The Matchmaker

Chapter Twelve: The Letter

Chapter Twelve: The Letter
"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal."
Steve Maraboli
~
At the moment, Lily's least favorite question was "how are you feeling?" She had the same answer every time: that she was going to be okay. Maybe not right now, but soon. It was all superficial, of course, because all she wanted to do was scream at her friends that her parents had been murdered, so no she was not okay. All Lily really wanted was for everything to return to normal so she didn't have to think about their untimely passing. The only people who seemed to do that were the Marauders, who she began to sit with after she gave Sirius a death glare when he asked how she was and he quickly asked about the transfiguration essay instead.

In fact, Lily was spending so much time with them, Emma, Anna, Alice and Marlene were rather concerned, which only prompted more "how are you?" questions, which prompted Lily to spend more time with the Marauders, the only people in the school who didn't walk around her like she was a piece of glass ready to break. It was a terrible cycle that wasn't ending. Remus liked her company, they'd grown closer since her parent's death, and he loved spending time with her. Sirius was growing on Lily and for once, she saw him as more than an annoying prankster, she saw him as the boy who had been abused and was showing his strength by being the best version of himself. Peter was scared of Lily. He was naturally very shy and got nervous whenever he talked to girls, something that spending time with Lily made him do.

James, however, was ecstatic. Not only was his future wife spending time with him, but also with his best friends. Being close with Lily was weird, but he loved it. There was no doubt in anyone's minds that James Potter was still trying to ask her out, but he had backed off a bit in light of her parents' murder.

What was weird, even more so than Lily spending time with the Marauders, was the strange letter that was dropped on James' lap a few days after Lily began spending more time with the Marauders. For the first time in a long time, James was alone. Remus wasn't feeling well(the full moon was coming up), Sirius and Peter were asleep(something James hadn't been able to do the night before), and Lily was trying to get in last minute studying for the charms test they had in an hour.

James was surprised when the letter dropped next to his hand. There weren't many people in the dining hall, and those who were there were wondering why the James Potter was sitting all alone, but he was too tired to care. Mail usually came at lunch, but James didn't think twice and opened the letter.

Dear Mr. Potter,
I'm sure by now, you're aware that Lily Evan's parents have died on October 3. If she hasn't already grown attached to you, she will soon. I wish I could be there with her to mourn, but bringing the two of you closer has been my goal for a very long time. You have been very receptive to the path I've put you on, but Lily is stubborn and refuses to work with me. She won't admit it to anyone, least of all herself, but she does like you. She loves the attention you give her, whether she wants to acknowledge it or not.
What I want you to do, is not ask her out. Knowing you, you've been there as a friend for a few days, and she is probably enjoying getting to know you. Knowing Lily, she's probably even thinking about the next time you'll ask her out. Don't do it. Be there for her as a friend and show her what it's like to have a relationship with you- even a platonic one.
If psychology wins, she will begin to think of you as something more. You not wanting her will make her want you. When I have more information, I'll send you another letter. I'll be seeing you soon, Mr. Potter.

The Matchmaker

James read the letter a few times in complete awe. The Matchmaker told him how to win over Lily Evans. She was rooting for him! He'd never gotten a letter from her, but he'd been there when Sirius got his during a big fight with Emma. He knew who she was, everyone did. She was selective about who she chose to write to, though no one could figure out the pattern.