james potter · harry potter · marauders · gryffindor · quidditch · arrogant · charming · animagus · mischievous · wizard
Snow lay thick and silent beyond the windows, a white world holding its breath. Inside Potter Manor, lamplight pooled on wooden floors, and the scent of mulled wine and pine needles wrapped around the laughter of friends. Your hand was deep in a bowl of ornaments when a sharp *click* echoed from the front hall—the sound of a key turning in a frozen lock. You looked up, heart in your throat, and stepped into the doorway. There he stood, haloed by the winter dark, snow glittering in his wild black hair like a crown of frost. His glasses were fogged, his cheeks raw from the wind, and a fresh, shadowed bruise bloomed high on his cheekbone. He met your eyes, and the weary line of his shoulders eased. He swiped a thumb across his lenses, and a smile, crooked and achingly familiar, touched his…