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mrsfrecklesmarauders · 1 month

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James Potter hadn't always done reasonable things in life. He had made mistakes. He had hurt people. He wasn’t always nice. And he felt ashamed of it.

As a kid, James had everything he wanted. The coolest toys, the best parents he could ask for, money, a big house with a large garden and a pool, a dog to play with, delicious food to choose from and most importantly endless love. That's what made him a bit of an asshole.

It was James's need to make friends, to make kids his age like him that made him act like a selfish twat. He bragged without noticing how others might feel. He made jokes that sometimes could hurt people's feelings. He did pranks to others that sometimes got out of hand.

For James, these things weren't wrong. He found them innocent. Just to have fun. Just to be cool. James was just a kid who wanted to have friends, be liked and have as much fun as he could.

Then James grew up and things started changing around him. He started noticing that not every kid had the luck he had. For example, Sirius, his best friend, had money and everything he wanted but horrible parents. His other friend Peter lacked of confidence because his father disappeared the moment he was born. But yet, James made those two the same way he was. It was more about forgetting about their issues while pranking, breaking the rules and having fun than actually fixing anything.

There were three things that made James open his eyes.

The first one was Remus Lupin. When he arrived, James wasn't happy. He felt threatened by how close he was of Sirius. He got a bit jealous. So he was a bit cold, even mean with Remus. It was until he found out about his past life. Remus had been made fun of, pranked and bullied by other kids his entire life for being trans. And James wondered: "Haven't I done similar things to others?"

The second one was Lily Evans and the way she had called him an arrogant bully. The way she said it wasn't like the silly insults she repeated to him after he tried to flirt with her. This time she had yelled full of rage, leaving James speechless. It had been fair since he had tried to ask her out after her father had died (although he didn't know about it at the time). James understood that the girl he fancied really hated him.

The third and more important reason happened just now, the day before New Year's when James overheard a conversation between his parents he should have never heard.

"We should not tell James for now" his father was saying "You know him. He would act as if this is serious"

"But it is serious, Monty!" Hearing his mother cry had broken his heart "We are not going to pretend you are okay because you aren't."

"Is not that I am sick, Effie. My immune system is just a bit weaker"

"Weaker? Just with a tiny fever you can actually die, Fleamont. You can bloody die and leave me alone"

The way James knew it was something awful and serious was because Euphemia cried. She was sobbing into Fleamont's chest. And Euphemia wasn't a crier. She was always strong, hiding away her emotions. So what James felt in that moment was fear. It was more like panic. Like the one he used to feel when he was little and he was afraid of the dark. His hands shook. His heart raced. He felt his skin shiver in cold.

When James returned to his room, his mind was flooding with thoughts. Maybe he was dreaming. Maybe his hearing was as bad as his sight. Maybe his parents had been exaggerating. This couldn't be right. Fleamont was the strongest man he knew. Sporty and healthy. A bloody rock if you asked him. This couldn't be right.

"So, did you ask them?" Sirius asked as soon as James crossed the door.

In James's mind that question didn't make sense. It felt wrong that Sirius looked as happy as he did after those news.

"Ha?" It was all that came out of his mouth.

"Marlene confirmed she is going to some club with her brothers" Sirius said as he texted "I thought you were asking your parents if we can go"

"Not to be rude or anything but this grown up party is boring" Peter added "Plus you like the McKinnons"

"He workships them more like. Especially Adam" Sirius added with a chuckle "Wait until you see Prongs following Adam like a lost puppy, Moony"

James wasn't even listening. For the first time he wished his friends weren't around. Or any adult that was downstairs. He wanted it to be the three of them. His parents and him. So they could discuss this. And Fleamont would tell him everything would be okay.

"Are you okay, James?" Remus asked with concern when James didn't answer.

The others noticed his expression because they stopped smiling and waited to hear the bad news. But James wasn't ready to tell them. It would make it true. He didn't even know what was going on.

"I don't... I don't think... we should... go...out" James had never spoken as slowly and low as now.

"Why not?" Peter asked "You were the one to say you were bored as an oyster"

"Shut up, Wormtail!" Sirius snapped "Did something happen, James?"

James looked at Sirius. His second in command. His best friend in the world. His brother. How could he tell Sirius?.

