James breathed deeply as he gained his focus again, the crowd around him baying for blood as they usually did. Sometimes they forgot that he was only eleven. But it only spurred him on as his opponent went for another punch. James ducked and upper-cutted his opponent in the stomach in such a swift force you would of missed it if you had blinked.
"YES!"
"WHOOP, WHOOP!"
"This kid is killing him!"
James turned round and swiftly jabbed his opponent in the jaw. He staggered back and released a barrage of attacks. James placed his arms up defensively, taking a few of the shots. Tire out his opponent. Soon enough, he did, the punches were more laboured and tired. James abruptly forced his arms apart knocking his opponent off balance. He stepped back dazed.
James wanted to finish this quickly, he landed a punch on his face, then another one on the other side with his less favoured right hook. His opponent made one more wild attempt to score a hit.
Big mistake. He completely sacrificed his footing and positioning for a killing stroke, something James was about to punish him severely for. He side stepped and punched him hard in the face again, the unmistakable feel of teeth shattering on his boxing gloves. Then a swift uppercut to his chest. The crowd roared in delight, they were being given their money's worth tonight. His opponent stood there, waiting for the killer strike, James stood there, ready of course, defence never down and considered him for a moment. He always referred to them as his opponents because an emotional connection only complicated things. The crowd were baying, screaming for him to finish it, some praying the other will rouse some sort of amazing comeback, not wanting to lose to the bookie.
A small smiled curled at his lips as with one punch he knocked his opponent flat onto the cold ring floor. He stood over him for a second, breathing deeply before the ref came over and counted to ten. James watched as he did the countdown. The crowd's cheers still reverberating in his ears as he counted down in his own head.
"That's it, that's it." The ref waved his hands and then held up James's to the sky. James did the same with his other arm.
"WINNER!" the crowd erupted into more euphoria while some ripped there slips and walked away dejectedly. "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner and still unbeaten champion. JAMES POTTER!" the crowd roared again one more time as James felt his dads hand on his shoulder.
The Marauders Proudly Present James Potter In: The Marauders Year One
Chapter Nine
A Matter Of Family
Written By Chambers10
"Well done mate." His dad lifted up some hair from James's fringe which exposed a nasty cut. James winced as his dad ran a finger over it.
"Let's go get you cleaned up." He said placing an arm round his shoulder and leading him out the ring. James took off his gloves as they entered a changing room. He spat out a gum shield and sat down on a bench. He rubbed the back of his neck and ruffled his hair.
"That was very good son." Said Alec walking over with his wand. He moved his hair and tapped the bruise.
He charm burned against his skin for a second before the bruise subsided. He then moved up towards the scar, with another tap the scar fizzled and healed of his own accord.
"Mum wouldn't have like that." Said James with a tired smile. His dad smiled and dabbed a cold cloth on James's head.
"You where the one who wanted to do this." Said Alec.
"You never discouraged me." Said James wincing as the cloth touched bruised ribs.
"Well it never did me any harm." Said Alec, "My mother really hated it as well."
"Why do women hate it?" asked James.
"Your grandmother hated the idea of her pureblood son doing something as barbaric as boxing." Explained Alec. "She thought it was best left to runts in her eyes."
"Bet that caused friction." Said James.
"More than you know." Said Alec, "Best she never met you or you'd have me written out of the will. Not to mention being branded a bad parent."
"You have mum for that."
"She says I'm trying to turn you into an Auror already." Said Alec.
"I like it though." Said James. "I wouldn't change it for anything."
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." Said Alec. "Gonna miss you when you go, no one to help me round the garages."
"You're sure I can't take mine?" asked James.
"Minerva would kill me if I said yes to that." Said Alec with a slight laugh, "But I'll keep some stuff for you to fix when you come back over the holidays." James stood up and stretched, his body clicked and he relaxed.
"That was a good fight." Said James staring to change, "I might need some better opponents."
"You're not getting any because you're going away." Reminded Alec.
"Oh yeah…" said James realising he looked down at his t-shirt, he pulled it over his head. "Plus no Quidditch either." Said James. "I'm gonna have to find something to do."
"I'm sure the team will let you train with them." said Alec, "You'll just have to use a school broom."
"I don't want to think about that now." said James. "What's for dinner?"
