* * * *

G A P E

Girls.



A series of giggles erupted from the small group of girls. Their hands were pressed dutifully to their lips as he passed them, running a hand through his already untidy mane. More giggles.

He narrowed his eyes, confusion taking hold of his hazel eyes.

“What are they staring at?” he demanded, nudging the boy beside him with his shoulder.

The other boy wore a look of indifference at the giggles, but he offered an explanation all the same.

“I think…” Remus paused, and rubbed his shoulder. “They fancy your…flying.”

A sloppy grin slipped onto James’ face. “As they should…I’m fantastic.”

* * * *

P E N S I E V E

Not Necessarily.


Stubby fingers gripped the edges of stone basin. He reached a tentative hand to inspect the silvery liquid but his father got to him first.

The older man shook his head, tugging his son away. “James,” he scolded gently, fatigue etched into the wrinkles in his forehead. “That isn’t a toy.”

Perplexed, James shrugged, short arms reaching for the basin again.

His father exhaled deeply, throwing his son over his shoulder. “Trust me. You’re better off not knowing what was inside,” he said dejectedly. “When…you’re older, you’ll understand,” he offered, patting James’ back as he closed the door behind him.

* * * *

A R I T H M A N C Y

Trouble.


The tall boy backed into the loveseat, tripping over and landing awkwardly on the cushions.

He attempted to appease his shorter, yet more magically capable friend. “Okay, Moony, before you get ma—”

A beast-like snarl slipped out of his mouth, and James’ face blanched. He was going to die.

“Oh?” Remus snapped, his chest rising as he moved closer to James. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” he inquired as he shoved the parchment at James.

“Six hours, James, I worked on this assignment…and you chose to doodle in the margins?”

James swallowed, panicking. “It was an accident?”

* * * *

A S T R O N O M Y

Regret.



Lips pressed together, she suppressed a grin as he continued to speak.

“That one, right there? If you connect those together they make—”

She squealed, sitting up as she pointed, giddy as ever. “Oh, oh! It’s a Lily, right? Oh, they are such beautiful flowers.”

He stiffened and dropped his hand, the grass becoming increasingly interesting.

Her pout was inevitable, but he ignored it anyway, even when she plopped back next to him.

“James?” her voice barely above a whisper. “Did I say something wrong?”

She snaked her arm around his, nuzzling closer. “I’m sorry, I won’t talk anymore.”

* * * *

D I C T I O N A R Y

New Vocabulary.


“Think of it this way: now you can write notes with eloquence,” Peter said cheerfully, flipping through the pages as James continued to stare at the ribbon in his hands.

Sirius gave his shoulders a manly squeeze. “Oh, c’mon, James. We were all sick of your horrible spelling.” His laughter filled James with an unshakeable annoyance.

Not looking up from his essay, Remus shrugged his shoulders. “You act as if we’ve attempted to murder you.”

He turned sharply, narrowing his eyes at Remus and slapping Sirius’ hand away.

“You’ve taken away my creative integrity. I am no longer an original!”

* * * *

P L A I D

Clowns & Bad Friends.



He spins around and I try my best to feign interest.

“Wonderful, mate, truly. She’ll…go for that. Yeah.”

A sharp jab in my ribcage. Remus shoots me a severe look as if to say Watch it, James.

The plaid is distressing. He looks like a short Muggle clown. Like the ones Lily showed me. Still. He does sort of look nice.

“D’you reckon she’ll like the tie?” he asks earnestly.

Sirius and I exchange knowing looks. He speaks first.

“Oh, sure, Wormtail. She’ll love it. Oh, and make sure you do that eye brow wiggle James and I taught you.”

* * * *

U N T I E

Liar.


Eyes blinking slowly, James prayed that she’d forget all she saw. That she’d walk out of the door, and pretend that she never planned on surprising him with notes, a Feel Well! card, and a plate of cookies.

“James?” her voice squeaked uncharacteristically. “You mean to tell me, that you weren’t sick this entire time?” she inquired incredulously.

His mouth remained in the shape of a small O. The muggle radio that he’d procured over the summer was playing that song Peter liked and his tie was around his head.

“And take that tie off your head, you look ridiculous.”

* * * *

K I S S

Dreams of a Broken Heart.



Friendly whispers turn into hand holding and note passing. Jealous stares and the promise of a brighter future keep them blissfully unaware of the social chaos around them.

A socially acceptable match. A smart couple. Politics create tension at home, but they leave their woes behind like footprints.

She wants to know what it’s like to fly without a broomstick. He vows to take her to the moon and back; to watch birds and sunsets with her; to wake up and embrace every day.

A kiss on the cheek and a final whisper goodbye.

Silent tears.

“I like someone else.”

* * * *

F U T U R E

Don’t Worry, Mate.


“You’re hopeless,” Remus chided as he arranged James’ tie for the third time. “Hold still,” he commanded. “There.” He dropped his hands and moved to obscure James from his reflection in the mirror.

