Work Text:
James Fleamont Potter was in trouble.
He didn’t know when it started, but now he couldn’t stop staring at her… Lysandra Ludovica Northerngarwen, the Princess of Ravenclaw. She seemed to be searching for someone while tapping a quill against her lip as she scanned the library with her eyes. It wasn’t fair, really.
"Just tell her," Sirius muttered beside him, eyes still on his Quidditch magazine.
"She’d laugh me out of the castle," James hissed back.
"You face Bludgers with more dignity," Sirius scoffed.
"Bludgers don’t laugh like she does," James mumbled, eyes drifting back to her despite himself.
"Yeah," Sirius muttered, turning a page. "They don’t smile at you like that either."
Remus looked like he wanted to throw up because of his friends stupidity.
The library was unusually full; many students were frantically studying ahead of their OWLs and NEWTs. As Lysandra wandered down the stacks, she heard Remus' famous mocking laugh from behind the shelf to her right.
“Oh thanks to Merlin, Remus!” Lysandra rushed towards the Marauders and stood next to James. “Rem, I need the book you borrowed from me last week.” she said hurriedly, she needed that book for her assignment.
James tensed, his heart pounding as Lysandra appeared. For a moment he couldn't say anything, just stared stupidly at her. Remus, on the other hand, seemed completely unruffled. "The one on Advanced Charms?" he asked, leaning back against the bookshelf.
"Yes, that one–” she smiled, relieved and she realized the remaining Marauders, sitting at the table with Remus, "Oh, sorry I'm in a bit of a rush, I forgot to greet you guys. Hello, I'm Lysandra Ludovia Northerngarwen.”
"Merlin's beard," Sirius said under his breath, flipping his hair dramatically. "She's got a name longer than the Marauder's Map."
James elbowed him sharply but couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm James," he said quickly, voice slightly too loud. Then, softer: "You can just call her Lys if she lets you. Most don’t." His eyes flickered to hers—nervous, hopeful.
Lysandra smiled, “Yeah, you can call me Lys. I like that nickname.”
Remus chuckled, already digging through his bag. "Don’t mind them. And for future reference," he added with a wink as he pulled out the worn copy of Conjuring Charms: Theory & Application, "you could've just sent an owl."
"Thank you Rem, and nice to meet you guys." As the Marauders smiled, she checked the time and stood up in panic, "Oh shit, I need to go!" She said as she rushed to another class.
James stared at your retreating form, a mix of admiration and frustration. "She's something, isn't she?" he sighed.
Remus chuckled, shoving the book into his bag. "You're a mess, Potter."
"Yeah, but what's new?" James grumbled.
Sirius smirked, slinging an arm over James' shoulder. "You're down bad," he teased.
****
The next day, Defence Against Dark Arts lesson, common lesson with Gryffindors and Ravenclaws
Lysandra arrived at the class and sat in the front row. Right after her, James and the Marauders strolled into the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, joining the throng of students. He spotted her sitting in the front row, looking focused as always.
Sirius nudged him. "Front row," he muttered. "Overachiever."
Lysandra sighed and looked at him as she placed her books on the table, "Back row," she said and smiled, teasing him "Overidiot."
"Ouch!" James yelped, hand flying to his chest like you’d actually cursed him. "That stings, Lys, I’m right there as well! Right in the pride."
Sirius burst out laughing. "She’s got your number already and you’re still trying to impress her?"
"I’m not—!" James started, then caught her teasing smile over her shoulder. He deflated instantly. "...Okay, maybe a little."
Remus shook his head, sliding into a seat beside Peter near the middle. "Just sit before you combust from embarrassment."
James shot him a glare before reluctantly taking the seat behind her, slumping down like he could hide in plain sight.
And yet—his eyes were still on her.
Like always.
She smiled softly as she realized him but tried to hide it and she muttered "Silly Jamie, huh?"
James' heart leapt at the use of the nickname. Jamie. It sounded different when Lysandra said it. Better. His lips twitched upwards in spite of himself.
Behind him, he could hear the others chuckling. Sirius in particular was doing an awful job of holding back his amusement.
