Sorry about the delay on this one—I planned out every chapter, then lost the plan, then found it again, not to mention I also went through driver's ed. craziness and a breakup…it's been a long couple of weeks : ) Also, a note on Lily: Lily might start to come off as a little nasty, but keep in mind that this is from James' point of view, which is a bit skewed. She's really not so bad.
Dear Lily,
It was cold today, with blustering winds and icy sleet; hardly ideal conditions for Quidditch, but of course Marke wanted to practice (mad as a Hatter, he is). I had important business to take care of, however, so I skipped and went about my way. I've been hiding from him since I got back from Hogsmeade as Sirius tells me that Marke is currently on a hunt for my head. Knowing you, your eyebrows probably raised when I said that I was in Hogsmeade as it's a Monday night (although I'm not sure if you'd remember that this far back, but you would at least know that we didn't have a Hogsmeade weekend this early), but I did have good reason. Someone special to me has a birthday coming up and someone else has a genius plan. I bought you two presents today—one that I'll give you in my usually overdone, overzealous, loud public manner, and the other…I have special plans for the other. I owled your father your father anonymously, asking him what a secret admirer could possibly get you for your birthday that you would love. He owled back, but not with a reply—instead, he sent a catalogue in which you had circled several items. Your father had made an asterisk next to one particular piece in different colored ink. I wasn't sure what was so special about it at first glance. It looked like an ordinary picture frame with Gryffindor-hued crystals at first, but then I read the description. Apparently, they frame a photograph of the recipient's favorite memory. It seemed clever and unconventional (and also what you wanted), so I put the order in and it should be here in time for me to add my card to you as your secret (not public) admirer.
In other news, classes are already grueling in preparation for the N.E.W.T.S. (especially McGonagall's—I think it's about time that somebody pulled the wand out of her rear end). The workload is worse than it's ever been before, and all for a silly test! Why does it matter how I do on it, for instance? I hate to sound arrogant, but my parents have enough money for me to live off of for the rest of my life without getting a job, and they're glad to let me do it. Really, when am I ever going to need to know how to turn a fowl into a water goblet into a porcupine into a pincushion? I don't sew and I always plan to have an adequate supply of both water goblets (which is a fair amount) and fowl (which is none). Some rubbish, eh? And I know what you'll say to that: "It's all about technique, James! Besides, you need to know how to perform unexpected spells. Anything can happen at any given second, James, and you need to be prepared." You were always the smart one.
You've seemed nervous lately, Lily. I know that this will be a little too late by the time you get these, but I know you'll do fantastic on the N.E.W.T.S. You excel at everything you try—you're like King Midas and turn everything you touch to gold. You're a spectacular human being, and I hope you know that.
That said, are you sure you're alright? I was in the library today waiting for Eric Cetyl, who does my homework, to meet me and I overheard some of your friends talking about how worried they were about you. I caught some snippets of their conversation, including "she's getting worse, I think," and "I don't think Lily can hold up like this much longer," before Eric tapped me on the shoulder and handed me the notebook my papers were in and opened up his palm for his payment. I know the chances that you'll tell me anything of your own free will are slim, and I'd hate to ask you. I know you'd say you were fine. I just want you to know that I'm worried about you, Lily, and I hope that counts for something.
Thinking of you,
—James