No time to die | Harry James Potter ¹

LXXII

Y/n was taking one last walk around the house, she was reminiscing on all the newfound
memories. She came to a stop when she saw James looking at the familiar picture that hung on the wall. "You know, the Potter family was once one of the sacred 28, until they decided Potter was too much of a muggle name and took us out" He spoke quietly, Y/n's eyes looking at the picture of her aunts.

"When you were born, Sirius barged into the house screaming that we need to wake up because his little princess of the house black was born. And me being tired didn't realize what he said and just yelled back "yes Sirius you're a pretty princess" Then there was the time when Harry put a fist of sand in your mouth and you socked him in the face." James spoke thinking back, his voice barely being heard.

His body turned to her "Y/n, you're like a daughter to me. And I hope that sometime I can officially call you my daughter in law but, we all get older and if anything happens to me in.. You know, this battle-" James tried to stop sniffling as he continued.

"Then, I would just like to say how proud I am of you, you've come so far no matter if academically or just in life. I am grateful I was allowed to see you grow up over these years and just become the person you are now. If, I would die. Please take these, they're each addressed to each person who should receive it" He spoke softly, placing various envelopes in Y/n's hands.

She looked up into James eyes "you won't die, i'll make sure of it." "im sorry Y/n, but that's not something I can promise." He said, his tone was like he was hinting at something.

"James, tell me what's going on."  James eyes didn't dare to look the young girl in her eyes.

"I talked to an old friend." "what old friend?" she asked, her voice was brittle.

"Simply.. An old friend-" he knew she had figured it out by now. "Are you serious?" "no I'm James-" "James." she said sternly, her feet coming to a stop.

"Look, I talked to him, I made him reconsider, I made him know that this was not the right choice-" Y/n was speechless. "You made a deal-" "How-" "what deal did you do." She asked, her eyes catching his.

James's look was serious, "listen, I'm going to tell you something." Y/n was listening carefully, while James started walking.

"I lost my sympathy a long time ago for him, but if you're dealing with people like him. People who want to be liked, who can't deal with being cast out then you have to pretend."

"I don't understand why you wouldn't survive-" Y/n was cut off by James sigh, his hands pushed his hair away. His eyes looked tired, a stubble was noticeable.

"Because Peter is a person that is easy to be manipulated, but he is also a deceiving Manipulator" James spoke, y/n looked into his eyes "he's on his way and must be here in a minute. I'll show you how and why I've done it."

James' eyes darted around the room, Y/n sighed "Sometimes you Potter men make me want to rip my hair out" "Well-" "Oh, spare the sympathy" She mocked sarcastically, causing him to push her laughing as the two walked out of the room.

A knock was heard on the door, James opened it to see his old friend. Peter Pettigrew.

James held a tired expression, Peters eyes widening at the sight of the girl behind James, Peter looked at James "Hello, old friend" "Peter! Oh, you're the greatest!!" "But- why don't you hate me-" Peter started but James cut him off "so you don't want our forgiveness-" "I do! I do! I'm ready to change James, for everything." "Are you sure?" "of course," Peter exclaimed, James, sighed, stepping aside letting Peter enter.

James started speaking again "But once you turn, they will hate you-" "I don't care" Peter took a look at the girl, who had a sad look on her face. "Everybody wants to be our enemy, Peter, this is a one time chance-" "im sorry I don't think they all want to be your enemies" Peter was cut off by James "spare the sympathy. She's already getting false sympathy by everyone else"

Peter stood nervously. "Now, that we have established this, We need you to do something for us."

But would it really be that smart, to have a former traitor on their side?