The Calm in a Small World

by digthewriter

Summary:

Harry and Draco live in a non magical village raising their kid until it's time to send him to hogwarts. They enjoy the last year before the Hogwarts Letter comes.

Chapter 1

Notes:

A two-storey building built with light brown bricks stands among several tall trees, some leafless for the winter, others evergreen. The visible sky is thick with clouds as white as the snow blanketing the building's roof and the grounds surrounding it. Snow-covered and overgrown shrubs surround the building, and the remnants of climbing vines stretch up several of its walls toward the roof line. A small fence of green bollards and a single chain is visible in front of the shrubs. Two chimneys are visible on the roof, and four large windows face toward the viewer. A small enclosed porch is visible with a bright green door.

CHAPTER 1. THE HOUSE

 

Harry and Draco stood outside their small house at the edge of the village. The roof was still wet with frost. Smoke came from the chimney. The road to the local school ran past their gate.

James was ten. He stood between them with his school bag on his back. It was a normal bag. No spell books. No wand. Just paper, pencils, and packed lunch.

“You have your lunch?” Harry asked.

“Yes,” James said.

“And your jumper?” Draco said.

“Yes, Dad,” James said, smiling.

The school bell rang far away. It was plain and sharp. Nothing like the bells Harry and Draco remembered. No magic followed the sound. Only time.

Harry watched James and felt the old world stir inside him. Towers. Candles. Names best left quiet. He pushed the thoughts away.

“One more year,” Draco said softly, as if he had felt it too.

Harry nodded. One more year of normal mornings. One more year of safe roads and simple rules.

James hugged them both and ran down the road to school.

They watched until he turned the corner and was gone.

“He will get the letter,” Harry said.

“Yes,” Draco said. “But not yet.”

They went back inside the small house together. The door closed with a simple click. No charm. No light.

Just time. And one quiet year left before magic returned.

Chapter 2

Notes:

A grove of tall and thin evergreen trees is pictured with heavy snow accumulated on their foliage. The sun is visible in the sky above a group of three trees, its golden shape partially obscured by clouds. The light from the sun illuminates the clouds below it in an reddish-orange glow in contrast to the purple-blue of the remaining clouds in the sky.

CHAPTER 2. THE MOON
It was the first night of the winter holidays, and James slept peacefully in his bed, safe and warm at home. In the years since his adoption, there had been a few minor signs of magic, nothing dramatic, just enough to make his parents pause and wonder. When Harry and Draco had adopted him as a toddler, they had never known whether he would grow up magical or a squib, as their other children had.

James's birth parents had fallen gravely ill when he was very young. He had been the last of their children to be placed for adoption. They had left behind letters and family heirlooms for all their children, but James had been too young to understand any of it or remember them.

High above, in the bedroom on the top floor, Harry and Draco stood at the window. Outside, tall evergreen trees bent under the weight of fresh snow, and the moon glimmered faintly through drifting clouds.

"You worry too much, Potter," Draco said quietly.

"I know," Harry replied, leaning into him. "But he is our child. I worry about what it will be like for him when he starts school."

"His eleventh birthday isn't until February," Draco reminded him. "We still have time."

"That's what you've been saying for five years," Harry said with a small sigh. "Hermione's been filling my head again."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "About what this time?"

"She thinks we should adopt another child once James goes off to Hogwarts. Says we'll be empty nesters."

Harry was quiet for a long moment. His hand tightened on the windowsill.
"What if he thinks we don't want him anymore?" he asked. "What if he thinks he's being replaced?"

Draco turned to him at once. "It wouldn't be a baby," he said gently. "It could be a child close to his age. Someone he could walk to Hogwarts with one day. Someone he could protect."

Harry looked at the floor, thinking. After a moment, he nodded. "We'll think about it more," he said. "Maybe we'll ask James first. Just about a younger brother or sister. Nothing else."

