Burning Love

•Not That Simple•

I was nestled at a table in the Great Hall, my notes spread out around me, trying to focus on my revision for finals. The buzz of conversation and laughter surrounded me, but my mind was only half on my studies. Just as I was about to write a particularly tricky potion formula, I felt a rush of excitement as Lily rushed up to me, her cheeks flushed.

"Grace! You won't believe what just happened!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

"What? Did someone score a goal in Quidditch practice?" I guessed, but Lily shook her head vigorously.

"No! James kissed me!" She almost squealed the last part, unable to contain her excitement.

I blinked, letting the news sink in, and then a huge grin spread across my face. "Oh my gosh! That's amazing! Tell me everything!" I leaned in closer, eager to hear the details.

Lily started recounting the moment, her voice animated as she described how James had taken her to a quiet corner of the courtyard after their study session, how he had been all nervous and sweet before leaning in and kissing her. My heart raced with excitement for her. "And then he just pulled away and looked so surprised!" she gushed. "I didn't know what to say, so I just smiled, and then he smiled back, and it was just—"

"Perfect!" I finished for her, bouncing in my seat. "You two are finally happening!"

"I know!" she said, practically glowing. "I didn't expect it at all, but it was really nice."

We spent the next few moments swirling in a flurry of excited chatter, gossiping about what it meant for their budding relationship and how adorable they were together. I couldn't help but feel thrilled for my best friend.

"Okay, we have to tell everyone!" I declared, jumping to my feet. "Let's go tease my brother about it!"

Lily laughed, her enthusiasm infectious. "Let's do it!"

We made our way across the hall, where James and the rest of the boys were huddled together, laughing and joking. Sirius spotted us first, a knowing smirk forming on his face.

"Look who's back! What juicy gossip do you have for us?" he called, eyes glinting mischievously.

I leaned closer to James, a playful grin on my face. "So, James, I hear you've been practicing your kissing skills?"

His eyes widened, a mixture of embarrassment and surprise coloring his cheeks. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, you know," I said, enjoying the moment. "Just how you kissed Lily and all. How was it? Did you score a ten out of ten?"

James looked like he wanted to sink into the floor. "Come on, Grace! Not in front of everyone!"

Sirius jumped in, an exaggerated look of shock on his face. "Oh, but we must celebrate this momentous occasion! A true Gryffindor has kissed a lady! What's the world coming to?"

Lily was laughing, her face a shade of crimson. "It was just a kiss, you dork!"

But something about Sirius's teasing felt different. While he was smiling and joking, there was an odd tension behind his eyes, as if he was grappling with his own thoughts. I noticed he was glancing back and forth between me and James, a shadow of something I couldn't quite place.

"Come on, mate, you have to tell us all the details!" Sirius continued, nudging James playfully. "Did you sweep her off her feet, or was it a clumsy 'oops' moment?"

James groaned but couldn't hide a grin. "It was definitely not clumsy! It was... well, it was special!"

I watched as Sirius's expression flickered for a moment, something almost pensive in his eyes. "Right, right. Special," he echoed, but his tone was a bit off, as if he were still processing everything.