Dear Lily

Lily Evans Makes a Deal

The depressed spirit of Slytherin winning the House Cup had washed over the Gryffindor common room but I was determined to keep myself motivated. 

For once in 7 long years, Lily had chosen me over Snivellus. I had always been number one at everything- everything but winning Lily's favour. But all of that was going to change now. Even Dumbledore was rooting for me!

As I sat by the fire and inspected the Pepper Imp for the hundredth time, Sirius creased his eyebrows and yawned, "It's no use James. You can't just jump to conclusions all because of some measly little gift Dumbledore got you. And how are you even supposed to know when it will be useful?"

"That's what makes us Gryffindors Padfoot. We're brave. A true Gryffindor is willing to take risks. Besides, there are about twenty girls eyeing me but I've still been loyal to Lily, lovely Lily," I murmured, tracing my fingertips along the plastic packaging.

Suddenly, Remus and Peter came by with glum expressions on their faces.

"It really isn't fair though! Slughorn practically showered Slytherin with house points. Well fine then! Slytherin can keep their slimy potions and their bloody House Cup in their cold dungeon! I bet they don't even use fireplaces there!" Peter huffed as he shuffled himself comfortably next to Sirius.

"Well, if it were't for certain people" Remus hissed, his eyes dead focused on James and Sirius, "Perhaps maybe we wouldn't have had lost so many points. Really, it's always been Lily picking up after our mess. Whatever we lose, she earns back in no time. You really do owe her an apology James."

"Me?! What did I ever do? And why are you suddenly siding with her?" I hissed.

"Siding with who?" a voice snapped.

All the Marauders swung their heads and jumped a little when they saw Lily Evans before them. Her green eyes pierced through us all and her lips were curled into a tight frown.

"I-I-I've gotta go. M-Mum's been expecting a letter for quite some time! G'night!" Peter yelped and he scuttled away like the mouse he was. (Haha, literally.)

Remus cleared his throat. "I also have important matters to attend. I didn't finish my er, my uh, my Charms homework! You know how Flitwick is, very strict and all!" and he too swept out of the common room before I could say 'Moony.'

Sirius was also getting a move on, mumbling in a musical tone "awkward~" before scampering behind Remus.

And so I was left with Lily Evans, the girl of my dreams, glaring down at me with her hands on her hips. The common room had emptied quite considerably by now and there was only Frank Longbottom left, snoring loudly whilst he slept on a velvety red couch near a corner. 

"Lily, please, just for once, listen to me," I said, forcing my eyes to make contact with her beautiful gaze. "Please. It has been seven bloody years Lily, seven whole years! And this whole entire time, from the moment you placed that Sorting Hat onto your head to where we are now, you have been the only one I've truly been interested in. I think it's time for me to man up so please, Lily Evans, will you give me chance to prove myself over that slime ball Snape!"

Lily stared down at me, her expression slightly less tense as it was before. For once, she had truly listened to what I had to say, without interrupting me. Perhaps, after all this time, those words were exactly what she was waiting to hear.

"Fine. You want a chance? I'll give you a chance. Next week, Slughorn will be marking our Polyjuice Potions. If you can beat Sev, I'll agree to whatever you say," Lily answered.

Oh, it was a deal alright! I could beat Snivellus any day, I had twice the confidence I needed. The real question was, how could I win against the slime ball potions prodigy?