The Stag and The Harpy | James Potter

Hogsmead

Phoebe fusses angrily with her hair as she mutters angrily in French to herself. She was absolutely terrified for her date.

Marlene, Alice, and Lily all watch from their beds, desperately stifling their laughter. When Alice slips and a giggle escapes, Phoebe quickly glares her way. The girls give her silent yet meaningful looks before Phoebe cries out,

"ne restez pas assis là! Aidez moi!"

Marlene and Lily bust out laughing as Alice sighs like a exhausted mother, standing and walking over to help Phoebe fix her hair.

"Merlin, Pheebs! I've never seen you like this over a guy before!" Marlene snorts. They all must see the poor girl's eyes widen in fear because Lily jumps in,

"It's a good thing! It means you genuinely like each other."

Phoebe nods a little, slightly reassured. She hesitates before admitting, "I don't really know how to do this."

"What do you mean?" Alice asks, brushing a section of her hair.

"I mean...the stuff other than snogging and shagging. My mum never...I haven't been on a real date before I guess."

Marlene, Alice, and Lily make very brief but sad eye contact before Marlene pipes up, "It's just James! Relax!! You lot always have fun together."

Phoebe's lips twitch into a smile and she nods, saying slowly, "I suppose that's true."

"Yeah and you already know he fancies you," Alice points out.

"And that he's weak to your Veela charm," Lily adds, waggling her eyebrows. Phoebe laughs and nods, feeling far better since talking to the girls.

James isn't that much better off. He's nervously waiting in the courtyard, waving to the marauders as they start towards Hogsmead. He hopes he's dressed nice enough, and that she didn't mind his hair.

'Should I have fixed my hair? Oh Merlin. Should I go back? I still have time to change!'

James whirls around and collides with a lithe body he instantly recognizes. Phoebe let's out a squeak of surprise as James runs into her, knocking them both over. She rubs the side of her head that hit the ground, grumbling,

"Merlin, Potter. You have eyes so bloody use them!"

James' laughter dies in his throat as he studies the Veela beneath him, her gossamer hair fanned out like a halo. His breathing slows as he takes in her eyes lined in that black stuff that made her look dangerously sexy. Phoebe grins up at the gawking boy, her nerves beginning to slip away as she realizes that this is James Potter. And James Potter makes her feel everything that other blokes don't.

"James,"

Her voice startled him from his staring and he quickly climbs to his feet, grabbing her outstretched hands to help her right herself. He clears his throat, embarrassed under her amused stare. He finally says softly, reaching out to stroke her cheek with the back of his knuckle,

"You look beautiful, Phoebe."

"Thank you, James. You look lovely too," She says warmly, meaning every word. They're both unsure for a moment, but Phoebe decides to be brave and gently slide her hand into his. He looks slightly taken aback so Phoebe says cheekily, her mouth quirked into a half smile,

"Sorry. My hand is cold."

James grins, relaxing into the atmosphere her mood creates. She's playful and beautiful, and James doesn't want to be too hopeful but he reckons she looks as excited as he feels.