Emeralds and Ashes Ch. 34

The Room of Requirement had taken on the form of a spacious circular room with warm amber lighting that cast everything in a golden glow, and it looked perfect for their unique setting.

Three oversized armchairs were arranged in a triangle around a low table, but they'd been reformed in favor of the massive circular sofa that dominated the center. Plush cushions in deep emerald and rich burgundy were scattered across its surface, while a crackling fireplace provided both warmth and ambiance. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and soft music played from somewhere unseen.

Harry lounged back against the curved sofa, Bellatrix curled against his left side while Narcissa had claimed his right. Both girls had shed their school robes, leaving them in their crisp white shirts and skirts. Bellatrix's dark hair spilled across Harry's shoulder as she traced lazy patterns on his chest through his shirt.

"That was beautifully executed," Bellatrix purred, her voice full of satisfaction. Her fingers had found their way between the buttons of his shirt, brushing against his bare skin. "Snape never saw it coming."

"He made it easy," Harry replied, his arm tightening around her waist. His other hand rested on Narcissa's thigh, his thumb stroking the smooth fabric of her skirt. "All that rage and wounded pride. The moment he pulled his wand on Lily in front of everyone was the final nail in the coffin. Even Dumbledore couldn’t have done anything after that."

Narcissa shifted closer, her lips brushing Harry's ear as she spoke. "The look on Dumbledore's face was priceless. I don't think he expected his precious second chances philosophy to crumble quite so publicly." Her breath was warm against his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

"He'll recover," Harry said, turning his head to capture her lips in a soft kiss. "But he'll think twice before defending someone like Snape again. At least I hope so."

When they broke apart, Bellatrix immediately claimed his attention, her kiss hungrier and more demanding. Her fingers had undone the top three buttons and her hand slipped further inside his shirt, her nails scraping lightly against his chest.

"The timing was perfect too," she murmured against his lips. "Having the Aurors arrive right when everyone was at breakfast, and Evans being there to witness everything last night and even standing up to testify. It all fell into place. I didn’t expect her to pull through, no matter what she said."

“Thought she’d get cold feet?”

“Something like that,” Bellatrix nodded as she leaned back, but not before stealing a quick kiss from her boyfriend.

"It all happened because we planned it that way," Harry said, his hands roaming freely now. One slipped up Narcissa's side, feeling the curve of her waist through her shirt, while the other tangled in Bellatrix's dark curls, stroking gently. "Every detail mattered."

Narcissa's response was to press closer, her leg draping across his lap as she claimed his mouth again. This kiss was deeper, more heated, and Harry could taste the lingering sweetness of orange juice on her tongue. "The best part was watching him realize that his actions have consequences," she breathed when they parted. "Some people think they can hide behind childhood friendships and teacher favoritism forever."

"Not anymore," Bellatrix agreed, her teeth grazing Harry's throat. She'd somehow managed to undo several more buttons on his shirt, her hands exploring the newly exposed skin with greed and appreciation. "One less Death Eater in training to worry about."

Harry's breath caught as Narcissa's hand joined Bellatrix's exploration of his chest, her touch lighter but no less exciting. "Speaking of which," he managed, though his voice was rougher now, "we need to start thinking about the others. Malfoy and his close pals might be gone too, but there’s still a fair bit of rotten core left, that whole filthy crowd. They're not as reckless as Snape, but they're just as dangerous."

"More dangerous, arguably," Narcissa murmured, her lips finding the spot just below his ear that always made him shiver. "They're just smarter about hiding their true beliefs."

"But also more cowardly," Bellatrix added, lifting her head to look at them both. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen from their kisses. "Without Malfoy and the Lestranges to hide behind, they're just scared children playing at being dark wizards."

Harry pulled her down for another kiss, this one slow and thorough. "We'll handle them when the time comes," he said against her lips. "For now, let's enjoy our victory."

"I can think of better ways to celebrate," Bellatrix said with a wicked grin, her hand sliding lower on his chest.

