His Rose | James Potter

Chapter 8

Rosalyn walked towards the great hall, the aroma of breakfast filling the air. Just as she was about to reach her house table, she heard her name. Turning, she found Regulus approaching, his expression slightly anxious.

“How did your date go?” he asked, his voice low enough to keep the attention away from them.

Her cheeks flushed at the mention of James. “It was nice,” she replied, a shy smile creeping onto her lips. “But… complicated.”

Regulus nodded sympathetically. “With the Quidditch match coming up, I get it. We haven’t really had time to talk.”

“Right,” she said, trying to push aside her nerves. “I can help you with Transfiguration later, though. Meet me in the library after class?”

“Sounds perfect,” he replied, a grateful look in his eyes.

As she sat down beside Lily and Remus, Rosalyn caught sight of James sitting next to Sirius. Their eyes met for a brief moment, but the weight of their unspoken words hung in the air. She recalled their date, the almost kiss interrupted by a tipsy Frank Longbottom. A week had passed, but the memory still made her heart race.

Lily leaned over, breaking her reverie. “Look at James. He hasn’t slept in days!”

James groaned, running a hand through his messy hair, while Remus and Sirius offered half-hearted reassurances. Rosalyn couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Quidditch was everything to him; he was the best player at Hogwarts, and it showed in the way he trained relentlessly.

“Are you okay, Prongs?” Sirius teased, nudging James. “You look like a ghost.”

“I’m fine,” James mumbled, though his eyes told a different story.

After breakfast, classes dragged on, each minute stretching as she anticipated their evening meeting. When the time came, she settled into a quiet corner of the library, her books spread out around her. Suddenly, Regulus burst through the door, slightly out of breath.

“Sorry I’m late! Quidditch practice ran long—everyone on the team is determined not to lose to Gryffindor this year, again,” he said, offering a sheepish grin.

“Good luck with that,” she chuckled, shaking her head.

They dove into Transfiguration, but soon the conversation shifted to her date with James. Regulus laughed heartily when she recounted the near kiss. “Classic Potter,” he said, shaking his head. “But trust me, he still likes you. He wouldn’t be so bothered if he didn’t.”

After an enjoyable study session, Rosalyn made her way to the Gryffindor common room, heart pounding in anticipation. James was sitting by the fireplace, deep in thought, his brow furrowed. She took a moment to admire the way the firelight danced across his features before he sensed her presence and looked up, a smile breaking across his face.

“I was waiting for you,” he said softly, his voice warm.

Taking a seat beside him, she asked, “You wanted to meet me?”

He nodded, his hands shifting nervously. “I wanted to give you this.” He pulled out a freshly pressed Quidditch jersey, the Gryffindor emblem proudly displayed. “Would you wear it to the match tomorrow? Only if it’s okay with you.”

Her heart melted at his thoughtfulness. “Of course I will,” she said, taking the jersey from him with a smile.

James’s eyes softened as he continued, “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to talk much since our date. Things got really hectic.”

“It’s okay,” she reassured him. “I understand how important Quidditch is to you.”

They chatted comfortably, the weight of the previous week lifting as they exchanged stories and laughter. As the evening wore on, James leaned closer, and in a tender moment, he kissed her forehead, lingering for a heartbeat longer before stepping back.

“Goodnight, Rose,” he whispered, his gaze lingering on her.

“Goodnight, James,” she replied, warmth spreading through her as she walked upstairs to the girls’ dormitory.

That night, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, while James, lying in his bed, wore a smile that didn’t go unnoticed by Sirius and Remus. They exchanged knowing glances before drifting off, the air thick with the promise of what tomorrow might bring.