"Silly Jamie, huh?”
James leaned forward slightly, trying not to grin like an idiot. His fingers drummed once on the desk—nervous energy—and then he caught himself and stopped.
Sirius, ever the menace, mimed taking notes with exaggerated concentration: “Important observation: Lily-adjacent behavior detected. The subject displays signs of softening toward one James Potter.”
James kicked him under the table.
She didn’t turn around, but her shoulders twitched—like she was fighting a laugh.
And suddenly, Defence Against the Dark Arts didn’t seem so dull after all.
Then, the professor arrived and the lesson started, Lysandra started taking notes while Sirius made fun of her and Remus about how they’re being “boring nerdies…”
The professor was droning on about some defence theory—standard stuff. James attempted to pay attention, he really did. But his gaze kept flicking back to Lysandra.
He watched her take notes, her scrawl neat and precise. She hung on every word the professor said, focused intently on the lesson.
James tried to follow along, but his mind kept wandering. He tapped out a rhythm on the desk again, a nervous habit. It was like she had a gravitational pull—he was helplessly, hopelessly drawn to her.
As the class ended and everyone started packing up, the Marauders lingered. James kept his gaze fixed on Lysandra, watching her grab her things. Lysandra hurriedly took her stuff and went to her other lesson, Potions. It'll be with Gryffindors as well. She couldn't help but smile… She'll be able to see her favorite group, the Marauders, more. She thought it’s the best, because her best friend was sick and not with her that day.
"Looks like luck is on our side," Remus said quietly with a smirk, remembering they had one more lesson together as well.
Sirius sniggered. "Seems she's stuck with us for another period."
James' heart thumped. He was torn between feeling elated and terrified. How was he supposed to focus on Potions with her so close?
****
The Potions lesson…
The Marauders filed into the dim, dank dungeon classroom, the familiar scent of various potions ingredients filling the air. James followed after them, trying desperately to appear nonchalant.
He scanned the class for Lysandra, and there she was – a row ahead, setting up her books. His heart jumped into his throat. Calm down, he told himself. You see her every day. You can handle this.
James settled down behind Lysandra. From here, he could see the way the dim light from the bubbling cauldrons played across her face. It was almost poetic.
The lesson started immediately as Professor Slughorn came in and explained today's lesson, “ Well, please pair up students! We'll be doing Gremilion Potion, it's a very serious poison so be careful!”
James glanced around the room, watching students pair off. There were plenty of partners he could choose from, but there was only one he wanted to partner with.
Glancing sidelong at Lysandra, he debated the odds of her choosing him.
Sirius cleared his throat loudly, shooting James a pointed look from across the aisle. "Go on," he mouthed.
James sighed and leaned forward. "Hey, Lys," he said, trying to keep his voice casual. "Want to partner up?"
She smiled at the young boy in front of her, "Of course, I heard you're the best in potions, I'd love to learn something new from you."
James tried to calm his racing heart. She'd said yes. He had to respond with something witty, something suave that didn't betray the fact that he was internally screaming.
Clearing his throat, he shrugged coolly. "Yeah, well, I am the best at everything."
Sirius' muffled snicker echoed from the back row.
Lysandra giggled at James’ reaction, "Yeah, maybe you are the best at potions and quidditch but not the best at checking your hair," she smiled softly and tried to help him with his hair, using her hands.
James' heart leapt as she touched his hair, his cheeks turning pink. He tried to play it off, ducking his head away. "Hey! My hair is flawless, thank you very much."
But he couldn't help stealing glances at her, noting the way her brow pinched in concentration and the way her smile lit up her face. He could hear Sirius and Remus laughing quietly in the background.
Approximately ten minutes before the end of the lesson, Professor Slughorn started to look at the potions the students made, with no surprise he realized that the best potion in the class was James and Lysandra's potion. He smiled proudly, “Ah, well done Mr. Potter and Ms. Northerngarwen, you two are the best in potion, ,in your generation of course! 10 points for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.”
James couldn't stop a smug smile from spreading across his face. "Told you I was good, didn't I?" he whispered, nudging Lysandra with a hint of playful pride.
