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Aug. 10th, 2013 11:56 am OOC Information; ❝You might belong in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart.
Their daring, nerve and chivalry set Gryffindors apart;❞
The thing about James Potter that many may not realize (or if they realize they may not understand) is that as much as he may have been sorted into what seems to be his perfect house, it is his house that really, truly, made him the man he lived to be. Died being.
Raised as an only child to two fairly older, relatively wealthy pure blood wizards, James grew up pampered and cocky. Some might even say spoiled, but really it was just a sense of nativity. His parents kept him from the dangers and complexities of wizarding politics, and instead raised to be kind hearted and honest. True. They taught him difference between right and wrong and to always, always do what's right, when you can. And despite his early school years, where James was depicted as being cruel, and quite a bully, it was more out of a misunderstood sense of what he thought he was allowed to do and be, versus what he actually should be. That's no excuse, of course. A bully is a bully and James Potter got carried away with the power trip of it all, but it was not because he was malicious. He was just a boy trying to find his place in a new school, and just missed a step along the way.
James, like most Gryffindors, was known to be loud. Boastful. Out-going. Bold. Daring. Stubborn and at times quite cocky. As far as he was concerned, he was untouchable (relatively) and as long as he wasn't a complete git, he'd be fine. This served him well (but did not serve others well) in his various escapades. Like many schoolboys at his age, James was a fun-seeking troublemaker, and with Sirius at his side, he was quite the menace. He would play pranks on innocent students passing him in the hallway for a good laugh, and was known to set up elaborate jokes much like Fred and George would, for the sake of causing chaos and not much more. He and Sirius were the masterminds behind most of the Marauder pranks, and he loved the thrill of it, the laughter it would bring. Usually it was all in good fun; most of the time, actually, unless it involved Snape. But that was a little more complicated.
The thing about James, the reason he made such connections like his friendships with Sirius and Remus, and his eventual relationship with Lily, is partly because of his absolute and total dedication to those he cares about. Which, for James, tended to extend to quite a few people. He was naturally trusting, and was known for being quite popular - a funny guy that most would consider a friend, or at least a friendly acquaintance. And for those who made it past that first level, who bonded with James a little deeper than just 'friends', could be confident in knowing that he accepted them and cared for them wholly and completely. He would do anything he needed to for his friends, would go above and beyond if it meant keeping them safe. Remus' werewolf problem was just one example, where when James and Sirius found out, went out of their way to make sure Remus knew he was still their best friend, and they went on to research an extremely difficult spell just so he wouldn't have to be alone. Because of his parents, who were wonderful people, James grew up being loved and learning how to love. So when he got to school, made friends of his own, it made sense to him to love them as much as he loves his parents. They were his family, after all, and when you're brought up in such an environment as James, things like loving and caring about your friends was as natural as breathing. James could be a little reckless, when it came to caring about people, but it didn't matter. He would jump into the fire if it meant saving someone, even if they weren't particularly close with him, which is probably one of the reasons he was appointed to Head Boy. That unabashed protective streak, and simple ability to care for others.
Like mentioned before, James was a bit of a prideful kid. He liked to show off, and it didn't help that he was actually fairly clever and talented, both in more hands-on spells and Quidditch, and he was known to go out of his way to try and impress those around him - namely, girls. He was clever enough to win over their Head of House, Professor McGonagall, which made sense - James was smart (he just didn't like to put effort into it) and he had a good heart. Quite chivalrous, James Potter, and he had a special side to him reserved for special women - and by that, he of course means Lily Evans (and his favorite professor). James would pull out all the stops if he needed to, and did quite often, even though they were more often than not seen as jokes than serious courting techniques (though he will never NOT have those silly muggle sonnets memorized). He cared about people, was loyal to a fault to his friends, and really quite charming. Endearing. And he grew out of most of his more negative personality traits, mostly his trouble-making and bullying ones, enough to not only become Head Boy but to win over the love of his life, his crush for years, Lily Evans.
And as much as James was a playful, joking friend - he was honest in love. Lily Evans, despite deciding before either was even sorted that she hated him, was the object of James' affections for all seven years, going out of his way to try (and fail) to impress the unbelievably intelligent and snarky redhead. It was, in a way, because she resisted him so that he continued his attempts, making fairly bold moves to try and win her over, and until their later years, each to no end. Thankfully, as he grew up, Lily started to notice the better parts of his personality - the highlights, if you will - and agreed to date him, and later marry him.
