Pairing:James Potter x gn!Reader - Marauders x Reader Content
Word Count: 5.9k (jdklfdh im sorry)
Warnings:Underage Drinking, Implications of… yeah. I think that’s about it.
Requested:Yes, a long time (i feel bad for only getting to it but i hope the nonnie stuck around to see this piece) by an anon who asked for James x Reader with childhood best friends to lovers trope.
Summary:In which, James Potter was busy writing himself a message on the wall but was too blind to read what he had to say.
Pictures.
In actuality they were only images. For Muggles, they stood stagnant, for James Potter they moved slightly.
But in deeper meaning pictures were moments in time captured in a frame. They were a personal reminder of things that were, things that used to be and anything else that didn’t fall into one of the other two categories.
James Potter adored pictures. His room was littered with them. A handful were of Quidditch players and Tutshill Tornados merchandise. One picture of him and his parents sat on the nightstand beside his bed. But adjourned on the wall to the left was a mostly blank wall. One small Tornados banner was pinned against the soft red paint and in the middle a picture he was particularly fond of.
The film captured James at the age of four. A broom was clutched in his left hand and a toothy smile on his face as the wind rustled his hair causing it to stick up more than it already did. Beside him was you, your eyes crossed and your tongue licking a swirled lolly.
When his mother had shown him the picture you had just left for home, making a young James quite sad that his friend couldn’t stay just a little longer. Euphemia Potter had smiled, handing the picture to her son. “It’s okay, my love. Now you have a piece of Y/N with you.”
“How?” James had asked, his lower lip jutting out in a frown.
Euphemia laughed. “The picture captures you together. Look how happy the two of you look!” she points at her son’s smile in the photo. “You can do whatever you’d like with it.”
James grinned, his eyes lighting up once more. “I want to hang it, mum!” he dragged her hand into the bedroom with him, climbing on top of his bedsheets and pressing the picture to the wall. “Here. That way I can say goodnight to them even when they’re not here.”
Euphemia Potter smiled watching as her son tucked himself under the covers. “That’s a brilliant idea, James.” With a wave of her wand, two pins fastened themself to the wall, the photo beneath.
That was the beginning of James’s love for pictures. More pictures would accumulate such as the one of him and his father at a Tornados game. Drawings you would give him of flowers and Kneazles. The pictures would come and go but yours stayed the same. An additional picture of you and James would later be added three years later when the two of you were seven. James’s broom no longer sat in one hand, instead was gripped with two and hovering five feet off the ground. He had a wicked smile on his face, his glasses slightly falling down his nose. You sat behind him, your small fingers clutching to his waist as the picture captured you mid-squeal.
Time went on yet the pictures of the two of you stayed the same. Along with your drawings, which had improved dramatically since you were seven, he’d occasionally find a Hollyhead Harpies banner plastered to his wall. When he came to scold you, pink banners adjourned in his hand, you’d laugh at the pout on his lips. He could never stay angry at you and always joined in on your laughter.
The final year before things would slightly change was the year before going to Hogwarts. A third picture was added at the age of ten. The Potter family had accompanied your family on a trip to Diagon Alley in which you had bought your screech owl, Juniper. James had one arm wrapped around you. His hair was untidy and a goofy smile was on his face as his other hand flicked your forehead. Your eyes were closed mid-laugh as one hand pushed his face away and the other perched with Juniper who screeched happily on your available arm.
Again, time went on quickly and changes were made in James Potter’s room but you were not one of them. He packed up his Hogwarts things the night of August 31st, leaving his room full of pictures with a soft smile.
You rode on the train with him, both of you waving goodbye to your loved ones. You grinned at him wickedly, “Excited?” you ask.
“Definitely.” he responded. “Do you have money for the trolley?”
You slide into a train compartment, one small boy already sitting there. “Yeah. Do you need to borrow some?”
James nodded and you rolled your eyes, handing money over to the kind witch who passed by, grabbing pumpkin pasties for you and Bertie Botts for James.
The ride was life-changing as you made acquaintances with similar mindsets. Two more boys entered your compartment and along with the scrawny boy from before, all of you made it to Gryffindor. “Where dwell the brave at heart” as James liked to put it.
First year was an interesting feat with James quickly falling head over heels for Lily Evans. Your friendship never faltered although the thought of her in his life made you feel odd. However, you were sure she wouldn’t be in his life for quite some time seeing as his persistent efforts were met with an equally stubborn rejection.
“She’s a firecracker, that one.” he sighed, walking beside you down the hall after another devastating encounter with Lily.
“You’re just embarrassing yourself now, my boy.” you reply, dubbing his nickname to ease the comment.
He smirked. “Then why do you hang out with me?”
“Because, I’m the one who makes sure you don’t cross the line from embarrassing to mortifying.”
He shakes his head with a silly grin. “I doubt that. You love me. That’s why.”
You laugh, an effective way of avoiding the curious ideas that ran through your young mind. “Don’t throw around the l- word so quickly! You’ve got to mean it.”
James bumped your side. “But I’ve known you for years.”
You ruffle his hair, making it messier than it already was. “Save it for Evans.”
—
The year ended and the two of you went home to Northern England hands overflowing with Gryffindor red, spirits high with a drive for Quidditch practice and addresses from Remus, Peter, and Sirius tucked away in your pockets.
James’s room changed tremendously that first year. Alongside the Tutshill Tornados merchandise were small Gryffindor banners, lions enchanted to roar at the touch. You had given him one of your sketches from the school year, one of Sirius and him laughing in Transfiguration, another of him and Peter skipping stones. The pictures of the two of you still remained, a small collection of dust coating the edges which he wiped away with a smile.
Second year was merry and full of high spirits. James had acquired his father’s invisibility cloak which gave cause to a number of nighttime rendezvous and adventures in the kitchens. Suspicion arose on Remus, whose monthly disappearances came to your attention. With the help of Sirius and Peter, the group soon discovered Remus’s guarded secret and accepted the furry little problem with open arms.
The Lily Evans situation did not get any better with James’s persistence holding up fiercely and her hatred toward him even more harsh. As Sirius had dubbed it, “Mate, at this point you’re never getting married.” Remus and Peter whole-heartedly agreed, sending James into an adolescent spiral.
“What if I don’t get married, Y/N/N?” he confided in you by the shores of the Black Lake.
You chuckled, his delirium quite adorable. “You’re going to get married, James. Trust me.”
He sighed, snapping a twig between his fingers. “It’s not definite.”
“Nothing is.” you counter.
James groaned. “I know. I know. But I would like it to be. Wouldn’t you?”
