you don’t really like me, you just think you do.
when james’ feelings did a 180, you find it hard to take him seriously.
warnings: no warnings, not proof read (bc lazy)
tags: fluff & angst, 5.9k wc, getting together, jamie being the best suitor, charlie (not weasely) is also here
when people asks you how it changed, you always say it was sudden.
suddenly, james was everywhere you look. suddenly, james was tripping and falling over you. suddenly, james fancied you.
as sudden as it was, it didn’t shock you as one would’ve expected. you always knew him to be as inconsistent in his school work, so you figured he would be inconsistent towards his feelings as well. what shocked you though, was that he liked you of all people.
all interactions with james had strictly consisted of school related-topics. you were in different houses and different social circles. so when he pulls you aside one morning in-between classes. you had expected one of two things; showing him how to do a bandaging charm, again or him asking you for a copy of your essays.
and it was to your absolute horror, that he proved how wrong you are.
“i like you and i hope you like me too.”
when people asks james how it changed, he always says it was gradual.
gradually, you became something he had looked forward seeing every morning. gradually, you had become a pivotal part of his day, every interaction cherished and replayed in his mind late at night. gradually, he had started falling for you.
as gradual as it was, it came as a complete shock for him. he had only viewed you as a friend, and even that was pushing it. you two barely talked to each other and when you did, it was always about school. you two were always paired up for some reason, and in his mind it became akin to fate. you started to occupy the large space that was once occupied by his lilypad and now replaced by you, your soft smile and the contradicting cynic replies.
and with fate working beside him to get you two as close as possible, james thought you figured the same. you were always so patient wth him, always ready to help him out. but your kindness sometimes came with snarky responses that he found oh so charming and witty. so when he excused you to talk, he had expected a successful attempt in snagging a date with you. even going as far as preparing a bouquet for you, he arranged himself.
and it was to his absolute horror, that you proved how wrong he is.
“um, no.”
and so became the norm. james had made it his life’s mission to actively pursue you. you gotta admit though, if he wanted something. he really goes all out.
it started with a daily routine with you every morning. james would wake up early and wait for you by the main floor near the grand staircase. his back against the rough stones, arms and ankles crossed, a boyish smile on his face the moment he would see you. he would beam a smile, cheeks denting, eyes shinning, and walk to you, offering a pleasant greeting of good morning, gorgeous. my, don’t you look ravishing this morning, grabbing your books and tote to carry for you. the first time he attempted this, you fought hard to deny his services. your hands like claws as you hold your things to your person. though he had hardly blinked then, maybe even looked a bit amused, even going as far as looking excited. the weirdo.
but it had been weeks now and frankly, you had grown tired of fighting with him every morning. especially, when he would always win in the end anyway. so now, you just let him do whatever he wanted. not like you have anything to complain about, your bag has always been pretty heavy.
he would flirt with you. constantly. shower you with compliments about things you hardly even think about sometimes. he had sung praises about your eyebrows the other day, and you had no choice but to bluster through it, to mask your flaming cheeks from embarrassment. but he’s not just all talk either, lately he’s worked up the courage to try to hold your hand — or something close to it. he would slowly walk closer to you, his pink lips going on and on asking you and complimenting you, telling jokes, a diversion—you realize. he would blindly extend his fingers, pinkies first, and when you would feel that first touch to your hand, your heart would do an awful jump. your skin would feel a little bit smaller, your brain blaring alarms, his pinky finger touched your hand, repeat it with increasing traitorous glee. this one, you haven’t stopped fighting. as each time you feel his hand touch yours, you would always create some distance between the two of you, no matter how crowded the corridor is, not that it hardly mattered to him, he looked like he’s won something each time he was successful.
today was no different. before the stairwell could even move, you can already see his dark messy hair waiting for you at one of the floors.
