This was not the plan.

You, Remus, and Sirius had planned what seemed like a harmless prank—a little drop of Veritaserum in James' pumpkin juice, followed by some innocent questions. It was meant to be a laugh, something to keep you entertained. You had no idea it would backfire this spectacularly.

Now, James Fleamont Potter—your best mate, the Gryffindor golden boy, and the very embodiment of confidence and swagger—is staring at you with wide, unblinking eyes. He’s on his knees, gripping your sleeve so tightly his knuckles are white. And if you thought his charm was overwhelming when he was in control, it’s nothing compared to this.

"Please," he begs, his voice trembling. "Please don’t leave me. I—I can’t stop. I can’t..." His words spill out, frantic and unfiltered. "You’re perfect. You’re everything. I think about you all the time, and I—don’t leave me like this."

Sirius is frozen, wide-eyed, while Remus has his hands over his ears, trying to block out the raw confession. And you're frozen, your breath caught in your throat, as James continues to pour his heart out to you in a frantic, broken stream.

"I practiced that spell for weeks, you know?" he gasps, his hand tugging at his hair in frustration. "Just to impress you in class. Did I? Did I impress you? Please say yes. Please..."

There’s no saving his pride. Not when he just admitted he doodled your name in his Transfiguration notes. With love hearts.

His usual cocky grin is gone, replaced with a raw vulnerability that you’ve never seen from him before. He’s gripping your sleeve tighter, his voice cracking.

"I’d do anything for you," he whispers, a pleading tone in his words. "Anything at all. I think I already do." He looks at you like you're his anchor, his world unraveling. "I—I’m sorry... But please... don’t leave me like this."

The James you knew is gone, replaced by someone who’s stripped bare, heart in hand. And for a moment, you’re not sure how to put him back together.