You contemplated the idea, a thought coming to your head. “What if it could be?”
He stared at you curiously. Your eyes lit up and James grinned. “Hit me.”
“If by the time we are thirty neither of us are married then we should get married to each other.” you propose, a proud smile on your face. “That way we can have a definite of our own.”
James grinned. “I like that idea. But what if one of us gets married before that?”
You frown. “Then I guess it’d be a flop. But it’s better than nothing, right?”
He agreed quickly. The sun was setting into a pond of pink. The wind rustled and birds chirped and the moment seemed picture perfect and James wished a camera would magically pop up and capture the moment so he’d be able to hang it on his wall for years to come. It did not work that way, instead, he turned to you with a smirk. “I don’t have anything to propose with.”
You looked down in embarrassment and gave him a shove. “We’re not getting married yet! It’s just a deal not the real thing.”
He rolled his eyes at you. “I know but it feels as though something special should happen. How about we seal with a spit swear?”
You stick your tongue out and pretend to gag. “Ew! No.” you flick his forehead causing him to wince. He grins before flicking you back, watching as you fall back onto the grass.
“I guess a flick works as well.” he sighs. “Y/N Potter has a nice ring to it.”
Your head falls against his shoulder. “I can’t believe I might be a Potter one day. Sounds disgusting.”
James laughs, the weight of your head feeling oddly familiar against his shoulder. “Oh, shut it!”
—
The years came and went. Third year, James made the Quidditch team and he quickly became a ladies man despite his obvious pining over Evans. You made sure to keep his feet on the ground as you didn’t want his ego to get larger than it already was. You came to all his games, occasionally bringing a camera so that James could add his moments of glory onto his beloved room wall. There was the time he tried dedicating a shot to you and ended up getting knocked off his broom by a Beater.
He made the next one thankfully.
On the other hand, you had earned the title of master dueler amongst the third years for your quick arm and sharp spellcasting. While James was at Quidditch practice: you, Peter, Remus, and Sirius would practice in empty classrooms although after a while they became rather bored as you would always win. James would cheer you on, even when you beat him there was a compliment of your skill and he was more than anything, proud.
The summer between third and fourth year was the year the Marauders got their first group picture together. Everyone had met up at the Potter residence, Euphemia Potter snapping the photo with Sirius and James to the left, Peter and Remus on the right, and you in the middle. James hung the picture on his wall as it was routine by now. The whole gang got to see his famous wall of pictures, his life an open storybook to anyone who looked closely.
Fourth year sparked love, pranks, and new ideas. Peter went on his first date, flaming at the cheeks as his friends waved him off embarrassingly. Group pranks ensued upon Snape whose oily hair was dyed all colors of the rainbow by the end of the first semester. You had gone on your first date as well, Steven Goldstein from Hufflepuff whom James threatened to beat up and Sirius who gave him “a talk”.
Most importantly, the group addressed Remus’s furry little problem seeing as each year he came back with more and more scars than before. Two ideas sparked up from the meeting and both were large feats that every member of the group was willing to take.
“So wait..” Peter asked. “You want to make a map… that tracks everyone in Hogwarts?”
James nodded and Remus shook his head. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Don’t look at me that way, Remus.”
Remus shoved him lightly. “How would that even work though? Isn’t it a little invasive?”
You smiled. “It most certainly is invasive but think about how awesome it’d be to have something like that. All we would need is…”
“A complex locator spell.” you and Sirius said together.
Everyone grinned. “Pete can do the drawing and sketching. He’s good at that stuff. We should check for secret passageways. All of us could do the magic. We’ve got the brains.”
“I don’t think someone with brilliant magic technique would use the word brain to describe their intelligence.” you point out. James simply flicked you in the head.
“And there’s the Animagi thing…” Sirius added.
“That’s a reach.” Remus replied.
“More than the map?” Peter questioned.
Remus sighed. “You guys don’t have to do that for me. I’ve been transforming on my own for years. No need to have buddies now.”
“Nonsense.” you say. “Anything for you, Rem. This is what you deserve.”
The friends looked at each other silently. “Are we ready to pull off the biggest student feat in Hogwarts history?” Sirius whispered.
“Aye, aye.” Everyone cheered.
Peter grinned. “We’re up to no good.”
James smiled back. “Then let us manage our mischief well.”
WIth that the group commenced, exiting the abandoned classroom they used and taking off to class. James walked by your side as you headed to astronomy together.
“I can’t wait till we pin this down. It’s going to be an epic year.” he grinned.
You chuckle. “I know you’ll end up stalking someone, Potter. Evans by the looks of it.”
He shook his head, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Nope. I’m gonna stalk you instead. See if you’re hiding any secrets from me.”
You smile. “What secrets could I possibly be hiding from you, my boy?”
James nudged your side with a smirk. “You’re telling me a good-looking fellow like yourself isn’t sneaking off with some other lad other than their best friends.”
You shook your head, the word “good-looking” repeating itself in your mind. “No. If I did I would tell you.”
“Good.” he said, starting up the stairs to the Astronomy tower. “I don’t need some arsehole stealing you away from me.”
You roll your eyes. “No one could ever steal me from you, James. I’m not a Quaffle.”
He nods with a grin. “Yeah. I suppose you’re more of a Snitch.”
You laugh, dashing up the stairs in hopes that you wouldn’t be late for your Astronomy lesson.
—
As one could guess more pictures and sketches made their home on James Potter’s wall. It was a cluttered mess but beautiful nonetheless. It was as though the wall had an expression of its own with its array of Quidditch jerseys, photographs, art, and ticket stubs. Nobody touched the wall except James as he liked having every picture in place. His wall organized the way he liked it best… messy.
Fifth year was the first year you didn’t see James every week. He had eagerly signed up for Quidditch camp and had left for Wales with promises that’d you write about the boys and the progress on the map and Animagi projects. The projects went well with Peter completing the outline sketches of the maps, Remus filling piles of papers on Animagi transformations and finally Sirius and you gathering the needed ingredients for the Animagi process.
You had grown taller over the summer, hair lightening and your features more accentuated. Eagerly you awaited James’s return and when the time did come you had woken up early in the morning to see him arrive by Portkey on the hill. The second he appeared you had rushed over, engulfing him in a hug. You had missed his touch, his constant nagging and overall the James Potterness that followed him around that would never fade with time.
Meanwhile, he was left out of breath, a couple of inches taller and a smile on his face as he squeezed you back. “Y/N/N! I missed you, you lazy hag.”
You laughed, messing up his hair that sat more neatly than in previous years. “And I missed you, my boy.”
