Lacerta Black -- James Potter --

27

lots of foreshadowing >:)

"Mr. Potter. Ms. Black," a voice called for them right as they entered the Entrance Hall. The adrenaline had faded, leaving James feeling tired and his hands were shaking at the thought of what could've happened if he wasn't there. For once, he wasn't happy to see McGonagall. 

"Minnie," he greeted, holding tightly to Lacerta's hand, too afraid to let go. 

"Professor Dumbledore would like to see you two in his office." She looked grim, as if she was about to deliver life-threatening news. His heart thrummed against his chest. His parents were old and proud blood-traitors, sickness or Death Eaters could've taken them. "Go to the statue of the eagle. The password is fizzing whiz bees."

"Thank you, Professor," Lacerta said for the both of them. She gently led them to the hidden staircase. It opened for them as soon as they said the password. James couldn't help but hesitate, letting her go up the narrow staircase first.

Dumbledore was seated behind his desk stroking a bright red Phoenix that nestled its head into his open palm. "I assure you that you're not here to receive bad news," he looked at their stricken faces and seemed to read their minds. "Have a seat." 

With a flourish of his wand two chairs appeared out of thin air. "Why are we here, Professor?" James questioned with a raised brow as they sat down, never letting go of the other's hand. 

"I heard what just occurred in Hogsmeade through a certain Mundungus Fletcher who was buying a rather illegal item from a nearby shop," he chuckled quietly. "It certainly takes a lot of bravery to stand up for what's right. That's why I'm offering you both the positions of Head Boy and Girl next year."

James couldn't help but snort at the thought of him being the Head Boy instead of someone like Remus. "This is a joke, right? I haven't even been prefect and I've had more detentions than anyone in the entire school, besides Sirius." 

"I don't think students will appreciate two purebloods, especially a Slytherin, with everything that's going on," Lacerta countered. 

"I'm afraid that if I put a muggleborn in this position it would make them a target. I think them seeing a kind Slytherin might put them at ease. As for Mr. Potter, I think that everyone could use a bit of laughter right now. A lot of people look up to the Marauders." 

"If you're sure," James mumbled, looking at Lacerta's expression but he couldn't figure it out. "What do you say, Liz?"

"It might be fun," she answered after a short pause. 

"I have one more topic to talk about," he had a knowing glint in his eyes. "Have you two heard of the Order of the Phoenix?"

******

Exams had been grueling, but the students weren't nearly as excited as previous years to exit the train and go home to their parents. Regulus had grimaced as he watched his sister fall asleep against James's chest and Sirius whisper into Remus's ear for the entire journey. Thankfully, he found solace in Peter Pettigrew. 

The two played a vicious game of wizard chess. They were both intelligent in their own ways but when it came to the game, they were an equal match. "Get ready to eat shite rat," Regulus grinned as his bishop demolished the smaller boy's queen.

"You've fallen right into my trap!" Peter grinned, looking younger than he had for a while. He noticed that he'd left his king open to multiple attacks. He could tell that the older boy had been feeling left out due to James's fretting over Lacerta and Sirius chasing after his ex, desperate for another chance. "Checkmate."

"You're too damn good at a poker face," Regulus smiled. He absolutely hated being outsmarted but he figured the boy deserved that win.  "You can fool anyone with that innocent face."

"I am not innocent," Peter crossed his arms. The action was childlike, only proving his point further.

"Yes, you are," Sirius tuned into their conversation with a teasing grin. He looked lighter. He had plans to search for a flat for them to all move into so that Andromeda and her new family could go into proper hiding. "You are the collective child of the group."

"That's you, Pads," he retorted with a huff. "You always have Moony keeping you on a leash." 

"Sirius really was a leash child," Regulus chuckled. He fondly remembered how Walburga would keep him close by, not wanting to lose the heir, while he and Lacerta followed like the dutiful children that they were. "Mother got tired of losing him in crowds."

"So was I," James looked offended. "Nothing wrong with your parents wanting to keep an eye on you. Not all of us can be swots that listen to what they say."

The youngest Black looked him up and down, making him blush under the intense stare. "You look like a leash kid."

"You were a leash kid?" Lacerta beamed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The look in her eyes was something he'd only ever seen when Sirius and Remus looked at each other. James had the same emotion, but there wasn't any hesitance on his part. 

"Why do you guys say it like it's a bad thing?!" he threw his hand up dramatically, keeping his other one around Lacerta's waist.

She leaned up to kiss his cheek, her brothers made loud gagging sounds. "I think it's cute."

"Don't worry, Prongs," Sirius frowned at them all, but the amusement made his eyes glow brighter. "They're just jealous."

"Of what? Being tethered by our parents?" Lacerta raised her eyebrow at him. 

"Well. . . when you put it that way," he muttered with a pout. 

Regulus would miss this. 

Years later when he looked back, he would remember the love in Lacerta's eyes that he'd never seen before. He would remember how James looked back at her like she was his world. He would remember how Peter always had the upper hand, carefully planning every move in chess. He could vividly recall the way Sirius longed for Remus, who never did give him a second chance.