Hogwarts; Hufflepuff Fight Club.

Heal; (word) unforeseen

Hogwarts, Assignment 6, Hufflepuff

Subject/Task: Healer Studies: Ailments; Task #6: Maledictus: Write about a fast-approaching deadline.

Word Count; 875

James Potter knew exactly how his Saturday would go. He'd sleep in before taking a shower. Head down to eat with his friends, gossip, plan an adventure, and plan a future prank. Do a little bit of homework in the library with Remus, where they'd decide against doing the prank but work out how to do the adventure. Ask Lily out. Practice Quidditch or flying. Meet up with his friends again to finalise whatever adventure they'll be doing the following day. Eat dinner. Lounge around. Then patrols with Lily, where he'd attempt to convince her to give him a chance. Head up to bed as a single man and sleep until Sunday.

However, the second half of his day had an unforeseen change before his Quidditch practice after Lily said a certain word.

"Fine!"

"Excuse me?"

Lily looked at him, her green eyes shining in annoyance. "I will go on one date with you."

"Great! So…"

"Tonight. Before our patrol. Just tell me when and where and I'll be there."

James panicked at this. That wasn't enough time to prepare. He glanced to his side. "I'll pick you up in the common room at 4."

Lily gave him a single nod of confirmation and walked off.

That had left James with three hours to create the most magnificent date that any girl would swoon over. No, not any girl. Lily.

He could take her flying? No, he wasn't sure if she'd like that. A swim in the black lake! Wait, could she swim? Take her to a secret spot where they'd be alone! But she could think he's being too forward or trying to get her alone for different reasons. Should he get her flowers? Did she like flowers? What was her favourite colour?

How could he be in love with Lily and know nothing about her?

He always presumed they were meant for each other, but now he's coming to realise that perhaps it had all been in his head. James quickly shook his thoughts. That didn't mean it was real!

But now he had the perfect plan and only - AHHH! - half an hour left!

James took off running to get everything sorted. He wasn't good under time-constraints! Everything was rushed. Imperfect. Incomplete!

There were so many unforeseen circumstances to going on a date with Lily that he had never thought about before. Honestly, he never thought she'd actually agree.

Rushing past Lily - who looked terrific - he sent a quick apology and ran to his dorm. With haste, he combed his hair, changed into clean robes, and took a breath before practically flying down the stairs to get back to her. Glancing at the clock, he cheered on the inside. He was on time!

James took a deep breath and smiled. "Are you ready, my lady?"

Lily met his eyes, looked away to her friends, and then back to him. "Sure."

Relief filled him. Though he didn't allow himself to think about it, there was a chance that she had been pulling a prank on him. But it was worth it regardless. He indicated towards the portrait. "Shall we?"

With a nod, Lily headed out before him.

They two walked in silence for the first few minutes, just like they did for their patrols, as he indicated the directions.

"You know," Lily started, not looking at him, "You could just tell me where we're going."

"Oh!" James had been so frazzled and rushed off his feet, he hadn't thought about that. "I thought we could go to the Astronomy Tower; it has magnificent views."

"An interesting choice," she commented.

James straightened his shoulders. He would not be nervous. He would enjoy every moment with her. After all, it might be his only date he'd get with her. They fell back into silence, that was James' fault. He couldn't think of anything to say.

Every step up the Tower, he wondered if he'd made the right call with this date. Maybe he should have gone for something he knew she'd expect; maybe that was what she wanted. But it was too late now.

She had gotten to the top of the stairs first and paused.

James reached her and smiled. "I thought we could have a picnic. I got a variety of food and some extra blankets in case either of us get cold."

"A picnic?" She seemed very surprised.

James nodded. "First dates are supposed to be about getting to know one another. To actually know each other."

He moved forward and took his seat, setting out the two plates before looking up at her unexpectedly.

Lily took the hint and sat down opposite him. "What did you want to know?"

James took his time to think but drew a blank. "Actually, I was thinking that you could ask the first question."

"Okay," she started. "What's your favourite food?"

James grinned at her first question. It was so simple, yet something he yearned to know about her. He picked up one of the scones, "this," and placed it on his plate.

Her natural smile was enough for him to know he made the right call. And even if they never went on a date again, he'd be happy, and hopefully, they could be friends.