hey what did you do to my mind?

The infamous group of four enter the great hall and the conversation temporarily comes to a stop as they scan the Gryffindor table, weighing the odds of where to sit. James is about to let the other three decide when hears your voice cut through the chaos that is lunch hour.

“Are you mad?” You shriek.

James doesn’t know whether it’s out of shock or anger, but he’s determined to find out. He walks past his friends, not knowing or caring if they followed, and makes his way to where you were sitting.

“Hey ladies.” James greets with an easy smile as he reaches the table, watching in amusement as you try to hit Lily’s shoulder only for her to dodge it.

He gets a chorus of hello’s in return as the rest of the marauders join him.

“So who’s gone mad?” He asks, starting to serve himself food. “What are we talking about?”

“Perfect timing gentlemen!” Dorcas announces, clasping her hands together. “We were just in the middle of discussing Y/N’s-“

“Nothing!” You exclaim, cutting her off with a pointed look. “We were talking about my nothing.”

Dorcas holds her hands up in surrender, biting her lip as she lowers her gaze.

You let out a sigh of relief.

“We were talking about Y/N’s crush!” Dorcas squeals excitedly, unable to contain herself.

“Dorcas!” You whine, covering your face in embarrassment.

James, on the other hand, chokes on his water.

“Sorry?” He wheezes, hoping someone will elaborate.

“What? We were!” Dorcas defends.

“Yeah, but I didn’t wanna tell them!”

“Oi! That’s not fair, love. I always tell you about my crushes.” Sirius complains with a pout.

“I don’t ask you to. In fact I specifically ask you not to.” You deadpan. “Besides, it’s a different girl every day. Those aren’t crushes, those are conquests.”

“Pish posh.” Sirius waves you off, taking a bite of his chicken. “Now spill the beans. What’s his name?”

“Pads,” You sigh exasperatedly. “I really don’t want to-“

“Chris.” Marlene interrupts.

“From Ravenclaw?” Remus asks before nodding his head in approval.

“Ravenclaw?” Sirius repeats, brows furrowing as he tries to think before his eyes widen in realization. “Wait, you mean quidditch Chris?”

“The very one.” Lily confirms with a nod.

“Not to be weird, but he’s pretty cute.” Peter comments casually.

“Isn’t he?” You gush, covering your mouth with your hand. “Not just that but have you heard him laugh?”

You don’t give anyone at the table a chance to answer before you continue rambling.

“He like, closes his eyes when he laughs and it comes out high pitched? Which is odd because you know, he’s a guy so naturally he has a deep voice; but it suits him! It’s so…joyful. It’s soooo cute. But I think he’s kind of insecure about it because sometimes he’ll be laughing and like, he’ll catch himself and try to stop but even then he’ll still be giggling which is even cuter! And ughhh, what do I do?” You groan, covering your face with your hands.

“Have you told him?” Remus asks curiously.

“What? That I like his laugh? Of course I haven’t.” You shake your head.

“Why not?” Sirius chimes in.

“Because it’d be weird!”

“No it wouldn’t.” He assures. “It’s a compliment. Everyone loves being complimented.”

“But- I- What do I do?” You stammer. “Just walk into alchemy and announce to the whole class that I like his laugh? That’s mental!”

“Well, no.” Sirius rolls his eyes. “Obviously you’d talk to him first.”

“See that’s the thing, Padfoot…” Dorcas says.

“Talk to him?” You repeat, wide eyed. “Are you kidding me? I can’t talk to him!”

“Why not?”

“I’m shy…” You bashfully admit.

Everyone at the table erupts into laughter and you stubbornly cross your arms.

“Y/N, I’ve known you since first year.” Remus reminds you fondly. “I could think of a million words to describe you. Shy definitely isn’t one of them. Right, Prongs?”

James shoots Remus a subtle glare, rubbing his side where he’d been elbowed before turning his attention to you.

“Yeah! I mean, how hard can it really be? You’re not shy around me! You talk to me nonstop.” He nods happily.

“Wha- that’s totally different!” You argue. “I don’t like you!”

“Oh.” James says simply, caught off guard by the statement.

“Wait, wait, wait. That’s not what I meant.” You rush to explain. “Of course I like you.” You assure him. “But it’s totally different!”

“How’s it different?” James asks, tilting his head the tiniest bit.

“Well, I mean Chris is a man.” You shrug.

A few of your friends snicker in amusement and Peter’s jaw actually drops open.

“Wowwwww.” James complains.

“Way to make it worse.” Sirius teases.

“Oh, shut it.” You scold, tossing your balled up napkin at him.

