1973 – Third Year

Third Year hadn't even started, and James couldn't see it getting any better than this. He'd boarded the train with Peter Pettigrew, one of his three best friends. The two others, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, were yet to arrive. Together, the four boys called themselves 'The Marauders'.

Currently, Peter was sorting through his collection of Chocolate Frog cards, whilst James was staring out the window.

"James, mate, what are you looking at?" said Peter, as he shuffled closer to get a glimpse past the steam billowing from the top of the train. Through the thick of it, he could make out a red blob. Instantly, Peter knew this was none other than Lily Evans.

"Come on, James. What makes her so interesting?" At that very moment, Remus and Sirius walked in with arms full of food.

"Bit early, don't you think?" Peter said, gesturing the enormous pile of food that had been deposited onto the bench opposite him.

"Why, Pete! It's never too early for food," chorused Sirius. That was when he noticed his best friend staring longing out the window at her.

"James, what's with the sudden interest in her? I mean, wasn't it you who said just two weeks ago; 'I hate her and I hope she doesn't come back this year'," said Sirius, with an awful imitation of James' voice.

"You didn't say that, really, James?" asked Remus, absolutely shocked. He was just too nice to say something like that.

"Yeah, I did, but I've changed my mind," said James, not taking his eyes off her, as she hugged her parents one last time.

"Please Merlin NO!" said Sirius. This caught James' attention, whipping his head to look at his best friend's appalled face. "Listen very carefully to me James. Okay, close your eyes," James did as he said. "Now, tell me what you think when you see Lily Evans."

"This is ridiculous, Sirius, how is this –"

"Shut up, Remus! Tell us, James," Sirius said, and James began to talk.

"Lily Evans is, well, I don't know how to describe. She's too perfect for words. The way her hair blows in the wind and you can smell the coconut from her shampoo. The way she flicks her quill under her chin when she's stuck, even though she knows it will tickle her. How she gets that look on her face, scrunching up her nose in concentration. Especially in Transfiguration, 'cause that's her toughest subject. And how, when she's really happy, she gets that little sparkle in her eye. When she's around, she's the only girl in the room. I'm drawn to her and I don't –"

"Okay, James. That's enough," said Sirius. "Merlin's beard, he's in love with her."

James immediately stood up in a rage. "I am not in love with Lily Evans. I couldn't even like her. She's a right troll." A small cough escaped from behind James and he slowly turned around to face the worst person possible.

"Hello, Potter. Glad to know you haven't changed. What was it you just said? That I'm a 'troll'? At least I don't have to buy my way out of getting in trouble. Oh no, wait, you just get your daddy to pay for you, isn't that right?" Lily said, grinning at how easy it was to anger him.

"How dare you? I don't buy my way into or out of anything. I take my punishment where it's deserved. Obviously the same doesn't go for you because you're perfect, little Lily Evans." James said, earning him a slap across the face.

"I was willing to put the last years behind us and be nice to you, but you're even worse than before. You can't even try to be nice to people."

Lily's hand hadn't left her side and James grabbed it, pulling her close to him. Their noses were pressed together. Her left hand was clasped in his, as he wound their fingers together. For a moment, everything stopped. Remus and Sirius drew in a sharp breath, knowing that the worst was coming. Yet, as Lily's right arm rose above her head, they thought that she would hit him, but that didn't happen. Her hand rested against his cheek and her eyes closed for a fraction of a second. James' other hand found her hip and drew her just that little bit closer. When she opened her eyes, there were mere centimetres apart.

"Go out with me," breathed James. She could feel his hot breath against her cheek, and a slight blush fell across them. However, she wasn't that easy to fool.

"You're a git," she whispered in reply. And with those parting words, she spun around and slammed the compartment door behind her.

"Well, she clearly hates you more than ever," said Sirius, laughing as he started scoffing down the food. James sat beside him and picked up a liquorice wand.

"Lily loves me. She just doesn't know it yet."