Draco's mouth softened into a small smile. "I would have liked one," he said quietly. "Growing up. Just one. You know, not seven."

Chapter 3

Notes:

A white ceramic mug decorated with small sprigs of holly and stylised Christmas trees, and the words 'Merry Christmas' is sitting on an oversize wooden coaster with three slices of dried orange. Two decorated gingerbread person cookies are visible; one behind the mug to the left and one in front to the right. A small evergreen bough is visible in the background, as are a string of small warm-white lights. A single golden bauble is situated in the centre front of the image. All of these items are resting on top of a pale cream-coloured cable-knit sweater on the inside ledge of a window that is decorated with a festive paper cutting featuring a Christmas tree and a building.

Chapter 3. The Christmas Cookie

 

Harry and Draco left the big city and moved into a quiet Muggle village. They used no magic at home. This was their first Christmas with James.

Snow rested on the window ledge. Inside, the room felt warm. A cup by the glass read "Merry Christmas." Soft steam rose into the air. Dried orange slices sat on a small wooden tray. A gingerbread man lay on a white cloth. Tiny lights glowed in the corner.

James stood very still and stared at everything with wide eyes.

Draco smiled. Harry lifted James into his arms.

*

The next day, Draco’s mother visited. Draco paced the kitchen and wrung his hands.

"What if she hates this?" he asked quietly. "The house. The no magic. Us."

Harry held James in one arm and took Draco’s hand with the other.

"We are a family now," he said. "No one will take that away."

Draco looked at him. "You really think she will love this for us?"

Harry smiled. "Yes. I think she's going to love all of it."

*

Their first Christmas was simple and happy.

Chapter 4

Notes:

A single Victorian-era street lamp stands beside a large evergreen tree on a public roadway. Affixed to the pole below the lamp is a single bushy evergreen wreath emblazoned with a bright red ribbon. The lamp and wreath have light snow resting on them, as do the trees nearby. Other trees and some row houses are visible in the background, as is a second and similarly decorated street lamp. The sky is white with cloud cover, and the belfry of a church is visible over the rooftops of the nearby houses.

Chapter 4. The Church.

Harry never understood why the wizarding world followed the same holiday calendar as the Muggle world. Sure, it was fun to have the kids believe in Santa, but he was out of his depth with other holidays, religions, and notions.

Perhaps it was because of the way the Dursleys were. They didn't seem very "Christian," or any other form of "decent people" in any religion. However, with James still a young kid, they followed the rituals of their village and attended mass with the rest of the Muggles around.

James and Draco always enjoyed the particular decorations, such as the decoration outside the church.

James wanted to take pictures in front of the street lamp by the road, with a green wreath and a lovely red ribbon. The snow that covered the lamp was gorgeous tonight. And the church tower, visible behind, glowed in the pictures.

They were still using Muggle cameras, and he was excited for James to learn about the wizarding photos that moved and be amazed at the wonder of it all, just like Harry had after he'd turned 11.

His goal, and perhaps Draco's also, was that James would have a Muggle upbringing like Harry, but he would be loved in ways Harry didn't know how. Then he may also love Hogwarts the way Harry did, but also for very different reasons.

Chapter 5

Notes:

A light and airy sitting room is pictured featuring a brick hearth that has been painted white and contains a glass-fronted combustion heater. A basket of blankets and cushions sits to one side of the fireplace, and decorative ornaments to the other. A wooden coffee table is in the centre of the room on a rug, and contains some more festive ornaments. The remainder of the room is almost entirely symmetrical in decorations: Matching light grey cloth armchairs with red cushions sit on either side of the fireplace, two white-frosted indoor Christmas trees are positioned one either side of the fire, a collection of three brass bells hang at each end of the mantle piece, beneath a cluster of three stylised Christmas tree ornaments. An evergreen garland stretches the length of the mantle piece.

Chapter 5. The living room.

Deep into the winter holidays, a couple from nearby gave them a ring, asking Harry and Draco over to dinner. Though they thought it was weird, the couple accepted.