Name; dai
Personal Journal; dai-choo-choo
Contact; email: daichoochoo@gmail.com || plurk: disarmingly || AIM: timiasTutelary
Other Characters; jo harvelle (knifecollection)
Activity Proof; here
IC Information;
Character Name; James Potter
Personal Journal; dai-choo-choo
Contact; email: daichoochoo@gmail.com || plurk: disarmingly || AIM: timiasTutelary
Other Characters; jo harvelle (knifecollection)
Activity Proof; here
IC Information;
Character Name; James Potter
Canon; Harry Potter (Marauder Era/First Wizarding War)
Canon Point; Winter after graduation from Hogwarts (in May) and marriage to Lily Evans(in October) (a.k.a. Decemberish 1978),
Age; 18
Appearance; The PB will be Aaron Johnson, primarily from the movie Nowhere Boy.
House; Freya.
Power; Charm.
World Info; The world of James Potter was very similar to normal earth during the 60s, 70s and early 80s with the only difference being the wizarding community that existed somewhat separately from the rest of the muggle world. They had no need for electronics and technology for their magic did most, if not all, of that work. Explanations of said world are here, but James' world would only be different in that it was pre-Wizarding War. Or the first one, at least. The social tensions of wizards, half-bloods, muggles, etc. were an old issue, but very much kept quiet. It was not until Voldemort's rise to power during James' seventh year that the idea of a war even showed itself.
Background;
Canon Point; Winter after graduation from Hogwarts (in May) and marriage to Lily Evans(in October) (a.k.a. Decemberish 1978),
Age; 18
Appearance; The PB will be Aaron Johnson, primarily from the movie Nowhere Boy.
House; Freya.
Power; Charm.
World Info; The world of James Potter was very similar to normal earth during the 60s, 70s and early 80s with the only difference being the wizarding community that existed somewhat separately from the rest of the muggle world. They had no need for electronics and technology for their magic did most, if not all, of that work. Explanations of said world are here, but James' world would only be different in that it was pre-Wizarding War. Or the first one, at least. The social tensions of wizards, half-bloods, muggles, etc. were an old issue, but very much kept quiet. It was not until Voldemort's rise to power during James' seventh year that the idea of a war even showed itself.
Background;
The harsh truth to James Potter I's history, is that the impact he had on the canon - on Harry's life, growth and development - all happens after his death. In the novels, there's not much as far as James' life and history given to the reader, and most of it just through memories or comment by those who knew him. From the people who knew him, who he touched in either a very positive, or very negative, way. Depending on who you speak to, James goes from being one of the most amazing men to have ever lived, to a bully and a jerk. But because of this, a lot of James' history is assumed, speculated, or given in brief snippets from J.K. Rowling in interviews.
PRE-HOGWARTS Ж 1960-1971
Born March 27th, 1960, James Potter was the first and only son to a pureblood wizarding family of great wealth. Because of this, James was raised in a very pampered, very loving household. His parents were of a higher wizarding class, but were not known to be concerned with it, both having said to be kind-hearted and loving, accepting James and all his friends no matter the circumstances. Having been born later on in his parents lives (both were considered old by wizarding standards when they were blessed with James), he was given just about every opportunity he could ever want. Toys, games, travelings, pets - you name it, James Potter had it. But both of the Potter parents were, at their core, wonderful people, and that rubbed off on James early. He might be boastful, confident, proud, and arrogant, deep down he had a good heart and cares about people.
One of James' distant ancestors is Ignotus Peverell, one of the three brothers included in the The Tale of the Three Brothers. Ignotus was known as the humblest and wisest of the three brothers (traits not passed down to James), and evaded death because of this, earning himself the Cloak of Invisibility that was passed down through the family. James' eventually came to possess this cloak, which would come to be quite helpful during his Marauding Years.
MARAUDERS & HOGWARTS Ж 1971-1978
When James Potter was dropped off at King's Cross, platform nine and three quarters, he only had a few basic expectations. He wanted to make friends, mates who would help make his experience at Hogwarts worth it, he wanted to play Quidditch, and he wanted to be a Gryffindor. As fate would have it, James was a very lucky boy, and managed to find all that and more.
