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“She wants me.” James Potter spoke with utmost certainty, a smug smile playing at his lips. Sirius Black, who sat beside James, laughed loudly. “Of course, she does, mate.” Sirius clapped him on the shoulder, and James’ smile broadened. Remus Lupin shook his head, eyeing James.
James pouted, “What, Moony?” Remus sighed, but shot James a small, fond smile. “Nothing, Prongs. You going to ask her out again today?”
James puffed up. “Of course, I will! I’m going to bring her flowers, ask her to Hogsmeade, she’ll say yes, obviously, and we’ll have a blast.” James' eyes twinkled as he described how he thought it would go, and Peter chuckled softly. James turned to look at the portly boy, cocking his head.
“Oh, Peter, I hear that Bones girl was going to ask you out. Whatever came of it?” Peter sighed in response, twiddling his fingers idly. “I dunno,” He paused to take a sip from his glass of water.
“I just– I don’t really like her like that, you know? There’s actually someone else I like, I think.” Peter’s cheeks turned a dusty shade of pink, but his response goes unheard as James turns away to playfully shove at Sirius as he snagged some toast from James’ plate. Peter sighed and went back to quietly eating.
“Oi! Prongs!” Sirius hissed to James, poking him viciously in the ribs. “Sirius, what? Bloody hell.” James snapped back, rubbing his side.
Sirius nodded towards the end of the table, and James turned to see Lily making her way towards their little group. The redhead had a bounce in her step and a soft smile on her face.
She took a seat right next to James, addressing the boys with a small greeting. “Well, well, well, Lilypads. Have you finally come to accept my invitation to go out?” James wiggled his eyebrows at her, a goofy smile appearing on his face. He looked like a love-sick puppy, and he was perfectly pleased with that.
Lily laughed, a soft twinkling sound that made James smile even wider. “Oh, James. No, I’m not here to be your girlfriend,” Lily paused, giving James enough time to pout and voice his objection before she continued.
“I’m here for Peter, actually.” James nearly broke his neck when he snapped to look over at Peter. The half-blood boy bore an embarrassed smile, but his eyes were lighting up. “Hi, Lils.”
James pulled a face. “Lils?” Everyone at the table ignored him.
Sirius and Remus were both staring between Lily and Peter, confusion apparent on their faces.
“I was wondering if you’d wanna go to Hogsmeade with me?” Lily’s voice was sugary sweet as she spoke, giving a toothy smile as Peter ducked his head, his ears turning bright red.
“Hogsmeade? Like– a date?” James interjected, cutting Peter off right as he was about to answer. He leaned forward on the table, blocking Lily’s view of Peter. “Lilypads?” He was confused and more than concerned. Was he about to watch one of his best friends steal his girlfriend?
“Not you’re girlfriend, James.” Had he said that out loud? “And, would you please move? I’m trying to speak with Peter.” James moved to properly sit back down, his motions awkward and his back stiff.
Peter eyed James warily, before turning his gaze back to Lily. The redhead smiled encouragingly. “I’d love to Lily.” James gawked, trying to ignore Remus’s and Sirius’s simultaneous wince.
“Wormy! You’re absolutely breaking best friend code, right now!” James blurted, gaze switching from Lily, to Peter, and back, rapidly. Lily rolls her eyes and crosses her arms, settling James with a glare.
“I don’t belong to you, James Potter. I want to date Peter, because he’s sweet and caring, and hasn’t harassed me for the past six years. And you better respect my decision.” James swallowed nervously, and began nodding slowly. He felt his heart breaking, but said nothing as Lily strode off.
He stared down at his plate, not responding when Sirius asked if he was alright. After a few beats, he looked up and made eye contact with Peter. He sighed deeply, leaning back slightly, wearily.
“Wormy?” Peter went stiff, looking at James desperately, as if he expected to be hexed or sent off right then.
“It’s– alright,” James groaned. “Well, it’s not alright. You just stole the love of my life.” Peter winced.
“But,” He took a deep breath. “It will be okay. You’re my best friend. She likes you, and not me, and it’s okay even if I’m not okay just yet. Just– treat her right, will you?”
He felt the weight of Sirius and Remus’s eyes, but he ignored them in favour of staring at Peter. The smaller boy nodded slowly, before relaxing.
“I’m so glad you’re not mad, Prongs. I don’t want this to ruin our friendship. I’d never want that.” Peter wrung his hands together nervously, a habit James already knew just came with Peter.
“Oh no, I’m incredibly pissed. Expect some nuclear revenge soon, Pete. I’m thinking Slytherin green hair, or maybe I’ll curse you to only have wet socks for a month.” James grinned at Peter, giving a loud, boisterous laugh as the boy squawked and began to argue with him.
Yeah, he wasn’t alright, but he would be.