Stuck in a Rut
A deep sigh escaped his lips as he fell back into the plump, ruby armchair of the Gryffindor common room. His fingers pressed lightly to his temples as his eyes closed, his head pounding. James Potter was absolutely having the worst week. First, his seedling of a relationship with Lily Evans had come to an abrupt end when he unfairly, and aggressively exploded at her, even though she was only trying to be helpful. I'm an idiot, James sighed, internally reprimanding himself. Secondly, Quidditch was wearing him thin, with practice every night before the upcoming match. Third and finally, he had received news that his mother was ill and he had very little time to see her as his exams were fast approaching.
He heard someone enter, their footsteps getting louder and closer as they approached him. They took a seat beside him, but stayed silent. James opened his eyes to see Sirius, whose attention was focused completely on the orange flames which flickered in the fireplace. His knees were pressed against his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around them.
"It's going to be okay," Sirius whispered softly, a small smile playing on his lips. James let out another breath, running his fingers through his hair, before answering.
"How can you be sure?"
"No one is stuck in a rut forever," Sirius smiled, "plus, I was homeless for a while, remember?"
"Of course I do," James frowned. Sirius' gaze moved to James' face.
"My point was: I'm not anymore, and I now have the most amazing family I could have ever dreamed of," Sirius finished. A smile returned to James' face, and despite all that was happening, he suddenly felt better.
"Thanks, Padfoot."
"Any time, brother."
A/N: Written for Hogwarts: Ancient Runes, Assignment #10.
Word Count: 286.