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“Evans,” James alerted Lily as he came form behind her to which he was now in front of her and he seemed to be holding something behind his back.
“Potter,” Lily replied somewhat annoyed. Though she was curious as to what James had in store for her today. “Another gift to try to win me over?”
James simply smiled “Almost, just the first half. I’m simply being nice and giving a pretty girl and pretty gift.” He slowly moved his hand from behind his back which revealed a flower. A lily to be specific. “I thought it’d be nice to get a lily for Lily. What’d you think Evans?”
This got a little smile out of Lily, it was quite funny how for once he seemed quite nervous. She looked down at the lily in his hand and gently grabbed it herself before looking back up to face him.
“Thank you, James. This was a very nice gift.” She twirled the flower around in her fingers as she held onto it with a smile.
“Oh here, let me help you” James said suddenly as he swiftly took the flower from her and neatly put it into her hair. “There, that looks better. Now you’re more pretty than ever Evans.” A smirk grew on his face as he practically glowed seeming proud of himself.
Lily did have to say though this was quite nice of James, she might’ve never admitted it to his face but she’s seen how much he’s grown and matured over the years even if he can still act childish. He had a sort of charm to him. She almost immediately shooed away the thought that had brought a flush to her cheeks that she’d hoped he hadn’t noticed.
“Well, James, thank you for the flower but I must be on my way to my classes and you should be too. Perhaps we’ll see each other later.” Lily said turning quickly before she walked away.
As soon as she was far away enough James mumbled “Merlin, she’s too pretty.” As much as he loved to tease her and as much as people joked around about him liking her, he really did like her genuinely. He loved the way her ginger hair fell over her shoulders. He loved the way her green eyes had a bit of brown in them. The thing he loved most though was how smart and caring she was.
James was suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look who it was and it was none other than his wonderful pals. Sirius, Remus, and Peter who all looked like they were about to tease the hell out of him.
“You are just head over heels for her aren’t you, Prongs?” Sirius snickered as he moved to lean his arm on James’ shoulder.
“Well of course I am. Have you seen her? She’s perfect.” James exclaimed stars literally in his eyes. The rest of the marauders simply exchanged a look James wasn’t paying attention to and began dragging James with them down the hall.
“Alright, we’re gonna help you actually get the girl.” Sirius sighed as they made their way to the Gryffindor commons.
“This time around, I’m sure she’ll say yes…or maybe she’ll think about it” Remus said trying to be encouraging but if you were gonna get information about Lily, Remus was a good person to come to. After all, Lily and Remus were good friends.
“Well that’s better than just a flat no.” Peter enthusiastically said from behind everyone. He was being as positive as he could about James’ possibilities.
And so they made it to the common rooms and started getting to work on helping James finally get together with Lily. Then maybe this time he might finally influence Lily to go on a date with him at least.
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Lily had been going to her classes as normal, but she just couldn’t seem to get James and his stupid smirk out of her head.
She was in potions class as she read the instructions and was about to grab the ingredients before her dear friend, Mary stopped her.
“Hey, are you okay? You’ve seemed a bit out of it.” Mary asked her brows furrowed slightly. “You can tell me if something’s wrong.”
Lily wanted to just tell her it was nothing, but she desperately needed to get her head on straight or at least figure out what was wrong with her right now.
“It’s just for some reason… I can’t stop thinking about James.” Lily said hesitantly with a sigh as she moved to look at Mary who simply looked shocked. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were wider than normal.
“No, ain’t no way you’re actually falling for him now.” Mary groaned “I swear you’ve been able to ignore him for like the entire time at Hogwarts and now all of a sudden you’ve fallen for him? Why?”
Lily didn’t quite know why or when. It just sorta happened. Maybe it was the scene earlier today with the flower, that was cute. “It’s just I feel like he’s matured in a way. Sure he’s still childish sometimes, but I think he’s finally grown on me.” Lily felt herself smile and she definitely felt her cheeks getting warmer.
“God, do you hear yourself? You sound like Remus when he first realized he liked Sirius.” Mary chuckled “But if you really do feel this way, there’s nothing much to do except help you get with him.” Mary smirked.
“You’d really help me? Thank you, this is why I have you as a friend Mary but first let’s finish this class.” Lily smiled as they got back to work but teasing did follow from Mary.
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“Alright Prongs, do you remember the lessons we have taught you?” Sirius asked looking down at James who was sitting on the couch looking very determined.
“Yes, I remember your lessons Padfoot. This time I will get Lily Evans to go on a date with me.” James abruptly stood up and began marching out of the commons.
“Aw Moony look how much James has grown.” Sirius dramatically said feigning tears as he leaned on Remus.
“I actually am happy he’s finally trying to take a serious leap on the situation.” Remus smiled as he leaned his head on Sirius’ head.
“Okay seriously, I feel like a third wheel right now.” Peter sighed “You guys are acting like his parents right now.”
“Shush. Let us enjoy this.” Sirius said with a smile still being dramatic as ever “He better come back here with Lily in his arms.”
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Ever since Mary and Lily had left potions they’d been talking about James and how to approach this new situation with Lily’s feelings.
“Personally, I say just wait till he confesses to you again. I mean we all know he hasn’t given up after like what 5-6 years? He’s not giving up now. And if what you’re telling me is true then he genuinely likes you or that’s how it seems. Not a single joke.” Mary explained her view on the situation and it made sense to Lily but she couldn’t help but be worried.
As the two approached their common room, none other than James Potter himself came out fixing up his clothes and patting them down. As soon as he looked up he saw her and they made eye contact almost immediately.
“Alright, I’ll actually leave you two to it. Have fun.” Mary said as she moved past Lily and made her way around James but before she went into the commons she whispered “James you better not mess this up because I know where you sleep.” And she was gone inside the commons.
James was nervous really nervous. He kept fixing up his dark shaggy that didn’t need to be fixed and he kept fidgeting with his fingers. The only thing he could focus on properly was Lily and how pretty she looked.
“Hey Evans,” James said a smile growing on his face as he walked up to her “Listen, I know how whenever I’ve asked you on a date before in the past 6 years it’s seemed like a joke. But I promise you Lily it was never a joke not to me, I’ve always admired the type of person you are. You are incredibly smart and you’re super kind and you’re funny. There’s just so much about you to love. You’re also the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
Lily didn’t know what to say. She was left speechless. She never imagined a day she’d hear such a serious confession from James Potter. It was the sweetest thing she’s ever heard and she’d be damned if she let this slip through her fingers.
“James I-“ Lily started but was quickly cut off by him “listen Lily, you don’t have to come up with a big speech. I just want you to answer one question for me. Will you be my girlfriend?”
This time she made sure there was no time for him to cut her off or if he wanted to back out of this. “Yes! Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend James!” She smiled so brightly. She felt like the happiest girl alive as James moved closer for a hug that she gladly returned.
James backed away slightly and got a good look at her face and saw just how happy she looked. This might’ve been the happiest he’s ever seen her. “Lily? Can I kiss you?” He hadn’t even realized the words fell from his mouth till she was leaning in.
He immediately leaned in as he saw her lean in. Their lips met and practically melted together. They might’ve been in the very public hallway of Hogwarts but right now it was just the two of them in their own world. The kiss felt sweet, it was soft. It wasn’t rushed it was slow, delicate, everything he’s ever wanted from her.
The kiss eventually broke leaving them smiling at each other and as he admired her beauty he couldn’t help but say “I love you, Lily Evans” which in return got an even bigger smile from her and a peck on the lips. “I love you too, James Potter.” And that was the happiest day of both of their lives so far.