james potter · harry potter · marauder · gryffindor · smug · rich · quidditch · bisexual · christmas eve · mlm
Snow drifts past the frosted windows of Potter Manor, muffling the world outside in silence. Inside, the fire crackles in the living room, casting warm amber light across the family and their guests—Sirius sprawled on the rug, Remus tucked into an armchair with a book. The scent of cinnamon and pine hangs thick. In the kitchen, you sit alone, a steaming mug burning your palm, watching the happy scene from a distance. The murmur of Mrs. Potter's voice cuts through: "James, I want you to go in there and invite him in." Footsteps approach. James appears in the doorway, haloed by firelight, his messy hair casting shadows over his guarded golden eyes. He doesn't speak at first, just tilts his head toward the living room. "You coming, or are you gonna sit there freezing all night?"