The Marauders Rise (II)

Never Been Kissed

February 4, 1974

Late at night in the Gryffindor common room, a few people are scattered across the dimly-lit room. Light music is heard in the background. In one of the armchairs by the fireplace, JAMES sits alone, playing with his Golden Snitch. He lets it fly for a few seconds, then instinctively snatches it from the air. MARY descends from the staircase, and makes her way over to him.

MARY: Evening, Potter. (She sits in the chair next to him).

JAMES: Hey.

MARY: (crossing her arms) You seem... disturbed.

JAMES: Just a bit nervous for tomorrow's match.

MARY: Ah, the infamous Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw match. I'm excited for it.

JAMES: (distantly) Yeah.

MARY: Come on, talk to me. What's wrong?

JAMES: Nothing, I'm just nervous for tomorrow.

MARY: So this has nothing to do with what happened on Christmas? (JAMES glances at her sideways, and she smiles) Yeah, I still can't believe I missed it. It sounds it was the most interesting thing that happened all year.

JAMES: (spitefully) Yeah, real interesting.

MARY: Come on, I'm just joking. (She lightly punches him) Is that what this is, then?

JAMES hesitates, then nods.

MARY: Well, I mean, it's no secret that Lily's not too fond of you. Even if you do fancy her-

JAMES rolls his eyes, then lets the Snitch fly again.

MARY: -but, in my opinion, I think you can do better.

JAMES: Really?

MARY: Of course! Come on, Potter, where's your confidence? You're a good-looking boy, you fly like a Quidditch god, and you're pretty funny, too.

JAMES: (smiling) Thanks, Mary. I don't know, I just- I just couldn't stand watching someone else snog her.

MARY: Just get her out of your head. You can do it, come on!

JAMES: But after what she said to me, I think I'm over it. Me fancying her, I mean. For good.

MARY: (clapping) Okay! Awesome! So what's the problem?

JAMES: It's just- when they were snogging-

MARY: Yeah?

JAMES: I- I was upset because- (He grabs the Snitch again, at a loss for words).

MARY: (understanding) Because... you've never been kissed?

JAMES glances at her and nods.

MARY: Oh, Potter, come on, it's not that big of a deal. Who cares about that?

JAMES: I just- I don't know.

MARY: (hesitating) This really bothers you, doesn't it?

JAMES continues to play with the Snitch. MARY, after a few seconds, quickly gets up and kisses JAMES on the lips.

MARY: There. Now we've both been kissed. Feel better?

JAMES: (surprised) A little.

MARY: Good. I want to see you kick butt on that Quidditch pitch tomorrow, all right?

JAMES: Don't worry. I will.

MARY smiles once again and retreats back upstairs. JAMES, smiling as well, grabs the Snitch and heads up to his dorm.