▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE - 🍂 ୧ jealousy and. . .
interruptionsও🦌

Raven switched her focus to James, noticing that he clutched his goblet of pumpkin juice with an unusually tight grip, his fingers gripping the vessel so hard that it visibly trembled.

"Loosen up a bit, will you?" she teased, amused by the way he was holding onto the goblet like his life depended on it.

James appeared to be unresponsive, his attention elsewhere. Sensing his detachment, Raven glanced around and noticed that Lily was now engrossed in a completely different conversation; joined by Sirius, Peter, and Remus.

Seeing this, Raven deduced that it was the perfect occasion to address James's current state.

Raven spoke gently, aiming to soothe her uneasy friend. "Relax, she's not actually flirting with Elliot," she reassured him.

James released the tension he had on the goblet, his gaze finally drifting from Autumn and Elliot. He then faced Raven, his tone filled with frustration as he voiced his irritation.

"I know," he mumbled, the frustration in his voice evident. "But why are they sitting so close to each other?"

Raven exhaled and provided a swift explanation for their closeness.

"It's because Elliot is trying to keep her near due to being at the Slytherin table," she stated, her tone aimed at offering comfort.

She hoped her reason would alleviate James's anxieties, as it seemed plausible.

James's discontentment with the placement of the tables was obvious as he voiced his gripe, "Why didn't they sit at the Ravenclaw table?" he inquired petulantly, a pout on his face.

Raven continued, offering a more profound explanation.

"The Slytherins aren't seen in a positive light due to their house's dark reputation. The death eaters are said to be among them. And due to these rumors, people are already starting to see him as a villain," she elaborated.

"Right," James acknowledged, pausing for a moment before continuing, his expression concerned. He then frowned and looked at Raven, posing a thought-provoking question.

"Do you think people talk about you and Autumn being friends with him, as well?"

Raven nodded, acknowledging a harsh reality, "The world is ruthless and often irrational," she sighed. "People will talk, particularly in chaotic times. And trying to control their thoughts is futile."

James shrugged and proposed a solution, chuckling lightly as he leaned against his palm and spoke in a light-hearted tone.

"He could still sit here, though," he suggested, chuckling softly. "It's not like people would say much, considering this house is full of 'blood traitors.'"

Raven's voice dropped to a hushed tone as she spoke. "He could sit here, but... he probably doesn't want to make Lily uncomfortable." Her voice took on a serious tone as she continued. "I mean, he sat here during the first day, but you saw how silent Lily was."

She chuckled slightly before going on, "It's clear that she doesn't want him near her. Elliot has noticed and decided not to sit with us for that reason."

James sighed, reflecting on his memories.

"I miss the days of trying to steal Autumn's desserts," he confessed.

Raven then rolled her eyes before playfully suggesting, "Just admit you miss her."

James sighed before responding, "I do miss her." He pouted slightly, then changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious.

"Classes start in a few days," he announced, a sly smile forming on his face as he added, "If I don't get my daily dose of Autumn, I might resort to locking those two up in a room, until they sort things out."

Raven looked at James for a moment, mulling over a profound realization. She had a strong intuitive feeling that Autumn would have been pleased to hear what he had said. This moment, in essence, was akin to a confession, even without the traditional words.

"Merlin's beard," Raven muttered, growing serious. Her determination became clear as she contemplated taking matters into her own hands.

With a steadfast resolve, Raven decided to work on her plan to make Lily envious, hoping to bring Autumn and James back into each other's vicinity.

James yearned for an end to the plan, the current situation stirring up feelings of jealousy within him.

However, his true sentiments remained unchanged, and his desperate desire to be with Autumn persisted.

He had once possessed patience, having acquired it previously. But now, facing a new situation with a different girl, James's previous abilities met their limits, as his resolve was tested.

James hadn't realized the depth of his impatience until it involved Autumn.

Autumn was unique, incomparable in every way.

He couldn't approach her like he had with others; she demanded different strategies. His feelings for her were genuine, and he committed to pursuing her earnestly. All he desired was for them to be together without any blunders or regrets.

James was determined to do things right this time, avoiding the dishonest tactics he had employed while pursuing someone before. Honesty was crucial.

Currently, he was seated with the Marauders in the courtyard, his gaze fixed on Autumn and Elliot's conversation.

He noticed Raven and Lily joining the group, as they took their seats. Intriguingly, Lily appeared to be eyeing Elliot and Autumn as well.

Remarkably, Raven didn't need to utter a word, as the results were already quite impressive.

Lily had been visibly caught, frequently glancing at Elliot, a clear indication of possible jealousy. Although uncertain, it was a positive sign for their plan's progress.

The Marauders and Raven kept darting glances between James and Lily staring at the pair. However, they couldn't continue observing them for much longer.

They collectively sighed, realizing the urgent need to restore normalcy to their situation. Otherwise, this constant madness could drive them to the brink of insanity.

Lily and James persisted in staring off in the direction of the pair, while the rest engaged in conversations about their classes. This change was welcome as it provided an opportunity to discuss soothing topics.

When they discovered that most of them shared the same classes, relief and happiness washed over them.

Sirius posed a crucial question to Raven, "Huh, aren't you in advanced potions?"

She shook her head, responding, "No, it's not my forte." She then added, "Autumn and Elliot are in that class, though."

Sirius responded facetiously, expressing a mix of sarcasm and frustration. "Well, James and Evans are in that class."

James and Lily were engrossed in their own discussion, oblivious to the words being called out from a distance.

Sirius frowned and groaned softly, "Have they not heard a word I said?"

