EVERY PERSON WHO TRIED TO CONVINCE LILY TO DATE JAMES (It gets more concerning and unexpected each time)
Lily Evans knew there was no escape. Sirius would come out lurking, sing a stupid song trying to convince Lily to give a chance to James at any given time. James would come up with a big prop every single day, surprisingly still unwavering despite the endless rejections. Lily had no choice but to get used to it. But she definitely did not expect /this/ many people to get involved. Here’s a series of how very unexpected people tried to matchmake Lily Evans and James Potter.
CHAPTER 1, PART 1
THE PREFECT, THE HEAD BOY:
MARCUS MCKINNON
1972, January
It was late and Lily Evans was lost. Well, it was just 10PM, but that was late for the 11 year old girl who was still getting used to Hogwarts. She still hadn’t fully grasped the confusing floor plan and the constantly moving staircases. That’s when she heard another footstep. She froze for a moment. Was she going to get in trouble for wandering around at 10 PM? What were the rules? Her mind went blank when she saw a figure approaching. A tall blond man.
She knew him. Well, not personally, but he had introduced himself to all of her housemates a few months ago. But even if he hadn’t, Lily still would’ve known him thanks to Potter. He always talked about Marcus and how he was amazing at Quidditch and how they played together.. James actually begged Mcgonagall to allow him to play as a 1st year because “this was his only opportunity to be in the same team as Marcus since he’s on his 7th year”. That boy never shut up, especially about Quidditch.
“Is everything alright?” Marcus asked concerned. “Oh, yeah, everything’s alright.” replied Lily shyly, suddenly pulled away from her thoughts. “Well, not exactly,” she paused before admitting “I’m lost.” She thought Marcus would make fun of her like Sirius would (and did), but he didn’t. His eyes only showed sympathy. “Well, you do not need to worry, I’ll help you.” he said assuringly. And Lily trusted him instantly.
“What house are you in?’ he asked. She looked very familiar, but he could not put his finger on why and how he knew her. “Gryffindor” replied Lily with a little pride in her voice. She knew Marcus was in Gryffindor like most of his family. Marlene had told her that. “Well, how perfect! I’m in Gryffindor too.” replied Marcus happily. “You know what? I used to get lost all the time. This castle is so confusing. The moving staircases, the hidden common rooms. It’s almost like they want us to get lost” Marcus said warmly. To be honest, he hadn’t got lost a lot. He had been visiting Hogwarts with his parents ever since he was born. But he wanted the girl to feel comfortable about it. Assure that it was okay— and it worked. Lily did feel much better after hearing his words. She smiled “I’m relieved, I thought I was the only one”. “Oh you definitely are not, I’ve lost count of how many children I’ve helped. Especially the first years. You are in your first year, right?’ he asked. The girl nodded.
“I forgot to ask your name. I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Marcus and you?’. Marcus added quickly and very humbly. As if not every single Gryffindor (and everyone at school) knew his name. “Oh, it’s okay. I already knew who you were. Mcgonagall told us at the beginning of the year” Marcus laughed at that “Well did she mention how much she loved me?” “She kept that part short” replied Lily with a warm laugh before realizing she forgot to introduce herself. “I’m Lily by the way, Lily Evans.”
Marcus paused for a moment. Ooohhh, that’s how he recognized her. The famous Lily Evans. The girl James had talked his ears off from the moment he saw her. Marcus had went up to check on James on his first day and congratulate him on getting Gryffindor. That’s when James first told him about “ the love of his life” He was convinced that he was going to marry her. Marcus had laughed of course. No one married the first girl they had a crush on, but it was hilarious to see James like that. However, James turned out to be more determined than he had thought. Marlene told Marcus about how James kept asking out Lily even though she has rejected him a dozen times already. When Marcus confronted to James about it, he’d say it was a “minor bump” in the way of their legendary love story and she was eventually going to agree. Then he’d continue to tell him about the intricate plans he had made with Sirius. Each more ridiculous than the other.
Marcus thought James would get tired of it. He understood that was definitely not the case when they went back home for winter break. James was with them as usual, and /all/ he talked about was this girl. Marcus was shocked that James found something he cared about more than Quidditch. Marcus, and the rest of the Mckinnon and Potter family, spent the entirety of their Christmas break listening to James. They were all surprised that James talked about something more than he talked about Quidditch. They had not believe that such thing was possible until then. He literally did not stop even to take a bite of his food. They had an ongoing bet about how long it would last. They all underestimated, but Adrienna Mckinnon was the closest.
And now, that very girl was standing in front of him. Marcus did not know what to do. James was like a brother to him, he should do something shouldn’t he? He wouldn’t want to embarrass either one of them -well, at least not Lily,- but he couldn’t just not mention it. “Oh, you’re Marlene’s friend right?“ Marcus asked to make conversation. Actually, they weren’t even that close. Marlene did not like how Lily was friends with some of the Slytherins, and the way she acted towards James. She had heard her mention her only a few times- all of it having something to do with James, but still. Lily nodded, looking very happy that Marlene mentioned her. “Yeah, Marlene is great. She told me about you.” “Oh is that so?’ Marcus smiled. A little pride on his face. His baby sister was not as embarrassed of him as she pretended to be. He then cleared his throat and began “Well, there’s another guy in your year that I really like— he’s like a brother, really. Maybe you know him.” He looked at Lily’s face to figure out her reaction before continuing. It was puzzling, really. It almost seemed like she was trying to look annoyed and repress a smile at the same time. Marcus continued as if he hadn’t noticed and was completely oblivious to the whole thing between them. “His name is James. James Potter. He’s Marlene’s really close friend as well — and such a great guy. Have you two met? I think you’d get along.” God, how did he get pulled into this?
Lily seemed to think about that “I have met him.” she finally replied, choosing her words carefully. Definitely trying very hard to keep a straight face. “And he must be a good friend.” she paused “Just, maybe, not for me.” Marcus couldn’t help but smile at that. He pulled himself together quickly. “Well, you never know. You might change your mind. You guys have 7 years ahead of you. Believe me, I’m speaking from personal experience.” Lily seemed to really think about his words. “Yeah, you’re right I suppose. I might.” she said genuinely. “You might” Jason repeated and they both smiled at that.
James was going to be over the moon when Marcus told him about this. A “good friend” and “I might” was better than James ever could’ve hoped for. Those few words would be enough to convince him that they were soulmates.
“Well, here we are” Marcus stopped in front of the potrait. “Thank you so much” Lily said warmly. “Of course,” replied Marcus “I’m glad that I could help.” He paused “With both of the issues.” He added with a smile. Lily smiled back “You really did.” And got in the room.
Oh, James Potter owed him big time. At the next family Quidditch game, /he/ was going to pick the teams
Part 2 (6 years later) is coming soon
