[12]
The prior memory gave way with a quick ripple, and Harry and Ginny soon saw the familiar corridor outside the Gryffindor Common Room emerge.
"Congratulations, Head Girl."
"You just deepened your voice," Lily said accusingly, but her eyes were laughing. "But thank you, Potter. Congrats to you as well."
"What? No!" James denied her statement fervently, but gave her a wink. "My voice is already deep."
Lily swatted at him playfully. Harry and Ginny glanced over at the newly appointed Head Boy and Head Girl and exchanged smiles with each other.
Lily then admitted in a quiet voice, "I never thought you'd be the Head Boy type, Potter."
A pair of hazel eyes looked back at her, twinkling mischievously. "The name is James." He stuck out his hand to give her a handshake. "Pleased to meet you."
"Well, well. When did you finally mature, Mr. Potter?"
James shrugged and said in a light-hearted tone, "When I finally realized there was no substance behind my arrogance. Seriously, I was such a prick with a rod stuck up his arse."
Lily laughed. "You know, you're actually decent sometimes. But let's patrol now."
As they turned to leave, their robes brushed up against one another. Lily didn't move away, and neither did James. Together, Harry and Ginny watched the Head Boy and Head Girl walk down the long corridor together for that night's patrol watch.
[13]
A shimmer shifted the previous memory, and almost straightaway, Harry and Ginny felt a light spring breeze carrying the sweet notes of wisteria envelop them. They scanned their new location and noticed that they had, once again, returned to the lake, which was scintillating from the sunlight. Lily and James were strolling along the lake when they paused momentarily, retreating to the refreshing shade of an aged willow tree.
"Lily, there's a Hogsmeade trip this weekend…" James trailed off and hesitated.
Lily gave a small smile. "Yes, I'm well aware of that, James."
James flushed. "Sorry. What I'm trying to do—ask—argh, I don't know what I'm saying anymore."
"Aren't you going to ask me out?"
James stared at Lily briefly before finding the courage from within him to ask her. "Will you go with me, Lily? Please?"
"I—yes. Alright." It was Lily's turn to blush furiously.