𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 / James Potter x Reader

Ch11 ★ Hogsmeade

chapter song:
we fell in love in october - girl in red

The Slytherin common room was bathed in the soft glow of the crackling fire. It was a Friday night, and most students had retreated to their dormitories or were lost in quiet activities around the room. Y/n sat cross-legged on one of the emerald-green sofas, her eyes fixed on Regulus and Archie as she tried to muster all the persuasive energy she could.

"Come on, Reg," y/n implored, her voice earnest. "It's just one Hogsmeade weekend. James invited us, and I think it could be fun. We can have a change of scenery, you know?"

Regulus, lounging in an armchair with a book in hand, looked up with a frown. "I don't know, y/n. There's a lot of bad history there. Sirius and I... it's not easy to just brush that aside. I know you feel the exact same. He's bullied you for years. Plus, I don't trust his friends. They're blood traitors, and they've never been particularly kind to us."

Y/n nodded, understanding his hesitation. "I get it. Believe me, I do. Sirius hasn't exactly been my favorite person either. But James is different. He's genuinely trying to make things right, and I think this could be a step towards... I don't know, maybe some kind of truce? And that blood traitor rubbish is all bullshit and you know it, don't let Walburga get in your head."

Archie, sprawled out on the rug near the fire, chimed in, "I'm somewhat up for it. It sounds like it could be an interesting day. But you're asking us to hang out with people who have never been friendly to us, y/n."

Y/n sighed, leaning back against the sofa cushions. "I know it's a big thing ask. But think about it. We're all stuck in this cycle of house rivalries and grudges. Maybe this is our chance to break out of that, even just for a day."

Regulus shook his head, still unconvinced. "I haven't even mentioned that half blood Lupin. Something is suspicious about him."

Y/n leaned forward, her eyes pleading. "James invited all of us, including Remus. Remus is one of his best friends and he's one of my close friends too, you have to put the whole blood thing aside. All James wants is for us to have a good time together. Please, Reggie? For me?"

Regulus glanced at Archie, who shrugged. "It might not be so bad, Reg. And if it is, we can always leave early."

Regulus sighed deeply, closing his book. "Alright, I'll think about it. But I'm not making any promises. I'll decide by tomorrow morning."

Y/n smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. "That's all I'm asking."

Turning to Archie, she continued, "And Archie, you should invite Fletchley. I know you've been wanting to be asked out for him for ages, but maybe you need to make the first move."

Archie's face flushed slightly. "Ellis? I don't know, y/n. What if he doesn't want to go?"

Y/n grinned. "You'll never know unless you ask. Besides, he seems to like you too. You don't see it but he's always looking at you in classes and at meals. It's so adorable. It could be a great opportunity for you both."

Archie hesitated, then finally nodded. "Alright, I'll ask him tomorrow morning. But if he says no, I'm blaming you."

Y/n laughed, the sound echoing softly in the warm room. "Deal."

As the fire crackled and the night wore on, the three friends continued to talk, their conversation filled with hopes and worries about the upcoming weekend. They planned out where they'd love to visit and all the things they wanted to buy.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

The next morning dawned crisp and clear, a quintessential late October day with the promise of Halloween around the corner. The Great Hall buzzed with anticipation for the Hogsmeade trip, students chatting excitedly over breakfast. Y/n pulled a reluctant Regulus towards the Gryffindor table, where James motioned for them to join.