Keep Breathing ♢ James Potter

30 | Entry 20 - Muggle Radios and Slow Dances

Harry sat on his bed in his dorm, head between his hands as the realization of what he did hit him. The image of Draco Malfoy's white shirt torn and stained with his blood as he sank to the floor. The feeling hovered over Harry like a cloud, guilt creeping up on him from his actions.

How could he be so stupid to use a spell he had never even heard of before, especially from an old student textbook. Hermione had constantly warned Harry about the book, but Harry never listened to her. Most of the time he was in trouble, it could of all been avoided if he had listened to his best friend.

Luckily, Snape had arrived just in time to heal Draco without him losing too much blood. Quickly after, Ginny had gone with Harry to discard the book for good in the Room of Requirement. Ginny had hidden the book amongst the shelves out of Harry's sight, as to avoid him from being tempted to go looking for it in the future. Just before leaving, Ginny stole a soft kiss from the boy, something the two had waited for a long time.

Now Harry had returned to his dorm room, a bit relieved after getting rid of the book, but also feeling guilty of using dark magic on another student, even if it wasn't intentional. Out of habit, Harry reached out to the journal that was hidden inside his trunk and opened it to the next entry.

Oddly enough, Harry found watching Astrid's memories pretty comforting. Not because he was exactly fond of watching his father love other women that weren't his mother, but he was grateful to be able to learn more about James.

All Harry knew about his dad was that he was a great Marauder and even a better man. James Potter had sacrificed his life to protect his wife and son, giving his life for a cause he believed in. But Harry never actually knew much of James.

Sure, Harry heard stories from Sirius and Remus about his father's talent for trouble as a Marauder throughout their years of high school. He also knew from McGonagall that James was an exceptional student at Hogwarts, even becoming Head Boy, despite being a troublemaker during his earlier years. Even Moody talked to Harry about his father being an excellent Auror, despite getting on his nerves countless times during Order meetings.

But Harry didn't really know his father. He didn't know his father's biggest prank, or if he liked being a chaser or seeker more. Harry didn't know what subject his father was best in at school, or what was his favorite memory of Hogwarts. He didn't even get the chance to have a memory with his father, being far too young when his parents were taken from him.

All that Harry had left of his father was in the memories Astrid left behind.

-

December 25, 1977

Dear Diary,

I am absolutely glad Mother and Father asked for Reggie and me to stay at Hogwarts for the Holidays this year. It gave Regulus and I a chance to stay away from the war a little longer, giving us a chance to enjoy our freedom as children for a bit longer.

James also decided to stay for the holidays, which was a bit surprising at first. I had expected him to go home with Sirius and his friends for the Holidays but can't say I'm disappointed. We have gotten closer, the two of us. Our time together has almost been magical, which is comical coming from a witch. But I am endlessly grateful to have him, stubborn and all.

A.B.

-

"So, James. Are you going to tell me why you didn't go home for the holidays?"

The pair were sitting on the couch, Astrid wrapped in James's arms as they leaned on each other in front of the fireplace. The pair had noticeably gotten closer over the past two months, often seeking comfort in each other after a long week.