Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

CAST

Lillian Evans

Cameron Evans

James Potter

Sirius Black

Remus Lupin

Peter Pettigrew

Marlene McKinnon

Dorcas Meadowes

Alice Fortescue

Frank Longbottom

Emmeline Vance

Regulus Black

Narcissa Black

Lucius Malfoy

Bellatrix Black

Severus Snape

Xenophilius Lovegood

Nelson Vance

Melanie  Chang

Ciara Finnegan

Mary MacDonald

Caroline Diggory

Chapter Text

Lily Evans absolutely despised the fact that her birthday was on the same day she had to go to school. She couldn't spend it with her muggle friends or her magic friends either because they spent nearly all day on the train to Hogwarts and by the time the feast was over, everyone was too tired to celebrate. Not to mention, your birthday was supposed to be a day of happiness for you. You get a bunch of unsaid advantages and you don't have to invite the people you don't like. But how can you avoid someone who sits three compartments away from you? Simple. You can't. Luckily, Lily only had to finish two more years out and she no longer had to put up with the dirty toe-rag who bothered her every day. One other thing; Lily Evans absolutely despised James Potter.

Cameron Evans absolutely loved the fact that his birthday was on the same day he had to go to school. He didn't have any muggle friends, anyway, so what's the big deal if it's not spent in the muggle world? He got to spend the day with his magic friends, stuffing their faces with sweets from the trolley and playing cards! Your birthday was a day of celebration for you. You got to use the 'I'm the birthday boy/girl/kid' excuse to get what you wanted and you didn't have to see anybody but the people you invited, your parents, and the people your parents forced you to invite. Also, your crush would wish you a happy birthday every time! Unfortunately, being a year older than a good amount of his friends, he only had two more years to celebrate his birthday with them, with her. One other thing; Cameron Evans absolutely loved Ciara Finnegan.

"Lily-pad!" James Potter exclaimed, grinning brightly. He reached forward and hugged Lily Evans, lifting her off the ground while the redhead struggling and fighting against his grip.

"Let! Go of me!" Lily grunted.

James set her back on the down, his grin not faltering. "Happy birthday!" He thrust his arm out, a small box in his palm

Lily narrowed her eyes, huffing as she took the present. "If I open this will you leave me alone?"

James' grin fell for a split second, a flash of hurt in his eyes before his face returned to quickly Lily was sure she'd imagined it. "Yep!"

"Fine." Lily opened the box, pulling out a small brown paper bag. "Potter, I swear, if you-"

"Just open it." James cut her off, nearly bouncing on the heels of his feet.

Lily frowned, opening the paper bag and dropping the box in shock as she stared at the item in her hand. At the sound of the object clattering to the ground, Marlene McKinnon shot out of the compartment, wand drawn and ready to hex James. Sirius Black also darted out from where he was standing behind his friend, wand at the ready to counter whatever Marlene was going to do.

"No! Mar, wait." Lily stopped her. Marlene lowered her wand in shock, Sirius cautiously mimicking her movement. "Look."

"What?" Marlene asked, looking at the object before gasping. "Wow."

Lily held up the bracelet in front of her eyes, studying it curiously. It was gold with emeralds embedded in little pockets, a few diamonds scattered across it as well. "James..."

"Yeah?" James asked, more than excited that Lily had referred to him using his first name.

Suddenly, Lily's face morphed into an almost panicked expression as she spoke in a frantic voice. "I can't take this!" She shoved it back in the back, picking up the box and quickly handing it back to James as if it'd burn her.

"Why not?" James questioned, his voice just as loud and panicked as hers.

"It must've cost a fortune! I can't take that! No way, no sir, no how! I'd feel terrible! Why would you even buy that, it's probably worth more than my house! It's-"

"Yours." James cut her off, handing the box back.

"But-" Lily tried again but James shook his head.

"Nope. Do what you want with it, it's still going to be yours." He smirked, walking back into his compartment. Sirius stayed there, glaring at them before James reached out and yanked him inside. Lily and Marlene shared a look before shrugging and walking back into the compartment.

"How'd it go?" Cameron Evans asked as James dropped himself into his lap, hooking his arms around Cam's neck with a dreamy sigh. Cam raised an eyebrow at his friend's antics, giving Remus a mock annoyed look. The werewolf snickered quietly, hiding his face in his book.

"She loved the bracelet!" James exclaimed happily, letting go of Cam and allowing himself to fall backwards onto the seat.

"G-good for you, P-prongs!" Peter stuttered from where he was sitting on top of his trunk on the floor.

"Yeah... good for you." Sirius and Cam exchanged looks. Cam knew his sister. He knew how manipulative she could be when she wanted something. He, of course, had shared this with Sirius because out of the five of them, Sirius might've been the only person who cares for James more than he does.

"You should've been there, Cam!" James sat back up, his face practically glowing. "She was so nervous to take it! But I was all smooth, like 'nope, it's yours now'! It was bloody amazing!"

"Nice job, James." Cameron forced a chuckle, skillfully disguising the painful throbbing in his head. James smiled, feeling the comforting rumble of his friend's laughter against his back.

Remus spoke up and started a conversation, the rest of them quickly joining in. James stayed silent however. He slid off Cam's lap, studying his friend carefully. He frowned a little. Cam and Lily looked nothing alike. The few times James had seen their parents, he realized Cam looked nearly identical to their mother while Lily looked like their father. They had a sister, too. She looked more like Cam.

Cam had short curly brown - nearly black - hair and sharp grey eyes. But they weren't a cloudy-grey like Sirius', they were darker and almost metallic, like a liquid ruthenium. (If you don't know what ruthenium is; here.) Freckles covered every single visible inch of his, usually deeply tanned, skin but today it seemed abnormally pale. When he laughed, deep dimples appeared in his cheeks. James always mad Cam laugh, he always got to see those dimples up close. He knew plenty of girls, and even a good amount of guys, would kill to be able to get that close. Cam was tall, only an inch or three taller than James but still tall, and had the lean, muscular build of a runner (due to quidditch, of course). His voice was deep but smooth and comforting and just listening to him speak nonsense calmed people down.

Lily had hip-length straight orangey-red hair that she had to keep braiding to get it to curl. Her emerald green eyes were intelligent and astute but there was something else there that James couldn't quite place. Maybe it was the spark of ambition her twin always wore as well. Lily had no freckles on her porcelain skin whatsoever and no dimples either. She did have a single birthmark on the side of her eye that almost resembled an arrow, as if she was wearing winged eyeliner on only one eye. And when she laughed, her nose scrunched up in the cutest way possible as her lips curled into a large smile. James never saw her laugh up close. She only ever frowned and rolled her eyes around him. Lily was short, her and James had maybe a foot (.3048 meters) difference. She didn't have any muscle on her, Cam was always groaning about how boring the summer was because neither of his sisters wanted to get out and do anything fun. Fun to Cameron Evans was spontaneously going on runs or playing quidditch or some type of muggle ball game (James personally liked kickball). Lily's voice was so high it was almost squeaky but she spoke with confidence in what she had to say.

