Eclipsed

James sat in his Orientation and Mobility class with Felicity, focusing on the lesson at hand. They were working on navigating more complex routes, incorporating various cues and signals that James would need to rely on in his day-to-day life. Felicity was an excellent instructor, always patient and encouraging, and James had made significant progress under her guidance.

"Alright, James, let's go over that route one more time," Felicity said, her voice calm and steady. "Remember to count your steps and listen for the sound cues we've talked about."

James nodded, concentrating hard as he visualized the path in his mind. He counted his steps, paying attention to the subtle changes in the environment around him. The echo of footsteps, the sound of a door creaking open, and even the smell of a burning candle could all be used to help him orient himself.

"Great job," Felicity praised as he completed the route. "You're getting the hang of this."

James smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, as the class drew to a close, Felicity glanced at her watch and her expression shifted to one of mild concern.

"James, I hate to rush out like this, but I have an urgent meeting I can't miss," she said, gathering her things quickly. "I know I usually walk with you to your next class, but today you'll have to manage on your own. You’ll be alright, won’t you?"

James felt a pang of anxiety but forced a smile. "Yeah, I’ll be fine. Don't worry about it."

Felicity gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "Thank you James, I appreciate it. See you next week!"

With that, she hurried out of the room, leaving James standing there, his confidence wavering. He took a deep breath, gripping his cane tightly. Navigating the school was still a challenge, especially during the busy times between classes when the hallways were crowded and noisy.

He stepped out into the corridor, trying to block out the rising tide of chatter and the shuffling of feet around him. He repeated the route to his next class in his head, focusing on each landmark and cue Felicity had taught him. Despite his best efforts, his heart raced, and he felt a familiar knot of nervousness in his stomach.

James moved cautiously, counting his steps and listening intently. He could sense the curious glances and hear the whispered comments from other students, but he tried to tune them out. He was used to being watched, but it didn’t make it any easier.

As he navigated a particularly crowded section of the hallway, someone bumped into him, and he stumbled slightly. "Watch it, Potter," a voice sneered. 

"Sorry," James mumbled, regaining his balance.

"Shouldn't you have a guide dog or something?" the voice continued, laughing.

James ignored the comment, focusing on his path. He felt a wave of frustration and embarrassment but pushed it aside. He could do this. He had to do this- otherwise how would he get to his next class?

“James, hold on!” Remus’ voice interrupted his thoughts, and James let out a sigh of relief, his muscles relaxing slightly as his friend’s footsteps drew closer, and a long blur of honey-brown and peach and came into view.

"Hey, Moony," James greeted, trying to keep his tone light. "Just heading to our next class."

Remus fell into step beside him. "Want some company?"

James hesitated. He didn't want to admit how scared he was to navigate the crowded halls alone, but the truth slipped out before he could stop it. "Actually, yeah. That would be great."

They walked in silence for a moment, and James felt a wave of shame. He was supposed to be working towards being independent, and strong, but here he was, relying on his friend.

As James sat down in his next class, he lost himself in his thoughts. It wasn't just about navigating the crowded hallways or the fear of stumbling into something. There was a deeper, more unsettling fear that had been gnawing at him since the accident.

Before everything, James had always been the center of attention, and enjoyed it. Confident, charismatic, and always up for a challenge, he thrived on being someone people looked to for answers, for fun, for anything. But all of that had changed. His accident had stripped away the easy confidence he once wore like a second skin. James felt exposed, vulnerable in ways he had never experienced before. The physical act of walking alone wasn't the hardest part. It was the constant feeling of being watched, judged, and pitied. He could handle the whispers and the stares, but it was the uncertainty that got to him, the thought that at any moment, he could make a mistake, and everyone would see it. Everyone would know how much he struggled.

James sighed, running a hand through his hair. He hated feeling this way. He hated feeling weak. But as much as he tried to push those feelings away, they kept coming back. He was scared. Scared of being alone, scared of not being able to live up to the expectations placed on him, scared of letting his friends down. 

The bell rang, jolting James back to reality. He closed his book, as if he’d been following along with the class, and stood, fidgeting with his cane, his fingers tracing the familiar grooves.

“Ready to hit the library?” Remus asked as he nudged James’ arm again, and James reached out.

“Sounds like a plan,” James replied, grasping his friend’s elbow. 

It was okay to need help, James reminded himself. He would lean on his friends when he needed to, but he would also learn to trust himself again. He would keep pushing forward, no matter how scared he felt. He had faced challenges before and came out stronger. This would be no different.