Raven was interrupted as she started to respond, "Not a single word-" Just then, James and Lily abruptly rose, swiftly taking off towards Elliot and Autumn's direction.

The entire group swiftly stood up, sensing something was amiss.

James, with his swift movement, arrived first, positioning himself in front of Autumn before she and Elliot could react.

Lily reached the scene soon after, her wand raised towards a specific direction, while James quickly followed suit, also pointing his wand in that exact direction.

They were surprised to find Avery, Mulciber, and their familiar lackeys approaching them.

James snapped at the group, his face dark with anger, "Getting a bit bold, aren't you? Coming at us in broad daylight."

His friends had also arrived, ready to intervene if a fight broke out. The tension mounted quickly, yet they felt convinced that this encounter would go smoothly.

Mucibler smirked haughtily as he looked down at the group, responding with a snicker, "Just finishing what we started."

James growled lowly, his eyes narrowing in challenge, "Go ahead and try it. I dare you."

Avery sneered, scoffing at the sight of the group's inclusion, "They've added more mudbloods to their ranks." Lily glared at him with intense annoyance. She scanned their group, relieved to see Snape was not there.

As Avery raised his wand, preparing to cast a spell, a hand stopped him, preventing him from further action.

It was Severus who intervened, forcefully pushing Avery's hand aside. His arrival at this pivotal moment surprised them.

Severus spoke calmly yet firmly, "You've been warned already. We were explicitly instructed not to mess with them."

Mucibler, still frustrated, raised his wand and hissed, "What he doesn't know can't hurt us." Severus responded with another chilling glare directed at Mucibler.

Severus's glare was filled with deep anger, causing Mucibler to take a step back and lower his wand. He didn't want to face Severus's powerful spells, knowing firsthand the damage they could cause. Reluctantly, he yielded to Severus's orders, with Avery following suit.

The group of Slytherins expressed their irritation with grumbles or hisses, slinging one last menacing remark before turning around and walking away.

James and Lily both exhaled, relieved that they had avoided a physical altercation. They relaxed their stances as their focus shifted to Severus.

Severus's solemn expression stirred an unexpected feeling within Lily. Although she hadn't forgiven him, there was no hatred between them. While a tiny hint of grudge remained, it had lessened. She watched as he nodded and walked away in a different direction.

They stood in silence for a few moments, realizing that the worst had been averted.

"So, he doesn't want them to approach us," Sirius said, stirring their curiosity.

"He" could mean the Headmaster, Sirius noted, but they were surprised to consider another possibility.

"It might be Dumby, or it could be You-Know-Who," Sirius added, making the others ponder if he was indeed referring to the dark wizard.

Remus sighed and faced the group, pointing directly at Lily and Elliot. He started firmly but then softened his approach.

"We did our best to be patient, trying for both of you," he said, his tone conveying understanding.

"But we can't have divisions within our group," Remus reiterated, addressing the group more assertively. "That's the last thing we need right now, particularly when you consider what almost just happened and what's going on."

Raven observed Remus closely, impressed by his seamless transition from patience to a subtle form of impatience. She found it incredibly attractive, her heart skipping a beat she could feel her cheeks grow warm.

Amused by her own reaction, she shook her head and chuckled. "Honestly," she said with a smile, "I thought it would be James who would crack, but it's you?"

James took offense, his expression twisting into a mock-hurt look. Autumn chuckled and gently patted his back in mock consolation.

Remus coughed and averted his gaze, recognizing the situation.

Raven focused on the core pair, urging them earnestly, "Please, sort this out. I don't want to stress about this once classes start."

Lily nodded seriously and grabbed Elliot's arm, steering him away.

Raven smiled playfully as James sent her a glare. "Hey!" he exclaimed. "I'll have you know, Summers, I wouldn't have cracked!"

She chuckled, thoroughly entertained by his declaration.

She responded with a touch of humor, "Really? You wouldn't have cracked?"

"Yes! I wouldn't—"

Sirius interrupted without missing a beat, stating, "He totally would have."

Peter nodded, adding his concurrence. "Definitely a James thing to do."

Remus averted his gaze, his shoulders slumping in embarrassment. Meanwhile, James pouted, finally accepting that they knew he was the likely one to crack.

Autumn and Raven exchanged sly glances, letting loose a stifled laugh that caught James's attention. His pout transformed into a cheeky smirk.

James, arms crossed and with a smirk, found the situation more amusing than offensive.

He directed his teasing comment at Autumn, "Laughing at my pain, are we?"

Autumn sighed but then chuckled, amused. "Merlin's beard, if it wasn't you, James," she continued playfully, "I was seriously going to drag them into a room and lock them in there." She shook her head in mock disappointment.

"And that was my idea first!" James retorted with a playful grin, gesturing at himself.

He continued, "Anyways, how about we do something fun?" His face lit up with excitement as he pitched the suggestion.

James looked at the group, adding to his suggestion, "Gotta say, we're lacking with our prank game already." He let out a hearty chuckle.

Raven clapped her hands in enthusiasm, taking the lead as the group set off. Sirius shared her excitement and walked alongside her.

Remus and Peter followed suit, while James walked beside Autumn.

James wore a playful smile, to which Autumn responded with a grin. "Once they talk it out, just remember our prank war is still on."

James joked, "Should we be pranking together, then?" as he walked behind her.

She responded with a light smile, teasing, "I mean, this is something new, isn't it?"

James blinked in slight surprise, momentarily forgetting about the letters. After a brief moment, he grasped her point, as many new possibilities began to dawn on him. He took a moment to look at her, struck by the abundance of new experiences they could share together.