The Evans twins really couldn't have been more different if they tried.

***

Cam was quiet the whole sorting, not even coming over to participate in their annual bet to see who can guess the most newbies house's correctly. Remus frowned, pocketing the galleons he won and quietly walking across the hall and over to his friend.

"Cam?" He asked quietly and Cam jumped before relaxing when he saw it was just his friend. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, 'm OK." Cam nodded.

"You sure? You look really tense." Remus noted.

"I know, I just..." Cam trailed off, shrugging awkwardly. "Y'know?"

Remus cracked a grin. "No. Not really."

Cam snickered, his shoulders shaking a little. "Thanks Moony."

"Yeah, no problem." Remus smiled, walking back to his previous seat and opening his book.

"Cam alright?" Sirius asked once Remus returned to his side. Remus' smile immediately dropped as he worriedly eyed Cam from the Gryffindor table.

"He says he's fine but I don't think he is." Lupin sighed. "He smells different this year, too. Do you know anything, Prongs?"

"What? Why would I know if you lot don't?" James furrowed his eyebrows, frowning in concern.

"You're his best friend." Sirius deadpanned. "You know more about each other than you guys know about yourselves."

James deflated, biting at his nails. "I don't know. He never said anything."

"Hm." Remus hummed, chewing on the inside of his cheek. "He'll tell us when he's ready... won't he?"

"Of course!" Sirius assured them. "He wouldn't hide anything from us forever, Cam's not like that."

"Yeah." James nodded, slowly sitting up straighter again. "Yeah! You're right, Pads, Cam's not like that."

"Guys." Remus spoke, eyes squinted in confusion. "Where's Peter?"

***

"Wait, Cam!" James called as everyone got up to leave the feast. "Cameron!"

Cam turned say something to Lucius Malfoy who nodded and threw an arm around Cam's shoulder, giving him a quick squeeze before slithering back into his dark little hole with the other snakes. Except Cam. Cam's awesome.

James didn't know why he felt a jealous feeling bubble up inside of him when Malfoy touched Cam. He only felt that when Lily hung around other guys. Either way, he was so busy glaring at the blonde haired git he didn't register Cam speaking to him until the upperclassman hit him on the head.

"James!" Cam snapped as James weakly muttered out an; "ow". Cam's mouth tasted disgusting and his everything hurt and he just wanted to go to his common room, if James didn't hurry up and tell him what he needed he was going to lose it? "What did you need?"

"Huh?" James shook himself out of his head. "I was just wondering if you wanted to come to my dorm and play cards with me and the others or something."

Cam cracked a small smile, though he shook his head. "I promised Sev I would help him and Lucius with somethin'."

James frowned. He didn't like Lucius Malfoy but he loathed Severus Snape. Not only did the boy keep Lily from him, now he was keeping Cam away too?! "Oh. Okay then."

Cam sighed, his eyes softening. "James-"

"No, I'm fine, mate!" James chirped with fake happiness. "You'll still eat breakfast with us, yeah?"

"'course." Cam smiled.

"Cam, come on!" Someone called and Cam turned around, calling back that he'd be there in a second.

"Tell them goodnight for me, m'kay?" He requested.

"Mhm." James nodded.

"Thanks." Cam smiled and ruffled James' hair a bit. "Sorry Jamesie."

"It's fine. See you tomorrow!" James waved, walking back in the direction of his common room. He only got a few steps away before realizing he forgot to ask Cam what had been going on with him today. "Oh, hey Cam-"

"Yeah?" Cam called, already halfway down the corridor.

James hesitated before shaking his head. "Never mind, I'll wait 'till tomorrow!"

"Okay!" Cam waved, jogging into the dungeons. James sighed, a sinking feeling in his chest confusing him. The feeling wasn't foreign, but the rather the reason he was feeling it. James sighed again. He didn't have time for this.

Chapter Text

"Cam? What happened?" Narcissa Malfoy asked softly, comfortingly running her fingers through her friend's hair as he sat down at the table.

"Mm, jus' tired." Cameron mumbled, leaning into the touch.

Narcissa exchanged looks with Severus, Lucius, Regulus Black, and Bellatrix Black. Of course they knew what happened over the summer, they just didn't know how to deal with it.

"Do you... wanna talk about it?" Sev hesitantly asked, internally cringing away from the interaction.

"No." Cam shook his head. "I really don't."

"Alright, babes." Narcissa muttered softly, scratching his scalp a few times before letting her hand slip back down to her lap. Cam glared at his food and Narcissa bit her lip, giving their friend group a meaningful look. Lucius, Reg, and Bella got the hint but Sev sat there, munching on a chocolate frog and not picking up social clues. As usual. Lucius rolled his eyes, gently tugging on Sev's arm. The group each moved over a seat before leaning down into a little huddle.

"If he's not going to eat and he's not going to sleep but he still wants to go to quidditch and classes like a normal student, I give everyone 1-2 weeks to figure it out." Reg deadpanned.

"Nah, the students here are dumbasses. I give them 5 months, max." Bella snorted.

"Bella, this isn't funny!" Narcissa hissed, flicking her sister. "He needs help, they're not going to let him stay here if they find out!"

"Ow! Okay, sorry Cissy." Bella mumbled, rubbing her arm.

"Well, what do you propose we do, Narcissa?" Lucius titled his head slightly. Narcissa blushed a little bit, all eyes turned to her expectantly.

"I- me?" She started to shrink into herself before straightening up and drawing her shoulders. "Why me?"

"You're the smartest person in this school. If anyone can figure out a way to help him, it's you." Lucius complimented and Narcissa felt her face heat up even more, allowing a small smile to slip onto her lips. "And maybe Sev."

Narcissa pursed her lips, giving her sister and cousin a 'Why do I like this idiot?' look. They just shrugged helplessly in response. She opened her mouth to respond but Sev beat her to it.

"What did Lupin want?" The fifth year asked. The group turned to look and saw Remus Lupin retreating back to the Gryffindor table, narrowing their eyes untrustingly.

"Jus' made me laugh." Cam shrugged, his words staring to slur.

"That's all?" Reg pressed, the third year pushing a hand in his bag and already wrapping his fingers around a counter elixir in case Lupin gave him some kind of potion. "Did he give you anything?"

"Mm-mm." Cam shook his head. "I don' feel so g'd."

"What's wrong, honey?" Narcissa cooed, wrapping an arm around the younger boy's shoulder and pulling him into a side-hug, comfortingly rubbing his arm.

"Dizzy." Cam muttered.

Narcissa shared confused and slightly panicked looks with the group, looking back down at Cam and resting her chin on his head. "You're dizzy?"

