He'd come up here for a little peace. The shit had really hit the fan with the news about Sirius's family over dinner and James really felt like he needed a little pick me up before he had to deal with the latest crisis. The astronomy tower this late at night was one of the few places he had always been able to do a line or two in private, with nice long walk down the stairs giving his buzz time to hit before he had to face the world again.
Now he'd been interrupted by Lily of all people. He was tempted to go ahead and take just one line with her here anyway – she didn't seem to even realise he was there, he could get away with it, but as he heard her sob, he packed away his gear, mourning his lost chance. This time he was just going to have to deal on his own. He felt his nerves tremble at the thought, but couldn't stop himself from going over. No matter what anyone said, she did something to him.
"You alright?"
She jumped in surprise and for a moment he thought she was going to go over the side, but then she was turning towards him, frantically rubbing the tears from her face.
"Yeah, fine!"
Her voice was brittle, and inwardly he sighed wishing he could just forget about her, about everyone, stop being the great Head Boy for one second, but he just couldn't do it.
"Come on, what's wrong?"
He couldn't read her expression in the dark, but she seemed about to burst into tears again.
"Nothing. I just…it's nothing."
"Look I can see something's upset you. I know you hate me, but I'm just trying to help."
"I know. I'm really grateful, but I don't think you can help. Thanks for trying…you know I really don't hate you." She actually seemed sincere and James felt surge of hope only to have it quashed by a bitter sense of futility.
"Well you know if you want to talk…"
"Thanks."
He left quickly. Maybe no one would be in the toilets on the third floor.