Ron Weasley
26th January- The Burrow
Sunday dinners had always been a bit of a tradition. When the children were young, they'd met up every Sunday (without fail). It had been a great way to relax, unwind and eat good food. As the kids got older, it had become more acceptable to miss the odd Sunday, Harry frequently missed the dinners, so busy he was at work. Bill and Fleur were rarely there, as they were spending more and more time abroad now the children were grown. Of course Charlie was in Romania although he tried to come once every couple of months.
Ron and Hermione, however, never missed a Sunday. There were multiple reasons for this, but the main reason was that neither he nor Hermione could cook a Sunday dinner, and he was loathe to miss out on roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and the many other dishes his mother couple whip up with ease.
This weekend was slightly different as Harry and Ginny were both in attendance, as well as Percy and Audrey along with Molly and Dominique (who were very close despite their obvious personality difference).
Molly had just finished her hit wizard training and was working within the Yorkshire division as a rookie. Dom had finished her internship at the wireless network and was hoping to be taken on as a radio caster full time. The girls were both full of stories of wonder, boys (to Percy's horror) and friends. Currently, they were seemingly partying away their weekends while working hard on their futures.
"Oh Ronnie," Mrs Weasley said cupping his cheek and patting it softly, "you do need to eat more, my dear. You're getting ever so thin."
Ron threw a long-suffering look over at Hermione, who shook her head, smiling softly. "I and your father do worry about you, you're working ever so hard."
"It's a hard job Mum, but someone has to do it."
"Why couldn't you have carried on working at the shop," Mrs Weasley said softly, her hands shaking as she looked over at the kitchen clock.
"I'm where I'm needed, Mum." It was hard to ignore Harry awkwardly shifting his seat, but needs must.
Hermione smiled softly at Mrs Weasley, before getting up to pour the tea- pushing her mother-in-law into her chair. "Where is Arthur?" Hermione asked as she bustled round the kitchen. Ron jumped up to help his wife, and within moments the tea was on the table. Ron passed the potatoes down to Audery and Percy.
"Grandad is in the shed," Dominique said wryly, "he's working on a vintage mustang he found."
"Oh, that man," Mrs Weasley shook her head.
"I can go get him!" Molly said, jumping up.
"How's father enjoying his retirement?" Percy asked. Mr Weasley had taken a well earned retirement just before Christmas.
Mrs Weasley sighed dramatically. "He just spends every day in that damned shed, I'm charming in closed, I swear." However, the soft smile that played at her lips gave her away, Ron thought that retirement suited his parents. They kept visiting many of the wizarding villages of Europe as well as spending time doing up the garden (the warming charm they'd placed over the patio had helped matters).
"I'm sure you will," Ron said smiling as he shook his head, his hand dipping into the many plates that had already reached the table.
"Ach!" Mrs Weasley scolded, tapping his knuckles with her wand, "not until your father is back."
Ginny snorted and Ron felt the tingle of a blush creeping up from his collar.
Not a moment later (or a moment too soon) Dom returned with Mr Weasley, whose hair was long past thin, bordering on sparse.
"Hermione, Ron, he said warmly, "And Ginny and Harry, a lovely surprise! Let's tuck in, shall we?" He asked of his wife who bustled over with a chicken.
"Get it while it's hot." For the next few moments they were much too distracted with food, warmth and family.
As dessert and tea was poured, Mrs Weasley asked the golden question, "How are the kids?"
"Lucy is enjoying school," Audrey said, "she's enjoying her potions at least."
"Rose and Hugo keep talking about quidditch, it's almost like they don't even bother going to lessons," Hermione sighed. The conversation stopped and Harry and Ginny shared a look and gave tight smiles.
"Lily is enjoying training too, looking forward to playing Hufflepuff," Ginny said, nodding towards Hermione.
"Albus is doing well in class, he thinks he's on track for his OWLS."
There was an awkward silence, "and James?" Mrs Weasley prompted.
"He's, ummm, he's…" Harry trailed off. Awkward glances were shared.
"To be honest we are worried- we've barely heard from him and Ted was supposed to be keeping an eye on him, but he hasn't mentioned it to either of us," Ginny said, gnawing at her lip.
"Doesn't sound like Ted," Ron said.
