No matter how many times she did it, it never got old. She always had that same expression of wonder, of excitement, of child-like giddiness at the thought that she had done it. And for as long as she delighted in it, he would be obsessed with watching her.

James was naturally good at Transfiguration, and it was a good thing he was, because he never, ever paid any attention to what was going on when she was there. They were supposed to be practicing, but James never did. If she was practicing, he was watching her. Her eyes would light up, her lips would curl in an unconscious smile, her cheeks would flush so that her freckles stood out, and her hands would grip whatever they were holding, as if she longed to clasp them together.

Even if it was only changing a feather into a needle, or some other worthless and stupid endeavor (honestly, who would EVER need to turn a snail into anything? Really? Was there actually a place where a snail would be available, and nothing else?), she would delight in it. It actually warmed his heart to see it. Of course, then he would ache from head to toe with the knowledge that she detested him, and if she ever saw him watching her, she would curse him so fast his head would spin. Literally.

But the simple transformation of an ordinary object into another- it seemed to astound her. And the fact that she had accomplished it just added to her excitement. It was different than Potions, or even Charms. To actually see your work accomplished so effectively… well, it was gratifying, but for none so much as for Lily Evans.

She had just finished changing her tea kettle into a chicken, or something like that- James couldn't really remember, although his had miraculously transformed already, somehow- and now she was cleaning up, cheeks still pinker than usual and her eyes still glowing. James sighed loudly, but the only person paying attention was Peter.

"You're staring again." James cast an annoyed look at his friend, but Peter merely smirked and resumed packing his bag. "Remus always tells you she hates that," Peter added snidely; James felt like cursing him, but knew he was right.

All thoughts of Peter vanished as Lily rose from her seat and slung her bag over her shoulder in one fluid, graceful movement. She was talking to Alice, smiling and pushing her hair out of her face. James wished he could have such liberties. Sure, he had touched her hair plenty of times, but to do it, just once, without getting a slap… that would be very near heaven, he decided, before wiping his mouth to make sure he wasn't drooling.

Alice and Lily walked by, chatting animatedly and completely oblivious to the lovesick boy staring after them. They were talking about the weather. It was spring, and the castle had suddenly started to feel confining. James swept his schoolwork into his bag thoughtlessly and followed the girls at a safe distance. They remained oblivious, and James silently offered a prayer of thanks to whoever and whatever was on his side. At the moment.

They were walking back toward the common room, and they had switched topics, back to Transfiguration. Lily was talking about the technique- no, she was gushing, James decided- and Alice was complaining about her chicken or whatever the hell it was. It still had a spout? James nearly had to stifle a laugh.

"Oh, Alice, you worry too much about it. If you just imagine what you want it to turn into- make sure you're concentrating on the object- then it will come out right!" Lily's voice carried, exuberant.

"We're not all as brilliant as you, Lily," Alice responded unhappily, but she was smiling. Lily's love of transforming things was contagious. Sometimes, James wished she would use her magic- both literal and figurative- and transform him.