The next days before school were spent catching him up on the map and at the pond by your house. With each swim you noticed the changes in James such as the six-pack the tedious trials at Quidditch camp had given him.
“Oi!” you shouted, splashing him in the face. “Whatever happened to the skinny twig that was my friend?”
He smirked. “Oi! Why are you looking?”
You bit your lip, not allowing him to see you flustered. “I’m sorry. You’re my best friend and it’s a very noticeable change!” you pointed at his toned stomach.
James tapped your nose and you stared at him in annoyance. “It’s only noticeable if you want to notice it.”
He turned around, making to walk back to the shore of the pond. You didn’t remember when James had gotten so cheeky although he’d always been that way, just never with you. Wickedly, you took the bucket that floated beside you and dunked it in the water. With a mischievous grin, you snuck up behind him, dumping the bucket of water on his head.
James turned around with a gasp, jaw dropped. You laughed, a wide smile on your lips at the sight of him drenched in his swim trunks. It wasn’t until his arms tucked along your waist, dragging you to the deeper ends of the pond did the smile drop and his return.
“Why you little…” you seethed. “James Fleamont Potter if you-”
It was too late by then, your body submerged in the water and you swam up, his laughter the first noticeable sound. You scowled as he doubled over with laughter on the shore. “I’m never letting you go to Quidditch camp again.”
The two of you walked home as the sun set, many flicks to the forehead ensuing as you did.
—
Fifth year was by far the most epic year of your Hogwarts experience. Everything was prepared for the Animagi transformation and phase two of the map project was ready to launch with Remus having gained access to the restricted section of the library.
It seemed as though the whole student body had recognized the change in James’s physique which only led to an inflation of his ego. The worst part was that Lily Evans just so happened to be one of those said noticers and while her defiance toward him was still strong, she could be caught staring in class much to James’s delight.
The Animagi process began as soon as the September full moon. While Remus suffered in the Shrieking Shack, the four other Marauders set their Mandrake leaves into their mouths preparing for an uncomfortable month of bitterness on their tongues. The leaves were held under their tongues when talking in class and for the rest of the time they resorted to note passing leaving the entirety of Hogwarts wondering why the Marauders went quiet so suddenly.
During the period between moons, they worked on their map. Stacks of books, both regular and restricted, lay among them. Each had a quill and parchment used to take note of spells or pass messages back and forth. As you worked you received a message from James in the form of a crumpled ball of parchment. You smoothed it out with a sigh.
I hate this thing. It tastes like piss and lime.
You held back a chuckle, writing your own message next to his.
You’re not backing out of this, Potter. It’s for Remus.
He stuck the leaf under his tongue in order to stick it out at you and you rolled your eyes. He scribbled a message back.
I know. I know. Doesn’t mean I can’t complain about it.
You smirked, tossing the parchment back to him.
If your scrawny arse can come back from Quidditch camp with abs then you can stomach keeping a leaf in your mouth for a month.
He smoothed it out and you went back to your work only getting in a minute’s reading before the parchment bounced off your head. You scowled at his antics but he only looked at his book with a smirk. Unfolding the paper, James’s messy handwriting took up the last blank space on the parchment.
Nice to know you still think about my abs.
Your stomach squirmed at the feeling that inflamed from his words and the smirk that was on his face. You flicked him on the head, throwing the parchment into the fire before Sirius could ask what it was.
—
It took moon soaked leaves, untouched morning dew and a lightning storm to finally complete the transformations. It was on a late November night that a lightning storm finally struck and in the fifth corridor bathroom the Marauders made their first transformations. For Peter, a small rat with a wriggling tail. For Sirius, a pure black dog. For James, a large stag with mighty horns. For you, a sly fox with sleek orange fur.
Thus that night began the use of the nicknames: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs and Vixen. Dubbed by James and agreed upon all around. The final full moons of fifth year were spent prancing around Hogsmeade alongside Remus whose scars diminished with each transformation spent with his friends.
The downside of it all was the building tension in the school. With Lord Voldemort on the rise, more and more of your classmates were showing their true colors. Select Slytherins no longer wore short sleeves, their wrists always covered even in the heat of summer. Watchful eyes and protective glares, you went home for summer in worry.
Over the summer, Prongs lost his Pronginess. He wrote to Lily Evans most days of the week and now the things she sent him hung on his wall alongside you and the Marauders. An anticipated change but a scary one still. Every outing with James became more about Lily and less about anything else. You could feel your best friend slipping away and you told him so the night before the start of sixth year.
The two of you sat together in the branches of a tree. The sun hit your skin in rays and clouds passed by over your heads. James’s voice droned on about his darling Lily flower and with an unknowing malice you snapped at him. “Shut it!” you groaned.
His eyes looked over at you, hands holding your head in remorse. “Aren’t you happy for me? You’ve been acting off all summer.”
“I’ve been acting off because you’ve been acting off. I am happy for you but Evans is the only thing you talk about these days. What happened to talking about the Tornados or sneaking out together for milkshakes?”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s different now.”
“Well, it shouldn’t be.” you exclaim. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t grow up. I support the idea of you no longer being a cheeky bastard. If you’re happy with Evans then I am happy for you. But being with Evans doesn’t mean you have to forget about me or the Marauders or everything else.”
James nodded, a leaf spinning between his fingers as he frowned. “I’m sorry, Y/N/N.”
You shake your head. “I am too. Sorry I snapped at you, my boy.” your head fell onto his shoulder the same way it had done for years only this time things had changed. The weight still felt perfect on his shoulder but now his stomach turned and his breath hitched at the close proximity. Things were indeed changing although the two of you only danced around it, not wanting to address the mess you two had made.
Your head was still against his shoulder as you spoke quietly. “Just remember you’re not a Quaffle.”
He chuckled, stroking your hair affectionately. “I guess I’ll be the snitch then.”
You smiled, swimming in the feel of the James Potter you knew so well. Later that night, the two of you snuck out like old times, sharing a chocolate milkshake and sending each other glances the whole way home.
—
Sixth year was a rollercoaster. The map was finished, all the efforts poured out finally receiving an equally impressive outcome with the parchment branded with the names of the Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs and Vixen. Remus had his first kiss and Sirius decided on leaving home and James welcomed him with open arms.
The other Marauders were not impartial to the changes in your and James’s behavior. The miniscule changes in his face when you napped on his lap or the flush of your skin when he rustled your hair. In all honesty, it was as though the two of you were finally waking up and seeing what they’d been seeing all along. However, your own defiance was strong and love wasn’t simple. James was still under the impression that his heart beat for Lily Evans and you flirted around your feelings as opposed to finally confronting them.
