A/N: We are 1,576 views, holy crap! Thank you all so much for the continued support. Sorry for the long delays, but i want to make sure the story goes in the right direction! Thank you to my two recent guest reviews as-well!

In the aftermath of the kiss, they found themselves locked in a quiet intimacy, their breaths intermingling as they stared at each other. James was the first to pull away, breaking the spell that had encapsulated them. Delphi watched him, her heart pounding in her chest, a flurry of emotions washing over her.

After a few moments of silence, Delphi mustered the courage to voice her thoughts. "Was that a mistake again? Like last time?" she asked, her words barely a whisper.

Her question hung in the air, and for a moment, James seemed lost in thought, the silence stretching between them, becoming almost unbearable.

After what felt like an eternity to Delphi, he finally broke the silence. "No," James replied, his voice firm yet gentle. "I never thought it was a mistake the first time either."

Those words hit Delphi like a bolt of lightning, their impact reverberating through her. Emotions welled up within her, threatening to spill over. "Neither did I," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the revelation of their shared feelings settled in, they found themselves drawn back to each other. Delphi reached out her hand through the bars, James meeting it halfway. Their fingers intertwined, the cold iron bars standing witness to their connection.

Leaning in, they shared another kiss, their emotions echoing through the otherwise silent prison. This time, however, it was not just a stolen moment, it was a tacit acceptance of the bond that had been silently growing between them. They were no longer just friends, and they both knew it. This was something more, something deeper. The New Year had brought them more than just a midnight kiss; it had brought them a silent acknowledgement of their growing affection.

As the sun rose and a new day began, James walked into the Potter residence, his heart beating wildly in his chest. The events of the last night played over and over in his mind. Despite his exhaustion, he felt an undeniable sense of happiness.

His family was already gathered around the kitchen table, their cheerful morning chatter filling the room. The scent of coffee and leftover Christmas treats from the Burrow filled the air. James greeted them and sank into the empty seat next to Albus.

"Good morning, Jamie," Ginny said, her motherly eyes immediately taking in his disheveled state.

"You look happy," Lily chimed in, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"Yeah, you look like the cat that got the cream," Albus added, a smirk curling at the corners of his mouth.

James blushed at the attention but found himself unable to suppress the broad smile that had crept onto his face. It was his mother who finally guessed the reason behind his unusually high spirits.

"You shared a kiss last night, didn't you?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with delight.

The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone turned their attention to James, whose face turned an impressive shade of red. The blush on his cheeks was enough to confirm Ginny's guess.

"Yes," James confessed, his voice barely more than a whisper. "And... it was amazing."

James, feeling a little embarrassed, tried to hide his blush by focusing on his breakfast. He hadn't expected his family to be so excited and enthusiastic about his personal life. Their excitement, however, brought an entirely new set of challenges. One that James was not ready to handle.

"When do we get to meet her, Jamie?" Ginny asked, her eyes still sparkling with excitement. "You've been seeing this girl for a while now. It's high time you brought her over."

James was taken aback. He hadn't thought that far ahead. He hadn't anticipated the need for introductions and formal meetings. How could he explain that the girl he had fallen for was Delphi? That the girl he was kissing last night was behind the bars of Azkaban prison?

"Erm... well, you see," he began, trying to come up with a plausible excuse. He fumbled over his words, his mind racing for an answer. "She's a little bit... shy."

The room went quiet, everyone was looking at him now. He felt his heart pound in his chest as he fumbled for more words.

"She... erm... doesn't like crowds much," he continued. "She's a bit of a private person. And... and she doesn't really know anyone here. I think... I think she's worried about making a good impression."

The lie felt heavy on his tongue, but he hoped it would buy him some time. He watched as his family exchanged understanding nods, apparently buying his explanation.

"Well, when she's ready," Ginny finally said, her voice soft and understanding. "We're excited to meet her."

"Definitely," Harry added, offering James a supportive smile.

"Yes, and remember, no pressure," Lily chimed in, "we will wait until she's comfortable."

