James Potter

“ME?!” she whisper shouted in shock. “I would never.” She said, but after she had laughed, her cheeks lowered and revealed a sincere smile. She had never thought he was that bad, he just was immature and had dickish tendencies. She moved to readjust her hands around her glass, giving him a slight glance upwards before back down. 

“I thought we were moving past the whole alpha male, defending a gals honour and all that.” She said, moving to raise her glass to take another sip. She listened to what he was suggesting. “Yes but James, and remember, we’re not taking offense here, but it’s different for you. You have a level of privilege that you can’t understand, because you’ve never needed to. You’re from a well off family, with a high status and a level of power. It is easier for you to say fuck them because you have the option to do it without getting immediately attacked for it. Mentally, verbally, physically. I don’t dislike you for it, but my god, the amount of times I have envied you James Potter. I think that’s why I had such a how do you say it- stick up my arse when whenever we would talk. I was mad, I thought it was at you but in reality…it was at the system. While things are starting to change, they still have a long way to go before I feel safe taking down my guard.” she said. 

“I did not know they were still running the class, it seemed like they didn’t have enough interest or students participating.” she said, truly interested in the revelation. “I’ll try my best Potter.” 

“Prayer is alpha male, now?” he teased, smirking as he licked his lips clean. Smacking them once and sighing, “It would be more for me than you, anyway. Some gits just deserve to get punched- prayered.” he shrugged, laughing a little at his slip of the tongue. Letting the topic drop at the start of the next conversation. “Fine.” he said, a little hurt by this, but he refused to show it. He’d been through a ringer for his title and status lately. Expectations laid upon his back that he wanted no part in. “What if I could get it to change for you? My family has some sway. Use that privilege for good?”

on the pitch || m & j

“I am alright.” She tried to say it definitely, but something in the warmth that was spreading onto her cheeks told her otherwise. Hesitating was a word to describe it. Her big eyes probably alerted her cousin to it, all she needed was a luminious ‘bingo’ sign and an arrow pointing directly at her noggin. “I don’t think there’s any picking of the sort.”

In all honesty Marlene hadn’t seen Sirius in some time. It had always been an odd, unspoken thing between the two. She determined once on a sleepless night that the stammer in her heart beat and her increased fidgeting was all too well due to the copious amounts of coffee she drank and definitely, absolutely, did not have anything to do with Sirius Black. She’d blinked back to the moment at hand- glad that he’d changed the subject.

“He once told me that he’d definitely seen my brother wearing the same clothes as me. For a Ravenclaw he doesn’t really seem to have two proper braincells to run together.” Her grin grew at his stumble of words. “Well… have you been finding any… reasonable pairs? I’m sure Aunty will tell me the next time I see her, but I’d like to hear it from the Lion’s mouth himself.”

“You are either out of breath or blushing. But, fortunate for you, your misery is only a tasty morsel to me when it is on the pitch- not off it.” he smiled, a gleam of understanding, an olive branch of mercy. He did owe her after all for not poking when she could have. “Never-the-less, I think you will find a good time waiting at the Three Broomsticks.” James tapped the side of his nose slyly, a hint for Marlene to take on her own time.

“One might find a particular cup of Black coffee waiting there.”

“I mean this in a non disrespectful way, but I am ridiculously curious about how long being nothing but good works.” She said lightly. “Because with your stubbornness I believe you could become an absolute saint.” She said, giving him a sincere smile. Her eyes gazed into his, for a few seconds longer than they ever had before. 

“No, it wasn’t Dearborn.” She said, though it was the closest his jealousy had sounded like concern. “You say never backing down like its easy, it’s not when there’s so much on the line. I often feel like even one slip off will prove them all right.” she said. She moved to drink more from the glass. “You know the old wizarding families tried to get my valedictorian title taken away from me.” She said looking down. “Apparently they do it whenever a muggle born gets the title, but it happens so rarely.” She said, licking her lips lightly. 

“You’re learning about Muggles?” She said, pausing at the way he said it. She moved to look at him. “That is…quite cool of you James Potter.” She said. “…and there is the sudden dig.” She teased, moving to drink more.

“Hahaha, you are absolutely trying to be disrespectful.” he laughed, finding it sweet she thought he could even manage sainthood. He held her gaze before biting back his smile. It was threatening to overtake his entire face if she kept it up. James felt grateful for the firewhiskey making his cheeks light up when he blushed.

