Lily
"Lily, would you mind staying behind for a moment? I need to talk to you," Edgar said at the end of the Prefects' meeting. Lily saw Remus raise an eyebrow at her, but she waved him off. He shrugged and left, probably to report back to James.
"Sure," Lily replied. Once everyone had cleared out and it was just the two of them, she asked, "What's up?"
"Well, I just wanted to say that you've been doing a great job as a Prefect. I'm sure you'll be Head Girl in no time," Edgar said with a nervous smile. Lily hadn't realized how nice his smile was—white teeth gleaming against lightly tanned skin.
"Thanks. I didn't realize it was standard practice to single out just one Prefect," Lily joked.
"Well, let's just say this is more... personal than our Prefect duties," he replied, his deep blue eyes twinkling. His light brown hair was effortlessly styled, and she couldn't help noticing how well it suited him.
"Oh yeah?"
"You have the prettiest eyes. I wish I could stare into them all the time."
"That's a little too personal, I'm afraid," Lily teased. But she didn't move. They were both caught in the moment.
"I just hope I'm not overstepping with what I say next," he said slowly.
"Go on."
"How would you like to go to Professor Slughorn's Christmas Party... with me? As my date?" he asked. Lily noticed the small, attractive dimple in his cheek. How had she never seen it before?
"I'd like that," she said, surprising herself with how quickly she answered—not that she minded.
"Want to meet in Hogsmeade this weekend to plan it out?" he asked. She nodded, a smile plastered to her face.
"I'll see you this weekend," Lily said. Edgar kissed her cheek like a true gentleman, and she practically skipped out of the hall.
"Edgar asked me to the Christmas Party!" Lily shouted as she joined her friends, who were surprisingly engrossed in their homework.
"Edgar... Bones? The Head Boy?" Marlene asked, unimpressed. "I mean I guess he's cute and all, but he might slap your wrist, and not in a hot way!"
Emmeline, Mary, and Dorcas giggled.
"Shut it. He's sweet, smart, talented—and hot," Lily retorted.
"Not hotter than James Potter—who, might I add, asked you out just last week," Mary chimed in.
"Just because every other girl crawls all over him doesn't mean I will. He's arrogant and a bully," Lily said firmly. She hated how her friends always took James's side.
"Wasn't he about to storm over and rescue you from those Slytherins?" Emmeline asked, starry-eyed. "Imagine falling into his arms…"
"I'd rather fall on the floor," Lily muttered. "And he wasn't saving me, he was eavesdropping."
"Honestly, I don't understand why you're so against him. It seems like he'd do anything for you," Emmeline added, puzzled.
"And he thinks I should thank him for it. He acts like girls should line up for him."
"Sirius is the same way," Marlene shrugged. "Used to annoy me, but it's easier to just give in to your feelings, Lils."
Everyone turned to stare at her.
"Wait—are you saying you're snogging Sirius Black?" Lily asked, stunned. "And you think I have feelings for James?"
"Of course you do. You even called him James," Marlene said smugly. "Remember how jealous you were when he started snogging girls last year?"
"I was not jealous! I was mad at how he treated them—like trophies. And the way he asked me out was so... belittling. As if it was only because he thought I was hot."
"Well, you are gorgeous," Mary offered. "I think it's great he finally got the nerve to ask you."
"According to Sirius, James only snogs girls to make you jealous," Marlene added matter-of-factly.
"I wasn't aware you and Sirius talked much when you 'gave in to your feelings,'" Lily said dryly.
"We talked plenty—on the way out of the broom closet," Marlene grinned.
"When did this happen!?" Mary gasped.
"A few days ago after Potions! We were arguing—he botched my potion—then he said, 'Move out of my way,' and I said, 'Make me.' Next thing I know, he's got me against the wall. And Merlin, the rumors are true—his lips are divine."
"Is this a one-time snog or what?" Lily asked, excited despite herself. Even if it was Sirius, Marlene had fancied him for ages.
She shook her head coyly.
"We're going to Hogsmeade tomorrow. Not dating—just having fun."
"You should join Edgar and me!" Lily suggested.
"Brilliant idea!" Marlene beamed. "I can keep an eye on Bones, and see if he's as dry as I remember."
"Three Broomsticks?" Lily asked.
"Nope. Madam Puddifoot's. Obviously," Marlene replied.
Lily made a face. "Ugh. Alright. We'll meet you there. I need to grab a new inkwell first."
"Boring," Marlene coughed into her fist.
"Well, we wouldn't have this problem if we just used pens," Lily muttered.
"Another Muggle thing you think is better than magic," Marlene groaned.
"Pens don't need ink bottles! And Muggles are innovative—wizards can be a bit... old-fashioned."