"No, I assume he doesn't want to worry us, but that's why we asked him to keep an eye. We've been thinking of writing to Neville as well, we just need someone to keep an eye on him," Harry said. "It's so hard when you can't actually see them."
"Think how we used to feel with you three off galavanting," Mrs Weasley said sternly, Harry frowned, his expression pinched- he didn't appreciate the comment, clearly.
"He's a growing lad, Ted is watching him as is Professor Longbottom and all his cousins, I think you are both worrying for no reason," Percy said chidingly.
"I hope so," Ginny said through gritted teeth. Ron and Hermione shared a look, they both knew how stressed their friends had been. Dominique, who had been deep in conversation with Molly, looked up suddenly.
"Ted?" She frowned dispassionately, her lip curling in distaste- taking the adults in the room by surprise (for she had always been fond of Ted).
"Ted is helping us with James," Harry said tightly. Whether he was displeased at Dominique's distaste or having to mention his situation with his son, Ron wasn't sure.
She almost sneered, "Well at least he's helping somebody."
Mrs Weasley gasped, "Dominique, you will not talk about our Ted like that in my house!" Dominique blushed brightly, picking at her potatoes.
"Sorry, Grandma. He's just been upsetting Vic, is all," she said softly in shame. Ron frowned at her in interest, Ted adored his wife, it was obvious to everyone. He doted on her, cared for her since they were children. In fact, in all the time they'd been a couple, Ron could not remember a time where Ted had upset Vic, it was usually his headstrong niece that upset Teddy- not the other way around.
"Are they having issues, dear?" asked Audrey, leaning forward and placing her pudgy hands on the table as she did so.
"I- yes, I suppose they are," Dominique said uncomfortably, glancing at Molly, who shrugged helplessly, for support.
"I'm sure they'll work it out," Hermione said, frowning disapprovingly at Audrey and Percy.
"It's just she's barely spoken to Vic since he went to Hogwarts, hasn't come back to visit, either," Molly said, piping up, with a glance towards Dom.
"She's wrote and wrote him, and barely a word back," Dominique brushed her hair away from her eyes, her eyes gleaming brightly in fury, "I just don't understand him!" Harry coughed slightly and Dom ducked her head in shame, she had perhaps talked a little too freely, Ron thought.
"Whatever their problems are, I am sure they would not want us discussing them over dinner," Hermione said stiffly, stabbing a piece of chicken savagely- perhaps remembering the families 'discussions' about each of their arguments when they were younger.
"Marriage is an adjustment," Ginny soothed her nieces, "it's a big step- even if they were already living together. It's hard- especially with him being away often. It'll all work out, you'll see."
The other adults around them nodded: problem solved, they thought. Except, Ron thought catching the worried glance of his nieces, it wasn't quite as simple as that. Ron couldn't help but think that all of his family was falling apart, Harry was beyond worried about James, and that had led to strain between Ginny, Harry and George and Angie (seeing as Ginny was furious as George's lack of concern for her son and for his own son's cruel jibes.)
Ron ate his potatoes in silence, his family had always been brilliant. But their biggest flaw was often not seeing the obvious. Not seeing those who are worried, upset, lonely… It had led to Percy being estranged, to the twins often cruel jokes and his own insecurities. With his own kids, Ron had always ensured he had the time for each of their problems. He knew, better than most, how much it can hurt when you feel there is no time for you.
So, that night Ron penned a letter.
6th March- Hogwarts Library
James Potter II
The library had never been James' favourite place. But over the last three months (and everything that had happened) it was now his refuge. It was quiet. Secluded. Safe. And no one in his family had thought to look for him there. Although, James had recently got very efficient at the disillusion spell.
James had found a small corner several weeks ago, and hidden himself there. It was just by the large glazed window and the winter sun pierced the glaze and warmed his arm as it lay in the sunlight. The dust floated through the air with abandon, drifting towards the ground softly. His books lay open in front of him, and his well-worn quill was clutched in his hand while ink splattered up his long fingers. He had been, since January, on top of his schoolwork. Not that he had ever been as lax as his father had been although, saying that, his father had often had far more serious matters on his mind. James' grades in all but defence had seen a sudden incline.
James read his last sentence, frowned and crossed it out.
He hated Defence.