When they reached the home of the neighbours from the nearby town, the Greenlanders, Harry and Draco, were mesmerised by the living room decorations in their home.

They walked into the room and stopped for a moment. It felt bright and calm. The fireplace had white brick around it, and a glass heater glowed inside. A basket of soft blankets and cushions sat on one side, small ornaments on the other. A wooden table stood in the middle, covered with a rug, holding a few festive things.

Everything else looked almost the same on both sides. Two grey armchairs with red cushions faced the fire. Two small white-frosted Christmas trees stood beside them. Brass bells hung at each end of the mantel, under three little tree shapes. A long green garland ran across the top, tying it all together.

Nothing about their home seemed out of the ordinary, but Harry could feel a hint of magic in their home. Both Draco and Harry looked at each other, confused, but also realising it at the same time.

"Our son is a Muggleborn," Larissa Greenlander said. "I think that's what the term is called. He's 12 now. He started going to the 'school' last year."

"How do you know about us?" Harry asked.

At that, Floyd Greenlander laughed. "Our son has brought all the books on the heroes of the 'wizarding' wars. I think that's what they are called. And the name Harry Potter is written all over them, and I notice your scar on your forehead."

In the next room, the Greenlanders' son, Housa, and James were playing video games. Harry slightly panicked.

"Don't worry, we've told Housa not to say anything, but according to him, it's common knowledge that your son, adopted he may be, is going to the school next year."

"It's well known?" Draco asked. "We have tried so much to—"

"Yes. When Housa told the headmistress, Minerva, that there was a James Potter who lived near his home, the headmistress herself came to our house. She said there's some understanding that we are not to disturb your family. She made us swear, and Housa too, that we wouldn't tell anyone where you live."

Both Harry and Draco nodded at that.

"Housa is obsessed with your family, but healthily," Larissa laughed. "He wants to befriend James and wants him to show him around the school next year. He wants to be a mentor because he didn't really have one when he started at the magical school. It's all very new to us and— we thought maybe—"

"That's a great idea," Harry said. "Thank you so much. We should have you over to our house for dinner too before the school's in session."

When they got home later at night, in bed, Harry turned to Draco and asked what he was thinking.

"Maybe it'll be good for him. We can't control the future, Potter. We can only pave the way and hope for the best."

Chapter 6

Notes:

Two elf ornaments with complementary outfits are sitting on a wooden shelf against a white wall. They are in a seated position, each with their knees drawn into their chests, legs crossed at the ankle, and hands resting on their lower shins. They are both looking off-screen to the right of the image. The elf on the left is dressed primarily in red, with white mittens, a green collar, and red hat. The other elf is dressed primarily in green, with white mittens, a red collar, and a green hat. The shelf they are sitting on has a dark wood surface, and a black stained front. Various scratches and gouge marks are visible in the wood's surface.

Chapter 6. The Shelf

Two small elf ornaments sat on a dark wooden shelf, knees pulled in as they looked to the right. One wore red, the other green, each with white mittens and a contrasting collar.

James spotted them at once.

He stood in the small village shop, snow melting off his boots. Harry and Draco stepped in behind him, brushing the cold from their coats.

"They look cool," James said. "Like they're sitting on a bench."

Draco leaned closer. "You like them?"

James nodded fast. "Yeah. Can we get them? Please?"

Harry looked at Draco, and Draco gave a slight nod.

"All right," Harry said. "We can take them home."

James carried the box out of the shop, holding it tight as they walked through the quiet Norwegian village. Smoke rose from chimneys. The snow made soft crunching sounds under their feet.

Back inside, James set the elves on the windowsill above the heater.

"They can watch outside," he said. "So they don't get bored."

Draco smiled. "Then they will have a good view."

The house felt warm and calm. And James kept checking on the elves every few minutes, to make sure they were still sitting properly.