"So can I," Narcissa agreed, her own hand trailing down his arm before settling on his thigh.

The next few minutes dissolved into a tangle of heated kisses and wandering hands. Bellatrix had somehow ended up straddling Harry's lap, her skirt riding up as she ground against him slowly. Meanwhile, Narcissa had claimed the spot behind him, her arms wrapped around his chest from behind while she pressed hot kisses to his neck and shoulder.

"Merlin, you're both going to be the death of me," Harry groaned as Narcissa's teeth found his earlobe while Bellatrix's hips created the most delicious friction.

"What a way to go though," Bellatrix laughed breathlessly, her hands fisted in his hair as she kissed him deeply.

They might have gone further—Harry could feel Narcissa's fingers working at the remaining buttons of his shirt while Bellatrix's movements became more urgent—but a sharp tapping at one of the tall windows interrupted them.

All three froze, breathing heavily as they turned to see a magnificent eagle owl perched outside. Given how the bird looked and how those amber eyes were fixed on Harry with such an intensity, it was clear this was no ordinary school owl.

"Bloody hell," Bellatrix muttered, reluctantly sliding off Harry's lap. "Perfect timing."

"That's not a Hogwarts owl," Narcissa observed, though she didn't move from her position behind Harry, her arms still wrapped around him.

Harry waved his hand, and the window swung open. The bird swooped in gracefully, landing on the low table and extending its leg. Harry untied the letter, recognizing the elegant script immediately. The owl accepted the treat Bellatrix produced from somewhere and launched itself back out the window without ceremony.

"Well?" Bellatrix asked, settling back beside Harry but keeping her hand possessively on his thigh. "Don't keep us in suspense."

Harry's shirt still hung open, and both girls seemed in no hurry to let him fix that. Narcissa's fingers traced patterns on his bare shoulder while Bellatrix's thumb rubbed circles on his leg through his trousers.

He broke the seal, unfolding the parchment. His eyes scanned the contents quickly, then widened slightly.

"It's from Dorea," he said, looking up at both of them. "Arcturus is coming back to Britain. She says this would be the best time to arrange a meeting."

The effect was immediate. Both Bellatrix and Narcissa straightened, though their hands remained on him, their touch suddenly possessive rather than simply affectionate.

"Really?" Narcissa breathed, excitement and nervousness warring in her voice. "He's actually coming?"

"Next weekend?" Bellatrix added, leaning closer to read over his shoulder. Her breast pressed against his arm, and Harry had to force himself to concentrate on her words rather than the contact. "That's perfect timing."

Harry reread the letter, acutely aware of both girls pressed against him. "She says he'll only be here briefly, but she can ensure a meeting happens if we're serious about this."

"We are," Bellatrix said firmly, her hand sliding higher on his thigh. "Aren't we?"

"Of course we are," Narcissa agreed, though Harry caught the hint of nervousness in her voice. Her fingers had stilled on his shoulder, but they tightened slightly. "This is what we've been working toward."

Harry set the letter aside and turned to look at both of them properly. The firelight cast their faces in warm gold, highlighting Bellatrix's flushed cheeks and the way Narcissa's hair had come slightly undone from their earlier activities.

"I know there’s little need, but I have to ask. Are you sure?" he asked, his hands finding their waists. "Once we do this, there's no going back. It’ll be me asking for your hands in marriage. Officially. With all the political and family implications that brings."

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life," Bellatrix said without hesitation, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Have you, Cissy?"

Narcissa's response was to kiss his neck, her lips warm and soft against his skin. "Yes. Absolutely yes. It's just... it's really happening."

"It's really happening," Harry confirmed, turning his head to capture her mouth with his. The kiss was tender but full of promise. "We're really doing this."

Bellatrix stood up, pacing to the fireplace and back, her movements restless with energy. Even agitated, she was graceful, and Harry couldn't help but admire the way her shirt had come partially untucked, revealing glimpses of pale skin at her waist.