"Look, inferi are afraid of fire, not light, and you need to rephrase the meaning of 'inferi', it's too abstract," James jumped violently as the quiet voice behind him.
He swung around and gasped.
Allie.
Alison Higgs.
Her hair framed in the golden sunlight, her mouth twisted into a shy, unsure smile.
The most beautiful sight he had ever seen. With her Slytherin robe clasped around her neck, book bag swung deftly across her chest. Looking at him as though he wasn't slime on her shoe. As if he hadn't actually fucked everything up.
"Uh…" was all he could say. A frankie first-year. She smiled at him in pity, reaching into her bag she pulled out a roll of parchment and placing it on the table as she slid into the chair across from him.
"Here, look at mine," she said.
"Allie…" He trailed off, watching as she tucked her hair behind her ear and pull his essay towards her, crossing out as she went.
"No, James," she said without looking up, although her hand tightened around his parchment, "I do not need, nor want an apology. I don't want to talk about it, James."
"But Alison, I owe you an-"
"James, you finish that and I curse you into next year," Alison looked up, her eyes almost wet, "I don't want to hear it, okay? I don't. You fucked up. So did I. We can sit and mope about it, or get over it."
"I know Alison, but-"
"Jim, I told my father about the event, I nearly got your father killed. I know that now. I was wrong to trust him, but-" her voice broke, "he's my father."
"It wasn't your fault. I should have told my dad everything months ago, I should have never thought that I could sort this all out myself…"
"And yet," Alison said firmly, "had you not done that, we would never have been friends. We would never have-" she broke off and James knew exactly what she was thinking. They might never have become friends. They may never have learnt so much about the other. And, Alison Higgs may never have kissed James Sirius Potter. "There are always would'ves and should'ves. There is always something we could have done better."
"Alison, I've missed you," James blurted out. Deciding there was no point in hiding, or beating around the bush. He liked her. He missed her. He… he loved her. He knew that now. He knew that from how his heart had broken when they'd hurt each other so. Knew that from how he had missed her. He knew that from how much he wanted to hold her now, to tell her he would never make that mistake again. Knew from how much he trusted her.
James Higgs had long ago forgiven Alison Higgs. For he had known from the start that she was innocent. They were both products of their families. Neither could be blamed for the actions of them
"God, you wet lettuce," Alison teased, "now let's sort this out, it's almost like you've forgotten how to write without me!"
James entered the common room just before curfew, his eyes darting for the people he knew he needed to start being actually friends to. Alison had done the brave thing, now it was time for him to do the brave thing and stop taking the coward's way out. There, by the fire was Maddy and Aalaa. He owed them an apology.
"Mads, Aalaa," James called when he was level with them, they turned in surprise, Aalaa frowning while Maddy smiled openly, "I owe both you an apology. I put myself, and my feelings ahead of our friendship and I've caused you both to drift away from the others. I am sorry for how I've treated you, I would like, If you'd have me, to be your friend again," James said, the words tumbling through.
Maddy pursed her lips, holding herself back, for she knew what she was going to say and so did James.
"James, it did hurt, I'm not going to lie. But I think you've been hurting just as much, if not more," Aalaa said, "you're forgiven." James beamed, turning to the blonde girl beside her.
"You know that I don't need an apology."
James sat down in the spare armchair, relaxing into his old ways. "So what's new?" he asked.
15th March - Hogwarts
The last week had been the best of his life. His feet hadn't touched the ground, instead, he'd floated around the castle, lighter than air, drunk on happiness. James had forgotten life could feel this good.
He was talking to his friends, they were all talking to him. Things with Fred were getting better although James doubted they'd ever be quite the same. But best of all, Allie. He spent his evenings with a constant smile. Sometimes, his jaw began to ache from his beam. In an evening, his hand was clasped within another, and his lips were softly caressed. James had been kissed before, he wasn't, after all, an undesirable boy, but this kissing, this feeling, was entirely different. But James has been very careful, careful not to leave his friends out, careful to make sure he talked to his siblings. Trying to make sure that this time, he had the right balance.
He still wasn't perfect within himself, things didn't just go away. Even though some of his problems had been resolved, he realised that it was his insecurities that were more of an issue. He needed to deal with them.
