Serena lay on the bed she shared with Lily, the soft moonlight filtering through the curtains and casting a serene glow over the room. Petunia was already in her bed, her breathing steady, a testament to the exhaustion of the day. Serena's mind, however, was far from restful as she recounted the events of their first day at the Potter household.
The day had taken an unexpected turn with the arrival of an owl from the Malfoys. The invitation to Lucius and Sirius' engagement party had sparked a flurry of activity. Serena had penned a quick letter to her grandparents, informing them of the invite. They had been meticulous in their response, ensuring that Serena was truly prepared to step into the high society of the wizarding world. Her affirmation had been swift and certain; she was prepared to say the least.
The news had been shared over last night's dinner, an affair filled with warmth and laughter, the Potters' hospitality wrapping around her like a comforting shawl. Euphemia and Fleamont had been supportive, their eyes sparkling with a shared excitement for Serena's first social debut. But it was James' reaction that had left an indelible mark on the day.
His enthusiasm had been boundless, his hazel eyes alight with an excitement that was as infectious as it was overwhelming. Throughout yesterday night and today, he had found every opportunity to suggest—with a persistence that was as endearing as it was maddening—that they attend the party together. Serena's patience had been tested time and time again as he floated ideas of matching outfits and grand entrances, his charm turned up to its full, devastating effect.
Lily had tried her best to intervene, her eyes and voice were always flashing with reason and exasperation as she attempted to stop James from his relentless attack on her best friend.
The boys, initially sympathetic to Serena's plight, had eventually been roped into James' scheming, their loyalty to their friend outweighing their better judgment. They started brainstorming ideas on how to convince Serena, much to her dismay.
Petunia, on the other hand, had been a silent observer to the chaos, her presence a quiet constant in the corner of the room. She had played with Bowe, who seemed equally entertained by the unfolding drama. There was a subtle hidden delight in Petunia's demeanor that Serena could not help but notice. It was clear Petunia found some humor in the situation.
As the second night drew on, the Potter household had settled into a tranquil stillness, and Serena replayed the moments spent wandering the Potter Manor under the guidance of James and the boys. They had traversed the expansive property, which was imbued with the Potter family's rich history and magical heritage.
The tour had commenced with the basement training grounds, a well-equipped space that spoke of the Potters' dedication to defense and dueling arts. Serena, with her deep knowledge of magic and her former life's emphasis on self-preservation, found herself quietly approving of the practical setup. The space was filled with an array of dummies and targets, each one bearing the marks of countless spells cast in training.
As they continued, James led them to his personal quarters, opening the door with a flourish that was both playful and proud. The room was a vibrant homage to Gryffindor, adorned with the house's red and gold colors, and featured an impressive collection of Quidditch team posters that plastered the walls. Amongst the memorabilia, Serena's eyes caught sight of a collection of training wooden swords of various lengths, each a testament to James' years of growth and surprising martial training. A mental note was made by Serena to inquire about those swords; their existence piqued her curiosity and perhaps even a hint of respect for James' less-known pursuits.
To the surprise of Lily and Petunia—and indeed, to the slight chagrin of the boys—the room was impeccably tidy, defying the stereotype of a teenage boy's abode. James, seizing the moment, feigned offense at their astonishment, his chest puffed out in mock indignation that they would expect anything less. Though Serena highly suspected that it was only cleaned for their visit. The two words of Potter and organized? Not possible. She couldn't believe it—won't believe it.
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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)
