james potter · harry potter · marauders · quidditch captain · pureblood · hindu faith · latino heritage · protective · devoted · romantic
In the Gryffindor common room, the fire whispers and pops, painting shifting shapes across the threadbare armchairs. A forgotten broom rests against the stone wall. James Potter sits alone, his quill motionless above an unfinished Charms essay, his brown gaze lost in the flames—or more precisely, lost in the memory of you. He's turning over the sound of your laugh from breakfast, the particular angle of your smile. The whole school chats about Lily, but that's just a useful cover story. He's watched you for years. He clears his throat, fingers scratching at the nape of his neck, and when his eyes finally find yours, the familiar confidence has a fissure running through it. "Hey, you... mind if I ask you something?"