The Love of Patronus | JILY

Potter

          "Oi! Black!"

          James Potter's voice rang loud and clear over the talk of the Gryffindor common room as James entered through the portrait hole.

          "What's up, mate? Fancy snooping on Snivellus? He's out in the grounds!"

         Sirius pushed his way through some goggling third years who giggled wildly the second he made contact.

          James lowered his voice so as to keep their conversation private. "Did you tell people about me having sex with Lily?"

          Sirius shrugged. "Mighta. What's the deal?"

          "It didn't happen, and she's really put out about it."

          Sirius let out a long breath, his sculpted cheeks puffing out like a chipmunk as he took in James' words.

          "Okaaay but Evans is relaxed. It'll blow over, yeah?"

          "I kind of told her I'd make it go away until it really happened?"

          Just then the portrait hole swung open again, and this time Professor McGonagall entered. 

          "Potter! A word!"

          James ruffled his hair as he walked towards her, casting a nervous glance back at Sirius as McGonogall rifled through her robes. Sirius shuffled a few steps backwards, knocking into a sixth year girl. With a gasp, she pushed him away from her and stepped back whipping lock brunette hair over her shoulder as she turned away.

           Sirius looked at her surprised for a second, before looking at James. James glanced at McGonogall who was still looking for something before turning back to him.

          "Who is that?" Sirius mouthed at him, pointing at the brunette sixth year girl who was now sitting a good ten feet away, and reading a scrunched piece of parchment.

          James shrugged and raised an eyebrow before winking. Sirius grinned and gave a thumbs up and slipped out of sight.

          "Ah, Potter. You're here." Professor McGonogall had pulled out a small scroll and stood tall with her lips pursed.

          "I've been here professor-" James began, but with a sharp look he closed his mouth.

          "There's been talk of inappropriate relations between you-"

          "Not true. Any of it." James interrupted, anxiety boiling up inside of him.

          Professor McGonogall paused. Looking at him intently, before giving a small nod.

          "Good, good. But!" She added as he was turning back to the crowd. "That's not why I called for you. Professor Dumbledore would like a word."

          James' eyes widened, his heart beating noticeably faster. "What?"

          A faint smile pulled at the corners of Minerva McGonogall's mouth briefly. "I would advise you to relax, Potter, I doubt it is a matter of anything more than duties."

          "Oh. Right!" James collected himself, and tipped his head at her - taking the scroll with the gargoyle password. "Thanks, Professor."

          He pushed his way through the portrait and made his way to the twin gargoyles.

          "What's the password?" They asked in unison.