Chapter 1
A car zoomed along the highway of Phoenix, Arizona. Windows down, the melodies of The Beach Boys' entire discography pouring from the car. James Potter sat in the passenger seat, smiling and laughing at the way his mother was trying, rather successfully, to cheer him up. Euphemia Potter, the lovely woman that she was, was finally pushing James from the nest and forcing him to go off to college. Forcing was loose terminology. The reality was that James had completed his high school diploma online, and now it was time for him to settle down for college. So, he was going home to his dad, Fleamont, or Monty, as he preferred to be called.
When his mom was first asked to go on her book tours, James had stayed with Fleamont in England while Euphemia left.. They were happy, all three of them, despite the distance. However, gradually James began to develop more and more separation anxiety, and the family agreed that it would be best that James travel with her for a while. He continued his studies and, arguably, got more life experience while traveling. This worked for five years. Now though, his parents (and himself, if he was honest) thought it would be best that he stay put for college.
Euphemia and Fleamont Potter loved each other, there was no denying that. So much so that their marriage was going strong even after Euphemia had been traveling for her various book tours over the last seven years. Fleamont, ever the loving husband, had encouraged her to follow her dreams and tour all over. He valued his own work as well, however, and was now Chief Fire Officer to the residents of Godric's Hollow. That is where James was headed.
He loved his mother, and would miss her dearly. Perhaps, a different child would be resentful towards their parents for the decision, but all three Potters were confident that this was a good thing . That didn’t make saying good-bye any less difficult. With tears in his eyes and a tight hug for his mother, he boarded his plane. Her words echoing around his head: “I love you, Jamie. I want you to give it an honest shot but, if after this year, it’s really not working- we’ll revise the decision okay?”
He could do this. He could give it a real chance, for both of his parents. For himself. He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath, then felt foolish. You’re on the plane, James, you’re not even there yet.
The plane lands. His connecting flight lands. Then finally, finally , he lays his eyes on Fleamont Potter. Instantly, he runs to his father and hugs him eagerly. His father returns the hug with the same ferocity.
“Oh, Jamie,” he whispers in his ear, “don’t cry, son. You’re alright, I’ve got you.” Again, James feels foolish, but he’s missed his dad, okay? He loves his parents with everything he has and it’s a lot to be separated from either one for so long. Eventually, he settles, and they carry his belongings to the car. The vehicle in question was gold, with a maroon stripe on each side, that separated for the letters, G.H.F.R.S. Euphemia had been appalled when she had first seen the gaudy car, but Fleamont had won her over by explaining it was a “gift from the community”. James laughs a little when he sees it. He never understood why a fireman would need his own car, but didn’t find it as atrocious as his mother.
“Come on, son,” his dad says, “you can even turn the lights on for a bit.” James smiles, “Dad, I’m eighteen years old, I’m a man now.” Monty just stares. James sighs, and runs a hand through his hair, “I wanna do the siren, too.”
“That’s my boy!”
During the hour-long drive, James does, in fact, turn on the lights and sirens. Only briefly, however, not wanting to get his father in trouble for flashing the lights outside his jurisdiction. Monty reassures James that everything is ready for him at the university he was attending, Hogwarts. His tuition, scheduling, and documents. It was all settled. As he looked out the window on their drive, his mind began to wander into obscure thoughts such as: why isn’t it just called Godric’s Hollow University? Is that too much a mouthful? How is Hogwarts University any better? Who looked at a wart on a hog and thought “damn that's a great school name”?
“So there’s one other thing I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Fleamont interrupts his spiral, “your mother and I discussed it, and though you had every intention of paying for one yourself-which we admire and respect greatly- we did buy you a truck. It’s old, and it might need some upkeep here and there, but it’s a good starter vehicle, and I think you’ll like it.” James gets his tendency to ramble from his father, of that there is no doubt. Nevertheless, James beams at him.
“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you ! Dad! You guys really didn’t have to do that! I mean I’m grateful, don’t get me wrong, but really! Oh just- thank you!” Monty laughed fondly, “We wanted you to have a good start, Jamie, hopefully this helps.”
“This helps,” James laughs, “this definitely helps.”
James eventually settles down, only for his excitement to return all over again when they pull in the driveway. An old Chevy, faded red- almost orange- and a tan interior. James loved it, and he made sure to tell his dad so. Multiple times. Eventually, he corales James upstairs to unpack. James' heart warms as he steps into his room, exactly as he left it.