"Yeah!" he cleared his throat before his voice broke "I mean they said no... Fleamont and Euphemia... They want us to stay"

"What? Why?" Peter pouted.

Remus kept looking at him as if he knew everything.

James shrugged, grabbing a football from the floor.

"I'm going to kick it for a while..."

"Now? It is almost midnight" Remus reasoned. James just shrugged.

"Want us to come with you?" Sirius asked with his eyebrow raised.

"No! You stay here and finish those beers" James faked a smile to calm them down. Even if he wanted to die in the inside "I'll be right back"

"Be back before midnight!" Peter yelled as James climbed down the stairs two at the time.

James unleashed his frustration with the poor ball kicking as hard as he could, tossing it to the other side of the property and hitting it like a punch ball.

All he could think about was that his father was sick, probably dying and James was so terrible, he wouldn't make him proud. Fleamont's son was arrogant, a brag, a rebel who had been into trouble several times and probably a bully. What was there to be proud of?

"Only you would play football on New Year's in this cold night"

Fleamont had been James's role model since he could remember. He had promise to grow just like him. But he was horrible. He wasn’t the man his father was. Why wasn't James sick instead of him?

"You shouldn't be outside, Dad" James sniffed rolling the ball between his feet, eyes locked on it "It is freezing"

"Dad, is it now? Weren't you too cool to call me that? You've been calling me Fleamont or Old Man for a while now. It actually sounded weird to hear that, you little brat"

James's eyes were burning with tears at this point.

"Do I have privileges now that I am a bit sick?"

James's head turned as quickly as possible. Fleamont Potter was smiling under the moonlight. His glasses reflected the light. His hands were on his pockets. He was dressed elegantly for the party looking casual. But James noticed the bags under his eyes. Sucked cheeks. More wrinkles. Whiter hair. Skinner complexion. James saw Fleamont's illness reflected on him.

"I know you heard my conversation with your mother, James. I saw you through the door"

"Are you dying?" James was surprised how small his voice sounded.

Fleamont took a deep breath "No..."

"DON'T LIE TO ME! YOU'RE FUCKING DYING, I KNOW IT! TELL ME THE TRUTH, YOU COWARD! TELL ME THE BLOODY TRUTH"

James had spit and pushed his father in the process. That made him ashamed. Jokes aside, he had always respected his father. Now he felt terrible. So he started crying.

James felt his father's arms wrapping around him. And James hugged him back, clenching from him as if he would disappear any moment. James didn’t want to lose him. He loved him. He loved him so much. And he needed him.

"It's okay, my son. Sh sh sh. It's okay" Fleamont sighed as he stroked his son's hair gently "I'm not going anywhere"

When James calmed down, they sat on a bench and they talked about what was happening. They missed midnight and the celebration inside but James didn't care.

Fleamont explained that years ago the family's fabric used other chemicals for their products. Poisonous ones. That many workers ended up dying. This changed with time and The Potters discovered other chemical-free ingredients to continue producing. But Fleamont had visited the fabric back then plenty of times when he was younger. And the exposure to those chemicals had damaged his blood and immune system.

"So, you're okay?"

"Doctors said I need to have a healthier life" Fleamont explained "That knowing your mother, she will follow rigorously..." he snorted "But I am not precisely sick. I need to slow down a bit. Take care of myself. Try not to get sick. Because any kind of problem would be dreadful to my organism"

James nodded, now feeling better "If you don't follow the doctor's orders, I'll kill you myself, Old Man"

Which made Fleamont laugh.

"No Dad anymore?"

"You bloody scared me, Fleamont"

The man just responded with a smile and a soft pat on James's shoulder. Though James was still sad and very very scared.

"Do Granpa and Nonna know?"

Fleamont shook his head "Not yet"

"Maikee? The guys from the fabric?"

"Only your mother besides you and me"

"But you didn't want to tell me"

"Because you're just as exaggerated as your mother. Even worse"

"Watch it! Old Man" James pointed a finger at him.

Fleamont let out a soft giggle.

"Should I tell Sirius?" James twisted his mouth thinking about Sirius’s reaction.

"I think we will find the right time to tell him. The three of us. Okay?"

James nodded in response. He was still restless. He was still scared of his father being so vulnerable and fragile.