Ted stuck the pitchfork into the hay bale and wiped his hands on cloth he took from his back pocket. Returning it there once done. He took the paper politely, signed with a simple signature, and returned the slip to James. He smiled nicely at James in return while doing so, but felt a deep guttural mistrust for the man all the while.

It was hard for Ted to place him. James was like so many other purebloods: brashly arrogant, confident in a way Ted could never even mimic, and sometimes mischievously cruel. Yet James was also wonderful and joyous and you felt warm for being around him. In the quidditch matches where the quaffle rarely made it to their side of the pitch, Ted often found himself watching James fly about the field and he couldn’t help but think of the sea-boat captains that would fish in a storm if only to have a story to tell at the pub afterwards. Ted understood James’ draw and yet also felt disgusted with himself for being even partially taken in by it.

He kept James’ gaze unblinking, uncertain if he wanted James to look away, perhaps even leave, or else stay. Was it a challenge or an invitation?

“I s’pose. Might smell some, but it’s quiet. Can hear your own breath, see it too in the early morn.”

“Anything worth worrying about with Durmstrang?”

James always felt awkward around Ted, trying to figure out how him and Lily would get deep in conversations at times. Not to learn how to talk to her, but to him. It was quite hard to break through that quiet disposition. No matter how brazen James tried to be, Ted seemed to counter with a long stare. No comment. It made James feel like he had to keep himself in check.

a moment of peace || r & j

“Will we need a list?” 

Remus didn’t understand why those very words excited him. Nerdy as it was, Remus did find a solace in being talented at school. He knew there wasn’t much in this life that he could control. Understood that the only thing he could do was seek to become a avid learner, and that in education he’d give himself the greatest chance. In between working a multitude of jobs he was exhausted- this was the only time he could actually relax and enjoy.

“Surely I can find my way to a list of every person that’s currently here- and if possible some that we may want to keep an eye on.” Remus’ brow furrowed for only a moment, sitting a little closer to the table as he watched James explain the magic behind it. In true honesty, James was a bit of a craftsman when it came to this stuff- a stroke of genius when mischief was involved. “That is brilliant, mate.” A teasing grin moved over his lips. “Finally grew into that big head of yours, huh?”

He figured they’d need more help, and there were only a few others he can think of. Lily would surely be busy- being a Mediwitch didn’t leave much room for this kind of stuff. 

“Sirius would surely be able to track some of these people?”

“We should make one. Of the same properties- of course. So nobody can tell what we’re doing if they start...” his brow furrowed into a scowl as he squinted out the only window they had, “Snooping.”

James was happy to supply endless questions they could ponder over. Just as he rough housed and played pranks with Sirius, with Remus he was able to speak his mind- to imagine things Sirius might find a little too wordy to be fun. Remus understood that thinking up new discoveries and testing hypothesis would lead to exciting prospects. When he got excited, James got even more eager to test things. And most times, their testing led to failures, most times. Which deflated them just a tiny bit, but then they’d learned so much by just trying. Plus, their comradery always grew when they worked together in this way.

“Clearly! and your best stuff wasted on an ungrateful party.” She said, not wanting to make him feel bad. He seemed to be different now, though she had thought that before. But she knew it wasn’t impossible for people to grow. Unfortunately some people decided to shrink, like Severus was doing. “Solemnly Swear it? no being up to no good?” she said, having heard the line whispered in corridors, she never saw anyone saying it though. 

“I am not so sure that comment is aimed at my brilliance as much as it is a surprise.” She said, her voice getting a little quiet as she said it. She was surprised she mentioned it, most time she tried to keep quiet about the inequality and prejudice. However as she was growing older it was becoming harder to ignore. It was getting worse and if she did not speak out about it she felt others would suffer. 

“Do you mean too kind for my own good?” She said, her correction was more curious than condescending, knowing through Marlene that words somehow had more meaning and depth to it when they weren’t purely grammatic. 

on the pitch || m & j

Marlene had to double down on his footsteps to catch him up to them. Perhaps it was the way she carried herself- but Marlene had always been a lot of personality in a small package. She trotted after James, an impatient sigh almost leaving her lips. She dared not to act this way around other people, but James was like a brother to her and she didn’t want to change it any other way.