His Uncle had been helping with that. Since February, Ron had been writing weekly to him. James didn't always respond, but the letters always helped. It helped to show him that he wasn't the only one who had ever felt this way. In fact, he had a feeling Ron had told him more about his own insecurities than he'd ever told anyone. His parents were writing too, but he found it harder to open up to them. He didn't want to hurt them.
One thing that still stung James though, was Teddy. Teddy had promised that he'd help him, but James had barely seen him in the months since. Ted was busy, stressed, and James didn't want to interrupt him. Still, he wondered if perhaps he had angered Ted for he had never not spoken to him in this long.
"Ou, Jamesie boy!" Dan called loudly, coming to a running stop beside him. "Oh James, my man!"
James, who was used to his friends' excitement, knew this could only mean one thing, "What have you planned?"
Dan's smile grew ever wider. "Who? Little old me?" James sighed, "you haven't seen Fred, have you?"
"Not since dinner," James said.
"Ah, never mind. He's probably setting up already then."
Something twitched inside James, a feeling that had lain dormant for far too long. "Whatever it is, I bet I could help." Dan's smile became scarily large as he slapped him on the back.
"Yes mate, could always use those dainty hands," and so, Dan filled him in. The next morning, the school woke sleepily, no one, not even the teachers, realising something was wrong. Well, until the second year Gryfindors and Ravenclaws stepped out of the grand entrance to find their path was filled with a rather large, hastily created moat that cut the school completely off from the grounds. Chaos ensued.
The swans had been James's idea though.
The boys had spent the last two weeks planning what they were calling, "the Completely Ridiculous Abundance of Pranks", or, as it was known to them 'CRAP Week'. The boys had fun out their prank planner from first year and selected seven pranks that celebrated the reunion of the trio.
The first day went a little like this:
Sniggering was all that was heard in the bush. A ridiculous, high-pitched snigger. James and Fred were crouched outside the greenhouse waiting for the signal. While Dan, the sacrificial lamb, was distracting Professor Longbottom.
"If anyone sees us they are going to get the wrong idea," James murmured.
Fred let out an exasperated huff, "What is the wrong idea? That we are hoping Neville walks about his greenhouse in the nude?"
"People do tend to have an unfavourable opinion of people who hide in bushes, Fred," James said.
"You are turning into a right little wuss, you, before you know it you'll be bawling at-" James cut him off.
"That's the signal," he said smacking Fred on the arm. Sure enough, green sparks were floating over the gardens behind the greenhouse. Dan had succeeded in luring Neville away. Although, it wasn't particularly hard to distract their Professor.
They crept forward. It was just past four in the afternoon, but the day was already darkening. James and Fred glanced around. No one in sight. They slipped into the greenhouse and pulled out their wands. "Let's get to work," James smiled.
In twenty minutes the greenhouse was completely transformed. Streamers were strung from several plants, confetti littered the floor and the violets were singing 'happy birthday' in a cheerful, if not eerie way. After all, the boys couldn't forget their favourite Professor's birthday, could they?
The second day, they ran over Zabini:
When Fred was younger, he'd had a bit of an obsession with moles. So much so that he'd once tried to dig his own mole hole. Dan and James had of course found this hilarious, and in their first year, they had vowed to fulfil Fred's deepest desire.
So now, with a little bit more magic under their belts, it was time to make that dream a reality.
"Don't forget your mole goggles," James deadpanned, handing Fred a pair of safety goggles. Fred took them from him as if he was a soldier receiving a knighting. "Don't go anywhere near the Quidditch pitch. The match is in less than a month. Oliver will cancel if the pitch has been shredded.
"Remember," Dan warned direly, "once you've got the body suit on you aren't going to be able to stop it until either the spell runs out or you shuck out of the boots. Got it?"
Fred made a strange squealing noise that James assumed was 'yes' in mole talk.
"Let's mole on," James said cheerfully.
Although it was still March, many of the students, fed up with being cooped up inside, had escaped to the cool air during lunch. They peered out from behind a wall, Fred snapped his goggles on, stuck his wand in his pocket and activated the spell. His arms and legs were a blur, and he controllably span into the ground like a drill. After he vanished, there was silence… Until… A bump appeared under the grass, large and terrifying, hurtling around the grounds. People screamed as the hump roared towards them. First years dived for cover as the ground they were standing on was ripped to smithereens. They could only look on the devastation in horror. "What the fuck!" A seventh year cried, "my bag!" Cried a second year girl, holding onto her friend as her bag vanished.
