Were you really such a fool?

After spending months in his arms and countless nights on a pull out mattress in the Room of Requirement, you thought you meant something to James.

You knew he had rules. He had an image to maintain, after all; Hogwarts’ golden boy and unattainable bachelor. You were with him, but you weren’t his. Not at all.

You were completely and entirely casual.

As the Christmas lights go up and the snow begins to fall, whispers of the Yule Ball start. The mail picks up, dresses and suits being sent to students from their doting parents.

The dance drew closer and closer, and you were hoping that James would ask you, trying to coordinate a dress to match his maroon suit with gold trim.

You sit with him and the rest of the Marauders in one of the courtyards, chatting about your latest Potions lesson, when James suddenly springs to his feet. You watch as he shoves his hands in his cloak pockets, approaching one Lily Evans.

Sirius, Remus, and Peter don’t seem to pay them much attention, but your eyes are on the duo, watching her giggle and toss her hair over her shoulder while James pushes some fallen strands from her eyes.

He pulls out his wand and waves it, a large banner materialising into the sky. In large, bulky letters reads:

Lily Evans, will you go to the Yule Ball with me?

Your heart drops, a cold sweat covering your body as she nods, leaping into his arms to kiss him. You look away, gathering your belongings and rushing off as the other boys head over to congratulate him.

You rush through the halls, heading to the sanctity of your common room.