Love
“No. I simply can't and then I'll fail and I'll end up homeless” Lily said frustrated, while looking down at her Potions essay “Relax evans. You are brilliant at every other subject. I am sure that one mediocre essay won't screw up your entire future” James said, with a smile “No but it will” she said, sounding dead serious “I know that you're gonna refuse, but have you considered asking Snivellus?” he asked her “First of all, I have told you countless times not to call him that stupid nickname. Second of all, no, because I am still angry with him for how he acted towards Remus when he was limping last month” She explained. James gulped, knowing that Lily had no clue why Remus had been limping, or why snape had felt the need to comment on it “Fine, I would offer to help but I am shit at potions” James chuckled, leaning back in his library chair “yeah you are” she said as she read her essay through for the tenth time “Hey!” James said offended, simply making her chuckle.
James had always felt drawn to Lily. In his second year he had decided that she was the one, though there wasn't even an ounce of her that liked him back at the time. They were friends, unfortunately. James was fine with it, had figured that she was bound to realise how amazing he was at some point in time. He was very willing to wait.
His head automatically snapped up, as he heard laughter. He was met with Regulus, Evan and Dorcas walking into the library, of course immediately getting told to quiet down by the librarian.
James remembered how Evan had approached him at the quidditch pitch the other day. He had been surprised, also by the fact that Evan had been incredibly sweet, unlike the other Slytherins he had interacted with. He had also noticed Regulus up in the stands, which meant he had forgotten what their conversation had even been about.
Regulus's eyes had wandered towards where he was sitting, so naturally James smiled at him. James immediately thought that maybe he shouldn't have. He hadn't ever really spoken to Regulus before. But they did share a very important person, which made James feel like he already sort of knew Regulus. When they weren't fighting, Sirius had often shared fond memories from his childhood with him. Regulus wasn't aware of that of course, James realised.
Thankfully, James watched as Regulus's lips curled into a tiny smile, before turning his attention towards his friends.
James watched as two of his best friends were sat in a position, where they couldn't possibly be closer to one another. He wanted that. He ached for it actually.
James had always been a romantic, ever since his father had leant him a couple of muggle romance novels. He had been obsessed with the idea of romance ever since. A part of why he was so keen on getting Lily to fall in love with him. To be honest, James wasn't even sure if he was in love with her, or just the idea of her.
But how was he supposed to figure that out? He was sixteen, he had no clue what being in love felt like. The closest he had ever gotten was watching his parents while growing up, and now watching his two best friends.
“I think my leg is falling asleep” Remus said, trying to move a bit “And?” Sirius asked, immediately offended “Do you not enjoy being close to me? Do we need to have a talk? Shall I tell them all to go?” Sirius asked Remus “Padfoot it's the common room, you can't just ask us to leave” Peter said “Not now Pete” Sirius put his hand up in Peter's face, while never taking his eyes off Remus “No, we do not need to have a talk. I would just like to sit more comfortably, that's all love `”Remus chuckled lightly “Oh, well yeah we can arrange that” Sirius suddenly softened, as he shifted his weight onto the couch cushion instead.
“James, can you read this part through for me?” Lily had sat in the seat beside him, placing her notebook in his lap “Sure” he said before he noticed, Peter giving him the look pointing down. James hadn't even realised that Lily had placed her hand on his thigh, and if he really thought about it, he wasn't sure if he cared.
“Hi” James looked up from his charms homework, and was met with Evan Rosier once again. James had placed himself outside by a tree in the courtyard, because the common room had gotten too crowded. “Hello” James smiled, closing his book “I sorry to bother you, but a friend of mine told me that you had gotten an outstanding on your Herbology exam last year. We are about to take ours, so I was just wondering if you might take a quick look at my essay?” He asked, with a sort of nervous smile “Sure” James often found himself saying yes to people without even thinking about the consequences that it might have. Evan took a seat beside him, and pulled out his essay, handing it to James.
Even though he had a very valid reason to talk to him, James wondered if Evan suddenly being friendly with him wasn't just a coincidence.
He read through the text, not seeing any major mistakes, which just furthered his conspiracy.
“It looks fine to be honest, I am pretty sure I still have a bunch of notes from last year just laying around if you want those? They might help” a pleased smile had settled on Evans lips as James spoke “Really? I would really appreciate that” Evan said “Of course, I'll just look for them and bring them by whenever I run into you then” James smiled politely as Evan had gotten up from his seat “Lovely. See you around Potter” he said “Yeah see you around”
“Since when are you just casually speaking to the Slytherins?” Marlene asked as she had walked up behind him, sitting down “Merlin Marls! You scared me” he chuckled “My apologies, but Evan Rosier really?” she asked, of course trying her best not to sound judgemental “He's not exactly my friend, just ask to borrow some Herbology notes” he explained “Right. My dear clueless friend” she ruffled up his hair, and then she was gone again.
James was incredibly fond of Marlene. He often noticed similarities between them, and always enjoyed her company. James was sort of fond of everyone though. He adored every single one of his friends, in various ways. Which was probably why James had also been so quick to grant Evan a favour, when he literally knew nothing about the guy. James was indeed a very trusting person, which he would come to realise often got him into unfortunate situations.