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⸻ SEPTEMBER, 1976 // london, england
Optimismcould be defined as a weakness; depending on who a person would ask. Too much of anything converts to poison. Too little of something could extinguish you. For James Fleamont Potter, his optimism had been his foundation; a drive that conspired with his determination and thrived with his boldness. James almost always knew what he wanted; when he did, he was hell-bent on getting it.
Whether guided and inspired by the thrill, the challenge, or perhaps even genuine feelings, James Potter was determined to win Lily Evans, and he was convinced that this year had been his year.
"Mate, are you even listening?" Sirius Black's voice broke through James' thoughts, hauling him back into the nostalgic chaos surrounding them.
The platform was hoarded with both the students and their parents. The excitement from the fresh first-years blared throughout the atmosphere. James hardly ever neglected the words that his mother spoke, but him being preoccupied — wandering eyes with a seemingly endless determination to find Lily — had Euphemia Potter's words fallen deaf onto her son's ears.
Only then noticing, Euphemia realised her son had his back turned toward them the entirety of the time she had been rambling. A deep yet defeated sigh would release from her lips as all hope of earning James' attention wilted away. She turned her attention toward the curly dark-haired boy instead and spoke, "Sirius dear, please do make sure James gets back to Hogwarts in one piece," she requested. Her eyes quickly darted to her son again briefly, catching a glimpse of his eyes so intently fixed upon the crowd. "Honestly," she lightly scoffed. "I'd be a wee bit happier if James also showed this much commitment to his studies."
With a pleasant grin on his face, Sirius nodded. "I can assure you Effie, that I'll look after Jamesy here." He slapped the boy across his back, but the only response he'd received in return was a throaty groan from James. "Seems like he's a bit preoccupied aye?" Sirius laughed.
James' eyes continuously glazed over the crowd, unable to catch the bright red hair of Lily Evans. Perhaps she had already boarded, but even that likeliness hadn't allowed him to halt his search nor mellow his determination.
"You can see Lily when we get to Hogwarts mate," Sirius attempted. "She's not going to disappear into thin air."
As expected, James ignored.
"James, I have to go," his mother tried. The absence of any sort of response had her shooting a questioning look toward Sirius, who only casually shrugged in response. Euphemia leaned in toward her son, pushing herself up by her toes as she leaned in to place a quick peck on the side of his face.
