Part Five
“So what shop do you guys wanna stop at first tomorrow?” James asks as they all lounge around in the common room. “Moony, do you need anything from Tomes and Scrolls?”
“Yeah…” Remus confirms. “But aren’t you going with Y/N tomorrow?”
“What?” James asks, smile dropping in confusion. “Why would I go with Y/N?”
“Prongs, you bloody idiot.” Sirius sighs. “Don’t tell me you didn’t ask her?”
“Ask her what?”
“To go on a date! A real one!” Peter stresses.
“I still have to do that?” James asks with wide eyes. “But she’s already my girlfriend! And we went to the party together!”
Remus, Peter, and Sirius all groan.
“James, that doesn’t count.” Remus informs him with a shake of his head. “A party isn’t really a date. It’s more of a…help me out here, Padfoot.”
“A party isn’t a date. It’s a statement.” Sirius jumps in. “You’re only there for one reason: to let everyone know that you’re together.”
“Oh?” James asks inquisitively.
“Think about it. You show up together, drink together, dance together, leave together, if you know what I mean.” Sirius winks. “But no one really counts that as a first date.”
“But why not?”
“Because the vibes are all wrong, man! The music’s so loud you can’t even hear what they’re telling you, there’s too many people, someone spills their drink on you; who wants that to be their first date?”
“No one?” James offers.
“Exactly,” Sirius nods. “Now you’re getting it. No, the first date should be more…private. Something quiet and chill, just between two people. Something like Hogsmeade where they can venture off from everyone else and do their own thing.”
“Godric, we’re only a few weeks in. I can’t believe I’ve already managed to fuck this up.” James groans, standing from his seat.
“Wait, where are you going?” Peter asks.
“Where do you think? To ask my girlfriend on a date!”
James ducks into an alcove and pulls out the marauders map, quickly scanning the page for your name. Messily folding it back up, he takes off running towards the library.
Books in hand, you open the library door, only to gasp in surprise when you see James standing outside.
“My love, hi!” you greet with a smile. “What are you doing here?”
“Doyouwannagoonadatewithme?” James wheezes.
“Sorry?” you ask with a laugh, head tilting to the side in confusion. “I didn’t quite catch that.”
James holds up a finger, silently asking for you to wait for him to catch his breath. When he finally does, he stands up straight, giving you a nervous smile.
“Will you go on a date with me?” James asks, staring at you with hopeful eyes. “A real one. Just you and me. T-tomorrow at Hogsmeade?”
You give James a warm smile before nodding your head.
“Yes, of course.” you agree excitedly. “I can’t wait.”
Beaming, James picks you up and spins you around, causing you to shriek in laughter.
“James! Put me down!” you plead.
He spins you around a few more times before abruptly coming to a stop. A group of girls pass by, giggling about how adorable you two are. You give them a shy smile while James sneakily presses a kiss to your cheek. He takes your books from you, tucking them under one arm and then holding his free hand out for you.
“You’re getting better at asking me out. You didn’t even stutter this time. Well, not that much.”
“Oh, ha-ha,” James laughs sarcastically.
“I’m just teasing,” you assure him with a laugh. “I think it’s so cute.”
You accidentally bump into him the slightest bit as you start walking back to the Gryffindor tower.
“You made me dizzy,” you whine with a pout.
“Sure you’re not just falling for me, love?” James asks with a smirk.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
You’re so distracted waving at one of your classmates that you don’t even notice the soft look James gives you.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
“Stop biting your fingernails!” Remus scolds, smacking James’ hand.
“I can’t help it! I’m nervous.” James admits.
“Why do I feel like we keep having this conversation?” Sirius asks.
“Because we do.” Peter and Remus answer in unison.
“Prongs, she is already your girlfriend.” Sirius reminds him. “What is there to be nervous about?”
“Well, she is technically-“
“Shut up, Moony.” James whispers harshly, giving him a wide eyed look. “I know she’s already my girlfriend but it’s still our first date. I have a right to be a little nervous.”
The guys all nod their heads in agreement.
“Are you sure we can’t all just go together?” James asks, causing them to sigh. “She likes hanging out with you.”
“That’s a lie.” Sirius argues. “Girlfriends don’t like hanging out with their boyfriend’s friends. It’s like…law.”
“No, I mean it. She really likes you guys.” James insists. “I don’t think she would mind.”
“Okay, let’s say hypothetically, she doesn’t mind hanging out with us.” Sirius humors him. “We don’t wanna go to Madam Puddifoot’s.”