When Gryffindor won the Quidditch season, you were the first one in James’s arms to congratulate him. He spun you around, a large grin on his face. “We won!”
You smiled. “That you did, my boy. Celebration calls and are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
He tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear. “Hmm? Let me guess… Firewhiskey?”
“That’s my boy.” you cheer, linking your arm in his and dragging him off the field as Lily Evans watched the boy she had taken a chance on run off with someone else.
—
Firewhiskey made for a fine celebration and resulted in James and you collapsed on the floor of the Gryffindor common room at two in the morning. His glasses were crooked as he stared up at the ceiling and your hair fell in waves on the floorboards.
“Blimey, I can’t believe we won.” James chuckled, his words slurring together slightly.
“You deserve it, my boy.” you say, lightly punching his arm. “How are you feeling on this fine evening?”
His cheeks went pink but a smile overtook his features making for a hilarious expression when he shouted out. “Randy!”
You doubled over with laughter. “Gosh, James. I don’t need to hear about this.” you shove his grinning face with your palm.
“What, you’ve never felt randy before?” he asked, a childlike expression on his face juxtaposing such an intrusive question.
You hide your embarrassment behind a grin. “Yes, but I’m not going around telling you about it.”
He tapped your nose with the tip of his finger and your stomach swirled. “And why not?”
You turned over to your side. “I’m not sure best friends tell each other about being randy, Prongs.”
James sighed. “I guess not. But how are you feeling, my little vixen?”
With a swig of your drink and a grin you reply. “Randy.”
The two of you erupt into fits of laughter. James pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I suppose it’s the whiskey then.”
You stare up at the ceiling. “Yeah, I suppose so.”
Both of you knew that wasn’t the case. You knew that despite the whiskey slowing the gears of your mind you still noticed James’s hand laying by your waist. You could still trace the outline of his chin and the bridge of his nose. James could still see the curve of your lips and the rise of your chest. Firewhiskey was most definitely not the cause of your randiness.
But it was the easiest thing to blame.
—
Your birthday came soon after with the Marauders celebrating in joy. Presents were exchanged with Remus giving you some books, Peter knitted (with the help of his mother) a pair of mittens for you and Sirius had gifted you a record to play on your stereo.
But James had to be extravagant. It wasn’t everyday his best friend turned seventeen and he marked the occasion with something expensive yet meaningful. When you opened the small box inside had been a silver fox ring. It’s eyes sparkling gems that twinkled as if blinking.
“James, I’m going to kill you.” you seethed. “This is way too expensive. I’m turning seventeen not fifty.”
He laughed. “Oi, woman! It’s fine. Nothing I couldn’t handle. Besides, only the best for you.”
You stared at it once more before engulfing him in a hug. “It’s beautiful, my boy. Thank you.”
His arms squeezed your waist, breathing you in and remembering the sweet smells of childhood and friendship rolled into one. His eyes closed and it was as if he had drifted off into a pleasant dream. “Of course, my little vixen.”
You made certain to flick his head after.
He was starting to regret giving it to you already.
—
Sixth year came to a close with an even more devastating end than the last. The war only continued to rage with Muggles being murdered miles away from the school, Muggle-borns driving into hiding. Sirius’s brother was slowly falling into line with the other Slytherins, devoting their hours to the torture of Muggleborns, Lord Voldemort and the likes.
James left Hogwarts heart-broken when Lily Evans broke up with him on the last day of term. “Look around!” Lily had told him. “You’re blind, James. I’m not the person you want and it’d be clear if you’d stop and take a look.”
He hadn’t known what she meant and the first week of summer was spent crying and eating ice cream on the sofa with you by his side. His room had become a mess and Lily’s letters no longer remained on the wall instead crumbled up in a ball in the trash.
Euphemia Potter couldn’t dread to see her son in the dumps any longer and she made sure to tell him so one evening after you had left.
“James, you need to get your life together, my love.” she whispered, rubbing her sons back reassuringly.
His words came out muffled into her neck. “It’s hard.”
“I know.” she soothed. “And I’m always going to be there for you.”
“Promise?” he asked.
“Promise.” she smiled. “Now how about you go clean your room. It’s become quite dirty.”
He nodded, trudging to his room with a broom. Lily’s words repeated in his mind as he entered. “You’re blind, James. Look around!” But there was nothing to look for. All he saw was his wall and a soft smile came to his face as he approached it. The Tutshill Tornado banners clung loosely to the paint and drawings of Kneazles and landscapes and trees. Pictures of the Marauders and Gryffindor lions.
And finally the ones of you.
His fingers ran across the picture in the middle. Four-year old James grinning and you licking a lolly. His eyes moved to the next one, seven years old and flying together on a broomstick. A grin broke out on his face as he saw the one with your owl in Diagon Alley, his fingers flicking your forehead. James’s mind was on hyperdrive as he examined each picture, one common factor in almost all of them.
You.
You were in many of the photos, a smile adorned on your face. If you weren’t in the photos you were the one taking them, knowing how much he adored them. Any pictures that hung were sketched by your hands. Here was James Potter’s open story, the story of his life all plastered to the wall as though it was an empty canvas. Present in every moment, every aspect, had been you. You had been the start of his book, the picture of the two of you as tots still smacked in the middle of the wall. Yes, he realized. You had started his book and had remained in it for quite some time.
Lily Evans must’ve noticed and maybe everyone else had too.
James had been blind to the message that was sprawled across his wall. He had been the one writing it, maybe not knowingly but writing it out all the same. Everyone had seen it except the writer and his subject, the message painstakingly clear years prior to its conception.
He quickly removed all the pictures from the wall, grabbing each one that hung and piling them up in his hand. The door swung open as he dashed out of his room yelling, “I’ve got to go, mum!” before running out the front door. The hills of green were illuminated by the night sky, the stars burned for James as he hopped over branches and boulders to get to you.
Your house was in the distance, your figure standing a few feet away from the home. He called out to you, your eyes turned to meet his. When he reached you, he paused, catching his breath.
“James, what on Earth are you doing here?” you laugh, placing a hand on his shoulder as he breathed.
He stood up straight, panting as he held up a photo. “This is us when we were four. The first photo we ever took together.”
You squinted at him. “Right?”
He shuffled through the pictures, fingers tracing each one. “And this is from when we were seven. That one from when we were ten. You gave me this drawing when we were six because you loved Kneazles and wanted one as a pet. That drawing was from the first year when we went skipping stones at the Black Lake and you sketched me and Peter.”