"Mhm." Cam's eyes were starting to droop. "Can we..." Cam paused, hunching forward a bit as his cheeks puffed out. Everyone moved back in case he threw up but he just loopily lay his head back onto Narcissa's shoulder. "Can we go t' the bath... the bathroom?"

"Yeah, of course." Narcissa bit her lip. "Reg? Sev? Could you come with me to take him to the bathroom?"

"Mhm." Reg nodded, standing up.

"Sure." Sev agreed, following suit. "C'mon Cam."

Narcissa stood before helping Cam stand, stumbling slightly as he leaned most of his weight on her. "Cissa, I don' feel good..." Cam whimpered.

"Shh, I know, love." Narcissa responded. "It's okay."

As they left the Great Hall, someone ran up to them before they could get too far. "Is he okay?" Ciara Finnegan asked in concern. "I came to wish him a happy birthday."

Narcissa internally smiled. Those two were meant for each other. "He just has a small bug. We're taking care of it." She said with a gentle smile.

Ciara frowned slightly. "Well, do you want me to help you walk him to the Infirmary? It's totally OK, I can-"

"It's alright, Ciara, we've got it." Narcissa cut in. There was no way in hell they're taking him to the Infirmary. Pomphrey would find out then Dumbledore would find out then the MoM would find out and Cam would have to leave and Narcissa was not letting that happen on her watch.

"Well... tell him I said happy birthday when he feels better?" Ciara bit her lip.

"Of course." Narcissa replied. Ciara grinned softly, nodding a bit before glancing at Cam one last time and turning and walking back into the Great Hall.

"She's sweet." Reg noted and Sev scowled, glowering at the retreating Ravenclaw.

"Yeah, she's great." He rolled his eyes.

"Aw, don't be jealous, Sevvie. You know I only have eyes for you." Reg joked, pecking his best friend on the cheek. Sev blushed and grumbled something unintelligible under his breath. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

"I said let's just get Cam to the bathroom." Sev pursed his lips.

"Oh! Right." Narcissa nodded, glancing back into the hall where Bella and Lucius were giving them confused looks. She held up a thumbs up to show them everything was alright before giving Cam to Reg and Sev as they hobbled him to the bathroom.

"Hello?" Reg called out when they answered the boy's lavatory. He did a quick sweep of the room, making sure nobody was in there before opening a stall and guiding Cam in. The older Slytherin fell to his knees in front of the toilet, immediately heaving up everything he'd eaten that day (which, really wasn't much.). 

"Aw..." Narcissa cooed, soothingly rubbing Cam's back. "It's alright."

Reg stood up and allowed his cousin to comfort Cam as he bit the inside of his cheek and hugged Severus. Severus froze before wrapping an arm around Reg's shoulders. 

"Oh, God." Cam wiped his mouth, falling to his butt, his back hitting the stall wall. "Everything hurts." Tears pricked at his eyes. “Why is this happening to me?” He asked, his voice breaking.

“Cam...” Reg’s voice died down. Because truthfully, nobody knew what to do.

”No, what did I do to deserve this? Why does the world hate me?” He was begging for answers at this point. But he knew he wasn’t going to get any.

“Ciara wished you a happy birthday.” Narcissa offered, but the attempt was weak.

”Great.” Cam muttered, standing at to his feet. He wiped the tears off his face and straightened his back, “Well? Come on, the feast will be over soon.”

Chapter Text

“Prongs, watch where you’re-“ Remus started but James had already walked into the small Hufflepuff girl.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” She apologized quickly. James ‘oof’ed as he collided with her, both falling to the ground. The girl landed on top of him and scrambled away. “I’m sorry!” She repeated.

””s fine.” James grunted.

Sirius stiffened as a familiar voice cut through the air. ”Madeline, are you okay?!” Regulus and Cam rushed over.

Can huffed, fussing over ‘Madeline’. “God, watch where you’re g- Boys?” Cam blinked. “I - hold on.” He turned back to the girl. “Are you alright, Digs?”

”Would you guys calm down, I’m fine.” She pouted, struggling back to her feet. Only then did the four Gryffindors see her crutches and left leg, or rather, lack thereof. Because where her lower leg should be was a stub of her knee.

”Hey!” The Hufflepuff snapped her fingers. The Marauders snapped their gaze away from her leg. “Eyes are up here, busters.”

”She’s fine.” Cam grumbled. He diverted his attention to James, his eyes soft. “Are you alright, James?” He asked, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

James stared up at him, blinking. “U-uhm,” James cleared his throat, blushing slightly. “I’m fine.”

”You sure, Prongsie?” Sirius drawled teasingly.

”Fine.” James glared at him. “Um, Cam, you having breakfast with us?”

Cam’s eyes widened and he sighed. “Shit, I forgot. Er, sorry Digs.”

”I’m twelve, not a child.” (James was now about 99% sure her name was Madeline) huffed.

Cam ignored her. “I’m sorry guys, I forgot. Uh, maybe another time?”

The boys deflated slightly. “Yeah, sure.” Remus offered him a smile. “Later.”

”Bye.” Cam waved. He turned to Madeline. “C’mon, let’s go get your wheelchair.” He said.

”Hey!” Someone called. James stopped, looking around. “Down here!”

”Ah, oh hey Digs.” He greeted, looking down.

”1, you can’t call me that. 2, we haven’t been properly introduced. I- come down here.” Madeline huffed, kicking her foot against her wheelchair.

”Oh.” James kneeled in front of the first year.

”I’m Madeline Diggory.” Madeline held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

”James Potter.” James shook the hand. He looked behind him at his friends who looked back at him, confused. “Uh, guys, introduce yourselves.”

”Oh, uh,” Sirius cleared his throat. “Sirius Black.”

”Remus Lupin.” Remus smiled kindly.

”P-Peter Pettigrew.” Peter stuttered.

”Nice to meet you three.” Madeline smiled.

”Maddie!” Someone called and Madeline groaned.

”I’m over here!” She rolled her eyes.

”Maddie, you can’t just go off like that.” The girl scolded. “Cam was worried sick.” When she looked up James noticed she was the one and only CiArA FiNnEgAn, ugh. Cam had such a big crush on her it was lame.

”Jeez, sorry. I was just talking to my new friend.” Madeline rolled her eyes again.

CiArA furrowed her eyebrows. “Who?”

“James.” Madeline said.

”Uh, okay.” CiArA gave her a confused grin. “I found her!”

”Sorry about that.” Narcissa rushed over and wheeled Madeline away.

”I’m impressed, Potter.” CiArA smiled brightly with her stupid perfect pearly white teeth.

”Why?” James asked with a tad more venom in his voice than necessary. “I can have a simple conversation, you know.”

”Well, yeah, I don’t doubt that.” CiArA seemed a little taken aback. “But Madeline can’t speak English. She speaks French.”

”No she doesn’t.” James shook his head “Right guys?”