“Why would we go to Madam Puddifoot’s?” James asks, confused.
“Because she’s a girl!” Sirius explains. “All girls want to go to Madam Puddifoot’s. Pink frills everywhere, cats and lace and tea cakes. They love that stuff. And you’re her boyfriend so you’re gonna have to endure it.”
James gulps nervously.
“Y/N!” Remus greets with a smile, elbowing Sirius. “Don’t you look lovely.”
“Thank you!” you grin at him. “So do you. I love the jumper.”
“Oh, thanks. My mum made it for me.” Remus tells you with a proud smile.
“She did a great job! Should we start heading out?” you ask the group.
“Um! Why don’t you and James go ahead?” Sirius suggests. “The lads and I forgot a few things upstairs.”
“Do you want us to wait for you?” you offer kindly. “We don’t mind. Right babe?”
“Not at all,” James smiles, eyes pleading for his friends to say yes.
“Oh, no,” Remus waves you off. “Don’t you worry about us. We’ll catch up with you guys later.”
James sighs in defeat watching them walk back into the castle before turning to you with a shy smile.
“Shall we go?” he asks.
“Sure,” You nod.
James automatically grabs your hand and starts swinging it back and forth.
“You look amazing by the way.” he compliments, looking over at you with a smile.
“Really?” you ask shyly.
You wouldn’t admit it to him, or anyone for that matter; but you spent way too long trying to figure out what to wear. You must have tried on everything in your wardrobe at least twice.
“Yeah,” James nods. “I’ve always loved that dress on you. You got it last year, right?”
The comment throws you off, causing you to frown in confusion. You didn’t think James paid any attention to you. Sure, you’ve been in the same house since first year, but that’s where your relationship ends. You weren’t friends, you weren’t even acquaintances. You were housemates.
You never talked to each other, you never sat together, you never hung out, you didn’t even think he knew you existed. And honestly, between homework, quidditch, pranks and trying to woo Lily, you doubted he’d even care if you did. And now here you are, finding out not only that he did know of your existence, but that he actually paid attention to you.
“Yeah, my dad actually bought it for me for my birthday.” you tell him with a confused smile.
James doesn’t even notice his slip up, just nods and gets into a story of something that happened during class the previous day.
You thought it’d be awkward spending so much time alone with James; but it was actually pleasant. You never ran out of things to talk about. You learned a lot about each other and even shared a funny story or two. To say you were surprised would be an understatement. This whole time, you thought you were too different to even be friends. But you learned that although you have virtually nothing in common, you still get along great.
You visited all the shops together, Honeydukes, Tomes and Scrolls, Dominic Maestro’s Music Shop; you even suggested stopping by Zonko’s. James looked at you in confusion but you just walked in with a smile, knowing he wanted to check it out but was too polite to say anything. He promised he’d be quick, but you insisted he take his time. After all, he did wait patiently for you to pick out a few new records at Maestro’s.
“Sorry I took so long.” James apologizes again. “I just got excited with all the new stuff they had out.”
“James, it’s fine,” you assure yet again with a laugh.
“It’s just, I know you’re not a fan of our pranks.” James mumbles with an embarrassed smile.
Once again, his comment has you frowning in confusion. Sure, you think their pranks are immature; sometimes even downright cruel. But you’ve never said that to any of them directly. So how does he know?
“I just think it’s mean when you hex someone for no reason.” you confess, remembering last spring when they pranked a group of unsuspecting second years.
“I can always stop pranking people,” James immediately offers when he sees your frown.
“I would never ask you to do that,” you tell him. “Even if I don’t find them funny, pranks are important to you.”
“You’re important to me.” James corrects. “You’re my girlfriend, I don’t want to do anything that could upset you.”
“Giving up something that means so much to you would upset me.” you argue.
“Well I wouldn’t say it means something to me.” James huffs in amusement. “It’s more of something that we do when we’re bored.”
Somehow that makes you feel worse, which is obvious to James based on how your frown deepens.
“Okay, how about this? From now on, me and the boys will only prank people that deserve it.” James offers.
“You mean it?” you ask, looking at him curiously.
“I solemnly swear,” he assures you, crossing his heart.
You wrap your arms around him in a tight hug, pressing a kiss to his cheek before pulling away.
“You’re a sweetheart, you know that?”
James blushes furiously at the name, which causes you to laugh.
“Don’t go getting all shy on me now! You were doing so well!” you tease.
