James Potter

“Has anyone ever told you, sweet talk will get you every where?” Lily joked with a happy smile as she pressed her lips gently to her boyfriend’s temple. She never tired of Jame’s flattery, especially on days she didn’t feel very pretty. Part of her had worried the burns wouldn’t heal perfectly because of the fiendfyre, but it seemed to be going well enough. “But how often would we use the outside space…” Between their work schedules and the Order, they wouldn’t have much time. Lily had to agree the other place was better than this.

Lily had to chuckle because she could imagine a million reasons why James would know how to fix things. “You’re right, I can do quite a bit with a hammer and some spare supplies.” Between the two of them they could fix just about anything. “Did you want to go give the second place another look over before we decide? It wouldn’t be a horrible place to live and anything that needed to be done, we could do together?”

James grinned, wrapping an arm around her waist. “I don’t think so. I quite remember a red head telling me the opposite not too many years ago.” He teased her, but of course, that’d been a different version of him. One far more arrogant and less empathetic. One that was too proud to see past his own ego. “I’m not sure. I’d like to think we’d use it frequently, but the reality is I’d rather curl up on the couch and watch the telly most nights than get up and make my way outside, just to get up and make my way back in, you know?”

Lily’s small laugh was music to his ears, but he didn’t doubt that she was speaking the truth. The redhead was capable of many things that she’d learned being raised in the muggle world and she was more intelligent than he could ever dream of being. One of the greatest witches he’d ever come across. “No doubt.” But he nodded at the suggestion. “That sounds like a good idea. We could go back and maybe look around the area a little. See if they’ve got a bookshop nearby, or a library? Some take away places? A store that sells hammers and nails for our fixer-upper projects.” A park to take any Sirius on walks.

“I know, I just…” She sighed, running a hand through her hair. As much as she wanted to keep up the act, make sure people kept their focus on the ones who really needed help, it was tiring. “Do you ever just feel like there’s more you could have done?” Rationally, she knew that she’d done a lot at New Year, saved a lot of people and helped minimise the casualties. Yet that guilt about her friends ending up in hospital while she remained virtually unscathed wasn’t going away. It was why she had been throwing herself into work harder than ever lately. Perhaps next time she would be able to protect the ones she loved as well as the general public. No one can do everything. The voice of reason in her head was right, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t try. 

The cock comment had a smile returning to her face and she laughed, shaking her head. “Well, you haven’t been annoying enough for me to call you a cock yet,” she teased, rolling her eyes at the playful shoulder nudge. “Yes, of course I do.” She loved all her friends just the way they were, and she couldn’t imagine wanting to change anything about them. Maybe she’d curb a few of their more reckless tendencies, but considering she herself had some of those same tendencies she knew that was probably hypocritical of her. The only other thing she wished could be different was for Sirius to look at her the way James so clearly looked at Lily. Even just the mention of his red-haired girlfriend had him grinning. That wasn’t something she had any control over though, and she pushed aside the small wave of jealousy as she smiled back. “Does this mean we can all expect to be invited over for a Sunday Roast sometime?” 

His expression turned solemn. He knew the exact feeling she was speaking about. He’d felt it many times over the years. A feeling of responsibility and guilt that mingled cruelly in his gut. James placed a hand on Marlene’s shoulder in solidarity, “Most everyday.” He confessed, unsure he’d ever admitted it out loud before to someone outside of his band of brothers. Had he even confessed it to them? “If I’d gotten to Lily sooner, or Moony. If I’d gotten my hands on Mare, or found Sirius. You. Pete. Alice. The lot of you. It’s like a loop of possibilities that you can’t seem to put to rest, even though it doesn’t do anyone any good.” James hugged Marlene, “But, they’re all okay now, or just about so. No one died and that’s something to be happy about.”

He snorted, giving her a small shrug as he pulled back. “Yet?” He teased, he’d certainly done so multiple times over the years that they’d known each other. “You mean today, yeah?” James chuckled and nodded, Marlene was quite a caring person and a good friend. A damned good quidditch player, as well. “I don’t know about Sunday Roast, but I’m sure we’ll have you all around for a Roast when we all have the same night free. I’ll even cook it, just to show Lily I can, you know? She’s going to be surprised to see that I can peel potatoes and cook them all on my own now. Made a proper man out of me she has. Or, made me want to be one for her, rather.” His smile was a bit goofy, but it was quite clear that he thought the world of the redhead.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Pun intended, I’m sure.” Remus tone dictated that the current subject was inarguable. Each of the lads in their own clumsy and well meaning ways had attempted to sway him on this subject–on the prospect of a future. As Sirius freed himself from the Black family shackles and James finally moved into adulthood with Evans, these conversations seemed to come more frequently–was it common myth to think that a werewolf retired in his 20s? From the rather extensive research Remus had read, it was often the opposite–a full loss of his humanity was a likelier fate than a happy ending. 

