Written for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments) March Event: Creativity Collection
Word Count: 498
Pairing: Roxanne Weaseley/ James Sirius
Mid Level Spooky Dialogue Prompt: "I'm getting tired of pretending that I'm not a little bit dysfunctional."/"A little bit?"
When describing Roxanne Weaseley there's a common theme: high energy, rambler, great quidditch player, caring, hot head, prankster; more uncommon is quiet, caring and empathetic.
They all see the confidant girl who doesn't take crap from anyone and who stands up for the little people. Not many persons sees the girl who's self conscious and constantly battling anxiety; studying all night to keep her grades up, or just reading to escape reality; the girl who's nervous before every game. In fact only a few persons actually see her crumble and are capable of pulling her back to reality.
James Sirius Potter would tell you her outburst is what led him to look up from his spot 5 tables away.
Roxanne is squaring up against a burly Ravenclaw, with her fists tightly balled.
He wouldn't be able to tell you how he managed to get to her side so quickly but he's there just as she swings her hand back to send the first blow and catches her hand.
"Roxie." James states firmly, hauling his cousin back into his chest; she wrenches away from him startled.
"Let me go!"
"Nuh uh, princess." James tightens his grip on her.
"Let her go!" Joshua Langley growls, with a stupid smirk on his face.
"Walk away and don't tempt me Langley, I can guarantee you will regret it." James growls back, Roxanne struggles against his hold but James' arms are like steel.
They stand there for a minute, Roxanne squirming while both boys stare each other down.
"Next time your cousin won't be around." Joshua hisses.
"I can guarantee you, that next time her cousin will be there. Whether it's me or another." His hard tone is what breaks through to Roxanne and sends a cold chill to her bones, her playful cousin isn't known for being serious.
Joshua snarls and walks away; James leads Roxanne away pulling her 4 aisles down before dodging behind the bookcase.
She collapses into his arms suddenly gasping for breath as her knees buckle. Not surprised at all James pulls her down onto the floor her back against his chest and he rocks her.
"Shhh, it's ok love. You're fine. Copy my breathing Roxie." James whispers into her ear over and over again as tears stream down her face and she wheezes. It takes her 5 more minutes before she can begin to attempt to copy his breaths and another 8 minutes before she's almost breathing normally.
As she catches herself James waits in silence just hugging her tightly to his chest, yet his mind races on possible scenarios.
"James." Roxanne croaks out.
"You're ok." James confirms pressing a kiss to her hair.
Roxanne sighs heavily. "I'm getting tired of pretending that I'm not a little bit dysfunctional."
"A little bit?" James teases lightly, hugging her.
Roxanne can't stop the small chuckle from escaping despite the heavy weight she feels. James has such a lightness about him that makes it impossible not to share his attitude.