"Your mother's out with Minerva tonight so we have to fend for ourselves."
James smirked, he only knew this could mean one thing. "Isn't catch of the day on as well?"
"So it is." Said Alec "So maybe a Pizza."
"Sounds great." Said James. They left the locker and talked to a couple of people on their way out into the warm august night. They stopped off at the pizza place. Large meat feast for James while Alec went with the margarita. They apparated back to the farmhouse. They walked in to the sound of laughing and giggling.
"Looks like Minerva decided to come round after all." Said Alec hanging his coat up. "Best go a listen in the kitchen." James nodded and they tried to make it past the door.
"Oi, you two." Katherine's voice came through the door.
"Shit."
"She hears like a bat." Whispered James.
"A very perceptive bat James, in here." Both sighed and walked into the living room. Katherine was sitting in her chair, opposite her was Minerva McGonagall, a very strict woman who always kept her hair up in a bun. James had known her since he was small and it would feel weird that he was going to be at school with her.
"Oh my god James, what happened to your face?" his mother asked.
"I wasn't quick enough and he got me." Said James rubbing the plaster on his head. "I'm fine by the way."
"Well I know you are." Said Katherine, "I hate you going to that stupid boxing."
"Why do you encourage him Kathy?" asked Minerva.
"It's Alec who encourages him." said Katherine, "It seems everything he does James wants to as well."
"Well you won't be able to that in Hogwarts." Said Minerva sternly at James.
"I know that Minnie." Said James, "But I enjoy it mum, besides, I thought you'd be pleased that I don't have to do it for a while."
"I am. But I don't like the way you say a while with longing." She said. "But did you win."
"In three rounds." Said Alec placing an arm round his shoulder. "He was brilliant, you should have seen him."
"I can just about stomach the Quidditch and football, I'd be useless at that boxing." Said Katherine laughing. "So long as you won, well done sweetheart. Now pass me a slice." She said noticed he box James was trying to hide behind the door. James let out an irritated groan and walked into the living room and opened the box.
"Good boy." She said taking a slice. "What you boys up to now?"
"Dinner and catch of the day." Said Alec holding up his own box. "We'll listen outside so we won't disturb you."
"You finally got a leash on him dear." Said Minerva, "I remember when he used to kick us out of the common room so he could listen to that show in peace."
"Old habits still die hard Minerva." Said Alec.
"I'll keep quiet then." Katherine laughed.
"Well enjoy yourselves and don't make a mess."
"Will do!" said James walking out with Alec into the kitchen.
"So like his father it's scary." Said Minerva.
"Very scary." Said Katherine, "He's going to get himself into trouble with some of the things he does."
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Said Minerva, "Alec smoothed out over time." Katherine chuckled.
"I smoothed him out." Said Katherine, "The girl who does that will have my upmost respect. But she can't take any of his crap." She took a sip of wine.
"Now, tell me more about that muggle born you went to see."
James stepped outside and placed his dad's beer and his own butterbeer on a small table. James sat down in his deck chair with his pizza box. They were sat on the patio overlooking the garden with the forest in the background. The very late evening sun blanketing the garden in orange light.
"How does she always get the one with the most meat on it?" asked James taking a slice.
"She's always been good at that." Said Alec taking swig of his beer. He flicked his wand at the radio and the music for catch of the day came on.
"I'll miss this to." Said James, "These days by the radio with a pizza."
"Well I told you how to get to the kitchens." Said Alec, "The elves will make you a good one."
"Just won't be the same." Said James swigging his own butterbeer.
"Very true." Said Alec, "But you and Sirius will do just fine at Hogwarts."
"You think?"
"James, you two are the smartest eleven year olds I've seen. Sometimes to smart. But I've taught you how to be practical men. Trust me when I say you'll be a class apart when you start in September."
James nodded. "Still doesn't hold a candle to home." Alec smiled and ruffled James's hair.
"Nothing ever does."
The park was busy with lots of shouting, mainly from parents shouting encouragement at their kids as they battled on the football pitch. Thankfully it was sunny day for Katherine, the amount of times she had to stand here in the pouring rain was beyond her, but as always it was for James. Football was one thing that James didn't accept from his dad. Alec didn't like it but still cheered James on, Football came from Katherine. Her dad was a huge fan and installed it into her. She had taken James to see the world cup final at Wembley and he'd fallen in love with it.
