The Stag and The Harpy | James Potter

Mum

Phoebe had been taught from a young age that composure was everything for Veela. 'Watch your anger, don't get too excited. Control yourself,' Her mother said frequently. It was something Phoebe constantly struggled with. But her mother had succeeded in making her fear emotion.

Phoebe keeps her eyes on her notes throughout her classes, ignoring her friends curious looks. Sirius, through personal experience, knew that space is what she needed. But it was certainly hard to watch her from afar, struggling with emotions that were easy for people like James and Alice to express. When the bell rang, he stopped the group from following her, instead saying quietly, "I'll talk to her. Just give her a little time."

James frowns at the retreating form of the Veela, fighting the urge to sprint after her. He brushes it off as annoyance and decides to move on. Sirius nods at him and the group disperses. He sighs and begins the trek to the black lake, certain that she'll be there. He finds her exactly where he expects to, already sucking on a cigarette. Sirius grins and sits down on the ground, beneath the Boulder she's perched on. She barely spares him a glance, looking out over the water.

Sirius notes curiously that the earrings James gifted her for Christmas rest in her palms instead of on her ears. He hesitates before saying something he knows will get her talking,

"I saw Gideon's neck. Are you sure you aren't a vampire?"

The Veela cracks a weary smile, glancing down at her friend. "Yes, I'm sure," She says plainly, passing him the cigarette. Sirius grins and takes a puff, leaning back against the rock. He's quiet, waiting until she's ready.

He glances away from the lake and into her sad eyes when she says quietly, "My mum...I'm going to France again this summer."

Sirius frowns as she continues, "Apparently another Veela died. A half blood. My mother thinks it's too dangerous for me to visit you or the girls. Apparently she also thinks it'll do me good to see my grandmother again...since I'm apparently slacking."

Phoebe sighs at the heavy feeling in her gut, knowing that she won't be able to celebrate the end of her year at hogwarts with her friends. Sirius feels deep rooted anger at the sadness on her face and says quickly, "The Potters could write to her! I'm sure Mia would."

Phoebe shakes her head with a rueful smile before saying simply, "c'est décidé."

Sirius' frown deepens. He feels a twinge of guilt at the fact that he's free from his parents, and she's still stuck with her mother.

"Run away," He suggests, passing back her cigarette. She shakes her head, saying firmly, "I can't. Shes my mom, Sirius. I love her, even when I hate her."

Sirius sighs, watching her peer out over the water. The snow and ice had thawed, revealing the dark water of the lake and the fresh grass on the shore. Summer was only a short ways away, and it pained him to think that he wouldn't see her for another several months.

"I could go with you?" He offers, watching her smile as she blows out smoke. He continues in French, "je veux passer l'été avec toi."

The Veela laughs slightly and shakes her head, murmuring, "mon mémé te détesterait"

Sirius makes a disgruntled noise in the back of his throat, rolling his eyes. He suddenly smirks and says teasingly, "Prongs will be heart broken."

"Please," Phoebe scoffs. "He just wants me around to piss me off."

Sirius chuckles and climbs to his feet, offering his hands to the girl. She puts out her cigarette and claps his hands, letting him help her slide off the rock to her feet.

"There's no use moping about it any longer," Phoebe sighs, meeting Sirius' steel grey eyes. He smiles warmly and says, "No, I suppose there isn't. Everyone is worried about you."

"I'm not very good at sharing my feelings. I think you're the only one that truly understands."

Sirius nods and says cheekily, "Yes, it seems to be a common thing in children from broken homes."

Phoebe laughs, looping her arm through his. They begin the walk back up to the castle, silent at first before Phoebe says, "You should ask Marlene to be your girlfriend."

Sirius snorts and nods his head, "I know, I just haven't gotten around to it."

Phoebe grins, shaking her head. "Are you scared?" She asks.

"Terrified."

The boy grins widely and pulls the Veela closer.

"But I suppose that's part of the fun, the thrill of potential rejection and emotional unavailability." He continues.

"Yes, I suppose it is, Sirius. Just know if she says no then you and I can travel the world until we're too old."

"You're never too old for trains!"

Phoebe scowls and pushes him away as they reach the castle, saying, "I've changed my mind. You can die alone."

"Come on, Pheebs! You have to get over the fear somehow," He spits out between laughter. Phoebe rolls her eyes, ignoring his relentless teasing as they climb the countless staircases to the Gryffindor tower.

Phoebe stops short, making Sirius run into her back at the sight of James Potter pacing nervously in front of the portrait hole. The force of Sirius sends her sprawling to the ground, curse words flying from her mouth.

"Damn you, Sirius!" She yells, frowning at her friends roar of laughter. Sirius wheezes, snorting loudly as James bends over and helps Phoebe to her feet. He too is biting back laughter, something Phoebe notices by the shaking of his chest. She sighs and mutters, "Bloody fools."

James coughs to cover up his chuckle and asks, "Alright, Phoebe?"

She blushes underneath his amused gaze and replies quietly, "Yes I'm fine. Or I was until Sirius' fat ass mowed me down."

"Hey!" Her friend cries out. "Prongs, say something!"

"It's rude to call people fat, Bee," James chides. "Sirius is perfect in ever way."

Phoebe wrinkles her nose and says tiredly, "You two will be the absolute death of me."