He nodded twitchily, thinking of how whether it was more kind or more cruel to keep his current lodgings a secret from his parents. Over the years, they’d both grown accustomed to the taste of rare steaks and half-bathed themselves in healing draughts–but adding the recklessness of a sickly ward as well? The least he could do as penance for their care was to ease their burden, even if it meant his longing for their company became a near physical ache. “I can ask her to send some your way. They’re always a bit disappointed when I don’t bring one of you worthless gits home with me.” He dropped a card quickly on top of Prongs’, laughing giddily at the table side pyrotechnics. “Will keep your fat nose out of my business if I tell you Macdonald is putting me up while m’healing?” Not…that she knew it yet, but better to sort out the current blunder first. He raised an accusatory finger, already steeling his brother with a weary look. “Don’t be an arse about it, yeah? It’s just until I get a new wand. No funny business.” 

James cracked a smile and nodded. Puns seemed to be a favorite among the band of brothers. Still, the sentiment stood; Mary thought the world of Remus, of all of her friends really, but they all knew that Remus was special. Not as much of a conceited arse as James, nor so closed off like Sirius, and more confident than Peter. And intelligent to boot. Mary and Remus had been rather close, like she was close with the girls. “I’m just speaking the truth, mate. Given, Old MacDonald hasn’t got a lick of sense, which is probably why she thinks so highly of you and so lowly of me.” He teased. James and Mary had an odd relationship, always taking the piss out of one another, challenging each other. Both being rather competitive. The real difference between them had been Mary’s ability to swallow her pride, where James had taken years to learn such a feat.

As the small explosion took place, the dark haired wizard ran a hand through his now messy hair. Then he laid down another card. “My mum is too. Though, I think Pete visits her.” He laughed, but shook his head. “No need to bother her on my account. Unless she’s in a real baking frenzy, then you know I wouldn’t refuse her.” James rolled his eyes at the other’s words. It wasn’t his intention to annoy Remus, but James felt the same responsibility towards him that he felt for Sirius and Peter, something of their brotherhood that he’d taken to since first year. His brothers, his responsibility. James had never had biological siblings growing up, but the three boys that shared his dorm had become much more than that, hadn’t they? “You expect me to trust that little minx to actually take proper care of you?” He asked indignantly, though he was teasing. “I guess I’d fancy having one of the fairer sex looking after me too, if I were laid up in here. She’ll keep you well fed at the very least.”

“I am,” she assured him, giving a firm nod. It was half on her mind to open up, to admit to him how guilty she felt that she hadn’t been able to do more to keep their friends out of St. Mungos. Rationally she knew it was foolish to feel that way, they didn’t know how different things could have ended up if she had been with them rather than on her way to meet Dirk, but still the feeling remained. “I appreciate you coming to check, but I’m okay. Really.” Or at least, she would be. 

Her own soft laugh joined in with James’ as she shook her head, a fond smile playing at her lips. “Yeah, you can be a bit of a mother hen with them,” she teased. “But they love you for it. You wouldn’t be James if you were any other way.” They all had their own roles in the group, and it worked. At the mention of Lily agreeing to move in, Marlene’s eyes widened, a grin lighting up her face. “She has? That’s amazing!” Setting the coffee aside, she pulled him into a hug. With all the bad going on around them lately, something like this was exactly what they needed. A little happiness, a little hope that they could still have the futures they wanted. “I’m so happy for you, James. Are you starting to look for a place right away?” 

James was a bit more intuitive than others often gave him credit for. Sure, two of his closest mates were dogs in their other forms, but he could sometimes tell when others were holding something back. Maybe it was because he had to with Sirius, in order to get him to talk about what was bothering him. Or because he had to learn to read when Remus had had too much of his mothering and help and when it was still as welcome as it could be. “You know you can talk to me if you need to, right Marly? It’s never a bother, even if it feels stupid.” He offered sincerely. Even though it could sometimes be overwhelming to hold the world on his shoulders, he knew that his friends all did the same in their own way.