"We need to think about our approach though," she said, running her hands through her hair. "How do we present this to him?"

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, though he was distracted by the way Narcissa had taken advantage of Bellatrix's absence to claim more of his attention, her lips finding his collarbone.

"Well," Bellatrix said, her expression thoughtful, "asking for both of us at the same time might be... ambitious. Even for someone like you."

Narcissa's head suddenly snapped up, her blue eyes flashing. "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm suggesting," Bellatrix said carefully, moving back to them, "that maybe Harry should ask for you first, Cissy. Grandfather has always been fond of you. Even if by a few seconds, you're the younger sister, the one he's more protective of. If Harry can convince him about you, it might make asking about me easier later."

"No," Harry said immediately, his arms tightening around Narcissa. "Absolutely not."

"Harry—" Bellatrix started, but he cut her off.

"No," he repeated, more firmly. He stood up, pulling Narcissa with him, and then reached for Bellatrix's hand. "I'm not choosing between you two. That's not how this works."

Narcissa pressed close to his side, her hand flat against his chest. "Bella, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but Harry's right. We're in this together. All three of us."

"I'm being practical," Bellatrix insisted, though she let Harry pull her closer. "Grandfather is traditional. Old-fashioned. The idea of one man marrying both his granddaughters might be too much for him to accept right away, and that’s assuming he’ll even agree to such an arrangement."

"Then we'll convince him," Harry said, his hands settling on both their waists. "Together. I'm not asking for one of you and hoping for the best with the other. Either he agrees to both, or we find another way."

Bellatrix's eyes were bright with unshed tears, while Narcissa's jaw was set with determination. Harry could feel the tension in both their bodies.

"You're being stubborn," Bellatrix said, but her voice lacked conviction.

"I'm being honest," Harry replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead gently. "What happens if he says yes to Narcissa and no to you? Do I marry her and leave you out? Do we sneak around for the rest of our lives? That's not fair to any of us."

"He might say no to both if you ask for both," Bellatrix pointed out, though she melted into his touch. "Then where does that leave us?"

"At least we'll have tried on our own terms," Narcissa said quietly, her hand finding Bellatrix's across Harry's chest. "Bella, I love you for wanting to sacrifice yourself for us like this, but Harry's right. We don't work as anything less than the three of us."

"Besides," Harry added, his voice gentler now, "you're not giving yourself enough credit. You think Arcturus doesn't know how brilliant you are? How fierce and loyal and passionate?" He kissed her temple. "You think he won’t see how much stronger you make me? Make all of us?"

Bellatrix was quiet for a long moment, her head resting against his shoulder. When she looked up, her eyes were vulnerable in a way she rarely allowed.

"You really think he'll agree to both?"

"I think he'll agree to what's best for his family," Harry said, his thumb stroking her cheek. "And what's best for his family is having both his granddaughters happy and protected. With someone who can provide that protection and who genuinely loves them."

"Plus," Narcissa added, rising on her toes to kiss Bellatrix's other cheek, "you're underestimating how much Grandfather respects power. Harry isn't just some random suitor. He's the Lord of House Peverell. He has influence, connections, resources, and power. That matters to men like him."

Bellatrix turned in Harry's arms, her lips finding his in a soft, reassuring kiss. "You think that's enough?"

"I think it's part of the equation," Harry said, his arms encompassing both of them, keeping them close. "The bigger part is that we love each other and we're committed to making this work. That's what matters most."

"And if he says no?" Bellatrix asked, though she was already settling back into their embrace.

Harry's expression hardened, though his touch remained gentle. "Then we find another way. There are other options, other paths. But we don't compromise on what we have together."

Bellatrix studied his face for a long moment, then looked at Narcissa. Some wordless communication passed between the sisters—a look full of shared history and understanding—before Bellatrix nodded slowly.

"Alright," she said, her voice stronger now. "We do this together. All or nothing."