The Marauders were still back there, snickering and making comments about his obvious delight.
But James didn't care. Lysandra would see firsthand how good he was at potions, and he felt a warm kind of satisfaction at the praise from Slughorn.
She chuckled, "I knew you're the best in potions, you're even better than Snape from Slytherins."
James blinked, then burst into a triumphant grin. "Even better than Snape? Lys, you just declared me the pinnacle of potion-making excellence." He leaned back with exaggerated pride—chest out, hand over heart—"I'm wounded by your honesty." James hated Severus Snape, but it was obvious that he’s one of the best students among potion classes… after James, obviously.
Sirius couldn’t take it anymore. "Merlin’s beard," he stage-whispered to Remus, "he's going to start floating any second."
But James didn’t care. The way Lysandra laughed—light and warm—it made the whole dungeon feel brighter.
And for once… he wasn’t trying to show off.
He was just happy.
"Okay, Mr. Perfect, I need to go to my other class," she smiled while taking her stuff from the desk and suddenly stopped looking at James, "Maybe... I see you around?" she asked shyly.
James' stomach twisted involuntarily as you got ready to leave. He didn't want the moment to end so quickly.
He forced a casual shrug, though his heart was thundering. "Yeah," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Sure. See ya."
He watched Lysandra walk away, his hand fidgeting on the edge of the desk. The Marauders' laughter filled his ears, but he ignored them.
He was already thinking of ways to run into her in the corridors.
****
Next week, before the dinner in the Great Hall
The evening sunlight streamed through the castle windows, casting a golden glow over everything. James had just finished his Quidditch practice and he was walking with the Marauders towards the Great Hall. His eyes caught sight of Lysandra in the garden, talking and laughing with her friends.
Sirius nudged him. "Speak of the devil," he smirked. "Looks like your lucky day, Prongs."
James tried to play it nonchalant, but he couldn't stop his eyes from following your every move. "Shut it, Padfoot."
Lysandra noticed James while walking, she smiled genuinely and waved at him.
James froze mid-step.
She waved.
At him.
Not a nod, not a glance—no, full-on smile and fingers lifting like she was greeting someone she actually wanted to see. His brain short-circuited for approximately three seconds before he managed to lift his hand in a dorky half-wave, nearly knocking Sirius’ elbow in the process.
"Hey!" Sirius barked, laughing. "She said hi! You're officially doomed now!"
Remus shook his head with an amused sigh. "He's been doomed since the first year, that was for someone else but, nevermind."
James ignored them—because Lysandra was still smiling—and whispered under his breath as he walked on, "Yeah… best day ever."
Lysandra and her friends chatting about new gossip, about Lily Evans... James Potter's famous love! She's dating a boy from Hufflepuff. Lysandra transferred to Hogwarts at the beginning of the year so she had no idea about Lily and James.
"Hm, what? James' love?" she asked confusingly to her friends, they explained how James was in love with Evans girl since their first year in Hogwarts. She felt betrayed, she can feel the pain in her heart. So she was just a playtoy, just a substitute for Evans. Or maybe he's trying to make Evans jealous. Who knows...?
Lysandra's face got pale and she told her friends that she'll skip dinner today. She starts walking through the Ravenclaw dorm and walks past James in a rush.
The Marauders were in the corridor before dinner talking with some other students when they saw Lysandra storm past. James' heart skipped a beat—was it something he said? Sirius and Remus looked at him with knowing grins. "Looks like trouble in paradise," Sirius snickered under his breath.
"Shut up," James muttered. Something was wrong. "I'll be right back."
He broke away from the group and hurried after Lysandra, "Lys! Wait!"
Lysandra wiped away her tears hurriedly as she heard her nickname from James, the nickname that she liked to hear most from James' mouth... As her eyes filled with tears again she pretended she didn't hear him and continued walking.
James' heart sank. She heard him, he was sure of it. But she was still walking away.
"Lys, please!" he called out again, more urgently. What did he do…?
He quickened his pace, nearly jogging now. "Lys, stop!" He reached for her arm, gently trying to stop her from walking. "Please. Just give me a minute."
