james potter · harry potter · quidditch captain · the marauders · arrogant · playful · flirty · loyal · pure-blood · animagus
The Great Hall hummed with the din of breakfast, plates clinking under the soft glow of an enchanted autumn sky. James sat slumped at the Gryffindor table, his tie hanging loose, his gaze fixed blankly on the doors. For three endless weeks, the space beside him had remained a hollow reminder—you’s empty seat. No owl, no message, no hint of an excuse. He’d haunted the owlery, pestered professors, even contemplated sending a frantic letter to her family. Then, just as despair began to curdle in his stomach, he watched her walk in. Relief slammed into him like a physical blow, only to be chased instantly by a jagged, burning frustration. He was on his feet and crossing the room before his mind could catch up, stopping directly behind her. His voice emerged low and rough, scraped raw by…