"All or nothing," Narcissa agreed, sealing it with a kiss to Harry's jaw.

The three of them sank back onto the sofa, but the arrangement was different now. More equal, with Harry in the middle and both girls curled against him, their hands intertwined across his lap.

"Good," Harry said, pressing kisses to both their heads. "Now, let's talk strategy. How do we approach this?"

"Formally," Narcissa said immediately, her fingers playing with the fabric of his open shirt. "Whatever else happens, this has to be done properly. Following all the old protocols."

"Agreed," Bellatrix said, her hand resting possessively on Harry's thigh. "Grandfather respects tradition, even when he's being asked to bend it."

"What does that mean exactly?" Harry asked, enjoying the way both girls seemed determined to keep touching him, as if the earlier interruption had made them more possessive.

"It means you write to him directly," Narcissa explained, her lips brushing his neck as she spoke. "In your capacity as Lord Peverell. Request a formal meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest between our families."

"Don't mention marriage specifically in the initial letter," Bellatrix added, her thumb tracing patterns on his leg. "Let him think it's about political alliances or business arrangements. He'll figure out the real reason when we're all there together."

"And we'll need to present a united front," Narcissa continued, her hand sliding across his chest to link fingers with Bellatrix's. "Show him that this isn't some flight of fancy or teenage rebellion. This is a serious, well-considered decision by three adults who understand the implications."

Harry nodded, though it was difficult to concentrate with both girls so close, their touches casual but intimate. "What about the practical aspects? Where do we meet? When?"

"Hogsmeade," Bellatrix said immediately, lifting her head from his shoulder. "It's neutral ground, but still proper enough for formal discussions."

"Plus," Narcissa added with a grin that made Harry's heart skip, "next weekend is a Hogsmeade weekend. We can leave the castle without needing special permission as long as we stay in the village."

"Perfect," Harry said, his free hand coming up to cup Narcissa's cheek. "I'll write to Dorea first, confirming the meeting. Then I'll send a formal letter to Arcturus."

"Make sure you use your best parchment," Bellatrix advised, her lips finding his palm when he reached to touch her face too. "And your formal seal. This isn't the time for casual correspondence."

"I know how to write a proper letter," Harry said with mild amusement, though the feeling of her lips on his skin was distinctly distracting.

"I know you do," she replied, pressing a soft kiss to his wrist. "I'm just nervous."

Narcissa leaned across Harry to peck Bellatrix’s forehead in a reassuring kiss, and Harry found himself caught between them, able to feel the warmth and soft sounds of their affection. "We all are," Narcissa murmured when they parted. "That's normal."

"Is it though?" Bellatrix asked, her voice smaller now. "I mean, how often does someone ask to marry two sisters from one of the oldest pureblood families in Britain?"

"Not often," Harry admitted, his arms tightening around both of them. "But that doesn't mean it can't work. Look at how far we've come already. A year ago, would any of us have imagined we'd be here?"

"A year ago, I was still pretending to agree with my parents' politics," Narcissa said softly, her head finding Harry's shoulder. "And you were just the mysterious new student everyone was curious about."

"A year ago, I didn’t even think I’d fall for anyone, let alone the man my sister had also fallen for, or even imagine that we’d be sharing our man," Bellatrix added, her voice full of rueful honesty. "Look how well that worked out."

Harry laughed, the sound warm and genuine in the intimate space they'd created. "We've all come a long way. This is just the next step."

"A pretty big step," Narcissa pointed out, though she was smiling now.

"The biggest," he agreed, turning to kiss her softly. "But we'll take it together."

They spent the next hour planning out the details of the meeting, their conversation interspersed with casual caresses and stolen kisses. By the time they were ready to leave the Room of Requirement, they had a solid strategy and a shared sense of determination.

The room had dimmed the lighting as curfew approached, and their earlier activities had left them all slightly disheveled. Harry had finally buttoned his shirt, though both girls had been reluctant to let him. Narcissa's hair had escaped its neat style, while Bellatrix's lips were swollen from their kisses.