“I’m a man.” James insists, voice cracking at the last syllable.

“Of course you’re a man, Prongs.” You assure, carefully thinking about your next words. “But you’re not my man… like, for me…”

This time Peter and Remus start snickering, finding James’ distraught expression and your struggle for words incredibly amusing.

“Not that I want you to be!”

“Ouch, love.” Sirius comments, thoroughly enjoying the show.

“What I’m trying to say is that it’s different!” You stress.

“How?” Peter asks curiously.

“It just is!”

“But how?” James presses, taking the ego hit personally. “We’re both on the quidditch team, we both have good marks-“

“I don’t understand why you’re comparing yourselves as if it’s some sort of competition.”

“Hear that, James?” Lily teases, joining in on the fun. “She said you’re not even in the competition.”

Sirius, Peter, and Remus all burst into laughter while James pouts pathetically.

“Awe, James.” You coo, cupping his face affectionately. “You’re cute.”

James smiles at the compliment, cheeks appearing smushed as you’re still gingerly holding his face in your hand.

“But Chris is a love interest! A possibility!” You clarify.

“As opposed to?” He asks.

“You.”

James gives you a deadpan look.

“Y/N?” Sirius calls.

“Yeah?”

“Stop talking.” He all but begs.

“Yeah…” You agree.

The professors announce that lunch is over and you all start to gather your books, preparing to head to your next class.

“Jokes aside, I love you James. You know I do. But it’s more of a platonic love.” You tell him as you all start to make your way out of the great hall. “I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with you, because there isn’t! It’s just-“

“I’m not a man.” James cuts you off, giving you a weak smile.

“Tosser.” You scold teasingly, pushing his shoulder lightly. “I’ll catch up with you guys later. Stay out of trouble.”

“We make no such promises!” Sirius calls after you as you turn the corner and disappear. Once you’re out of sight he turns his attention to James.

“That was painful.” He grimaces.

“You’re telling me.” James sighs, loosening his tie. “I felt as if I couldn’t breathe.”

“The girl you’ve fancied since the start of seventh year just spent all of lunch telling you how much she doesn’t like you, how are you still alive?”

“I dunno, mate.”

“I take it you're throwing in the towel, then?” Remus asks.

“Fuck no.”

“Then what?” Peter asks, looking up at him.

“I don’t know yet…” James tells them. “But gimme some time. I’ll think of something.”

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

James walks out of the bathroom, wiping his lenses on his pajama shirt when Peter calls out to him.

“Prongs, mail.”

James looks up excitedly, putting his glasses on and running across the room, grabbing the parcel.

“It’s quite thick. What is it?” He asks curiously, noting that it was bigger than a letter but smaller than a package.

James hastily rips open the envelope, holding the item up as if it were a trophy.

“Yes! Thank you dad!”

“What is it?” Sirius asks, tossing himself onto his bed. “A playboy?”

“No!” James immediately denies. “It’s just a magazine he’s subscribed to. I glanced at the cover when it arrived over break and asked him if he still had it.”

“Okay…” Sirius nods. “Why’d you want that specific issue?”

“Because- there’s an article I want to read.” James answers, quickly flipping through the pages. “Aha!”

Sirius, Remus, and Peter huddle around the magazine, wanting to see what the article’s about.

“Oh fuck off.” Sirius huffs, going back to his bed.

“You’re joking.” Remus says. “Right? You’re having a laugh?”

“Become the man of her dreams in 3 easy steps.” Peter reads aloud.

“Guys, at least give it a chance.” James defends, holding the magazine up. “They wouldn’t publish just anything.”

“Yeah they would.” Sirius says.

“It happens more often than you’d think.” Remus adds, putting on his robes as he prepares to do his rounds. “I’d say you’re better off chasing her shamelessly like you did Evans than following whatever that gossip column says.”

Peter and Sirius burst into laughter as Remus walks out the door.

“Yeah, alright. Laugh it up.” James remarks. “We’ll see who’s laughing when it works.”

“If it works.” Sirius warns.

“When it works.” James corrects. “It’s a new crush. What’s it been? A week? Less? I can totally steal her away from him.”

“Can you?” Peter asks, not looking up from his comic book. “Because she doesn’t even fancy you. At all. Remember?”

“Yes, Wormtail, I remember. I was there.” James nods.

“Why do you have to steal her anyway?” Sirius asks. “You’ve fancied her since the start of the year. You had months to make a move.”

“Can you guys keep it down?” James asks instead, drawing the curtains from his bed. “I’m trying to read and you’re kind of distracting me.”