"Oh Merlin," Marlene joked.
"I'm serious! Mary, back me up—Muggle things can be cool."
"I guess..." Mary said cautiously, not wanting to pick a side. Sometimes Mary tried to not anchor herself to anything Muggle, maybe it was that.
"Like ice skating or going to the cinema! And Muggles have tons of sports—plus science, maths…"
"One day we should all spend a day in Muggle London," Lily said dreamily.
"That could be fun," Marlene admitted.
"Always wanted to try being a Muggle for a day," Dorcas added.
"Great! Now let's plan Hogsmeade," Lily said, victorious.
James
"You heard what?" James barked.
"That the Head Boy asked Lily Evans to Slughorn's party," Delia said casually, hand in hand with him on the way to Hogsmeade.
"That's insane," James muttered.
"What do you care? Honestly, they're kind of perfect together," Delia giggled.
"And what's that supposed to mean? You think Lily's an arse?" James snapped. "Because she's not."
"I thought you hated each other," Delia mumbled. "I thought you'd find it funny."
He wanted to grumble further, but he kept it in. Did everyone think he hated Lily? "It doesn't matter, let's just go to that teashop or whatever."
Delia pulled him inside, rushing to a table near the window—then James froze. Lily was there. Snogging Bones. Not really really snogging, but a light kiss.
He wanted to hex Edgar on the spot. Instead, he kissed Delia—hard—pretending she was Lily.
"Oi, Prongsy. Really getting in there, huh?" Sirius strolled in.
"Yeah, mate," They were loud in typical Maurauder fashion. Loud enough for Lily to look over, cheeks flushed. He winked.
"Why don't you join Evans, Bones, Marlene, and I?" Sirius offered. James figured—why not? Might get them to stop snogging.
"C'mon, Delia," he said.
"Evans," James greeted with a grin. Edgar's eyes swivilled between him and Sirius with suspicion.
"Potter," Edgar said, extending a hand. James grinned crookedly and shook his hand with too much vigor.
"So, what do you girls usually order? I only come for the snogging," Sirius said. Marlene smacked his arm. He winked. She blushed.
"I'll have a tea. I've been into herbal blends lately. Maybe a passionfruit? What about you, Lily?" Edgar asked.
"Chai sounds good."
"Chai it is. What about the rest of you?" Edgar asked, standing quickly.
"Just a black coffee," Delia said. "Thanks Edgar."
"Same as Lovely Lily for me," James chimed in sweetly. Lily glared. Delia scoffed. Edgar looked confused. Perfect. Maybe everyone would feel as peeved as him.
"Well, Black and Marlene aren't thirsty," Edgar said awkwardly.
"I dunno, Bones. Looks to me like they're very thirsty," James smirked. Lily bit her lip to hide a laugh. Edgar looked unimpressed.
"I'll go order," Edgar said.
James turned to Lily. "Quite a catch, Lilybear."
"Thanks, Potter."
"I mean, I'm probably better-looking. And a better kisser. And smarter. Quidditch too. And—"
"Could you be more arrogant?"
"Probably. But I'm also funnier. That's five points for me. Not that it's a competition, of course, with someone as dull as that."
Edgar returned with the drinks and James meant it when he thanked him. He did appreciate Edgar getting the drinks. So he tossed him four Galleons—more than enough for both couples. Edgar couldn't seem to make heads or tails of it. And that was as far as James' appreciation went.
"Tell me, Bones, what do you think about writing lines in detention?" James asked, mock-serious.
"Will you leave him alone?" Lily snapped.
"I'm just making conversation, love."
Delia huffed, poking him in the side.
"I didn't invite you here," Lily said sharply.
"Honestly, Lilybear, I don't mind," Edgar said. "I'm actually quite against writing lines."
James tuned out. He stared at Lily. She avoided his gaze.
"Brilliant stuff, Bones," James said. "Don't you think so, Lilybear?"
"I'm leaving," Delia said. She grabbed her coffee and stormed for the door, only looking back to see if James was following. He let it rest a beat before calling out.
"Hey Delia! Still on for the Astronomy Tower tonight?"
Her frustration melted into a smile. She nodded and Lily rolled her eyes.
"You know I can't condone that," Edgar said seriously.
James scoffed. "Just when I thought you were cool, Bones. Rehabilitative punishment and all that. I thought it meant something between us."
"I mean it, Potter."
Edgar stood up, but James stretched back in his chair. Sirius and Marlene had disappeared somewhere together and were nowhere to be seen. James really had no business being here any longer. He chugged the rest of his tea, not caring how it burnt his tongue on the way down.
James stood. "Then I guess I'll have to make sure you won't see me."
One thing was certain: Lily wouldn't stay with Edgar for long.