"There are circumstances that allow it," Mia explained, a tightening in her chest after
every word. "You have to face death willingly, be given the option to fight back, but not
take it."
"That sounds horrible, but... beautiful at the same time." Lily frowned, tilting her
head as she looked at James's face. "Your brother loves his friends. I can't imagine loving
anyone that much."
Mia did her best not to sob as she remembered Harry crying in the cemetery of
Godric's Hollow on Christmas Eve. "You will."
"I can't stand it anymore," Lily said in frustration as she stood and hovered over
James's bed. She pushed her fingers through his hair, desperately trying to get the locks in
the back to lay flat. She breathed a sigh of relief when they finally did, though they had to
be tucked against the pillow to stay that way. "That's been bothering me for years," she
admitted with a laugh. "Don't tell him I did that."
"Witch's honour." Mia brought her cup back to her mouth to try and hide the smirk
that was threatening to overtake her. "You know he really does love―"
"I know," Lily interrupted, looking unsure of herself. "I just... Even after
everything good he's done, he's still an arrogant arse."
Mia shrugged her shoulders, in complete agreement with her friend. "And Remus
is still a werewolf with self-esteem issues. And Sirius is still a foul-mouthed prat from a
family of blood supremacists. Doesn't mean they aren't worth loving. Jamie will always be
a bit of an arse, but he's learning to channel that arrogance properly these days."
December 13th, 1976The sun was rising in the distance as Sirius watched as James slowly opened his eyes
for the first time in over twenty-four hours. He reached up and scratched at the mess of
hair on top of his head and moved to stretch his arms but winced in pain. Sirius watched
silently, guilt and fear and anger and relief building up inside of him all at once.
Blinking in confusion, James pulled down the sheets that covered him to see a pink,
closed scar that ran diagonally over the length of his chest.