”Uh, yeah she does.” Sirius snorted. “None of us had a fucking clue what the hell she was saying.”

”Oh.” James said.

CiArA laughed. “I’ll see you later, boys.” She waved and walked away.

”I hate her.” James grumbled, turning to continue his walk to the common room, Remus, Peter, and Sirius trailing closely.

”We know.” The boys rolled their eyes in synch with their words.

Chapter Text

“Hey guys!” Cameron called, running up to the Marauders. 

“Cam?” James blinked. A bright grin graced his face. “Cam!”

”What’s up man?” Sirius beamed. “You’ve been busy for forever.”

”I know I’m sorry.” Cameron chuckled. “Wait, where’s Pete?”

“He said he had to stay behind with Minnie.” James shrugged. “But let’s talk about you now!”

”How’s everything going?” Remus smiled.

“Eh. I’ve been kind of out of it lately.” Cam shrugged.

”Oh? What’s wrong?” Remus tilted his head.

”Nothing.” Cam lies smoothly. “Probably just stress.”

Remus lowered his voice and looked around before speaking. ”You smell... different this year.”

Cam froze. “Do I?”

”Yeah.” Remus nodded. “It’s not a bad different it’s just different.”

”Different how?” Sirius furrowed his eyebrows.

”Well he used to smell like… how do I explain this in a manner you’ll properly comprehend?” Remus huffed. “Werewolves… everyone has a specific smell. But it’s not always a fragrance or something most wizards and muggles can truly smell. Some people have mental alterations where they can smell sounds or hear colors. Every person I’ve ever met since my furry little problem gets a smell and a color. You used to smell like fresh fruit, cut grass, sweat, and bright orange.”

”What does he smell like now?” James asked.

Remus paused. He tilted his head and stayed quiet for a moment. “Dark chocolate, raspberries, that smell before it rains, and royal blue.”

”I’m sure it’s nothing.” Cam waved it off, the conversation making him increasingly uncomfortable. “I’ve been spending a lot of time around Lucius and Sev, maybe the potions are just rubbing off. Anyway, what’s up with you guys?”

Sirius and James visibly brightened, both launching into a long, enthusiastic explanation of their latest prank with Remus cutting in occasionally.

Cam laughed and the three boys stopped talking. “What’s wrong?” Cam smiled a little.

”Your eyes are... red?” Sirius frowned in confusion.

Cam stopped all movement. His breathing, blinking, even his mouth didn’t falter it’s smile. Then, he cleared his throat suddenly. “I have to go.”

”No, Cam, wait!” James called but Cam had already turned and ran the other way.

Remus clenched his jaw and his hands fisted. “What’s going on with him? Is he hiding something? Why won’t he talk to us?”

Sirius glanced at him, placing an arm over the other boy’s shoulder. Doesn’t matter how they acted, when someone was uncomfortable or seemed on edge around Remus his brain almost always jumped to the conclusion that they knew his... furry little secret and they were acting like that because of him. 

“It’s not you, Moony.” Sirius assured him. “He’s got a lot of stuff going on right now. I mean, he’s in sixth year. Surely, the assignments and everything are super hard and stressful.”

”Done.” Lucius closed his book, pushing it to the side and allowing himself to fall backwards onto the floor. “That was easy.”

”Agreed.” Bellatrix nodded, also moving her book away, resting her elbows on the coffee table. “But Charms has always been easy.”

”No, I finished the Charms essay in class. This was my Transfiguration, Potions, and Herbology work.” Lucius blew a lock of hair from his face. “Should I grow my hair out?”

”Random but yes.” Regulus answered.

”You’d look good with long hair.” Narcissa complimented. “You would too, Sev.”

”You would!” Reg agreed.

”Me?” Sev frowned, blushing slightly. “N-“

”Yeah, you have to do it with me!” Lucius declared. Sev sighed. There was no point arguing with Lucius Malfoy, he was stubborn as a mule when he decided something.

”Fine, whatever.” He rolled his eyes.

”Yes!” Lucius pumped his fist in the air and Narcissa giggled.

Just then, Reg’s dorm door flew open. The five Slytherin’s jumped in shock.

”Oh, hey... Cam?” Narcissa frowned. 

“Are you okay?” Bella tilted her head.

Cam was shaking, his head was down and his fists were clenching and unclenching. When he looked up his eyes were glowing crimson. “I need...” He choked out. “Please.”

”Oh shit.” Sev scrambled to his feet, hurriedly searching his bag for a potion.

”I can’t-...” Cam stumbled. He started lisping as it was hard to talk with his fangs protruded. 

“Here.” Sev handed him the vial. It was filled with a silvery liquid, the lights from the room reflecting on the bottle. Cam immediately opened it, downing the potion quickly.

Luckily, the wizarding world had discovered a potion to temporarily numb a vampire’s thirst for blood. It was a very rare and very expensive potion and Sev, Lucius, and Cam had taken to working on how to brew the potion so Cam wouldn’t have to constantly buy it.

As Cam drank, his head tilted back revealing the two, identical, small oval punctures on his neck.

His eyes shifted back to their normal brown almost immediately, his skin changing from it’s deathly pale tone and back to it’s deep tan. His fangs retracted back into his gums, now human canines again. Cam sighed.

”Thanks Sev.” He said, his voice raspy. He cleared his throat.

”No problem.” Sev offered him a gentle smile.

”Did anybody see you? Are you okay? Who’s memory do we need to wipe-“ Narcissa started bombarding him with questions.

”I was with my boys, they saw my eyes.” Can cut her off. “My fangs hadn’t come out yet.”

Bella scowled. “We need to wipe them.”

Lucius nodded. “Yeah, they might blab.”

”They can keep a secret guys! I’ll tell them I was wearing contacts or something.” Cam objected.

”And how will you explain the fangs? Just a prop? Maybe they won’t have noticed the eyes but they’ll definitely have noticed the fangs weren’t there when you first started talking.” Narcissa reasoned. “Besides, Cam, you know you’re supposed to come to us the second you start feeling a craving. You can’t let it go that far.”

“I didn’t!” Cam huffed. “It just came on like that.” He snapped his fingers. “And my fangs didn’t come until a minute or so later.”

”Cam, your cravings are supposed to be gradual.” Sev frowned. “If they’re coming suddenly, and your transformation is being delayed no less, we need to look into that.”

”I know.” Cam plopped onto his back on Reg’s bed, next to Reg who sat up on his elbows and gave Cam a sympathetic look.

”You wanna go get butterbeer?” He offered.

Cam grinned. “Hell yeah.” He scooched down the bed and placed his hands on the floor, flipping himself backwards off the mattress. “Come on, come on, come on! Let’s go get drunk!”

Bella and Lucius snorted. “Yes, let’s.”

”No!” Narcissa and Sev cried.

”It was a joke, we’re just getting butterbeer.” Cam chuckled. “You coming?”

