Chapter Text
James
James is spiraling a bit. Well more than a bit, if he’s being honest. He is halfway through his flight when he felt the anxiety attack start. He isn’t completely sure where it came from. After an early dinner with Barty and his mum, they picked a up couple things while shopping and then headed home to pack. James hadn’t brought much in the first place so he mostly just helped the others make sure they had everything they would need. Saying goodbye at the airport had even been fine. He managed to stay calm and say goodbye to everyone without too much of a fuss, even managing a kiss for each of his boyfriends. On the cheek, but still, it was something.
So he isn’t quite sure what triggered him, but he’s got it under control. He breathes deeply and counts to 4 ten times. He closes his eyes and listens to the dull hum of the plane. He can do this. He won’t freak out in front of everyone. He knows what this is and he knows he’ll be okay. James deep breathes until the panic subsides, and he can’t help but be proud of himself for the moment. He is usually hit or miss when it comes to calming down and deescalating or just letting it run its corse until he is too exhausted to worry any more. The rest of plane ride goes smoothly, and before he knows it, Amelia’s car is pulling up to the baggage claim, her smiling face with it.
“Jamie!” She yelps, before pulling into a bone crushing hug. “I am so glad you are home, meu amor.”
“It’s good to be home.” He loads his bag into the car and drops into the passages seat. Amelia pulls away from the airport and starts to make her way back to the house.
“Tell me everything, James. How was it? How was the familia? More importantly how are you? Are you doing okay? Have you had any problems? You took your meds right? Oh, and how did things go with your má? Did she take everything okay?”
James smiles brightly, not bothered by the onslaught of questions. “Everyone’s good, Aims. I’m good, and yes, I have been taking my meds.” He reassures her. “My mom took things as well as can be expected, I think. She is worried, I know, but with time and more communication, she’ll get there. I’m more worried about the others.”
Amelia squeezes his hand. He looks down a bit guilty before looking back at her. “Speaking of them, I feel bad, like I kind of put you on the spot with all of them coming here. I should have -“
Amelia cuts him. “Quiet, I don’t want to hear it. You are my family, it is no bother. Besides I never had a big family growing up and VoVo always wanted the house full. She will be happy to see in use and so will I.”
James smiles. He can’t help but feel happy. He’s back. He’s with Amelia. And the people he loves most in the world will be arriving later that day.
Once they reach the house, James helps Amelia finish setting up rooms for everyone.
“I wasn’t completely sure who was with who or what the situation is between everyone so I thought I’d wait for you.” Amelia explains. “Obviously there is five empty bedrooms, so there’s enough room for everyone.”
James ponders for a moment studying the hallway. “Remus and Sirius will share of course, and so will Dorcas and Marlene. Evan and Barty won’t mind sharing, but with the bed being queen size, I’m sure Regulus would appreciate a room to himself even he doesn’t use it.“
“Okay, and are you going to stay in your room or…” Amelia asks with a smug smile.
James rolls his eyes. “Yes I’m staying in my room. I’m not ready for that yet, besides, it wouldn’t be fair to them. Not until they know the whole truth.”
“Of course.” Amelia agrees. “Now let’s go start dinner, I’m sure everyone will be starving when then arrive.”
A couple of hours later James is pacing anxiously in the parlor. Evan texted and they should be arriving any moment now. Nerves bubble through James’ body. He had talked to Poppy earlier on the phone. She explained that he was right to feel nervous. Merging two worlds can be difficult, but she made sure to emphasize that he is ready. James knows he’s ready, but that doesn’t stop the black swirls of doubt that entangle themselves into his mind.
“Dinner is all set, it just needs to rest on the stove a bit.” Amelia informs him as she enters the parlor.
“Okay, that’s good.” James answers hardly slowing his pace. Amelia grabs him by the arm in his second pass.
“Relax James. Everything is good.” She smiles and squeezes him tight. “Look they’re pulling in now.” James turns to look out at the long drive, and sure enough a suv is making its way down. James and Amelia leave the house to greet them on the front porch. The car comes to a stop in front of them and before the engine can even turn off, Sirius comes flying out and up the steps. He grabs James tightly as if they haven’t seen each other less than a day ago.
“Hi Sirius, welcome.” James greets and hugs him back even tighter. The rest of the bunch file out of the car and onto the porch. James pulls back and gives everyone a smile. Amelia makes a small noise beside him. “Right, sorry aims. Everyone, this is Amelia. Amelia, everyone.” She smiles brightly as her curls bounce with her. “I know all of your names already! I’m so glad yall are here, welcome, make your self at home. We have rooms set up for everyone and I just finished dinner. I let James show you around and to your rooms and then we can eat, and you can give me the dirt on Jamie.” She winks at him and James rolls his eyes. “Follow me.”