James and Sirius sat together in the common room, the flickering fire casting warm shadows across their faces. The atmosphere at Hogwarts had become increasingly festive as Christmas approached. Decorations adorned the halls, and the anticipation of the holidays was palpable. It was mid-December, and most students were buzzing with excitement about returning home.

James held a letter in his hands, eyebrows furrowed as he pushed his glasses over his eyebrows and held the letter as close to his eyes as possible, not wanting to cast the audiation spell out of pure laziness. 

"What's up, mate?" Sirius asked, his voice laced with concern.

“Letter from mum.” 

"Give it here, it'll be faster this way."

James handed him the letter. Sirius quickly read it out loud, his expression growing more troubled with each passing line. Effie had written to inform them that Fleamont was in the hospital again. What started as a simple cold had developed into something more severe, necessitating frequent visits to St. Mungo's.

Sirius's heart sank as he read the details. He could feel the weight of the news pressing down on both of them. He looked up at James, who was staring into the fire, lost in thought.

"I need to go home for the break," James said. "I need to be there for her."

Sirius nodded, understanding immediately. "Of course. We'll go together. I'll help out."

But as soon as he said it, James shook his head.

“You don’t have to. Why don’t you go home with Remus instead? You’ll miss out on Christmas again, especially since we don’t even celebrate."

Sirius frowned, his loyalty to the Potters warring with the desire to celebrate the holiday with his boyfriend. "But… I love them too. I should be there with you."

“Full moon is on Christmas though.” Sirius’ shoulders drooped. “Remus needs you more.” 

Sirius sighed, knowing that there was no winning, no matter what he did. "Alright- but you’d better keep me updated. If things get worse after the full, I’m coming, no matter what."

James managed a small smile. "Deal."

The Hogwarts Express chugged steadily along the tracks, its usual lively atmosphere oddly subdued in the compartment shared by the Marauders and the girls. Remus sat slumped in his seat, pale and clearly unwell due to the approaching full moon. Sirius quietly fussed over him, trying to make him as comfortable as possible, while James leaned his head on the window, lost in his thoughts.

Lily, sensing James's distress, scooted closer to him. "Hey, James," she said softly, nudging him. "I was thinking… why don’t you come to mine for New Year’s? My mum would love to have you."

James glanced at her, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Maybe," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Depends on how things go with my dad."

Lily nodded understandingly, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. " You don’t have to decide now. Just let me know, alright?"

As the train began to slow down, signaling their arrival at King’s Cross, the group started gathering their things. The usual excitement of going home for the holidays was replaced with a somber anticipation.

When they stepped onto the platform, the bustling crowd around them seemed almost detached from their own quiet reality. Remus turned to James, offering him a tired but sincere smile. "Take care of yourself, mate. And let us know if you need anything."

James clasped his friend's shoulder, returning the smile. "Good luck, Moony. Take it easy."

After Sirius and Remus took off, Lily offered to head over to St. Mungo’s with James. The two left the station, and Lily helped James figure out the Tube. She rode with him a couple of stops, and then walked with him up to the entrance of the hospital. She lingered a moment longer, her eyes searching James's face. "Remember, James, my offer still stands. Just owl me, alright?"

James nodded, appreciating her concern. "I will. Thanks, Lil."

With final hugs and farewells, they parted ways. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead, and made his way into to St. Mungo's alone.

As James entered the hospital, the hustle and bustle of the lobby disoriented him. He hesitated for a moment before approaching what he hoped was the reception desk.

"Excuse me," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I need some help finding my dad, Fleamont Potter? He’s a patient here."

The receptionist glanced up and realizing who he was gave him a sympathetic smile. "You’re Effie’s son! James, right? Last time I saw you, you were so little!” James nodded, blushing slightly at the attention. He forgot how well-liked his mum had been when she was a full-time healer here. “Of course, dear. Let me get someone to take you to them." She motioned to a nearby trainee-Healer, who came over promptly.

"This young man needs help finding his father, Fleamont Potter, in the muggle-adjacent illnesses ward," the receptionist explained.

"Right this way," the Healer said gently, offering her arm. James gratefully took it, allowing her to guide him through the labyrinthine corridors of the hospital.

When they reached the waiting area outside Fleamont's room, James felt a rush of relief as he heard his mother's familiar voice. "Mum," he called out.

Effie turned, her face lighting up despite the worry etched in her features. "James!" She hurried over and enveloped him in a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're here."

"How is he?" James asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Effie sighed, pulling back to look at him. "He's stable, but it's been touch and go. The cold turned into something more magical, you know, with his history, and the recovery is slow going. But the Healers are optimistic. He's a fighter."

James nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. "I'll stay, Mum. As long as you need me."

Effie smiled, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you, darling."