As James stopped her she couldn't help but let her tears fall, "Get off your hand from me, Potter." she said, her voice was cracking but cold at the same time.
James reeled back, startled. What happened to the warm laughter just a few minutes ago?
He held up his hands placatingly, his mind spinning. "Hey, calm down. I… I don't know what I did, but talk to me. Please." The pleading was thick in his voice. He hated seeing those tears.
Lysandra covered her face with her hands, "I can't believe you," she chuckled to herself painfully, "No, I can't believe myself that I actually believed you."
"Believe what?" James said, frustration creeping into his voice. "You're not making any sense!" He reached for her again, desperation taking over. "Lys…"
His mind was racing, trying to figure out what went wrong. This morning, the potions class, the waving… everything had been perfect.
"I'm not making any sense? Did you tell that to Evans as well? I can't believe you... I thought the thing between us was special! Am I just a stupid substitute for you?" she wiped her tears as she yelled at him.
"What?" James' frustration vanished at her question, confusion taking its place. "Substitute? What on earth are you—"
Then he understood. Lily Evans.
His heart plummeted. She thought...
"Lys, no," he said quickly, desperately. He reached out again, taking her shoulders gently in his hands and turning her towards him. His eyes searched hers, pleading. "You're not a replacement. I swear."
"Don't call me ‘Lys’! How could you do that to me? Do you know how stupid I felt? I can't do this anymore, just let me go and find another replacement for that girl!"
The words felt like a blow. A replacement?
James pulled her closer, his voice low and rough with emotions that he barely knew how to name. "Damn it, Lys, I don't want a replacement! I don't need a replacement! I just want you. How many times do I have to say it? You're the only one I see!"
"How can I believe that? Just think, you get to know someone, someone you actually started liking and then BUUMM!! You found out he loves some other guy for damn years! Just think what'd you do if I did something like that?"
James winced at her words, the weight of them striking deep. He'd never seen it from her perspective. She thought he was playing with her…
He let out a low breath, his grip on her shoulders loosening but still holding her in place. "You think I'd do that to you?" he asked quietly. "That I'd lead you on, just for fun? Lys, I'm not a bloody psychopath."
"I don't know anything anymore James, I just want to sleep." She rushed to the Ravenclaw dorms as she finished her last sentence, not letting James say another word.
James stood frozen in the corridor, watching her retreat.
His mind was a hurricane of thoughts. Anger and hurt and confusion and guilt.
And just like that, the perfect evening turned into… this.
He wanted to run after her, explain himself, do anything to have that laughter and warmth back.
But he knew she needed time.
He just hoped there was enough time to fix this mess.
****
At the dinner
Lysandra didn't attend the dinner, stayed in her dorm, crying... Her best friend Nova was with her, she was hugging her best friend and cursed James Potter for making her dear Lysandra cry.
The Great Hall buzzed with chatter, but James barely heard it. His plate sat untouched, fork spinning absently in his hand.
Sirius nudged him. "You've been staring at the ceiling for ten minutes. What's wrong?"
"It's Lys," James muttered, voice low and strained. "She thinks I'm still hung up on Lily… that she's just a replacement."
Remus frowned. "Did someone tell her about first year? Because—"
"Yeah," James snapped softly. "And now she won't even look at me."
He glanced toward the Ravenclaw table—empty where she should’ve been.
His stomach twisted.
"Prongs," Sirius said, uncharacteristically serious now, "You’ve spent years trying to impress a girl who didn’t want you… and now you finally find one who does—one you actually care about—and she thinks she’s second place?"
James looked down.
Remus turned his head to Sirius, “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, I’m Sirius and serious.”
"Ha ha, so funny!” Remus rolled his eyes, he’s kind of sick of this joke but still had a little smile on his lips, he’s his boyfriend after all.
“...I have to fix this." James said quietly.
"Not tonight," Remus said gently. "Let her breathe. But tomorrow? You show her exactly where your heart is."
James nodded slowly—and made a silent promise.
No more jokes.
No more pride.
Tomorrow—he’d give her nothing but the truth. And hope like hell it was enough.