Taking a sip of his own coffee, he shrugged. “At least you didn’t compare me to a cock, I guess.” He smiled, almost able to hear the remark that Pads or MacDonald might have made if they’d heard the comment. He was certain of the love his friends had for him, but it was nice to hear it just the same. “You do too, right?” James nudged her shoulder playfully. And then he was beaming with a nod. Anything about the redhead made him light up brighter than a Christmas tree. “Yes, we are. We aren’t sure where yet, but I think she’s most excited to look at places. I’m more excited to move in with her and just love together already. And don’t tell her, but I asked my mum to teach me how to cook a few proper meals since we graduated and I’ve become quite decent. Thought it’d be a nice surprise for Red.”

The crinkling of the sweet wrapped seemed to speak volumes where Remus couldn’t. He’d already made an arse out of himself with Meadowes and the reporter; why not add on an idiotic and medically addled romp with one of his dearest friends? Merlin, it might have been less of an ordeal to have tried to curl himself around Pete or Paddy for all Mary’s visit had done to speed up his heart. Not for the first time, the wolf was grateful not to be in the care of Muggles, if only for the betrayal of a heart rate monitor to reveal all of his inner workings. “Right, just a check up, I ‘spose.” Remus nodded, twirling the wax paper between his thumb and forefinger. “Don’t even know if she was about, actually–was so out of it. Maybe it was Snuffles, yeah? Who can say?” 

He could feel James’ careful watch lingering over him, as his brother tended to the morning after each full moon. It was a lucky find, a true gift from the universe and the sorting hat, to have found such a kinship as children–but as adults it was somewhat overbearing. Remus Lupin had lived with lycanthropy longer than most werewolves tended to–still hunted, though no longer at his own father’s behest. “Don’t bother–Andi said I’ll be released later tonight. ‘sides, I’m sure Lils appreciates your nursing skills more than I do.” Watching James set up, a smile grin quirked at his lips. Though his peers often teased him, rather mercilessly, for his fondness of games and crosswords–it was a lovely reprieve from the current state of their world. Thirty minutes warring over Exploding Snap was a far better match than another round with Borgin. “And she doesn’t even use magic.” He murmured, drawing a card. “Trick’s all in the braggot.” 

He looked at his sandy haired brother from behind his glasses, watching his body language as he spoke. Do you fancy her? He wanted to ask, but kept his mouth shut knowing that it was a rough topic to broach with the other. The reasoning for Remus’s almost refusal to have a romantic relationship was understandable, with the way the lad saw himself. His illness. And James tried not to separate the two, just embrace the whole that made up one of his best mates. “Don’t let Mare hear you say that. She’ll go off about her chest not being that flat, or somethin’ of the sort. Even make Sirius blush, I reckon.” He flashed the other a smile, but added quickly, “You know she cares about you, right mate? Of all the nonsense she spouts and idiotic things she does, MacDonald thinks you’re the moon and stars.”

James conceded with a nod, “Alright.” He’d keep an eye out for other games or something of the likes to bring to his friend while he mended after the hospital. “I reckon she does, but I’ll still be around to check on you. I don’t feel right with you being completely on your own with out two functioning arms.” There was no room for negotiation in his words, they were firm, making him sound much more like his father than himself. Before he started to immerse himself into the game, he ran his hand through his hair. “Whatever it is, she makes it the best. Just don’t tell my Mum I said so.”

Remus raised a brow but didn’t argue. James Potter was, after all, made exclusively of Mcgonagall’s favorite talents: Quidditch and Transfiguration. Had they been thrown into the care of any other house, it was more than likely each Marauder would’ve been expelled before Sixth year. Though…the werewolf often wondered just how many pranks he might’ve pulled if not delightedly under the influence of his brothers. Outside of the Gryffindors, the only mate Remus could claim were Vance–solely because of their monthly commentary–and Purkiss. Though the redhead was more pharmacist than friend. 

“She snuck in this morning. Or last night.” He yawned, as if on cue, and stretched one arm lazily overhead. “Can’t be sure.” After how coquettishly he’d wrapped himself around the witch, Remus half-hoped he was remembering a rather embarrassing dream. It was as if something strange had come undone at the Tonks’ holiday party–as though one clandestine kiss had been enough to transform into the hormonally-charged little cretin he’d berated both Prongs and Paddy for being. Dipping his head meekly toward the offered chocolate, he allowed a silence to overtake the conversation. If James was giving him an out, he was hardly one to complain. And besides, parsing over what one sleepy exchange had meant to Macdonald wouldn’t do anyone any good. It wasn’t as if princesses actually stooped low enough to fraternize with beasts. 