“I mean, not that it’s a big deal to you now.” Her eyes watched cautiously. No matter how rambunctious Marlene was, she did not want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Sometimes she felt like a bull in a china shop. She didn’t want to trample over anyone because of the way she was. She hesitated for a moment. “-and I’m… y’know. Proud of you for… growing above your thing for Lily.”

Her best friend had even had nice things to say, which was odd enough in itself. Marlene found herself glossing over James’ comment about Sirius. Unsurprisingly, such conversation flustered the girl- this was made more evident by the scarlet flush on her cheeks.

“But.. how much of a dick is Caradoc Dearborn, huh?”

James slung an arm over her shoulders to hang off her. “Don’t sound proud. Are you quite alright?” he asked, smiling a little, the hints of teasing her for the way she responded so amicably. It felt a little off, but who was he to enforce feelings or play witch doctor. He didn’t know the first thing about love potions. “I don’t think I’ve seen you hesitate like that in some time.”

“Still, Sirius is all around a good pick. I guess I’m proud of you, too, cousin.” he smirked like a fox.

“If it wasn’t proposals it was challenges to kiss you, take you out for a test ride, give you one night of my life that I wouldn’t forget.” She said, starting to list the smooth lines that others would swoon over. Once it might have been charming, but constantly it felt like he did not respect when she declined, which was not something she wanted to continue to pursue. 

She smiled as he spoke of other dates. “Perhaps don’t bring up my name, perhaps only thank me non verbally, don’t want to scare off the ladies. “ She said, showing that she didn’t see him as totally undesirable. 

“He was…an interesting man.” she said. She remembered how he kept speaking about how it was nice to date a girl at his level. Talking about their shared interest but never letting her have a chance to discuss them herself. Getting a few facts wrong. It was a bittersweet type of entertaining that grew tiresome quickly. She got a slight smirk at his comments but didn’t encourage speaking in such a way about someone. “To better future conquests.” she said raising her glass. 

on the pitch || m & j

“Ooh, so chic-” She only teased for a moment. Marlene knew that no matter her effort her hair was far more difficult to control. She once had even considered a sticking potion to ensure her baby hairs wouldn’t be lifting up once more. “Oh come on- it’s no surprise to me that you take that long to do your hair- I’ve seen you as a child, dear cousin. I know that doesn’t come naturally. 

“Madam Poof, who is always aloof.” Marlene tugged at the fray threads of her jumper, boots thudding softly against the ground as she walked. Her legs swung slightly, smile growing as she watched some pebbles fly up. “So…” the blonde moved closer, nudging James’ side. “Any news?”

“It’s almost as if slight direction and purpose looks good on me.” He said, moving to sneak a shot when his boss wasn’t looking, as if he was self sabotaging because it felt like he was finally getting his life on track. 

Sirius couldn’t help but snort at the way that he said a gentleman. “Nah mate, a true gentleman is dull and boring, never become one of them.” he said, moving to pour them another shot, waiting until the boss was distracted with a customer to raise his shot glass. 

He was surprised at the way he said her name without starting to get distracted in her day dreams. “Never saw what you were seeing in her anyway. She’s not a bad broad, but come on, if someone misses out on James Potter they miss out.” 

a moment of peace || r & j

“Oh come on- that’s… brilliant!” He adjusted his jumper, briefly spinning as he glanced towards the map. “You moved!” He took a deep breath in, childlike joy spreading- it was almost painful, like his face was being stretched out. Remus didn’t think his cheeks had gotten such a workout in a number of months. “Oh- you are… some mind, mate. How’d you do it? Ya didn’t put anything in my tea, did you?”

He raked a hand through his wavy hair before descending down onto the side chair, moving the items of the table aside and providing space for the map to be placed down. 

“And you charmed it so it’s untraceable, right? We wouldn’t want the wrong types of people getting their hands on this.” Remus could barely sit on his bottom. He wriggled about as he scooted over, giving enough space for James. “Well then? Show us how you did it, you brilliant git.” 

“I don’t think you’re a bother. He wouldn’t have stuck around if you were.” She said. She knew that Remus’ patience wasn’t endless, even though it seemed like it when it came to the Marauders. “Well, if you wanted to, and it wasn’t going to end in some strange proposal. I would be happy to help. Or find someone that can help you apply them?”  She said, thinking back to the times where she had offered her help only to have him make it into something it wasn’t meant to be. 

“Just…focus on perfecting it before you do it in public. I’m sure you could make it some kind of competition.” She said, moving to readjust, despite her height she was finally on the same level. 

