likes you. I know you don't trust him, but you should. Just give him a chance and let him be your friend."

Should she trust James? Should she give him a chance?

James was the one who finally talked.

"Even though we've been classmates for the last five years, we really haven't taken the time to get to know each other."

Lily shook her head and James continued talking.

"I want to get to know you, and I want you to get to know me. The real me." He moved so he would be directly in front of her. "I understand you might be skeptical about me, but give me a chance and I promise that I can change."

Lily realized she was smiling. She looked down and started playing with the grass under her hand. She didn't look at him when she asked.

"So, what do you propose? You're not expecting that we…" How was she supposed to say that?

"Of course not." He was smiling when she looked up. "I know you're not interested in me like that." Yeah, right! He clearly didn't know her at all. "But you will. For now I'll be content with your friendship."

"Can you be any more arrogant, James Potter?" She rolled her eyes. But she was not angry. She was rather amused.

"Let's just say I'm confident." His smile was even wider. "So, what do you say? Friends, Lily Evans?" He extended his hand toward her.

She looked at him. Was this really happening? Or, was it one of his pranks?

No. He was not the person I thought. I do want to get to know him better. And maybe… just maybe…

"Friends, James Potter." She smiled too and grabbed the hand he was offering her.

For some reason she knew that they would end up being much more that friends, and somehow, she was sure he knew that too.

THE END