i really loved him

chapter 6

James POV

Wednesday, 18th December, 23:30 – "Welcome, welcome. Take a seat on the floor, please. Pillows are by the door, for those who wish to use them."

Professor Freyda's soothing voice drifted across the open astronomy tower as the class clambered up through the trapdoor. James had brought his thickest, fur-lined travelling cloak and was glad of it when the other students began shivering as soon as they were exposed to the wintry night air.

His three friends were amongst the shiverers; Remus rubbed his hands together vigorously, Peter was hugging himself and Sirius, who'd forgotten to bring a cloak altogether, was pretending not to feel the cold, despite his lips turning visibly blue.

"Honestly, you lot," James chided. "You'd think we haven't been studying this lousy subject for years on end. This happens every time!"

He shook his head disapprovingly and unzipped his bag, producing three huge, fluffy blankets from inside.

"Here. I'm not having you all freeze out here. Astronomy's bad enough already."

"Blimey, James!" Sirius exclaimed. "How'd you fit— Whoa, that is soft."
"I know, right? Brought them from home and put an expanding charm on the bag. You're welcome."

The three of them thanked him fervently and swaddled themselves in the blankets, before rushing to pick the flumpiest pillows.

"You're so good at this stuff," Remus told him. "Imagine if you put the same effort into actual work."

"Yeah, no thanks. That doesn't sound nearly as fun."

"Come along now," Freyda called breezily. She was a plump, pretty woman with the most extraordinary head of hair any of them had ever seen. It was a deep shade of navy blue, and cascaded right down to her ankles. James suspected she spent so much time gaping at the sky that she simply forgot to trim it. "We shall begin in a moment."

The class sat on the floor in a wide circle around the edge of the tower, all facing the open sky. James sat between Sirius and Peter, and was disappointed when Lily made a point of walking to the opposite side of the room to find a place. Never mind, he thought, he'd just have to get creative with his wooing techniques.

"Wonderful. Now, open your textbooks to the constellation of Canis Major."

Sirius caught his breath.

"That's me!" he hissed.

"What?" said James.

"Canis Major. That's my constellation. Y'know how my family do all the naming-kids-after-stars bollocks? Sirius is in this one!"

"Absolutely right, Mr. Black," Freyda beamed, having overheard. "Besides the profanity, of course. And, as we shall shortly discover, Sirius is the brightest star in the sky. Take five points for Gryffindor."

Sirius grinned proudly, and Professor Freyda began directing them on how to find the constellation. James soon grew drowsy – partly due to the professor's misty, calming voice and partly because Astronomy was so bloody dull. In an attempt to keep himself awake, he turned his focus to Lily. How to get her attention?

"Oi, Pete!" James whispered. "Give me your timetable."

"Why?" Peter said suspiciously.

"I need to make a paper aeroplane. Already used mine, remember?"

"Then no!"

"Oh, come on. In the name of love?"

"...Fine," Peter relented. "But you'd better mention me in your wedding vows."