"What is going on here!" Screeched Zabini as he raced towards the commotion. Maybe it was accidentally, maybe it was fate, or maybe Fred was aiming for him… But.. The Fred shaped lump flew towards the Professor with frightening speed.
"Oh god," said Dan.
"Fuck yes!" Said James.
And with that, the Professor flew into the air, a graceful arc over the sea of students… Before crashing down violently into a lump. The pupils gasped. The Frole stopped still. James held his breath. Zabini staggered to his feet, covered in mud, and a look of fury that would cause any sensible child to wet themselves. Frole was removed from his hole. He was completely caked in mud, only his eyes- that were protected by his goggles- remained clean.
Fred, dangling from the ground, reached his arms out in a placating measure, "I know what it looks like, Professor, but it wasn't me," he said seriously. Zabini drew himself up like a lion about to pounce.
"A week's worth of detentions, Weasley, and fifty points from Gryffindor."
"Well, that's made it a bit more complicated," James said, consulting the prank diary at lunch.
"No kidding."
Day three was a lot harder. They were under constant scrutiny. So they decided on low-key. However, most people would assume they didn't know quite what that entailed.
It started as a usual day. Fred, James and Dan emerged from their room sleepy, stumbling. As they reached the common room however, things started to go wrong. "Aghhhhhhh!" They cried. A couple of first years turned to stare at them but the rest were far too used to their escapades to care.
"Oh my god," James murmured, staring around the room in complete shock. "What hell is going on!"
"Where are we?" Fred cried, pumping his fist into the air and searching the room for some unknown enemy.
A dazzled first year stopped: they looked towards their older brother. "Are they, like, alright?"
"Potter's lot? Nutters the lot of them. You. Don't want to get yourself associated with them, Gregory," the boy sniffed disapprovingly as the boys charged round the room searching for… Well- something.
"What on earth are you doing?" Lily said, in a very exasperated manner. She was holding a grudge since the Frole incident disturbed her date with Norman Freller. Who sounds just as annoying as his name.
James spun towards her, he marched towards shaking her shoulders. "Who are you? Where are we?" He demanded. Lily, after all her dealings with the trio before, simply rolled her eyes.
"I don't know what you are up to, but you need to get your arses downstairs and into classes."
The three shared a confused look.
"For heaven's sake!" She yelled, "you are supposed to be responsible, not gallivanting around!" She grabbed him by the ear and dragged him towards the portrait hole.
"Ow! Unhand me girl!"
They trailed after her. They spent the rest of the day in a daze, pretending they knew nothing about magic and screaming every time something remotely magical happened. (James hyperventilated when the stairs moved).
The teachers, their friends and family, and classmates were bemused, irritated and downright angry. Plus they had ended the day with several more detentions for refusing to do magic because it was the 'Devil's work'.
Still, at least they found it funny
Day 4 dawned with anxious anticipation from the rest of Hogwarts
"Please," Aalaa begged. "Please let it be over." But the boys had never been particularly good at responding to criticism.
"Let what be over, Aalaa, dear?" Dan asked cheerfully, giving her an easy smile, he went to throw his arm over her shoulder, froze, and let his arm drop back down in sudden awkwardness.
"Seriously, boys. Sort it out," she gave a lingering look at Dan, which he missed due to his sudden interest in his shoelaces.
"Jeez, Thomas. Get your shit together," Fred said, rolling his eyes before winking at two fifth year girls who blushed furiously. Dan muttered under his breath violently but followed Fred out of the common room, James close behind.
Today's prank was all James' idea. He had researched and practised the several complex spells over the last week. An amused Allie had even helped him.
The day passed normally. The students (and teachers) of Hogwarts began to breathe easily, hoping that the threat had passed. That the troublemakers had tired of their ridiculousness or run out of ideas. But no such look.
So the relaxed and unprepared students took their seats at the tables for their evening feast. All was calm, until it wasn't.
As students up and down the tables began to raise their forks to their mouths, the food at the teacher's table slowly began to rise into the air. Someone gasped. Zabini yelled, "Potter! Weasley!" The hall fell silent. Hundreds of eyes searching for the tricksters. The hall was suspiciously empty of them.