“Sorry.” Peter apologizes.

“Wanker.” Sirius says childishly.

James sticks his hand out from behind the curtain and flicks him off.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Step One: Put an effort into your appearance. Women do not want to date slobs. Just as women prim and pamper themselves daily, men too should take grooming seriously and put thought behind their outfits. Do note that doing too many changes at one time is cause for alarm as the female gaze is more observant. Instead one should spread out their changes through time.

Somehow James had gone the whole day without running into you once. He dejectedly walks back to the Gryffindor Tower after his rounds, thinking that he wasted time doing his hair for nothing, only to bump into you in the common room.

“Hey.” He greets, standing up straight. “You’re doing rounds tonight?”

“Yeah. I’m covering for someone.”

“Oh. Lame.” James nods, only for his eyes to widen when he realizes what he’s just said. “I mean, it’s lame that they bailed! Not that you’re doing rounds. That’s ni- that’s a nice thing for you to do. To take someone’s shift.”

You throw your head back in laughter and only then does James stop his rambling.

“No, you’re completely right. It is lame.” You nod. “But no one else was available.” You shrug.

“Well, I hope it goes quickly for you.”

You don’t acknowledge what he’s just said. You’re too busy analyzing his appearance to even think of answering him. The more you stare at him, the more uncomfortable he feels, smile dropping and feet shuffling as he finds it hard to keep still.

“Did you cut your hair?” You finally ask.

“Huh?”

“Your hair.” You reiterate. “You cut it?”

“N-no.” James shakes his head. “Just combed it.”

He shrugs before running his hand down the back of his head, hoping it casually draws attention to his neat hairdo. And it does. Gone are his wild, curly locks. Instead they’re neatly styled up and away from his face, giving him a sleek and polished look. With James no longer hiding behind his hair, his sharp features really stand out like his bright eyes and defined cheekbones.

James sees your eyes bouncing all over his face, taking in his features. He watches as you gaze at his new hair, then his eyes, then his lips?? Before bringing your gaze back up again.

Keep it cool, Prongs. He thinks to himself. Stay cool.

You have a slight furrow between your brows and your bottom lip is jutted out just slightly, a telltale sign that you’re thinking. James is starting to think that maybe the lads were right when finally, you nod.

“Looks good.” You say simply before heading out to do your rounds.

As soon as the coast is clear, James raises a hand in victory.

“Yes!” He whispers to himself before clearing his throat and straightening out his robes. He walks to the dorms with a bounce in his step.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Since that night in the common room James has kept up the habit of styling his hair into a neat quiff. While at first he hated waking up early, he’s since gotten used to it. After that first night you didn’t mention his hair again, but he has noticed you staring at him quite often. This encourages James to start applying cologne as well. Not much, just a tiny spritz because “a little goes a long way, Prongs for fucks sake.”

He’s so lost in his head that he doesn’t even see you walk into class, snapping out of his spiraling only when you pull your seat out, your chair scraping against the cold dungeon floor.

“Good morning James,” You smile politely, taking a seat in your chair and then scooting forward.

James sits up straight in his seat and clears his throat before speaking.

“Morning.”

You smile sweetly at him again before turning your attention to your school bag, digging out your parchment and ink well. You look up a moment later with a focused stare and scan the room.

“You okay?” James asks, worried something might be wrong.

“Yeah.” You answer absentmindedly. “Just…” you trail off, continuing to scan the class.

“Just?” James repeats, hoping you’ll elaborate.

You lean across the aisle, closer to the classmate setup at the station to the right of you before returning to your seat with a frown.

“Y/n?” James asks.

You turn your head slightly towards him and take a small breath in. Then you turn your full attention to him.

“Are you wearing cologne?” You ask, completely ignoring his previous question.

“I uh- yeah.” He stammers. “My dad sent it to me…figured I might as well-”

“It smells good.” You cut him off.

“Y-yeah?” He asks.

You lean closer to him and take a deep breath while James holds his, freezing every muscle in his body, afraid to move even an inch.

“Yeah.” You answer, leaning back with a satisfied nod. “Really good. You should wear it more often.”

“Okay.” James says breathlessly.

At that moment Professor Slughorn walks in and he starts going over the lesson plan for the day.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Step two: Establish romantic intent. Men are laid back and easy going by nature. While these are good features for making friends, it can also cause problems to arise when trying to court a woman. To avoid miscommunication it is important to act with thought and intent. Flirt boldly. Be direct. And use respectful, physical touch to create a romantic, rather than platonic, connection.

