I think James is changing, Emma.
What do you mean? Hey! You called him by his first name!
Yeah, well, he called me by my first name yesterday. I don't know…he is just…different. A lot more respectful.
Do I hear COMPLIMENTS for James Potter coming from LILY EVANS?
That is not funny. I thought you wanted me to give him a chance.
I do.
Well, shut it then.
What he did for you in Slughorn's classroom yesterday was really sweet…and so unlike him.
Yeah, I know! I didn't know he was capable of something like that…of course, I still hate him-
Of course.
Its just that…well, I don't know…I think I hate him a little bit less.
REALLY?
Yeah. Don't tell ANYONE though. Specifically Potter, ok? I don't want him to get an even bigger head.
I promise. My lips are sealed.
…
"So, Prongs, where are you serving your detention tonight?"
"In the trophy room…I didn't get a bad one this time. I think Dumbledore knew why I turned myself in."
"I still do not understand why you turned yourself in to save EVANS," Sirius remarked, stunned. "I mean, she has been making your life hell since day one."
"I know! But I couldn't just stand there, watching her get a detention, near tears."
"Hey, Potter! I have good news for you!" Emma Clearwater sprang over to them and plopped on top of Sirius' lap.
"Yeah? What?"
"Lily doesn't hate you as much. Her exact words: 'I think I hate him a little bit less…of course, I still hate him.'" Exclaimed Emma.
"Wow. She doesn't hate me AS much. Well, I suppose it is an improvement."
"Of course it is, mate," said Remus. "Just remember, no tormenting Snape-"
"WHAT?" Shouted Sirius, standing up abruptly, causing Emma to fall to the ground, getting dirt and snow all over herself. "WHY NOT?"
"Because Lily hates it when James hurts other people," Remus Lupin said calmly.
"Fine. But just because James has to stop, doesn't mean I have to, as well," said Sirius, staring unashamed at Emma's butt, which had a large streak of dirt on it. "Oh, Emma! You have a huge streak of dirt, right here!" Sirius reached out a hand, grinning mischievously, to touch Emma's butt, pretending to attempt to wipe the dirt off.
"STOP TOUCHING MY BUTT, BLACK!" Shouted Emma.
"Sorry, I just couldn't help it," Sirius grinned sheepishly. "And I was TRYING to help you get the dirt off," he said, trying to look offended.
"Sure you were, Padfoot," grinned James, trying to suppress his laughter. His best friend was the worst actor of all time.
"And, as I was SAYING, no tormenting Snape-" There was a loud snort coming from Sirius at this point, and upon seeing the glare he got from Lupin, he weakly attempted to turn it into a cough. "Give her respect, and do not ask her out every single day."
"Well, if you're such a girl expert, why don't you go ask out your beloved Ella?" Growled Sirius. He was greatly offended that he could no longer do his favorite hobby, tormenting Snape, with his best friend.
"You like Ella Johnson, Remus?" Asked Emma. "I know for a fact that she is single. Why don't you go ask her to Hogsmeade?"
Lupin looked greatly embarrassed, not to mention terrified.
"Go on! I'll bet she will say yes! I've seen her staring at you quite a few times this week," said Emma.
"Really?" Sirius whispered to Emma, so Lupin would not hear them.
"No," Emma whispered back. "I'm just trying to get his self-esteem up. Help me out, here!" Emma hit Sirius hard in the ribs.
"OUCH!-ERM-Yeah, Moony! Go for it! We'll be waiting right here!"
"Alright, well, I guess it is now or never," said Lupin.
He stood up, and froze immediately upon seeing Ella Johnson across the grounds.
"Its ok, Moony! Just ask her! I'll bet she likes you, as well! Hey, it cannot get worse than me and Lily, right?" James joked.
Lupin slowly gained feeling in his legs, and took one step about every 5 seconds. Five minutes later, he was next to Johnson, not moving an inch. He looked absolutely terrified.
"Oi! MOONY! SAY SOMETHING! DAMN IT, MOONY!" Sirius groaned.
Emma grimaced. "He looks like he is under petrificus totalus," she said.
"Don't worry," grinned James. "He'll gain feeling in 5, 4, 3, 2-"
At that moment, Ella Johnson said something to Lupin. He smiled his biggest smile and nodded fervently. Lupin walked away, bouncing in his strides.
James laughed. "I told you so," he told Emma and Sirius.
"She asked me to Hogsmeade! She really did! She likes me!" Lupin looked overjoyed.
"We're really happy for you, mate," said James, smiling at Remus.
"Yeah, I told you she liked you, Remus," Emma said excitedly.
Sirius glanced at her suspiciously, and opened his mouth as if to protest to this statement.
He was immediately hit in the ribs again, keeling over.