****
The next day: breakfast in the Great Hall
Lysandra didn't attend the breakfast as well, but her best friend Nova Marchenia did. Nova wanted to eat something and bring some food for Lysandra, two girls chatted and cried all night, also cursed James Potter obviously! Well, mostly Nova cursed James and Lysandra cried.
James arrived at breakfast, eyes bleary from a sleepless night. He felt numb, a weird combination of guilt and anxiety gnawing at his gut.
He took a seat with the Marauders, trying to appear at least somewhat normal.
Sirius eyed him sharply. "Did you sleep last night?" he asked, blunt.
James just shook his head, pushing food around his plate. "Couldn't."
Remus leaned over, lowering his voice. "You look like crap."
Nova overheard their conversation and interrupted with a cold voice, not even looking at the Golden Boy of Gryffindor, “He is a crap.”
Sirius nearly spit out his pumpkin juice.
Remus coughed to hide his laugh, while Peter choked on a piece of toast.
James looked up—eyes wide with surprise—and then his lips quivered, despite the ache in his heart.
"I'm never living that down," he muttered.
"You deserve it," Sirius snickered, slapping him on the back.
Nova knew her best friend Lysandra loves cherry jam and wanted to take some to her but the only cherry jam left was on the Gryffindors table and next to the person she loathed most, James Potter. The reason for her best friend's tears.
Nova walked towards the Marauders, “Hey, could you give me the cherry jam?”
James looked up as Nova approached, her words catching him off guard.
He glanced at the plate of jam, sitting untouched next to his own uneaten breakfast. "Uh—sure," he said, reaching for it without thinking.
He glanced at his friends, expecting a smirk or some kind of tease, but he was met instead with knowing expressions.
Sirius nodded almost encouragingly, while Remus gave him a tiny smirk.
Peter was just confused.
James cleared his throat, holding out the jar to Nova. "Here you go."
Nova rolled her eyes and took it, “And some white cheese please?”
James nodded, not missing a beat. He grabbed the small plate of white cheese and handed it over without hesitation.
"Here," he said softly, keeping his eyes down. "For Lys?"
Nova froze for a second—surprised he even remembered her nickname. She narrowed her eyes, voice sharp as glass: "Yes. For Lysandra. Not that you care."
"I do care," James said quietly, finally looking up. His glasses were slightly crooked, his hair a mess from restless hands—but his voice was steady now.
"I never meant to hurt her. I swear."
"But you did, you did hurt my sister. I don't care what you feel, or want, just don't play with her. She's really special to me, like a sister. And if you dare to hurt her again, I'd be the one who will kill you. You have two choices, make her forgive you and make her happy or stay away from her. Do you understand me?" Nova said as she grabbed the plate of white cheese.
James swallowed as she spoke, her words cutting deep. He'd never seen this side of Nova before—fierce, protective, unyielding. She would follow through on her threat, he had no doubt.
He straightened his shoulders, looking her directly in the eye.
"I'll make her happy," he said, his tone firm and unwavering. "Whatever it takes, I will make Lysandra happy."
There was a sharp intake of breath from Remus and Sirius, who had stopped chatting quietly to eavesdrop.
But James didn't notice. His gaze was still locked on Nova.
Nova said, "Good." as she turned back toward the door of the Great Hall, and walked back to the Ravenclaw dorm.
"Damn, she's terrifying," Sirius muttered, staring after her.
Remus chuckled softly. "She's protective of Lys, can you blame her?"
James was silent, fiddling with the empty jam jar.
Sirius glanced at him. "So… you really gonna make Lys happy?"
James met his gaze. "Yes," he said determinedly. "I will."
Remus said "It'd be good, I have no doubt that Nova was lying, she'd actually kill you if you make her sad ever again." and chuckled.
Sirius smiled at him, "Oh c'mon Moony, matching Lys and Prongs won't be that hard!" he leaned and kissed Remus’ cheek, "The hardest part was getting you for myself, love..."
Remus chuckled, poking his boyfriend's cheek. "Stop that."
Sirius smirked at his blushing boyfriend. "Never."
