CHAPTER SIX

The echoes of the caretaker's bellowing voice echoed down the corridor. "POTTER! LONGBOTTOM!" The caretaker was chasing two students through the halls, his face reddening with anger.

James and Tabitha, who were the target of his pursuit, were sprinting madly. James, with his ever-present smirk, glanced back, seeing the caretaker hot on their heels.

His eyes darted around until they landed on a nearby broom closet. Without missing a beat, he grabbed Tabitha's hand and dragged her into the small, dark space. Once they were safely inside, he quickly slammed the door shut behind him, enclosing them in the cramped, broom closet.

Seeing James sitting on the ground, out of breath, Tabitha joined him. In a hushed tone, she remarked, "I'm beginning to suspect you're trying to make me an accomplice, James Potter."

James chuckled, still breathing heavily from their brief escape. "What, you don't like the added thrill of risking detention together, Tabby?"

He leaned his head back against the wall, giving her a sideways glance," You have to admit, it adds an extra excitement to our adventures."

Tabitha rolled her eyes at his suggestion, "Tabby? Really, Potter? Do I look like a cat to you or something?"
She huffed, folding her arms across her chest.

James chuckled at her reaction, clearly enjoying her frustration, "How about Bits?" he offered, a smirk lingering on his lips.

Tabitha raised an eyebrow at his proposal, "Bits? Seriously?"

James chuckled at her expression, finding her annoyance adorable," Yes, Bits. I think it's cute."

He reached out and playfully tugged at a strand of her hair, "And it suits you. Short, sweet, and to the point. Just like you"

"It's terrible" Tabitha replied firmly, refusing to give in to the idea of being called Bits.

James chuckled at her strong stance, but wasn't ready to give up yet. "Come on now," he teased, "there has to be a nickname you'd at least tolerate."

He leaned a little bit closer to her, his smirk widening, "I mean, Tabs sounds kind of like a term of endearment for Frank. I want my own exclusive nickname for you."

Tabitha narrowed her eyes at him, trying to maintain her serious demeanor but feeling a blush rising on her cheeks.

"And if I don't want a nickname from you, Potter?"

James chuckled at her attempted sternness, he knew he was slowly wearing down her defences. He leaned even closer, and playfully ruffled her hair.

"I can't call you by a nickname? But nicknames are meaningful!" James inquired, and Tabitha gave him a stern look.

"If that's the case, why do the guys call you 'Prongs'?" Tabitha steered the conversation in a different direction, leaving him momentarily speechless.

"Well, we just have nicknames for each other," he finally responded uncertainly, as she continued to gaze at him waiting for further explanation.

Tabitha pressed on, raising an eyebrow, "So, not due to some hidden, illicit activity, right?"

James, aware that he was on thin ice, laughed nervously, his palms growing sweaty. "No—no, it's definitely not that at all," he insisted, though his unease was evident. He knew he said it a little too quickly, scratching the back of his neck.

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the truth on the tip of his tongue, but he bit his tongue to stop himself from saying anything more.

He met her gaze, his eyes pleading for her to drop the topic.

Tabitha rolled her eyes, leaning back, "I won't pry, Jas."

James turned to her and raised an eyebrow, "Jas?"

"Yeah, if you're so set on giving me a nickname, I'll give you one." She smirked.

James then gave her a toothy grin and said, "I have the perfect one for you now."

Tabitha cocked an eyebrow and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Enlighten me, Jas."

James smiled and without missing a beat, said "Bitsy."

Tabitha's frown deepened as she responded, "Merlin no!"

James chuckled and winked at her, enjoying her discomfort a bit too much. "Merlin yes," he quipped.

He then blurted out, "It's cute, just like you" and immediately realized his error as his face flushed.

Tabitha stared at James for a moment, both of their faces still burning with embarrassment. The air was thick with tension, and neither seemed to know what to say next. After what felt like an eternity, Tabitha finally broke the silence with an awkward chuckle. "S-so, uh, Bitsy, huh?"

James chuckled nervously in response, running a hand through his hair as he tried to regain his composure.

"Yeah, uh, it just sort of came to me. Not a fan?" He asked, trying to keep his voice casual, though his flushed face betrayed the fluttering in his chest.

Tabitha crossed her arms, trying to appear nonchalant, though her heart was racing.

"No, I think it's... actually better than bits at least," she replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Tabitha couldn't help but suppress a laugh as she tried to imagine the normally stoic James calling her Bitsy in front of their friends.

James noticed the amusement in her expression, and his own uncertainty gave way to a mix of relief and humor.

"You think it's funny, don't you?" He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "I don't blame you; it doesn't exactly suit my image."

Tabitha let out a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Imagining you saying 'Bitsy' out loud is a sight to behold," she teased, a playful grin on her face. "I almost wish I could see it just to witness the shock value."

James, noticing her laughter, couldn't help but smile. He then confessed, "For you, I don't care if I sound odd or if people look at me strangely. I don't mind at all."

Tabitha's thoughts and words stalled, frozen by James' heartfelt declaration.

She sat there, her eyes widening at James's words. She let the whole 'cute' thing slip by, but this? It was something else.

She had to process his statement and the implications behind it. But she couldn't quite bring herself to speak, her voice failing her in that moment.

James held her gaze, but she stayed mute, her silence hanging heavy between them. Despite the gravity of his admission, he made no attempt to downplay or retract his words.

The spell between them was broken by the sound of the broom closet door suddenly swinging open. They froze, realizing with a start that they were not alone. Filch stood before them, his face twisted in anger, and Mrs. Norris by his feet, her eyes beady and sinister.

"Finally!" He pointed at them," Detention for you both!" Filch demanded, his voice dripping with distaste.

Tabitha and James shared a brief glance, silently cursing their bad luck. They knew there was no point in arguing with Filch at this point.

With a resigned sigh, they both simultaneously said, "Yes, sir."