“i say, loverboy’s plenty persistent, hm?” charlie hummed, leaning over the railway, his pale eyes clear with amusement.
you scoff, fingers twitchy on the handle as you see him look up and glow into a smile as he locked eyes with you, “like a rash.” tearing your gaze from james potter down below to look ahead, “that would eventually go away.”
he raises an eyebrow at that, lips quirking into a smirk “really now? he’s been waiting for you every morning for the past months, i think this rash is here to stay. ”
you forced a tight lipped smile, “all in due time, i’m sure.”
clenching your hands when the stairs settle in, you walk down, gently meeting his bright honey eyes.
once you were close enough, he grinned, “good morning my sweet,” pushing himself off of the wall he was leaning against. like some infuriating roguish model. you like to think he practices ways on how he would look leaning against the stone wall. something he would drag his friends into helping him decide which one looked best, no doubt. you almost smile at the thought but stopped yourself when he says, “don’t you look as beautiful as ever.” he hummed.
his robes in his hands, his tie crisp and perfect, his white button-up wrinkle-free. his hair looking like something he’d desperately describe as artfully tousled but could only be ever perceived as messy. his cool bravado contrasting his rosy cheeks and ears. your heart doing that awful thing again.
“well, that’s my cue. see you both later.” charlie waved and you looked, giving him a nod goodbye.
you sighed through your nose, “potter.”
“try not to sound too happy now.” he teased. he let out his palms for you to place your tote and books, and like yesterday and the day before, you give it to him without complaint. “thanks,” you muttered, keeping in a snort of laughter as you see him wear your pink floral tote on his shoulders unabashedly.
“so, are you ready for your ancient runes test today?” he asks, once you two started walking to the great hall.
“how did you—?”
he shrugged, tousling his hair and looking down on you with a proud smile. “i know everything about you, darling.” (and that he does. albeit he had to beg and bribe his way for your friends to start sharing basic information about you. what your classes are, favourite colours, what you like, dislike —because merlin forbid you actually share things about yourself. all without you knowing of course. wouldn’t want you to think of him as weird.)
you gave the weirdo a suspicious stare before shaking your head, “i think i’m ready. i mean, i studied everything i could. i revised three books for it and even did flashcards.”
“well i bet my hair, you’re gonna do just great.” he grinned, softly nudging your shoulder. “you always have.”
rolling your eyes, “thank you, although i don’t really need you hair.”
“well, just tell me which limb you want and i’ll give it to you.” spreading his arms apart, your bag sliding on his arms with his movement. grinning wide and wiggling his eyebrows. leaning into your face.
your face screwing up into a grimace, and pushing his face away with your knuckles, “the same goes for any anatomy or anything you offer me, i’m afraid.”
the persistent blighter just grinned, looking all too proud of himself for whatever reason.
you were about to turn towards the library, but he grabbed your arm and clicked his tongue, “eat breakfast first,” his fingers firmly wrapped around your inner elbow, denting the soft skin there.
“i have to study,” you say firmly, hoping your voice won’t crack.
“you studied enough, now let’s go.” a little tug from him and you were compliant. something he had looked pleasantly surprised by, if the denting cheeks were any indication.
once he felt you weren’t fighting him from pulling you to the great hall, he let you go. warm big hands leaving your arms.
he started talking about his plans, letting you know when he’s available and when he’s busy. asking about yours in turn — and like always sharing nothing. not that he’s deterred. it’s near the hall’s entrance when you feel his gaze at the side of your face, “—after practice though, i’m going to be fairly free the rest of the night.” that familiar lilt in his voice.
breathing in deep, knowing what’s coming next. “so i was thinking, that maybe we could meet up near the lake - have an afternoon picnic.” you turn to look at him and see him rub the back of his neck. the action causing his biceps to bulge out, pulling the fabric taut against his skin. a treacherous thought passing in your mind.
breathing in slowly, you close your eyes to refocus on his face. warm hazel eyes pleading, hopeful, still just like that first time.