Meanwhile, James was lost in thought. 'Making her happy' sounded simple in theory, but in practice?
Merlin, where on earth did he start?
"Any ideas?" he asked the Marauders, his voice edged with desperation.
Sirius shrugged, draping his arm around Remus's shoulders. "I say grand gestures. Something big."
"Nah, Lys doesn't like those things," Remus said, leaning closer to Sirius. "She wants to feel your love. Maybe you can ask her to be your girlfriend—in front of everyone? The Great Hall’s got drama."
Sirius perked up instantly. "Yes! Full attention, candles everywhere—"
James groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I’m not turning the Great Hall into my personal love arena." He glanced toward the Ravenclaw table—still empty.
Then he shook his head slowly. "She didn’t even want me near her yesterday... I can’t just perform for her, it's like a show, I want it to be special."
He looked at them, voice softer now, "I need to show her I’m serious… not flashy."
A quiet beat.
Remus smiled gently and nudged Sirius’ shoulder with his own. "...Actually? That might be the first mature thing you’ve ever said about a girl."
Sirius chuckled and nodded while patting James's head "Our baby Prongs is growing, Moony!"
Remus grinned and said "I thought Wormtail is the baby?"
"Wormtail?" Sirius scoffed, tossing a piece of toast at Peter. "He's more like the confused middle child."
Peter sputtered indignantly around a mouthful of jam.
Remus laughed, shaking his head. "So James is suddenly the golden eldest now?"
Sirius winked. "Only because he’s finally in real trouble." He leaned forward, grinning at James. "Emotional detention—worst kind."
James rolled his eyes—but there was no heat in it.
His mind was already elsewhere.
Not on grand speeches or crowded halls.
But on quiet words… and second chances.
****
The dinner in the Great Hall
Lysandra did attend all her lessons because of her best friend Nova's pressure, Lysandra is so grateful to have her on her side... She couldn't help but think about James all day, but also she tried so hard not to face him all day. Now it's time for dinner and she can't escape because Nova threatened her with her favorite plush.
James sat at the Gryffindor table, pushing food around his plate like the day before. He'd barely eaten all day—a combination of nerves and guilt crushing his stomach.
He glanced up at the Ravenclaw table, searching for her.
But the table was still empty. A sharp sense of disappointment tugged at his chest.
Lysandra and Nova entered the Great Hall, chatting while walking towards the Ravenclaw table.
James stiffened, all senses suddenly hyper-alert—focused solely on her.<
She was laughing with Nova, looking more relaxed than he had seen her in days. Her dark hair fell around her freckled face in loose waves. She wore a navy blue sweater, paired with black jeans.
He felt a wave of something unnameable crash over him—relief? Affection? He couldn't tell.
All he knew was that she was here. And she didn't look like she hated him.
Lysandra and Nova sat down and got some food on their plates, "I don't want to eat anything, Nova... don't push meee!!" Lysandra said as Nova continued to fill Lysandra's plate.
"Eat," Nova said firmly, placing a spoonful of mashed potatoes onto Lysandra’s plate. "You didn’t eat all day. I’m not letting you waste away over him."
Lysandra shot her a pouty look, but there was no real fire behind it—just exhaustion and lingering heartache.
James watched the exchange from across the hall, his chest tight.
Sirius nudged him with an elbow. “Go talk to her.”
James shook his head slowly. “Not here. Not like this.”
Remus raised an eyebrow. “Then how?”
He didn’t answer right away.
Because in that moment, Lysandra glanced up—accidentally meeting his eyes across the room.
But it was enough.
Her breath hitched ever so slightly before she looked away, cheeks tinged pink.
And James knew—
She still felt something.
And as long as she did? He wouldn’t give up.
"Oh shit, he's coming, Nova, he's fucking coming here!" Lysandra whispered when she realized James was about to come and talk with her.
Nova didn't look surprised. In fact, she looked almost smug. "Took him long enough."
She nudged Lysandra. "Just talk to him, idiot. It won't kill you."
Lysandra frowned. "Easy for you to say," she muttered, watching James approach. Her heart thudded wildly, her palms sweating.