A deep rusty red went half-way up the walls, and a light cream came down from the ceiling. The two colors met at the height of the bed frame. All the furniture is wood, with a light stain. The bedsheets were white, with a dark teal colored duvet. To describe it, it sounds as though the colors should be clashing. But James loves it, it’s his favorite place to be. The old rocking chair from when he was a baby remains in the room, but since then a desk has been added, and he returns his laptop to it now.
As he’s putting his toiletries in the bathroom, he can’t help but laugh to himself at his strawberry-scented shampoo and conditioner. Red hair products, red room, red truck . You’d think red was my favorite color! James freezes. What if someone comes over and thinks red is my favorite color? What if they laugh at me for surrounding myself in red, my supposed favorite color, and think it's stupid? My favorite color isn’t even red! Will they care? Isn’t it being a little presumptuous to assume anyone would even want to come over? Gosh, James, you can’t just assume that people are going to like you enough to come over!
“Jamie, how’s unpacking going?” Fleamont’s voice cuts through the noise. “Good!” James calls back shakily. He takes a deep breath, and tries to push the silly thoughts from his mind. He finishes unpacking, and joins his father for dinner. He returns to bed in a daze, knowing this will be a long night. James, to put it simply, generally does not sleep well. On good nights it is simply a restless sleep, on bad ones it is nightmares that leave him shaken well into the morning. This fact, combined with leaving his mother today, and starting school next week, he’s almost dreading the visions his mind will concoct.
He was right, the night was awful. But throughout the week as he settles in more, he finds that he’s actually sleeping a bit better. The night before his classes are set to start he falls asleep well after midnight, and wakes up around five in the morning. He dresses warmly and goes on a run to exert some nervous energy before school. Upon his return, he sees the breakfast spread Fleamont has prepared.
“I went light,” he says, “I know you don’t like to eat a lot in the morning, or when you’re nervous, but it’s just one egg, and one piece of toast, you can handle that- I know you can, Jamie.” He sits with James as he picks at his breakfast, but eventually finishes it, and downs his favorite brand of apple juice. His parents really went all out to make him feel better.
James smiles warmly, “thanks for doing all of this, Dad. I really appreciate it, and you.” Fleamont returns the smile in kind, and wishes him a good day before heading off to work. James leaves for school, soon after, not wanting to be late to any classes on his first day.
Hogwarts University is a regal looking school. With some pointed tops, and a brick exterior, it reminds James of a castle. He enters the Student Center first, where the woman assisting him gives him his student I.D., schedule, and a map of the school. She then goes through and highlights each classroom he will need for the day, for which he thanks her profusely.
“Lastly,” she says, “I have this form that I need each of your teachers to sign today. Basically, just confirming that you’re there. It’s an outdated practice but, until we get a new system in this school, it’s a necessary one, I’m afraid.” She smiles so warmly that it tells James that she knows that he’s nervous. He’s never had much of a poker face. Thanking her again, he exits the office and begins on his day.
His first class, English, he had with Professor Binns. He was shocked to see James at first, which made James flush embarrassedly. He knew Godric’s Hollow was a small town, and, with around 300 students, he knew Hogwarts was a small school. What he didn’t know was that the Chief’s son moving in with him would cause such a ruckus. Don’t misunderstand, James likes attention, and needs a lot of it, he’s capable of admitting. But none of that means he wants to be the talk of the town, and have people whispering behind him in the hallways. He already imagined that’s what people were doing enough, he didn’t need them to start actually doing it.
So he takes the syllabus from Binns and hurries to the back of the room which is, thankfully, where the only available seat was. He quickly begins to peruse the list of required readings. The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, Pride and Prejudice- oh, hell yeah. James thinks, not only has he read most of them, he enjoyed most of them, and still had the essays he’d written in previous years. His heart jumped a little at Pride and Prejudice . Sue him, he liked the idea of a stand-offish guy, who doesn’t even necessarily like him at first, getting to know him, falling in love, and ultimately being willing to go to the ends of the earth for him. He’s a hopeless romantic, and likes the idea of being able to banter with his partner while still having a loving relationship.
After Binns finishes going through the syllabus, he dismisses the class, a blonde girl with a kind smile approaches James. James notices a line forming to get Binns to sign their forms, so James opts to stay put and wait.
“You’re James Potter aren’t you?” The girl asks, he nods with a smile. “I’m Marlene McKinnon,” He smiles brighter, and shakes her hand.
“Do you have any more classes today?” James fumbles for his schedule.
“Yeah! At 10:30 I have a business class with Professor Hill.” he says while squinting. She smiles, “My next class is at 10:20, we can walk around until then if you want? I need to figure out the layout here.” He allows relief to fill his chest.
“That would be really great, thank you!”
“My mom is friends with your dad, did you know? They both work at the station together.” James is confused for a moment. Then it clicks.
