Part Three
“James?”
“Hey!” he calls back, turning a corner and coming to a stop in front of you. “Funny running into you here.”
“You…told me to follow you…” you trail off, laughing nervously.
“Alright, you got me.” James admits with an embarrassed smile. “I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay,” you nod at him with a kind, confused smile. “What is it?”
“Go out with me.” James says, releasing the breath he was holding.
James watches as your smile gets smaller and smaller before disappearing altogether. You study him in confusion for only a moment before a look of disappointment crosses your features. You turn your gaze away from him, scoffing as you shake your head.
“I thought you were different.” you say softly, still avoiding his gaze.
James didn’t think it was possible for five simple words to hurt him so much.
“Pardon?”
“You’re just like everyone else, aren’t you?” you ask.
“No!” James denies with a shake of his head. “It’s not like that, I don’t even like you!” he exclaims before covering his mouth with his hands.
“That’s even worse!” you tell him. “Everyone else just wants me on their arm as some sort of trophy. But you, you want to use me. And for what?”
“To…make Lily jealous…” James confesses, causing you to scoff.
“Unbelievable.” you mutter under your breath.
“It’s not like this is one sided!” James defends. “You can use me too!”
“I don’t want to use you!” you yell at him in frustration.
“I wouldn’t expect you to know this, since you know nothing about me; but I don’t use people, Potter. That’s not the kind of person I am. And even if I was, what could you possibly offer me?” you ask in a huff.
“Invisibility.” James says simply.
“Invisibility,” you repeat with an incredulous laugh. “How could you possibly offer me that? Let alone, deliver.”
“You said it yourself, you liked it better when you were invisible. All these blokes are chasing you because they think they have a chance, because you’re single. The moment they see that you have a boyfriend, that you’re no longer available, they’ll leave you alone.”
“You can’t possibly know that.” you argue with a shake of your head.
“I’m the only one between us two that knows that.” James counters. “I’m a boy, love. I know how they think.”
You run a hand through your hair before sighing, crossing your arms as you look at him.
“So what are you proposing?” you ask, tilting your head to one side.
“We pretend to date.” James says, getting straight to the point. “Only for a few months. Long enough for me to get Lily’s attention and for the lads to stop fighting for yours.”
“Faking a relationship? That’s your grand idea? James, that’ll never work!”
“Why not?” James asks, not seeing the problem.
“It’s delusional! We’re complete opposites, we have nothing in common, we’ve never even spoken one word to each other! No one would believe it.” You rant with a shake of your head.
“You’re not even willing to try?” James asks, shoulders dropping in defeat.
“What’s the point?”
You shrug your shoulders and give James a sympathetic smile before turning around to leave. You’ve only taken a few steps when James calls out to you once more.
“Will you at least think about it?”
“What is there to think about?” you ask, looking over your shoulder at him. However when you see the dejected expression on James’ face, you find yourself nodding your head anyway; quickly leaving before he could get another word out.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
“Oi! Watch the hair!” James complains, picking up the pillow that was just thrown at his head.
“If you keep biting your nails like that you’ll lose your fingers altogether.” Remus scolds. “Ever heard of sepsis?”
“You know I haven’t!” James whines. “You keep bringing up random muggle words just to fuck with me.”
“It’s a life threatening infection.” Remus supplies.
“And that,” Sirius adds, pointing to James’ hand, “Is fucking repulsive, mate. The next full moon isn’t for another three weeks, what are you so stressed about?”
“I’m not stressed.” James shakes his head.
“Then why are you biting your nails like your life depends on it?” Sirius chuckles, laughing even harder when James shoves him.
“Alright, I have a confession.” James admits, smiling guiltily when his friends collectively sigh.
“What’ve you done this time?” Remus asks, fixing his tie.
“I suggested to Y/N that we pretend to date.”
“What?!” Sirius, Remus, and Peter all shout at the same time.
“It was Peter’s idea!” James defends quickly, pointing at Peter.
“What?! No it wasn’t!” Peter denies, vehemently shaking his head.
“Yes, it was! You said it yourself, if she had a boyfriend all the guys would leave her alone.”
“How did you possibly manage to connect those two dots?” Remus asks, brows furrowed in confusion.
“And why is she a concern to you anyhow?” Sirius asks, equally as confused.
“Because it would be perfect!” James answers. “The guys would all leave her alone, and I would make Lily jealous-“
“Oh my god,” Remus groans. “That’s what this is about? Evans?”
“It’s a solid plan!” James assures them. “Everybody wins!”
“If she says yes.” Sirius shrugs. “Which I highly doubt she will.”
“What makes you say that?” James asks, crossing his arms.
“Prongs, you’re my best mate, and an absolute catch.” Sirius says, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “But when it comes to Y/N, you don’t stand a chance.”
“Excuse me?” James asks.
“Real or fake relationship, she’s out of your league. She’s out of everyone’s league.”