“Do you wanna grab a bite to eat before we start heading back?” James asks, completely ignoring your comment.
“I’d love to…sweetheart.”
James trips over his own feet and you can’t help but throw your head back in laughter.
“Can I start calling you that, now?” you ask in between giggles as you grab onto his arm. “Please.”
“Yeah, sure, whatever you want.” James shrugs, trying to appear unbothered, though internally he’s the complete opposite. He’d give anything to have you call him ‘sweetheart’ again.
“So where do you want to go for lunch?” he asks. “Madam Puddifoot’s?”
Your eyes widen at the mere mention of the place.
“Um…sure. If- if that’s what you want.” you say with a tense smile.
James nods his head with a shrug and you both start walking towards the restaurant, both of you having a mental breakdown at the thought of having to eat there.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You stand next to James, staring up at the menacing pink building. Taking a deep breath, James starts walking towards the door, only for you to reach out and grab his forearm. Confused, James looks at the tight grip on his arm before turning to face you.
“Do not make me go inside.” you plead. “I’m literally begging you.”
“You don’t want to eat here?” James asks in confusion.
You immediately start shaking your head.
“I’d rather die.” you blurt out.
“Oh thank Godric,” James breathes, letting you pull him down the street.
“You didn’t want to eat there either?” you ask, to which he shakes head. “Then why did you suggest it in the first place?!”
“I don’t know!” James yells back. “You’re a girl, I thought you’d like it.”
“Fuck no!” you deny before covering your mouth with your hand. “Sorry…no.”
You and James look at each other and then immediately break into laughter.
“So Hog’s Head then?” James asks as you quickly make your way across the street.
You walk in and make your way to the counter to place your order.
“What are you getting?” James asks, turning to look at you.
“I don’t know.” you mumble, eyes scanning the menu. “What are you getting?”
“Turkey sandwich with a salad and blackberry lemonade.” he tells you, nodding his head in thanks when the waitress writes down his order.
“Oh, that sounds good.” you hum.
“Do you want one?” James asks you.
“No,” you immediately shake your head, causing him to chuckle.
“I want…a grilled cheese. No! Wait!” you shake your head. “I want a pastrami sandwich.” you nod only to shake your head again. “No, no, no, wait. Gimme a minute.” you ask.
James shares an amused look with the waitress as you scan the menu for a third time. You quickly survey the restaurant and see a couple standing up.
“Oh my god babe, look. They’re leaving.” you point out. “Go get that table next to your friends before someone beats us to it.”
James looks between you and the table in confusion, Sirius’ words from earlier floating around in his head.
Girlfriends don’t like hanging out with their boyfriend’s friends.
“Are you sure?” James asks.
“Go, go, go!” you insist, pushing him lightly.
“James!” Marlene greets in surprise. “Let me guess…you got dumped?”
“Y/N’s ordering,” he tells her as he sits down. “She wanted me to grab the table before anyone could beat us to it.”
“Really?” Sirius asks, raising a suspicious brow.
“I keep telling you that she likes you guys.” James reminds him before turning his attention back to Marlene. “Are you here alone?”
“Unfortunately.” Marlene sighs. “Lily didn’t want to come and Dorcas has a cold. So I’m stuck being the only girl.”
“Not for long.” James tells her with a smile, standing from his seat to pull the chair out for you. “Took you long enough! I was starting to think you got lost.”
“Shut it.” you scold before turning to greet everyone.
“You guys are so cute.” Marlene coos, causing you and James to share an embarrassed smile.
“So how’s it going so far?” she asks, gesturing between the two of you. “I gotta be honest, love. When I found out you were dating this one, I thought you just about lost your mind.”
“Hey!” James whines with a frown.
Not taking your eyes off Marlene, you bring a hand up to cup James’ cheek affectionately. He turns his head the slightest bit, pressing a soft kiss to the palm of your hand before you pull it away.
“You and everyone else in this school,” you tell her with a laugh. “But it’s been great. James has been an absolute gentleman the whole time.”
“James? A gentleman?” Marlene repeats skeptically.
“It’s true.” you insist, giving James a soft smile before quickly turning back to her.
“He’s shown me nothing but respect and affection the whole time we’ve been together. He’s a real sweetheart.”
James takes a sip of his lemonade in an attempt to hide his blush. He fails miserably.
The food arrives shortly after and the conversation shifts to something else. After eating, everyone decides to start heading back to Hogwarts.
“You guys go ahead. I just remembered I needed some things from the Emporium.” you tell them with a sheepish smile.
