War and Family

A man stands in the empty streets of Godric’s Hallow, looking far more weathered than he had any business being in such an ancient village. A sharp breeze cuts through his heavy cloak straight down to his bones, whipping past him further down the street as if in greeting. With a soft groan, the now freezing man haphazardly makes his way to the quaint two-story cottage nearest the end of the street corner.

Now battered and bruised, James could honestly say he had never felt so exhausted. He was ready to pass out after nearly 18 hours of fighting in raids. He was prepared to see his family and hold them close as he slept.

The war has been brutal for the Potter-Blacks. A new threat was ready to take them down at every turn if they slipped even an inch. So many had lost their lives in such a short amount of time, either from carelessness or the intricate scheming of the so-called Dark Lord. The only thing keeping James together was the family he worked so hard for.

Heavy steps wandered the path to the cottage, hidden from others, James’ hazel eyes sweeping up and down the street before he entered his home. In the entryway of his house, James relieved himself of his outer robe and boots; his eyes continued to search his surroundings. Upon finding the living room empty, James felt relieved that Lily hadn’t waited for him. She had just entered her third trimester and needed plenty of sleep.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he walked up the stairs with slow, deliberate steps. Stretching his aching muscles as he made his way, his eyes strayed to the pictures hung on the stairway. A gallery of pictures sprinkled the wall, showcasing precious moments shared between friends and loved ones. James’ eyes traced each with a heavy heart. Members of the Order, Aurors, and Friends lost in a seemingly endless fight, and some are still fighting for a better world. These stories might never be repeated, but James would share them and keep their memories alive.

His eyes shifted and lingered on an older photo. A photo from before the world fell. It was taken in Hogsmeade in the 7th year, the year everything truly changed for him, for them. James grinned and laughed in the photo, arms wrapped around the shoulders of two young women laughing with him. The redheaded of the two had one of her hands draped in front of James, warmly clasped with the pale hand of the Raven-haired woman on James’ other side. Her porcelain skin tinged red in her happy embarrassment to be caught in such a position with her two lovers. James remembered this day like it was the last.

~~~~~~~~~

11th June, 1978:

“James, are you sure this is okay?”

Lily Evans was starting to doubt her judgment regarding Potter as he pulled her through the busy streets of Hogsmeade the weekend after their NEWTS exams. She had been in the common room with Mary, looking over the answers she had given and comparing notes. To say she was not expecting James Fleamont Potter to waltz in and kidnap her from her post-exam studies was an understatement. Lily was worried about what mischief her boyfriend would drag her into now that they were alone on the back roads of Hogsmeade.

“Of course it’s okay! Don’t you trust me?” James pouted at his distrustful Girlfriend, a sneaky smile creeping onto his lips at her narrowed green eyes.

“Bit early for that, isn’t it?” A calm, snarky voice replied from the shadows of a nearby shop.

A Gothic beauty emerged from the shadows like a character out of ‘Carmilla,’ long alabaster legs slipping through the cut of her flowing black skirts, violet hooded eyes peering at them from behind wildly curly black hair, enticing the eyes of both of her lovers with nary a thought to what they were doing. Bellatrix Lyra Black shook her head at the stunned look her lovers gave her, a small, shy smile breaking through in exasperation at the two.

“Honestly, James, you’re the one who planned this. Why are you so shocked as well.”

James shook his head and grinned in return, “What? Can’t a bloke admire his girlfriend when she looks like that?” he waved his hand in her direction as if to say, ‘Could you blame me?’. Bella rolled her eyes as she arrived at Lily’s side, quickly curling her fingers around hers in silent greeting. “Ever the charmer, James.”

Lily’s face broke into a wide smile as she held Bella’s hand closer, pulling Bella up against her side. She sneaked a quick kiss to the corner of her lips in greeting.

“What are you doing here, love? Not that I’m complaining, but I thought you said you’d be in France this week .” Lily asked breathlessly to her Girlfriend, both hands now occupied on either side of herself.

“I managed to finish up that business yesterday, and James thought it would be a perfect time for a date night for us. I thought it would be great to surprise you.” Bella whispered shyly under the eyes of her lovers.

“Really?” Lily turned to James in surprise. He stared back at her with a happy smile and a slight blush at her reaction. “I know you’ve been stressed because of the exams, and when Bella told me she was back, I knew it would be perfect for us. You both have been missing each other like crazy, and I still have so much to show you two. So much to prove how much I care for you.” James scratched the back of his neck shyly as he dipped his head. He wasn’t used to the positive attention he was receiving from his girls.

The girls looked at each other in surprise before understanding settled in. In the space of a single breath, Bella was suddenly on James’s other side on her toes, reaching the short distance to his blushing cheeks with her lips. Lily was her parallel in each movement; at once, James was suddenly kissed by two of the most beautiful girls in the Wixen world. James was damn near dumbfounded again.

“Thank you, James.” “Best surprise ever.”

With a happy laugh, James quickly wrapped both girls in a tight hug to express his gratitude. He kissed their cheeks one by one before releasing them to his sides. The girls laughed again and held each other’s hands while James wrapped his arms around them. “Shall we go and enjoy this beautiful summer day, ladies?” James said with a grin.