“no thank you,” entering the hall just as james opens the door for you.
he frowns, no, pouts. “why not?”
“i just don’t want to.” you walked to your usual seat in the ravenclaw table and james following behind you closely.
“i guess, that’s fair.”
james still in his head, muttering about cancelling with the elves, as he went to unconsciously grab your hand to guide you into your seat. you flushed at the new action, but nonetheless take a seat anyway. he slowly let your bag slip away from his shoulders place it neatly to your side.
“i’ll walk you to the library after you eat, so wait for me, okay?” he smiled gently down at you like you haven’t just rejected him. giving your friends a few nods of acknowledgments before sitting with his friends already there waiting for him.
you hear a few teasing oohs from your friends causing you to get out of your stupor and shoot glares at them. “don’t even.”
it was no public secret that james had been determined to ask you out on a date for the past months. and each time he did, his plans only becoming more elaborate than the last.
the first time he had asked, it was in the corridor in-between classes. people scattering to get where they needed to be. you were no different until a large bouquet with large and colourful flowers arranged messily in wrinkly cellophane and tight ribbons. you remembered his face then, noting how red and shy he looked. he had been stammering and restarting his spiel to you. you saw your friend gesturing for you to hurry, but oddly enough. you stayed rooted to the spot, curious for what’s to come.
“i like you and i hope you like me too!” he might as well be screaming, as the people around you two stopped and stared. the hall now deathly silent, awaiting your response. you flushed at the attention, and grabbed james by the elbow. walking swiftly to the more secluded area at the end of the hall.
once you two were alone, you see those hopeful eyes of his and his nervous smile. his face was still laughably red and the flowers still upright, tightly clutched in his hands.
“um no,” standing up straighter, “i don’t know what transpired for you to do this but, no.”
you can practically see him deflate then, the flowers lowering from his chest to his side. “no?”
“no.”
“i thought—“ he gulped, stepping towards you. but you raise a hand stopping him. clearing your throat before uttering,
“potter, what about evans?”
he tilted his head, hair flopping in his eyes, and a frown on his pink lips. “what about her?”
you scoff a humourless laugh, hands wildly waving in front you. your bag slipping but continued to say,
“what about her? potter, you’ve liked her since—well since, forever and now you want me to believe you like me now?”
“yes.” he nodded, eyebrows scrunching now. looking frustrated like it was obvious.
you laugh in disbelief, muttering lowly, “how fickle.”
“fickle?”
you freeze, shamed he heard you. waving your hands nonchalantly, an easy smile on your face, “you know frequently changes, inconsistent.”
“i know what fickle means, i’m not an idiot.”
you sputter a short laugh at his indignant tone, “what? are you mad at me now?”
huffing through his nose and pouting, “i’m not mad at you, i’m mad at the situation—“
“fickle! you just confessed looking all shy and now you’re glaring—“
“i am not glaring.”
“fickle!” you laugh, pointing at his scrunched up face. his face now red for a different reason.
“i’m not!” he groans, “i really like you and i want to date you.”
reaching up to place a hand on his shoulder, ignoring the way he tensed up and gotten even redder, “no, you don’t. these feelings will eventually pass. trust me.”
james hadn’t replied then, and just as you were about to leave, he thrusted the flowers in your face once again.
“no, potter—“
shaking his head, “no, these are for you. regardless of your answer.” showing you a small dimpled smile, compelling you to take them without anymore argument. the cellophane rustling in your hand. the flowers looking like they’ve been randomly arranged, like someone just chose the biggest and eye catching flowers and bundled it together.
you try not to imagine james picking the flowers himself and getting pink ribbons to tie it all together. tongue poking at his cheek in concentration as he struggles to arrange the flowers like the professionals. it wasn’t an image you saw before, but found yourself easily picturing it nonetheless.