“You can thank your cousin for such a skill. I think it was her idea of getting over a bad date with Caradoc Dearborn.” She said, testing how he would react. It seemed like a low move, but it was a way to protect herself from having hope too soon.

“It’s pure shit my friend.” He said, breathing on him so he could lap up how bad his breath is, how much bullshit he had created over the years. The boy could sell anything. He could be pure sleaze, but as soon as he was around those he loved, there was no words more sincere. “I don’t know if hexing my boss would work wonders- he would know it was us. It would need to be more sneaky.” Most of the time Sirius would be proud of his mischief, but he needed this. He needed the money, saving for a place. 

“Who are you? Who is posing through polyjuice to be my best friend? Accountability? putting others interests first?” he asked, but even though he sounded teasing or disappointed, part of him was proud. 

“You know they don’t have a class dedicated to Lily Evan’s right?” He teased. “They do have muggle studies though.” he said, making a ‘not bad’ face at his own idea. “Save up some money, only attend enough classes to keep the free lodging, get alcohol poisoning at least five times a week.” he said with a smirk.

“Well what should someone do when they don’t understand and they want to? ask their friends. Remus is a genius, cheeky bastard but a genius.” she said, it was the first time they had been able to discuss other people outside of him or his assumptions about her. She held the same admiration for his friends, as well as the same admiration for a lot of people as soon as they gave her reason. She had always seemed reserved, almost distant, but she was kind as soon as people gave her the chance to be. She would take out time for anyone who asked, gave more chances than perhaps people deserved. Petunia for one, Snape second and him. The shit he had pulled over the years. The obsession over her, the anger at her rejection and then trying the same thing on repeat. Not to mention the hatred directed at Severus for doing the same. 

“She is an absolute stunner. If I was a few years older I would be flirting with her too.” She admitted. Every time she heard Minerva explain her art she would become spellbound in interest. 

“Ah ha ha, I have red hair, I get it.” She said dryly, but she had a hint of a smile in the corner. “Ah yes, but it standing up and picking it up yourself means you don’t have to spend your evening charming someone you’ve made mad for spilling it all over.” She got a greater smile as he said friend. 

She moved to look at him, thinking about how she would act with Marlene. How she would act around his friends. She moved, continuing to down it, finishing only seconds after him. It was a side of Lily he had been given the opportunity to see. 

“You could of if you actually listened to that organisation seminar.” She said, moving to knock his knee with her own. “Instead of making faces across the classroom at Sirius.” she said, demonstrating how good her memory had always been. “I know that the lesson for transfiguring physical features was perhaps the first lesson you participated in but I didn’t think you would keep participating in it for the next three weeks.” She said with a light laugh, showing she didn’t mind it when he wasn’t making a joke about how grand it was being him. 

“I am from close to London you know, I know the importance of a beer at a pub.” She said, getting a hint of a smirk. “That is…so dangerous.” She said, observing their shenanigans. “There’s a lot worse than a detention he could get here you know-” She said, but no one could deny Sirius looked like he was in his element.  She moved to raise her drink. “To you finding what you like and finally seeing the truth, that you were never hopeless, just put the wrong energy into things.” She said, clinking their pint glasses. 

“I’m not saying you didn’t, I’m just saying you’ve said much worse.” He said with a smirk, moving to quickly get another drink for another customer before his boss told him off for spending too much time with a customer that had only ordered one drink so far. “We’re back together and you will know where to find me, either here or in my dorm with Ted Tonks.” He said, trying not to make a face. 

“What? Are you saying I don’t?” he said, knowing full well he didn’t. He was worse than James and James was constantly bursting through the whatever entrance he could find. “It makes sense, I’m not sure why I didn’t think of it.” 

He got a large grin before moving to grab the man another drink he would think he liked. “So what’s your plan for the year cap?” 

“That’s…exactly what I was thinking, plus I won’t be rushing to get to and from the library in the time, so I might even have time to have a normal life, instead of dreading every party taking time away from my reading.” She said, surprised at herself for saying it. She got a hint of a smile as she moved closer, but she wasn’t getting too comfortable, waiting for some kind of comment that it would give her a chance to finally give him a chance. 

“I have been just been having tea, but I could go for a wine or a beer?” she said, making a face, surprised at herself for saying it. “It’s my last day before my internship and I should enjoy the only time I have to relax.”