The food hovered and the entire hall held its breath, wondering, what on earth could happen next? As one, the food arced through the air, soaring gracefully and splattering the teachers and students with food. Some seventh years ducked. One second year pushed a firstie in front of him.
Gregory, a wild eyed first year, stood on the bench, mash in his hand, "Food fight!" he cried, launching his mash into a second year, Alicia McClagon's face. She spluttered in fury, spearing a sausage to launch back, which hit a fifth year prefect with a pudgy face and an awful scowl.
Before anyone knew it, chaos had ensued.
Professor Sinistra, however, didn't seem to notice. She was too busy staring at the night sky. Cleese was scowling in fury; her wand up to protect herself from flying food. Zabini was foaming at the mouth. Professor Longbottom was eating his food, unconcerned with the screeching children now filinging sausages, peas and in some cases chicken drumsticks.
Fred Weasley ducked out from behind a pillar and sent James a thumbs up across the hall.
Lily Potter, covered in gravy, holding a pitcher of pumpkin juice roared as Albus sent yet another piece of chicken her way.
Due to the chaos and noise only a handful of people saw Professor Zabini get pelted with a viciously large piece of potato, which several people would later swear came from Longbottom.
Several moments passed until it became clear that Sinistra would not be reacting. Zabini rose to his feet, vibrating at anger.
"SILENCE!" He roared. And the hall fell deathly still. "I have never seen such ridiculous and childish behaviour-" he was interrupted by a girl's voice, Lily's.
"But Profesor," she said cordially, "we are children?" James stuffed his fist into his mouth from where he was hidden. Several people gasped.
"Now we are in for it," Hugo said in the exasperation that can only come from being Lily Potter's friend. He speared a sausage from his lap and chewed it while shaking his head. Lily scowled.
"Thirty points from Gryffindor. You will all stay and clean this mess up, anyone that displeases me will lose a 100 points for their house and will fill in for one of the house elves so they can have a day off from serving you wretched foold. And if we find the people responsible, let it be known there will be hell to pay." He sat down and despite many grumbles, people began to clean the hall.
"Oh Blaise," Sinistra said startled, "did I miss something?" Neville and Blaise shared a look.
"Are you quite alright, Headmistress?" Neville asked, sharing a worried look with Blaise.
"I think the Headmistress has drunk one too many sherrys," Professor Cleese said stiffly. "I'll walk her to her rooms."
The men nodded and turned to watch the clean up. Blaise smirked. He would make Potter and Weasley pay.
Day 5: going out with a bang
"Ugh…" Said James as he stumbled into the common room.
"Morning sunshine," Fred said brightly, pouring over a piece of parchment that was unlikely to be homework.
"Uff," James replied, sinking into a sofa and covering his eyes with his hand.
"Late night with Higgs?" Fred said lightly, determined to be supportive.
"She made me do all my homework," James groaned, "barely even got a kiss."
"Meanwhile, I and Waters spent a lovely hour in a broom closet!" Fred said, with a wicked smile.
"Gross Fred, I don't want to know what you were doing."
"Well," said Fred, looking as if he was going to lay into an explanation of the birds and bees. James clamped his fingers over his ears.
"Today has got to be the last day," cried Dan. He was flushed, eyes looking almost sunken.
"Well, we did say a -"
"I don't care, Fred!" He cried desperately, "I'm behind on homework,"
"So am I, don't see me crying about it," Fred said.
"Well some of us are having proper careers after Hogwarts, not just riding brooms!"
"Burn," James hissed.
"Well, well-" but Fred was stumped.
"Tonight's the last one, Fred," Dan said menacingly.
"Whatever you say mate, just untwist your breeches."
"This wouldn't have anything to do with Aalaa offering to tutor you does it?" James said wickedly, enjoying Dan gaping like a fish.
"WHAT!" Fred cried, "how did I miss this little nugget of gossip!"
"I believe you were in a broom closet," James said smugly.
"Ah, no good can come of this Danny boy," Fred said sadly, "Aalaa has always said her family want her to marry a nice Muslim boy. And you aren't nice, or Muslim."
"That's what her parents want, Fred, what about what she wants?" Dan said desperately. The other two shared a look, Aalaa had never shown any signs of wanting to be with Dan.
