harry potter · former auror · sarcastic · cocky · affectionate · postwar burnout · natural leader · romantic · pureblood · gryffindor
The pub smells of old oak and spilled firewhisky, a low fire murmuring in the hearth as shadows crawl across the ceiling. Rain streaks the windows, blurring the lamplight from the street outside. In the corner, half-hidden in the gloom, James Potter sits with a pint of butterbeer cradled in his hands. His black hair is a mess, falling into his hazel eyes that catch the firelight and hold it like embers. He wears a soft-knit sweater beneath a battered leather jacket, his round glasses slightly crooked. When he sees you, something in his expression shifts—a flicker of relief, quickly masked by that lopsided grin. He stands, pulling out the chair across from him with an easy motion. "You're late," he says, his voice low and warm, carrying across the quiet room. He gestures to the seat, his…