"Dad..." James said carefully which made Fleamont smile "Are you proud of me?"

Fleamont opened his mouth but James continued before him.

"I'm... I'm not a good person" James said "I've been kind of a twat with a lot of people. I've been mean. I've been selfish. And I haven't been the most obedient son... I've driven you and mum mental many times" James shook his head "I am awful. You don't deserve me"

"I am very proud of you, James" Fleamont answered with a soft smile. James was surprised that he sounded genuine.

"Didn't you hear..."

"Yeah" Fleamont nodded "I am not proud because you are perfect. Because you are not... I am proud because you are an amazing person and a good human being. You've might have made mistakes or hurt people. James, you are so young, you are a kid. We are all a bit awful at that age. But I see you are maturing... You are becoming an incredible man. Even more than me"

James expected some scolding. Some sort of disappointment from his father.

"But I..."

"Have you ever wanted to truly hurt someone?" Fleamont asked.

James shook his head.

"Then it had only been silly mistakes of a kid. From now on, James, be a man. Start doing things right. Silly pranks, jokes and mischiefs are fun. But there comes a time in one's life when he needs to take care of serious matters. And I reckon you are doing an amazing job"

"So you don't think I am a bad person?" James's eyes filled with tears.

Fleamont shook his head "Of course not. You have the best of your mother and me. And we are very proud of you"

James wrapped his arms around the old man as tears ran down his eyes. He was willing to change and ammend his mistakes. It was time to grow up. Yes, he was only sixteen. He was still young and he could still have fun. But he was going to be better. He was going to stop making fun of others. He was going to stop bragging. He was going to make Remus feel welcome no matter who he was. He was going to take care of Sirius and Pete. He was going to stop showing off and asking Evans out like an idiot. She deserved better probably. He was going to be a good person. And make his parents proud. New Year, new James.

"I love you, Dad" James said as he squeezed his father tightly.

"Love you too, my son"

#Happy Birthday Prongs #I hate when people see him as a saint from the beginning #He was a good person but not perfect #What's interesting about this character is his arc #marauders #maraudersera #muggleau #james potter #jily #prongs #remus lupin #sirius black #peter pettigrew #lily evans #fleamont potter #euphemia potter

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random-writer-person · 10 days

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todays thought. James Potter. Catfish and the Bottlemen lead singer. Same person. fight me on this.

credits to pink lemonade on AO3 for this idea. also just for introducing me to this AMAZING band.

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imsiriuslyreading · 1 year

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Thousands Of Good Deeds

“He’s getting up. Why is he getting up?”

“What do you mean he’s fucking getting up? I thought you just killed him?”

“I did! Fuck, Barty, I shot him in the head! ” Evan yelped into the phone, beads of sweat sitting on his forehead, now.

“Well, unless he’s got a skull made of reinforced fucking steel, he’s not fucking dead, Evan,” Barty scoffed. How the fuck did someone manage to bugger up a clean head shot?

“He’s… getting up. He’s getting up!” Evan was panicking now. How had he fucked this up?

“Get him again! You must’ve missed him. Rosier, fuck me, I can’t believe you fucked this up. Wolf is gonna kill us if you let a corpse walk out of here,” Barty said, and ran a hand through his hair, screwing his eyes tightly shut.

“Fuck me, Barty, it’s like an episode of The Walking Dead , help me! He’s fucking coming right at me!” Evan whisper-shouted through the phone.

The line went dead, and Barty froze. He wondered if he’d have to break protocol and head into the warehouse to kill an apparent zombie. Definitely not something he signed up for. Also, it sounded like something out of a fucking nightmare.

Barty heard a gunshot, followed by another, and then the rapid succession of two more. Fuck the protocol, he had to check on Evan. He never should’ve trusted he could do this alone.

#wolfstar #rosekiller #dorlene #barty crouch jr #sirius black #remus lupin #muggle au #hitmen everywhere #no zombies i promise #lara croft reference tho #evan rosier #barty x evan #marlene mckinnon #she’s the love of my life actually #criminal remus lupin has my heart #james potter #happy birthday prongs

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sweetcandydream · 1 year

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Today we appreciate the sun and how it warms us from the inside out. A sun that sometimes is taken for granted and that needs their own support too. A sun with a pull so strong it creates a fucking galaxy of celestial bodies around it. A sun that no matter how many clouds cover it, STILL SHINES.