Chapter 7

Notes:

A single natural wax candle, lit and tied with brown twine, and three pine cones are situated on a wooden platter fashioned from a thick slice of tree trunk. The largest pine cone is to the left of the candle, with two smaller to the right. The platter is sitting on top of a roughly hewn wooden surface, possibly a bench or coffee table. In the background of the image, a large number of lit candles are visible within an alcove within a stone block wall. Next to the alcove is an organised pile of chopped wood. A string of fairy lights is also visible, hanging in swags from the wall. The abundance of warm light casts an orange glow across the scene.

Chapter 7. The Candle

Hermione picked James up in the early afternoon. He was excited about the trip to the mall, she promised to let him choose one small gift for the tree. Harry and Draco watched them leave, listening to the quick crunch of snow as they walked to her car.

Once the sound faded, the house felt strangely quiet.

Draco looked at Harry. "We never get time alone," he said.

"Then we should use it," Harry replied.

They walked into the village and stopped at a small café they liked. It was warm inside, the air smelled of wood smoke. A single candle burned on their table, tied with brown twine, set on a slice of wood with a few pine cones beside it. More candles glowed in a stone alcove near the wall. Neat stacks of firewood sat under it. Fairy lights hung in soft loops, giving everything a gentle orange glow.

Draco took off his gloves and placed them on the table. "We used to have nights like this all the time," he said.

Harry nodded. "Before we moved. Before we became parents."

Draco smiled. "I like this life better."

They ordered hot drinks and shared a quiet slice of cake. Outside, snowdrifts pressed against the windows; people passed now and then with bags from the shops.

Harry leaned back in his chair. "Do you think James will be all right today?"

"He will be with Hermione," Draco said. "He will come home with ten presents and some wild story about your friend losing her keys."

Harry laughed softly. "Sounds right."

They sat together without rushing, letting the warm light settle around them. No magic hummed under the surface. No noise pulled them away.

Just the candle, the glow, and a rare hour to breathe.

When they finished, Harry pulled on his coat again. "We should have days like this more often," he said.

"We will," Draco replied, taking his hand. "One day at a time."

Chapter 8

Notes:

Two coupe glasses are set on a wooden work surface, its warm toned grain well worn with scratches and pockmarks. Each glass is generously filled with a translucent red-orange liquid and a single wheel-slice of dried orange. The glasses are decorated with a rippled finish around the outside, and have smooth stems and bases. Hunks of chopped pomegranate are visible on a white ceramic plate to the left of the image, with some loose pieces also resting on the work surface.

Chapter 8. The Drinks

Two martini glasses filled with bright red winter drinks stood like small lanterns on the table, glowing in the low pub light.

It was the last Christmas before Harry and Draco made any big decisions, though neither of them knew it yet. The pub was warm, crowded at the edges, but their corner felt quiet and still. Snow tapped at the windows, melting into thin trails.

Harry traced a finger along the rim of his glass, thinking about how tired he felt of everything that waited outside this room. Draco watched him for a moment, then looked down at his own drink.

"Do you ever want something very different?" Harry asked.

Draco did not answer right away. He lifted his glass, studying the red shine as if it held a map. "Yes," he said softly. "But I don't know what different means."

Something quiet settled between them in the warm light.

Chapter 9

Notes:

A single evergreen tree is visible through an open wooden window. The tree is large and has snow resting on its boughs and on the ground around it, there are no other trees or shrubs visible near by. The sky is white with thick clouds and mist. A single dwelling is visible to the lower right of the image, and a distant flock of birds is visible to the upper right. The window sill and surrounds are simple, fashioned from unstained natural wood and un-decorated panes of glass, and there is no window dressing. Save for natural light, the room is very dark inside.

Chapter 9. The Window

James Cissa Potter stood on his toes at the simple wooden window, his small hands resting on the smooth, light sill. The glass had no curtains, only pale morning coming through. Behind him, the room stayed dark and quiet.

