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✯❀𝐉𝐈𝐋𝐘𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐒❀✯
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James Potter stepped into St William's orphanage - also known as Lotties childhood home - with an excited grin on his face.
He had spent hours upon hours filling out forms and documents, writing letters to people and having meetings about childcare and improving the orphanage. He was finally done, meaning the orphanage would be his in just a few days. He felt slightly nervous, however it was quite exciting, it was something new and unique, he had so many ideas on how he could help the kids that lived there.
Today, he was working on the new layout. The orphanage was dirty. To put it simply, it wasn't a nice environment to live in. The walls were stained and the carpet was dirty and crumbling, it didn't even smell nice.
"Ah Potter, you've returned." Mary looked him up and down. She admired the man in a strange way. Not many people would go out of their way to save a bunch of children's childhood, it was surprising to see people like that still existed.
"Yeah, I've filled out all of the forms needed. Today I'd like to plan for the redecoration - my wife is on her way too." He explained, glancing around the empty room.
"Well, don't let me stop you, I'll be in my office."
James knew what that meant. It meant she'd be smoking in a small room she called her 'office' although it was just a room with a desk and chair, along with a large wine cabinet.
He briefly heard a pop from outside, and he opened the front door to reveal Lily Potter.
"Hello!" James grinned, pulling her in for a hug.
"Hey James!" Lily Potter smiled. She hated how far away they were from one another when James was at Hogwarts, so the time they spent together working on the orphanage was definitely time she looked forwards to
"I've missed you," he mumbled into her hair.
"Me too, now then! Let's get planning!"
The two went to the kitchen first, laying out a big roll of paper on the table.
"Right then, let's plan the downstairs rooms first." Lily said, pulling out a muggle pencil from her pockets. "Living room?"
"It needs new furniture." James muttered, rubbing his forehead. "Two new sofas, a new carpet, some more toys for the younger kids to play with...the walls need to be painted too."
"Any paint colour suggestions?"
"White would probably be fine - maybe a creamy colour?" He said.
"Got it," the redhead scribbled down the notes. "Downstairs bathroom?"
"That's mostly fine, just needs a deep clean." James laughed.
"Kitchen?"
The pair both looked around the room, Lily bit her lip at the mess, she knew it was going to take a lot of time and effort to get it back to normal.
"It needs a repaint." James said quickly. "Probably needs a new counter too...the floor needs a good clean and the light bulb in the ceiling needs a replacement."
"Blue would be a nice colour for the walls of this room," Lily said softly.
"Definitely." James nodded happily. "I think this place has a lot of potential!"
"Me too," Lily said. "Have you spoken to Charlotte yet?"
James remained silent.
"James! You have to tell her!" Lily cried.
"Well how am I supposed to do that?" He asked, running a hand through his hair. "Oh hi Lottie! By the way I've bought the horrible place you grew up in after you finally got out of it, have a great day!"
"Just explain it to her properly! She has a right to know."
"But I can't do that without making her hate moony more! They need to make progress soon!"
"They do." Lily agreed. "I think I might have a word with him about that actually..."
"Yes!" James exclaimed. "He'll listen to you!"
The two continued making plans for the orphanage, deciding what colours they wanted each bedroom to be and how they wanted to change each room to look better. It took a while, however the pair of them enjoyed it and so they didn't mind too much.
"We need to get more children's clothes too." Lily said. "When they come home from school I'll have to check everyone's sizes - have you seen what they've been wearing? They need more!"
"We can get more," James smiled.
"Cool, now have you spoken to Lyall and Hope recently?" Lily asked.
"Yep, they're both on board! Hope said she'll lend a hand any time - Lyalls going to give us some paint too!"
"Oh that's good!" She clasped her hands together. "Now have you told Sirius or Remus about any of this?"
"No." James replied bluntly. "Only Pete knows, and mum and dad of course."
"James, they need to know as well."
"What if they're angry?" James asked, a frown forming on his face. "I think Moony's already jealous about Lottie forgiving me..."
"Tough luck," Lily shrugged, "that was his choice, and this is your choice."
"I know," James sighed, however he still felt guilty. It almost felt as though he were betraying Remus, though it felt good in an odd way. James knew he was doing something right for the children that lived in the orphanage, he wanted to make a difference and he had to do it somehow.
"We also need to keep Harry and Sophia updated." Lily reminded him. Both of their children had been informed about the orphanage, and were both happy with it. They were under strict rules that they weren't allowed to tell anyone, especially not Lottie or Remus.
"I'll talk to them at school," James promised.
𖣘𖣘𖣘
A few hours later, James, Lily and Mary were sitting drinking coffee. The couple had just finished explaining their plans to Mary, who seemed on board with everything they had planned.
"Yeah and then-"
James was cut off as a small child ran into the room, her hair falling out of its plait and her school uniform slightly scruffy, however he instantly recognised her.
She looked up at him with pure curiosity, however once she realised who he was a smile formed on her face. "Mr James!"
"Hello Ella!" He grinned. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah!" She nodded, still slightly shocked that he was there. "Is Lottie here?"
"Ah, I'm afraid not." James said sadly.
"Where is she?"
"She's at school!" James laughed. "Now then, what can we do for you?"
Mary watched and furrowed her eyebrows. She had never understood the children at the orphanage. They were messy and annoying, loud and scruffy. Not once had she ever found them sweet, however the way Ella chatted to James with an innocent smile on her face, she couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for mistreating such a young human.
"Please could I have some apple juice?" She asked.
"Course you can!" He said, holding out an arm for her to take it. "Come on!"
And so the two left the room happily as they talked about Ella's day at school, and Lily Potter couldn't be prouder that that was the man she had married.
A/N
Double updated altho this was short lmaoao it was needed for the future plot tho
Anything you'd like to see happen in fourth year?
Qotd: how do you think lottie will react to the orphanage?
Word count: 1223