The next few days were a blur of hospital routines. James spent nearly all his time at St. Mungo's, keeping vigil by his father's bedside with his mum. Effie always tried to stay positive, but the strain showed in her eyes. The room was filled with the steady beeping of magical monitors and the soft hum of healing spells being cast, and all day long, healers and visitors came and went, offering updates and words of encouragement.

Evenings were the hardest. The hospital grew quieter, and the exhaustion from waiting for Fleamont to wake up pressed heavily on them. James would sit in a chair by the window, the cold draft from the window numbing him from his emotions. Effie would sometimes join him, and they would hold hands in silence, drawing strength from each other's presence.

Sirius hadn’t said much in his letters, leading James to believe that Remus’ full moon had been rough, but with his owl, Hope Lupin had also sent the Potters a bundle of scones that Effie had mentioned liking the last time Remus had come to stay. 

On the day before New Year's Eve, Effie approached James with a gentle yet insistent look in her eyes. They had just finished another quiet breakfast in the hospital cafeteria, and James could tell she had something on her mind.

"James," she began softly, "you've been wonderful, staying here with me. But I think you should take a break and do something with your friends."

James shook his head. "Mum, I don't want to leave... What if something happens while I’m gone?"

Effie reached across the table and took his hand in hers. "I appreciate your concern, but your father is stable, and the Healers say there is nothing to worry about. You’re young, darling, and that means spending time with your friends and enjoying life a little."

He sighed, knowing she had a point but still feeling reluctant. James knew that Peter was going to join Remus and Sirius in Wales for the holiday, but honestly, James wasn’t feeling up to a boys weekend, or watching two of his best friends swap spit at midnight. 

"Didn't Lily invite you to spend New Year's with her?" Effie said, after James had been silent for too long. 

James's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Lily. He had almost forgotten about her invitation in the midst of everything. "She did," he admitted. "But I didn't think I'd go- I told her just maybe."

Effie squeezed his hand. "Why don't you owl her and see if you're still invited? You deserve to have a bit of fun, Jamie; you’ve grown so serious lately, I don't like it."

James smiled, and after a moment of contemplation, nodded. "Alright, I'll do it."

He asked a passing nurse for a piece of parchment and a quill, and headed back to Fleamont's room to gather his thoughts before writing:

Dear Lily,

I hope you're well. Things have been a bit tough here, but my dad is stable, and my mum suggested I take a break. I know I didn't respond to your invitation before, but if the offer is open, I'd love to spend New Year's with you.

Best,

James

He tied the letter to the hospital owl's leg and watched as it flew off, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

A few hours later, as the afternoon sun streamed through the hospital windows, the owl returned with a reply. James quickly untied the parchment and read Lily's neat handwriting:

Dear James,

Of course! Mum asked me to let you know that you are more than welcome anytime, and New Years Eve is no exception! I'm so looking forward to seeing you, James. You know… I guess I missed you, just a little bit. 

Come over whenever you're ready. We'll have a great time.

See you soon, 

Lily

_________

James felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he stood on the curb, waiting for the Knight Bus. He hadn't used it often before, much less alone, but traveling to Cokeworth to visit Lily was a special occasion, worthy of risking the potentially nausea-inducing trip. He clutched his wand tightly, knowing the bus would arrive any second. With a loud bang, the triple-decker bus appeared before him, its lights glaring brightly.

"Welcome to the Knight Bus, transport for the stranded witch or wizard," the conductor announced as James stepped up. "Where to?"

"Cokeworth, please," James replied, feeling a bit out of his element but determined, and rattling off Lily’s address to the conductor.

"Right, hop on then," he replied. ”Seat to your left, three or so steps in.” As soon as James sat, they were off.

The journey was a blur of sharp turns and abrupt stops, and before he knew it, they had arrived. James stumbled off the bus, thankful to have solid ground beneath his feet again, and pulled out his cane, ready to try and orient himself to the Evans’ house. 

"James!" Lily's voice greeted him warmly, and he turned towards the sound, smiling as she took his hands to steady him, and pulled him into a hug.

"Lily, thank Merlin," he answered, feeling out of his element and grateful for her presence. He folded the cane back up and tucked it under his arm. "I was worried they'd dropped me off in the wrong place. Thanks so much again for inviting me."  

"Of course," she replied, and she quickly pulled him down the driveway, leading him inside. 

"Mum, James is here!" She shouted, the front door swinging closed behind them. 

"Hello, Mrs. Evans," James said, extending his hand.

"Oh- you're James?" There was a bit of a pause, before she quickly recovered. "Of course you're James. Please, call me Rose," she said, meeting his hand and shaking it. "It's nice to finally meet you."