He saw soft morning light touching the cold grass and small movements in the trees far away. He did not know why, but he thought something was waiting for him out there. Something gentle and new. He could not stop looking.

He heard his parents walk up behind him.

"James? Kid, what are you thinking about?" Harry asked.

For a moment, James hesitated. He was only ten, but he could tell they were hiding something. Not in a scary way, just in a grown-up way, like a big secret they were not ready to tell him yet.

James kept his eyes outside. "Adventures wait for me," he said. "I can feel it."

Chapter 10

Notes:

A train of reindeer-drawn sleighs including at least three vehicles is situated in a clearing within a forest of evergreen trees. The trees and ground are covered with heavy snowfall, and the treeline to the back of the image is quite thick. The lead deer has a large set of sharp antlers on its head. Its fur is black around the muzzle working a gradient to pale grey down its neck, darkening again through the body and down its legs. The sleigh is hitched via a harness fashioned from red and blue rope sitting across its shoulders. The first sleigh is a simple construction made from wood and does not include any coverings for shelter.

Chapter 10. The Reindeer

Snow fell in thick white sheets as the reindeer-drawn sleighs crossed the forest clearing. Harry and Draco stood near the path, watching James run ahead, too excited to wait. The lead reindeer tossed its sharp antlers, stamping at the snow.

Before anyone could shout a warning, James slipped on the icy ground. He fell hard, his small cry swallowed by the cold air.

Harry reached him first. Draco knelt beside them, brushing snow from James's coat. James tried to be brave, but his face twisted in pain.

"We need to take him home," Draco said. "Now, Harry."

They carried him quickly through the trees. James clung to Harry's sleeve, shivering. The moment they reached the quiet edge of their garden, Harry looked at Draco. Draco nodded. They had promised no magic at home, not yet, not until James was older. But James's ankle was swelling fast, and the cold was biting at him.

Harry drew his wand.

James stared, wide-eyed. "What's that, Dad?"

Draco kept his voice gentle. "Something we should have told you sooner."

Warm light wrapped around James's ankle. The pain eased immediately. He blinked between them, confused but calmer.

"You're magic," he whispered. "I knew it!"

Harry squeezed his hand. "And you're safe."

Chapter 11

Notes:

A small French Bulldog puppy is partially tucked inside a Santa hat, sitting on top of a box wrapped with red and white paper, along with a variety of Christmas decorations. The puppy has blue-grey eyes, grey fur with a small white patch on its chest. Several other boxes wrapped with red and white striped paper are visible behind the pup, some of which are decorated with silver bows. A single white glittery bauble sits to the left of the puppy, and various ribbons and bows in silver, red, and green are to its right.

Chapter 11. The Puppy.

 

James woke when he heard paper moving.

Harry and Draco stood by his bed with a red-and-white box. Inside a Santa hat sat a tiny French Bulldog with blue-grey eyes. It blinked at him and made a small snuffle.

"For you," Harry said. "So you don't get too bored while your ankle heals."

Draco put the box on his lap. The puppy crawled forward and licked his thumb. James smiled for the first time since he fell.

After a bit, he asked, "Can we talk about the wand thing? The light? When did you fix my leg?" His voice felt tight. He didn't know if he was allowed to ask.

Harry and Draco looked at each other. They both looked tired, like they hadn't slept much.

Harry sat down. "We'll explain. We promise."

"Just not today," Draco said. "We want you to feel better first."

James nodded, even though he didn't like waiting. He held the puppy close. Its fur was warm on his hands.

"So… maybe in a few days?" he asked, softly.

"Yes," Harry said. "In a few days."

James didn't argue. He just watched them.

They were acting weird... the way grown-ups do when they're hiding something big.

Chapter 12

Notes:

Eight macarons are set haphazardly on a plain white ceramic plate resting on a wooden table top. The macarons have a brilliant red coloured shell and a dark and creamy filling. Each is decorated with fine piped white icing designs of snowflakes, or snow falling on mountain peaks. A simple glass container is situated behind the plate, and some faux evergreen boughs are visible to the left-hand side of the image, and into the background.