On the train that first year, James met a Black. He'd heard about the Blacks, heard them mentioned once or twice when his parents spoke to their friends, but he didn't know much. And what he found out about this particular Black confused him even more, because Sirius was absolutely nothing like he'd heard (not that it mattered, James didn't reply care about wizarding politics at the ripe age of 11). And from that day on, something just clicked. James and Sirius were absolutely inseparable; always with each other, took classes together, played pranks together, went on Holidays together - everything that James had wanted in a best friend he found in Sirius, and then some. It didn't take long before the two found two more - one Remus Lupin (a curious one, Lupin. Studious, much too serious) and Peter Pettigrew. Peter was an interesting case, in that he'd somewhat attached himself onto James - his confidence, his charisma, the way he could make people smile, laugh - and James hadn't really had the heart to tell him to leave. The four of them soon became quite close, calling themselves the Marauders. The Marauders were known across the school (though not by name) for causing mayhem and chaos, because when you put four boys together with magic and too much time on their hands, what more do you expect? Together they were able to create something called the Marauders Map, which was an enchanted map of the castle that allowed them to know who and what was where, at any time of the day or night.
James was quite popular in school, making the Gryffindor Quidditch team with Sirius their first year, always the chatty ones in class. Some professors found him charming, maybe even clever, and it helped that he wasn't too bad at certain classes. Transfiguration, for one, was a favorite of his. Charms another. James was a bit of a mischief maker during his years at Hogwarts, known to hex students in the hallways and play pranks - some of which could be quite cruel. He was always up for an adventure, which led him into much trouble than not, and it didn't help that Sirius was always up for a challenge. When James was sixteen he convinced his parents to let Sirius come and live with him - successfully leaving his horrible family situation behind. Because honestly, if James had the choice, he would do anything he could to help out his best mate, especially if it meant spending more time together. His parents welcomed Sirius like a second son they never had, and things were great for those couple of years before graduation.
During their second year, James, Sirius and Peter found out a very interesting secret that their friend Remus had been keeping - namely, the fact he was a werewolf. James, never one to let his friends experience anything on their own, soon came up with the idea that they all because unregistered animagi and follow Remus during his turnings. It wasn't until their fifth year that the three boys were able to perfect the spell, earning them the more specific nicknames - Moony, Padfoot, Wormtail and Prongs (because his animagi was a stag). James was adamant in making sure his friends felt wanted, normal, and tended to go out of his way to keep the four of them together, including facing expulsion if they were found out during their once a month adventures.
Throughout the extent of James' time at Hogwarts - despite being very popular and his tendency to show off for girls whenever they were close enough - James chased after one particular Gryffindor, Lily Evans. She, of course, hated him during those first few years, which made James all the more determined to win her over. It wasn't until his later years, when James had grown out of his more unsavory personality traits, that she even gave him a chance. James was honestly in love with this girl, and had been his entire schooling career. It was just a matter of convincing her that he was serious, and that it wasn't just another thing he had to win. By seventh year they were dating, and James could not have been happier.
And the, of course, there was Snape. Severus Snape, James' enemy from day one, when the two exchanged insults on the train out to Hogwarts (not one of James' finer moments, since it also cemented Lily's hatred for him). James had a tendency to hex Snape when he had the chance, calling him names and picking on him in the hallway, and Snape in turn would go out of his way to try and get James and his friends in trouble, going as far as to sneak around and nearly find out about Remus' 'furry little problem'. Thankfully, during those maturing years for James Potter, he grew out of most of his bullying tendencies, and even went as far as to save Snape's life when Sirius sent him to the Womping Willow when Snape tried to out Remus. It was at that time that James risked his life to save Snape from a werewolf attack, with no thanks on Snape's part (not that James would have wanted any thanks).
By his seventh year, James had all but completely grown out of that trouble-making, bullying, chaos-inducing self. There's only so much of a trickster that can grow up, but James had somehow found a nice balance. He matured enough to earn him the position of Head Boy. He impressed Lily Evans enough for her to agree to date him, and he started to take a more active role in opposing the rise of Voldemort, strengthening his relationships with Dumbledore and McGonagall. He also saved Snape's life, going out and taking on Remus in his werewolf form to save the Slytherin because he was in danger, despite their years of being basically mortal enemies. I say all but, though, because he could only grow up so much - he was still his same fun-seeking, sometimes a little cocky, joking self. Sirius, Remus and Peter were still his best friends, and while the Marauders' presence as troublemakers had to decrease a bit during that last year, their bond was as strong as ever.
