Boys will be Boys

~In which Jamesie digs himself a nice big hole and falls into it (or Lily pushes him into it...)~

Sirius could not hide his amusement. James Potter, Quidditch player extraordinaire, probably going to be head boy next year, moderate chick magnet, was in love. Well, love was a bit strong...for now. But, well, Sirius had been around when James had gone out with Maria and Janis... Barbara had been a joke, Stacey has just been a ditz...Poor Jamesie. Sirius smirked. It was time that James settled down anyway. James could TRY to date all kinds of girls, but Sirius knew that he didn't like it. James could pretend that he wanted a two-weeks girlfriend, but Sirius knew. Commitment. It was what James wanted and what James feared. He sighed, but it was a half laugh. Poor James...

Lily and Dara were deep into a conversation.

"Snape!"

"No, Lockhart," Dara argued.

"Puh-leese! Snape, definitely."

"You have no idea, girl. I'm telling you, it's 'Pretty-boy Gilderoy' all the way!"

"I hope you're not picking out the most eligible bachelor in Hogwarts," Sirius remarked dryly as he and James walked up.

Dara rolled her eyes and Lily pretended to gag.

"Sirius," Dara said sweetly, "That was rude. Or are you saying that in your opinion you are higher on the wanted list than them?"

"I would bloody well hope so!"

Lily laughed, "Yes, I must admit that even James tops Snape!"

James couldn't figure out if this was an insult or a compliment, but he thought he knew.

"Lily," Dara giggled, "why don't you be nice to your date!"

Lily looked James up and down, frowning theatrically, "Well, I suppose that I could do worse..."

James ignored this and took her arm for the next dance.

-*-

It was getting rather late and most couples were winding down.

"My feet hurt," Lily exclaimed as she sat at a table off to the side with Sirius, Dara, Peter, and, of course, James.

"You shouldn't wear high heels," James told her.

Lily looked dignified, "I wanted to come up to at least your shoulders. It would look quite silly dancing with someone who was a foot taller than me."

Dara made a face, "I wish I could wear heels! However, I would tower over my date if I did."

Sirius smiled, "Your height, my dear, is perfect, as are you."

"Humph," Dara said, but she looked quite pleased.

Peter was getting very tired, "Can't they just announce the winners and let us go to bed?"

"Y'know, Peter," James commented. "You could trot on up to bed. I doubt that you're going to win...unless they count imaginary dates..."

Peter reddened.

"James!" Lily scolded. "Please! Let's try not to be so rude!"

And, strangely, James DID try not to be so rude around Lily anymore. This was strange... What was wrong with him?! He was James Potter! NO ONE told him what to do! Well, Professor McGonagall tried to at times, but like he ever obeyed her! At that moment, James Potter began to worry.

The music started up again and Lily, the hurting feet forgotten, jumped up. Saying it was her favorite song; she dragged James out onto the dance floor. Lily leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Heaven..." she murmured.

"You aren't the first girl to tell me that," James said without thinking. Being close to Lily was beginning to affect his sanity.

Lily's head snapped up, "What is that supposed to mean?!"

"Well, that girls- that, um sometimes...ohshit..."

"James Potter, I can't believe that I was actually beginning to think that you were a nice guy! Joke's on me!" she said bitterly. "That's a way to get a girl, Potter! Tell her about all your former girlfriends!"

"I wasn't talking about girlfriends..."

"One night stands, then?"

Warning signs kept flashing across James' brain. Most of them read, "Well, damn." He had been close. But he, well, blew it. Blew it to shreds.

Lily was glaring at him, "I don't have to sit here and-"

"You're standing," said a Hufflepuff beside them helpfully. Most of the couples around Lily and James had started eavesdropping by now.

"STAND here and take this!" She finished with a flourish. Several females cheered. She grinned.

James was trying to keep a low profile. God, did that girl blow things out of proportion! She just needed to calm down and see things clearly...

He took her arm in an attempt to lead her off the dance floor.

Not a good idea.

Lily, already drunk with power (and punch) had decided that she'd had about enough of James Potter. She tripped him expertly, but she made one mistake. Her high heel got caught in his robes and they both went tumbling to the floor.

-*-

Lily's eyes opened to flashes of light. Oh, no!

James was red with embarrassment and anger. Of, course! Bloody photographers!

The press had a field day. It had been the most interesting thing to happen at the ball. James, furious with himself and Lily, yanked her up be her arm and they fled.

For once, Lily did not object to a decision of James'. Besides, she was mad at herself and James. However, it was much easier to take it out on James. He made such a wonderful target.

"Let me go, Potter!" she hissed.

James was in a terrible humor, "Anything your Highness, the Ice Queen says!" He bowed, much to Lily's annoyance.

"You forgot, 'I live but to serve her highness!'" Sirius joined in as he and Dara came up upon them.

Dara gave him a hard look and suddenly let go of his arm, "Excuse me, Black," she spat out. "But no one talks to my friend like that. Especially not someone like you."

Dara took a hold of Lily and, with a nasty look at the boys, stalked off majestically.

Sirius hit James upside the head.

"Hey! What was that for?!"

"My date just walked off on me!"

"And that's MY fault?"

"Certainly," Sirius informed him. "You're not doing so well tonight...one more zero on your report card won't hurt."