𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐔𝐋 (Tom Riddle) [ 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗗 ]

xxiv. james and lily: the end pt 1

For the first time in years, James Fleamont Potter was distraught. Him and Lily continuously got into arguments which resulted him to sleep somewhere else; most of the time, he brought Harry with him. He knew Harry was upset about the fighting, but there was nothing he could do. Yes, James knew Lily was under a strong Imperio but only said person could fight it.

This night, however, he decided — rather allowed — to stay at Tom Riddle's home. You see, Riddle Manor was used for Death Eaters to hide out in but Tom wasn't going to let his queen's father and brother stay there, heavens no, he allowed them to stay in his personal home.

That night, made James realize something. He knew Lily was strong, yes, but he knew he couldn't stay with her any longer. It was that night when James met Claudia Scamander that he realized this.

When he first rested his eyes upon her and her son, Manuel, he fell utterly in love, much like he did with Lily back then. He knew it was wrong but for some unknown reason he couldn't help himself. Though he didn't do what he did with Lily all those years ago, he got to know her, let her know him.

June 20, 1995, James arrived upon Black Manor with Harry. He could already hear the lively chatter of the Weasley Twins inside.

"Dad!" Iris greeted him with a hug.

He had always wanted his daughter to greet him like that every time he came home.

"Hello my little flower," he murmured into her head, kissing her head.

"Uncle Pads and Uncle Moony are in the dining room," Iris informed before dragging Harry off into the drawing room.

James chuckled at his daughter and made his way towards his two best friends.

"How's the wife doing? Any progress?" Remus asked, not looking up from his book.

"Huh?" Sirius jumped, looking like he just woke up from a nap; which he did. "Oh Prongs! Hello!" Sirius exclaimed, tackling his friend in a bear-hug.

"Padfoot, Moony," he smiled. "She's the same as before. We're always arguing," James stated, slumping down on a chair. "I honestly don't know what to do," he groaned quietly.

At that moment, the door opened. And in walked in Claudia Scamander. Her hair was in a messy bun with paint splattered all over her clothes.

"Those twins," she sighed. "Yeah. . . Wait which ones?" James jumped up. His friends raised a brow at his behavior.

"George, Fred, Harry and Iris," she answered, taking the drink Sirius poured her.

"Oh shit! I'm so sorry about them! I'll go talk some sense into them-" James rambled but was stopped by Remus.

"That would be very hypercritical, wouldn't it be Prongs?" Remus asked cheekily.

Claudia chuckled, "It's fine, really."

"Are you-"

"Yes Potter I'm sure."

They all sat at the table silently. The only muffled noise coming from the drawing room.