Houses of the Holy

The Sun

TW: Sick family member? The emotional aftermath of that. James 'I'm fine, obviously' Potter and Regulus 'I'm going to make it worse for fun, oh shit I now care' Black

There's a starman waiting in the sky

He'd like to come and meet us

But he thinks he'd blow our minds

There's a starman waiting in the sky

He's told us not to blow it - David Bowie, Starman

James

James sits outside McGonagall's office, bouncing his knee nervously, its been three weeks since he last saw her, and he supposes he should be more prepared, but he honestly would like to be sick all over his shoes. That would be a bad look, make his shoes not shiny - wait, what if his shoes aren't shiny enough?! He reaches down quickly, using the edge of his sleeve to shine his shoes slightly, before straightening again, trying to make sure his collar is neat, and his tie done perfectly. He leans back in his seat, breathing slowly, and the cold bench under his thighs and palms makes him more nervous.

"Mr. Potter?"

He jolts, looking up to see the professor's door open, and her standing waiting. He stands quickly.

"Er, hello professor." He follows her into her office and sits where she motions.

He swallows roughly, waiting.

"Mr. Potter, I see here that you have been taking some tutoring. And yes, your grades in some classes are improving, I am pleased."

James lets out a breath, the anxiety dissipating. "Oh, I- Thank you, professor."

"If you keep this up, you may still pass."

James smiles awkwardly, "Thank you."

She nods, offering him a cup of tea, which he politely declines. She smiles, standing again, "Well, that was a short meeting then Mr. Potter."

He nods, grateful, and relieved. "Probably for the best," He laughs lightly, "I'll let you get on with your day ma'am."

She smiles, "I believe in you, James." And closes the door behind him.

He smiles slightly, warmth flooding his chest for the first time in a long time.

He walks down to the great hall, just in time for lunch. He sits down at the table, smiling properly, it feels good when it's real. Sirius, Remus and Peter sit beside him. James lets himself enjoy the companionship, happy to just exist and listen to the banter between his friends.

There's a rustling sound, which gets louder and louder. Owls flood into the great hall, landing on the tables.

James isn't expecting his father's owl to land on his plate and steal his bacon. He also isn't expecting the heavy, red and gold embossed letter it carries. For once, the letter has the Potter crest and seal. James frowns, taking it. When his parents send him letters, they never write them on official paper like this.

He slides his knife under the gold wax seal, and Sirius glances over his shoulder, eyeing it.

"Ooooh it's a fancy Potter letter eh?"

James laughs, "Yeah, not sure what it is, you wanna read it?"

Sirius nods, taking it from him. James watches him pull the heavy paper out, seeing his father's elegant golden writing against the maroon paper.

Sirius frowns as he reads it, his face going from joyful to confused, and then paper white.

"What? What is it?"