LIFE AFTER HOGWARTS Ж 1978-1981
James' years after graduation passed quicker than most, even without the foresight of his own death. After a year of being sick with dragon pox, James' mother finally passed away not long before he graduated. It didn't come as a shock, her health decaying gradually since the summer before his seventh term at Hogwarts, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. His father had gotten sick as well, and died just a few months after his mother. It was later that year - the fall, James always loved the fall - that he married the love of his life, Lily Evans, in a very private, very secretive ceremony, due to the increasing danger of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. But even that didn't slow down James and his band of miscreants, known as friends plus his wife. The lot of them were all a part of the Order of the Phoenix, the main center of resistance against Voldemort and his followers. Led by their old Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, and made up of all the best witches and wizards from their generation. Because of his parents' wealth, James and Lily were able to live a very easy life without either of them needing to keep a steady job, with plenty left over to help out one of his best friends, Remus Lupin.
PRE-HOGWARTS Ж 1960-1971
Born March 27th, 1960, James Potter was the first and only son to a pureblood wizarding family of great wealth. Because of this, James was raised in a very pampered, very loving household. His parents were of a higher wizarding class, but were not known to be concerned with it, both having said to be kind-hearted and loving, accepting James and all his friends no matter the circumstances. Having been born later on in his parents lives (both were considered old by wizarding standards when they were blessed with James), he was given just about every opportunity he could ever want. Toys, games, travelings, pets - you name it, James Potter had it. But both of the Potter parents were, at their core, wonderful people, and that rubbed off on James early. He might be boastful, confident, proud, and arrogant, deep down he had a good heart and cares about people.
One of James' distant ancestors is Ignotus Peverell, one of the three brothers included in the The Tale of the Three Brothers. Ignotus was known as the humblest and wisest of the three brothers (traits not passed down to James), and evaded death because of this, earning himself the Cloak of Invisibility that was passed down through the family. James' eventually came to possess this cloak, which would come to be quite helpful during his Marauding Years.
MARAUDERS & HOGWARTS Ж 1971-1978
When James Potter was dropped off at King's Cross, platform nine and three quarters, he only had a few basic expectations. He wanted to make friends, mates who would help make his experience at Hogwarts worth it, he wanted to play Quidditch, and he wanted to be a Gryffindor. As fate would have it, James was a very lucky boy, and managed to find all that and more.
On the train that first year, James met a Black. He'd heard about the Blacks, heard them mentioned once or twice when his parents spoke to their friends, but he didn't know much. And what he found out about this particular Black confused him even more, because Sirius was absolutely nothing like he'd heard (not that it mattered, James didn't reply care about wizarding politics at the ripe age of 11). And from that day on, something just clicked. James and Sirius were absolutely inseparable; always with each other, took classes together, played pranks together, went on Holidays together - everything that James had wanted in a best friend he found in Sirius, and then some. It didn't take long before the two found two more - one Remus Lupin (a curious one, Lupin. Studious, much too serious) and Peter Pettigrew. Peter was an interesting case, in that he'd somewhat attached himself onto James - his confidence, his charisma, the way he could make people smile, laugh - and James hadn't really had the heart to tell him to leave. The four of them soon became quite close, calling themselves the Marauders. The Marauders were known across the school (though not by name) for causing mayhem and chaos, because when you put four boys together with magic and too much time on their hands, what more do you expect? Together they were able to create something called the Marauders Map, which was an enchanted map of the castle that allowed them to know who and what was where, at any time of the day or night.
James was quite popular in school, making the Gryffindor Quidditch team with Sirius their first year, always the chatty ones in class. Some professors found him charming, maybe even clever, and it helped that he wasn't too bad at certain classes. Transfiguration, for one, was a favorite of his. Charms another. James was a bit of a mischief maker during his years at Hogwarts, known to hex students in the hallways and play pranks - some of which could be quite cruel. He was always up for an adventure, which led him into much trouble than not, and it didn't help that Sirius was always up for a challenge. When James was sixteen he convinced his parents to let Sirius come and live with him - successfully leaving his horrible family situation behind. Because honestly, if James had the choice, he would do anything he could to help out his best mate, especially if it meant spending more time together. His parents welcomed Sirius like a second son they never had, and things were great for those couple of years before graduation.