Your face melts slowly. “James, I don’t understand. You’ve had these for years.”
He exhaled, his eyes lighting up. “That’s the thing. I never saw it till now but Lily said I was blind and that she wasn’t the person I wanted.” You nod, wiping the sweat from his forehead with your sleeve and he grinned. “See that right there. That’s what I want.”
The night air bit at your spine. “You want me to wipe the sweat from your forehead?”
He shook his head with a soft chuckle. “Not exactly. I want you to wipe the sweat from my forehead for the next year and the next ten and then the next fifty. You’ve been doing it for years already and the thing is… I don’t think I want anyone else doing it for me.”
You blinked as he came closer, his palms cradling your cheek as you gazed into his eyes. “You’ve been in my life for as long as I could remember and I want you to stay in it for as long as I live. You told me once to not throw around the l-word and I said…”
“But I’ve known you my whole life.” you mutter.
“I think I’ve loved you for a while. I just didn’t know it yet.”
You shook your head as the wind rustled the branches, the windchime on your porch creating soft melodies. A large grin spread across your lips yet you continued to shake your head. “There’s a war, James.”
He smiled. “Only more the reason to be with me.”
“But I’ve been with you my whole life.” you tease.
“Oh, shut up!” he chuckles, before leaning down to capture your lips. At that moment everything made sense. All the pieces of the puzzle sifted into place and the stars applauded you from the sky and the night gale created a ruckus at your shed blindfold.
“Be my Snitch?” he asked.
You rolled your eyes, “That’s the cringiest thing you’ve ever said, my boy.”
He smirked. “Oh, but you love it.”
“Perhaps I do.” you replied, flicking his forehead for good measure.
—
Let me know what you thought? Send an ask to be added to my taglist!
She stood abruptly. The clinks and clatters of silverware hitting plates echoed. The sixth-year Gryffindor stood tall at the side of the table, towering over the rest of the sitting family. The younger boy beside her shrunk in size, watching with terrified grey eyes. The boy across from her watched with determination and a smirk across his lips. The parents at each end of the table stared with distaste.
“You won’t lay a finger or a wand on Regulus.” Y/n said lowly, and Walburga smirked, placing her wine glass on the white table cover, “And who are you to tell me what to do?”
Walburga rose from her seat slowly, both hands on the table, “You’re just the disappointment of the family. The mistake.” She spat, “You are the last person who should be giving an order.”
“Leave her alone!” Sirius exclaimed, “Y/n did nothing, and you know it.”
Orion quirked an eyebrow, “Don’t act like we don’t hear your conversations in your bedroom, Sirius. Y/n here is dating that Potter boy.”
“She is?” Walburga chuckled, “Why, dear, continue to add to your list of mistakes.”
“This isn’t about me.” Y/n growled, “This is about Regulus, and so help me if I hear another word of you turning him into a death eater, I’ll go to Azkaban myself for your deaths.”
Regulus placed a soft hand on hers that laid on the white tablecloth, “Please….”
“I will take my wand,” Y/n continued, “and I will stick it to your throat. Maybe I’ll even do the crucio curse on you a few times so that you can understand what we went through as kids. But it’ll always end the same, with your dead bodies laying on the floor.”
Walburga whipped out her wand, muttering a silent spell Y/n froze, “We’ll see who’ll be giving out the unforgivables, dear.”
Sirius jumped from the table and ran in front of his sister before his mother could perform another spell. Regulus wanted to cry. Why were they going through all of this for him? It didn’t seem fair. Y/n had just blatantly threatened their parents with their deaths, and yet both brothers felt a sense of - what was it - pride? Was that bad of them? They shouldn’t be feeling this way.
“Don’t touch her.” Sirius seethed, “She’s unarmed and paralyzed. That would be low of you.”
“Since when do I care how low I go?” Walburga replied, glancing at Orion; his wand went to Regulus’s neck.
Sirius was panicking, “Take her and yourself up to your bedroom; otherwise, Regulus will feel much more than despair.”
He swallowed but obeyed his mother’s order. Carefully he scooped Y/n into his arms and walked up the multitude of steps. When he entered the bedroom, the door closed behind him immediately, and a click was heard. The door had been locked, and Sirius sighed. He laid Y/n down on his bed. It wasn’t until the following morning that the spell wore off.
Y/n rubbed her eyes and stretched her stiff limbs. It was early in the morning, and the sun was barely rising. Sirius was drawing in a sketchbook Remus had given him. She longed for fresh air, but the window was locked after they attempted to escape back in fourth year. Sirius’ head snapped up at the noise of her yawning.
“Morning, sis.”
“Morning, Siri.”
He hesitated, “How’re you feeling?”
“Stiff.” Y/n continued to stretch her arms, “But nothing I haven’t gone through before.”
Sirius smiled, “Quidditch has helped, hasn’t it?”
“Being the best Gryffindor Seeker takes work.”
Silence filled the room like greeting an old friend, seamless, calm, and straightforward. The Blacks were always well acquainted with silence, the twins more so. After being sorted into Gryffindor, they had to be. Sirius went back to sketching his book. The quill hit the parchment with a soothing scratching noise that Y/n adored so much.
If Y/n closed her eyes, she could remember being in the library with James for the first time. She could remember how messy his hair looked, how he tucked his teeth into his plush bottom lip, how his hands held the quill and wrote smoothly across the parchment, how his cheeks flushed a brilliant magenta when he caught her staring at him, how his hazel eyes glittered with mischief but admiration at the same time.
“Thinking about him again?” Sirius broke her out of her wistful reverie, “I haven’t gotten in contact with him over the mirror before you ask.”
Y/n shook her head, “I wasn’t gonna ask that. I just hope they don’t hurt him.”
“They won’t.” Sirius assured, “James is well protected between Euphemia and Fleamont. He’ll be fine.”
“What about Rem?”
“What about him?”
Y/n gave him a look, “Don’t act like I don’t know. I know you better than myself.”
“I trust Moony.” Sirius blushed, “Nobody knows other than you and James, not even Peter. I won’t let those bastards get ten feet from him.”
Y/n stood up from Sirius’ bed and sat beside him on the floor. Their backs against the wallpaper-covered canvas. Her head lay on his bony shoulder, and he wrapped a skinny arm around her shoulders. Y/n looked in his sketchbook. He was sketching the five of them together at the Black Lake. It was beautiful.
