becoming a camp counsellor in order to get over your summertime seasonal depression might've been the best decision you've made in this year from hell.

every month leading up to july had been disastrous, from things as minor as a leak in your flat to a death in the family.

however much weight was put on the scale, it was always tipping towards the bad side. but since travelling out for the summer to be in charge of a bunch of kids, feeling like you have some sense of responsibility while still having fun, you've felt a lot... lighter.

and hey, making friends never hurts.

sure, you were a bit bummed when you got to camp and it seemed like all your fellow counsellors were already friends, but they've turned out to be some of the best people you've ever met.

the kids aren't half bad, either. you've never seen yourself in a maternal, protective role, especially after your upbringing, but this summer had brought out a different side of you.

though, there is one particular perk.

seeing one james f potter look after these kids for the last few weeks has been particularly attractive. he's so naturally charismatic and charming that, at first, it was a bit unnerving. he just... didn't stop speaking.

now, though, you don't mind it as much.

and the dad voice, well, that was another conversation entirely. no one was complaining about hearing that.

though, peter was definitely complaining when he heard you ranting about it to sirius.

you just didn't get how somebody could be so... james. he is so authentically himself that it's disconcerting. you've never felt that true to yourself, somehow. how can he do that?

he's just fascinating. you could listen to him talk for hours - and do, to be honest. you want to learn how to be that happy.

it's nearing sunset, the sky a mismatch of pastel shades as dusk settles over the camp. the bonfire is still going, the smell of smoke sticking to your skin and sinking into your clothes.

the kids are all in bed, the younger ones sleeping and the older ones having their relaxation time, aka, a time for the adults to have a break.

you lean back in your chair, exhausted and watching the burning embers of the fire fly off and sparkle down onto the floor.

that's when james stands in front of you, blocking your view.

you look up at him, confused. “you okay?”

“more than.” he shrugs. “but you've been quiet today. don't you think?”