“Yeah well, I like to think I’m very convincing.” James says with a confident smile.
“But when it comes to girls you’re not exactly-“ Peter starts only to be interrupted.
“I like to think I am.” James repeats loudly. “It’s a good idea. Now we just need her to realize it.”
“I wouldn’t hold my breath.” Sirius mumbles as they make their way out of their dorm.
“If you’re not gonna be supportive can you at least be quiet?” James asks with an annoyed huff.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
Your attention is momentarily pulled away from your friends when you hear a loud commotion. You turn your head towards the doors only to see James and his friends entering the great hall, laughing loudly as they push each other around. Everybody seems to look at them, look at him as they pass by and he doesn’t even notice.
You smile softly at the sight before taking a bite of your food. You wished you could be as carefree as James, indifferent to all the attention. Taking a sip of your juice, you shoot another quick glance in his direction, one that doesn’t go unnoticed by your friend.
“I still can’t believe him.” Sarah says with a shake of her head. “You guys have literally never spoken before and when you finally do, he asks you to pretend to date? He’s so weird.”
“Speaking of which, have you heard the latest rumor?” Kiara asks, turning to face you.
“No,” you shake your head at her. “What is it this time?”
“You know how Connor caught James snogging some girl on Friday night?” she asks, leaning forward in her seat.
You freeze for only a moment before nodding your head.
“Well apparently, some people think that girl was you.”
“What?” you ask, choking on your juice.
“Unlike every other boy here, James isn’t one to brag so he isn’t talking.”
“Which means that Connor is.” Sarah chimes in with a roll of her eyes. “Although he didn’t see much, he’s saying that the girl had Y/H/C hair…”
“What? That’s so stupid!” Maddie complains. “Y/N isn’t the only girl in school that has Y/H/C!”
“No, but she is the most sought after…”
“Is that why everyone is staring at me?” you ask, nervously looking around.
“You mean more than usual?” Sarah chuckles, before giving you a sympathetic smile. “Kidding, though I wouldn’t worry about it. James has been telling everyone it wasn’t you.”
That throws you off, causing you to look up at her in confusion. Not that James had much of a say in the matter, but you did kiss. So why would he deny it?
“He has?”
“Why do you sound so surprised?” Maddie asks.
“I just…I don’t know,” you shake your head. “Most guys would’ve taken that rumor and ran with it…worn it like a medal of honor…”
“Mm, guess he’s not like most guys.” Kiara shrugs.
“Yeah,” you mumble, glancing at James once more. “I guess he isn’t…”
Surveying the Gryffindor table, you momentarily lock eyes with Lily Evans of all people. She looks from you to James before looking down at her food with her brows furrowed, clearly deep in thought.
“But still,” Kiara adds. “Faking a relationship? Highly unlikely.”
“Yeah,” you laugh halfheartedly. “What was he thinking?”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
It’s funny how after noticing something one time, you start to see it everywhere. For the past six years James had only seen you in passing a handful of times, had only heard you speak and learned your quirks when he himself was quiet for more than thirty seconds.
But ever since that night, ever since that kiss, he sees you everywhere he goes. It’s like his eyes are automatically drawn to you now, easily spotting you in the great hall and corridors. The only difference is that now, James can’t help but feel bad every time he sees you.
Before, James would laugh with his friends watching as the boys all make absolute fools of themselves in an effort to gain your affection. But he never once stopped to take your feelings into consideration. Now, James looks on and all he can see is the strained smile on your face, and how uncomfortable you look whenever a boy approaches you. He imagines it’s exhausting, and James curses himself for not noticing it sooner.
You haven’t spoken to him since Saturday when you said you’d think about his proposition. James is trying to think of an excuse to talk to you again when he’s pulled out of his brainstorming.
“Can I help you with something, Potter?”
James’ attention is pulled away from you, turning towards the voice only to scowl in annoyance.
Michael Gray. Pure blood slytherin. Royal pain in James’ arse.
“There isn’t a single thing in the world you could help me with.” James answers with a fake smile.
“Well how about you help me out?” Michael asks instead.
“Not interested.” James shakes his head.
“Stop staring at my girl.” Michael demands anyway.
“Your girl?” James repeats with an incredulous laugh. “Now I really don’t know what you’re talking about, mate.”
“I’m not your mate,” Michael tells him through gritted teeth.
“And I’m not looking at your girl.” James fires back, starting to get worked up as well.
“Oh really? Because I could’ve sworn you were looking at Y/N just now.”
At the mention of your name, you look up from your work, only to see Michael and James shouting at each other.
“So what if I was?” James asks, confirming that he was looking at you.
You and Sarah look at each other with wide eyes.
“So stop it.” Michael orders. “She’s mine.”
James laughs loudly at that, much to Michael’s annoyance.
“Last I checked, she was still single.” James tells him with a smirk. “If I recall correctly, she doesn’t even like you touching her.”