Sirius, leaning against the door, interjected playfully. “You’re still going to be ugly, mate, now stop preening yourself.”

They laughed, and James felt his nerves slip out of his body. “I’ve made it this far, haven’t I?”

“Yeah, never thought you’d make it,” Sirius murmured.

Remus clapped a hand on James’ shoulder. “You know we’re all happy to be here, Prongs.”

He smiled a lopsided grin. “Thanks.”

* * * *

N E W S P A P E R

Never Say Never.


Lily placed Harry into the crib; she glanced at James, a weak smile on her face.

“Good news, I hope?”

James folded the paper and tossed it into the bin. “Old news, really. Nothing special.”

He could only lie to her for so long. Lily could tell, from the forced smile, to the formal chit-chat. Something was wrong, but she wouldn’t press it. Not now. Not when their family was just getting started.

“Don’t worry so much,” he said, a small grin slipping onto his lips. “You remind me of my mother.”

She rolled her eyes and smacked his arm.

* * * *

O O Z E

Super Spy.


Strawberry jam seeped out of the pastry as James took a large bite. It dripped down his chin and stained his freshly pressed shirt. Stealthily he wiped at the stain, his eyes widening as it got bigger.

A knock on the door forced James to frantically run to his closet, stuffing the rest of his pastry into his mouth. His door swung open, and he closed his eyes, willing his intruder to go away.

“Hmm…I thought James in here,” he great-aunt said aloud. She shut the door behind her right as James fell out of the closet.

“Merlin…that was close.”

* * * *

C H E E R F U L

Hard to Explain .

The clinking of glass brought James out of his reverie.

“Jamesypoo, Sweetums, be a dear and fetch me more of the sparkling cider for me?”

He stared at his great-aunt for a long moment before moving to the kitchen. The party was depressingly boring; he almost wished that he could’ve caught Sirius’ illness so he could have missed the party too.

“Why so glum, my boy?” his Uncle Bernard’s rotund belly nudged James’ lithe form aside as he squeezed by. “This is a party, you should be happy and celebrating your cousin’s birthday!”

James merely shrugged and rejoined the adults.

* * * *

P O T I O N S

So Cheeky Mssr Potter.

Professor Slughorn is absurdly obese.

I have no idea how he gets through the door, let alone get up each morning with the deftness of an athletic teenager. At least, I think so anyway.

Ugh. He’s at it again. Talking to Evans and Snape like they are the crown jewels of some treasure he’d discovered recently.

Not that I would want to be part of that collection; I just think it’s weird that he’s fawning over them like a proud mother Thestral.

Oh, good grief, he’s talking at me again. Yes. Smile. Pretend to care about what he’s talking about.

* * * *

S L A P

Justice Served.

“Sit still.”

I wince as Peter places a cold, balled up rag on my face.

For some reason, I snap. “Merlin, are you trying to freeze me to death?”

His lips curl into a malevolent sneer; something I haven’t seen him do. Ever. “No, James, I’m trying to help. Now. SIT still.”

The rag feels nice against my cheek, and I marvel at Peter’s crude yet useful medical knowledge.

“It serves you right, you know,” he says, then glances down at me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean t—”

I hold up a hand, easing his worry.

“It’s okay, you’re right.”

* * * *

S P E L L

Your Point is Irrelevant .


“No way!”

A devious smirk crept onto Sirius’ lips. “Would I lie to you, Prongs?”

James shook his head, a mischievous grin slipping onto his lips as he pulled out his wand. Tapping the edge of the table, he leaned in towards his partner in crime.

“D’you reckon he’ll counter it?”

A shove from Sirius gave James the answer he’d expected. “Come off it, he won’t even know what hit him.”

They high-fived and were interrupted by a small cough. “That sounds dangerous…erm…”

James raised his brows and pushed his glasses up. “Oh, Reggie…It’s only dangerous if he, y’know, dies.”

* * * *

F E A S T

Don't Be Shy.

“BLINKY, I BROUGHT SOMEONE!!” exclaimed a rather obnoxious first year as he slipped into the kitchens. His hand was wrapped tightly around the hand of a slightly taller boy his age. The latter looked perplexed, torn, and curious.

“I…don’t think we should be here, Potter.”

James snorted, shoving Lupin playfully. “Don’t be like that. The house elves love cooking. DON’T YOU BLINKY?”

The boy chased the house elf around, earning him sighs from the other house elves. They were busy fussing over the night’s meal.

A house elf offered Remus a biscuit and motioned to the tables of food.

“Whoa.”

* * * *

A L L E R G I C

Stop Whining.


His throat was on fire. Eyes watering, he clutched the sheets tightly. Where was Madam Pomfrey when he needed her the most?

Merlin. He was going to die. Alone. Lips enlarged. Throat closed. Eyes puffy.

What possessed him to eat the cherries even though he knew better? That he would get like this, and be bed-ridden all day?

James let out a yelp.

