Destined to be?
Chapter 1
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT J.K. ROWLING, WISH I WAS, BUT, ALAS, NO.
As the candle light flickered in the dull of night, it illuminated the figure of a rather handsome boy pacing back and forth, who appeared to be muttering to himself.
"Go on, she's not that scary… I mean, she only slapped you across the face once… and she had good reason for it. But still, I don't know, well, what if she turns me down?"
The boy went on and on like this for a while, until he was aroused from his stupor by the sound of feet on the stairs. Quickly he stopped and turned bright red as a pretty, young, redhead made her way over to him.
"James? Uh, I mean Potter? What are you doing up at this hour? And who were you talking to?"
"Uh, no one, nothing, um, I was just doing my, ah… potions homework! Yeah, that's the one..." came the ever witty reply. "Anyway, why are you so interested in what I'm doing all of a sudden? It's not like you've ever shown any interest in anything I've ever done, except to insult me for being too 'childish'. And you're not perfect yourself Miss Lily Evans, so don't act so superior!"
"I was only asking! And if that's what I get for being concerned about… um I mean… I just thought that I might be able to help, but seeing how I am oh so superior I don't think I will! And you are childish, so there!"
Here James half expected her to poke her tongue out and had to fight hard to bite back a laugh.
"No need to get so worked up about it."
"Me? Worked up? I think not! I only asked you what you were doing because maybe I actually care about….uh…um….err…"
James faltered here. "Did Lily just say what I thought she said? I must be dreaming! She did not just say she cares about me. Did she?" He figured there was one way to find out, and his reputation as a practical joker was going to help him pull it off.
"Actually care about what Miss?" he said with a cheeky grin on his face.
"Uh… nothing! I was thinking of all the extra homework our whole class will get as punishment for you not finishing yours" Lily said, quickly trying to cover for herself.
"Sure you were, look, we both know the truth. You want me don't you? You want me bad."
At this Lily went scarlet and tried, unsuccessfully, to come up with a comeback, instead deciding upon changing the subject, but James had already blown her bluff.
"How about your potions homework Potter? Do you need any help with that?"
James was practically jumping for joy inside at her reaction, until he recalled his non-existent potions homework. "What am I going to do now?" he thought to himself.
"Well?" Lily said as she sat down on the couch and patting the spot next to her "I'm waiting"
"Don't worry about it, it's late anyway, you should get back to bed, you don't want to be tired tomorrow"
"What's this? James Potter, actually thinking about someone other than himself for a change? It's a miracle. Better not let your boys see you like this. It would just crush their opinion of you!"
"I do not care what they think of me! There is a lot more to me than what you think Evans." At this James sat down on the couch across from Lily.
"Oh really?" Lily said, looking sceptical
"Yes really"
"Name one thing"
"Uh… I care about my grades. Is that good enough for little miss perfect?"
Lily laughed, "You, care about grades? As if!"
"Told you there was more to me" he retorted
"You just made that one up, the great James Potter does not care about his grades…"
"Oh, so I'm 'great' am I?"
"Shut up. If you care then why do you and your silly little friends play all those pranks on the teachers?"
"Because they're fun!" was the ever ingenious reply
At this Lily had to laugh. "Well, when you put it that way"
Lily's laughter was contagious. Before either knew what was happening they were in hysterics, telling the lamest of jokes, but still finding them hilarious.
Things appeared to be going quite well so James thought he should take the risk and ask Lily the question he had been deliberating about asking her when she had interrupted him. He took a deep breath and asked "Lily?"