Saturday

Fifth year

After half an hour of Lily and Snape practising Colour Change Charms on various objects, Snape finally stood up and left.

"Here's your chance!" whispered Sirius. "C'mon!"

"Really, Padfoot? Do we have to do this now?" said James anxiously.

Sirius gawped at him. "You've had me hiding behind this bloody tree with you for half an hour. I have pins and needles in my legs. You. Cannot. Back. Out. Now."

"But I…" began James.

"Are you nervous?"

"I am," muttered James.

"You're in Gryffindor for a reason," said Sirius firmly. "Gryffindor, where dwell the brave of heart!"

He shoved James forwards, causing him to stumble out from behind the tree where they had been hiding. Lily looked up sharply.

"Potter?" she said suspiciously. "How did you just appear out of nowhere? You can't Apparate in Hogwarts and, besides, we've just started our fifth year. We don't learn Apparition until next year."

"No I didn't – I – er – Herbology," he stammered, searching desperately for an excuse. He didn't have to see Sirius to know that he was shaking his head in amusement.

"Herbology?" repeated Lily. Her eyes narrowed. "You don't even do Herbology, Potter."

"I might be taking it up," lied James casually. They were straying so far off topic that he wouldn't be surprised if Sirius stepped out from behind the tree and asked Lily himself.

"You, take up Herbology?" demanded Lily. "I distinctly remember you once saying Herbology was a waste of time. What's really going on?"

James felt himself tense. This – this – was the moment. He took a deep breath, wishing that it was confidence, not air, that he inhaled.

"I…" began James. "I was wondering…"

"Yes?" said Lily.

"I was just wondering if…" He swallowed.

"Will you hurry up?" said Lily. "I really don't have all day."

"It's Saturday tomorrow," said James lamely.

"I'm not stupid," she snapped. "I'm aware, Potter, that Saturday comes the day after Friday."

James wanted nothing more than to have his broomstick there and speed away in the cool September air.

"And so I was wondering… I was - so I was wondering..." He sounded like a complete idiot. "I was, er…"

"Let me guess," cut in Lily. "You were wondering. Can't you just spit it out?"

"WouldyoucometoHogsmeadewithme?" blurted James.

"I'm sorry, what?" said Lily.

"Hogsmeade? With me? On Saturday?" ventured James.

She let out one, dry laugh. "You're an idiot, Potter, for even thinking that I'd go out with you. If that's all, you can leave now. I have other things to do."

Rejection swept over him, and James felt his cheeks grow hot. He stared at Lily, the beautiful, talented, vivacious Lily, who had refused him.

"Ok," he said, somehow managing not to scream in humiliation. "Have a nice day, Lily."

His face burned, and he broke their gaze. It served him right, he knew this was what would happen.

"Thanks," she said.

He looked down, and managed a feeble smile, more than aware that Sirius was shaking laughing watching them.