[10]

"Seen Lily yet?" James tried to act nonchalantly, but failed as he reached his hand up to muss up his hair.

"No, we just got off the train, Prongs," Peter said as the Marauders gathered up their luggage and headed for Hogwarts' gates.

"Well, yes, but—look! Come on, Paddy. Turn around. Yes, that's it—good. Standing by the gate, getting in, do you see her? The girl with the flaming red hair. Merlin, has she become even prettier or what, eh, Moony?" James asked, poking Remus in the arm and twisting Sirius's head to look in the opposite direction.

Remus just sighed in response, and Sirius rolled his eyes at James. "Where, Prongsie? Just who are you possibly talking about?" Sirius asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Right there! You know, Lily, the girl I like. You can't have possibly forgotten! It's only been a winter break," James cried out, now resorting to pointing wildly in Lily's direction.

"Ah, Prongsie dear, you know how rude that is. Imagine Lily catching you pointing at her. And you should have made yourself clear, you know—I mean nearly every single witch in the Wizarding World has bright red hair. It's the latest craze," Sirius said sardonically, flicking his elegant ebony hair back in place.

"Are you serious?"

"Never mind, Prongs. Just go chat with Lily," Sirius said, straightening his robes. "Alright, m'dears, I'm off for a session now."

"A session?" James asked, puzzled. "He gets tutored?"

"Let me clarify. I think he means snogging session," Remus explained and sighed. "I feel bad for the girl."

James snorted loudly and agreed, "Yeah, imagine if the girl knew she was frenching a dog."

"I heard all of that!" Sirius roared as he left.

"Ah, yes, forgot about that canine sense of hearing of his," James said, smiling. "Alright, then. I'm going to talk to Lily."

Before his hand reached his hair to muss it up some more, James stopped himself, and instead, tried in vain to pat his hair down. Giving up after a few attempts, James walked up to Lily and gave her a winning smile.

"Lily! How was your winter break?"

"It was nice. And yours?"

"Ah, very enjoyable, thanks. Say, Evans, do you like flying?" James asked casually.

"No," Lily answered quickly. "Why do you ask?"

"Why not?" James asked, frowning.

"I—I'm just not fond of it," Lily said with apprehension.

"You're scared." The words did not sound like an accusation coming from James. It was merely a statement.

"I am most definitely not!" Lily retorted defiantly, her cheeks burning. "I just can't fly!"

"You what?" James asked, amazed.

"I can't fly," Lily said in almost a whisper of shame.

"I can teach you," James said softly.

Lily snapped back to her fiery self. "I don't need lessons, Potter! I'm well off without flying."

James nodded. "Of course. It must be…"

"Must be what?"

"You're scared."

"I am not! Haven't I told you that already?"

James shrugged. "I think you are."

"Tonight, ten o' clock, by the lake," Lily said firmly.

James quickly nodded before Lily could say anything. She looked absolutely horrified at her words. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, m'dear!" He left, humming happily.