A few students snicker at James’ comment, much to Michael’s annoyance.
“Watch it.” Michael warns, standing from his desk and coming to a stop right in front of James.
“You watch it.” James says, standing from his seat as well so that they’re now staring each other down.
“She’s a human being, not a piece of property. You don’t own her. So stop acting like you do.” James tells him, shoving him lightly.
Michael looks away with an amused chuckle before turning his fiery gaze back to James. He takes a menacing step forward only to be pushed away. Michael looks down and sees you standing between him and James, a hand on both of them, trying to put some distance between the two.
“Stop it,” you tell Michael before turning your gaze to James. “Both of you.”
“I was-“
“Embarrassing me.” you interrupt, cutting Michael off.
“That’s not how you get a girl’s attention,” Sarah tells him with a grimace, standing just behind you.
Michael lets out a harsh breath before grabbing his things and storming out of the study hall. Sighing, you survey the room only to see everyone staring. Completely ignoring James’ presence altogether, you turn around and grab your bag from Sarah.
“Let’s go.” you mumble to her, making your way out the door.
“Are you okay?” She asks softly, easily falling into step beside you.
“Hey, wait!” James calls, following you down the corridor.
Sighing, you come to stop, giving him a chance to catch up. Sarah takes a few steps away, giving you privacy.
“Yes?” you ask, turning to face him.
“Michael was just being a wanker, don’t pay him any mind.” James tells you, frowning when you scoff. “But for what it’s worth, I’m sorry about what happened back there.”
“Don’t be.” you shake your head, giving him a forced smile. “I’m used to it.”
“That doesn’t make it right.”
“It doesn’t matter.” You tell him pointedly before sighing. “What are you doing here James?”
“I… I just wanted to make sure you were okay…” he trails off, looking at you in concern.
“I’m fine.” you shrug, giving him another fake smile.
Taking the hint that you don’t want to talk, James nods his head, turning around to head back in.
“Why did you lie?” you ask before he even takes a step.
“Sorry?” James asks, turning around to face you once more.
“About Friday…” you mumble, avoiding his gaze. “You’ve been telling everyone that it wasn’t me… why?”
“Don’t know,” James shrugs honestly. “People talk about you enough as it is; didn’t wanna give them another reason to.”
“But what about you?” you ask softly.
You aren’t an idiot. You know that ever since the party, all anyone has been talking about is James and the mystery girl he was caught with.
“I’m used to having the spotlight on me.” James says, giving you a kind smile.
“Thank you.” you breathe, giving him a grateful smile.
“Y/N?” Sarah calls from a few feet away, getting your attention.
When you turn back around, you see James has already walked back into the study hall.
“Everything okay?” she asks when you reach her.
“Yeah,” you nod at her with a smile. “All good.”
You look over your shoulder one last time, just barely being able to catch a glimpse of James scribbling on his parchment.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
“Wait, so he just started a fight with James in the middle of study hall? Why?” Maddie asks.
“Apparently he was staring at Y/N.” Sarah informs her.
“So what? Everyone stares at Y/N!” Maddie reminds the group. “I stare at Y/N!” she adds, causing you to giggle.
“He’s such a prick.” Kiara says with an annoyed shake of her head.
“Yeah,” Sarah agrees. “Still, it was nice of James to defend you like that. Especially since you guys are strangers.”
“Honestly, if he’s gonna be that protective of you, would it really be that bad to be in a fake relationship with him?” Maddie muses.
“Can we just go to dinner?” you ask, softly. “I don’t wanna talk about this anymore.”
After dinner, the girls all had to go to the library to finish an assignment. Seeing as you had already finished it the day before, you chose to walk back to the dorms instead.
Your friends did a good job of distracting you earlier, but now that you’re alone, you can’t help but think about James’ offer.
“The moment they see you have a boyfriend, they’ll leave you alone.”
“Did you hear that Potter and Gray were fighting over Y/N?”
“It was nice of James to defend you like that.”
“What if she was the girl James was snogging?”
“Why else would he defend her like that?”
“Would it really be that bad to be in a fake relationship with him?”
Before you know it, you’re knocking on the wooden door. A short, blonde boy stares up at you with wide eyes.
“Hi,” you smile at him.
“Uh…” he gapes at you.
“Is James Potter here by any chance?” you ask kindly.
Wordlessly, he steps aside and points behind him. You smile gratefully at him before stepping into the room.
“Wormtail! Who’s at the door?” James asks, only to stop in his tracks when he sees you standing in the middle of their dorm. “Y/N! What are… what are you doing here?”
“Do you really think it’ll work?” you ask, getting straight to the point.
Your question seems to get everyone’s attention, Remus going as far as closing the book he was reading. All four boys stare at you with wide eyes.
“Well?” you ask again. “Will it?”
“I see no reason why it wouldn’t.” James tells you honestly.
“Okay,” you nod. “Let’s do it. Let’s pretend to date.”