“thank you...”
and you thought that was the end of it. he’ll start to ignore you now because you bruised his pride. maybe even go back to talking to lily evans again.
you try not to think of the swirling disappointment in your stomach, nor the twinge of something else mixed in.
but when you got down from the ravenclaw tower, the next day. off to start your day in the library. there he was, leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
james potter was waiting for you, a radiant smile etching on his face once he saw you.
since then, you had been subjected to various ways james had planned to asked you out. ranging from spelling out your name with an invite in the sky to literally riding a white horse during class and asking if he could whisk you away. all had been met with either an indifferent stares or a horrified wide-eyed gape. after two weeks of feeling complete dread and embarrassment, to the possibilities james potter has in store for you. he suddenly stopped. retiring fireworks and floating parchment of invitations, to normal folded ones inserted in your books. no longer charming his voice so it could be heard all over school to hear him declare his affections, but instead softly asking you in private instead.
it was obvious you had taken a liking to the quieter, more discreet versions rather than the former.
because the first time he did, james had gathered a lock of your hair between his fingers and tucked them behind your ear, whispered low and slow and so close to your ear, as he uttered:
“go on a date with me,”
you were blushing up a storm, then. face warm to the touch and eyes averting frantically to every corner in the library except his eyes. frustratingly aware of his fingers still touching your ear.
he had looked at you then, shock written all over his face before a shy grin took over his face. rubbing his hand over his mouth and tugging the corner of his mouth to stop himself from grinning at your reaction.
he had also been rejected that time but he decided your reaction was reward enough.
you look at your watch and saw you had around an hour left to read up on your other subjects before your first lesson starts.
taking the last few bites of breakfast before james, who had noticed the time as well, had walked over and was already grabbing the things you pulled out of your tote, placing it neatly inside. plopping to the seat beside you.
“you ready to go, pretty?” he quipped.
quickly nodding as you hastily clean your section of the table and said your goodbyes to your friends. pointedly ignoring the wiggling eyebrows and teasing hoots of pretty.
james had offered a hand to help you stand up but you ignored it and stood on your own.
“did you eat a lot?” leaning to have a good look at your face.
you nodded, “a bit. they had scrambled eggs, so i had a full plate.”
james nodding, a happy smile on his face. “good, good.” turning to look in front of him and opening the heavy doors for you all the while adjusting your tote on his shoulders. “listen, there was a schedule change for pitch practice so i’ll be a bit busy starting tomorrow. i’m sorry, sweets.”
“okay.”
he hummed, thoughtful. “i’ll try to still be around and walk you to your classes in between breaks—we’ll see how that goes. try not to miss me too much, yeah?” a teasing smile on his lips.
you rolled your eyes, oblivious to the days ahead.
“oh,” charlie said, leaning over to the railing.
“what?” following his gaze and looking over to the glaringly, strangely vacant spot. “oh,”
now staring at you with a teasing glint in his eye. “i see mr. loverboy’s not in today.” the smirk on his face making you roll your eyes.
“managed to finally scare him off, did ‘ya?” he supplies.
“if only,” crossing your arms, “he said he’ll be busy with quidditch practice.”
when the stairs settled in, charlie turned to you. “it’s certainly nice to know he has other hobbies other than bothering you.”
“bothering me?” adjusting the strap of your tote on your shoulder.
he quirked an eyebrow, an inquisitive look on his face “he doesn’t bother you anymore?”
“nonsense, you know he does.”
“interesting,”
you look at him with a frown, hating the teasing, the all knowing tone he always uses when you missed something. “what?”
“nothing!” you gave him an exasperated stare and raised your eyebrow, raising his hand in the air and chuckled, “i just noticed you getting a bit soft on ‘im, that’s all.” tapping his chin, “you don’t look that bothered to me, is what i’m saying. and you never say so anymore.”
your face warmed. is that what it looked like to others? is that potter thinks? that you’re going soft on him now? you scoff, tightening your hold on your bag and adjusting the sliding strap. “do i really have to announce it every time i’m pissy with him?”
he’s humming, a certain skip in his step that makes you want to trip him, “no, but i can tell you’re at least tolerating him now. friends, maybe?”