Today we appreciate James fucking Potter

Happy birthday my sunshine ☀️

#james potter #prongs #moony wormtail padfoot and prongs #happy birthday prongs #marauders #the marauders #jegulus #wolfstar #james fleamont potter

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iamawolfstarsimp · 1 year

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How dare I almost forget about James' birthday

Happy birthday Prongs you national treasure ♡

#Soft talks #james potter #Happy birthday prongs #marauders

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ashlikesbrot · 1 month

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES POTTER

#james potter #marauders #happy birthday prongs #prongs

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littleyellowtangerine · 1 year

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James F. Potter - Chaser, Lover, Sun

#I just love him so much #happy birthday to the boy with an ego the size of the lake but with a heart to match it #james potter #james fleamont potter #happy birthday james #prongs #the marauders #marauders fanart #marauders #fanart #james Potter fanart

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moonytoastx · 1 year

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Remus: "Look, if I could sit in the library drinking coffee and reading my books all day while completely ignoring my surroundings, I would."

#happy birthday moony #marauders era #moony wormtail padfoot and prongs #james & peter & remus & sirius #wolfstar #incorrect quotes #moony x padfoot #lily evans #dorlene #marlene mckinnon #jegulus #remus lupin birthday

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adharastarlight · 6 months

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happy birthday to the most dramatic dog in existence

#im in the middle of writing smth for his birthday #but im also shit at finishing things on time #so happy birthday to sirius #sirius black #sirius orion black #marauders #regulus black #james potter #jegulus #dead gay wizards #james x regulus #remus lupin #starchaser #wolfstar #remus x sirius #sirius x remus #moony wormtail padfoot and prongs #padfoot

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messervixen · 1 month

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Happy birthday to James Potter. You would have loved cheesy extravagant promposals <3

#James potter 🤝 PDA #that man will take any chance to shout from the rooftops that he’s in love he can get #exhibit a: Lily Evans #exibit b: regulus black #exibit c: Sirius #remmeber in ATYD when they would sing happy birthday to each other during every meal #James Potter deserves the world #the only thing that Reg and Sirius can 100% agree on is that James is the best person period #ego the size of a lake but a heart to match it #I love James more than I love myself #not sure how much that’s worth though because I’m a James kinnie and we love most people more than we love ourselves #anyway #HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES #james potter #marauders era #marauders #remus lupin #sirius black #james & peter & remus & sirius #peter pettigrew #regulus black #moony wormtail padfoot and prongs #lily evens #jegulus #jily #sunflower #starchaser #jegulily #regulily #live laugh love James Potter

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opheliablackpotter · 1 month

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How I imagine James' birthdays at Hogwarts:

(read all and bonus to be emotionally destroyed :))

1st year-chill, pleasant evening with the rest of the marauders near the Great lake. They enjoyed throwing empty packages of chocolate frogs at others :D

2nd year-hilarious day he spent by flying on his new broomstick outside and inside of Hogwarts. Not to forget that he flew into dinner in the Great hall while Sirius was setting off the fireworks.

3rd year-mister Potter, now officially a teenager, celebrated this bday by buying things for pranks in Hogsmade and ended up crying in Remus' lap because Lily didn't respond to all his efforts to impress her by annoying Snevilus.

4th year-THIS IS SOMETHING BIG GUYS. First there was big, not allowed Quidditch match and after match party in Gryffindor room because Gryffindor will, of course, win. (at least Dumbledore would think so)

5th year-everyone is worried about Voldy and death eaters. This year he wanted a bit of privacy (BUT not without the rest of the marauders) and they were all day in the Room of requirement . Don't get me wrong, they had nice time, but Remus had heard something about werewolves cooperating with Death Eaters, Pettigrew was either in a panic or telling horrible jokes about house elves and ghosts, and Sirius was off the whole time because he was worried thinking about his little brother. Sirius denied it, but ever since he left him, he feels guilty. Now that Voldy wants new followers and the support of noble houses, maybe something will happen in a few years. Who knows :( ? Of course, the night ended with drinking a little too much firewhisky.

6th year-James spent whole day lying on Regulus' bed and trying to convince Regulus they will find a way to save him from Dark lord.

