The Butterbeer

(One-Shot)

Disclaimers: I don't own anything apart from some DVD's/books for this series.

AN: This is a short drabble prompt for 'The Houses Competition" set in 'Marauders Era' time. As I am old (ish), my views of them may vary from the young ones, including the fact that I am TeamCharlus/Dorea, have Sirius/James as distant relations through Black blood, as well as TeamTrans (as an ally). I do not accept any new stuff by Rowling.

House: Gryffindor

Class: Astronomy

Category: Drabble

Prompt(s): [Trope] Fake dating

Word count: 955 according to AO3 (4 pages)

Summary: In which, Lily insists their date is fake.

James gasped for air as the ties to his Quidditch jacket tightened on their own.

"She's really done it," Sirius said. "I can't undo it!"

"You mean I'm STUCK in it?" James exclaimed.

They eventually ended up in the hospital wing since James still couldn't get out of his Quidditch gear. By now, it was firmly holding him hostage.

"Do you think they'll ever get him out?" Remus asked, sitting on another hospital bed next to Sirius. "Lily is pretty good at charms."

"I hope so," Sirius said.

"They're always fighting," Remus sighed.

"He's never going to get that girl on a date with the way he's been constantly after her for years," Sirius said. He got off the bed, pulling Remus along with him. "Well, there's nothing we can do for Jim. Let's go find Peter in the library. We need to finish off our Potions' essays."

"I've done mine," Remus replied. "I'll just help you two finish up." As the pair left, a loud grumble from James still trapped could be heard from the next bed.

"I think I just figured out the counter-curse," Madam Pomfrey said victoriously, adding with admiration, "Miss Evans did a wonderful job with this charm."

"Great, now can you get me out, please?" James complained.

"Just a moment longer," Madam Pomfrey said, lifting her wand.

"Finally!" James gasped for air. "I'm free!" He suddenly narrowed his eyes as he ran out the door. "EVANS!"

Lily was just coming out of the library. "What now, Potter?"

"You owe me, Evans!" James snarled. "I was stuck in that thing forever. I know it was you. I know it!"

"I don't owe you a damn thing," Lily snapped.

"Was it or was it not you who bewitched my Quidditch gear?" James demanded.

"So?"

"You've had it in for me for a long time, now," James went on.

"That's what you get for messing with Severus all the time!"

"I could barely breathe!"

"Oops, clumsy me."

"Oh!" James snarled, hair rising a little. Prongs was wanting to come out. James passed a hand through his hair in a show of messing it up. "Butterbeer."

"What?"

"Butterbeer," James repeated. "That's all I ask. I'll drop this if you just have one Butterbeer with me."

"You're pathetic!" Lily snarled. "You'll stop at nothing to get a date with me!"

"Oh for God's sake, Evans!" James put his hands up. "It's a Butterbeer, not a marriage proposal!"

"I might poison yours."

"You do that!"

"What's in it for me?" Lily asked.

"If you come with me for a drink, I promise I will never talk to you again," James said. He pulled out his wand. "I'll even make an unbreakable vow."

"Don't be absurd," Lily replied.

"I—"

"OK I'LL GO!" Lily grabbed his wand before he did something stupid. "I hate you!"

"Oh, yeah?" James seethed. "Today, feeling's mutual. Trapping me in the jacket. Evans? You could have killed me."

"Excuse me while I shed a tear," Lily shot back waspishly. "I'll see you at the end of the road to Hogsmeade on Saturday. Don't be late so we can get it over with."

"It's a date!" James snapped.

"It's a FAKE date," Lily declared.

"Whatever!" James huffed, walking away. "I'll be there."

"Be where?" Sirius asked as he walked up, nearly colliding with James.

"Butterbeer on Saturday, with Evans."

"Did you?" Sirius stared.

"Just?" Peter blinked, coming up next to Sirius.

"Get a date with her?" Remus smiled as he stopped behind Peter.

"SHUT UP!" James marched away, face red with fists by his side.

On Saturday, James found himself waiting for Lily by the gate. When she showed up, they went to the Hog's Head where he bought both Butterbeers. Handing one to her, they went back outside to walk down the High Street, sipping their drinks. His eye caught sight of a few groups watching them. Money was being passed around. "Huh, look at that. People bet on us having a date."

"This isn't a real date," Lily said.

"I know," James said.

They walked in silence for a bit, ignoring the sound of coins.

"You didn't tell them, did you?" Lily figured it out. People thought they were actually dating now.

"Why would I?" James had the audacity to smirk.

"Unbelievable."

"Why do we fight so much, Evans?" James suddenly asked.

"We don't belong in each other's circles," Lily said.

"I know you're muggleborn," said James. "It's fine with me."

"That's not it," Lily said. "We just have different mindsets. Different friends. Well, I like Remus, though."

"He told me you know he's a werewolf."

"Yeah, a few months ago."

"Thank you," James said. "He needs all the support he can get."

"I had a feeling something was going on," Lily admitted. They had reached the gate to head back to the castle. Lily looked towards a group of her friends. "Well." She held out a hand to James. "I'm sorry for charming your jacket."

As they shook hands, James said, "I'm sorry for getting mad about it."

"Ok."

"Ok."

"Thanks for the Butterbeer."

"Welcome."

"Let's not do this again," Lily said, finally letting go.

"Right," James nodded, lowering his hands. "Can we try to not fight with each other anymore?" He suddenly asked as she had started to turn away. "I mean ... I hate that we fight so much. I'd like that to stop."

"You think I enjoy it?"

"N—don't!" James glared, nearly falling for the bait. "I don't want to fight with you anymore. Ok?"

"Ok ... " Lily turned back to her friends.

James silently watched her go before turning away to run into the forest to bound about as Prongs until he could calm down.

~the end