“tolerating does not equate friendship, sorry to say.” you know, it isn’t. being with james doesn’t feel at all like how it is with charlie.
“an assistant then?” mirth clear in his eyes as he said that. charlie the pale mutt having way too much fun with this.
pursing your lips in an annoyed frown, “i’d like to think he doesn’t qualify enough to be my assistant.” adjusting the slipping strap of your bag.
he laughs, grabbing your tote off your shoulder, and sliding it to his. “you’re not even used to holding your bag anymore, since he always carry it for you.”
“so?”
“so,” looking pointedly at you, as he counts on his fingers, “he’s not a friend, he doesn’t qualify to be your assistant… what is he then?”
you blinked, the question wasn’t anything new. if anything it was a question you started hearing quite frequently, after james potter’s many attempts to woo you. the questions before, however, carried a chaffing tone meant to tease or pull a reaction. but now, with charlie peering curiously at you, and the many weeks you’ve talked with james. the question now carry a different tone.
but still you remain nonchalant, regardless of the warming cheeks and ears. you huffed,
“a pet.”
it was on the same day after one of your classes when you saw him waiting for you. he was still wearing his practice kit and gloves. it looked as if he had rushed over here, with his hair windswept all the more messier than usual. his hazel eyes more alert, brighter—something you find always happens after he plays.
he looked up when he saw the swarm of students leaving the room, eyes immediately meeting yours and the familiar smile that goes with it. his cheeks tinted pink, maybe from the cold wind gushing outside or, dare i say it, seeing you. you ignore the spreading warmth in your stomach, your skin shrinking and your judas heart thudding like a fluttering hummingbird.
the smile he shot your way, was a soft little smile. something you learned he did if he was sorry about something.
“hello, sweets.” he said once close enough. he had reached out then, grabbing your things out of your arms and you giving it to him out of habit. “did you have a good morning?”
your voice seemed to be unresponsive as you just nodded. still raking over his face and figure. like it was your first time seeing him, an urge to reach out. as if you didn’t see him yesterday.
“sorry, i wasn’t there to greet you in the morning.” rubbing the back of his neck. “the team wanted an early practice.”
“oh, i barely noticed.” you lied.
a lie he seems to have caught on himself, if the bashful smile on his face is anything to go by. his cheeks with pretty divots— an urge to dig your thumbs in there greater than ever. no, you think. clenching your hands tight to your sides. fucking charlie with his absurd ideas.
when the last student left the hall, the two of you were left in silence. him staring sparkles at you and you desperately avoiding it.
clearing your throat, you started to walk in the direction of your next class.
“anyway it’s fine, you’re captain now. so more responsibilities is inevitable, i say.”
he slipped your bag into his shoulders and started rearranging your books in his arms. “you know i made captain?”
“you told me, didn’t you?” you frown. you could have sworn he did. it was the day he had drawn hearts all over the margin of your notes, writing both yours and his initials in a heart. the sopping sap.
he stood up straighter, eyes widening in wonder. “you remembered,”
“is that so surprising?” clicking your tongue, slightly offended he thinks you would disregard the things he says. you had manners.
he immediately shook his head, a bright smile took over his face that you had no choice but to look away.
“i’m more surprised you actually have the time to even walk me to class.”
he shakes his head, “i’ll always make time for you!” he exclaimed, slightly bumping your shoulder. “did you think i’d let you go on a day without seeing my face at least once?”
“ah yes, because seeing you is such a gift, no?” you said, you’re voice void of emotions. but he continues undeterred.
