Eclipsed

The May full moon had passed as quietly as a full moon could, leaving Remus feeling unwell but not to the point of unbearable discomfort. He had told the boys before the transformation that he’d prefer to be dropped off at his parents' house once he woke up, since in honor of Mother’s Day, he’d prefer to be sick on his own mother’s couch, rather than burden Effie Potter by lying on hers. With Peter, Sirius, and James accompanying him, they arrived at the familiar cottage in Wales, where Remus was greeted with a steadying arm from Lyall and a weak hug from an ever-shrinking Hope before he was shown inside to rest.

The sun was higher in the sky by the time Sirius, James, and Peter arrived back in Godric’s Hollow, the air starting to really feel warm after months of chilly mornings. 

Peter immediately broke away, heading over to his mum’s house, leaving James and Sirius to make their way to the Potter residence. Sirius knocked on the door, and after a few moments, Effie ushered them inside, the smell of something delicious washing over them.

"My darlings!" Effie exclaimed, "Thank you both for coming, really.” She swiveled around to face them. “I hope you’re both hungry; I’ve prepared a nice Mother’s Day lunch."

James shook his head. “Mum, isn’t the point of Mother’s Day that you don’t cook?” She laughed. 

“I’d like to see you try, Jamie, I know you’ve been surviving on my leftovers and cheese sandwiches.” 

“I resent that,” he argued, and Sirius laughed as they pushed through the kitchen doors. 

“Only because it’s true, Prongsie.” 

As they settled around the table, Fleamont joined them, though he looked slightly under the weather.

"Hello, boys!" Fleamont greeted them with a grin. "It’s good to have you home."

As they settled in, conversation flowed naturally. Effie served them generous portions of chickpea curry, saag paneer, and basmati rice.

"Thank you, Mum," Sirius said, taking a seat next to James. "It smells delicious."

Effie beamed and waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, it’s nothing. Just a little something to celebrate Mother’s Day. I’m so glad you’re both here." After everyone was 

"So, how’s Remus doing?" Effie asked, looking at Sirius as she passed him a plate.

"He’s much better," Sirius replied, taking the plate and setting it down in front of him. "Luckily, last night was a pretty tame moon, all things considered. I think it could’ve been much worse last night if he’d been agitated, and re-injured himself, but it was okay last night. He’s spending the day with his parents."

"Good, good," Effie said with a nod. "I’m glad to hear he’s recovering well. He’s lucky to have you boys looking out for him."

The conversation shifted from Remus to more general topics, with Effie and Fleamont asking about their internship and how they were managing with their studies. Eventually, Fleamont turned to James with a teasing glint in his eye.

"So, Beta," Fleamont began, leaning back in his chair, "when are you and Lily planning on getting married? Or are you planning on dragging your engagement for a few more years?"

James nearly choked on his food, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Well, we haven’t finished our internships yet- I told you, she’s doing some potions development work at St. Mungo’s, right? Besides, with the war and everything… We’ve talked about it, and we’ll wait until after."

Fleamont chuckled, giving James a playful nudge. "Just don’t wait too long, son. Life’s too short, especially these days."

James nodded, his expression growing more serious. "I know, Dad. We’ll get there."

As lunch continued, Sirius couldn’t help but notice that Fleamont had been coughing lightly throughout the meal. It wasn’t much, but it was persistent. More concerning, however, was the scaly rash beginning to curl around from the back of Fleamont’s neck, something that Sirius hadn’t seen before.

Effie began clearing the table, gathering plates and silverware. Sirius quickly stood up to help. "Let me give you a hand with that, Mum."

Effie smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Sirius. Just to the sink, if you would."

As they crossed the room with the stack of dirty dishes, Sirius took the opportunity to speak quietly. "Mum, I noticed Dad’s got a bit of a cough again… and that rash on his neck. Have you made an appointment yet see a healer?"