James breathed a sigh of relief. His family seemed to understand, but he knew he couldn't keep up the charade for much longer. How could he continue to lie to the people he loved most? But for now, he would have to keep his secret a little longer.

Harry suddenly realized something. His voice broke the amiable chatter around the breakfast table, all of his attention focused on his eldest son. "Wait a minute, James," he said, his gaze piercing, "You worked the night shift last night, from seven in the evening until seven in the morning. So, when exactly did you manage to meet this girl? When did you have the time for this midnight kiss?"

The room went silent, all eyes now turned towards James. He felt the sweat prickle on his forehead, the questioning gaze of his father was unnerving. He was always good at thinking on his feet but under the scrutinizing stare of Harry Potter, his mind seemed to freeze.

"Just as I thought," Harry muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Something isn't adding up, James. What are you not telling us?"

James opened his mouth to speak but found himself at a loss for words. How could he explain? How could he tell his father the truth without revealing Delphi's identity?

Luckily, Ginny stepped in. "Harry, don't be ridiculous," she admonished her husband, rolling her eyes. "He obviously took his lunch break to meet her. James is allowed to leave Azkaban during his hour lunch break. You should know that by now."

Harry looked taken aback, but after a moment, he nodded reluctantly. "Well, I suppose that makes sense. But remember James," he added, his eyes serious, "you can't be too careful. Especially now, with everything going on."

"I understand, Dad," James said, finally finding his voice. "I'm being careful, I promise."

But as he looked around the table at his family, James couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He knew he couldn't keep this secret forever, and the more he lied, the harder it would be to tell the truth when the time came. But for now, this was a burden he would have to bear alone.

In the solitude of the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop, tucked away in the corner of Diagon Alley, Fred Weasley listened to his cousin with a surprised expression. The hustle and bustle of the magical marketplace dimmed into a low hum in the background, giving their conversation an air of privacy.

"James, you kissed her again?" Fred's voice rose incredulously. "Are you serious?"

James nodded; his hands clasped in front of him. "Yes, Fred. And what's worse—or better, depending on how you see it—we both liked it."

Fred was silent for a moment, his brown eyes narrowing as he studied his cousin. Then he leaned back, running a hand through his red hair. "Merlin's beard, James. You know this isn't the best idea, right?"

James sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I know, Fred. Believe me, I know. But it just..." he paused, struggling to put his emotions into words, "it just feels right, you know? When I'm with Delphi, I don't see a prisoner. I see a woman, a person. I see someone who's made mistakes but is trying to atone for them. And the way she looks at me... it's like I'm the only person in the world who matters to her."

Fred looked at his cousin, his expression softening. He could see the turmoil in James's eyes, the confusion, and most importantly, the sincerity. It was clear that his feelings for Delphi went beyond mere attraction; this was something deeper.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe you should give it a shot," Fred said finally, giving a half-smile. "I can't say I understand it, James. But if you feel that strongly about her, maybe it's worth exploring."

James stared at his cousin; surprise written across his face. "You're not telling me to stop?"

Fred shrugged, "It's your life, James. And it's clear that you've already made up your mind. Just remember one thing, though."

James raised an eyebrow, prompting Fred to continue.

"You're playing with fire here, mate," Fred warned, his voice dropping a few notes. "Just be careful not to get burnt."

James nodded, acknowledging Fred's words. He was aware of the risks, of the dangers that lay ahead. But somehow, at that moment, it all seemed worth it. For Delphi.

The prison cell walls echoed with the steady drip of water, a relentless monotone that had become as familiar to James as his own breath. But now, standing before Delphi Riddle with the weight of an entire emotional storm threatening to burst, that persistent sound seemed to fall silent, swallowed by the thickness of the moment.

Delphi, her pale face framed by the silvery-blue of her hair, watched James with an intensity that made his heart pound. Despite the chill of the cell, a warmth stirred between them, a tangible link forged by unspoken words and shared glances over the months.