During their second year, James, Sirius and Peter found out a very interesting secret that their friend Remus had been keeping - namely, the fact he was a werewolf. James, never one to let his friends experience anything on their own, soon came up with the idea that they all because unregistered animagi and follow Remus during his turnings. It wasn't until their fifth year that the three boys were able to perfect the spell, earning them the more specific nicknames - Moony, Padfoot, Wormtail and Prongs (because his animagi was a stag). James was adamant in making sure his friends felt wanted, normal, and tended to go out of his way to keep the four of them together, including facing expulsion if they were found out during their once a month adventures.
Throughout the extent of James' time at Hogwarts - despite being very popular and his tendency to show off for girls whenever they were close enough - James chased after one particular Gryffindor, Lily Evans. She, of course, hated him during those first few years, which made James all the more determined to win her over. It wasn't until his later years, when James had grown out of his more unsavory personality traits, that she even gave him a chance. James was honestly in love with this girl, and had been his entire schooling career. It was just a matter of convincing her that he was serious, and that it wasn't just another thing he had to win. By seventh year they were dating, and James could not have been happier.
And the, of course, there was Snape. Severus Snape, James' enemy from day one, when the two exchanged insults on the train out to Hogwarts (not one of James' finer moments, since it also cemented Lily's hatred for him). James had a tendency to hex Snape when he had the chance, calling him names and picking on him in the hallway, and Snape in turn would go out of his way to try and get James and his friends in trouble, going as far as to sneak around and nearly find out about Remus' 'furry little problem'. Thankfully, during those maturing years for James Potter, he grew out of most of his bullying tendencies, and even went as far as to save Snape's life when Sirius sent him to the Womping Willow when Snape tried to out Remus. It was at that time that James risked his life to save Snape from a werewolf attack, with no thanks on Snape's part (not that James would have wanted any thanks).
By his seventh year, James had all but completely grown out of that trouble-making, bullying, chaos-inducing self. There's only so much of a trickster that can grow up, but James had somehow found a nice balance. He matured enough to earn him the position of Head Boy. He impressed Lily Evans enough for her to agree to date him, and he started to take a more active role in opposing the rise of Voldemort, strengthening his relationships with Dumbledore and McGonagall. He also saved Snape's life, going out and taking on Remus in his werewolf form to save the Slytherin because he was in danger, despite their years of being basically mortal enemies. I say all but, though, because he could only grow up so much - he was still his same fun-seeking, sometimes a little cocky, joking self. Sirius, Remus and Peter were still his best friends, and while the Marauders' presence as troublemakers had to decrease a bit during that last year, their bond was as strong as ever.
LIFE AFTER HOGWARTS Ж 1978-1981
James' years after graduation passed quicker than most, even without the foresight of his own death. After a year of being sick with dragon pox, James' mother finally passed away not long before he graduated. It didn't come as a shock, her health decaying gradually since the summer before his seventh term at Hogwarts, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. His father had gotten sick as well, and died just a few months after his mother. It was later that year - the fall, James always loved the fall - that he married the love of his life, Lily Evans, in a very private, very secretive ceremony, due to the increasing danger of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. But even that didn't slow down James and his band of miscreants, known as friends plus his wife. The lot of them were all a part of the Order of the Phoenix, the main center of resistance against Voldemort and his followers. Led by their old Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, and made up of all the best witches and wizards from their generation. Because of his parents' wealth, James and Lily were able to live a very easy life without either of them needing to keep a steady job, with plenty left over to help out one of his best friends, Remus Lupin.
Most of James' life during those next few years was one hundred percent revolved around the First Wizarding War. He worked together with his wife, his friends, and the Order to do what they could to save as many witches, wizards and non-magic folk as they could. By the time they joined the Order, both James and Lily had turned down Voldemort on three separate occasions which left them on something of his bad side. It probably had something to do with the remnants of James' risk-taking personality that he wore this fact around like a badge, calling out Voldemort on any chance he could. They were all young - eighteen, nineteen, some a bit older - but none of them really knew what it meant to be in a war. James especially. It slowly dawned on him over the years, though, that this was much more serious than he thought - but as far as he was concerned, as long as everyone he loved was alive, they'd make it through. He believed that wholeheartedly, and maybe a bit naively.
