INTRODUCTION

Second Year
"Lily! Hey, Lily!" the twelve year-old boy with glasses called at the back of a girl of the same age with red hair. "Lily!"

"What do you want, Potter?" The girl demanded, turning round, her eyes full of contempt.

"I was- was-"

"Spit it out..."

"-wondering if you wanted to go- go to the dance with me."

"The dance? With you? I'd rather die!"

Fourth Year
"Get out of my way, Potter!" Lily Evans shouted. A small boy with black hair and glasses stood blocking her path.

"Not until you answer the question." And the boy stood firm.

"What question? The one you've been asking for two years?"

"I guess. So, will you be my girlfriend?"

"My answer is the same as it was two years ago. No!"

"But, why?" pleaded the young teenager.

"Because you're a prat. Good-bye, Potter."

Sixth Year
"Please, Lily, just one date!" James Potter was kneeling at Lily Evans' feet, begging.

"No, Potter."

"But, please! You have to! The guys all have dates and I don't! Can't you please, plea-"

"A last resort? You're trying to use me as a last resort? I knew you were low, but this has got to be the lowest thing you'be ever done!"

"Lily, let me explain. You were the only girl I asked, honest. You're not a last resort! I-"

"I'm not taking this bull anymore! I hate you, James Potter." The boy was stunned. His eyes were starting to well up with tears when she stood up.

"Lily, wait! I just didn't know the right time to ask. You'd never be a last resort! I love you too much!" But whether she heard him or not, he'd never know. The door slammed shut behind her and he was afraid to speak to her until the end of term.

Over the Summer
"Come on, James. Cheer up!" Sirius said, thumping James Potter hard on the back. "Everyone says things they don't mean when they're angry."

"Yeah, but... she said she hated me. Her face looked like it, too, you should have seen-"

"Just snap out of it! She's yours! This year's your year! Just be yourself and there's no way she won't fall for you. Got it?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"James! You gotta believe that's what's gonna happen! Put some feeling behind your words!"

"She's gonna be mine," James muttered. Then he said it again in a much stronger voice. "She's gonna be mine! Yeah! Thanks, Sirius!" And he left his room for the first time that summer, smiling at the thought of it.