Boots bought with a red shirt that Katherine had hand stitched an England crest and number six on the back. James practiced in the garden until he became quite good, but that was James. He was naturally athletic and good at all sports, so good Katherine made him join a team. And now she was here watching James play, he was enjoying it immensely.
James collected the ball and began to run with it. The ball was almost glued to his feet as he ran down the left wing. A defender came across, but he side stepped inside and with a burst of acceleration continued to roars of approval. James looked up, the goal in his sights. He smacked it with his left foot, the ball sailed like a bullet, whistling in the wind and then smacking the net.
Katherine cheered as James wheeled away celebrating with his friends.
"Well done sweetie." Katherine said ruffling James's hair as they walked away. "Just like Alan Ball there."
"I was much better than that." Said James, "More like Eusebio." Katherine ruffled his hair.
"Well that was your last one for a while." Said Katherine.
"Same as the boxing."
"Let's not get into that." Said Katherine laughing, "It's nice to see you've inherited some traits from me."
"Like my love of strawberries." Said James.
"And that to." Said Katherine. She placed an arm round James and they apparated away. They landed in the drive, James dusted himself down.
"What happened to your leg?" James looked down to see blood trickle from a stud mark.
"Clearly the defenders still hate me." Smirked James.
"Go have a shower young man." Said Katherine inspecting his knee, "We have to get ready for the Rotherman party."
"Ah, do I have to go?" said James irritated.
"Yes you do." Said Katherine sternly, letting James into the house. "We all have to, beside these are people who you've grown up with and some of them are going to different countries to study. It'll be a while before you see them again."
"Some of them I wouldn't mind seeing the back off." Said James.
"I'm sure some of them would say the same about you." Said Katherine as they walked into the kitchen. James opened the fridge and poured himself some orange juice.
"Yeah, they would." Said James, "Probably because I'm the only one who doesn't take their pompous crap."
"Language!" said Katherine sternly starting the fry some bacon. "God your father is a bad influence."
"Is Dad here?"
"He's at the office James." James nodded and started to read the paper on the island table as his Mum made him bacon sandwiches.
"But he has to come to, so you and Sirius can be your little trio again."
"Bet he's looking forward to it to." Said James flicking to the sports pages. His focus on an article was broken by his sandwich being placed in front of him.
After a quick shower James was stood in his walk in wardrobe having to place his dress robes on again. He hated them, he would much rather wear his suit, but his mum insisted on him acting the part of "Higher Social Circle member." So he was forced back into this ridiculous garment.
He walked out, closing the door behind him and saw Dante perched on his stand. His parents had bought him an owl, since Hogwarts students where permitted one, his dad thought an owl was more appropriate. So he picked this one. He was medium size with jet black feathers and amber eyes. James picked the name Dante, after the poet who descended into hell to find his love. Plus it was a kickass name.
"Hey mate, Whatcha got for me?" Dante squawked and held out a letter. James took it and threw Dante an owl treat who gratefully gobbled it up. James turned his attention to the letter, he turned it over and saw the wax crest.
"Leanne?" he said softly. He hit the patted the letter and bit his lip. Should he answer it now? He always liked Leanne's letters, maybe she was coming over again. James placed it carefully on his bedside table and checked his appearance in the mirror. He ruffled his hair.
"James, are you ready yet?"
"Almost mum!" said James, he looked back at the letter and then at Dante who had a questioning look on his face.
"Treat for later mate." Explained James, "God knows I'll need one after tonight." With that he closed the door.
He made his way down the stairs so see his dad having his own dress robes being straightened by Katherine.
"Could you have done something with your hair?" asked Katherine.
"He'll only mess it up again." said Alec.
"He should at least look presentable." Said Katherine, "This is a special occasion." James and Alec exchanged raised eyebrows at this statement. "So I expect you two to be on your best behaviour."
"When are never?" asked James. Katherine narrowed her eyes at him.
"I don't think we'll go into that shall we." James smiled to himself.
"Now come on, or where going to be late."
"I wish we were." Muttered James. They walked outside into the mid afternoon sun. With a crack they apparated away.
