James is head over heels for Lily. He's always been. Ever since he's met the girl, he liked her. Many people said that they would make such a power couple. And they would, yeah. Even James's parents approved of it. The picture perfect couple, huh?

But the James that came into seventh year of his education in Hogwarts had another plan. The moment his and your eyes locked for a few seconds in Hogwarts Express, he felt it. The spark. That little sign that woke something up inside of him. He didn't know he had it within him before. No, seriously, he didn't. He can't recall if he'd ever had a crush on a guy before. It's just that he appreciates the view and he can't just deny that a guy is attractive, no? Especially Remus. In his fourth year, Remus came to Hogwarts Express in a Rockstar look, sporting leather boots and a leather jacket, a spiky hair look, buttons on his shirt undone, his cheekbones and jawline standing out the most. James' cheeks heated up and he couldn't stop himself from opening his mouth in shock because his friend looked so awesome and cool and so, so attractive--

Wait... Bloody hell... He really does like guys, doesn't he? But he's sure that he likes girls, too. Huh... Maybe he's always been like this. It's been easy for him: seeing good in people, being there for everyone, trying to see other's point of view.

Some people said that he holds so much love for others, so why wouldn't he like everyone?

He figured it out. He likes everyone. Lily Evans wasn't the only one he had a crush on. Lily was just... There. She captured his eye like no one else. At least that's what he liked to think back then when he was obsessed with her. Especially in fifth grade.

But... something changed. He calmed down in sixth grade, dated two other girls which he broke up with shortly (the break ups weren't bad - they figured it out with a few simple words) and then seventh year came forth. The seventh and the last year.

As he got the responsibility of Head Boy, he thought that Lily would be proud of him, maybe even ask him out, see that he's changed and that he has a sense of doing things right. But as he stumbled into one of the compartments in Hogwarts Express, sitting down with his friends, he sees you looking around into various compartments.

And his heartbeat stops for a second. You are... Oh, Godrick... You look ethereal. You changed over the summer. And James can't figure out what exactly did change. Is it the hair? The clothes? Perhaps the lines on your face? The way you hold yourself?

Why hasn't he noticed that before? You've talked. He's sure of it. You shared Potions class. You've been partners, and still are. Or that's what he likes to believe. Are you partners in Potions? Does Gryffindor and your house have Potions this year? He'll have to go through his list of classes thoroughly.

Your eyes meet and James's heartbeat thumps wildly in his chest. You stop on your tracks and open the compartment James, Peter, Sirius and Remus were in. "Hey, sorry if I'm disturbing in any way," you say, leaning against the sliding door's doorframe. The boys look at the new arrival. "Did you see a rat somewhere 'round 'ere? A friend lost it."

And you look at James out of all people. James can just blink up at you, lips parting.

Sirius hits James in the ribs, "No, sorry, we didn't." You didn't seem to notice the little gesture.

And just at that moment, someone screamed from the front of the Hogwarts Express.

Sirius grins mischievously, "The rat must've found company of some first years."

You roll your eyes, sighing and murmuring, "Godrick, help me." You stand up to your full height. James blinks. His glasses slip from his nose a little. "Alright, I'll see you in classes we share," you don't say to anyone particular. You meet James's eye again. "Fix your glasses, Potter. You look like an idiot."

And then you're gone after others bid their good-byes. Everyone except James. His throat is dry. That's how it all started, he supposes.