Severus was almost in luck. There was only one person at home, but it was James. The door was flung open with his natural exuberance and banged against the wall. James' scruffy head popped out and stopped abruptly when it saw Severus waiting outside.
"Oh," he said. Awkward was not something that came easily to James Potter, but he felt somewhat awkward on Severus' behalf. He could hardly fail to know that the Slytherin did not like him. "Lily's not here," he said. "She just popped out. She'll be back in half an hour or so if you want to wait for her, or come back?" He didn't really expect Severus to wait, but it was only polite to offer.