Effie looked up, surprise and embarrassment evident in her eyes. "A rash? I hadn’t..." She paused, her brow furrowing. "I did want to take him in for the cough, but you know how stubborn he is. He refuses to go."

Sirius frowned, his concern deepening. "I’ll make him an appointment for Thursday- that’s my day off this week-  I can come by on my day off and go with you both there. I don’t like the look of that rash."

Effie looked at Sirius, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Sirius. I can’t believe I missed… on his neck, you said?"

Sirius nodded, glancing back toward the dining room where James and Fleamont were still talking. He was glad James hadn’t overheard the conversation; his friend had been on edge lately, more anxious than usual since their first Order meeting a couple weeks ago, and the last thing Sirius needed was a worried James.

“Take a look, Mum- honestly it doesn’t look too bad, but we wouldn’t want it to turn into anything worse, right?” Effie nodded, and Sirius felt bad for breaking the news to her… not bad enough to dissuade him from doing it again though. The Potters had cared for him when he needed it, and he was determined to do the same.  

As they finished cleaning up, Sirius rejoined James and Fleamont, who were now discussing Quidditch tactics with their usual enthusiasm. Effie brought over cups of chai, and the conversation continued, warm and light-hearted, even as a quiet concern lingered in Sirius’ mind.

When it was finally time to leave, James gave his parents a tight hug, and Sirius did the same. "We’ll see you soon," Sirius promised Effie, giving her a meaningful look that she returned with a nod.

As they stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, James took a deep breath, a small smile playing on his lips. "I’m glad we came.”

Sirius nodded, though his thoughts were still on Fleamont. "Yeah, me too."

With that, they headed back to their apartment, the warmth of the family visit still lingering, but with an undercurrent of concern that Sirius couldn’t quite shake.

James and Dorcas arrived from work, their usual banter quieter than usual. As they approached the Hog's Head, they exchanged a glance before parting ways—Dorcas went to join Mary and Marlene, while James waited for Lily. When she spotted him, she quickly made her way over, slipping her hand into his as she guided him to where Remus and Sirius were already seated.

"How's your day been, love?" Lily asked softly as they settled into their seats.

"Long," James replied, his voice a bit tense. "But it's better now."

Before Lily could respond, Dumbledore called the meeting to order, his voice carrying a certain weight that silenced the room. "Good evening, everyone. We have much to discuss, but first, I'd like to introduce a new member of our Order: Alastor Moody."

A grizzled, scarred wizard stepped forward, his magical eye swiveling to survey the room even as the rest of him remained still. There was a murmur of recognition from some of the older members, while the younger ones, James included, felt a mixture of awe and apprehension.

"This is the man who will help us gather critical intelligence from within the Auror department and magical law enforcement," Dumbledore continued. "He’s working closely with Edgar Bones, and together, they will be spearheading efforts to root out traitors and organize raids against known Death Eater strongholds."

James felt a hand squeeze his shoulder gently. "Mad-Eye’s the real deal," Sirius whispered, his tone reverent.

After Dumbledore finished assigning various tasks to the members, Sirius nudged James. "Let's go introduce ourselves," he suggested, and the pair left Lily and Remus to approach Moody, who turned to them with a scrutinizing gaze. 

“And who might you be?” he asked, and Sirius eagerly jumped in. 

“Sirius Black,” he said, sticking out his hand for Moody to shake. 

“James Potter,” James jumped in, “nice to meet you.” 

"Effie's kid, aren't you?" Moody asked, his voice gravelly but sharp.

James nodded. "Yes, sir."

"I remember you," Moody said, a hint of a grin on his lips. "Used to see you running around St. Mungo's as a kid. Your mum was always trying to keep you out of trouble."

James chuckled lightly, but his amusement faded with Moody’s next words. 

"Shame about your eyesight, boy. A real waste of potential. But remember—constant vigilance, as much as you can manage."

James stiffened, the comment landing like a blow. "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," he muttered, his jaw tight.