"One week," Bellatrix said, straightening Harry's tie with unnecessary attention to detail.

"One week," Harry agreed, catching her hands and bringing them to his lips.

"Are you scared?" Narcissa asked quietly, moving to his other side and smoothing down his hair where her fingers had messed it up.

Harry considered the question seriously, acutely aware of both girls pressed close to him. "Excited, yes. Scared? No. What we have is real. It's strong. If Arcturus can't see that, then it's his loss, not ours."

"And we'll find another way," Bellatrix added, her hands settling on his chest.

"We'll find another way," Harry confirmed, covering her hands with his.

As they prepared to leave, Harry caught both of them close, stopping them before they reached the door. The Room of Requirement seemed reluctant to let them go, the lighting growing warmer and more intimate.

"Whatever happens," he said seriously, his hands framing both their faces, "I want you both to know that I love you. Both of you. Equally and completely. That's not changing, no matter what your grandfather says."

"We know," Narcissa said softly, turning her head to kiss his palm. "We love you too."

"All of us together," Bellatrix added, pressing close enough that Harry could feel her heartbeat. "That's how it's always been, that's how it's going to stay."

Harry smiled, feeling even more confident than he did before. He kissed them each in turn—soft, lingering kisses full of promise and certainty.

-Break-

Harry pushed through the portrait hole, walking into the dimly lit common room. Most students had already retreated to their dormitories, but Harry spotted his friends immediately—James, Sirius, Frank, and the Prewett twins had claimed their usual spots around the fireplace, their voices low as they undoubtedly discussed the events that had been the talk of the castle.

"—can't believe the greasy git actually had the balls to use that curse," Gideon was saying as Harry approached, his voice tight with anger.

"His own bloody invention, too," Fabian added, shaking his head. "Who creates something like that?"

"Someone who's been planning to hurt people for a while now," Harry said simply.

All five heads turned toward him. James looked more composed than he had that morning, but there was still a hardness in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

"Took your bloody time," Frank said, though his usual grin was absent. "How are you holding up?"

"Fine," Harry replied. "More concerned about you lot, honestly. Especially you, James."

James shrugged, running a hand through his hair. "I'm alright. Shaken, maybe, but alright."

"Shaken?" Sirius scoffed. "Mate, you nearly got carved up like a Christmas ham. I'd say you're handling it better than most would."

"Tell us what really happened," Gideon said, leaning forward. "I mean, we heard the basics this morning, but..."

James was quiet for a moment, staring into the flames. When he spoke, his voice was steady but cold. Their expressions hardened the more James spoke until finally, he told them about the trigger in the confrontation.

"And then he tried to kill you," Gideon said quietly.

"With a curse designed to slice me open," James confirmed. "If I hadn't moved when I did..." He trailed off, shaking his head.

Harry watched his friend carefully. There was anger there, yes, but also something else. He looked determined.

"The bastard showed his true colors today, though," Frank said with satisfaction. "Trying to curse Evans right in front of everyone. In front of the aurors, no less."

"That was something else," Fabian agreed. "Did you see his face when she testified against him? Like someone had ripped his heart out."

James's expression didn't change at the mention of Lily. Harry found that interesting.

"She did the right thing," James said simply. "Told the truth when it mattered."

"More than the right thing," Gideon pressed. "She chose a side. Your side, against someone who was supposed to be her best friend."

"She chose the side of truth," James corrected. "Can't fault someone for that."

The twins exchanged glances, clearly expecting more of a reaction.

"James," Frank said carefully, "mate, you've been crazy about Evans for years. I know you had that confrontation and all, but after today, after what she did..."

"What about it?" James asked, genuinely seeming confused.

"Well," Fabian said awkwardly, "aren't you going to, you know, make a move? She finally sees you in a different light."

James was quiet for a moment, pondering, and after a few seconds, he shook his head. "No. I don't think so."