Chapter 12. The Treats.

The Greenlanders' house smelled like cocoa and pine. James sat on the rug with Housa, controllers in their hands, a game paused while they argued about whose turn it really was.

"You had two turns," Housa said, sounding annoyed.

James frowned. "Because you lost."

Larissa laughed from the kitchen. "Both of you can have another turn. No duels required, please."

James liked it here. It felt easy. Safe. Like being known without being watched too closely.

Outside, snow kept falling.

Harry and Draco walked through the village with Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. They moved slowly down the main street. Small lights hung between the buildings. Shop windows shone with warm yellow light. Near the square, someone sold roasted chestnuts, and steam rose into the cold air. They stopped at a small bakery and bought a box of macarons for James, because they were his favourite.

Ginny dragged Hermione toward a stall with scarves. Luna stopped to stare at a display of wooden stars, tilting her head as if listening to them. Draco held Harry's hand inside his coat pocket, their steps careful on the ice.

"It's strange," Harry said quietly. "Letting someone else watch him."

Hermione smiled. "It's good practice."

Snow crunched under their boots. Bells rang somewhere down the street. For one afternoon, everything felt ordinary. Just friends. Just winter. Just time moving gently forward.

Chapter 13

Notes:

Two stockings are hanging from a decoratively carved wooden mantle piece that has been painted white. The left-hand stocking is primarily grey with a turned over cuff at the top and a white 'fleur-de-lis' pattern on the front. The right-hand stocking is primarily white, with no cuff turned over. Its pattern appears similar to the other. Both stockings are hung from 'S' shaped brass hooks anchored to glass weights that are set on the mantle toward the left-hand side. A garland of thick silver ribbon, evergreen boughs, and golden baubles stretches from the left-hand side of the mantle up and onto the top, running among various other objects, including a silver candle stick, and Christmas trees fashioned from golden baubles. An oil painting with a golden frame is hung above the mantle depicting a lakeside village set in the valley of a mountainous region.

Chapter Thirteen. The Painting.

It was the first Christmas James came home from Hogwarts. Harry waited at King's Cross and felt the noise and magic fade the moment James ran toward them. He looked taller. Older. Still theirs.

On the way out, James handed Harry a folded copy of the Daily Prophet. "You don't have to read it," he said quickly. "They're being weird."

Harry glanced at the headline and closed it again. He already knew. The wizarding world had finally noticed James C. Potter, and they wanted answers. Stories about his birth parents. Wild guesses. Things that did not belong to them.

"We don't read that," Draco said.

"I know," James said. "I didn't talk to anyone. I avoided all reporters."

Harry felt something ease in his chest. "Good."

James sighed. "I hate the tests. And the essays. And everyone watching me." Then he smiled. "I just want to go home. Be magic free."

Harry laughed, surprised and warm. "Careful," he said. "You'll make Hogwarts jealous."

Draco took James's bag. "Let's go."

And they did.

+++

When James got home, everything felt right again. The house smelled warm, like candles and pine. He dropped his bag and went straight to the living room, because he had missed it more than he thought he would.

Two Christmas stockings hung on the white fireplace. One was grey, and one was white, and they matched. They hung from shiny brass hooks that caught the light. A long green garland sat on the mantel, with silver ribbon and small gold ornaments mixed in. There were candles there too, and tiny wooden trees. Above it was a painting of a village by a lake with mountains behind it. James always liked that picture. It made him feel safe.

He felt happy in a way that made his chest feel light. He couldn't wait to open his presents and see what his dads had picked out. Later, he planned to send owls to his friends and tell them he was home. Most of all, he was excited to hang out with Housa again.

Housa had been really cool at Hogwarts, and it felt good to have a friend back here, too.