“You’ll set up, yeah?” He asked, tugging the desk from the lower shelf of his nearby nightstand. A rare gift in the form of their fourth companion had appeared during the first hour visiting was allowed, though Pete seemed somehow more skittish than usual. Remus had always supposed the Marauders would part ways after their Hogwarts tenure, though he’d suspected Pete might be the last to go–one step behind as usual. “You know ’m shit at flying, even with both me arms. A wolf belongs on the ground, mate. Though I do wish I’d m’hands on gobstones. Couldn’t risk pickin’ ‘em up from m’parents. Mum would know something was wrong the second Wormy landed.” 

A small shrug lifted his shoulders. Sneaking into a hospital room sounded about right for Mary. James wasn’t sure the girl had ever waited for much of an invitation, always one to make herself at home wherever she was. With whomever she was with. “And that surprised you?” He questioned with a chuckle. “I know she’s snuck into my place three times since graduation. Given, she was properly snockered and thought she’d find Lily there.” He shook his head, Mary’s antics were endearing, albeit, a bit annoying to him. No one ever truly knew when she was going to be shaking them awake in the middle of the night. Booze on her breath or not. “I’m sure she was just happy to see you were okay.” And likely wanted to cuddle the blond, but he wasn’t going to take the piss anymore just yet.

It took almost everything in him to keep from ushering Remus to sit back in his bed and get the stuff from his nightstand for him. He held back, running a hand through his hair and keeping an eye on the other to make sure he didn’t pull anything. “‘Course. I reckon with that sling it’d take you till noon tomorrow to set it up yourself.” He teased, moving to start setting up the chess board on the table. He had to shove some sweets to the side to make room for the set. “Fine, you can commentate and we’ll fly about. And I’ll bring you some gobstones later.” It was the least he could do and he’d bring them whether Remus agreed or not. “Yeah, probably, unless she was making that apple cake. Then, she might expect it. I don’t think there’s a person that could resist your mum’s apple cake.”

Marlene laughed in response, slapping his arm playfully before returning the hug. It was good to see that he was alright; at least not all of her friends had ended up in hospital. His question brought a small smile to her lips as she pulled away. How typical of James to be checking on people, making sure they were alright. “I’m fine,” she shrugged, stepping back to allow him in. “Barely got a scratch on me, guess all that Auror training is paying off pretty well.” That wasn’t the question he was asking though and she knew it, she just didn’t want to trouble him, or lie to him. “The coffee is more than enough,” she chuckled. “And seriously, don’t apologise. You’ve got enough going on with Lily and Remus. They’re the ones who needed you.” 

James nodded, “I just wanted to make sure you were really okay.” He said, like that explained everything. But, the attack had taken a toll on all of them, hadn’t it? “I know that it’s taken a toll on me and I didn’t get too bloodied up either. So, I guess I’m just saying that I’m here if you need to talk.” His free hand ran through his hair, always the same nervous habit. “Ehh, mainly just Lils, really. Moony’s staying with MacDonald. I think he prefers her to me, these days. Guess I’m a bit overbearing, or something.” He shrugged, letting out a laugh. It didn’t bother him that much, knowing it would have been cramped to have both Lily and Remus in Lily’s flat, or chaotic going between his place and Lily’s. “She’s agreed to get a place with me, Evans has.” His expression grew into a wide smile, as if nothing in the world had ever brought him such great happiness. “I’m not sure where we’re going to live, but I finally asked her and she agreed.”

She had to laugh a bit at the thought because it sounded very accurate. “Then I will make sure to buy extra biscuits.” They both knew there would always be extra food at their flat for their friends and visitors. Lily had long ago accepted she was very much the mom friend of the group. “You certainly give me too much credit,” she admitted as she placed a playful kiss to his nose. “Though, you’re not too bad yourself.” James had certainly surprised her with who he could be compared to the boy she had met years ago at Hogwarts as a kid.