Sirius sensed the tension and quickly stepped in. "Alright, Moody. We'll see you around."

As they walked back towards Remus, who’d chosen to stay seated while Lily went off and socialized, James’ face stayed in an irreparable scowl. 

“Did something happen?” Remus asked, sensing something was off. 

James shook his head, clearly irritated. "Nothing. Just... forget it."

Sirius leaned in. "James, let it go. It's not worth it. He didn’t mean it the way it sounded. He’s just... Moody."

James took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. "Fine, fine. It’s nothing."

Lily noticed his mood and caught up to him as they left the inn. "You’re in a right state. What’s wrong?"

James hesitated, his frustration still simmering. "It’s nothing."

She frowned but didn’t push. "Alright.” 

“How about we all head home?” Remus quickly said, ushering them out of the inn. 

“Sounds good to me,” James answered, and they all filed out. 

As they stepped out of the Hog's Head into the warm night air, James was still fuming inside, though he tried not to show it. Holding Lily’s arm was grounding though, her skin warm and soft beneath his hand. The two of them walked in silence for a few moments, the gravel crunching under their feet as they made their way back towards the apparition point. 

Lily glanced over at him, her brow furrowed with concern. She could sense the tension radiating from him, the way his shoulders were still slightly hunched, the way his grip on her hand was a bit too tight.

“Talk to me,” she urged softly, slowing their pace. “I know something’s bothering you. What did Moody say?”

James hesitated, his frustration boiling just below the surface. He didn’t want to burden Lily with his anger or sound like he was whining, but the words had stung deeper than he cared to admit. “It’s nothing, Lily,” he finally said, his tone clipped.

Lily stopped walking, gently tugging him to a halt beside her. “It’s not nothing,” she said, her voice firm but gentle. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but don’t pretend it doesn’t matter.”

James sighed, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. He didn’t want to push her away, but he also didn’t want to talk about the growing sense of inadequacy that Moody’s words had triggered. “It’s just... Moody. He made a comment about my eyesight, about how it’s a waste of potential. Like... like I’m useless because of it.”

Lily’s eyes softened. She reached out for his other hand and squeezed it, pulling him closer. “You’re not useless, James. Not even close.”

“I know, I know,” James replied, though his tone was still bitter. “It’s just... I hate feeling like I’m not doing enough. Like I’m being sidelined because of this.” He gestured vaguely towards his eyes, frustration evident in his voice. “I want to be out there, fighting like everyone else, but instead, I’m stuck playing spy because it’s ‘safer’ for me.”

Lily reached up and gently cupped his face, forcing him to focus on her even though he couldn’t see her clearly. “James, you’re doing what needs to be done. The Order needs you—whether it’s gathering information or being on the front lines. You’re helping us fight this war in the best way you can, and that’s all anyone can ask.”

James leaned into her touch, taking a deep breath as he tried to let her words soothe his bruised ego. “I just... I wish things were different,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lily leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I know. But you’re still the bravest, most capable person I know, and nothing can change that. We’ll get through this together, alright?”

James nodded, feeling the tension in his chest slowly begin to unwind. “Yeah. You’re right. I just... needed to hear that, I guess.”

Lily smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “Anytime. And if it makes you feel any better, you’re more than welcome to stay over tonight. I think we could both use the company.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of James’s mouth, the first genuine one he’d managed all evening. “I’d like that,” he agreed, his voice softer now.

As they resumed their walk, James felt a little lighter, the anger that had been gnawing at him beginning to fade. Lily’s presence beside him, her unwavering support, reminded him that he wasn’t alone in this fight, even if the path ahead was uncertain.

By the time they reached the point and apparated to Lily’s apartment, the frustration had dulled to a manageable ache. He still felt the sting of Moody’s words, but with Lily’s comforting warmth next to him, it seemed a little easier to bear. They entered the small flat she shared with the girls, and James could hear the familiar creaks of the floorboards and smell the faint scent of herbs that always lingered in the air.