~~~~~~~~~

Sirius had admitted to taking this picture in secret with Remus. They had overheard James planning the date with Bellatrix over their communication mirrors in the dorm one night. Sirius hoped for an embarrassing moment to capture and tease his cousin or James about later. Remus thankfully convinced him to catch this moment instead. It was a secret favorite of the trio’s even now.

James shook himself from the fond memory and continued to the landing above him. His steps, which had previously been heavy and slow, were much quieter now. James made his way to their bedroom with a practiced ease that might have impressed his younger self. As he inched the door open, achingly slow to not disturb those inside, James finally revealed the sight of his greatest loves.

Bella, who seemed equally as exhausted as James felt, was sleeping soundly with Lily wrapped into her chest, her head tucked into her neck, and Lily’s bump neatly squished between their bodies. James stood silently, admiring the sight before him with intense love and longing. He was relieved to see Bella unharmed from the raids she undoubtedly part took in. He often wondered if this war was worth risking her safety, but that decision was made long before he had the right to dispute it. It all started with Lily. As it often did, now that he thought about it. Lily was always the start of their story.

~~~~~~~~

1st September, 1971:

“James, Slow down, Son!”

As James skidded to a stop just outside the muggle entrance for 9 and 3/4, his mother, Euphemia, was visibly irritated and huffing disapprovingly. She held her skirts high so as not to trip as she essentially chased after her son with her husband Fleamont at her side. James’ father almost laughed at the sight of his son’s antics. Meanwhile, muggles passed by with amusement as they witnessed a Greek mother start to tear into her son.

“James Fleamont Potter! Listen to your father!” Euphemia scolded, her voice laced with irritation.

Lakovos, as she called him, had always been the pride and joy of Euphemia and Fleamont Potter. But James was an overeager 11-year-old who needed a stern lesson in obedience.

“You know better than to run off without us, o yiós mou.” Euphemia continued, trying to catch her breath as she almost stumbled over her skirts.

James admitted defeat in his mother’s face and apologized in low, sorrowful tones, peaking behind his messy fringe as he bowed his head in respect.

“Sorry, mamá, it won’t happen again,” he said, hoping, as one does, that the worst was behind him.

Euphemia Helena Potter was a force to be reckoned with. She was a woman of immense strength and intelligence, with a sharp wit and a wealth of knowledge and culture that set her apart. To her family, she was a loving and devoted wife and mother who would do anything to protect and care for them. But she was a fearsome opponent to her enemies, striking fear into the hearts of even the most arrogant and powerful men and women. Fleamont Charlus Potter adored his wife for many reasons, but her strength and power were certainly among them. Her son, James, knew better than to upset his mother more than was necessary. Well, as necessary as his usual antics required.

Feeling as though her son was genuine in his apology, Euphemia hugged James to her chest in a short embrace, tapping his cheek as she released him. This, of course, caused great embarrassment to James. Fleamont, not being one to miss an opportunity, slapped a hand onto his son’s shoulder and loudly proclaimed for all to hear.

“Well, now that Mummy dearest is satisfied, shall we continue to our train? I’m sure you do not wish to miss it, Son.”

“Da!” James protested as he was ushered through the entrance of platforms 9 and 3/4 by his highly amused father. An equally amused Euphemia followed behind the pair.