”Sure.” Sev shrugged. Narcissa nodded, grinning and elegantly walking to the door.

”We already agreed.” Bella furrowed her eyebrows. “Whatever, c’mon Luci.”

Sev cackled at the nickname, sprinting away from Lucius as he started to chase him.

Chapter Text

“Hey!” Someone said, crashing into Cam from behind. They wrapped their arms around his torso, and when Cameron turned to see who it was it was James grinning up at him brightly. Cam blushed, smiling back.

”Hey, Jamie.” He greeted. “What’s up?”

”Nothing.” James shrugged, letting go and walking in line with Cam. “I missed you.”

”Aw, thanks Prongs.” Cam ruffled his hair.

”Of course, Sly.” James said, grinning mischievously. “We should go on a run in the woods again.”

Cam frowned gently, looking away a little. “Uh, I don’t think I can, James. I’m sorry.”

James also frowned, trying to catch Cameron’s eye again. “Why not?”

”My animagus has just… not been working lately, I guess.” Cam but his lip.

”Not been working?” James repeated. “What do you mean ‘not been working’? Do you need Remus to check that out, mate?”

”The last thing I need is Remus anywhere near me.” Cam mumbled, rubbing at his temples. “I just.. it’s complicated.”

”Complicated.” James echoed.

”Are you going to mimic everything I say or was there a point to your appearance?” Cam said irritably. “Because I really have to go.”

”O-oh.” James deflated, slowing in his walk. “Ok. Uh.. sorry.”

”It’s fine.” Cam leaned down, pressing a kiss to James’ hair in an older brotherly fashion. “Bye, Prongs.”

An older brotherly fashion. Because that’s how Cam saw James. And that’s how James saw Cam, right? He bit his lip, watching Cam’s form disappear slowly.

Or maybe…

Maybe.

—

“Boo.”

James jumped, whipping around with his wand drawn. He relaxed upon seeing it was just Cam who’s neck was almost punctured with his wand. He dropped his arm, sliding his wand back into it’s sheath on his hip. Cam has gotten it for him after James had discovered a Muggle “television” series called Game of Thrones. It greatly resembled the knife sheath of a fantasy world, and had been gifted to James along with a Muggle book called Six of Crows and an actual knife and sheath.

It hadn’t been James’ birthday, Cam had simply given it to him because he could.

“Blimey, Cameron.” James exhaled. “I almost hexed you into Wednesday!”

Cam laughed, shaking his head. “Sorry, Jamie.”

James blushed, turning back to his book and reading. He was on chapter 12 of Six of Crows. So far Inej was his favorite. She seemed cool.

”What’s up?” He asked, smiling a bit.

Cameron took a seat next to him at the table, looking over his shoulder and then grinning. “How do you like it so far?”

James blushed. “It’s pretty good.”

”I knew you’d like it.” Cam nodded, leaning away. “Hogsmeade opens back up next week, do you want to hang out?”

James’ eyes widened, and he felt his face turn even redder. “Just us?”

”I mean, yeah, why not?” Cam shrugged.

”Us… alone?”

”And everyone else around, but sure.”

 James nodded. “Yeah, that sounds fun.”

Cam beamed happily, standing and ruffling James’ hair. James noticed his hand rested a beat longer, and instead of just pulling away his hand slid down to the nape of his neck and then let go. Cam pressed a kiss to his cheek,

You missed my lips, mate.

but that was normal. Cam was just an affectionate person by nature. Rumors had spread in 3rd year that he was dating Remus, and then in 4th that he was dating Melanie Chang, and then last year that he was dating Sirius and James at the same time. It was just the way Cameron showed he cared, nothing new.

Well…

Kinda new.

Cameron kissed James dead on the lips for the first time at the end of last year.

But that was only because he cared! It was just another extent of his love language.

His completely platonic love language.

But for some reason, James’ heart beat faster and he felt himself begin to smile for no reason. It was like his brain had tricked itself into thinking Cam was Lily!

—

“Hey, Prongs.” Sirius greeted when James walked into the dorm.
He looked up from where he was playing cards on the bed with Peter, catching eye of James’ flushed face and even messier hair.

Sirius was wearing a blue and white baggy “virginity rocks” shirt and grey checkered pajama pants, his hair down and cascading down his shoulders like ink as he placed down a card and winked a gray eye at Peter. Peter rolled his eyes, placing down his own card and smirking at the shock on Sirius’ face. Peter was lounging in a pair of light blue low-waisted drawstring sweats and his black binder with clouds drawn on it in white paint marker, his circular glasses propped up on his bushy curls. Remus, sat on his top bunk, was in a light blue hoodie with black sweatpants and fluffy gray socks and James would’ve found it almost endearing that they were matching had Sirius’ next comment not made him flush fire truck red.

“Woah, who’d you make out with? Sly?” He teased.

”No! What? No! Why would you think that?! Why would I make out with Sly?!” James stuttered out defensively.

Sirius blinked, frowning. “I was kidding. Your face is red and your hair’s messy.”

“Messier.” Remus noted, adjusting his glasses. Sirius looked at him from across the bunk lovingly.

Gross.

He so fancied Remus.

Their relationship was perfect for romantic or platonic, though. They were cute together.

“Usually when you mess with your hair you do it purposely, to do your ‘fluff’ as Pads so lovingly dubs it.” Remus continued.

James blushed deeper.

Fuck, what was with him blushing so much today?!

”I just- nothing, I’m fine.” He murmured, putting his book on the top bunk and climbing up the ladder. He plopped onto his bed, staring up at the scribbles he’d drawn on the ceiling. “Went to go to the library to read is all.”

His friends dropped it, and it was quiet for about an hour as Sirius and Peter continued playing cards, Remus scribbled notes down im his notebook, and James attempted to finish chapter 16 of SOC. Then, he sighed to himself and bit his lip.

“Mates?”

”Mhm?””Yeah, Prongs?””Yes, James?” Came the replies of Peter, Sirius, and Remus accordingly.

”What if… I fancied… a boy?” He asked quietly.

Silence.

”Fuck.” Sirius muttered. Remus smirked and held out his hand, and Sirius placed 50 galleons in his hand.

James looked over and his eyes widened. “50 galleons on whether or not I’d ever get a crush on a bloke?”

”It started off as 20 galleons in 3rd year, Ri bet you wouldn’t figure it out ‘til 7th year, I said 6th. The bet grew 10 galleons each year, and I just won.” Remus said proudly.

”Oh, screw you.” Sirius rolled his eyes.

”You wish you could.” Remus bit back jokingly.

Sirius blushed.

“What if the bloke might possibly be Cam?” James asked slowly, looking away.

More silence.

”Screw you, Black.” Remus huffed, handing back 20 of the galleons.

James’ eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “What?”

”The bet was you wouldn’t figure out when you were gay, but the other bet was who was gonna make you realize.” Remus explained. “Sirius said Cam, I said Amos Diggory.”

