The Marauders: The Red Fox- A James Potter Story)

Chapter 39 🦊

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The carriage ride to Hogsmead was fairly quick, we just sat and told stories of out time in Hogwarts or back home with muggle family, James and Frank seeming invested in those stories.

When we arrived at the small village where we spend most weekends, James and Frank whisked us to the first shop we came to, which happened to be a small clothes shop that sold muggle inspired clothes. 

Lily and I had told both boys that we didn't need anything, but they argued and argued until we finally gave in and let them buy us one thing each. 

This happened at every shop we walked into, Honeyduke's, Zonko's, clothes shops, shoe shops, jewellery shops book shops... basically the only shop we didn't go in was the Quidditch shop, but that was only because neither Lily nor I played and I had enough of James' stuff, to wear, I didn't really need anything else.

By the time we had been in and out of all the shops, it was well passed lunch time but not quite dinner time, so James and Frank offered up a walk around the woods close by, even visiting a small patch in the woods that was clear enough the see the Shrieking shack from. Frank, not knowing about the Boys and I's... full moon adventures, decided to tell us how it was haunted, how on many nights you can quite literally hear the shrieking that comes from the ghosts that had died there.

James and I were a little uncomfortable about the topic, but thankfully Lily directed Franks attention else where, silencing him for a bit, This gave James and I and excuse to leave their sides for a short while and sit down an a tree stump close by, my head on his shoulder and our hands entwined on his lap. 

"Do you think Moony knows people can hear him... all of us?"

"I don't think he wants to know, it's hard enough dealing with the wolf, let alone people who think he's a ghost." 

"Tell me about it." I huffed, my heart breaking for my best friend. "At least if people think its haunted it'll stop people snooping around."

"That's a good point." James nodded. I looked up at him and gave him a sad smile, but he quickly pressed his lips to mine, making me smile against his kiss. "We're on a date, no being sad for Moony until it's over. OK?"

"OK." I nodded, kissing his lips again. 

A twig breaking pulled us apart and we turned to see Lily and Frank walking our way. 

"I'm getting cold and hungry, do you guys wanna come to the Three broom sticks for some food?" Lily smiled, huddling herself into Franks jacket that I now noticed she had on. I looked and James and smiled back at me and I nodded. 

"I could go for some food and warmth." I replied to my sister who held a hand out for me to take, I did so and she pulled me up and into her arms, wrapping Franks Jacket around me also, "Lil's you do know I have a boyfriend of my own who's jacket I can steal." I laughed, but made no effort to leave her side.

We stayed like this, huddled up until we reached the three broomsticks and the most inviting warmth hit us pretty much as soon and we walked in. James and Frank guided us round to a booth, well lit but hidden, in the back where they had us sit down and left to order food and drinks. I was fine by James ordering me food here, he knew me well enough to know what I'd like. 

"Things seem to be going well for you and Frank." I spoke up to my sister who immediately smile and nodded. 

"It really is, and he's so sweet and caring, he isn't trying to rush me into anything I'm not ready for and his happy just going at my own pace." She told me, making me smile, genuinely happy for her for finding a good guy who made her happy and comfertable.