“Wait! Is your mom Melissa?” Marlene nods, “dude, my dad talks about her all the time! He’s been trying to get our families together every time my mom and I were home but it never worked out.” She laughs, and the line has died down enough for them to step up and get their papers signed.
“I would love to tour with your mum.” Marlene says with a wistful sigh.
James laughed, and said: “You don’t even know my mum.”
“No, your mum doesn’t know me. I’ve been in your house, I’ve seen the pictures.” It was then that James looked down and saw her shirt. It was black and read “i <3 hot moms”, he began to cackle. In the back of his mind, James wondered if he should find it creepy, but he loved Marlene’s energy, and he couldn’t help but find it hilarious.
“You’re not getting anywhere near my mother, McKinnon.”
“Yeah, we’ll see Potter.” Her tone was flat, but her face remained friendly. James felt less tense now that he had laughed with someone. His mother always told him laughter was the best stress relief, and James was beginning to think she was right. They found a common area and sat down to chat. James was shocked there were no awkward silences, just laughing and stupid questions. Eventually though, it was time to go.
“Well, enjoy your business class, Potter. I am going to something so much more refined you couldn’t possibly comprehend. You should come get lunch with us after this class though. Actually, now that I think about it, I think Peter is in that class too, you’ll like him, he’s funny. See you later!”
James said good-bye and headed towards the room. The professor was writing on the board but there was a stack of papers on the desk and a small sign that said “Take One” made from an index card. He was a little shocked the professor didn’t just talk to them, but made his way to a seat anyway. He sat next to a blonde boy. He had a little pudge to him, but gave James a small smile as he sat down, and turned towards him, muttering; “I am so absolutily-tootily dropping this class.” James snorted.
“Syllabus is that bad, is it?” James whispered.
“It’s worse. I’m Peter, by the way.” He held out his hand.
“Oh! You’re Peter, I’m James. I just met Marlene in my English class this morning, she mentioned you.” Peter smirked.
“Yeah, she’s obsessed with me. What can I say?” It made James laugh.
“She said I should join you guys for lunch after this, but I don’t know where you were thinking of going.” James tried to gauge what Peter thought of him joining them.
“You should! Then you can meet the whole group. We’ll probably just stick around and go to the school cafeteria because it’s just easier.” James nodded, and the professor finally began class. While going through the syllabus, James could hear Peter muttering to himself “ absolutely not ” and shaking his head. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing out loud at Peter’s antics. After the class had been dismissed, and the forms signed, the two headed towards the cafeteria with Peter leading the way. Peter was telling him about Star Wars, which James didn’t really understand, or care to watch, but he was happy to listen to him all the same.
He followed Peter to his table and recognized Marlene, but got a bit lost once the other five started introducing themselves. Alice Fortescue is to his left, Peter on his right, and Marlene next to Peter, but that's where he goes blank. He’s frantically trying to rack his brain to remember their names when he sees them from across the cafeteria.
Five of the most beautiful boys James has ever seen in his life. On the far left was a tall boy with brown hair wearing an old looking sweater. He had scars across his face and some peeking out from his sleeves as well. Next to him sat a boy a bit shorter than him, with black curly hair, much neater than James’ own and a wicked smirk as he elbowed the scarred boy next to him.
On the furthest right side sat a boy of equal height to the first, but much broader and muscular. His brown hair was wild, like his hands had been run through it many times. Next to him sat a boy with longer, blonde hair. The blonde was glaring at the furthest two, while the curly haired boy with black hair grinned, wolfishly. Lastly, in the dead center, sat the most beautiful boy James had ever laid his eyes on. His figure was slight, slimmer than the others. Which only meant that he was only slightly less muscular, all five of them were incredibly fit. He matched in height to the other boy with black hair, maybe even a smidge taller. His own black hair was more wavy, and less curly than the boy who sat beside him. He was staring at the ceiling, like he was contemplating just ditching for the day, and James' mind instantly began to wonder where the boy would go if he ditched, and if James could come along.
James noted that all of their eyes were a similar black color, and their complexion all equally pale. They were all just so breath-taking, James couldn’t help but feel a bit insecure. He shifted in his seat as the boy with curly black hair grabbed his own tray, and the tray of the scarred boy next to him, both with food uneaten. He gracefully walked to the trash cans and dumped them while the boy with the scars walked to the exit to wait for him. They left wordlessly. The other three remained, unbothered.