That seemed to take everyone by surprise, including Harry.

"What do you mean, no?" Gideon sputtered.

James leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Look, I'll admit I had feelings for her. Strong ones. But that was before."

"Before what?" Frank pressed.

"Before I realized who she really was," James said simply. "A few weeks ago, when we had that row in the corridor—you all remember—she was defending Snape. Really defending him. Even when I told her what he was becoming, what his friends were teaching him, she wouldn't listen."

Sirius nodded grimly. “Hard to forget that.”

"Right," James said, his voice steady. "And that's when it hit me. I wasn't in love with Lily Evans. I was in love with the idea of Lily Evans. The girl I thought she was, not the girl she actually is."

"But she testified against him today," Frank pointed out. "She saw the truth."

"She did," James agreed. "And I'm glad. But it doesn't change the fact that for years, she chose to see the best in someone who was clearly heading down a dark path, while seeing only the worst in me. That tells me something about her, and about me."

Harry found himself impressed despite his surprise. This was a level of self-awareness he hadn't expected from James at this age.

"So what now?" Gideon asked. "You just... give up on her?"

James smiled, and for the first time since the conversation started, it reached his eyes. "I move on. Focus on people who are actually worth my time."

There was something in his tone that made Harry look at him more closely. "People?"

James's smile widened slightly, becoming almost secretive. "Maybe."

"James Potter," Fabian said suspiciously, "do you have your eye on someone else?"

"Maybe," James repeated, clearly enjoying their confusion.

"Who?" Frank demanded.

"That would be telling," James said with a grin.

"Come on," Gideon wheedled. "We're your best mates. Spill."

"Nope," James said firmly. "Some things are meant to be kept private. At least for now."

Harry stared at his friend, completely caught off guard. In all the stories he'd heard, in all the memories he'd seen, James had been completely devoted to Lily until the day he'd won her over. This was... unexpected.

"Can't believe you're holding out on us," Sirius said with mock hurt. "After all we've been through."

"Speaking of which," James said, clearly trying to change the subject, "at least we know where we all stand now in terms of what’s coming. After today, after Wormtail..."

The mood in the room shifted immediately. The mention of Peter Pettigrew brought back darker memories, older betrayals.

"Don't," Sirius said sharply, his jaw clenching. "Don't even say his name."

James's expression hardened as well. "Right. Sorry. But the point stands. We know who we can trust now. We know what's coming."

"Still can't believe it sometimes," Frank said quietly.

"Believe it," Harry said firmly, his voice cutting through any lingering doubt. "He made his choice. Just like Snape made his."

"And just like we've made ours," Gideon added grimly.

"Exactly," James said. "Which is why we need to be ready. All of us. For whatever comes next."

"Are we ready?" Fabian asked. "I mean, really ready?"

Harry looked around the circle of faces illuminated by firelight. These were his friends, his allies, the people who would stand with him against the darkness that was coming. They were young, yes, but they had already been tested by betrayal and violence. They had already proven themselves.

"We're getting there," he said finally. "We're learning what we need to learn. Training for what's coming."

"The extra Defense sessions are helping," Frank said. "Though I still think you're holding back on us."

Harry smiled slightly. "I'm teaching you what you need to know when you need to know it. Trust me."

"We do," Sirius said immediately. "It's just... sometimes I wish we knew more about what we're really preparing for. A war, yes, but the specifics…"

"Just think of a war," Harry said simply. "A war where the other side won't hesitate to kill anyone who stands in their way. Where people we trust will betray us, where people we love will die, where every choice we make could be our last."

"Cheerful," Gideon said after a moment of tense silence, but his attempt at humor fell flat.

"Realistic," Harry corrected. "And necessary. Because if we pretend this is just about school rivalries or teenage drama, we're going to get ourselves killed."

"Like Snape would have killed James," Frank said quietly.

"Exactly," Harry said. "This morning was just the beginning. There will be more. More attempts, more betrayals, more tests of who we really are."