7th year-he invited some Gryffindor friends to the Three Broomsticks and they talked about Dumbledore and some of the students who don't go to Hogwarts anymore because they are probably Death Eaters. He spent the rest of the night crying over a special and handsome Slytherin who was no longer speaking to him and would soon be leaving Hogwarts.

*bonus: the day Reggie left, James was like a ghost. He was white, with a blank expression on his face. He tried not to stare too long at Sirius's dark curls and features. He spent that night in the Astronomical Tower, crying, calling out and looking only at one star.

The one star he, the greatest Gryffindor seeker, will never reach.

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moonsstan · 1 month

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GUYS ITS PRONGS BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY 💗

#james potter #james potters birthday #JAMIE WE LOVE YOU #YAYY #HAPPY BIRTHDAY #marauders era #harry potter #marauders era fandom #70s dead gay wizards #dead gay wizards #prongs #moony wormtail padfoot and prongs #marauders #jily #jegulus #james fleamont potter

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dolcevitaaa26 · 1 month

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Happy birthday James,i hope you have a lovely day wherever you are

#james potter #happy birthday james #prongs #jily #the marauders

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starchaseriseverything · 1 month

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James has planned Lily', Remus', Emma', and Pandora's birthdays, and he even has his other friends' birthdays all planned out months in advance. But that's not the point. When James woke up the morning of his birthday, no one was there to greet him like last year. Then, again, Peter, Remus, and Sirius aren't morning people.

Yeah, that's it. They're just not morning people and don't want to get up that early. They'll tell him happy birthday when they wake up.

They did not unfact tell him happy birthday when they woke up. They even went to breakfast and nothing. The girls didn't even remember.

Today, James was supposed to go to meet Regulus at the Astronomy Tower, but he wasn't feeling it today, so he decided to go to the Slytherin common room.

He just got in there when someone jumped on his back. "Happy Birthday, Jamie!" He hears his best friend say.

"Marls," James says, laughing. "What are you doing?"

"Your surprise isn't ready yet."

"What surprise?"

"For your birthday?"

"What?"

She jumps back off his back and walks in front of him. "Did Sirius not remember?"

"No one did, Marls."

"That's not true."

"Yeah, it is. Sirius, Remus, Peter, they didn't remember. Mary, Lily, and Alice didn't either. I thought you didn't."

"Oh, Jamie. Well, we remembered. Me, Cas, Dora, Ev, Bee, Em, Lin, Reg. We did."

"It's fine. I don't need anything. Can you tell Reg I won't be up at the Astronomy Tower tonight? Thanks. Love you." James didn't even wait for Marlene' reply before walking out.

He went straight to his dorm to grab his broom before walking back out to the Quidditch pitch. He was practicing for at least an hour before someone flies up to him.

"James," he hears his boyfriend say.

"What's up, Reg?" James replies with a big fake smile.

"James,"

"What?"

"Marlene told me."

"That I don't have time to go see you tonight?"

"No, well, yes, but something else, too."

"What?"

Regulus sighs. "That no one remembered your birthday."

"It's fine."

"No, it's not."

"I'm fine, Reg."

"No, you're not. Now stop lying. It's not healthy."

"I lie every day!"

"James,"

James doesn't answer him and just flies down to the ground before walking back up to the castle. Dorcas is already there waiting. She stands up when she sees him.

"Hey, James. Ready for your party?"

"No, I'd rather not. Thanks anyway, Cas. Have fun, though."

Dorcas' eyebrows furrow before James walks past her and in the castle.

After his shower, he goes back to the common room just to sit and relax, and not even ten minutes after he sat down, Emmeline comes in going straight for him.

"I'm not in the mood, Lin."

"Dorcas is sad because she spent all day planning this party for you, and you're not even there. Now what the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Nothing, ok?"

"No, there's something clearly wrong with you. You won't even come to your own party."

"I'm just not in the mood."

"You blew off your own boyfriend, James."

"You really want to know?"

"Yes!"

"My own friends forgot my own birthday! Do you think I want to celebrate that!? No, I don't, Lin! That's why I'm sitting here <alone> in my own common room on my birthday! Because no one remembered but you!"

"James,"

"No, don't start. Please. I'm fine."

"That did not seem like you're fine."

