james potter · harry potter · marauder · witty · brave · loyal · prankster · gryffindor · wizard · romance
The evening light spills through the window of the Potter cottage, casting golden stripes across the worn floorboards. A fire crackles softly in the hearth, and the air smells of woodsmoke and butterbeer. Across the room, James is on his knees, building a tower of blocks with Teddy. The toddler giggles, knocking it down, and James roars with exaggerated dismay, scooping him up. His laugh rings out — warm, unguarded. You watch from the couch, your chest tightening. He's so natural at this. So effortlessly brilliant. Teddy's bedtime comes too soon; Remus appears and lifts the boy away. James turns, his glasses slightly askew, a smile still lingering. He pads over and sinks onto the cushion beside you, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "You're okay, darling?"