“You know, I don’t have the faintest idea of where I want to be.” She admitted with a small laugh. As a girl, she had dreamed of a house on the beach or somewhere exciting a new, but now Lily didn’t know. To be honest, as long as James was there they could live in a cardboard box and she would be happy; although she certainly did not want to live in a box. “Maybe somewhere with a little bit of nature.” The city was not a place she was feeling drawn towards.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Lily joked with a laugh. “She must have felt sorry for you or something? She’s definitely out of your league.” She told James with a grin as she was completely joking.

His face lit up at the sound of her laugh. It was hard to imagine the time not many years before when he’d rarely gotten the chance to claim that sound as a product of his words or actions, despite wanting to. What an arrogant bastard he’d been. “I’m sure we’ll have to get extras of a few things. The lads are one thing, but add MacDonald to the mix and we’ll be eaten house out of home.” He teased, at least Marlene, Emmeline, and Dorcas seemed to have more reasonable appetites. “No, I give you just the right amount.” James protested, moving his head after she kissed his nose to pace a kiss to her lips. “Only because I had someone to be better for.” And he thought that it was the truth. Her words that day by the Black Lake had really affected him. Hurting her was never the intention, but he’d still done it anyway. That was the start of the change, majorly. Even though he’d changed a lot, he was always attempting to be the man that she’d deserve.

“I’ll find some different places for us to look at, okay? I’m sure my mum knows someone that could do some showings and we’ll see what we like.” Truthfully, he’d be happy anywhere she wanted to go. He’d make whatever work if it meant starting their life together. “Enjoy watching me run wild in the forest?” He teased, poking her nose affectionately.

He nodded, a wide grin on his face. “Moony and I were saying the same thing not too long ago. You’re definitely out of my league. I think you just like me for my hair.” James winked at her playfully.

Remus considered for a moment. He doubted his companion enjoyed the many comparisons to a fussing, fretting mother hen though the imagery was apt. And stags were known as the kings of the forest; protectors of all others. Whether or not there had been a consensus at first, James Potter had proven his worth as a de facto leader. “Mcgonagall would’ve preferred the company.” He murmured, twisting the wrapper of a chocolate between his hands. Really, Pete’s creature concerned him the most. What could be said about a rat as a familiar outside of the obvious? It came in handy more times that he could’ve counted as a lookout, but the likeness felt like a universal slight. Poor boy. 

He sighed, making sure to sound long-suffering. Each of the lads had offered their unwelcome opinions on the matter, but the truth of it they’d always had trouble grasping. The Lupins, bless them, harbored their own scars made before the Whomping Willow’s planting. And the Marauders could no more source their blemishes from his hands or their youthful pyrotechnics. But a partner? How much could he expect someone to take before it bordered on abuse? In the few hours since her departure, though, Remus had missed Mary’s warmth and laughter more even than the comfort of his own bed. “I just got a bit more tactile after they plied me with too many painkillers. Made a right arse of m’self, I’m sure of it. You happy?” 

Batty Borgin’s laughter swam menacingly in the back of his mind. He hadn’t quite been able to shake the nightmarish figure even in the safety and bright lighting of St.Mungos. Was it simple pack mentality that drew his wolf, his own monster, to the Death Eater? Or his own extravagant sympathies? “If she wanted me dead, I’d be dead, mate.” Belatedly, Remus’ eyes widened at the slip up. It was a guess, but he’d doubted an equal number of witchs to wizards in Voldemort’s following. No more than five he’d estimate, thinking of the eldest Black and Carrow as likely co-conspirators. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, actually. How ‘bout a game of chess? Wormy brought me a board.” 

James couldn’t help but smile at his friend’s words. He’d always had a soft spot for their Head of House. Fierce, stern, and unyielding McGonagall was. Motherly without being quite overbearing as he, himself often was. There were many qualities that James had found compelling about her and had truthfully admired her for. He’d gotten the idea for becoming an animagi to help Remus from her, after all. Not that it had been her intention, but after seeing the woman shift to and from her form over the years and animals being immune to werewolf bites...well, the pieces had fallen into place. Honestly, she was the hardest to hide the fact that they’d each had a mandrake leaf in their mouth from. Hell it was to brush his teeth with that thing moving around. Eating too. He was sure that one of the three would fail just on that part alone. “She always enjoyed my company, even if she wouldn’t admit it.” He chuckled.