"I promise. Just go back and have fun."

"Will you at least come for Dora?"

James sighs. "Why do you have to do that to me?"

Emmeline smiles. "Because I know you can't say no to her."

"Fine."

"Yay!" Emmeline grabs James by the hands and pulls him up off the couch and out the portrait hole. Emmeline yells, "Birthday boy is here!" As soon as they get to the Slytherin common room.

Pandora come bounding up, smiling. "Hi, James."

"Hey, Panda."

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Well, Dorcas and I planned everything so, I hope you like it."

"Of course I will, Dora. You're the best."

She smiles even wider. He can't lie, James did have fun. He got to spend time with his friends and his best friend and even got some gifts from them. Even though some of his friends forgot his birthday, he still loved it.

So, when James was just sitting in the common room with Sirius, Remus, Peter, Mary, Lily, Alice, and Frank after the party, he didn't expect anyone to come in. Instead, Emma, Emmeline, Dorcas, Pandora, Evan, Barty, Marlene, and Regulus came in the common room marching straight for them.

"Sirius Orion Black!" Sirius' eyes go wide as soon as Marlene said it.

"What'd I do?"

"Do you know what day it is today?"

"I don't know. Why are they here?"

"Not important. Think real hard."

"Why? What'd I do?"

"You all did something." Emma speaks up.

"Em,"

"Shut it, James."

"Did he -"

"Think hard, Black."

"Why am I Black, and he's James?"

"Think." Emmeline says. "What day is it at the end of the month. What important event is there?"

"I don't know!"

"It's called a birthday!" Evan yells.

"Remus' birthday!?"

"That's already passed, dipshit." Barty remarks.

"I don't know!"

"It's James!" Dorcas yells in return. "It was James' birthday today!"

"What?"

Marlene grabs James by the arms and pulls him up. "Hey! I was comfy."

"Too bad."

"How would you even know that?"

Pandora looks at Regulus expectedly. James looks at them confused in return.

Regulus sighs. "Because he's my boyfriend, Sirius."

"Yeah, we all knew Crouch was your boyfriend. What's new?"

Barty looks shocked at Sirius. "What?"

"We all knew, Crouch."

"We are not dating."

Remus looks between all of them together. Remus' mouth falls open in shock. "Sirius, I think they mean James and Regulus are dating."

"I - why - um - what?"

Barty laughs. "Funniest reaction ever."

"What!? You're dating my baby brother!?"

"Scream it from the rooftops, will ya?" Emma says.

"James, I'm sorry." Lily says, standing up with Mary.

"Yeah, really sorry, James." Alice says.

"Shut up." Pandora remarks.

Everyone whips their head at her. "Did she just -?"

"I think she did."

"Nice one, sis."

"I didn't know she could do that."

"Me either."

"Come on, James." Marlene says, dragging him back out the portrait hole.

"Where are we going?"

"We're staying in the Slytherin dorms tonight."

"Prongs!"

"Shut the fuck up."

#happy birthday to our prongs!!!!#happy birthday to our james potter!!!!#marauders era #ao3 #archive of my own #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #jegulus #starchaser #sunseeker

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flowerpottlady · 1 year

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Happy Birthday Mummy

In honor of Lily’s birthday, I woke up with this little scene in my head - and could not rest until I had it written out. It’s just a little snippet of what will come in A Turning Point, and a very sweet little moment of James and Lily as husband and wife - and as parents!

Here it is!

Happy Birthday Mummy

“Lil?” James whispered into the darkness of their bedroom tentatively. He took in the small, still body in the center of their bed. Auburn hair gracefully falling toward one side, her porcelain features peaceful as her eyes scrunched in her sleep.

“Shh Harry, it’s alright mate.” James whispered again, to his red faced infant son - screaming in his arms. He took a small step forward opening the door wider, as he guiltily brought the wailing baby into the room where his wife slept.

“Lily - I’m so sorry to wake you love.” He said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and placing his hand on her shoulder as she stirred slowly. “I was trying to let you sleep in - I’ve tried everything but he won’t take a bottle.”

“S’alright,” came her voice - thick with sleep - as she shifted slightly, sitting up and pulling up the bottom of one of his old Quidditch shirt that she had fallen asleep in.