“Okay, Prongs. Time for phase two. Now, we flirt. You can do this. You’ve flirted before.” James says to himself, hyping himself up as he heads toward the Black Lake. Somehow you were both paired up for rounds, and he’s looking forward to being able to talk to you away from the watchful eyes of his very nosey friends.

The prefects from Hufflepuff informed you that they had already patrolled around the quidditch pitch, so you and James decided to start by the greenhouses and then go from there. He sees you standing at the edge of the Black Lake, quietly staring at the water. He’s just about to call out to you when he remembers what the article said.

Use teasing and humor. Use respectful, physical touch.

James quietly sneaks up behind you. When you least expect it, he grabs onto your upper arms and pushes you forward before pulling you back. You immediately scream, turning around and whacking him on the arm.

“Holy fuck! Are you crazy?”

“Crazy about you.” James immediately replies.

“This isn’t funny.” You whine. “I could’ve died.”

“Nooo.” James rebuffs with a shake of his head.

“What if I had fallen in?” You argue, crossing your arms.

“That never would’ve happened.” James says matter of factly, tucking his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

“How are you so sure?” You ask skeptically.

James tilts his head to the side, before smiling softly, knowingly.

“Because I had you.” He shrugs simply. “When there’s something I want, I don’t let go.”

Your breath hitches at the quiet confession. You try to form some sort of reply but nothing comes out. Sensing this, James comes to a stop right in front of you, leaning forward slightly to match your height.

“I didn’t want to drop you, so I didn’t.” He says softly.

The weight of his confession is still there but James doesn’t push for an answer you don’t yet know yourself. Instead he gives you space, he gives you time. He gives you an out; and you take it.

“You scared me.” You admit with a shaky laugh.

“That was the point.” He answers truthfully, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. “We’re gonna be out here until 1:30. I need you to be alert and awake.”

“What are you talking about? I’m always alert and awake when doing rounds.” You scoff.

“Mm.” James hums, turning on his heel and starting to head towards the greenhouses. “Are you, though? Because you didn’t even hear me coming up behind you just now.”

“That’s totally different.” You argue, hurrying to catch up to him.

“Suuuure.” James agrees sarcastically.

“No, really!” You continue. “That one doesn't count! I wasn’t ready.”

“Whatever you say, beautiful.”

The nickname throws you off. So much so that you don’t see the gopher hole up ahead. Your right foot slips right in and your lurch forward. You’re prepared to fall on your face, so you’re pleasantly surprised when James is by your side in an instant, hand wrapped around your waist to keep you upright.

“You alright?” He asks softly.

He’s so close that you can feel his breath on your face. It takes you a minute to get your bearings and give him an answer.

“Yeah.” You nod. “Good catch.”

James chuckles, taking a step back and nodding.

“I told you.” He says, watching fondly as you dig your foot out of the blasted gopher hole. “I don’t let go.”

You rotate your ankle slowly, and when you don’t feel any pain, you give him a thumbs up.

“See?” You huff. “Alert and awake.”

James snickers in amusement before clearing his throat.

“Very nice. Shall we go?”

“We shall.” You nod.

“Do you wanna hold onto me?” He asks, offering his arm to you. “Since you stumbling seems to be the pattern of tonight.”

“Oh! You-“ You slap his hand away and James laughs.

“One of them was your fault!”

“You were so scared.” He laughs, mimicking your terrified shriek before turning his head to look at you.

“Awe, come on. I’m just teasing.” He consoles when he sees you pouting. “It was cute.”

“Oh yes, I’m sure me screaming my head off was a sight to behold.” You snark before walking ahead, leaving him behind.

“You always are.” James says softly before hurrying to catch up.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Step three: Show off your feathers. When courting a woman the most important thing is to not lose momentum. The second you become “comfortable” in your relationship you become friendzoned. While other men are being wishy washy and “playing it cool” it’s your time to strike. Just like a peacock, show your feathers and strut! Show her what you have to offer, who you are and what you can be!

“Y/N?”

“Hmm?” You look up and find Lily, Marlene, and Dorcas all staring at you.

“I asked about Chris.” Dorcas repeats with a smile. “You haven’t mentioned him in a while.”

“Yeah…” You trail off, finishing the sentence you were writing before putting your quill down. “That’s over.”

All three girls gasp.

“Why? What happened?” Marlene asks.

“Did he turn you down?” Lily asks, gripping her quill tighter.

“No, nothing like that.” You assure them. “I just don’t have a crush on him anymore.”

“Oh? That was sudden.” Lily comments.

“Mm, not really.” You shrug. “I didn’t really know anything about him.”

“You could’ve gotten to know him.” Marlene offers.