James scrunched his nose. “Diggory? Gross, mate. He’s built like an oaf.”

Remus half-shrugged in what might’ve been half-agreement. “Why would we care if you like Cam, Prongs?”

”We’ve already known.” Sirius cut in.

”Its your life, we’re your friends- we’re here to support you.” Remus ignored him.

”Yep!” Peter nodded. Sirius jumped.

Damn.

He keeps forgetting Peter’s there.

James smiled thankfully. “Thanks, guys.”

”Of course!” Sirius nodded. “At least now we know you have a type.”

James frowned. “Which is?” He’s only had a crush on Lily and Cam, and they make polar opposites seem like twins on a good day.

”Evans.” Sirius hummed. Remus snorted and James flushed, throwing a pillow at his head which actually ended up hitting Peter causing Remus to cackle louder.

”H-He’s just-…” James blushed running a hand through his hair. “He’s nice to me, okay?”

”We’re nice to you too, dumbass.” Peter stated and then grimaced. “Sirius and Remus are nice to you too.”

Sirius snorted then cackled, pushing his hair behind his ears.

”Yeah, but Cam…” James inhaled a bit, eyes catching on the wand sheath strapped to his waist. He smiled a bit. “It’s different. He goes out of his way to spend time with me, and he always knows when I’m not okay. He’s the only person I would even allow to touch my hair, and he always does this thing where his hand lingers just a little longer and, Merlin… I kind of love when he does the thing. And his eyes are so pretty, Cam’s eyes are the best. And he’s strong and gives the best hugs and trains with me when nobody else will and-“ James bit his lip. “His lips are really soft too…”

Peter sputtered and Remus began laughing hysterically, Sirius making a high-pitched squealing sound with a bright grin.

”AND HOW WOULD YOU KNOW?” Sirius cackled and James blushed red down to the bottom of his neck, covering his face with his hands.

The rest of that night was, to say the least, quite boisterous.

Chapter Text

“Where are you going?” Sirius asked as James hurried to eat his food, trying to shove as much in his mouth without messing up his clothes. “You don’t look nice, but you look- less bad.”

James wiped his mouth, looking up at Sirius. “Thanks. Pads.” He deadpanned.

Remus snorted. “Get your face out of your plate, James, the food isn’t going anywhere.”

”Sorry.” James said, pulling away. He wiped his face once more, and then adjusted his glasses on his face- running a hand through his hair.

”Why did you dress up today?” Sirius raised an eyebrow. He looked James over.

James was wearing a maroon red sweater with the Gryffindor crest on the left breast, and under it he wore a white collared shirt where the white collar poked out of the jumper. He wore jeans and a pair of crisp white sneakers. Sitting next to James, Remus could feel the heat from the Warmth Charm James had casted on himself- meaning he was going to be somewhere it would be cold.

Sirius crinkled his nose. “Did you-“ He sniffed. “Did you wash with Pete’s lavender body wash? Not even Wormtail uses that and it’s his.”

James blushed. “I just wanted to smell nice today, I guess.”

”Are you going on a date?” Sirius’ eyes widened and Remus’ head turned to look at him in surprise.

”It’s not a date!” James said, a bit louder then he intentioned. The Slytherin table was right behind the Gryffindor table, closer to the interior wall of the Great Hall and Cam raised an eyebrow at him from the table. James caught his eye and blushed, looking away immediately. “It’s not a date.” He repeated quietly.

”With Cam?” Sirius asked in disbelief.

”Not a date!” James said once more. “We’re just going to Hogsmeade.”

”Alone.” Sirius said.

”Just the two of you.” Remus smirked.

”Together.”

”As people.”

”Yes!” James huffed, blushing furiously. “Sod off.”

”No.” Sirius shook his head. “Now we need to know the details. When did he ask you out?”

”He didn’t ask me out, he just asked if I wanted to go since it was finally opening back up again.” James shrugged.

”So you just happened to chose to use the body wash that smelled like Sly’s favorite flower?” Remus nodded. “But- it’s not a date.”

”It’s not!” James argued. Sirius and Remus shared amused looks. “It’s really not!… is it?”

”Definitely.””Absolutely.”

A quick knocking on the end of the table had the three boys turning to look at Cam as he stood at the end of the table with a light smile. “Hey. Pete still in bed?”

”Yeah.” James nodded.

”Ready to go?” He directed his attention to James. Said boy blushed and nodded and stood up, glaring at Sirius and Remus who made faces behind Cam’s back, mouthing obscenities.

As James and Cam left the Great Hall, James saw Cam flip off Snivellus Snape, who was snickering at the two and shoot a quick hex to Bellatrix Black- who was making kissing faces with Lucius Malfoy.

“So where do you want to go first?”

James hummed in thought. “I dunno. You can pick.”

Cam smiled sheepishly. “Well that’s good because I’ve kind of already planned the day out.”

James grinned a bit. “Oh?”

“Uh, yeah.” Cam laughed. “But- we don’t have to do everything, of course, just what you want to.”

James nodded. “I like that. So what are we doing first?”

Cam grinned and grabbed James’s wrist, just above his hand. James looked down in surprise, blushing. Cam immediately began pulling him towards The Three Broomsticks, and James followed along compliantly, a soft rose blush still decorating his cheeks. As they walked Cam blushed as well.

“Oh, uh, also you clean up nicely.” He said. James smiled.

“Thanks.” He said proudly.

“Yeah, you smell good.” He commented casually, though his face was inflamed. James’s smile widened and he blushed even deeper.

“Yeah.. thanks, Sly.”

Cam simply hummed in response. 

Once they got inside, Cam wrinkled his nose. James noticed the slight cringe at the change in atmosphere and frowned a little, moving in front of Cam a bit to catch his attention. They stepped outside and Cam shook his head, irritation clearly written on his face as he glared at the building.

“You good, mate?” The Gryffindor asked and Cam nodded.

“Yeah, no, it’s just my nose has been super sensitive lately.” He sniffed.

“More so than usual?” James joked and Cam nodded with a small, amused smile.

“Yeah. It’s just overwhelming sometimes.”

“Like Moony’s senses before that time of the month.” James hummed. Cameron froze.

“Why do you say that?” He asked with a level voice.

James shrugged. “Just reminded me of it. Do you still want to go inside?”

Cam relaxed a little and nodded. “Yeah, c’mon.” He walked inside, James following behind him. The Three Broomsticks was crowded, so much so the second James walked in a larger body collided with his. He tumbled backwards, but not even a second after, Cam’s grip on his wrist tightened and he was yanked towards the Slytherin. James blinked, rubbing his shoulder slightly with a frown.

Uh- ouch . Dick.

“ Ow .” James raised his eyebrows. Cam smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, Prongs.” He focused his attention on the stranger. “Hey, watch where you’re going. You don’t just walk in front of the door of a busy restaurant without looking where you’re going, dude.”

