The cool air of the wide, enchanted basement at Godric's Hollow was thick with the lingering scent of spellfire and sweat. James Potter stood panting, his wand held loosely in his hand as he watched his father, Fleamont, reset the dueling dummies with a flick of his wand.
"That was a good Stinging Hex, James," Fleamont commended, a proud smile on his distinguished face. "But remember, dueling is as much about anticipating your opponent's move as it is about the strength of your spells."
James nodded, taking in every word. Since the kidnapping, the need to protect not just himself, but Serena too, had burrowed deep into his thoughts. He shook his wand arm to relieve some of the tension, his hazel eyes focused and determined.
"Let's take a break," Fleamont suggested, clapping a hand on his son's shoulder. "Your mother will have lunch ready, and you'll need your strength for our afternoon session."
Upstairs, the scent of roast beef and fresh bread replaced the mustiness of the basement. Euphemia Potter greeted them with a warm smile, her nurturing presence filling the room as they sat down to eat.
As they finished their main meal and moved on to dessert, the soft beating of wings announced the arrival of Noire, the family owl. Fleamont raised an eyebrow in amusement as the bird landed gracefully beside James, who could barely contain his eagerness.
With his parents' eyes on him, James tore open Serena's letter and began to read aloud, his voice tinged with excitement. And as he read Serena's critical words, Euphemia's lips twitched, trying to maintain a motherly composure, while Fleamont's blue eyes danced with mirth.
~~~
Dear James Potter,
I write this letter in my utmost polite manners.
I must begin by addressing the matter of your penmanship. It is, to put it mildly, an affront to the written word. I had not thought it possible, but your chicken scratch is barely legible and could give Filch's cat's paw prints a run for their money in clarity. One would think that a person with your... unbounded confidence would at least manage to practice the fine art of writing properly. Alas, it seems I give you too much credit.
Onto the contents of your letters. Your first missive was as dramatic as one of Professor Binns' lectures. Let me be perfectly clear: I have never once entertained the thought of being sorted into Gryffindor. It is Slytherin's cunning and ambition that suits me, not the brash bravado of Godric's house. And do I miss you? I can assure you, my days have been quite peaceful without your boisterous presence.
You seem to be under some kind of enchantment, one that has led you to believe in a future that exists solely in your head. I am not your future wife, nor shall I ever be. I would appreciate it if you ceased these ludicrous fantasies at once. We are not in a romantic relationship of any kind.
As for your desire to acquire a dragon as a companion, I must admit the prospect is amusing. I would indeed like to see your attempt, if only for the entertainment it would surely provide. Watching you try and fail to tame such a beast might just be the highlight of my summer.
Regarding your invitation to visit your home, do not misunderstand, I am only going because I have already agreed to your father's invitation. I will also request more attendees with me while I visit, as it is proper to have a companion to avoid unnecessary rumors come our way. Rest assured, my decision will not be influenced by your pitiable pleas.
Your latest letter, filled with tales of your exploits and the attempted bribery with mango cake, has left me unimpressed. While I acknowledge your persistence, it is misplaced. I have no interest in being part of your merry band of troublemakers.
YOU ARE READING
IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)
Fanfiction(OMEGAVERSE) Severus finds himself rising from his near deathbed into the past, as a female 10 year old version of himself in another parallel world, where secondary genders exist. (Also uploaded in Fanfiction & Ao3)