James was laying on the ground, golden snitch flying above him - the snitch being the first one Y/n caught. Remus against a tree mere feet away from James reading a book, Sirius under his arm, not unlike how the siblings were sitting at present. Peter and Y/n engaged in what appeared to be a challenging chess game. The lake was sketched with ripples and sparkles. Remus had almost every scar visible - it wasn’t hard for Sirius to study him but lacked studying any subject.
Y/n had thought about what it would like in color. The pear-colored grass, the sapphire sky, and the cotton-like clouds. Sirius’ alabaster skin, dark chocolate hair, and slate eyes. James’ walnut-colored hair with caramel highlights, tanned skin, and vale eyes. Remus’ sandy blond hair, olive eyes, and beige scarred skin. Peters peach skin, his buttermilk-colored hair, and arctic eyes. Her s/c skin, e/c eyes, and h/c hair.
She could envision the snitch’s golden glistening color. The color of their clothes. The red and gold of the Gryffindor tie. The golden rims around James’ glasses. Remus’ pink cheeks. The brown logs and the jade leaves falling from them—the deep blue color of the Black Lake. The white highlights of the images show the glittering and rippling effect. Suddenly, she knew why Sirius liked drawing.
“Like it?“ Sirius nudged her shoulder.
Y/n nodded, “Yeah, looks beautiful.”
“Thinking about maybe painting it on one of my canvas’. Do you think it’ll come out good?”
“I think it would look gorgeous.” Y/n confessed, and Sirius’ cheeks flushed, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to buy it from you.”
Sirius chuckled, “Siblings get it for free.”
“Do we now?” Y/n smirked, “I will definitely take advantage of that.”
“I’m sure you will.” Sirius laid his head on top of hers and continued to draw.
A couple of days later, when Sirius began painting the picture on his canvas, the mirror had started to flicker. He grinned like a kid on Christmas and placed it on a table where James could see himself painting. Y/n was in the corner reading a book but perked up after hearing her boyfriend’s soothing voice.
“How’s summer going, Blacks?”
Sirius smiled, continuing to paint, “It’s going great!”
James deadpanned, and Y/n almost laughed, “How’s it really going, Pads?”
Neither of them answered, and James surveyed the room, “Did they lock you in your bedroom again?”
“Fuck no!” Sirius replied matter-of-factly, “We can go wherever we want to.”
“You’re stuck in your bedroom.” James sighed, “But you can keep lying to yourself to keep yourself from hurting those around you.”
James took in Y/n’s sorrowful e/c eyes and Sirius’ reflex to run his fingers through his hair when nervous. He could see how messy the room had gotten and how skinnier they looked. Sirius’ cheeks were caving in, and Y/n’s body became less curved. It broke James’ heart a thousand times over. On selfish days James thought it hurt him more than them.
“Come on, let me break you out of there.” James begged, “Please?”
Y/n shook her head, “You can’t, James.”
“Why not?”
“They know about us.” Y/n informed, and James’ face softened, “I can’t let them hurt you.”
“But- But they aren’t even feeding you guys!” James exclaimed, trying to make some form of an argument.
“They give us small portions,” Sirius mumbled.
“To share.” James rolled his eyes, “Please! I’ll do anything. Just let me break you guys out.”
Tears collected in Y/n’s eyes, “You can’t. And we won’t leave Regulus behind.“
“To hell with it! Bring Regulus with us!”
“James,” Y/n began softly, “This fantasy you’re having of helping us escape the old evil witch is going to get you nowhere. We’re stuck, and we can’t leave our tower.”
“No,” James shook his head, eyes filled to the brim with tears, “I will come for you guys, and- and I won’t stop until you’re home.”
Sirius wrapped an arm around his sister, “We love you, mate. But Y/n’s right. We can’t go anywhere but here.”
“I won’t take no for an answer.” James retorted, wiping his tears, his eyes filling with a determination Y/n and Sirius saw when he began a prank, “I will get you three out of there. No matter what.”
“Whatever you do,” Y/n sniffled, “Be careful.”
James smirked, “Always.”
The mirror went blank again, and they only saw their reflections. Y/n wiped her eyes and went back to sitting on the bed, a book in her lap. Sirius put the mirror face down on the night table and released a breath of relief. He resumed his position in front of the canvas with his paintbrush in hand. It wasn’t acrylic paint. It was watercolor.
It was days before the painting was finished. Sirius’ focus didn’t stay long after being malnourished for almost two weeks now. Y/n ended up spending most of her time studying or reading the Muggle books Remus provided. They still hadn’t heard any sign of James, which could’ve been bad or good. Sirius decided to stay optimistic.
The days grew longer and more drawn out the longer they were stuck in Sirius’ bedroom. Most days, they couldn’t drag each other out of bed. Sirius would lay on her while she read out loud whatever paperback Y/n had been fascinated with at the time. They weren’t allowed to shower, and Sirius’ hair went greasy. It was gross.
Finally, after a month, they heard movement. It was late at night, and the sky was covered with clouds. Bright light flooded the small room that Y/n groaned at. Sirius rubbed his eyes and sat up to open the curtains. When he opened the curtains, he wasn’t met with the sun but rather a flashlight in a boy’s hand. The boy’s mouth was moving, but Sirius couldn’t hear a word.
The boy - who Sirius now recognized as James - motioned for him to move to the side. Sirius sidestepped, and James pointed a wand at the window, allowing the window to unlatch. It made a cringe-worthy noise. Sirius opened the window quietly, and Y/n sat up.
“What the bloody hell are you doing, Sirius?”
James snorted, “Well, isn’t she pleasant.”
Y/n jumped up at James’ voice, “What’re you doing here? You need to leave! Go!”
“Relax, I’m here to get you out of here.” James smiled, “Get your trunks. I have a port key outside.”
“James,” Y/n said softly, “Regulus, I won’t leave him.”
James placed both hands on her shoulders, “It’s time to pick. Either you get out of this miserable mess with Sirius, or you stay here with Regulus.”
“And I hope,” James continued, “That you finally choose yourself.”
She shook her head, pushing him away, “Take Sirius. Go anywhere. I won’t leave without Regulus.”
“Sis-“
“No.” Y/n stood her ground, “Reg and I will leave eventually but not now.”
Sirius packed his trunk. It was filled to the brim with books, journals, and clothes. It was hard to close, but Sirius got the latches to click. He stared intently at it, almost debating on whether or not he should do it. He’d be leaving both his siblings behind. Y/n hugged him tightly.
“Go,” She whispered, “Get out of here. You’re dying to explore. Remus and James will give that to you.”