“I’ll go with you.” James offers immediately.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” he nods with a smile. “Lemme just settle the bill and we can head out.”
“It’s okay, I got it,” you shake your head, digging around through your purse.
“What?” James asks, with a confused frown. “Love, no. I got it.”
“My love,” you say with a laugh. “You paid for all the candy at Honeydukes. And for my records at Maestro’s. The least I can do is pay for lunch.”
Before James can even attempt to argue, you’ve already pressed a kiss to his cheek, grabbed your wallet and skipped to the counter.
“James I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but Y/N is incredibly out of your league.” Marlene tells him with a chuckle.
“He knows.” Sirius says nonchalantly.
“No, seriously.” Marlene continues. “She’s beautiful, kind, she likes your friends, and she offers to pick up the tab? You better worship the ground she walks on.”
“Yes, Marlene,” James sighs with an eye roll.
“I mean it,” she insists, smacking his arm.
“Ow! Okay!” James agrees, rubbing his arm. “I’ll cherish her each and every day, alright?”
“Good.” she nods as they all stand from the table.
“Y/N? You’re picking up the tab? That’s a pity.”
You take a deep breath before turning towards the insufferable voice.
“Hello Michael.”
The waitress hands you your change back and you grab it with a smile before throwing it in your purse.
“You know, if you were dating me, you’d never have to pay for a single thing. I mean honestly, what’s the point of being with a tosser like Potter if he can’t even pay for lunch?”
“I’m not with James because of his money; I have my own.” you huff in annoyance. “And besides, there are more important things.”
“Like?”
“Personality. Though I wouldn’t expect you to know anything about that since yours is so terrible.”
“If I were you I’d watch how you talk to me, love. One day I’ll run out of patience.” Michael warns, leaning into your personal space.
“Hey!” James calls, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. He wraps his arm around your waist, pulling you into his side before looking at Michael with a tense smile. “Everything good?”
“Yeah,” Michael says, still staring you down. “I was just leaving. Let me know when you’re ready to be treated like you deserve.” he winks at you.
You both watch as he walks out the door before James looks you over, frowning in concern.
“Are you okay? Did he do anything?”
“Nothing but annoy me.” you mutter.
“You’re sure he didn’t hurt you?” James asks, continuing to check for bumps or bruises.
“Sweetheart, I’m fine,” you assure him with a smile. “He didn’t touch me.”
“If he bothers you again, let me know.”
“I don’t want you getting in a fight.” you remind him as he holds the door open for you.
“I’m not gonna let him intimidate you, either.” James argues. “So if he tries anything-“
“I’ll tell you.” you promise.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
“Don’t get me wrong, I love my father.” James rambles as he follows you around the emporium. “But I don’t want to take over the company.”
“Mm-Hmm,” you hum, coming to a stop in the middle of the aisle.
“I mean, sleakeazy is great,” he continues, waving around your shampoo bottle as he talks. “But I always dreamed of being an Auror once I’m done with school. Not a Potioneer.”
“Right,” you nod, handing him a bottle of body wash before walking to a different aisle. James grabs it from you and tucks it under his arm.
“But he’s so proud of it!” he continues.
You inspect a nail polish vial before shaking your head and putting it back. You cast a quick glance at James before turning back to all the colors.
“I mean, he made that concoction himself. He built the company from the ground up.”
“Mm-hmm,” you hum again. You grab another vial of nail polish and hold it up next to James’ head before putting it back.
“I can’t just tell him I don’t want to take over the company. That would devastate him! But then what other choice do I have? Force myself into a job I don’t want just to keep my father happy?” James rambles.
“What are you doing?” he finally asks as you hold yet another bottle of nail polish up.
“Trying to find a nail color that matches your eyes.” you say simply, before grabbing a different vial.
“Why?” James asks in utter confusion.
“I don’t know,” you shrug with a smile. “I just thought it’d be cute.”
“There’s nothing special about my eyes. They’re just brown.” James mumbles, shyly avoiding your gaze.
“They’re not brown; they’re hazel,” you correct with a roll of your own eyes. “And I think they’re beautiful.”
“I think you’re beautiful.” He says, trying to get the attention off of him.
“I mean it,” you insist, inspecting another vial. “They’re a soft, warm brown, with just a little bit of green in them. They remind me spring.”
James smiles softly at the analogy.
“Oh! I think this is the one!” you announce in excitement, flipping the bottle upside down to read the label on the bottom. “Forest Nymph. Fitting.”