The platform buzzed with an even busier energy than its muggle counterpart. Children chattered excitedly to family and friends alike as they prepared to board the sizable red locomotive in front of them. It was a bright and airy feeling for the youth on the platform, only slightly marred by the slight feeling of loss one would expect from leaving family behind for the better part of a year. Parents held their children close in tight embraces, often followed by embarrassed shouts and protesting mumbles. Those, too, would be hushed as children privately enjoyed these last moments with their families before the school year officially started.

James looked upon the platform with shining eyes as he realized that this would be the last time he saw his parents until Yuletide. In an instant, James’ spine straightened, shoulders back, head tall as if preparing himself for something of great importance. In the next second, Fleamont suddenly found himself with arms full of an 11-year-old boy. James had turned and hugged his father so abruptly that Fleamont had dropped the trunk he had dragged behind him.

“I love you, Da.”

Fleamont held his son tightly to his chest for a long moment. Smiling down at his messy black waves, he tapped his son’s back and replied with much pride in his voice.

“I love you too, my boy.”

As soon as James was released from his father’s arms, he rushed to hug his mother properly. He held his Mamá close and whispered into her chest, “I love you, Mamá.”

“I love you too, o yiós mou.” echoed Euphemia. Her brave, caring son warmed her heart.

James no longer cared that his future classmates were witnessing this moment shared by the Potters. He wouldn’t be made to feel ashamed for loving his parents. He’d take care of it himself if anyone had anything to say about it.

Eventually, James’ parents led him toward the Hogwarts Express, and he found himself unable to help the feelings of excitement and nervousness that filled him. He was about to embark on a new adventure that he had been looking forward to for years. As they arrived by one of the carriages, the warning whistle blew loudly across the platform. Urging everyone to start boarding or risk being left behind. Fleamont helped his son with his trunk and smiled encouragingly at James.

“Write us as soon as you’ve made it to the dormitory, or your mother will worry. And remember! You are a Potter, and a Potter fears not even Death!”

“I’ll make you proud!” James promised as he waved goodbye to his parents. The train’s whistle blew again, signaling its imminent departure from the station.

As his parents walked into the crowds behind him, James noticed a young girl with vibrant red hair struggling with her trunk. Without a second thought, James strode over to her, introducing himself with a friendly smile. “Good afternoon, miss. May I be of assistance? I am James Potter, and I believe it would be my pleasure to lend a hand,” he said, gesturing towards her trunk.

The girl looked up at him with surprise, her emerald green eyes shining with gratitude. “Oh, thank you. I’m Lily Evans,” she replied, her voice soft and sweet.

James smiled at the girl as they lifted the trunk onto the train. Hurrying now, James climbed up and offered his hand to help Lily climb aboard just in the nick of time as the train lurched forward in momentum. Lily held onto James’ hand for a moment before turning back onto the platform and waving goodbye to a short, fragile-looking woman with muted red hair near the entrance of the platform. The woman waved back with a large, watery smile as she saw her daughter off.

“Is that your mother? You bear a striking resemblance to her,” James remarked, waving at his own parents in the growing distance.

“Yes, I take after Mum quite a bit. My sister Tuney looks much more like Dad, though.”

“I’ve always been told I look much like my Da if he had my Mamá’s complexion. I think it just makes me more ruggedly handsome.” James joked, running a tanned hand through his messy, untamed hair. Lily’s answering snort drew a smile to his lips.

James turned to Lily as she made to grab her trunk and pulled it further inside. Following her, he picked up his own trunk and walked down the long hallway filled with chattering children entering various compartments along the train. As the pair walked along the compartments, searching for one to claim for themselves, a shout echoed behind them. Drawing the attention of a compartment full of green-robed older students, sneering down their aristocratic noses at the loudness.

