James was checking over the crowd, but finally spotted Marlene's hand and waved back, grinning. His heart was pounding franticly in his chest, and he felt just a little nauseous, but it didn't matter. This was what he wanted, what he lived for. He gave one last glance around. Most of the professors were out by this time, except Dumbledore, and he knew he wouldn't stop him. James took a deep breath, and moved to stand on top of the Gryffindor table.
Show time.
He took a few steps to the middle of the room, elevated on the table, and it got very quiet. James cleared his throat and began. "Attention! Can I have everyone's attention?" Almost immediately, the Great Hall fell silent, and all eyes were on James. He was use to the attention, since every time he was on the pitch, the entire school watched him. He took another breath and continued.
"I have something to say. Something I should have said a long time ago." He looked down at Lily, square in the eyes. "Lily Evans, I am more than tired of this cold shoulder routine from you. Frankly, I think it's immature for you to just avoid me like you have, over a kiss." He paused as he heard some students gasp, and to let his words sink in.
"But truthfully," he continued, "I was just as immature to have let it go on for so long. I should have manned up and called you out sooner. So, here I am!" He spread his arms out, as if to expose himself emotionally. "I'm right here. And let me tell you, Lily, I love you. I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you in first year. I have never stopped loving you, and I never will." He paused again, his heart hammering in his chest as he watched her face.
"Give me a chance. One chance, Lily. Just one. If I bugger it up, I will never ask for it back, but please, for Merlin's sake, give me ONE CHANCE to prove how much I love you!"