The Chaotic Arrival of Sage Violet Potter
July 31, 1980, was an unusually warm summer day in Godric's Hollow, where the streets basked under the golden light filtering through leafy canopies. Inside the modest yet vibrant Potter cottage, anticipation buzzed through the walls. James Potter, tall with unruly dark hair and eyes that always carried a mischievous twinkle, paced back and forth in the living room, casting nervous glances at the staircase that led to the room where his wife, Lily, was giving birth. Sirius Black, their closest friend and the appointed godfather, lounged on the couch with his legs crossed, smirking at James’s anxious pacing.
"Prongs, if you keep that up, you'll wear a hole in the floor," Sirius drawled, eyes glinting with his usual roguish charm. Remus Lupin, ever the calming presence, chuckled softly from the armchair by the window.
James shot Sirius a glare that held no real malice. "I swear, Padfoot, if you don't stop joking, I'll hex your hair pink."
Before Sirius could retort, a piercing cry rang through the cottage. James froze mid-step, his face shifting from panic to wide-eyed joy in an instant. Without a moment's pause, he bolted up the stairs, taking them two at a time, with Sirius and Remus hot on his heels.
In the small, sunlit room, Lily Potter, with her vibrant red hair damp and clinging to her forehead, cradled a tiny bundle in her arms. Her emerald green eyes, exhausted but radiant with love, met James’s as he skidded to a stop at her bedside.
“Meet your daughter, James,” Lily whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
James's heart felt like it might burst as he gazed down at the infant. She was wrapped snugly in a soft, green blanket, a mop of black hair already framing her tiny, delicate face. But it was when her eyelids fluttered open, revealing bright, jewel-like green eyes, that James let out an astonished laugh. "She has your eyes, Lily."
Sirius leaned over, barely containing his excitement. “Merlin, she’s perfect! Look at those lungs on her—she’s got the voice of a banshee! Welcome to the Marauders, little one."
The baby, as if on cue, let out another wail. The sound was surprisingly commanding for someone so small. Remus smiled warmly. “She’s already making herself heard. That’s a Potter for you.”
Over the following weeks, the Potter household was filled with laughter and the warm coos of baby Sage Violet Potter. True to her heritage, she had a spark of mischief that even Sirius found astonishing. At only a few months old, she would throw her tiny toys at Peter Pettigrew with impressive accuracy, giggling whenever he jumped or scrambled out of the way.
“She’s got good aim, this one,” Sirius snickered as he dodged a tiny, plush dragon that Sage had flung at Peter.
Peter, nervously adjusting his robes and casting wary glances at the baby, forced a shaky smile. “Y-Yes, she’s... spirited.”
James roared with laughter, ruffling Sage’s hair as she blew a raspberry at Peter, her eyes gleaming with innocent delight. “That’s my girl! Smart enough to know who to trust, right from the start.”
Sage’s bond with her parents and the Marauders grew with each passing day. Lily would sing lullabies that seemed to weave magic into the very air, soothing Sage until she drifted off with a contented sigh. James would lift her high into the air, pretending she was flying, her giggles filling the room like music. Sirius often played peek-a-boo, transforming his features to elicit squeals of delight. Remus, with his gentle demeanor, would read stories to her from old, well-loved books, watching with amusement as Sage’s eyes followed the illustrations as if she already understood.
However, whenever Peter Pettigrew was present, Sage’s demeanor would change. She would narrow her tiny brows and purse her lips before launching a toy or whatever she could grab. Even at such a tender age, there was something instinctive that told her he didn’t belong. The others found her reactions hilarious—the small, spirited defender of her family’s circle.
But despite the good-humored teasing, the bond between Sage, her parents, and the Marauders was strong, filled with love and warmth. It was a golden time that no one could have known would be so fleeting.
The laughter and joy that resonated through the Potter home masked the growing darkness that loomed outside its walls. Yet, in those months leading up to the fateful Halloween night, they embraced every moment of happiness, cherishing the light that was Sage Violet Potter.
And though the storm would come, threatening to upend everything they held dear, the little girl with the sparkling emerald eyes would forever carry those memories—of a family that loved fiercely, and a world that, for a brief time, was filled with warmth and laughter.