James landed and swayed on the gravel ground. He looked up at the huge manor house and sighed. A realisation of where he was.
"James, at least look like you want to be here." Said Katherine walking with Alec to the front of the manor. Waiting for them was a butler who had that posh smug look on his face.
"Ah, Mr and Mrs Potter, and master Potter." He raised eyebrow at James before it went down slowly. James wanted to punch him.
"The mistress and master are expecting you in the function hall with the other guests." He said opening the huge doors to the manor.
"Thank you Carson." Katherine said pleasantly as they walked through. The Rotherman estate was like most other wizarding estates, grand, over the top, a time capsule for the nineteen tens and twenty's higher society.
Where the owners lived upstairs and the house elf's downstairs. They entered the lavish entrance hall, heels echoing on the marble floor towards an open door were there where more people in dress robes talking and laughing.
They walked in, the function room was again grand and lavish but now full of wizards and witches. The sides of the white room where lined with tables full of food and drink being dispensed and served by a battalion of house elves while everyone mingled in the middle of the room to the sound of classical music.
"Ahhhhhh, Katherine, Alec you made it." James looked over to see Romana Rotherman coming over. Age defiantly hadn't sided with her, she was trying to starve of old age with the healer's knife, her body was winning the war but her face was behind on the plan.
"And James." She clasped her hands. Romana had always had a soft spot for James, he didn't know why. All he seemed to do was tease her son.
"Oh we would never miss this, would we boys." Said Katherine.
"No." said James, "Been looking forward to it all day."
"Oh, ever the charmer, he takes right after you Alec."
"You can't blame me for that." He said trying to be polite.
"Why don't you get a drink and enjoy your selves." Said Romana, "James, the children are outside."
"Thanks." Said James as Romana ghosted away to greet someone else.
"You'll be ok without me?" he asked.
"I will if they have scotch." Said Alec. "I like scotch." Katherine rolled her eyes.
"We'll be fine." She said smiling, "Go and find your friends." James nodded and walked away.
"And stay out of mischief!" Katherine called after him. James attacked the snack tables and made his way to the back of the hall. He opened a glass door into the garden which was a far as the eye could see. He was on a huge patio with furniture which looked like it had never been sat on. He looked over to see a group of people in the distance. James sighed and walked on over. He didn't really like doing this. The only thing that kept him going now was the knowledge he had a letter from Leanne. And that he won't have to do this for a while. Christmas at least.
The sound of music and laughter came closer. A couple of heads turned as James walked closer.
"Potter? I heard you were grounded?" James laughed as he made his way to a table full of butterbeer and food.
"My parents ground me? You must be joking." Said James helping himself to one, he took a swig of his butterbeer.
"What, not even after that stunt you pulled." Asked Vicky Duggary.
"Again." James said shrugging, "You must be joking. You should have seen my dad, pride bursting through the scowl."
"And yet you still passed." James smirked and shrugged.
"My charm you see." He said taking another swig. A few from the group laughed while others rolled their eyes at his arrogance. He didn't care.
"I honestly thought you'd pushed them over the edge." Said Dorcas.
Dorcas Meadows, she had been one of James's oldest friends. In-fact, there was an old picture somewhere of them sharing the shame cot in saint Mungo's when they were a day old. She was almost the same height as James, maybe a little smaller. She had long blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
"Na." said James. "But my mum still doesn't know so if you wouldn't tell her, that would be great."
"You'll never change will you."
"You've known me all my life."
"Don't remind me." Said Dorcas. "But I'm glad you're here."
"Why's that."
"Isabel won't shut up about seeing you. Anyone would have thought you two were on the verging of seeing each other." James looked over to see the red haired girl blushing and talking to another girl.
"She wishes." He said taking another swig. "Besides, can't be worse than Leanne right?" Dorcas narrowed her eyes.
"Ok, you've made your point." She said. He looked around to see everyone looking bored, and to be honest, he was to.
"So what else have you planned or is this it." James asked loudly enough so everyone else could hear him.
"Yes Potter, this is just it." said Rotherman sternly.
"No pranks, no challenges, just a quiet going away party." He said stiffly. A couple of people raised their eyebrows, probably thinking the same as James. Wish they stayed at home.