He nodded and kissed her hair before throwing his trunk out of the window. Sirius landed on the soft grass, and James was left standing in the room. His hazel eyes filled with sorrow and despair. Y/n was his princess, and he couldn’t save her no matter how much he wanted to.
“I’ll find my way back to you,” Y/n assured, “I always do.”
James wrapped his arms around her tightly, “I’ll see you on the train.”
“I’ll see you.”
They pulled away, laying their foreheads together. James nuzzled his nose gently, making her smile at the soft gesture. His lips caught hers in a passionate, gentle, and loving kiss. James’ lips were so smooth, and they always had a tint of cherry chapstick. When they parted, his lips were pink and parted. Y/n smiled.
“Go,” Y/n pushed him away gently, “Go help my brother.
He nodded, and before he could jump out of the window, “James,” He turned, “This isn’t the end of us. I will get out of here if it kills me.”
“That’s my girl.” James smirked, “You escape this place even if you die trying.”
“Always.”
He gave her one last smirk before jumping onto the soft grass where Sirius was waiting. James grabbed his broom, and Sirius grabbed his trunk. They both placed their hands on the dirty sock, and within seconds they were at the Potter Manor at Godric’s Hollow. Y/n closed the window and locked it again as she watched them disappear.
It wasn’t until the start of the year when they unlocked Sirius’ bedroom to notice him missing. Regulus was heartbroken, and Y/n got the blame for it, which resulted in her being the receiver of many curses. They boarded the Hogwarts Express together for the first time since Regulus’ first year. Slytherins and Gryffindor were not supposed to be found together.
The siblings sat together alone in a compartment. Y/n didn’t miss how happy Sirius seemed now. His cheeks were whole again, and his ribs weren’t on full display—James’ arm around him and Remus. Y/n put an arm around Regulus, holding him close. Regulus allowed himself to melt into his older sister, his protector. James saw them, and he saw the bruises on Y/n’s cheek. If only he could see what was beneath her robes.
Hogwarts seemed dull. Not much happened between Y/n and the marauders. Her full-time job had become taking care of her little brother’s broken heart. Nothing happened between her and James other than small exchanges between classes, sex in broom cupboards, or kisses in the Astronomy tower. They spent very little time together but made it work.
The summer approaching her seventh year was dreadful. Y/n didn’t get locked in her bedroom this time, but the dinners were horrendous. It was silent, and the only noises were culinary on plates. Regulus looked terrified, and their parents looked to be communicating with their eyes or telepathically. Orion set down his utensils and crossed his arms.
“I believe we have a decision to make.”
“Pardon?” Y/n queried quietly.
Walburga took a sip of wine, “I believe it’s time you pay your duty to the family name.”
“Pay our duty?” Y/n asked, setting down her fork, “What are you on about?”
Orion pulled up his sleeve, and Regulus shivered at the black ink embedded in his father’s forearm, “After supper, you both will pay your duty to this family.”
“What if we refuse?”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Walburga questioned, an eyebrow raised, “I assure you your punishment will be ten times worse than getting the dark mark.”
“Okay.” Y/n agreed, “But I go first.”
“Beautiful.” Walburga smiled.
The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Regulus kept staring at his older sister with an incredulous expression. She had never been one to give in, but she was also willing to do anything for Regulus, even if it meant ruining her relationship. Before the ceremony, Regulus pulled her aside, and Y/n cast a silencing spell.
“You aren’t going to do it, are you?”
“Of course I am.” Y/n replied, “You aren’t doing his alone.”
“What about James? And Sirius?”
“They’ll understand.”
“No!” Regulus cried, “They won’t!”
Y/n looked around before gripping Regulus’ forearm tight, “Go, run. Anywhere. I promise I’ll find you.”
“No.” His eyes hardened, “I won’t leave you behind.”
“Regulus, I’m begging you.” Y/n pleaded, “Leave this house. Take the Knight Bus to the Potters. Find Sirius and stay there.”
His eyes filled with tears, “But- But-“
“No.” Regulus had never seen her be so brave, “You need to go.”
Before he could refuse, Y/n kissed his forehead and pushed him near the door, “I told Kreacher to let you go. He won’t say anything.”
“You have to promise to come back to me,” Regulus begged, holding his sister’s hands.
“I can’t promise you.” They both heard footsteps, “Go!”
Y/n pushed him out of the door and closed it behind her. Hastily she riddled the silence charms. Walburga smiled at her and laid out her hand for Y/n to take. Releasing a breath, Y/n took it. Walburga’s hands were soft and pale. They had never seen a day of work in their life. The only thing they ever picked up was a wine glass.
She led Y/n to the main room. Inside was not just Orion. It was the entirety of the Black family inside that hadn’t been banished. There was a chair placed in the middle of the room. It had dark green patting and dark oak wood. Hesitantly Y/n sat with her left forearm facing the feeling when Narcissa spoke up.
“Where’s Regulus?”
Y/n shrugged, “I don’t know. I couldn’t find him after dinner.”
“No matter.” Walburga smiled happily, “Y/n here will replace his spot.”
Bellatrix looked at her stupidly. Y/n was a Gryffindor, not a Slytherin. Narcissa didn’t seem to mind, but Lucius looked like he wanted to spit at her feet. Andromeda wasn’t there, a sign of her being burnt from the tapestry just a couple of years ago for marrying a Muggle named Ted Tonks. Andromeda had always begged Y/n to take care of her younger brothers. That promise was getting fulfilled now.
“Are we ready?” Orion questioned, and a round of agreements went around the room.
He placed his wand against the skin of her left forearm. Orion muttered something, and immense pain filled her body. It ached, and it felt like her bones were shattering beneath her skin. The feeling of being hit with a thousand pins hitting her skin where the new black ink was going into her skin. Her body shook, but within seconds it was gone. Now the only remembrance of doing the ceremony laid on her left forearm. Claps echoed through the main room of the Black family home. Y/n swallowed.
At least it wasn’t Regulus.
Regulus had run as far as he could before calling for the Knight Bus. Unknowingly his pockets were filled with galleons that Y/n must’ve shoved into his pockets. He paid them twelve and sat down on a bed while they brought him to the Potter residence. He felt guilty for leaving her behind, but she had been so insistent.
It was dawn when Regulus arrived at the brown wooden house in Godric’s Hollow. The neighborhood was calm and homey. The weather was humid, and Regulus felt sticky when he left the bus. But he looked around until he found the last name Potter on the mailbox. The driveway was an abundance of stones in different directions. The house itself looked similar to a typical suburban home, but Regulus knew looks could be deceiving.
