Wands and Wildflowers - J.S.Potter

Summer Storms

It was mid-July, and the sun was setting over Gwen Weasley's sprawling family estate. The garden was alive with the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and the warm summer air carried the sounds of laughter and chatter from the ongoing party. Despite the festive atmosphere, there was an undercurrent of tension that was about to come to a head.

Daisy Dawson and James Potter had retreated to a quiet corner of the garden, away from the revelry. Their earlier conversation, which had started as a calm discussion, had escalated into something far more intense.

"I just don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of this," Daisy said, her voice rising with frustration. "We've been friends for two years. How can you be so sure this is more than just a phase?"

James, who had been sitting on the edge of a stone wall, stood up abruptly. His face was flushed with a mixture of hurt and anger. "It's not a phase, Daisy! I've never felt this way about anyone before. I'm not just saying this to win you over or to make things complicated. I genuinely care about you."

Daisy's eyes were flashing with a mix of anger and confusion. "But how can you be so sure? You've never been in a relationship before. This is all new to you, and I'm just afraid that this is something temporary for you."

James's frustration reached its peak. He stepped closer, his voice rising as he tried to make her understand. "It's not temporary! I'm not just saying this to impress you. I'm saying it because it's the truth. I've never been in a relationship, but that doesn't mean I don't know what I want. I know how I feel about you."

Daisy's face was now red with emotion, her voice shaking as she shouted, "How can I believe that when everything seems so new to you? This feels like a summer fling, James. I don't want to get hurt again. I've been through too much already."

James's heart ached at her words. He tried to take a step back, giving her space, but his voice was firm and unyielding. "It's not a fling. I'm committed to this, to us. I'm willing to prove it, no matter how long it takes."

Daisy's anger turned to tears as she shouted, "I can't just switch off my fears and doubts because you want me to! I've been hurt before, and it's hard to believe that this is real when everything is moving so fast. I need time to sort through my feelings!"

The shouting had drawn the attention of some of the guests. From the garden, Gwen, Chris, and Bella watched with concern as Daisy and James continued their heated exchange. They had hoped to give their friends space, but the situation had escalated beyond what they could ignore.

"Maybe we should give them a bit more privacy," Gwen suggested, her voice laced with worry.

Chris nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the pair. "They're really going at it. Do you think we should step in?"

Bella shook her head. "Let's wait and see if they need us. Sometimes they need to work things out on their own."

Daisy's shouts had subsided into sobs, her voice breaking as she continued, "I need to know that you're not just saying these things because you think it's what I want to hear. I need to know that you truly care about me, not just about the idea of being with me."

James's face was filled with anguish. He reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled away, her tears flowing freely. "I'm telling you the truth, Daisy. I'm not just saying this for show. I really care about you, and I want to build something real with you. But I need you to believe me."

At that moment, Gwen, Chris, and Bella decided to step in. They approached slowly, giving the two some space but making their presence known.

"Everything alright?" Gwen asked gently, her eyes flicking between Daisy and James.

Daisy looked up, her face tear-streaked and her eyes red. "No, it's not alright. I'm tired of feeling like I'm just a phase for him. I need time to figure out what's real and what's not."

James's gaze was desperate as he looked at Gwen, Chris, and Bella. "I'm not giving up on this. I love her. I just need her to see that."

Gwen, Chris, and Bella exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of sympathy and concern. Gwen placed a comforting hand on Daisy's shoulder. "We're here for you, Daisy. We just want you to be happy, and if you need time, that's okay."

Chris nodded. "We all care about you both. Maybe taking a step back for a bit could help clear things up."

Bella added softly, "Sometimes, taking a break from the intensity can help put things in perspective."

Daisy took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to compose herself. "I just need to think. I don't want to hurt anyone, and I don't want to be hurt either. I need some space."

James's heart sank, but he nodded, understanding her need for distance. "Alright. I'll give you space. But please remember that I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

As Daisy turned and walked away, the silence of the garden felt heavy. James watched her go, his heart aching with the weight of their argument.

The evening continued with an undercurrent of tension. The party that had seemed so vibrant earlier now felt distant as the group tried to shift their focus away from the turmoil between Daisy and James. Gwen, Chris, and Bella did their best to offer support and distraction, but the events of the evening had left a mark on everyone.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, the air was filled with a sense of unresolved tension and unspoken emotions. Daisy's need for space and James's unwavering determination to prove his feelings created a complex and emotional backdrop to the summer night.

### Suitable Song for the Chapter:

**"Brutal" by Olivia Rodrigo** - The song reflects the raw emotion and intensity of the argument between Daisy and James, capturing the frustration and sense of betrayal they both feel in the moment.