Chapter 14

Notes:

A male-presenting mannequin is styled wearing a red corduroy jacket, blue denim jeans, a brown belt with a gold buckle, and a light blue linen shirt. The jacket is a deep red colour, with shiny gold trim around the outer edges of the collar and lapels. Gold and silver fern designs extend down from each shoulder to a bunch of holly and a single bell. Below these are two Santa Claus figures, showing from the torso upward, and sitting in a partial wreath of evergreen leaves and holly berries. Beneath the Santa on the image-left side, a simple gold trim extends to the pocket where it is then obscured. On the image-right side, the gold and silver fern design continues to the base of the jacket where the same shiny trim from the collar resumes. The gold and silver fern design is also present around each cuff.

Chapter 14. The Jacket

Harry wore the red corduroy jacket to the Greenlanders' Christmas party and immediately regretted nothing. Gold trim caught the lights. Someone gasped. Someone clapped.

"Oh my god," said Larissa. "That jacket."

Draco looked smug. "I told him."

James slowed to a stop behind Harry, heat rising to his ears. First Christmas back from Hogwarts and his dad looked like this.

"Please," James muttered. "You look ridiculous."

Harry grinned and adjusted the cuffs. "Festive."

Draco added, "Iconic."

James groaned and stared very hard at the floor while everyone else admired the jacket.

Chapter 15

Chapter 15. The Baby.

The orphanage sat back from the road, built of pale cut stone. Three wide steps led to the porch, dusted with light snow. Two Christmas trees stood at either end with steady white lights. The building looked maintained and deliberate, made to last.

Harry noted the steps first. They were low and even. Easy for small legs. Draco noticed the doorframe, reinforced, warded, practical. Inside, the air smelled faintly of pine and soap. The place ran on routine. Names were written down. Questions were asked plainly. Answers were expected to be honest. No one rushed them, but no one indulged them either.

Jade was almost three. She had been left, not lost. Her file listed wizarding parents, no follow-up, no return. She held a wooden block in one hand and did not cry when they sat across from her. She watched. Harry knelt so they were level. Draco said her name once, carefully, to see if she answered to it. She did.

When the paperwork was finished, they gave her a new name to match the life they were choosing for her. Jade Lily Potter. It was not dramatic. It was deliberate. When they left, her hand fit into Harry’s coat sleeve as if it already knew where it belonged.

They brought her home just in time for James to return from Hogwarts for his second year. He was excited in a quiet, contained way, watching her from the doorway at first, then sitting beside her on the floor. He introduced himself carefully, like it mattered. When she smiled at him, he smiled back, certain already that she was his sister.

Chapter 16

Notes:

Day Sixteen—Lit Candles on Snow-covered Tree
Eight thin and pale-coloured candles have been poked into heavy snow resting on an evergreen tree bough. The candles are a variety of heights, some very small with wax runs down their sides, and others quite tall and new. Each is lit and burning with a bright flame. The surrounding area contains many trees which, along with the ground, are covered in a layer of thick snow.

Chapter 16. The nickname

Harry heard James before he saw him, boots thumping, trunk scraping the doorframe the way it always did. The third year had changed something. Not sharply. Just enough to notice. Harry hugged him anyway. Draco reached up and fixed James's collar, familiar and exact.

Jade ran straight into James's legs.

"Jama!" she announced.

James laughed and picked her up. She was heavier than last year and warm through her jumper. "That's not my name."

She shook her head. "Is."

Later, Harry stayed back with Draco on purpose and watched James carry Jade along the path, the world opening into a bright, snowy forest backdrop, trees white and glowing, the air clean and sharp. Jade talked constantly, pointing at branches and footprints. James listened as it mattered.

When they came back inside, cold-cheeked and happy, Jade climbed into James's lap.

"You home now, Jama?" she asked.

"Yeah," James said. "I'm home."

She smiled, already half asleep, the word Jama settling in as it had always been his.