Work Text:
Pairing: Lucius Malfoy/James Potter
Prompt: (Season) Autumn
James Potter took a deep breath as he waved at Sirius Black. There was a pained look on the other wizard’s face. Over the summer, Sirius entered into a courtship with Lily Evans. Things between Sirius and James were tense and awkward.
While James couldn’t fault Sirius for wanting the fair Miss Evans, it hurt that he never said anything. If James had known his best friend was interested in the same witch, he would have stepped aside. He wanted to see his best friend happy.
Stealing a glance around Hogsmeade, James found he had no interest in staying here. With some concentration, James disapparated away from the cold street of Hogsmeade.
He apparated to the warmer street of Morning Lane – one of the numerous alleys connected to Diagon Alley. He felt window shopping for a little and a visit to either The Pumpkin Patch or The Poison Apple for lunch. In London, it was a lovely autumn day – it was cloudy and overcast with hints of the sun.
As he walked around, a new boutique caught his eye. Wicked had two large glass windows, a black door, and black trim.
“Heir Potter.”
Turning, James spotted Lucius Malfoy. The older wizard was dressed in black robes and his long blonde hair was pulled back in a low ponytail.
“Heir Malfoy,” he greeted, his tone polite and even.
“I wasn’t aware Hogwarts policies changed,” Malfoy stated with a raised eyebrow.
James flushed. “Rules and policies change regularly,” he pointed out. “Which one are you referring to?”
“I wasn’t aware you could come and go as you pleased,” Malfoy responded.
“It’s a Hogsmeade weekend,” James said.
Malfoy smirked. “As Head Boy, I turn you know best,” he said.
James flushed farther. “I needed to get away for a few bit,” he muttered, fighting the urge to cross his arms.
“I heard about Heir Black’s courtship,” Malfoy said, his tone neutral.
“You and everyone else,” James mumbled, shaking his head. Sirius’ courtship made the first page of the society section. James had learned about the courtship the same way as everyone else.
“Are you heartbroken over the loss of Miss Evans or Heir Black?”
James’ eyes narrowed as he stared at Malfoy.
“I know you,” Malfoy paused for a moment, as if he was carefully selection his next words, “fancied Miss Evans for years, and Heir Black for longer.”
James closed his eyes. “How did you know?”
“I didn’t.”
Panic filled James as his eyes opened.
“James, could you consider another?”
Looking at Malfoy, James debated his options. Was Malfoy someone who he could have a family with and grow old with?
“I can,” James answered. “Convince it me should be you.”
Malfoy smirked. “Challenge accepted.”