“Yeah…but I just didn’t want to.” You admit. “After some thought, I realized I wanted something with someone that I know. Someone who I’m comfortable with but makes my heart race at the same time. Someone who teases me one second but worries about me the next.”

“Wow. Sounds like you already have someone in mind.” Dorcas says.

You try and fail to hide your smile.

“Maaaybeee…” You tell them bashfully.

“Who?” Lily asks.

“Is it someone we know?” Marlene adds.

“Yeah, actually.” You nod. “It’s-“

“James!”

You all turn your heads to see some girl from Hufflepuff approaching James who stands a few meters away in the middle of the courtyard.

“Yeah?” He asks, looking at the girl confusedly.

“You know how the spring equinox is next week?” She asks, playing with a lock of her hair as she gazes at him.

“Yeah…” James repeats, still just confused as he was a moment ago.

“Go to the celebration with me?” She requests, getting straight to the point.

“Wow. Um…”

“Julie.” She supplies, thinking he was asking for her name.

“Julie.” James repeats. “I’m flattered…”

He scans the courtyard, trying to buy himself some time. His eyes pass over your figure before locking onto you once more. James looks quickly between you and Julie before returning his attention to her. He remembers the article and knows what he has to do.

Be direct. Avoid miscommunication. Show off your feathers.

James stands up straight and rolls his shoulders, releasing some of the tension he was feeling.

“I’m gonna have to pass.”

“What?” She says, dropping the piece of hair she was previously toying with.

“There’s someone I’m interested in.” James tells her. As if that wasn’t clear enough, he raises his hand and points a finger in your direction. “It’s actually that girl there.”

Several gasps are heard throughout the courtyard, your friends being the loudest. Still, that doesn’t deter James from his confession in the slightest.

Don’t be wishy washy, Prongs. He thinks to himself. It’s now or never.

“Her name’s Y/N and I've fancied her since the beginning of the year. I’m planning to ask her to be my date.”

James looks past Julie, locking eyes with you and smiling sheepishly.

“Though I guess it's not much of a secret anymore, huh?” He asks, taking slow steps towards you, almost as if he’s scared you’ll run away.

“Not really.” You shake your head, smiling softly as you stand from your seat and take a tiny step towards yourself.

“Confessing your feelings for someone in the middle of a packed courtyard is quite the opposite of a secret.” You inform him, very clearly poking fun as you take another step closer.

“Oh, ha ha.” James laughs sarcastically, though judging by his fond smile it’s obvious that he isn’t bothered in the slightest.

“Awe, come on. I’m just teasing.” You assure him. Repeating his own words from that night you had rounds together. “It was cute.”

“You’re cute.” James flirts back.

You cross your arms, staring at him skeptically.

“Last time I was beautiful. Now I’m cute. What’s with the demotion?”

James rolls his eyes with a huff but grabs your hands nonetheless.

“You are beautiful.” He confirms with a nod. “And cute.”

You beam at him.

“And I meant what I said.” James clarifies, leaving no room for doubt. “I really, really like you.”

“So do I.” You admit shyly, swinging your clasped hands.

James smiles at the confession before it turns into a mischievous grin.

“Really? Even though I’m not a man?”

It takes you a moment to register what he’s just said, and when you do, you can’t help but let out an incredulous laugh.

“Oh my gods. Are you serious right now?”

“What? I was just asking.” He manages to say in between giggles.

“You are so annoying.” You tell him, shaking your head.

“You love it.”

gorgeous ~ @cassiopeiasdaughter

I think he knows ~ @theemporium

remus lupin

lost time ~ @robynlilyblack

legs-for-days lupin ~ @ellecdc

part two // part three // part four

the girl with the books ~ @myladybelle

blueberry muffins ~ @mediocre-daydreams

calm after the storm ~ deactivated blog

by tired hands ~ @luveline

you're my secret santa ~ @perpetuallydaydreaming

choosing sides ~ @theemporium

james potter

shy roommate (15 parts) ~ @moonstruckme

update on shy roommate

can't take my eyes off you ~ @thatdammchickennuggget

the hottest one ↑

lie down ~ @luveline

could've been nicer ↑

cheating prank ↑

argument ↑

your hand forever ↑

pizza fight ↑

everything with you ↑

shattered ~ @willowbleedsonpaper

part two

if I kiss you, I'm sorry ~ @astonishment

why didn't we work out? ↑

underneath kitchen lights ~ @bruisedboys

championship cups ~ @perpetuallydaydreaming

building blocks ~ @mischievousmoony

ignored ~ @gxtitbxby