Nova rolled her eyes and stood up, “I forgot that Remus borrowed my book, I'll go get it.” she said and immediately let James and Lysandra to talk freely, it was a lie of course, she just respected their privacy.
Lysandra was looking at James, oh Merlin, how she missed him…
James took a deep breath as Nova walked away, leaving the two of them finally alone.
He took the seat opposite her, searching her face for any hint of how she was feeling.
She looked tired… and sad. But even with her messy hair and red-rimmed eyes, she was as beautiful as ever.
The urge to reach out, to touch her, to hold her, nearly overwhelmed him.
He clasped his hands in his lap instead.
"...Can I talk to you?"
Lysandra nodded to his question and pointed to the empty seat in front of her.
He sat down, glancing around. This was the first time they'd been alone in what felt like forever… and the first time ever that the air between them felt so awkward.
He fidgeted with his hands, looking everywhere but her face as he spoke. He felt nervous.
"Listen," he started, his voice rough with unaccustomed nervousness. "I know… I know I owe you an explanation. And—and an apology."
A girl from Ravenclaw leaned closer and wanted the chicken fryers, Lysandra handed her the plate and turned back to James, "Go on..."
James tried to steady himself, but it was hard when he could smell her scent and she was right there in front of him.
"You were right. About everything, I mean," he said quietly, his gaze finally rising to meet her eyes. Her amber-brown eyes, like molten honey. "I never should've treated you like a—a replacement. Like you were second place. You're not. You're… you're not like anyone else. You're different."
She tried holding back her tears, "I want to believe you, James... But I can't help but think that way..."
"I know," James said softly, his voice breaking. He reached forward—slowly, gently—until his hand covered hers on the table. "And I don't expect you to believe me just because I say it."
He took a deep breath.
"I spent years chasing Lily Evans like an idiot… not because she was special, but because I just wanted to want her. Because it was easy. Because everyone expected it." His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles.
"But you? You’re not easy. You're complicated and fierce and brilliant—and when you laughed at me in Potions for my hair? Or called me 'Jamie'? That wasn’t about Lily… that was about us. And I'd be lying if I said it didn’t mean everything."
He leaned closer, voice barely above a whisper.
"So if you need time… take it. But don't shut me out completely, Lys. Because what do I feel for you? It's real. And for the first time in my life—I'm not pretending."
Lysandra couldn't hold her tears anymore and let them fall, "I... I love you Jamie, you're so special to me. When I heard about Evans, I felt like drowning, I couldn't believe..."
James’ breath caught at her words.
She loved him?
Lysandra—strong, brilliant, beautiful Lys—had just whispered she loved him through tears.
And it wasn’t pride that swelled in his chest. It was wonderful.
He didn’t hesitate this time.
Reaching across the table, he cupped her face gently in his hands, brushing away warm tears with his thumbs. His own eyes stung.
“Hey… hey,” he murmured, voice thick. “I love you too. Merlin’s beard—I’ve been falling for you since the first time I saw you in the Great Hall and didn’t even realize it until Sirius made fun of me.”
He leaned in slowly—giving her time to pull away—but when she didn't, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
“You’re not second place,” he whispered against your skin. “You’re first. Last. Only.”
And for the first time…
Everything finally felt right. Like magic had finally decided to work in his favor.
Lysandra stood up and got to the other side of the table, next to James, her Jamie, and hugged him tightly.
"You're first, last, only." she said, copying him while still hugging.
They heard the remaining Marauders and Nova cheering for them, oh shit they were still in the Great Hall, everyone was looking at them.
James didn't care, neither did Lysandra.
He buried his face in her shoulder, arms tightening around her like he'd never let go. The Great Hall could be on fire—let it burn.
"Only you, Lys," he murmured into her hair. "Always only you."
Sirius was whistling loudly, Remus laughing as he clapped, Peter cheering between mouthfuls of pudding.
And Nova? She gave a dramatic thumbs-up from across the hall—then mouthed, "Don't mess this up."
James just grinned into Lysandra’s shoulder.
For once?
He wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
He was just hers.
And that was more than enough.