James drew in a deep breath, the damp and chilly air filling his lungs as he took a step closer to her cell. "Delphi," he began, his voice low and determined, "I've been trying to ignore what I've been feeling for a while now. I thought I could control it, could box it away. But I can't." He paused, his heart pounding as he searched her eyes for any sign of repulsion or fear.

Her gaze remained steady; her lips slightly parted as she waited for him to continue.

James swallowed hard, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. He had never been this nervous, not even when he was about to face a dark wizard. But this was Delphi. This was different.

"I... I like you, Delphi," he finally blurted out, his gaze never leaving hers. His words hung in the air between them, echoing off the cold stone walls. "I like you more than I should, more than I ever thought I could."

For a moment, Delphi didn't say anything. She simply stared at him, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open. James felt his heart pound in his chest, the silence stretching on for what felt like an eternity.

Then, slowly, Delphi reached out, her hand sliding through the bars of her cell to rest on his. James felt a jolt of electricity at the touch, his hand instinctively closing around hers.

"I... I don't know what this means, James," she admitted, her voice soft and hesitant. "I've never... no one has ever..."

James nodded, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "I know," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "And it's okay. We'll figure this out together. I promise."

"James," Delphi began, her voice a mere whisper in the vast echo chamber of the prison. She held his gaze, a peculiar vulnerability in her eyes. She was no longer the heir of Voldemort in this moment, but a woman confessing her feelings. "I... I like you too."

James felt an odd sense of relief sweep over him. He had half-expected her to pull away, to reject him outright. But she hadn't. His thumb gently rubbed over the back of her hand, a soothing motion that anchored them both to the moment.

"No one's ever treated me the way you have. Like a person." She paused; the silence punctuated by the distant moans of a fellow prisoner. "Well...there was Albus and Scorpius during that whole time-turner debacle," she added, an awkward smile gracing her lips, "but that's beside the point."

Her smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a somber expression. "They didn't know my true intentions, James. You...you knew who I was when you first came here. You knew what I'd done, and yet...you treated me like a human being and not some...monster."

Delphi's words echoed through the cell, wrapping themselves around James's heart. He remembered his initial repulsion, his horror at her actions, but also his curiosity, his baffling need to understand her. He had refused to see her as just another villain, and in doing so, he had allowed himself to see the woman beneath the terrible deeds. A woman who was flawed, yes, but also vulnerable, intelligent, and surprisingly tender.

"I've never seen you as a monster, Delphi," James said gently, squeezing her hand lightly. "You're a person. You've made mistakes...terrible ones. But you're not defined by those alone."

As silence stretched between them, a calm tranquility hung in the air. They were two souls, connected by shared confessions and newfound acceptance. Within the dismal walls of Azkaban, they had found something beautiful - a spark of humanity that couldn't be ignored. Now, the natural progression of their relationship hung in the balance, waiting to be acknowledged.

"Delphi," James began, his voice soft and hesitant as he released her hand, breaking the connection they had shared moments before. His emerald, green eyes, mirroring the intensity of his father's, bore into hers an unspoken question lingering in their depths. He swallowed the lump in his throat, the words he wanted to say both thrilling and terrifying him.

Taking a deep breath, he gathered his courage. "Delphi, will you... will you be my girlfriend?"

The question hung in the air, the echo of his words bouncing off the cold stone walls. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as Delphi stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise. The proposition was a risk, they both knew that. But as she held his gaze, Delphi found herself drawn in by the sincerity in his eyes. His question wasn't a ploy, it wasn't a game; he genuinely cared for her, and the realization warmed her heart more than any amount of magic ever could.

"Yes," she said softly, the corners of her mouth twitching into a small, genuine smile. It was a smile that held promise, hope and a dash of uncertainty. "I... I'm not quite sure how this will play out, given my... 'predicament'. But yes, James, I will be."

His heart pounded in his chest at her acceptance, his breath hitching as relief washed over him. He was acutely aware of the risk they were taking, the challenges they were bound to face. But at this moment, looking at Delphi's glowing face, it all seemed worth it. Unable to suppress his own smile, he quickly glanced around, ensuring no one was watching.

