"Not unreasonable though. I think a hell of a lot of people are right there with you, and most of them with a lot less personal reasons." James paused, settling his glasses a little higher on his nose. "Let's see what we can do to make those things happen, yeah? Both of them." Although, like Harry, there didn't seem to be much he could do toward the first. Any knowledge he might have in that area was equaled or surpassed by the experts who were already working on the problem. He had to settle for staying out of the way—and, apparently, offering Harry a shoulder.
"Anytime," he said, and he meant it. It seemed a little heartless, but he felt pleased that he'd actually been able to do something for Harry.
Maybe that's how you live with it. You just keep looking for small ways to try and make up for your failure.
"If you're sure you're ready." James glanced toward Harry's discarded broom. "Go on in, I'll take care of that. I think I'm going to try and stay out from underfoot a bit longer."