“Lily!”

A tall, thin, dark-haired eleven-year-old boy in oversized second-hand robes approached them. His sallow pale skin looked particularly pasty compared to James’ bronze palette. His black eyes, once wide in relief at having found his friend, quickly narrowed in suspicion at the tanned boy at Lily’s side.

“Who are you?” the boy asked, his tone cold and suspicious.

James sized him up, feeling his mischievous side taking over. “I’m James Potter, and I was just helping Miss Evans with her trunk. And who might you be?”

Lily was surprised to see how quickly the train corridor’s once warm and inviting atmosphere shifted to something decidedly cold. As James introduced himself and asked for the boy’s name, Severus stepped forward, his eyes locked onto James with a fierce intensity.

“I am Severus Snape,” he said, his voice low and cold. “And I know who you are, Potter.”

James raised an eyebrow, his own eyes flashing with curiosity. “Oh, do you now? And what do you know about me, Snape?”

Severus scowled, his thin lips curling into a sneer. “I know that you’re trouble, Potter. You and your whole family. You think you’re better than everyone else, but you’re not.”

James bristled, his fists clenching at his sides. “What makes you say that? You don’t even know me.”

Severus glared at him, his dark eyes burning with hatred. “I know enough. And I know that you’re not good enough for Lily.”

Lily stepped forward, her green eyes blazing. “Excuse me, but who are you to say who I can and can’t be friends with?”

Severus hesitated, his gaze flickering between Lily and James. “I’m…I’m sorry, Lily. I didn’t mean it like that.”

James smirked, his anger dissipating. “It’s alright, Snape. We’re all friends here, right?”

Severus scowled but nodded reluctantly. “I suppose so.”

With that, the three walked down the corridor, looking for a compartment to claim. Severus shot James a resentful glance as they walked, his jealousy simmering just below the surface. But for now, he kept his thoughts to himself and silently followed the others.

Lily had surprised the young heir of the Potter family that day with her quick response to Snape’s comment and her earlier sweetness. However, the rest of the train ride was turbulent. Lily tried to play peacemaker between James and Snape, but Snape refused to be friendly, and James seemed to enjoy provoking him. Eventually, Lily became frustrated and told James to find another compartment if they were going to fight the whole way to school.

Realizing he had overstayed his welcome, James winked his agreement to Lily and exited the compartment. After some time, he found an almost empty compartment at the far end of the train. Another sullen boy with raven hair occupied the compartment. This one was equally posh and mischievous as James. The boy was none other than Sirius Orion Black, heir of the Noble and Ancient House of Black and James’ soon-to-be brother in all but blood.

~~~~~~~~~

Later, Bella revealed that she had witnessed James’s first meeting with Severus Snape. She quietly admitted to Lily that she had been in a group of older Slytherin students nearby. Although she initially found them annoying, she stuck around, hoping to witness a fight. Bellatrix Black was many things, but no matter how “better-than-thou” she presented herself to be, she thoroughly enjoyed a bit of chaos.

James smiled to himself as he pulled himself from those early memories. It was the start of so many fond memories for them, innocent and turbulent as they were, always pushing each other further. James slowly approached their bedside, marveling at the sight before him. Tiredly, the worn man crawled into bed behind Bella’s slumbering figure. Wrapping his arms over and around both his wives’ small frames, he pulled them closer. Burying his own face into black wild curls, he finally closed his eyes for the night.