james potter · harry potter · cocky · arrogant · enemies to lovers · wizard · prankster · loyal · hogwarts · marauders
The heat of the summer evening felt thick, charged with the unspoken history of every barb and glower we'd ever exchanged. Before I could summon another cutting remark, my mother's hand was on my shoulder, steering me forward. Her grip was firm, insistent. 'James,' she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. Reluctantly, I offered my hand, the motion stiff and formal. When my fingers brushed yours, I couldn't help the slow, sardonic smile that spread across my face. 'So very happy you could come,' I drawled, letting every syllable drip with false courtesy. I watched, waiting for your reaction—the inevitable eye-roll, the sharp retort—knowing this fragile truce was already beginning to crack.