"Sounds rubbish."
"Well maybe some of us like the quiet life."
"As I said." Said James straight faced, "sounds rubbish." A few girls giggled as James ran a hand through his hair.
"So what do you propose James?" asked Dorcas. James shrugged.
"Why does it always fall to me?" he asked jokingly.
"Usually because you and Black have the great ideas." Charmed in Vicky. "They always end up entertaining."
"You would know." Muttered James taking a swig.
"Well, as it happens I was just wondering where Sirius is." Said James looking round.
"He hasn't turned up yet." Said Rotherman darkly.
"Shame."
"You don't need him to think up of something do you?" asked Kerry with a flirtatious smile.
"No, no." James looked down and grinned. "Who fancies going for a dip?" the girls all looked over at each other while the boys shuffled nervously.
"No! No! You can't." said Rotherman, "Besides, where all in dress robes." James gauged him for a moment before turning to a group of girls.
"I think that means yes." said James, "Hey Fredrick's. Bring the radio, where gonna need some music if this is gonna work." The girls cheered as they followed James out towards the pool with some others behind him to the shocked look on Rotherman's face.
"No! Stop! I command you to stop!"
"Ah lighten up Adam." Franklin said slapping him on the back, "It's just what we need to liven this place up a bit."
"But the party, and the food."
"Doesn't beat seeing the girls in water." Reasoned Archie. "Come on, Franklins right loosen up a bit, I'm sure you'll folks won't mind." They set off with the group with the tables and radio in tow as Rotherman stood there dumfounded.
They found the pool area well enough, like James's it had lights at bottom of the pool which lit it up in the night. People moved chairs and tables round the area.
"So are you just going to jump in?" asked Isabel, James looked over into the water and shook his head.
"Well I didn't pack my trunks." He said scratching his chin, he started to undo the neck tie of his robes. "Guess I'll have to go in my boxers." Isabel who had joined him by the pool edge looked back at him. James was now in his boxers and had jumped into the water. Isabel giggled as James resurfaced with a grin.
"You joining me?" asked James.
"I wouldn't Izzie?" Jessica had come round behind Isabel. She was like Rotherman in not liking adventure. And always with Isabel like a shadow, trying to get her to stop.
"Stop being such a wet blanket Jess." Said James leaning on the edge. "Besides, everyone knows Isabel loves the water." Other people started to Join James in the pool jumping in with music blaring in the background. Isabel smirked and began to remove the dress she was in.
"IZZIE!"
"Potter's right." Said Isabel, "Stop being a wet blanket." She placed her dress on a chair and slipped into the pool next to James while Jessica tutted in disapproval.
"Tell us again James?" asked Faith, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder.
"Well…" began James before taking a swig of butterbeer, "I was flying down wind towards the posts when I got BAHMM!" he smacked his hand against the bottle he was holding.
"Hit by a bludger…just…here." He turned his shoulder to reveal a dark bruise on his shoulder.
"Oh James." Faith cooed as she ran a hand over it. "It must have been painful."
"Oh, very." He said quietly in her ear. Faith giggled.
"Not so much though." James smirked as he heard Sirius coming up behind him, "That he finished the whole game with it."
"The whole game." Gasped Vicky who was next to him. She too ran a hand over his shoulder. James smirked, even when he wasn't around Sirius always had his back.
"You getting in mate?" asked James holding up a Butterbeer.
"Yeah, why not?" said Sirius discarding his dress robes and dunking in between Vicky and James.
"Sorry I took so long, finally managed to convince Reglus to go inside than come out here. He's such a mummy's boy I'm surprised he wanted to come with me."
"Why are you two always covered in Scars?" asked Vicky noticing one on Sirius's chest.
"The life of a Quidditch player." Said Sirius taking a drink. "You know, it's a physical sport."
"Maybe you should play wizarding cards." James and Sirius started laughing uncontrollably
"Yeah, at the same time I'll give up my y chromosome." Said James shaking his head at the blonde's foolishness.
"Yeah, and I'll start grooming myself." said Sirius. "You can make yourself useful and get us something to eat." James choked on his drink.
"Ever the charmer Black." Said Vicky, "James would never do something like that."
"Of course not." Said James, "But some food would go down good." Vicky and Faith rolled their eyes.
