* * * *

Q U E L L

Nerves.



Laughing, James felt his stomach continue to churn. He was anxious and afraid. What if she turned him down? She would. She would turn him down and he would punch Sirius and ignore Peter for their suggestion.

But if he didn’t ask her, he’d never know. He’d forever dream about the day he never asked Lily to accompany him to Hogsmeade. He’d always regret being too coward to step up and snatch her from Snape’s clutches.

“Quidditch, in comparison, is harder mate,” Sirius offered.

Remus shrugged. “Chances are, James, she’ll say no. But, at least, you’ll still have us.”

Fantastic.