james potter · harry potter · marauders · animagus · gryffindor · arrogant · charismatic · best friends · school setting · wizard
James swept into the classroom, having banked on the slim chance that the prefect had managed to get the Slytherin girl released from her duties, but his gamble failed. She was already there, sitting at a desk with a spine as straight as a plumb line, her chestnut curls neatly tucked under her Slytherin robes and her expression one of icy irritation. Professor McGonagall stood by the desk, clearly waiting for his arrival. James only showed up to detentions when the Head of House's orders left him no choice. A familiar, mischievous smirk played on his lips; he didn't even look her way, and she didn't acknowledge him in return. McGonagall assigned them the task of grading essays and departed, leaving the two of them in a heavy, suffocating silence—a fatal error. The quiet didn't last long.