“Quiet down, Mister Potter.” Her hands touched his cheeks and turned his face. “It’s remarkable. I have a patient whose arm is barely attached to his shoulder, and you’re here crying like a baby hippogriff. Tsk. Tsk.”

* * * *

P O R T R A I T S

Tiny.


“Good grief, she’s fat,” he said loudly, eyes widened at the large portrait before him.

“Hmph! Well, I guess you lot want to sleep outside. Good night!”

The group of first years groaned and started talking animatedly about how oblivious James Potter was.

He stumbled forward. Alarmed, he faced the crowd before him, looking for whoever pushed him.

“Don’t think I won’t fight each of you,” he declared, his small hands balled into fists.

“Calm down, Potter.” Sirius Black stepped forward smirking, dark mane not nearly as messy as James’. “You wouldn’t be able hit a fly with those fists.”

* * * *

A U T H O R ' S C H O I C E

Weirdly.


Her tears shoot his heart with a sudden realization. He imagines them to fill him with a deep uncontrollable desire to speak to her kindly. Her lips curl menacingly at the sight of him, and he understands that he has no place in her life, that he is better off staying away.

Still. He yearns for the day that he might wipe those tears and replace the past with understanding and sensitivity.

She is not Lily Evans, but for some reason this does not matter to him. Strangely, he wants to kiss her hand and start over.

“…Davies,” he says.

* * * *

C H A S E

Not Again.


Running in the corridors was a cheap thrill that gave Potter a reason to wake up late every morning. The feeling that he might make it to class just barely on time gave him a weird feeling of satisfaction.

“James, wait. WAIT!” yelled Peter behind him.

Smirking, James ran faster, laughing a little as his less than portly friend jogged behind him.

“Prongs, wait! Come on, don’t leave me behind!” He was wheezing, and James laughed even more. He turned the corner sharply and crashed into Professor Mcgonagall.

James nearly cursed.

“James Potter,” she said slowly. “Thirty points from Gryffindor.”

* * * *

D A R I N G

Satisfaction.


He dips a toe tentatively into the water. Shivering, he shrinks back.

The taller boy smiles triumphantly, placing his hands defiantly on his hips. He cocks his head, taunting the younger boy.

The latter shakes his head, a frown on his lips. He attempts to speak, but the older boy latches his lithe fingers around his thin arms.

Stuttering, he shrieks and nearly screams when he is thrown into the water.

The older boy laughs, and runs a hand through his messy black hair.

“Wot? Is baby Reggie afraid of the wittle cold wa wa?” James says, laughing once again.

* * * *

M U G G L E

You're Not Obvious.


“Really?” James grabs Remus’ arm in excitement. “Really, Moony? We’ll get to dress as muggles?”

Remus fights back an amused grin. “Yes, really. And we get to ride the, erm, trolleybusthing,” he says quickly. His cheeks flush with embarrassment. He isn’t as knowledgeable on the muggles as James proclaims him to be, but James neglects minute details.

He doesn’t care.

He shakes his hips, attempting a muggle dance he saw some kids doing earlier down the street.

“James, what…are you doing?” Remus inquires, unsure if the answer is something he wants to hear.

“Dancing, Moony, we have to blend in.”

* * * *

A U T H O R ‘ S C H O I C E

Repeated Failure.



Ink stained hands mark the start of many attempts to get her attention. His eyes hold contempt for the boys around her. He longs to be in her circle, but keeps his distance.

Promises of a happy future float around his memories like a sad lullaby. There is no hope, but he tries anyway.

Her friends keep their distance, but watch from afar.

A tight-lipped smile. Empathetic eyes. Rehearsed words. He backs away, acknowledging that he’s failed again; hands balled into fists, shaking.

Her voice is poison; he accepts it anyway.

She promises to keep in touch; they are friends.

* * * *

S O R T I N G H A T

It's Definitely Not You.
Brows raised in mock concern, James tilted his head slightly, eyeing the sullen boy with a look of curiosity and slight repulsion. He looks poor, he thought haughtily, lips curving to match his thought.

Puffing out his chest, he turned swiftly, and walked into the back of another first year.

She turned around, her burnt orange hair slapping him in the face. “You there.” She glared at James, then briefly looked behind him.

“Oh, Sev, come stand next to me, we’ll wait together.”

The boy walked slowly towards her.

Offended, James hoped that they wouldn’t be sorted in his house.

* * * *

V E X

You're a Big Brute, Sirius Black.


Sirius Black sat on James’ bed, holding Wormtail Jr in his hand, tossing and catching it. “Now, remind me again why I have to play the messenger?” He dropped the pet rock onto the floor, chuckling as he shrugged his shoulders innocently at James.

“Oops?”

James rushed over to where Wormtail Jr was situated. “Wormy?” he inquired quietly, scooping the rock into his hands. As he stood up, he shot Sirius a look of contempt and confusion.

“Padfoot…what did Wormy ever do to you?”

Snorting, Sirius slid off the bed, and knocked the rock out of James’ hand.

“It existed.”