James's expression grew more pensive as he delved into the memories of those dark times. "It wasn't just Dumbledore whose actions we doubted about during the war. There were moments when even our most trusted friends became subjects of suspicion."

The Judge observed James intently. "You're speaking of Remus Lupin, aren't you?"

James nodded slowly, his face etched with regret. "Yes. Remus was one of my dearest friends, but during the war, things got complicated. The paranoia, the constant threat of betrayal—it got to us all."

He took a deep breath as if steadying himself to confront painful truths. "We started to suspect that there might be a spy among the order of Phoniex. Voldemort's information was too accurate, his attacks too precise. With Moody being part of Order of Phoniex. It was impossible to ignore the possibility that one of our own was feeding him information."

The Judge listened attentively, understanding the gravity of the situation. "And you doubted Remus because he was a werewolf?"

James's shoulders sagged slightly. "Partly. Remus's lycanthropy made him an easy target for suspicion. Werewolves were outcasted and distrusted in the wizarding community, and the idea that Voldemort might exploit that to turn Remus against us was a constant fear."

He looked away, the weight of his decisions heavy in his eyes. "But it wasn't just that. Remus was often absent from the order meetings, dealing with his struggles, and it made it easy to question his loyalties. In the fog of war, even the strongest bonds can fray."

The Judge's expression softened. "And how did that suspicion affect your friendship?"

James sighed deeply. "It strained it, no doubt about that. We never outright accused him, but there was always that shadow of doubt. It hurt him, and it hurt us to doubt someone who had stood by us through so much."

He shook his head as if trying to dispel the lingering guilt. "Looking back, I wish I had trusted him more. Remus was never anything but loyal. But the war twisted our perceptions and made us see threats where there were none."

The Judge nodded understandingly. "War has a way of distorting reality and testing even the strongest of friendships. Your regret speaks to the deep bond you shared with Remus."

James managed a faint, wistful smile. "He was like a brother to me. I should have remembered that, even in the darkest times. It's a lesson I hope others can learn from—never to let fear and suspicion drive a wedge between true friends."

The Judge regarded James with respect. "Your reflections are a testament to the complexities of trust and loyalty in times of crisis. It's a reminder of the importance of holding on to those bonds, even when everything around you is falling apart."

James nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. "Yes. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that true friendship endures, even through the most trying of times. I just wish I had realized that sooner."

The judge leaned forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "James, have you ever wondered how different everyone's fate might have been if you had trusted Remus instead of Peter?"

James's gaze grew distant, and he sighed deeply. "I have. Many times. It's one of those questions that haunts me now."

The Judge's voice was gentle but probing. "What do you think would have happened if Remus had been the Secret Keeper instead of Peter?"

James closed his eyes for a moment, envisioning an alternate reality. "Remus... he would never have betrayed the pack. If he had been our secret keeper, Voldemort would never have found us. Lily and Harry would have been safe."

The Judge nodded. "And you believe this with certainty?"

James opened his eyes, a mix of sadness and conviction in them. "Yes, I do. Remus was loyal to the core. He faced so much prejudice and hardship, yet he never wavered in his friendship and loyalty to us. If I had trusted him instead of doubting him..."

He trailed off, the weight of the what-ifs pressing down on him.

The Judge spoke softly, "It's clear you carry a lot of regret about this decision. But what do you think would have been the impact on your lives if Remus had been chosen?"

James's expression softened as he imagined a different past. "Lily and I could have raised Harry together, without the shadow of Voldemort looming over us. Harry would have grown up with his parents, surrounded by love and warmth. We could have fought in the war with our family intact."

He paused, a wistful smile crossing his face. "Sirius wouldn't have been imprisoned. He would have been there for Harry, as a godfather should be. And Remus... Remus would have known that we trusted him and that he was an integral part of our pack. It would have meant the world to him."

The Judge nodded, understanding the depth of James's reflections. "Trust is a powerful thing. It shapes our relationships and our destinies. Your regret is a testament to the importance of those bonds."

James sighed again, the reality of his choices sinking in. "Yes. I just wish I had seen it then. Remus deserved better. We all did."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The Judge's voice was calm and reassuring. "Regret is a natural part of reflection. But it's also a guide for those who come after. Your story, your choices, and your reflections can serve as lessons for others, teaching them the value of trust and loyalty."

James nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I hope so. If my story can help others see the importance of trust, then maybe some good can come from my mistakes."

The Judge regarded James with respect. "Your reflections are a testament to your growth and understanding. It's never too late to learn from the past and to share those lessons with the future."

James smiled faintly. "Thank you. It's a comfort to know that, even in this place, there's still a chance to make a difference."

"James," the Judge began gently, "let's shift our focus for a moment. Can you recount the night Voldemort came to your home?"

James's expression darkened, and he took a deep breath. "That night is etched in my memory forever. It was Halloween, 1981. We were in Godric's Hollow, our hidden sanctuary. Lily and I were putting Harry to bed, unaware that our secret had already been compromised."

