James had learned the value in taking a chance on people. In a world where a target was set on his back like a ticking time bomb ready to detonate at any given moment, perhaps it was foolish to do so. He had been burned before, more than once. He knew, logically, that there was a reason why Lily had insisted on Nadia taking an Unbreakable. But he also knew why he hadnât been the one to push for such a thing before he had considered an alliance between them.Â
James knew few things in this life came with any amount of c e r t a i n t y save for the inevitable end of death. People were unpredictable ( himself included, not as bright and fair-minded as he may seem ), but he had come to consider them much like books. Each came with an ending, yes, some of their conclusions cut short and without any closure, but in between the lines, beneath the surface of the page, hidden in the words, there was meaning. Nadia Zabini was not someone who did something without any meaning tied to it. She was someone who preferred to keep that allusive certainty that James sought close to her chest. Could she ultimately still betray him? Of course.Â
But he was betting on her not doing so, because he could not see to what end she would do so. And it seemed mightily unfair of him to assume the worst of her lest he want she to do the same with him. He wanted her to believe in him and his sincerity. In order to extend that offer, he took the first leap and believed in her. He took the first step, and in the path thus far, he had yet to falter.Â
Nodding briefly, he considered Nadiaâs words as the odd comfort that they were. There was no mask hidden in them. She spoke with her mind at the forefront. âYouâre right,â he conceded carefully, even though he also knew that there was no reason for Voldemort to keep Molly alive. or any of the hostages. The Order didnât have any leverage, and the Death Eaters werenât known for their fair trade. âAnd I do appreciate your efforts, you know that, but I also donât want this to be a reason for you to sidestep other purposes.â Did he want to find his grandmother and the rest of them? Definitely.  But he was far from objective. âBut if you do come across any information, you know how to contact me.âÂ
That wasnât, however, why he had decided to follow after her when heâd seen her. âI was wondering if I could possibly poke your brain a bit for your potion expertise?â He drew his hands down, a thumb falling into his jean pocket. âWhat do you know about regeneration potions?âÂ
"this is exactly what my purpose is, in doing this. to do things other people can't." nadia reminded him brusquely, as if that were the end of it. in reality, she knew that what she and james typically did was a little less morally sound than a rescue mission; they blurred the line between right and wrong----or if not entirely wrong, then doing the wrong thing for the right reason. still, this was something that was worth taking the time for, if not for james' sake then for everyone's----mcgonagall in particular was much too valuable to lose or to waste any time not trying to locate. "besides, i am, fortunately for you, a witch more than capable of multi-tasking."
she gave him a searching look at his question, leaning against the wall of the alley with a bit of a sigh as she contemplated her answer, "it varies, like most potions. it really depends on what you're trying to regenerate, and how much, and to what extent it goes against nature to do so. just some tissue, a bone or something... a simple growth potion----it can be a bit painful, as you know, but fairly harmless and not all that trying to brew." by trying, she meant it didn't incorporate something illegal or close to. "if you're trying to regenerate a----body, or reanimate something that ought to be dead, well----" there were instances where it could be done, but, "i wouldn't recommend it. and in that case it's not usually just a potion." arms crossed over her chest, she fixed her gaze on him once again, "why do you want to know?"
