AN:/So sorry for this ridiculously short chapter, but it seemed like a good time to end it. I'll post another one later on.
Also, I'm one review away from 40! Guys, that's amazing. Thank you all so much. :)
For about an hour after James's arrival, things in the group seemed rather tense. Lily had long ago finished her ice cream and had nothing to do.
James was stirring the melted contents of his bowl, blinking very slowly. Alice had found Frank and was off somewhere with him.
"So…" Sirius said, looking around. "What shall we do then?"
Lily shrugged.
They fell into another silence. After five minutes, Sirius grabbed Marlene's hand and pulled her up.
"Just going to have a bit of a walk around, bye!"
Marlene giggled and followed the boy. Lily watched them disappear, feeling more uncomfortable by the minute.
Hestia yawned widely and looked over at Remus, who had his head on the table.
"Remus, mind coming with me to Quality Quidditch Supplies? I'm thinking of trying out for the team next year."
Remus jumped up.
"Of course!" He just looked glad to get away.
After they had left, Lily glanced around at her company.
Peter Pettigrew and James Potter.
Oh Merlin.
James clearly wasn't in the mood to talk, and everyone knew Peter wasn't an ace at conversational skills.
"So, Peter." Lily said. "Any sign of a girlfriend?" She smiled kindly as Peter turned beetroot.
He looked over at James before talking.
"W-well…there's this girl I like…but n-no…"
Lily grinned. "Who?"
Peter shook his head. "I can't tell you!"
"You can tell me, I might be able to help!"
Out of the corner of her eye, Lily saw James give her a dirty look, but she ignored it.
"I could set you two up!"
James scoffed and Lily looked around to glare at him.
"Problem, Potter?"
"No." James said, smiling sarcastically.
"Well, anyway…Peter. I could tell you what girl's like!"
James made a noise that sounded like a laugh.
"What, Potter?"
"Nothing…I just don't think you'd be the best to give advice on love. How many boyfriends have you had exactly?"
Lily blushed.
"Shut it, Potter."
James turned to Peter. "You'd be better asking me. I can tell you everything."
"Sure, if he wants to become an arrogant pig who thinks he can get any girl by looking funny at them, go ahead."
James glowered at her.
"What's that supposed to mean Evans?"
"It means you're an arsehole!"
Lily's voice was getting louder and she noticed a couple looking over at their table.
"Erm…guys?" Peter said anxiously. "Keep it down." Alas, Peter was not the best person to try and break up a fight.
"I'm an arsehole?" James said, pointing to himself. "Well you're just a frigid cow."
Lily flared up. "I am not!"
"Oh that's right. Who would want to kiss Lily Evans?"
She raised her eyebrows. "You, maybe?" James laughed coldly.
He turned to Peter. "See? She's clearly delusional! Thinking I'd want to kiss her?"
Peter was staring open mouthed.
Lily felt tears well up in her eyes.
"I bloody hate you, James Potter!" Lily stood up, her voice was cracking and she had to get out before things got worse.
"Oh, don't worry! The feeling is mutual."
James smirked.
"Not my fault you have some weird fascination with me. You invited us out…what is that about? We're not your friends!" He was standing now too, whilst Peter watched on in shock.
"Fine then! I won't be your friend!" Lily screamed. Everyone walking past looked over.
She was crying now, unable to stop the tears.
James said nothing, and he looked almost regretful for a moment. Then he shook his head slightly.
"Good."
Lily stared at him before walking away. She ignored the pitied looks coming from all directions.
She didn't look back, so she didn't see James hunch his shoulders in defeat. She didn't see him sit down beside Peter and put his head in his hands.