“Tea?” Lily offered as she toed off her shoes, already moving towards the kitchen.

“Only if you’re making it,” James replied, finally letting go of her hand so she could get to work. He found his usual spot on the couch, easing himself down and letting out a long breath.

As Lily busied herself with the kettle, James leaned back, letting the familiar sounds of her apartment wash over him. Mary’s music coming from down the hall, the clinking of cups, the soft bubbling of water—it all felt so normal, so wonderfully mundane.

Lily returned with two steaming mugs, handing one to James as she sat beside him. “Here,” she said, her voice gentle. “Extra sugar, just how you like it.”

“Thanks,” James murmured, taking a careful sip. The warmth of the tea spread through him, soothing in its simplicity. He set the mug down on the coffee table, then turned slightly towards her. “Lily... thanks for tonight. For understanding.”

Lily smiled softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. “Always, darling.” 

As they sat together on Lily’s couch, the warmth of the tea lingering in the air, Lily shifted slightly, turning to face James. “So,” she began, her tone gentle but curious, “how’s it going with Mr. Burke? I know it must be strange...”

James sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he thought about his experiences over the past few weeks. “It’s... going,” he replied, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. “He’s treated me well enough, I suppose. Polite, professional, all that. But it’s obvious he sees me as an asset, not just some intern. My pureblood status puts me in his good books, and he’s been giving me some actual work to do—nothing groundbreaking, and getting accommodations feels like pulling teeth without a numbing potion, but still.”

Lily nodded, sensing there was more beneath the surface. “And what about Dorcas? How’s she handling it?”

James’s expression darkened slightly. “That’s the thing. She’s getting stuck with all the grunt work—running around, fetching coffees, organizing files. It’s like they don’t see her as an equal, even though she’s just as capable, if not more so, than I am. It pisses me off, honestly. She deserves better.”

Lily frowned, her green eyes narrowing in concern. “That sounds shitty.” 

“It is,” James agreed, his frustration evident. “I wish I could stick up for her more, but I can’t risk drawing attention to myself. I need to gain Burke’s trust, get him to let his guard down so I can gather intel for the Order. If I start making waves, it could blow our cover.”

Lily reached out and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Dorcas can’t be mad at you for that. She knows what’s at stake, just like you do. And besides, she’s tough—she can handle it. It’s for the greater good, remember? You’re both playing a part in something much bigger.”

James sighed again, though her words seemed to ease some of the tension in his shoulders. “Yeah, I know. It just feels wrong, you know? Knowing she’s getting treated like that and not being able to do anything about it.”

Lily reached over, placing her hand on his arm, her touch warm and reassuring. “You’re doing the right thing, darling. Dorcas knows that, too. It’s for the greater good—gathering information that could save lives, maybe even end this war. She understands why you can’t intervene right now.”

James nodded, though the worry didn’t fully leave his face. “I hope you’re right. I just... I don’t want her to think I’m turning a blind eye to what she’s going through.”

Lily smiled softly, squeezing his arm. “She won’t. You two have been through too much together for her to think that. And once this is all over—once we’ve done what we need to do—you’ll both be able to stand up for each other in the ways that really matter.”

James turned his head slightly towards Lily, grateful for her unwavering support. “You always know how to make me feel better.”

“It’s a gift,” Lily teased gently, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. “Besides, I know you, James Potter. You’ll find a way to make sure Dorcas is alright, even if it’s not in the way you’d like. And when this is all over, she’ll know you had her back the whole time.”

James smiled, the warmth of her words easing some of the tension that had settled in his chest. “Thanks, love. I needed that.”

“Anytime,” she replied, her voice soft and full of affection. “And don’t forget—if things get too tough, you’ve got me to talk to. We’re in this together, remember?”

“I know,” James murmured, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips. “And I’m lucky for it.”