At Remus’s words, his own eyebrows rose in slight confusion. “MacDonald’s already been around here?” He asked, he hadn’t seen her yet. And the fact that she’d made it to Remus before him was a feat all on it’s own. “Oh, come off it. The minx has never been shy when it comes to the physical affection and stuff. For Merlin’s sake, I don’t think any of us have gotten through the years without her snoring on our shoulders.” He didn’t really consider the possibility that Remus had meant something more intimate, because while he doubted Mary would mind much, even on potions, Remus was more level headed than most guys their age. He gave a small laugh, shaking his head, “I don’t know, Moons. I think that maybe you’re overthinking it a bit. She’s not shy, she’d tell you if you’d crossed some sort of line.”

It took him a minute, but James nodded at Moony’s reasoning. It wasn’t something he liked, still, but there was little he could do to stop him. Better to disagree and leave the door open if something went wrong than to shut his friend down and lose his trust on the matter. “Reckon that’s valid.” It wasn’t like Death Eaters really hesitated to kill their intended targets. Unwrapping another sweet, he offered it to Remus. “Sure, I could go for a game. It’s not quidditch, but it’ll do.”

“Mate, the day I become jealous of your hair is the day I give up.”  He snorted and took another gulp of the coffee in his hand, shaking his head.  “I’m pretty sure she just loves you despite it.”  Making a point of hovering his gaze just above James’s forehead for a moment and tilting his head.  

The smirk on his lips faltered as James continued and his gaze lowered to the floor for a moment. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to letting his friends in on what he had been up to during the attacks, so far only Marlene seemed to have foreknowledge, she must have seen him stumbling out of the alley at some point. Setting the now empty coffee cup down, he sighed heavily.  “Course I looked for you.”  Sirius wasn’t ignoring the question about he got out, but he was thinking about how best to word it, James always was the one most prone to freaking out when Sirius did something reckless.  Not that Sirius saw his own actions as reckless, in his mind he was saving three kids from the anger of a death eater.  He just didn’t leave it at that.  “I got out because I can handle myself.” He said lowly.  

James looked his friend over dramatically, “So, today then?” He laughed, but couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face at the mention of the redhead’s affections for him. “She’s agreed to move in with me and my hair. We’re going to find a place and move in once she’s properly healed up.” He nearly bounced with excitement in his seat, nodding his head. “I wasn’t sure she’d agree when I mentioned it. And when things settle in, I’m going to convince her to get a cat. She mentioned a dog, but I figured between you and Moony, we hardly need one of those.”

He rolled his eyes as his friend commented on looking for him instead of answering the question. It certainly wasn’t a good sign. Not a comforting one, at that. He ran his free hand through his hair, setting his breakfast on his lap. “Yeah, but it’s what you handled that’s concerning me, Pads.” He was already starting to fret, the worst coming to mind. Maybe he should have left the hospital sooner to check on Sirius. Properly. “D’you need me to check you over? Cause I’m not going to pick up your slack in training.” That was a lie, but he was trying to ease the tension.

“Not really,” Lily told him hoping James would just make a selection for them this once. Typically she knew exactly what she wanted, but truth be told, Lily wasn’t sure she would be awake long enough to watch the entire movie. She hadn’t done much other than relaxing on the couch, read a bit, and sleep but she was still tired. The sleeping potions the healers had given her were hardly needed as she was exhausted enough and found no need for them. “Your choice, just this once.”

In any other circumstance, Lily might have cracked a joke about not being sure, but it felt wrong to do it now. Their usual banter was not unusual for them, but she wanted James to know she was serious about this. She was serious about him and wanting him there beside her every day. “I am positive.” Sometimes life really was that simple. Lily knew this was the right step for them because she felt unchained and free at the thought of the two of them living together. Before she might have imagined it was restrictive and worrisome to always have someone to be accountable to, but her space didn’t feel right without James. 

“I am positive I want to nag you every day about not putting the cap back on the toothpaste,” she told him with a soft smile. “I am positive I want to come home from work and find you’ve eaten all the biscuits.” Lily looked up at him and smiled. “I am positive you are the first person I want to see in the morning and the last person I see at night.” It was the little things that made her so sure this was the right thing for them. “I also promise I will try not to leave my books out where you can trip over them any more than I promise I will not purposely steal all the blankets at night…”

“Anywhere you go, I want to go to.” That was all Lily wanted after all. “All I ask is we not get a flat anywhere near Diagon Alley.” There was too much fighting and bad things happening there and they went there enough for their jobs as it was.