The Judge listened attentively, understanding the gravity of the situation. They continued with a probing question. "And yet, you faced Voldemort bravely and foolishly, knowing the danger he posed."

James sighed deeply, a shadow of regret crossing his face. "I stood to face the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time on my own, to give Lily and Harry time to escape the cottage. But I made a fatal mistake—I left my wand in the living room." {It's Canon}

The Judge nodded sympathetically. "A simple mistake with such dire consequences."

James Potter's eyes filled with sorrow as he recounted the events leading to his tragic demise.

"I had been making Harry laugh with it before Voldemort's arrival," he began, his voice heavy with remorse. "When the moment came, I was defenseless. Voldemort effortlessly murdered me with the Killing Curse."

The Judge listened solemnly, considering the twists of fate that led to such pivotal moments. "Perhaps if you had listened to Severus Snape on your ride to Hogwarts..."

James chuckled ruefully at the memory. "Ah, that first train ride. It set the tone for so much that followed."

-------

In another memory, Sirius Black and James Potter bantered on the Hogwarts Express.

"Where are you heading, if you've got the choice?" Sirius asked, curiosity glinting in his eyes.

"'Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!' Like my dad... Got a problem with that?" James replied with a confident grin.

Severus Snape interjected sharply, "No. If you'd rather be brawny than brainy."

-------

Reflecting on his tumultuous relationship with Severus Snape, James sighed deeply.

"I was too proud, too quick to judge. Maybe if I'd been more open-minded, things would have been different."

The Judge nodded understandingly. "A rivalry that shaped much of your Hogwarts experience."

James agreed somberly. "Yes. Our rivalry with Severus created a lot of tension. He was brilliant, and I could have learned from him if I had been less stubborn."

"It's often the choices we make in our youth that define our paths," the Judge reflected.

"True," James replied, his tone reflective. "I was eager to prove myself, to live up to the Gryffindor legacy like my father. Perhaps I missed the chance to bridge a gap that might have changed things for the better."

"James Potter," the Judge began, his voice echoing through the grand hall, "we have traversed through the memories and moments that defined your life. The time has come to determine if you lived a good life."

James stood tall, though a hint of apprehension flickered in his eyes. The Judge continued, recounting the key aspects of James's life.

"You were born to Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, a much-loved and long-awaited son. Your childhood was one of love and privilege, perhaps too much so. It led to a certain arrogance and a tendency to act without considering the consequences."

James nodded, acknowledging the truth in the Judge's words.

"At Hogwarts, you formed deep and lasting friendships with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Together, you became the Marauders, known for your mischief and camaraderie. You showed remarkable loyalty and bravery, particularly in your efforts to become Animagi to support Remus during his transformations."

A small smile touched James's lips as he remembered those days.

"You fell in love with Lily Evans, a relationship that began with tension but grew into a deep and beautiful bond. She brought out the best in you, James, and together you faced the darkest times with courage and hope."

James's eyes softened at the mention of Lily.

"But there were also moments of failure and regret," the Judge continued. "Your rivalry with Severus Snape was fueled by your pride and arrogance. You made enemies where you could have made allies. During the war, your distrust of Remus Lupin led you to choose Peter Pettigrew as your Secret Keeper, a decision that had catastrophic consequences that led not just to your death but also wife had sacrifice of her soul for the safety of your child. But it also gave hope to the wizarding world as your son, The Boy Who Lived."

James's face fell, the pain of that decision still raw.

"However, in your final moments, you displayed the true essence of a Gryffindor when you learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. You stood against Voldemort, unarmed and defenseless, to protect your family. Your sacrifice allowed Harry to survive and ultimately defeat Voldemort."

The Judge paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in.

"James Potter, your life was a story of a spoiled child learning from his mistakes and becoming a responsible man. You were brave and loyal, but also flawed and impulsive. You made mistakes, but you also made sacrifices that changed the course of history."

James listened intently, his emotions a mixture of regret and pride.

"Did you live a good life? It was not perfect, but it was filled with love, courage, and a relentless spirit. You faced your flaws and tried to do better. In the end, you gave everything for those you loved."

"For judgment in this trial," the Judge continued, "you are given three chances. When your son Harry faces the trials of Time, Death, or his destiny, you will have the opportunity to save and encourage him in some form."

James felt a surge of emotion at these words, a father's hope intertwined with the weight of responsibility.

The Judge's voice softened. "In my judgment, James Potter, you lived a life worth remembering. You lived a good life."

James let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a sense of peace washing over him. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude and relief.

As the echoes of the Judge's words lingered in the air, James nodded, a newfound resolve settling within him. He understood the significance of this judgment, the chance to guide and protect his son through the trials that lay ahead.

"Thank you," James said softly, gratitude and determination coloring his voice. "I will be there for him."

The Judge nodded in acknowledgment, a faint smile touching his lips. "Go now, James Potter. A soul journey never ends, and your son needs your help."

With a final nod, James Potter turned, his spirit lighter yet imbued with purpose. As he left the ethereal courtroom, he carried with him the Judge's words and the promise of a father's steadfast love across time and destiny.