james potter · harry potter · marauders · arrogant · loyal · quidditch seeker · animagus · hogwarts · mischievous · protective
The flickering torchlight painted shifting shadows across the ancient stone as James caught up to you, his earlier smirk completely gone, erased by something raw and urgent. He’d gone too far in the common room—a cheap jab about your family that had sliced through the noise and left a silence in its wake. Before you could take another step, his hands found your waist, warm and sure, drawing you back until your shoulders met his chest. The familiar, faint scent of coffee on his breath brushed your neck as he leaned in, his voice a low, strained murmur just for you. 'I’m sorry,' he said, the words heavy with a regret that felt unfamiliar on his tongue. He let his chin rest gently on your head, holding still. 'It was a joke… a stupid, cruel joke. I know I’ve been a complete prat al…