Lily smiled at the news their friends were okay. She worried about James, Sirius, Remus, and the rest of them with every breath she took. It didn’t matter what happened to her as long as they were okay. “You mean I need to stop making friends,” Lily joked gently in no ways meaning what she had said. There had been a many times she had poked fun at that tight friendship James had with the other Mauraders, but she was glad he had his brotherhood friendship with such a great group of people. “But really, how did we get so lucky to have such great friends?” Lily had her friends and she had James and she wasn’t sure what else she could want or need in her life.

James flicked his wand, levitating a vhs from the shelf and into the player. “The Spy Who Loved Me, it is.” He’d liked the James Bond movies quite a lot since the first one he’d watched. It only helped that the main character shared his name. He may have been a smidge insufferable after watching for the first time, over using catch phrases the character had. Ordering a vodka martini at the bar, shaken not stirred and introducing himself as Potter, James Potter. To which Mary had nearly died of laughter, before attempting to convince him to get a 007 tattoo.

The redhead’s words made him light up. He was more relieved than he expected, to not have her reject the offer. “To be fair, the lads will probably finish off the biscuits and I’ll just take the blame for it.” He laughed, but pressed a kiss to her hair. “I’ll take books strewn about and stolen covers,” He moved back, looking into her stunning emerald eyes. His thumb stroked her cheek and a smile pulled at his lips, widening into an almost painful expression. How he loved her. “If it means I get to come home to you every day, Evans.” James leaned in to kiss her deeply. She truly was all he ever wanted in the world; brilliant, smart, caring, funny, beautiful, and all that he wasn’t. Lily hadn’t let him get away with his bullshit and he’d admired that. Appreciated how much it’d helped him see that he needed to improve. He’d never been, nor would he ever be good enough for her, there was no question, but he’d be damned if he didn’t try to be.

“We can go wherever you’d like. Get a place closer to your parents, or mine, or find a cottage in the country side. Or a flat near the port.” He shrugged, he certainly didn’t need to be in Diagon Alley and it likely wasn’t safe for them to be, either. He’d be perfectly happy having a little old woman for a neighbor, or a muggle family with kids. Some eccentric middle aged man that played the cello and drank too much wine. As long as he was with her, that was all that mattered. “And if we don’t tell our great friends where we live, that’d be okay too.” He joked, as if he’d be able to live without Remus to steal his jumpers, or Pete to ask for advice, Sirius to laze around on the sofa, or the girls to pretend that they don’t love him half as much as their beverages. “It’s obviously because of my charming personality and great hair. The real question is, how’d I get so lucky to have such an incredible girlfriend?”

“I think we should refrain from characterizing this year just yet,” Cassi pointed out. It had only just begun and there was a lot of time for things to change, whether for the good or bad remained to be seen. However, she was going to keep thinking this was her year to do all the things she had been working for. Surely she was not going to get wrangled into an arranged marriage and the sedentary life most of her friends and former classmates were opting into.

She tried to keep her look of disagreement in James’ statement off her face, but she was afraid she failed horribly. “Well, I would have to point out that you can hardly say that is true since you have not played in a professional game.” Cassi used to think that the Hogwarts games were intense, but her scrimmages had more at stake than the Quidditch Cup at Hogwarts. Quidditch matches were intense and could get violent if things didn’t go the way the crowd wanted. “I dare say you have more job security than I do these days,” she told him knowing the war was likely just beginning.

“You really should come to a game. I know the ministry doesn’t pay that well but you can afford it,” Cassi agreed. “The team is looking great and the holiday break would surely help give us the upper hand we need.” Sometimes you just needed a couple days off to recover from a nagging injury or something. “I think after the next game we have a good chance of knocking off Puddlemere at the top. They really aren’t as good as everyone thinks. This year season team is not like their team last year…”

James nodded, “I didn’t mean the year as a whole, just what we’ve had of it.” He agreed. There was plenty of time for far better and worse to happen. And technically, the attack hadn’t actually happened after the coming of the new year, just before. It was what he suspected starting a day after a house fire might be like. Maybe this year would be the one in which the war was lost by the death eaters. Won by the ministry and the order. He could only try his best to make it happen.