“Who are they?” James asked Peter, astounded. Suddenly, almost as if he could hear them ( impossible from across the cafeteria - James reminded himself while taking a deep breath) the boy with black wavy hair looked up at Peter, as if Peter had called his name. His gaze then fell on James, who felt his mouth go dry. James instantly averted his eyes to the table and felt his face heat up. It was Alice who answered with a small giggle. “Left sitting is Regulus Black, Evan McGonagall, and Bartemius Lupin. The ones who just walked away are Remus Lupin- he had the scars- and Sirius Black, he had the black curly hair.”
James risked a glance and saw the three boys talking to each other. More like mumbling to each other , James thought, as their mouths were barely moving. He got the distinct impression that even if he was standing right next to them, he would struggle to hear the topic they were discussing. He paused for a minute to contemplate the rarity of their names.
“They all live with Professor McGonagall- who teaches for the Chem major here, and her wife Poppy Pomfrey-McGonagall who works at the hospital.” Alice continues on her information dump, “The boys were all either fostered or adopted. Remus and Bartemius are the Lupin brothers. They’re older, but they were fostered, and now stay with the McGonagall’s anyway. I'm pretty sure Sirius and Regulus are adopted, but I’m not positive since they kept the last name Black. Then Evan is definitely adopted, and loves it.”
James is struck by the kindness of the McGonagall’s, who he has never met before, and the words tumble out of his mouth, “that’s so kind of them to take all those kids in, and to keep the brothers together! That’s not easy in the system.”
Alice looks at him for a moment, like she expected him to have a different opinion. It feels like cold water is washing over James as he awaits her judgment. Before she can make her point, Peter cuts in: “Yeah the McGonagall’s love their “us”es.”
James feels more confused than ever, but a look at Marlene tells him that she at least knows where this is going.
“You have to elaborate for James, Petey,” she says graciously. Understanding dawns on his face.
“Of course! How rude of me! Their “us”es as in Remus , Bartemius , Sirius , Regulus , and then there’s Evan. But he gets their last name, so I think it balances out.” James laughs out loud, getting the striking feeling that he and Peter would get along great. He glances at the table again and sees the boy, Regulus , sporting a small smile and it sends butterflies through James’ stomach.
“I wouldn’t bother getting invested,” Alice continues, “In the two years since they’ve moved here, they have barely spoken a word to anyone not in the family, and least of all Regulus Black. No one in this town is good enough for them.” Her tone suggests explaining whatever rejection she faced, without telling the story. James is struck again, though not for Alice.
“But-if they’re all foster kids, and adoptees, doesn’t it kinda… make sense that they- like- keep to themselves?” James felt the nerves one always feels when voicing a differing opinion to a new group. Yet, if these kids had gone through something traumatizing enough to be rehomed, they deserved to not be judged for keeping to themselves. Peter made a face, and James filled with dread, waiting for an adverse reaction.
“Yeah, that makes so much sense. Why didn’t I think of it that way? I suppose it is natural that they'd want to keep to themselves, like some sort of defense mechanism. ” To James, and his embarrassment, it feels like Peter is nearly shouting. James tugs on his shirt sleeves but nods all the same.
“Exactly like that, Pete.”
Glancing at the table again, James sees Regulus looking puzzled and shocked. Bartemius and Evan are leaning towards him, however, so James assumes their conversation has taken a turn. Alice looks a little unsettled, and James feels unsettled to have upset a new acquaintance, but he doesn’t like speaking bad about others. While he’s trying to think of what to say to Alice, Peter grabs his arm.
“Come on, James, we have Biology together!” Peter practically sang it, and it made James laugh. He was surprised be hitting it off with so many people. They all seem to like me. James thought to himself and smiled.
Upon arriving in the classroom, he saw that every chair at the black-top tables was full. Correction: every chair, except the one next to Regulus Black was full. As James walked towards the chair, after having gotten his slip signed by Professor Slughorn (feeling proud of himself for thinking to get it signed before class started), he watched as Regulus’ face hardened into a cold, hard, glare, aimed directly at one James Potter. James looked down, feeling too small and too big all at once. He tripped over some girl’s backpack and she giggled a bit, making his face go red. Upon sitting down, James risked another glance and saw Regulus leaning as far away as he possibly could, and covering his mouth and nose. He looked like he smelled something horrid.
James felt his stomach drop and took a deep breath. No B.O, or other weird smells . Smelling bad is a very real, very rational fear that James has so he keeps a mini deodorant and cologne in his backpack, and he had just refreshed before lunch. Maybe I should’ve done it after lunch, and I picked up a weird smell from the cafeteria? Maybe he smells something on himself. Maybe he is just being cruel. James tried to tell himself to calm down but that was doing absolutely nothing, so he tried to listen to the lecture.