“You know what you have to do, right?” you ask as you start to make your way to the register.
“No, what?” James asks, setting your items on the counter.
“You have to tell your dad how you feel.”
“Are you crazy?!” James asks, grabbing the attention of the cashier.
You wave her off with an embarrassed smile before turning to him.
“James, do you not listen to yourself when you talk?” you ask.
“Yes, your father is proud of his company; but you’re his son. You are his pride and joy.” you tell him, paying the cashier and grabbing your bag of items.
“He’s not trying to force you to take over the company. He’s trying to set you up so that you’re taken care of.” you explain. “What if you don’t know what you wanna do after leaving Hogwarts? What if you don’t have any plans for the future?”
“But I do!” James insists.
“So tell him!” you say with an exasperated laugh. “Tell him you plan on becoming an Auror.”
“And what? That’ll be the end of it?” James asks skeptically, taking the bag from you.
“Yes! Then he can just sell the company, if he doesn’t want to manage it anymore. He’ll have peace of mind knowing his son will be okay, and the company will be in good hands. It’s a win-win.”
“You’re brilliant.” James tells you, to which you just smile.
“I like your necklace by the way.” James comments, just now noticing it.
“Oh, thanks,” you hold it out for him to see. “It’s a locket.”
“It’s really pretty,” he tells you, taking in the gold heart with a smile. “What’s inside?”
“Nothing,” you laugh, undoing the clasp to show him the empty interior. “I still haven’t found anything worth putting in here. I just bought it because it was pretty.”
“Of course you did.” James rolls his eyes with a laugh.
“Shut up.”
When you get back to Hogwarts, you both go your separate ways. James heads to the courtyard to meet up with his friends and you go to the Gryffindor tower, wanting to take a nap.
“Y/N! I was hoping I’d run into you.” Marlene says from her seat by the fireplace.
“Oh?” you ask as you approach her.
“Yeah, I have something for you.” She says, flicking through a stack of pictures before handing one to you. “I snapped this one today during lunch. I hope you don’t mind.”
It’s a picture of you and James. James has his arm around your shoulder with you tucked into his side comfortably. In the photo, you smile up at James before looking away. Only a second later, James tilts his head down, gazing at you with a soft smile before turning his attention back to the conversation.
“It’s beautiful,” you tell her, continuing to look at the photo. “Thank you.”
“You guys are really cute together.” Marlene tells you with a knowing smile. “I’m glad now you’re physically able to see what we all see.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You’re lounging around in the courtyard with James and his friends when Maxwell, a seventh year slytherin passes by.
“Potter! What’re you doing just hanging around?” he asks smugly. “You should be going over plays instead of sitting with your girlfriend.”
“At least he has a girlfriend!” Sirius calls after him.
“What is he talking about?” you ask, looking up in confusion.
“The quidditch game on Saturday.” James sighs.
“Oh. What time does it start?” you ask with an excited smile. “I’ll be there.”
“You will?” Peter asks, looking over at you in confusion. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you at a game before. I thought that maybe you didn’t care about quidditch.”
“Well, I don’t.” you confirm before looking over at James with a smile. “But I care about James. He’s my boyfriend and he’s on the team, so I’ll be there cheering him on.”
“He’s more than just on the team, love. He’s captain.” Sirius informs you with a chuckle.
“Even more of a reason to go! I just need to find someone to explain the rules to me.”
“I can explain it to you,” James offers.
“Will you have time? I mean, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. I don’t want to be a burden.” You tell him before seeing Maddie across the way.
“Maddie!” you shout, getting her attention. “What do you know about quidditch?”
“Come with me to my room!” she says excitedly. “We have much to go over!”
“Guess I’ll see you guys later.”
You press a quick kiss to James’ cheek before following after Maddie. James looks over his shoulder, watching you with a soft smile until you disappear inside the castle.
“Wow, learning about quidditch for you? She sure is taking this relationship seriously.” Peter comments.
“Yeah, she’s pretty great.” James tells him with a nod. “I can't believe it took me so long to talk to her. I mean, she’s funny, she’s kind, she laughs at my jokes. I love spending time with her.”
“Careful Prongs. For a second there it almost sounded like you had real feelings for this girl.” Sirius chuckles.
James lets out a forced laugh.
“But you don’t…right?” Sirius presses.
“What?” James asks, avoiding eye contact. “Of course not. I’m just saying, it’s a good thing we’re getting along. That’s all.”