He had to refrain from rolling his hazel eyes at the witch. “I obviously didn’t mean in comparison to a professional game, Greengrass. I was just trying to give you some point of reference we could both relate to.” He ran a hand through his hair, trying not to let the witch get to him. Did she really think quidditch more important than the life or death situations that Aurors had to face? Sure, quidditch was important, but the two were on completely different levels. One a pastime and form of entertainment, the other a matter of public safety. Maybe that was just his pride talking. “I’d gladly take lack of job security if it meant people weren’t being killed for their heritage.” He countered a bit more harshly than he’d meant to. “I doubt they’ll cancel the season, lest games start getting attacked.” Purists seemed to like the sport too much to do that.

“It’s not a matter of affording it, as much as having the time. I’m sure you understand a busy schedule. Probably training about the same amount.” He was trying to be friendly with the girl, much to tired for a fight with someone that he didn’t think had much to do with the purist agenda. Then again, what did he know? “I guess time will tell, right? And I will try to make a game. I miss quidditch, you know? Fuck if I’ve had a minute to even play a pick up game.” He mumbled, shaking his head. The sport had been a big part of his life, but it wasn’t like he could let a game win out over protecting innocent people. People he loved. Hopefully, he’d get a chance to play for fun again sometime.

Remus’ head rolled back onto the thin hospital pillows, the bedsprings creaking under the sudden weight. “Always wished you were something a bit more cuddly. Was hell to mend from your sodding antlers.” As if nursing a phantom sore, one hand rubbed idly at his jumper. It turned out that if one threw a big enough fit, people would actually give in to some minor demands. Best of his gifts, outside of the mountain of candy at his bedside, were the plush comforts of several jumpers. Though, as he picked at one of the fraying hems, he couldn’t for the life of him remember which of the lads the top had started off with. Not that it ever mattered, each of his brothers was more intolerable than the last when it came to permanent loans. S’not mine, Moony. Must be yours. Oh really, then why does the tag say property of Peter Pettigrew? “We’ve have been close for ages–don’t get your pants in a twist over it now, you conspiracist.” He plucked another chocolate from Prong’s nimble fingers, popping in his mouth with a huff. “’sides, if I ever came ‘round, we both know Lily’d drop your arse in a second. Beauty fades, mate. I’ll still be clever when you look like Marty Feldman.” 

Another sparring match that Remus had lost the energy for several moons ago. James demonstrated care with the strangling touch of an overzealous parent, though not even the Lupins had been so insufferable. Whether or not Potter seemed to realize that something had shifted in their band, however, was left to be determined. The reality of being outcast by their world–once shared and conquered as brothers–hit Remus with more severity than he’d been ready for. Was this an act of affection now or simply one of pity, due diligence? “Mary’s more charismatic than I am. May actually have better luck, yeah?” He chewed thoughtfully, watching James’ nervous tick presenting. It was another skirting quip and he was certain not to get away with many more. “’ve got a thousand secrets, Prongs. You can’t go after ‘em all at once.” 

A soft chuckle came from deep in his throat, nodding in agreement. “I don’t think I’d have been much help to Pads as a fluffy cat. Certainly wouldn’t have made Pete real comfortable either.” James still felt guilty when he hurt Remus during a full moon. Even it it was necessary sometimes to keep the wolf under control. At the very least, he didn’t have to be alone. That had always worn on the messy haired boy - the thought of his friend suffering without someone there. That’s what had driven him and their brothers to become animagi. Any chance of being punished for the illegal act was justified if his friend didn’t have to be alone. “You’ve been close, but I haven’t seen you flush like a school girl over her in my recent memory.” He countered, certain that if he pushed the other a little further, he’d spill the beans. Rolling his eyes at the other’s quip, he shrugged, “Probably, if she’s really as smart as we think she is.”

James narrowed his eyes at the other’s words. Maybe that’d been a low blow, bringing what had happened in fifth year up, but the other’s response was unsettling. “Come off it, Moony. You’d be just as worried at that thought as any of us. ‘Cause it’s senseless and dangerous.” His hand continued to mess with his hair, shifting it this way and that, causing a disheveled appearance. Giving a sigh of defeat, he shrugged. There was little chance of getting through to the other, not when he was identifying with the monster he saw in the other. Like he was one as well. James never believed that Remus was any more a monster than he was. He took milk in his tea and scarfed down sweets like a child. He was as much of a monster as a puffskien. He just happened to be plagued by a wolf once a month. A death eater, though? That was someone that decided to put people like Remus and Lily in the hospital, if not a grave. Still...he didn’t foresee the werewolf listening to reason. “Fine, mate, do what you have to do. Just be fucking careful, okay? I don’t fancy you being in that bed any more than you do.”