Mrs. Potter

He eagerly hugged her back and smiled. Only James’ mum could pull this off, alright. She made him feel better instantly. “Thank you, Mrs Potter,” he thanked her properly, still calling her that out of sheer habit. “Just.. some things that happened last year at school. I shouldn’t even be bothered with it any longer, to be honest.”

help! euphemia needs somebody || accepting

“Oh, Regulus... I’m fine, love. Thank you so much. I just need a lie down and I’ll be right as rain,” she smiled, sitting carefully down on the couch. Whatever was going on sure had her dizzy.

"Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, Nerf-herder!"

" Captain, being held by you isn't quite enough to get me excited."

" I'd just as soon kiss a Wookiee."

"I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain."

"Well, I guess you don't know everything about women yet."

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"You don't have to do this to impress me."

"Would it help if I got out and pushed?"

"I happen to like nice men."

" Stop that. My hands are dirty."

" I am not a committee!"

" I thought you knew this person."

" I have a bad feeling about this."

" We're going to get pulverized if we stay out here much longer."

"Some day you're gonna be wrong, I just hope I'm there to see it."

"You certainly have a way with people..."

"I don't know who you are or where you came from, but from now on you'll do as I tell you, okay?"

"Someone has to save our skins. Into the garbage chute, fly boy."

"I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board."

"Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?"

" It's a wonder you're still alive."

"Will someone get this big walking carpet out of my way?"

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought."

"You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive."

"Your friend is quite the mercenary. I wonder if he really cares about anything. Or anybody."

"They let us go. It was the only reason for the ease of our escape."

"I knew there was more to you than money.

"Put that thing away, you're gonna get us all killed!"

"Looks like you've managed to cut off our only escape route."

"This is some rescue! You came in here, but didn't you have a plan for getting out?"

"You're a jittery little thing, aren't you?"

"Who have they found to pull that off?"

"You know, no matter how much we fought I've always hated watching you leave.

James had been so busy rambling about his feelings, feeling sorry for himself and the situation, that he genuinely hadn’t realised what he’d said. She was his mum, and he needed someone to talk to. Especially since the person he would have spoken to, was the one he was currently talking about. It was very confusing. All of it. Except as her voice raised, James jumped, turning his head to stare wide eyed at his mum. 

Shit. 

“Mum…” He murmured, edging away slightly on the couch. She rarely yelled at him, usually saving it for his dad when he got home. Unless it was about personal safety. Putting himself in danger in some way and his mum wasn’t as easy to talk down as she usually was. Practically impossible really. “Mum…we just…I mean yeah…we are.” He bit his lip, looking up at her with wide eyes, hoping maybe that would work for at least ten seconds. 

“He’s not gonna find out mum! An’ that’s what I’m saying…he owes me a life debt now. Which would be pretty bloody cool if it didn’t mean Sirius had almost killed him.” He paused, edging a little closer once more as he put his hand over hers. “Don’t be mad at me mum, we had to do it for Moony…he needed us. He still needs us y’know?”

Tears brimmed her eyes and she looked down at her son’s hand on hers, then back up to him. She’d been avoiding those wide eyes, knowing they’d weaken her and this was a serious matter.

“James... I understand that... and no, a life debt isn’t ‘cool’... it means danger was involved and that is not cool, James Fleamont Potter,” she said, as sternly as she could manage.

Her teeth sank into her bottom lip, looking away again as she tried to figure out what to do. Fleamont was out on business trip, and it was just her to deal with this revelation. Another heavy sigh left her painted lips and she shook her head, free hand pressing her thumb and forefinger against her head, eyes closing. 

“James... if you’re... if the Ministry finds out,” she whispered finally, lifting her head to look at him. “Unregistered animagi get sent to-- to... you-know-where,” she breathed out. “I can’t have that! I can’t have my only son... there!” she said, voice pleading.

He lay still, seeing no other option but to obey for now. The pain slowly disappeared but the spells were still as unpleasant as ever, and really, Madame Pomfrey had to use those spells often on him and James whenever they got into trouble at Hogwarts. But these particular bruises were different, painful and they would always be remembered, seeing as the scars were clearly still there. 

   “N-Nothing.. I just got into a fight, that’s all.” He never spoke about it. Sure, James knew but that was because he often caught him right after he had a nightmare and James said Sirius once spilled the beans after he’d gotten himself drunk. He just hated feeling vulnerable and feeling Mrs Potter’s stern gaze resting on him.. It just made him feel worse. 

Euphemia raised a brow at him; she didn’t believe him for a second, but she also didn’t want to push-- or more accurately, she wasn’t sure how to push with something like this. She’d never encountered anything like this in her life. Sure, she’d been punished, but this... this was far more than that. This was someone wanting to hurt Sirius. She couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to hurt someone like this, especially someone like Sirius. So charming and sweet, and of course, James’ best mate. That meant something to her.

She gave him a warm smile to replace the sternness (she was always incapable of being truly stern for long anyway). “Well... if you’d ever like to talk about these fights... or anything... I’m here. Now,” she said, floating a cup of tea into the room. “Drink up. You’ll feel better with a spot of tea. I’ll get you some toast. James always like toast and tea when he’s not at his best,” she smiled, disappearing into the kitchen very briefly before returning with a plate of toast.

Euphemia looks to James and smiles– how can she not? Her and Monty’s miracle boy, their prince. She takes a gentle hand and cups his cheek, letting her thumb brush over a speck of dirt there and she leans to press a kiss to his forehead, leaving a trace of her lipstick. She doesn’t wipe it away though, instead she pulls him into a hug because she contain herself. She is so proud of him. He’s doing well in school, in Quidditch (despite her pleas to not play because those bludgers are bloody dangerous!), he’s got friends who love him and care for him, and he’s such a kind, caring soul to those around him. 

Sure she gets her share of owls from school telling her he’s landed himself in detention again, but he’s a young boy, and he’s got a good heart. Despite the pranks, the trouble, and the overall young boyishness, James is good at his core, and her heart is constantly bursting with pride and love. She finally lets him go free from the hug (not that James ever complains or really attempts to break free from the hugs) and she licks her thumb to rub at the lipstick mark on his forehead to get it off before he goes running off on his next adventure.

“I love you, too, son,” she smiles at him, cupping his face in both hands. “I’m proud of you, James,” she reminds him. “Now, go on, stay out of trouble, would you? And be home for dinner, not a moment late, young man!” she says, voice trying to be harsh, but coming out soft and warm and full of love and affection for her son.