August [j.p]

030- They strike to kill

Do you see my face in the neighbor's lawn?
Does she smile?
Or does she mouth, "Fuck you forever"?
-
mad woman

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James Potter had seen many things end in his life.

He was incredibly thankful when The Exorcist finally ended and he still hadn't shit himself.

He saw the marriage of their previous neighbors end one afternoon with a ruthless wind.

He saw summer end and turn into winter. He saw winter end and summer start.

And today he was seeing his years at Hogwarts end.

It was bittersweet as he walked the halls with his three friends, allowing his fingers to trail across the walls.

"And this lads, is where ickle Remus had his first kiss." Sirius ruffled the boys hair as James grinned.

"I blocked that out."
Remus shuddered.

"This is where James locked himself in and we didn't find him for a day" Peter laughed, his eyes crinkling.

"It was an accident." James huffed, failing to contain his own laugh.

"Feels like the end of an era." Sirius stopped and stared around. The creaky floors and the moving staircases.

The dingy potions classroom with old Slughorn and the dreaded Slugclub invitations that the boys never quite got.

The Great Hall and mornings spent devising schemes. The library and the chocolate wrappers stuffed into dusty books.

The Quidditch pitch and all of the bright colors, victory making even Slytherin green look brilliant.

"Well, it's the start of a new one now." Remus placed his hand affectionately on his boyfriend's shoulder.

"Together?" James asked.

"Together." Remus and Sirius echoed and after a second of hesitation that James pinned down to daydreaming Peter repeated.

"Best get going." James whispered as he took one last look at the dormitory they arrived at.

Years from now four other boys would carve their names on the poster of the last one in the corner. James hoped that they'd be honorary marauders too.

"Don't be so down Jamesie! We'll be back." Sirius mocked but James knew better than to not notice the wetness of his eyes.

"Yeah, we will." James reassured back throwing his arm over the boy's shoulder.

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The Potter home was bursting with excitement, anticipation and boisterous laughter.

Sirius and Fleamont were downing Firewhiskey shots, the one determined to beat the other.

Remus and his mother stood to the side, discreetly passing Galleons between them. Remus betting that the older Potter would cry king, as long as Sirius didn't find out.

Alice and Frank were excitedly gushing about their new apartment in London and Lupin senior was nodding along, every now and again when his wife wasn't looking stealing a salted cracker. It wasn't good for his cholesterol but that was a bunch of bullocks made up my doctors who wanted his money.

Marlene and Lily were seated in the corner engaging in conversation with Peter. Marlene filling the room as per usual and Lily strangely reserved, determined to avoid James's eyes.