Hesitantly he knocked on the door and waited to hear footsteps. After a minute of standing, the door opened wide, and familiar grey eyes stared at him. Sirius. His hair was longer, and he looked to have grown two inches. His cheeks were full and pink. He was wearing red pajama pants and a plain grey tee. Regulus assumed that Mrs. Potter gave him a new wardrobe.
Sirius looked around before talking, “Where is she?”
“She-“ Regulus swallowed, “She took it.”
“N- No, you’re lying!”
Regulus shook his head, “She told me to go, to leave.”
“James!” Sirius yelled, and a tousled James stood beside him, looking at Regulus in shock.
Without a word, James pulled him into a tight embrace. Regulus was just a tad shorter than James, and he rested his chin on James’ shoulder. James had his arms wrapped tightly around the younger Black brother’s body, not wanting to release him. He saw Regulus’ look of guilt and pity for James when he did.
“Come on, inside.” James ushered them in, “It’s gross outside.”
They walked into the house. Regulus was surprised at how big the inside was. The outside made it look no bigger than a suburban home, but the inside rivaled a mansion. The first room on the right was a sitting room, and the first room to the left was the kitchen. Further back, there appeared to be a dining room. Stairs led to the second story and stairs leading down to a basement.
James went into the sitting room, and Sirius followed. Regulus took his time in following after them. The hallway had family photos of the Potters all together, smiles on their faces. Regulus could remember the Black family photos, sitting straight, shoulders back, and not smiling, looking into the lens. He hated those pictures. Sirius called for him softly, and Regulus took a seat in an armchair.
“So,” The room was unbearably stiff, “Y/n has the dark mark.”
“Yes.”
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, “I shouldn’t have left her there.”
“It’s not your fault, Pads.” James assured, “If I’m honest, I’m glad it’s her.”
Both brothers stared at James as if someone had died, “Y/n’s capable of defending herself. She’s been top of our year since first year. I trust her to make the right decisions.”
“She’s on the opposing side!” Sirius exclaimed, “If she goes through with this, she’ll be at our wand point!”
“I know that.” James said calmly, “But she makes the right decisions. Maybe she can become a spy for us.”
“If she gets found out, they’ll kill her.” Regulus interjected, “It’d be putting her in more danger.”
Sirius looked ready to cry, “She’s my little sister. I was supposed to take care of her! Protect her!”
“You did.” James replied, “You did the best you could. She told you to leave, and she took the mark for Regulus willingly. She would’ve never let either of you get the mark.”
“I just,” Sirius sounded breathless, “I don’t know what to do.”
James put an arm around his shoulder, “We’ll figure it out together.”
It wasn’t until seventh year when James saw Y/n again. James, Sirius, and Regulus saw her with the Black parents, who looked highly proud of their only daughter. Y/n boarded the train alone and sat in a compartment alone. Regulus joined his older brother in the Marauders compartment where he could laugh freely.
Y/n had been given strict orders to stay away from James and every other blood-traitor alike. That was the expectation of a Death Eater.
Months later, when the war finally began, she was requested at the Malfoy Manor to supervise a captive. The Death Eaters were unaware that Y/n was working as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix. When she entered the room, she saw two familiar faces. One man with tousled sandy-blond hair and tired green eyes. Another with dark brown mussed hair and a muscular build.
“Here you are, dearie.” Bellatrix smiled, twirling her wand, “They’re all yours till the morning.”
Y/n gave a courtesy, “Thank you, Bella.”
Bellatrix walked out of the room with her hips swaying. The room itself was dull and had no windows. The walls were white but appeared grey with the darkness of the room. Y/n whispered ‘Lumos,’ lighting up the tip of her wand to see the conditions of the two captives. Both men were tied at the wrists and ankles. They also had blindfolds across their eyes.
“Who-“ Remus coughed, “Who’s there.”
Y/n didn’t answer, “You have a familiar scent.”
Remus would be correct. After hanging around him for six years at Hogwarts, she would have a familiar scent. James didn’t say anything and allowed Remus to take the lead. Despite not seeing, Remus continued to smell the air trying to remember who’s scent was currently in the room. Y/n knew they had to leave tonight.
The full moon was tomorrow.
“I promise I’ll get you guys out of here.” Y/n whispered, and James visibly perked up at the sound of her voice, “Y/n!”
“Shh,” Y/n hushed hastily, “You can’t be loud of they’ll check in on us.”
Remus whimpered, “Please, you have to get me out of here the full-“
“Yes, the full moon is tomorrow.” Y/n interjected softly, “I won’t let you hurt anyone. I promise.”
After an hour, Y/n gave them both some water from a glass and her wand. Her shift was up when the sun began to rise in five hours. At every hour mark, Y/n would give them something or help them somehow. At two o’clock, it was loosening their ankle ties. At three o’clock, it was giving them some solid food. At four o’clock, it was taking off their blindfolds. At five o’clock, it was loosening their wrist ties. Finally, at six o’clock, she gave them their wands.
“You have everything to protect yourself. I will leave this room in just two minutes, and Narcissa will be outside waiting. In that time, I will try to stall her so you will have maybe a minute at most to apparate out of here.” Both men nodded, “Then I won’t be responsible because I’ll be talking with Narcissa.”
When two minutes passed, Y/n walked out of the room. Both men heard her greet Narcissa, and they quickly apparated out of the building to the safehouse. Y/n had walked away by the time Narcissa entered the bare room. Her gasp could be heard from across the Manor. She reported it instantly.
Y/n was never seen as a suspect because of her alibi, and technically, the men were under Narcissa’s watch at the time.
The next afternoon, Y/n apparated to the safe house. The atmosphere inside the safe house was much more welcoming than the Malfoy Manor. Compared to the manor, the safe house was a breath of fresh air. When Y/n entered the house, she was greeted with laughter coming from the sitting room where she saw her husband and child on the ground playing together.
Remus was sitting in an armchair, watching them. Sirius was lying on the floor with James and Harry. Regulus was in the kitchen making conversation with other Order members. James turned when he heard the door open and smiled brightly when his wife entered the home.
“Look, Harry, mumma’s here!” James said, pointing at Y/n, taking off her coat.
Y/n smiled and walked toward them on the couch. She took Harry in her arms, making him giggle happily. The Marauders sat together in the sitting room until it was time for Remus to leave for the Shrieking Shack. Regulus was on Harry duty while the other three - Peter was busy on a mission - went out with Remus.
The following morning, they were all exhausted. Remus was sleeping in a bedroom, and Y/n sat beside him while the other slept. Y/n held his hand soothingly. It was just past midday when Remus muttered something that Y/n barely caught.