“and because i’m so generous, i’ll try to meet you like this tomorrow too.” he beamed, puffing his chest.
a clear image enters your brain. you think of james rushing from the practice grounds to the classrooms in the higher floors. imagine him barely having anytime to rest or even drink water if he were to walk you to your classes and go back to the pitch in time. imagine himself slump against the stone wall in front of the door, steadying his breathing so he wouldn’t look tired or worn, putting on his usual, irritably handsome smile. you imagine him having to rush back, making him even more tired than he has to be. imagine him not performing his best.
the image vivid in your head because he would most likely do just that. and that fact didn’t sit well with you for some reason, “what for? won’t that be an inconvenience to you?”
“it’s not an inconvenience.” he says lightly.
“but isn’t the practice field far from here?” you frowned. it was at two flights of stairs, and a long walk to the covered bridge to the school grounds to the quidditch pitch. it had to be at least a 15 minute walk
his smile slowly started to leave his face as if sensing something wrong. “not that far—” turning to look at you.
you raise an eyebrow, as if scolding, “didn’t you rush over here?”
he shook his head, curls strands flopping over his eyes, “only a little bit—“
“potter, you don’t have rush over here for that.”
“but how can i walk you to your next class if i don’t hurry?”
“that’s what i’m saying,” rolling your eyes, “you don’t have to walk me to class, we can just focus on our own thing for a while—“
now a small frown on his face, “but i want to.”
“and i’m telling you, i don’t need you to. you can focus on your training more rather than rush to walk me in-between classes.” waving off as if it was nothing. you didn’t want him giving up precious break time for something menial like walking you to class.
he stops walking, eyes now filled with frustration. you groan inwardly, plenty sure you won’t be able to reach your class in time. “i just want to spend a little bit of time with you, is that so bad?”
you laugh awkwardly, “this is barely spending time with each other. it’s just a walk to class—”
“so what? you’re saying no to walking with me now?”
you groan out a laugh, pushing your hair out of your face. the idea of it creating an unpleasant twist in your stomach. “that’s not what i’m saying,” softly rubbing your temples, already feeling the migraine forming over the escalating topic.
“then what?”
“spending a little time apart is better, i don’t need you doing all of this for me. carrying my stuff and walking me to class, or waiting for me in the morning. i don’t need any of it. so apologizing or trying to make up for it is unnecessary.”
he laughs in disbelief, “unnecessary?” he parrots, “why can’t you just let me do things for you? why do you always have to fight with me about everything?”
“i don’t want you to!” you exclaimed.
he is being difficult. you were just saying this for his sake. he was the one who said he needed to practice more and now that you tell him to focus on that, he goes off on you.
“i know, but i want to do these things for you because i like you! this is what people do when they like somebody, y/n. they do stuff for them without being asked to.”
rolling your eyes, just ready to end the conversation as you spew the things in your brain mindlessly. “oh seven hells! you don’t like me! you just think you do!”
he took a step forward eyes blazing in irritation, “and you just know that for sure, yeah?”
“yes, potter. i know this for sure.”
he scoffs out a disbelieving laugh, “why is it so hard for you to take my feelings seriously?”
you took a step back, not expecting his question. “what?”
“did someone hurt you before?”
“no-“
“lie to you? trick you?”
”no, what—?”
“then i don’t understand,” staring at you, eyebrows scrunched and hazel eyes blazed with sadness. “is there something wrong with me—?”
you were about to reach out to him, apologize. or clarify. or anything just to make him stop looking like that.
“why can’t the person i’m interested in, like me back?”
you stop, an ugly green emotion engulfing your chest. of course, you thought. your next class be damned. as you face contorts into a sneer as you spat out the words,
“so that’s what this is about?” you scoff, “years of rejection from evans, you turn to the easiest target you can get, so you can feel good about yourself?”
anger taking over his face, “what—?”
“just admit it, you’re pursuing me because you’re frustrated she didn’t reciprocate your feelings.”
“—you think i see you as someone easy? you think i would actually do that to you?”
you straightened your posture, “you can’t be mad at me for simply laying down the facts.” completely disregarding the fact you’ve implied you’d be a willing participant to his wooing if he weren’t so fickle.
adjusting the strap of your bag on his shoulder, mumbling, “i can’t believe this.” and now in a louder voice. “and what are your facts, then?”
