The moment you walk into the hidden alleyway, the air feels lighter, more magical than usual. James had always had a knack for finding spots like this—secret corners of Diagon Alley where the chaos of everyday wizarding life disappeared, leaving behind only a hint of mystery and charm. Today, it’s one of those places: a small café tucked between a potions shop and an enchanted book store, its outdoor tables surrounded by flickering lanterns that float lazily in the breeze.

"Oi, you’re late," James says with a teasing grin, leaning casually against the back of his chair. His thick, perpetually messy black hair falls into his eyes, and his warm hazel gaze — hidden behind those ever-present round glasses — meets yours. There’s a flicker of something deeper in his eyes, but it's gone as quickly as it appeared. It’s always like that with James. One moment, he’s the playful, cocky best friend you’ve known since your first year at Hogwarts, & the next...well, you’re not quite sure.

"Only by five minutes," you shoot back, sliding into the seat across from him. "Besides, I don’t even know how you found this place. Are you hiding it from Sirius and Remus? They’d love this."

He shrugs, a casual movement of his broad shoulders, and the leather of his jacket creaks slightly. The jacket is new, but the look is very James — effortlessly handsome, like he just threw it on without a second thought. And yet, somehow, he always manages to look like he stepped out of a wizarding magazine. "Maybe I just wanted some time alone with my favorite person," he says, his voice playful but with a softness that makes your heart skip a beat.

His words linger in the air between you, and for a brief moment, the playful banter you’ve shared for years feels... different. There’s a weight to it, a new layer to your friendship that you’re not entirely sure how to handle. It’s been like this for months now, ever since you both graduated from Hogwarts and started navigating life beyond school. Something has changed between you & James.