A light snow had covered the grounds overnight. Delicate snowflakes were still falling from the sky, and students were merrily playing out of doors in the snow, as it was one of their days off. Lily Evans, however, was inside, trying to convince her Potions master that she really did like him as a person.
"PLEASE, Professor Slughorn! I really do enjoy your company! I was just in a really bad mood yesterday, when Emma and I were passing notes! Please understand!"
"Lily. I am very disappointed in you. You know that I frown upon passing notes. And you, one of my favourite students!"
"But-I-Didn't-It-Was-Emma's-"
"Miss Evans! Do not blame Miss Clearwater for your mistakes! Now, I will HAVE to give you a detention! I'm sorry, but rules are rules."
"Please, professor! I-"
Suddenly, James Potter burst through the door.
"What are you doing here, Potter?" Lily snapped.
"Ah, Mr. Potter! I have been expecting you! Mr. Potter here is just giving me a message from Headmaster Dumbledore, about whether or not I should lecture about love potions," Slughorn told Lily.
"Right. Well, here is your message, Professor Slughorn."
"Thank you, James. Now, Lily, do not complain about the detention I am giving you, or I am afraid I will have to make it two."
"But my record, Professor! A detention will ruin it! And-and-I'm a prefect!" complained Lily.
James could not bear to see Lily so sad and helpless anymore.
"Please, sir," he said. "I would like to confess to something."
"Yes, well, James, it will just have to wait until I am done discussing something with Miss Evans here."
"No, professor. It cannot wait. I put the dungbombs in Slytherins entrance."
"Well! James! That is a very serious offense. We will have to go to Dumbledore's office immediately. Miss Evans, you are dismissed. This is your warning. Next time I catch you breaking the rules, you will receive that detention."
"Thank you so much, Professor Slughorn! I appreciate it."
"Yes, well…come along, Potter. To the headmaster's office, now."
As James exited from the classroom, he winked at Lily.
"See you, Lily."
It was the first time James had ever called Lily by her first name.