“Yeah, I know.” The guy rubbed his head sheepishly.

“Oh, Diggory.” Cam commented. “Hey.”

Amos Diggory rubbed his chest with a wounded expression, smiling kindly. “Hey Cameron, hey Potter. Your boy’s got some quick reflexes.” He told James who blushed.

“We’re not-” James started.

“Oh, are you okay?” Cam frowned.

Amos nodded, shaking his head. “Yeah, of course! I’ll get over it, don’t worry.”

Cam smiled at that. He opened his mouth to say something before a voice cut him off. “Amos!”

Ugh.

Ciara Finnegan.

James rolled his eyes but Cam’s eyes lit up when he saw her. “Ciara! Hey!”

Ciara grinned at him brightly. “Hey Cam.” She chirped. “I didn’t know you were friends with Amos?”

“Cameron is assigned to work with my little sister, Madeline.” Amos smiled at Ciara. “She’s in the DWW program.”

DWW; Disabled Witches and Wizards [of London]. It’s exactly what it sounds like.

It’s pretty awesome.

“Oh, right, Mads.” Ciara laughed. “I completely forgot, and I’m literally the head of the program.”

Cam and Amos laughed and Amos nudged Cam’s shoulder. “Yeah, well, Cammie boy here and I have gotten to know each other quite well, I suppose. He’s a nice guy, maybe after Potter, I’ll have a shot, hm?” He winked at James and Cam and then laughed and allowed Ciara to drag him away.

“Bye Cam!” Ciara smiled. “See you in Potions.”

“Mhm.” Cam hummed with a sweet smile and a wave. James narrowed his eyes in disgust.

“Why would he say that?” He frowned.

“Hm?” Cam turned to look at him.

“It felt like he was making fun.” James shook his head, running a hand through his hair.

“He was just joking, Prongs.” Cam smiled in amusement, ruffling James’ hair. And shit, he did the lingering thing again. 

He let his hand rest in James’ hair and then slowly untangled his fingers and moved his hand down to James’ neck, letting his hand sit there for even longer than usual. Then, it simply slid to his shoulder and rested there. James felt his entire body heat up and grumbled under his breath, pulling Cam to the counter to order themselves a couple of buttebeers and Cam laughed at him happily.

“Why would he say ‘after Potter’? We’re not… together.” James brought it up again as the two walked through Junko’s Joke Shop. Cam sighed, looking over to the younger boy. “And even if we were, which we’re not! Even if we were, you don’t say that in front of someone’s boyfriend!”

“James, it’s ok.” Cam commented, moving over to the school supplies section that wasn’t satire. “Amos was just kidding, mate.” He said, pulling a pack of quills and a small pot of ink.

“Yeah, but still.” James mumbled, still flustered.

“Can you just drop it?” Cam pursed his lips. “This is supposed to be a fun day. You can sulk about Amos later.”

James huffed. “Fine.”

Cam smiled, gently pushing James’s shoulder. “Good. C’mon. Next up is someplace special.”

James looked at him, intrigued. “Special? Like what?”

Cam didn’t reply, just grinning and pulling James to the counter to pay for their items. James’s items were rung up, and then he told the cashier to ring up Cam’s as well and then he pulled out his wallet to pay. Cam shook his head, starting to pull out his own wallet.

“James, you don’t have to-”

“It’s fine, mate.” James cut him off, smiling. “I want to, don’t get all worked up.”

Cam smiled back and was he blushing? He was. James noticed a rosey pink tint on his skin, obscuring the freckles covering his cheeks. Cam looked away and bit his lip with a small smile, his deep dimples showing themselves with an action as simple as that as his gray eyes lit up a little. 

Cute . James thought, and then when he registered what he thought he quickly shook it out of his head and handed the cashier the money.

But as they left the store and walked down the stone road of Hogsmeade, James found himself blushing as well.

They reached the end of Hogsmeade, at the end of the road three stores sat side by side. A boutique, a bookstore, and a muggle items shop. Cam began walking to the muggle items shop - Theo’s Thrifted Finds - and James followed behind. They entered the store and the worker at the front waved at Cam excitedly.

“Camera!” She exclaimed.

“Im!” Cameron called back with a smile.

They walked up to the counter and the girl quickly walked around to give Cam a hug. “I missed you! Wizards are so boring.” She pouted with a thick Southern American accent.

“You’re American.” James commented.

“You’re British.” She replied in the same surprised tone, though hers was clearly more sarcastic.

“Im, be nice.” Cam scolded lightly. “This is James. James, this is my honorary little sister Imogen Wallis.”

“James?” Imogen frowned. Then, her eyes widened with realization. “James!” She grinned, turning to the bespectacled boy. “Ooh, James.”
She said his name three times, red flag, abort, abort!

James smiled at her awkwardly. “Uh- yes, hello. Pleased to meet you.”

“‘Pleased to meet you.’ Ah! I love British people.” Imogen clapped happily.

“Imogen’s a muggle.” Cam told James and when he blinked in shock, Imogen nodded proudly in confirmation. “Her dad is a high-ranking official in the Ministry, so a few strings were pulled and when he adopted her she was allowed to be exposed-”

“After I made an Unbreakable Vow to never tell another normie about it.” Imogen said. “Still think that was kinda unfair.”

Cam nodded. “Yeah, it was messed up.”

“Protecting the Wizarding World is messed up?” James frowned, furrowing his eyebrows.

“Not that. It’s just- I was 10 when I made that vow, so I didn’t really have a chance to consider or even get my memory wiped and just go back to the orphanage- I just did what I was told, and now I can’t take it back.” Imogen scoffed. “They shouldn’t let a 10 year old make a decision that big. Not like they can Obliviate me now, I’ve been doing this for 7 years- I’d end up in a psych ward for amnesia if they did. I’m too invested.” She said with a wink in Cam’s direction and he laughed and shoved her away.

“Imogen’s brother, Reid, owns this shop.” Cam told James. “But don’t worry- he’s a Wizard.” James snorted a little. “He graduated last year.”

“I remember you mentioning a Reid before.” James said. “Quite a few times last year, actually.”

“I probably did, he is my ex-boyfriend after all.” Cam raised an amused eyebrow. James blinked, and then doubled back in surprise.

“Ex-boyf- you dated- you- you like- wait. You like blokes?” James stumbled over his words, blushing brightly.

“You don’t?” Imogen raised her eyebrows. “Genuine question.”

“No!” James sputtered. “Not, not the last time I checked, I didn’t.”

“When’s the last time you checked?”

“Alright, leave him alone, Im.” Cam chuckled. “We’re heading out the back, alright?”

“‘Course, love! Have fun!” Imogen pulled a chocolate frog out from under the counter, opening the wrapper and munching on it happily. Cam guided James through the back, which was filled with mannequins in muggle clothing and shelves of knick knacks, holding his hand and keeping him close to avoid knocking anything over.

