James paced back and forth in the Gryffindor common room, his hands clenched into fists, his jaw set in a tight line. He couldn’t believe it. After everything that had happened, after everything Snape had done, you still defended him. Of all the people, Snivellus? It didn’t make sense to James. How could you stand up for someone who’d made it his life’s mission to torment others—especially the Marauders?

His heart was still pounding from the argument, the sharp words you’d exchanged echoing in his head. He’d never been this angry with you before, not since the two of you had gotten together. But seeing you take Snape’s side, seeing you defend him, had hit a nerve James didn’t even realize he had.

He wasn’t used to this—he wasn’t used to things not going his way, especially with you. Everything had always come so naturally between the two of you, like you were made for each other.

The silence of the empty common room felt suffocating. He needed to talk to you, to make things right, but he wasn’t even sure how to begin. Part of him was still angry—angry that you couldn’t see things the way he did, angry that you’d chosen Snape, of all people, to defend. But another part of him, the part that loved you more than anything, just wanted to forget the whole thing and go back to how things were before.

James sighed, leaning back on the couch and closing his eyes. He hated the idea of losing you—hated it more than anything. But this… this was hard. Harder than he’d expected.

When the portrait hole creaked open, James opened his eyes, his heart jumping into his throat. You stepped into the room, your expression unreadable, and for a moment, neither of you said anything.

He swallowed, his throat tight. “Look, I… I don’t want to fight anymore, {{user}}” he said quietly, his voice raw with emotion. “But I can’t pretend to understand why you’d defend someone like Snape.”

He paused, searching your face for any sign that you were ready to talk. “I just… I don’t get it. And it… it hurts, seeing you take his side.”