"So mate." Sirius nudged James, "What's the plan?"
"Plan?" asked James.
"Come on you must have something up your sleeve." James inspected his arm.
"No, nothing." He said shaking his head. "Promised my mum." Sirius nodded.
"I mean…after what happened the Bones party." said James reminiscently.
"That was spectacular." Said Sirius, "Though I've never seen such a mess."
"You still have the recipe, we'll have to do that at Hogwarts."
"In the great hall?"
"Slytherin Common room." said James looking seriously. "And the great hall, we'll defiantly do that." He and Sirius both downed there drinks and placed them on the side. "Race you to the end."
"You're on."
Alec looked around the hall bored. He'd spent the entire night talking about work, what he was up to now and how people hardly ever seen him. Why couldn't James made a scene or something to get him out of this. The one time he wants him to cause trouble and he takes his mother's advice.
Alec walked over and took an orderve from the table and bit down into it. He was sure Kath or James wouldn't complain about getting a decent meal after they finished. He turned and looked at Katherine engaged in conversation with Poppy Duggary. He wouldn't of thought all those years ago when they announced their engagement that they would be able to do this. Katherine caught his eye and smiled shyly at him before placing that piece of hair that never stayed behind her ear back where it had come from.
"Ah Alec." Alec had moved over towards Katherine and Poppy.
"We were just talking about the kids passing out ceremony, good affair wasn't It." asked Poppy.
"Exciting's more the word." Said Alec, "Do you mind if a borrow Kath for a second?"
"Not at all." Alec took Katherine's hand and took her away.
"What's James done now?" she hissed.
"He hasn't done anything, which is odd for him." said Alec oddly.
"So where are we going?" asked Katherine.
"The one place you love and I refuse to go unless I want something." Katherine stopped and folded her arms. Her brown eyes, James's eyes, with a glint of amusement as she eyed him up.
"You want to go."
"Can we, and I swear I won't step on your toes."
"We really need to be here though." Said Katherine.
"Why? Nothing's happened at all." Whined Alec.
"We'll stay for the photo and then I'll think about." Said Katherine snaking her arms round Alec. "Unless James comes to your rescue you're going to spend it on the dance floor with me." Alec smiled and held her.
"Deal." He said kissing her.
"Why can't we do this more often?" Katherine asked resting on Alec's shoulder.
"Because I don't really like these functions." Said Alec.
"I'm serious." Said Katherine looking up. "Remember what it used to be like when you first gave it up. For the first time in a long time, you looked happy." Alec didn't reply right away.
"Well I'm happy now." he said. "I didn't realise how much I missed it." Katherine sighed in defeat and shook her head.
"If you say so." She said leaning back into him. After a while they were distracted by a spoon tapping on glass.
Romana was standing by the large patio doors.
"If you please, we'll go outside for the photo now. Will someone go get the kids?"
"I will." Said Alec, he kissed Katherine and made his way to back of the room.
Alec opened the huge door outside to see if he could see James. Strangely it was quiet outside. To quiet. Alec focused his hearing till he could make out the faint sound of music. He walked down the patio and round the side to girls giggling and laughing, followed by rapturous boy laughter.
"Ah James, you're so bad."
Alec smiled to himself and made his way round the corner to the pool area. Sure enough his son was there with Sirius with just about every girl of their age in the swimming pool. It looked like some of the older kids had joined them in the pool as well.
"You won't be able to act like that at Hogwarts Potter."
"Shut up Lucy." Said James dismissively. "You're ruining the vibe."
"It's Lucius, Potter!" The older boy retorted through gritted teeth. "Besides, I'm a prefect this year, so I'll be able to give you a detention for just looking at me!" James scoffed.
"Well I'll be alright, who wants to look at your ugly mug anyway." Replied James. The group fell into laughter, even Alec turned his mouth up at the comeback.
"But it wasn't that bad." Said James.
"Not when you really think about." Said Sirius.
"You almost blew up the room." said Isabel.
"Well we did have to make it interesting." Said Sirius.
"Wouldn't be us otherwise." Said James. As Malfoy sulked away.
"Suppose that's true." Said Vicky, "Are you sure you can't come to Beauxbatons?"