Cellular Anatomy. A bit basic for Biology II, but I guess that’s just how they do things here. Why is he even actually lecturing on the first day anyway? Oh, God, what if Slughorn is a mind reader? And I’ve hurt his feelings? Jesus Christ I- oh is Regulus staring at me?
James glanced over from his notes. Glaring, was a better word for what Regulus was doing. His eyes were filled with disgust as he faced James. Yup, definitely staring. It’s just getting weird now, just focus on your paper, James. He mentally repeats “just focus on your paper”, over and over again until Slughorn finally stops talking and he can get away from Staring McStaretown. Only, it’s Regulus who gets up and bolts first. He’s a little bit taller than James, and more fit as well. As he walked by, James got a sniff of his cologne. Great, James thinks to himself, he’s sexy and smells good. I don’t stand a chance, considering he seems to hate me.
He slowly began to place his items in his backpack, forcing himself to breathe deeply. Any problem he has with me is his own. I haven’t done anything to him. I’ve legitimately never talked to him. Nevertheless, James could feel the beginnings of tears in his eyes and swallowed harshly. His mother said that his sensitivity was a sign of a tender-heart, and that it’s nothing to be embarrassed of. Right now, that kind of feels like a crock of shit. He doesn’t want to be sensitive, and he certainly doesn’t want to start crying because some boy from a college class, who he’s never even spoken to, doesn’t like him. He glances again and sees Peter waving good-bye to him from the doorway, he waved back weakly.
“Are you James Potter?” A baby face with brown hair and brown eyes came into focus. He was smiling at James. Clearly not everyone thinks I smell bad, James thinks. James nods, “that’s me.”
“I’m Frank Longbottom.” He holds out a hand to shake.
“It’s a pleasure,” James says while taking it.
“Do you have any more classes for the day?” Frank asked pleasantly.
“No, I’m done for the day so I think I’m just gonna head out.”
“Cool, I’m done for the day too so we can walk to the parking lot together.”
And walk with James he did. He told James all about himself. He’s in his last year, stuck taking Biology II because of a mix-up in credits after he transferred three years ago. He’s captain of the football team and loves warm weather. After Peter, he’s the nicest person James has spoken to all day.
“So did anything happen between you and Regulus Black to make him glare at you like that? I’ve never seen him show a morsel of interest in anyone, then suddenly he’s giving you the death-stare.” James felt his chest tighten, not only was this abnormal behavior for Regulus, but other people had noticed it as well. Not wanting to give anyone any sort of satisfaction if this was a joke, he decided to play dumb.
“Was that the boy who sat next to me in Biology?”
“Oh, Christ, you didn’t even know his name and he was looking at you like that? Yeah, he’s a weird guy. If I had been lucky enough to sit next to you, I would have talked to you the whole time.” Frank held the door open for him, and James smiled, feeling his face flush. They had just gotten to James’ truck when he remembered the paper.
“Oh, shoot! I forgot I have to turn that paper in, I’m gonna go do that, have a good night, Frank!” Frank waved with a smile.
James felt a little cold, so he pulled his sleeves down over his hands as he walked back to the office to return his signed sheet. James relaxed a bit as he felt the warmth of the office, but tensed up all over again at the scene before him.
Regulus Black stood at the counter discussing something with the secretary. He didn’t appear to notice James had entered, so James leaned against the back wall- far away from Regulus Black. Their discussion was quiet, but strained, as if he was fighting to be polite. After forcing himself to stop thinking about how attractive Regulus’ voice was, he realized exactly what they were discussing. Regulus was trying to meet with his advisor to transfer out of Biology. To any other class, or any other section.
James tried to calm himself, there must be some other reason he wants to switch. He just met me, there’s no way he can instantly hate me. People don’t really think like that, you just think they think like that. It’s okay, I’m okay, I didn’t do anything wrong.
At that moment, a girl enters, drops a piece of paper in the basket to the left, and exits in a matter of seconds. It was enough, however, to catch the attention of Regulus, who now stood glaring ferociously at James. James couldn’t help the spot of fear he felt blooming in his stomach.
“Nevermind,” said Regulus, his voice like honey and James was but a helpless fly, “I understand that it’s not possible. Thank you for trying.”
He gave James a wide berth while he exited the office, and James stepped up to the counter. She greeted him warmly.
“How did your first day go, sweetie?”
“It was fine, thank you, have a good night,” he murmured. He wasn’t in the mood to be loud. He exited into the parking lot and found it empty. James entered his truck and just sat there for a while, gazing through the windshield. Eventually, he turned the truck on, and the heat up, and began his drive home. He refused to let the tears fall.