"I'm not saying it won't happen," Fred said democratically, "just don't pin everything on it."
"Well, you've both made me feel ten times better," Dan murmured, glaring at the floor.
"So tonight!" James said desperately, "we all set?" Fred nodded, looking sadly at Dan. "Good, jolly good!" James said awkwardly. This was why you shouldn't fall for someone in your own friendship group. It made things very awkward.
The common room was almost deserted, most people had already left for breakfast. But they had free periods first thing so they didn't need to rush. James hopped over to the boys stairway when he saw two figures appear.
"Albus! Scorpius! My favourite fourth years," he said brightly.
Albus and Scorpius shared a look, "He's not my brother," pointed out Scorpius rather rudely, James thought. Albus sighed.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing, nothing, dear brother of mine," James said cheerfully.
"James," Albus warned.
"Okay, okay. I couldn't help but notice that Lily is spending an awful lot of time with that lad, Phelps, from Ravenclaw."
Albus blinked, "She's only thirteen."
"Yes, yes. And I don't doubt that he's just her friend. But I know boys and he's not just wanting friendship," James said knowingly.
"If this is what having siblings is like," Scorpius said slowly, "I'm glad I don't have any." Albus gave him a soft punch on the shoulder.
"We can't tell her who to hang out with," Albus said, although he strongly disliked Phelps, who was in his year.
"No, heavens, but maybe you could keep an eye out? He's older than her, and I don't want-"
"Fine James."
"Also," James looked awkward, "you haven't talked to Ted have you?"
"No, I saw him the other day, but he was busy and didn't even notice I was there," Albus said slowly. James nodded, as if this confirmed something he already knew.
"Righty-o," James said, without his usual gusto.
Albus frowned, "Is there something wrong?"
James paused, "Not at all, Albie, not at all," he said breezily.
"Jim," Albus warned, Scorpius awkwardly looked away.
"Nothing at all, but be in the hall at six tonight, we have a surprise,"
Scorpius groaned, "Not another one, I doubt that mash will ever come out of my robes."
James shook his head, "No fun, either of you."
He ran off, "He's going to get himself into trouble," Scorpius warned.
"Isn't he always," Albus said frowning before pulling on Scorp's arm, "we need to get going, can't be late for Cleese."
Unknown- Hogwarts.
It was dark, but that was how they liked it. They peered out of the room, unseen, he approached. The boy they hated. So full of life, so full of optimism. So privileged. He stopped outside the room, frowning at the parchment in front of him.
The hand twitched towards their wand. One spell, one movement. And he would be gone. James Potter would breathe no more. How his father would weep. How his father would be destroyed. The hand twitched again before tensing, clenching into a fist. No, no, not yet. He couldn't die now. He had to wait, wait until the time was right. Till the world could see his gruesome death.
It would be a spectacle. It wouldn't be quick. They would make them all watch. The horrible Potter children, the Weasley's, that idiotic auror, make sure he saw the life leave his brothers eyes- knowing it was his fault. If he hadn't been so weak, so pathetic…
Joy rose up inside them. They would enjoy this. The hunt. The only one knowing that everything was about to come crashing down.
They could wait.
James Potter- 22nd March
His neck prickled as he checked the list Fred had given him. It was almost time. He looked around warily. He felt like he was being watched… He shook his head. Concentrate.
James scurried down the corridor into the ante chamber beside the great hall. He could just about see in. He lifted the charm he'd placed on the boxes in the room to keep them hidden. All stamped 'WWW'. James grinned, opening the boxed and crouching in wait. There was a bang. The signal. James lit the fireworks and with his wand directed the fireworks into the hall. They exploded with mighty whizz sand bangs, exploding in the night sky. A dragon erupted racing down the Ravenclaw table, causing the Ravenclaws to scatter and scream. A bullseye rose above the teachers table, where so far only Longbottom and Sinistra were seated. arrows flung down the other table spearing into the bullseye. Neville clapped chuckling and the Ravenclaws, looking embarrassed, returned to their seats.
There is something truly magical about fireworks. For the rest of the meal, people ooed and ahhed, until Zabini stumbled in and shut them off.
James took his seat,winked at Neville, and dug into his food.
He was back.