James could sense a hint of surprise in her voice, and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was blind or brown, but she’d gotten over it and welcomed him warmly, so James wasn’t planning on making a big deal out of it. 

"Make yourself at home," Rose said, smiling. "Lily's been looking forward to having you here."

James grinned as Lily squeezed his hand, and led him into the living room where the party was just getting started. As the evening progressed, more neighbors and friends arrived, and the small house buzzed with laughter and conversation. Lily stayed by James's side, helping him navigate the space and introducing him to everyone.

As the night wore on, James found himself relaxing more and more. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and he felt grateful for the distraction from the worries that had been weighing on him. He and Lily spent most of the evening chatting with her friends and enjoying the festive spirit.

At one point, they found themselves alone on the back porch, the cold night air providing a refreshing contrast to the warmth inside.

"You're quite the charmer," she teased him, leaning in close under the guise of sharing heat.

"I try," he replied with a grin. "Your friends and neighbors are lovely."

"They think you're pretty lovely too," she said, squeezing his arm. They stood in comfortable silence for another moment, the sounds of the party drifting out from the house.

"So, New Year's resolutions?" Lily asked, trying to lighten the mood.

James chuckled. "Survive my final year at Hogwarts, I guess. Maybe try not to make a complete fool of myself as Head Boy."

"You won't," she assured him. "You're doing great, James."

"Thanks, Lily," he said, feeling a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the cold air around them.

As midnight approached, everyone gathered inside, aside from the two of them on the porch, and they could hear glasses of sparkling cider being passed around inside. The countdown began, and James found himself standing close to Lily, their shoulders touching.

"Ten, nine, eight..." The crowd's voices grew louder with each number.

"Three, two, one... Happy New Year!"

As everyone cheered and clinked glasses, James turned to Lily. Before he could overthink it, he leaned in, and their lips met in a gentle kiss. The noise and chaos of the celebration faded away, leaving just the two of them in that moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Lily smiled at him, her eyes shining. "Happy New Year, James."

"Happy New Year, Lily," he replied, feeling a sense of hope and happiness that he hadn't felt in a long time.

As they rejoined the party inside, Rose approached them both warmly. "Happy New Years, loves! Can I get you anything? Another drink, perhaps?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Evans, but I'm all set for now," he replied, appreciating her hospitality.

"Please, call me Rose," she insisted, before Lily was pulled off by a cousin, leaving the two of them alone. "Lily's told me a lot about you, James. It's so nice to put a face to a name."

"Oh, has she?" James could feel his cheeks beginning to burn. "She talks about you as well, and I'm grateful to have been invited over."

"Don't mention it, darling," Rose said, patting his arm. "And how are your parents doing? Your father is ill, I heard. How is your mum holding up?"

"They're doing alright, thank you," James replied, his thoughts briefly drifting to his father in the hospital, and his mother sitting by his side day and night.

Rose seemed to sense his unease and changed the subject abruptly. "You know, Lily's quite fond of that... disco music, is it? I hear you share that interest?"

James laughed, feeling more at ease even after the horribly obvious subject change. "Yes, we both do. There's something about the rhythm and energy that's just infectious."

"Oh, I agree," Rose said with a twinkle in her eye. "Lily and and her father used to dance around the living room to fun records like that when she was little."

James smiled at the mental image of a young Lily dancing with her father. "I would have loved to see that."

Rose chuckled. "I think Harold would’ve liked you, James." James looked away, honored to have the favor of a man he’d never meet. “It's good to see her happy, James."

James smiled, touched by Rose's genuine kindness. "Thank you, Rose. I enjoy spending time with Lily too. She's... amazing."

Rose chuckled softly. "She can be a handful, but she has a good heart."

“What are you saying about me, Mum?” Lily barged in, rubbing a hand across James’ shoulder, and letting him sink into her side as she stood behind him. 

“Nothing but wonderful things,” James reassured her. “What time is it?” he asked, and Rose answered. 

“Nearly two in the morning,” she said. “Will you be spending the night, James? I can put you in Petunia's old room for the night.”

James shook his head. “I’d better not. Mum's waiting for me. But thank you for having me.” With a big goodbye to the group, Lily walked him to the door, and waited with him for the Knight Bus to make another round. 

"You know," Lily said softly, "I'm really glad you made it, James."

"I'm glad too," he replied, his heart racing as he looked at her. "I think I'm falling in love with you, Evans." 

"Don't start with that, Potter; I won't be able to let you go home if you get all romantic now." 

Luckily, or unluckily, the bus pulled up, and with one more kiss, James was gone.