The next couple of years of James' life were fairly decent, despite the war and the constant deaths and chaos surrounding them. Lily became pregnant, and gave James a boy - Harry. Becoming a father was one of the greatest things to happen to the eldest Potter, ranked right behind meeting and marrying Lily; but it was a short-lived joy, for it wasn't long after Harry's birth that Dumbledore told the Potters of the Prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney. The Prophecy stated that a boy, born during this time, would be the downfall of Lord Voldemort once and for all. The Potters went into hiding after that in a private little cottage in Godric's Hallow, planning on hiding there for as long as was necessary. Dumbledore convinced them that the best line of defense was the Fidelius Charm, a spell that would hide Lily, James and Harry from Voldemort for good, with their secret kept safe in their trusted Secret Keeper. James had wanted Sirius to be the one to hold their lives, but Sirius had mentioned using Peter Pettigrew instead, insisting that Sirius was the most obvious choice and no one would suspect Peter. They agreed, in secret, and cast the spell that would eventually be their downfall, for it was Peter Pettigrew himself who betrayed James and Lily to Voldemort, leading the Dark Lord right to them.
On October 31st, 1981, Voldemort arrived at Godric's Hollow. James gave Harry to Lily and told them to run, attempting to hold off the Dark Lord himself, without even his wand. James was killed by the Killing Curse from Voldemort's hand, leaving his wife and son to face him for themselves.
Personality;
The next couple of years of James' life were fairly decent, despite the war and the constant deaths and chaos surrounding them. Lily became pregnant, and gave James a boy - Harry. Becoming a father was one of the greatest things to happen to the eldest Potter, ranked right behind meeting and marrying Lily; but it was a short-lived joy, for it wasn't long after Harry's birth that Dumbledore told the Potters of the Prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney. The Prophecy stated that a boy, born during this time, would be the downfall of Lord Voldemort once and for all. The Potters went into hiding after that in a private little cottage in Godric's Hallow, planning on hiding there for as long as was necessary. Dumbledore convinced them that the best line of defense was the Fidelius Charm, a spell that would hide Lily, James and Harry from Voldemort for good, with their secret kept safe in their trusted Secret Keeper. James had wanted Sirius to be the one to hold their lives, but Sirius had mentioned using Peter Pettigrew instead, insisting that Sirius was the most obvious choice and no one would suspect Peter. They agreed, in secret, and cast the spell that would eventually be their downfall, for it was Peter Pettigrew himself who betrayed James and Lily to Voldemort, leading the Dark Lord right to them.
On October 31st, 1981, Voldemort arrived at Godric's Hollow. James gave Harry to Lily and told them to run, attempting to hold off the Dark Lord himself, without even his wand. James was killed by the Killing Curse from Voldemort's hand, leaving his wife and son to face him for themselves.
Personality;
Their daring, nerve and chivalry set Gryffindors apart;❞
Raised as an only child to two fairly older, relatively wealthy pure blood wizards, James grew up pampered and cocky. Some might even say spoiled, but really it was just a sense of nativity. His parents kept him from the dangers and complexities of wizarding politics, and instead raised to be kind hearted and honest. True. They taught him difference between right and wrong and to always, always do what's right, when you can. And despite his early school years, where James was depicted as being cruel, and quite a bully, it was more out of a misunderstood sense of what he thought he was allowed to do and be, versus what he actually should be. That's no excuse, of course. A bully is a bully and James Potter got carried away with the power trip of it all, but it was not because he was malicious. He was just a boy trying to find his place in a new school, and just missed a step along the way.