Seeing they were still alone, he leaned in, closing the gap between them. His lips met hers once again, sealing their agreement in a sweet, lingering kiss. For a fleeting moment, Azkaban's chilly walls melted away, replaced by a warmth that radiated from their entwined forms. They had crossed into uncharted territory, diving headfirst into a relationship shrouded by uncertainty and risk. But as their lips parted and they shared a soft, knowing smile, one thing was for sure - they were in this together.

James walked through the front door of his home, an unmistakable bounce in his step. The gloom of Azkaban felt like a distant memory compared to the domestic warmth that greeted him. His mother and father were sitting in the living room, and their eyes immediately turned to him as he entered, their gazes zeroing in on his radiant expression.

"You look cheerful," Ginny noted, her eyes twinkling as she watched her eldest. She had always been adept at reading her children, and James' joyous demeanor didn't escape her.

"Yes, well," James began, nervously ruffling his hair. He bit his lip, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "She said yes."

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth opening in a delighted gasp. "James Sirius Potter! You mean, you've asked her to be your girlfriend?"

James nodded, his smile broadening as he affirmed, "Yes, Mum. We're officially boyfriend and girlfriend."

Ginny, in a surge of maternal joy, leapt up from her seat and threw her arms around James. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, sweetheart!" she exclaimed, squeezing him tightly.

However, Harry remained silent, his brow furrowed. His mind was stuck on a detail that seemed to bother him more than he cared to admit. After a moment's hesitation, he voiced his concern. "But, James, you've not once mentioned her name. How come?"

James tensed at his father's words, his joy momentarily ebbing away. He felt cornered, scrutinized, and he didn't like it one bit. Something in him snapped and he found himself retorting, his tone more defiant than he'd intended.

"Because, Dad," James began, his voice steady despite the turmoil he was feeling inside, "it's my girlfriend we're talking about. If I don't feel like sharing her name, then that's my business."

He paused, taking a deep breath before adding, "I'm not a kid anymore. I'm almost twenty and I'm an Auror now. I think I've earned the right to some privacy."

The room fell silent at James' words. Ginny pulled away from him, her expression filled with surprise. Harry's gaze softened, a hint of hurt flashing through his eyes. But beneath the shock and disappointment, was the underlying understanding that indeed, their son was no longer a boy - he was a man capable of making his own decisions.

Harry sighed, folding his hands together as he let the weight of James's words sink in. He looked at his son, really looked at him, and saw a man where once there was a boy. A knot tightened in his chest; a familiar pang of nostalgia mixed with a bitter sense of reality. His children were growing up, and there was no spell to slow down time.

"You're right, James," he conceded, his voice husky with emotion. "I'm sorry. Sometimes, it's just... hard for me to see you as if you are no longer a kid. You're an adult, and Albus will follow suit soon. Then Lily..." He swallowed, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I feel like I just blinked, and you all grew up."

He paused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But you are a man now. And if you prefer to keep your relationship private, I respect that."

Ginny, who had been listening silently, gave James a comforting squeeze on his shoulder. "We would never try to interfere in your personal life, James," she reassured him, her voice full of warmth and understanding. "Once you feel comfortable revealing her, we will welcome her with open arms."

James locked eyes with both of his parents, their assurances giving him the courage to go one step further. "Will you promise me?" he asked, his gaze steady. "This is important to me."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a brief glance, their eyebrows arched in uncertainty. But there was a fervor in James's eyes that they had learned not to underestimate. They both nodded, their voices chiming in unison, "We promise."

They would respect their son's choice, no matter what. After all, love was an unpredictable magic, and the heart's choices were often beyond comprehension. They would be there for James, they would stand by him, and most importantly, they would accept his choices, because that's what families do.

A/N: It might seem like i'm making Harry out to be very nosy, but one of the things i HATED about him in the cursed child, is that he did no snooping and got to the bottom of nothing. He is the head of the depart of magical law enforcement for a reason. Though he can't figure out what James is up to, he suspects something. ANYWAY thank you all once again for the continued support. Remember please review, i do not censor reviews.