“Just as long as you don’t end up falling for her.” Sirius tells him. “This is all fake, remember?”
“Yeah,” James nods, giving his friends a forced smile before looking away. “Fake. Got it.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
You’ve been pacing back and forth for the past ten minutes when James finally steps out of the changing room.
“Hey,” he greets you with a confused smile. “I heard that you were out here. What’s up?”
“I just wanted to see you before the game.” you tell him, shyly avoiding his gaze.
“Oh?” James asks, crossing his arms as he leans against the wall. “Come to wish me good luck?”
“You don’t need luck,” you roll your eyes. “I came to ask you to be careful.”
“You worried about me?” he asks with a tilt of his head.
“Of course I am! If there’s one thing I learned about Quidditch it’s that it’s dangerous! Why you chose to play this game I don’t know but-“
“Hey,” James calls, reaching out to hold your hands. “I’ll be okay.”
“But, the beaters.” you insist. “And you’re playing against Slytherin and everyone knows that they don’t follow the rules and-“
“Please,” James scoffs. “They don’t stand a chance.”
“James, I mean it.” you tell him, worry evident on your features. “I don’t want you to get hurt. I want you to come back to me in one piece.”
“I will, I promise.” he assures you, pulling you into a tight hug. “Thanks for coming to see me before the game.”
“Potter! Let’s go!” someone calls from inside the changing room.
James sighs and shakes his head but you just laugh.
“Go,” you tell him with a smile. “I’ll see you after you win the game.”
Unfortunately Gryffindor doesn’t win; which makes sense considering Slytherin cheated. You’re standing a few feet away from the changing rooms, waiting for James when Peter calls out to you.
“Y/N! Do you wanna walk with us back to the common room?”
You look over your shoulder and see Peter, Remus, Marlene, Dorcas, and Lily standing a few feet away.
“No, it’s okay.” you shake your head at him. “I’m gonna wait for James.”
“I wouldn’t recommend that, love.” Remus says gently. “He never wants to see anyone after losing a game. Especially if we lost to Slytherin.”
“Oh,” you mumble before eventually waving them off. “You guys go ahead anyways. I still wanna check on him.”
“It’s your funeral.” Lily shrugs with a roll of her eyes before they all start walking away.
The gryffindor quidditch team all walk out of the changing room, giving you a tired smile as they pass you by.
“You guys did great,” you tell them with a grin. “Go get some rest.”
“Don’t take it personally if he walks right past you,” Sirius warns. “He’s pissed.”
You nod your head and smile at him as he runs to catch up with his friends. A moment later James comes out of the changing rooms, hair still wet from his shower.
“James!” you call, smiling as you wave to grab his attention.
James thought he didn’t want to see anyone after losing, but as soon as he sees you standing there, relief courses through him. He gives you a sad, tired smile as he makes his way to you.
As soon as James reaches you, he wraps his arms around you, pulling you into a tight hug. He drops his head into the crook of your neck, taking a deep breath, finding comfort in your warm embrace and the faint scent of your perfume.
“Good job out there,” you tell him, rubbing his back soothingly.
“Good job handing us the win.” A slytherin laughs as he passes by.
James pulls back from the embrace, turning his head away in a huff, getting mad all over again.
“James. Hey…look at me,” you plead. You gently grab his chin and turn his head, bringing his gaze back to you. “I mean it. You did great.”
James tries to look away again but you don’t let him, keeping his head in place, keeping his eyes on you.
“Sweetheart, listen to me. You went out there and gave it your all. That’s all anyone can ask of you.”
“We still lost.” James mumbles dejectedly.
“Who cares? We’ll get ‘em next time, yeah? You tried your best and that’s all that matters. I’m proud of you, okay?”
James gazes into your eyes before eventually nodding his head, giving you a small grin. You pucker your lips and tilt your head up, silently asking for a kiss which makes him chuckle. James leans down, kissing you once, twice, three times before pulling away with a genuine smile.
“Come on, you must be tired.” you tell him. “Let’s go lay down.”
With one hand holding his bag of quidditch equipment, James wraps the other around your waist as he starts leading you towards the Gryffindor tower. James presses a lingering kiss to the side of your head and you smile up at him, both of you completely unaware that you’ve walked right by his friends.
“I thought he didn’t like talking to anyone after losing a match?” Dorcas asks, confused.
“Yeah…I thought so too.” Sirius hums.
“Clearly, Y/N is the exception.” Remus tells them, watching you go with a knowing look.