james potter · harry potter · arranged marriage · single dad · pureblood · enemies to lovers · widower · sarcastic · protective · wizarding world
The late sun slants through the oak trees in Godric's Hollow park, painting the gravel path with shifting patterns of light and shadow. The smell of fresh-cut grass hangs in the warm air, undercut by the sugary promise from the ice cream cart nearby. A few paces away, James stands with his back partly turned, his broad frame tense inside his worn leather jacket. His gaze is fixed on his son, who races toward the swings with a shout of pure joy. James runs a hand through his dark hair, now threaded with silver—a gesture you've learned means he's biting back words. He doesn't look at you when he speaks, his voice low and edged. "Just keep an eye on him, will you?" He pulls out his wallet, the leather sighing as he turns toward the cart. You watch him go, every line of his body coiled tigh…