"I'm sure we'll visit." Said James, "Besides, isn't it an all-girls school?"
"You should fit right in then." Interjected Sirius. The group laughed again, Alec laughed as well, time to pluck him out.
"There you all are." Said Alec loudly. James looked up and grinned as his dad walked by the pool. "Having a nice time I see."
"Come on there's a group photo." Said Alec.
"Parties just getting started though dad." said James nodding back to see some of the older girls frolicking in the hot tub next to them."
"Shame I know." Said Alec, "But you all have get changed and dried for the photo." James and Sirius groaned as most people got out of the pool and started to get changed. Alec dried James and Sirius
"Are you ready?" asked Alec.
"As I'll ever be." Said James finishing getting changed. They all walked to the patio where Katherine was waiting for them.
"He wasn't doing anything bad was he?" asked Katherine as they approached.
"No, he was rather sedate actually." Said Alec.
"Meaning?"
"He only had them all in the pool."
"Who?"
"The girls." Said James. Katherine sighed and rolled her eyes at him as the girls smiled sheepishly as they came round.
James walked into his room, rubbing his still wet hair with one hand after his shower with his other hand holding a plate of noodles. Towel round his waist. He threw the towel over onto his desk chair and pulled on some pyjama bottoms. He picked up the letter from Leanne and walked over to his desk and turned the light on. He ran his finger under the wax coating. He pulled out the letter and took a bite of his dinner.
Hey Handsome, told you I'd write to you before you left.
I hope you're doing all right, love the new owl by the way, he's so huggable as well, nothing like his wayward master! I did have to laugh about the stunt you and Sirius pulled on my cousin, honestly you would have thought you killed him rather than shrank his arms, but you can't choose your family.
I really wanted to come back over there this summer but with all the work I'm getting from school at the moment I'd be lucky to spend any time with you at all. But of course you'll have all that to look forward to next summer, you'll finally have your wish of staying away from my cousin's stupid parties. Yes they are stupid, I admit it and can see your smug grin. Prick.
But everything is ok here in California, as always, sun shining, clear blue skies, I can just here you pounding your desk in frustration at you no being here. Not to mention the guys as well, and the babes, suppose you like those, scrap that I know you like the babes. You should really think about coming out here.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy Hogwarts, trust me, school is the best in your first year, except be careful where you point your wand because you don't know who you might hit. I can already hear you sniggering at that but I know you'll do well. Send me a letter so we can compare notes, and some pictures wouldn't kill you either!
Anyway I'm babbling now, so I'll just say, stay in touch, and enjoy yourself handsome. I'm sure we'll be marauding and making trouble again soon.
Lots of Love
Leanne XXXX
James laughed at the letter and leaned back in his chair. He would reply to her tomorrow he instead decided to pull on a t-shirt and make his way downstairs to the kitchen where his parents where sat at the island table laughing.
"Hmm James you'll be able to settle this." Said Alec, "Explain to you mother why we don't host parties."
"Because it'll be a fiasco." Said James sitting down next to his mum.
"I would not though." Said Katherine, "We could make this place look really nice."
"They would just look down on it." said James making himself up a duck pancake.
"They wouldn't though." Said Katherine.
"They would Katherine." Said Alec sighing, "They don't understand why we live here when we could still be in the manor."
"I like it here though." Said James, "The manor doesn't have a wood."
"Well you'll have a whole forest to explore tomorrow." Said Alec. Katherine got James in a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you." She said sadly. She kissed his hair and ruffled it.
"Get off mum." Said James backing away. "I'm going to be gone three months. Not that long."
"Isn't a mother aloud to miss her son?" James shrugged, "Well I am." She said going back to her noodles. "The house will be really quiet without you."
"I'll get Dante to bring you some Hogwarts letters so it feels like normal." Said James smirking.
"I still hold your brooms while you're away." Said Katherine, "So behave unless you want a wicker man in the garden when you get back." James laughed
"You wouldn't do that to me?"
"She would." Muttered Alec.
"See," said Katherine pointing her fork at Alec. "The voice of experience young James." James leaned on his mother shoulder.
"I'm gonna miss you both to." He said quietly.
"Well tonight's a treat." Said Alec he held up his glass. "To Family." James and Katherine held up their glasses.
"To Family."