“So, how do you know about this place?” James asked. “I’ve never even noticed it.”

“I worked here last summer. For the over the summer program, I was a tutor but I had some free time. So I got a job.” Cam answered, turning around to briefly smile at the Gryffindor. They broke through the maze of plaster models and trinkets and arrived in what James assumed to be an employee lounge. It was a wide open space with a vending machine with American and British muggle snacks, a blue loveseat, a table with papers on it, and a coffee and hot chocolate bar. James opened his mouth to ask Cam if the vending machine took galleons because he really wanted to try that rectangular blue rice-marshmallow snack at the bottom of the machine, but he was cut off by a voice.

“Hey.” James turned around to see a tall man, maybe 6’4”, not much taller than Cam, standing and leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

“Reid.” Cam greeted, waving a bit. “What’s up?”

“Nothing much.” Reid shrugged with a smile. Ah, he was also American. “Imogen’s turning 17 soon and I’m supposed to smoothly, subtly ask you if you’re coming to her party.”

“Oh yeah, of course. No big deal, I’ll be there.” Cam shrugged nonchalantly. His eyes twinkled. “That smooth and subtle enough?”

“Oh, prefect.” Reid laughed, a deep rumble similar to Cam’s own.

Reid looked like Imogen, which was odd considering James was just informed that they shared no genes. They both had chin-length dark curly hair, though Imogen’s was dyed black and Reid’s was just a really dark brown. Imogen also had streaks of blue in hers and her bangs covered her eyes, but Reid’s was just brown and pulled into a ponytail with a few strands framing his face. But that was really where the resemblance stopped. Unlike Imogen who had tanned skin and bluer than blue eyes, and perfect white teeth- his skin was pale and scarred, and his eyes were onyx black, and cold as they focused on Cam and James. But the Slytherin seemed at ease around him, as if he’d found warmth in the dark orbs.

“Who’s this?” Reid nodded to James.

“My… mate.” Cam answered slowly. “James.”

“Just a mate?” Reid raised an eyebrow.

“Just a mate.” Cam nodded. Reid nodded as well.

“Alright, then.” He turned to leave and waved a hand. “And stop cheating through the back unless you plan on coming back to work.”

“How else am I supposed to get there?” Cam crossed his arms.

“Go around the town, in between Madame Lilac’s and Tiny Town, like everyone else.” Reid responded.

“Everyone else? There is no everyone else. It’s just us.” Cam chuckled. Reid threw a small, close-mouthed smile over this shoulder.

“Okay, Camera.” And with that he left the room.

Cam turned to James who had been standing there awkwardly. He chuckled a little, scratching the back of his neck. “Sorry… about Reid. He’s a little… aloof.”

“You dated that?” James frowned.

Cam’s eyes darkened and he scowled at James. It was his signature glare, and something about it could only ever be done by Cam. It was uniquely his- and to say James was taken aback would be an understatement. He had never seen that look directed to him before. “The Lavettes- they’re not like you, alright? They’re trying their best just like everyone else. You don’t need to be so mean.”

With that, he gently grabbed James’s hand and pulled him further into the back and out a wood door. As soon as the door opened, a cool breeze hit James’s face and snowflakes bombarded him. He shook his head and opened his eyes, and then gaped widely.

“Woah.”

In front of him was a large field, probably the size of the quidditch grounds. The grass was long, and the gold blades were dusted with a light layer of snow. The sky was bright blue, and the sun shone through a break in the gray clouds. Slightly to the side, a bench was sat. Adorning it was a pale green cloth, and an assortment of foods and drinks were placed on top.

“Surprise.” Cam shrugged cooly, a small smile pulling at his lips.

James turned to look at him in surprise. “Sly.”

Cam raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“It is way too cold for a picnic.” He stated and Cam nodded, starting to turn around.

“Oh, okay then. We can go bac-”

“No!” James cut him off then he blushed. “I just mean… you did all of this we might as well just enjoy it.”

The taller boy laughed happily, and pulled James over to the table, the two friends running through the snow. When they arrived at the set up, Cam pulled a wool hat out of his bag and pulled it over James’s head- his curls sticking out the front as snow started to dot the brown hair. Cam brushed the hair out of his face, snow falling out of it delicately and James blushed even more. He took a seat at the table, and his friend followed suit. James looked over to the food excitedly, and Cam folded his legs in his seat.

“Peppermint pastries, chocolate frogs, peppermint wands, every flavor beans, cinnamon cream puffs, strawberry crystal cones, and blackberry bulbs.” Cam listed off. “And of course, some hot chocolate and butterbeer.”

James scanned the table, eyes bright and excited. “Cam, this is amazing! When did you have time to set this all up? How is it not cold?”

“Imogen just set it up for me, actually.” Cam answered, pushing the plate of blackberry bulbs to James. He dipped his peppermint wand into his hot chocolate, stirring the drink lightly. James began digging in, popping the treats into his mouth and humming in appreciation.

Cam smiled at him, propping his cheek on his fist and absent-mindedly still dragging the peppermint candy through the drink. James looked up, wiping his mouth and blushing.

“What?” He asked, looking away.

“What?” Cam’s smile was soft, his eyes gleaming.

“You’re staring.”

“You’re nice to stare at.”

James’s face turned even redder. “No I’m not.”

“Yeah, you are.” Cam took a sip of his drink after the peppermint melted away, cradling the mug in his hands. “At least, I think so.”

“Lily would disagree.” James muttered bitterly.

Cam sighed. “How’d she do it this time?”

“Dumped her tea on my head.” James grumbled. Cam gasped, eyes furious.

“James!” He exclaimed.

“I know.” James slunk into his seat.

“That’s not okay!”

“I know.” James repeated, looking down.

“Are you okay?” Cam reached over and took James’s hand and the Gryffindor frowned and blushed, pulling his hand away.

“It’s not like it was hot!” He protested. “And, I deserved it. I annoyed her.”

“You don’t deserve that, James, no matter what you’ve done.” Cam huffed. “I’ll talk to her.”

“What? No!” James exclaimed. “She’ll hate me more than she already does!”

“You realize this is assault, no?” Cam took a bite of a blackberry bulb. “She could get in big trouble for this. Then again, so could you. On grounds of harassment and provocation.”

James deflated, looking dejected. “Shit.”

“James.” Cam said simply, causing the younger to look up at him from under his lashes- a pout gracing his face. That didn’t seem to deter Cam, however, who gave him a stern look. “You need to drop this. Just for this year, please. You could get into serious trouble if she reports you.”

“I…” James sighed. “I will.”

“And for the love of Merlin, leave Severus alone.”

“But-”

“James.”

“...Okay.”

Cam smiled at him gently, brushing a snowflake off James’s cheek. “Thank you.” He said, taking the boy’s hand again.

This time, James didn’t pull away.