The next couple of months went by like a breeze, with classes being as boring as ever. James hadn't asked Lily out once, and he was very proud of himself. He thought he was doing a good job at maintaining a good friendship with her, which was enough for him if he couldn't have her as his girlfriend. Everything was good and fine until Christmas Break rolled around.

"Right. So who's staying and who's leaving again?" James said.

"I'm leaving," Peter said.

"Me too," Remus said.

"Me three," Laurie said.

"Me and Lily are staying," Emily said.

"Same with me and James. Alright, well, have a good Christmas." Sirius said. Peter, Remus, and Laurie left for the train to go home.

"So it's just us four then?" Emily said.

"I guess so," Sirius said. The four sat on the couches in silence.

"Lily? Can I talk to you?" James asked.

"Sure," Lily said. She and James walked to the other side of the common room and sat down.

"I just wanted to let you know…though you probably already know…that I really like you." He said. Lily blushed.

"I like you too, James." She said. He smiled real big.

"Well…Prongs and I have some things to attend to. See you lovely ladies later." Sirius said, while he and James left the common room, James smiling and winking at Lily.

"Well that gets rid of them then." Emily said. Lily laughed.

"Why?"

"'Cos I need to tell you something,"

"You like Sirius, I know."

"You know?" Emily said, surprised.

"Duh!" Lily exclaimed. The girls giggled.

James and Sirius got to work and were busy planning a prank on the Slytherins when they left the girls that day.

"Okay, Prongs, you know what to do." Sirius said as the boys went their separate ways. James went and did his work while Sirius did his. James was in and unused classroom gathering some things and carrying them back to the Room of Requirement where he was supposed to meet Sirius. Halfway there, he ran into a Ravenclaw who was a year below him.

"Oh, James Potter, hello." She said smiling. She has wide blue eyes and china-white skin. Her silky, curly, gold hair is worn in a way that looks like a waterfall cascading down her back. She is tall and has an athletic build, and is a Chaser. She has prominent cheekbones and full lips.

"Miss Tessa Cruzan. What are you doing down here?" James asked.

"Oh…just being bored I guess. And you?" She asked, getting closer to him.

"Just up to the usual with Sirius." James said, not noticing her closeness. She ran her hand along his chest and stood on her tiptoes.

Emily ran off to the Library babbling about something, so Lily wandered the corridors aimlessly. She was walking along when she heard voices.

"Oh…just being bored I guess. And you?" She heard a girl's voice say.

"Just up to the usual with Sirius." Lily heard James say. She turned the corner and saw James and Tessa Cruzan kissing and Lily just stood there with wide eyes.

"JAMES POTTER!" She shrieked. He pushed Tessa off him and stared at Lily, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

"Lily, it's not what it looks like!" He said frantically. Lily's eyes brimmed with tears and she ran off, leaving a very upset James behind.

"Oh no…I'm sorry…" Tessa said. James ran after Lily, leaving her behind.