James leaned forward, his expression serious. "And when those tests come, we'll be ready. All of us."

"Together," Sirius added firmly.

"Together," the twins echoed.

Frank nodded his agreement, his jaw set with determination.

Harry looked around at them all and felt a familiar surge of fierce protectiveness. These were good people, brave people, people worth fighting for. They would face the darkness together, and they would not break.

"Good," he said simply. "Now, speaking of being ready, how are those Defense exercises coming along? Gideon, I want to see your defensive work again tomorrow. And Fabian, your offensive spells need work."

"Always the taskmaster," Fabian complained, but he was grinning.

"Someone has to keep you lot in line," Harry replied with his own grin.

The conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics—spell techniques, Quidditch strategies, weekend plans. But underneath it all, Harry could feel the current of determination that bound them together. They had been tested today, and they had not been found wanting.

As the evening wore on, other students began drifting back toward the dormitories. The fire burned lower, casting longer shadows across the room.

Harry found his gaze wandering to where Lily sat with her friends near one of the windows. She looked tired, worn down by the day's events. Alice was speaking to her in low, comforting tones, while Marlene kept shooting glances toward their group by the fire.

Something about it seemed off though. Actually, now that Harry looked more closely, Marlene seemed to be glancing specifically at Sirius, who appeared to be studiously ignoring the attention. But Harry had known Sirius long enough to recognize the signs—the way his posture straightened slightly when she looked over, the way his voice got just a touch louder when he was telling a story, as if he wanted to make sure she could hear.

It was an old dance, one that had been going on for months now. Everyone knew Sirius and Marlene were interested in each other. The problem was Sirius's reputation—years of casual flirting and brief flings had made Marlene cautious about his intentions. But this year had been different. Harry had watched his friend mature, had seen him become more serious about the things that mattered, more selective about the people he spent time with, and he knew so had everyone else, including Marlene.

"Something amusing?" James asked quietly, following Harry's gaze.

"Just thinking," Harry replied. "Some things never change."

James looked toward where Marlene sat, then back at Sirius, who was currently pretending to be fascinated by the fire while stealing glances in her direction.

"Ah," James said with understanding. "Those two are hopeless."

"Give them time," Harry said. "They'll figure it out eventually."

"Better than some of us have," Fabian said ruefully, having overheard.

"Speak for yourself," James said with that same secretive smile from earlier.

Harry shook his head, still trying to process this new development. James Potter, the boy who had been obsessed with Lily Evans for years, apparently had his sights set on someone else entirely. It was... unexpected, to say the least.

But then again, this wasn't exactly the same timeline Harry remembered. His presence here, the changes he'd made, the knowledge he'd shared—all of it had created ripple effects he was still discovering.

Maybe this was one of them. Maybe James was becoming the person he was meant to be earlier than expected, freed from an obsession that had never been healthy to begin with.

And if that was the case... well, Harry found he couldn't regret it. James deserved to find happiness with someone who could see his worth from the beginning, not someone who had to be convinced of it over years of persistent pursuit.

"You know what?" Harry said finally. "I think things are going to work out just fine."

"Yeah?" Sirius asked, glancing over at him.

"Yeah," Harry said, his gaze moving between Sirius and Marlene, both of them trying not to look at each other when they thought the other might be watching. "At least some of us are going to get what we want."

James raised an eyebrow. "Cryptic much?"

Harry just smiled and settled back in his chair. "Just an observation. Sometimes the best things happen when we stop trying so hard to force them."

“Speaking of observations, don’t think we haven’t noticed your closeness with a certain pair of twins,” Gideon teased suggestively. “Thinking of best things happening there as well?”

Harry smirked as he looked around, wondering if he should tell them outright. He found himself unwilling to, deciding that teasing was half of the fun.

“Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll know soon enough.”

“Always the asshole,” Frank snorted. All he received in response was Harry flipping him the bird.

TBC.