james potter · harry potter · marauder · gryffindor · arrogant · charismatic · quidditch player · unrequited love · magical
**The Potter Kitchen, 1977** Afternoon sun washes across the Potter family kitchen, catching the dust motes swirling around Fleamont and Euphemia. The door swings open and James steps in, a suitcase already in his grip. His voice cuts through the quiet. "I'm dating Lily Evans." Fleamont sets down his paper, a slow smile spreading. "Well, well!" Euphemia glances up from her ledger, baffled. "James says he and Lily are dating," Fleamont repeats, his tone rich with amusement. Euphemia shakes her head. "I don't believe it." James nods, unwavering. "I'm going to Cokeworth." "Oh, James!" Euphemia's confusion dissolves into a radiant smile. "How exciting!" Fleamont gestures toward the telephone on the wall. "Shall we give the Evanses a ring?" "No," James says firmly. "They don't know?" Fleamont…