Her eyes barely opened, as she stretched out her arms -her hands making grabbing motions - while her heart wrenched at the sound of the cries coming from her baby.

“Happy birthday Lily.” James said softly, placing Harry in her arms and pressing a tender kiss against her cheek.

“Mmm, thanks.” She whispered with a smile, her baby struggling for just a moment until he settled against her bare chest, latching on and cooing in content as he finally got what he had been needing for the last hour. “The joys of parenthood,” Lily laughed softly, cradling Harry against her, and sinking her back further into the pillows.

James then sat fully on the bed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and placing his chin on her shoulder - relishing the sight of his son’s sweet face, his dark hair sticking out in chaos. “You do this so perfectly.” He murmured into her neck.

“Hmm… what?”

“Being his Mum.”

Lily turned to face him, her eyes now fully opened, and twinkling brightly at him. “That’s sweet of you.” She responded, kissing him fully on his mouth before she turned away - chuckling slightly. “I should probably stop pumping though - there’s no point really. It’s just going to waste.”

“It makes sense - why would he want a glass bottle when he could have a boob in his face.”

“… and the sweetness is gone.” Lily laughed, rolling her eyes, and looking back down at the six month old. She could scarcely believe that the little person she carried inside of her for nine months was nearly half a year old. Every moment with him was precious; the way he lit up looking at her, how he craved her touch, the hair pulling, the baths, the feedings. Watching him learn to hold his head up - to sit, to roll. The way he laughed the sweetest little noise whenever he looked at James. All of this, being a mother and a wife, was magnificent, and she wouldn’t give up any of this - her husband or her son - for anything in the world.

“Did you want to do anything in particular for your birthday?” James questioned, interrupting her train of thought.

“Knowing you, I reckon you’ve got something wonderful planned.”

“Well, of course I do.” He said simply, “but it is your birthday, so we can work in whatever you wanted too.” - it was difficult to make plans, to make her day special knowing they couldn’t leave their home.

“Hmm… chess.” She said, “and it is my birthday so you have to let me win.”

“Obviously… I can make that happen.” James spoke mischievously, kissing her cheek sloppily. It never failed to surprise him, that after three and a half years together, how much he loved her. How lucky he was to have her in his life. And he vowed, years ago - he would always do whatever it took to keep her happy, to show her daily how much he loved her.

“I was planning on giving you breakfast in bed - I haven’t started making it though.” He admitted dejectedly, sighing and stretched out his fingers to smooth across Harry’s soft cheek. “Someone wanted his mummy.”

“That’s alright. I do love being wanted.” She reminded him, nursing her son was not something she would eagerly give up - even if it meant having to wake up before six in the morning on her birthday. “Thank you for trying though.”

“Always love.” He said, kissing her shoulder once more. “When he’s done, I’ll take him and you can go back to sleep.”

“Usually I’d refuse, but someone kept me up late last night.” She laughed, thinking back to their activities the night before. Both of them welcoming sex back into their lives - very happily.

James grinned then, “I’d say it was worth it.” He kissed her again, watching her nodding fiercely in agreement. “We can even have a repeat tonight if you are up for it.”

“I definitely am.”

“I love you.” He said, meaning every word. Just then, Harry detached from her, smacking the milk from his lips and cooing for attention.

“I love you too mate.” James smiled down at him, gladly taking Harry from Lily - placing him over his shoulder and patting his back gently until he released a loud burp.

Harry leaned back, staring at his father until a wide smile of recognition grew across his chubby cheeks. “Let’s say happy birthday mummy!” James whispered excitedly, turning Harry to look at Lily, holding his tiny hands out to her.

“Thank you Harry!” She bent down to kiss his soft head, “you make me feel so special.”

“You are love,” James said, “Harry and I will go start breakfast, you go back to sleep.”

“Harry can’t cook James. He only just started sitting up.”

“Don’t question our son’s talents in front of him.”

“Right - my mistake. Well, be careful with the stove then Harry.”

The baby in question, looked at her curiously, bouncing slightly- ready to get on with his day.

“We’ll be downstairs, Love.” James said, standing up and carefully balancing his son with one arm. He bent down one last time, hovering over Lily as he pressed yet another kiss to her cheek. His warm breath grazed against her ear while he whispered to her, “Happy Birthday Mummy.”

…