“you claimed to love evans, fact.” he scoffs, but you continue. “she rejects you, fact. you start to realize there are other girls in our year and then you see little ole me, fact. you start to build unto this idea of starting something with me because for whatever reason your brain seems to think it’s a good idea, fact.”
shaking his head, “even if that were all true, i like you now.”
“and how long until that changes too?” you counter, looking straight at him. angry tears building in your eyes.
“what? it’s not going to change. ” he stepped forward, and you step back.
“you have been nothing in life but be inconsistent.”
his face twists into a frown. “that’s not true,”
“oh really?” you nodded, your voice getting louder in the quiet halls, “you were the best student during our first year but then you stopped trying. you were on your way to becoming a prefect until you decided you didn’t want to anymore. you were going to turn down becoming captain if it weren’t for black threatening to quit unless you accepted. i mean, really james potter,”
a bitter laugh came tumbling out of your mouth, “you’ve been in love with this girl ever since you were eleven, and now you aren’t.” you breathed, “how will i know you won’t stop liking me too?”
looking into his eyes, waiting for an answer that doesn’t come, you grabbed your bag and books from him and walked away.
“that’s what i thought.”
you didn’t see james after that. not in the morning after and not in-between classes. you thought it was because of quidditch practice again. but when the week ended and still no sign of him, you felt something heavy drop in your chest.
you labelled it as guilt (though charlie have insisted it to be something else—something else he refuses to tell).
guilty you raised your voice and basically criticized him for doing something nice for you. started overthinking you might’ve struck a nerve you shouldn’t’ve, considering you weren’t really friends to begin with. charlie did always say you were a bit loose with your choice of your words. you were the type to offend somebody even without meaning to, he says.
now, it has been days since you last spoke to james and things hasn’t felt right since.
your tote bag keeps slipping off of your shoulder. your books seems heavier now and harder to hold. now, the eggs served at breakfast were never scrambled— always a shitty sunny side up. you can’t concentrate in class. you keep looking for a tall head of curly hair, everywhere you go and you keep feeling the inevitable disappointment when it isn’t the person you were looking for.
it was getting harder and harder keeping your usual composed demeanor. and if charlie noticed anything different with you, he didn’t say anything. until now that is,
“okay this whole thing is getting pathetic.” he sighed. plopping down next to you in the ravenclaw common room.
you look at him, frown seemingly placed permanently on your face nowadays. “i’m sorry?”
he nodded, “yeah, you should be sorry. because you let a good bloke like potter go.” you sat up, “and all because of your refusal to accept that he might actually like you.”
you roll your eyes grumbling, “you don’t know anything,”
“i know you like him,” he huffs, “and for some reason you refuse to admit it.”
you took a deep breath, the glare you had on, softening as you look away.
you didn’t bother correcting him because, well, he was right. you had been dancing around your feelings for so long, you were sure the mask of indifference had already slipped off without your knowledge. you slumped, a whispered sigh as you muttered, “why would i even bother? i know he’ll change his mind.”
charlie had looked taken aback, clearly he expected more fight from you. you huff, you weren’t so emotionally inept that you would continue to deny it any longer. considering how long you’ve been denying yourself of the truth. maybe just a smidge of denial still, but seeing how that rather blown up in your face, it was time to face the music.
and after a while he said, “did he tell you that?”
fiddling with your hands, you say scoffing, “did he tell me he’ll eventually leave me? no,”
“are you clairvoyant then?”
you huff a short laugh, “you know, i think that’s rubbish.”
he offered a smile, “then how do you know he’ll change his mind?”
you sigh, shrugging your shoulders, “i don’t know,”
“and you’ll never know unless you get up and tell him you like him.”