James, like most Gryffindors, was known to be loud. Boastful. Out-going. Bold. Daring. Stubborn and at times quite cocky. As far as he was concerned, he was untouchable (relatively) and as long as he wasn't a complete git, he'd be fine. This served him well (but did not serve others well) in his various escapades. Like many schoolboys at his age, James was a fun-seeking troublemaker, and with Sirius at his side, he was quite the menace. He would play pranks on innocent students passing him in the hallway for a good laugh, and was known to set up elaborate jokes much like Fred and George would, for the sake of causing chaos and not much more. He and Sirius were the masterminds behind most of the Marauder pranks, and he loved the thrill of it, the laughter it would bring. Usually it was all in good fun; most of the time, actually, unless it involved Snape. But that was a little more complicated.
The thing about James, the reason he made such connections like his friendships with Sirius and Remus, and his eventual relationship with Lily, is partly because of his absolute and total dedication to those he cares about. Which, for James, tended to extend to quite a few people. He was naturally trusting, and was known for being quite popular - a funny guy that most would consider a friend, or at least a friendly acquaintance. And for those who made it past that first level, who bonded with James a little deeper than just 'friends', could be confident in knowing that he accepted them and cared for them wholly and completely. He would do anything he needed to for his friends, would go above and beyond if it meant keeping them safe. Remus' werewolf problem was just one example, where when James and Sirius found out, went out of their way to make sure Remus knew he was still their best friend, and they went on to research an extremely difficult spell just so he wouldn't have to be alone. Because of his parents, who were wonderful people, James grew up being loved and learning how to love. So when he got to school, made friends of his own, it made sense to him to love them as much as he loves his parents. They were his family, after all, and when you're brought up in such an environment as James, things like loving and caring about your friends was as natural as breathing. James could be a little reckless, when it came to caring about people, but it didn't matter. He would jump into the fire if it meant saving someone, even if they weren't particularly close with him, which is probably one of the reasons he was appointed to Head Boy. That unabashed protective streak, and simple ability to care for others.
Like mentioned before, James was a bit of a prideful kid. He liked to show off, and it didn't help that he was actually fairly clever and talented, both in more hands-on spells and Quidditch, and he was known to go out of his way to try and impress those around him - namely, girls. He was clever enough to win over their Head of House, Professor McGonagall, which made sense - James was smart (he just didn't like to put effort into it) and he had a good heart. Quite chivalrous, James Potter, and he had a special side to him reserved for special women - and by that, he of course means Lily Evans (and his favorite professor). James would pull out all the stops if he needed to, and did quite often, even though they were more often than not seen as jokes than serious courting techniques (though he will never NOT have those silly muggle sonnets memorized). He cared about people, was loyal to a fault to his friends, and really quite charming. Endearing. And he grew out of most of his more negative personality traits, mostly his trouble-making and bullying ones, enough to not only become Head Boy but to win over the love of his life, his crush for years, Lily Evans.
And as much as James was a playful, joking friend - he was honest in love. Lily Evans, despite deciding before either was even sorted that she hated him, was the object of James' affections for all seven years, going out of his way to try (and fail) to impress the unbelievably intelligent and snarky redhead. It was, in a way, because she resisted him so that he continued his attempts, making fairly bold moves to try and win her over, and until their later years, each to no end. Thankfully, as he grew up, Lily started to notice the better parts of his personality - the highlights, if you will - and agreed to date him, and later marry him.
Because James, like most people, grew up. He started off school over-confident, cocky and ego-centric. He found friends that he loved, and stuck to them like glue. Realized his talents, his faults, his strengths and his weaknesses and he continued to grow even then. It's hard to imagine life for a boy, who thought he had the whole world on his shoulders, up until his seventeenth year. Within the span of a year and a half, James experienced the death of both his parents, the attempted murder by his best friend, the crumbling of the wizarding world into an inevitable, awful war, wore the Head Boy badge with pride, and was finally able to convince the low of his life to marry him. It was a growth year, and personality-wise James appeared to grow years in the span of that one, but with a war on your doorstep you really don't have any other option. Responsibility has that effect on people. And for someone who always just naturally fell into that leadership role, it meant something a little more to him. It meant the lives of his family, his friends, and the rest of the wizarding world as he knew it.
To put simply, James was a rebellious, mischievous, natural-born leader who was extremely kind-hearted and a loyal friend. But after graduating, he toned down a bit. Matured a little. He stuck to his friends and believed in the good of people, that the good would eventually win this war. And perhaps he was a little too trusting, especially when it concerned his friends, but if asked - James would much rather die because he trusted too much, rather than dying alone.
