Potions class were always her favourite, she loved everything about it. The smells, the ingredients the experiments… just everything.
Potions class were always one of his favourite classes, because he got the time to watch Lily looking happier than ever.

When the class ended he walked up to her, smiling broad. "You were really good today" he complimented her. Lily rolled her eyes in a way that said 'nice try', but in the corner of her eye it was that little piece of gratitude. "So, I was thinking- the next time we're going to team up, how about trying with me?" he asked, with that slightly flirty, nervous and sweet tone.

"How about no?" Lily asked, and walked out of the classroom, leaving him standing there running his hand through his hair.

"Oh, okay. That's cool!" he called after her, pretty sure she wouldn't hear him. Cursing himself for failing… again.

"That was… great, Prongs" Remus said patting his shoulder, as James gave him a doubtful look.

"Yeah, she didn't spit you in the face" Sirius said, ignoring the death glances from his friends. "ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE POSSITIVE, GUYS"

Lily almost jumped up and down off joy in their dorm. Invited for Slughorns party? She was so honoured, it wasn't directly a surprise, but still. That meant that he thought of her as one of his favourite students, that he thought she was good at his classes; which all leads to one thing. Better grades. Not that Lily only cared for the grades; she just wanted to know that all the effort she made actually gives something in return. Nothing could destroy that night for her.

James felt incredibly satisfied. An invitation for Slughorns "party"? All the sucking up worked, after all.