“but what if he changes his mind?” looking at your friend properly now, “what if he suddenly decides he doesn’t like me anymore. hell, he probably doesn’t anymore.”
he shook his head, “he hasn’t. he won’t.”
“but what if?” you whine.
rolling his eyes, “on the off chance that he does, then at least you can say you tried. that for a short while you were happy.“ patting your back, “and isn’t that better?”
you scoff, looking away. “no, that’s definitely worse.”
it was a two days after you and charlie had a talk. and it was during these two days that you and your friends discussed ways on how to make up with james.
you’d think a group of ravenclaws could come up with clever ways to solve your problems. but when one of your friends suggested painting a mural for their honour, and another telling you to pretend like you passed out in front of him—made you realize your friends were as hopeless as you are.
but it turns out, you didn’t really have to.
you were on your way to the ravenclaw tower, when it happened.
you saw james walking towards you. strides large and with purpose. you can practically see his eyes blaze with determination.
you were never big on confrontation, especially when you’re the one being confronted. so you did what anyone would have done, turn and speed walk the other way.
you were about to turn the corner of the hall, out of his sight when you hear him call out to you.
“y/n please,”
you stop, the desperation in his voice echoing in the halls. you hear his footsteps behind, speeding its pace. before slowly turning around to face him.
“james i-“
he shook his head, breathless as he says, “you know i’m a bit cross with you.”
you nod, “yes. you should be, i-“
“you didn’t let me respond to you that day.”
“what?”
his lips pursed, “when you asked me, if i’ll stop liking you.”
you shook your head, embarrassed. “no, you don’t have to-“
“i don’t know if i’ll stop. all i know is, i like you y/n. and i’m not going to say it’s always been you because i did like her.” he looked at you, eyes clear and sure as ever,
“i liked her when i didn’t even know what liking someone meant. and when i did, i realized it wasn’t the like i thought i had for her. i admired her, sure, but what i felt for her is not even comparable to what i feel for you now. you make me want to become a better man. you make me want to make something of myself. you keep me grounded but you also make me feel like i could fly. you’re the most amazing person, i know and it’s frustrating to think you don’t see yourself the same way i see you.
“and i know you like me too, you can try and pretend all you want but i can tell. because you always listen to me even when you pretend not to. you always have a small smile on your face whenever i come see you in the morning. and then you act as if you don’t care. you always refuse my gifts at first but i know all the things i’ve given you is still in your room. i know you turned the first bouquet into bookmarks. you like me as much as i like you and i know part of the reason why you won’t acknowledge it is because you’re scared. and i can’t exactly blame you because of that. but i’m willing to prove to you that you have nothing to be afraid of. i’ll study harder in school, i’ll take up more responsibility, i’ll prove to you, i can see things through. if you could just give me a chance because you make me want to try, dammit.”
he took a couple of steps forward until he was right in front of you. reaching for your hand and softly engulfing yours with his. never realizing how big it is compared to yours. when you didn’t pull away, he looked at you in the eyes, adjusting his grip so it was intertwined and softly breathing out the words,
“every time i look at you, i feel like my heart is about to jump out of my damned chest. i like you, y/n. i like so much i already wrote to my parents about you.“
he looked at you so softly then, eyes wide in hope.
what do you say to that? james potter the most charming boy in school, your crush ever since you were a first year, likes you. you bit your lip, fighting the growing smile on your face and failing as you utter back,
“all good things i hope.”
he gives a dimpled grin back, “the best, truthful things.”
you cleared your throat, “well, james potter,” tightening your grip on his hand, your meeting that meeting hazel.
“i like you, and i hope you like me back.” you whisper, ignoring the hummingbird in your chest, the alarms in your heads and the tightening skin.
he bit his lip and pulled you flush against him. arms now wrapped around your waist. “no,” he breathed out a laugh, grabbing your cheek before leaning in and slotting his lips with yours into a giddy kiss.
your thumbs slipping into the pretty divots in his cheeks, as soft and smooth as you’ve always imagined them to be.
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