Wands and Wildflowers - J.S.Potter

The confession

The next morning, the Gryffindor common room was awash in golden sunlight, the early rays filtering through the tall windows and casting a warm glow over the cozy space. It was a Saturday, and the relaxed atmosphere was filled with the chatter and laughter of students planning their weekend. But James Potter was anything but relaxed.

He was perched on one of the deep red couches near the fireplace, holding a Quidditch magazine that he wasn't really reading. His thoughts were a tangled mess of emotions, all centered around Daisy Dawson. Since his conversation with Ben the day before, when he'd finally admitted to himself that his feelings for Daisy were more than just friendly, James had been unable to think of much else.

Ben Hall sat beside him, casually flipping through a different magazine, though he kept glancing at James, clearly aware of the turmoil brewing in his friend's mind. They had agreed not to bring up the conversation from the previous day unless James was ready, but Ben knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came out to the rest of their friends.

Gwen Weasley, Chris Dawson, and Bella Timber entered the common room together, laughing at something Chris had said. As they spotted James and Ben, Gwen's eyes immediately narrowed with the sharp intuition of someone who knew her friends far too well.

"What's with the brooding look, Potter?" Gwen teased as she flopped onto the couch opposite James. "You look like you've seen a Dementor."

Chris and Bella joined her, both eyeing James with curiosity. "Yeah, mate," Chris added, leaning back casually. "You've been off all morning. Something on your mind?"

James hesitated, glancing at Ben for support. Ben gave him a subtle nod, encouraging him to share. James sighed, closing the magazine and setting it aside. "I suppose there's something I should probably tell you guys."

Gwen's eyebrows shot up, and she leaned forward eagerly. "This sounds serious. Spill it, Potter."

James took a deep breath, running a hand through his already messy hair. "It's about Daisy. I... I've realized that I like her. A lot. More than I thought I did."

The reaction was immediate. Gwen let out a delighted squeal, Chris's eyes widened in surprise, and Bella grinned from ear to ear. Ben simply nodded, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

"Oh my Merlin!" Gwen practically bounced in her seat. "I knew it! I've been saying it for ages—you two are perfect for each other!"

Bella clapped her hands together, her smile only growing wider. "This is brilliant! It's about time you figured it out, James."

Chris chuckled, shaking his head. "So that's what's been eating at you. Well, it's good to know the mystery behind your weird mood lately. Not that it's much of a surprise. Anyone with eyes could see how you've been looking at her."

James felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment as his friends bombarded him with their reactions. "Alright, alright, calm down," he said, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. "It's not that big of a deal."

"Not that big of a deal?" Gwen repeated incredulously. "James, this is huge! Daisy is like, the sweetest person ever, and you've been pining for her without even realizing it. This is like one of those romantic novels she loves to read."

Bella leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Speaking of romantic novels... You know what this reminds me of? Our old ship names for you two."

Chris smirked, catching on immediately. "Oh yeah, 'Elvendork and Bookworm,' right? We were onto something with those names."

James groaned, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You guys and your ships... I swear, you never let anything go."