This was written for theintrigueddirigibleplum's 'When I Grow Up Challenge' on HPFC. I own nothing. Unfortunately.
Dorcas Meadowes, thirteen and a half, stands in front of the mirror and traces the arch of her dark eyebrows. Snoring slightly on the bed behind her is Lily Evans, her red hair curling round the pillow, long eyelashes shut over beautiful emerald eyes. Downstairs, Gryffindor is waking up. The common room is echoing with the noise of hungry students surging towards the Great Hall for breakfast. Among them are the Marauders, and Dorcas feels a pang of envy as she imagines walking into the Hall with Lily, and having all four pairs of eyes turn to look at her because James is interested in her slim frame, glossy hair and wide eyes.
It's not the James bit she's jealous of. Truth be told, she thinks he's a bit of a prat. She just wants people to look at her for a change, and see someone other than bookish, brainy Dorcas. When I grow up, she whispers to herself, I want to be beautiful.
It's seventh year, and she's standing on the Astronomy Tower, waiting for him. Absently, she tugs at a lock of her dark hair, and looks down at the grounds, and fancies she sees them – the Golden couple – wandering around the lake, her head on his shoulder, arms interlocked.
"Sorry I'm late, McGonagall wanted me to give this to Peter and I couldn't find him, the rat, and –"
She turns, and silences him with a kiss, before leaning back against the balcony and smiling at him.
"Hi," she says.
"Hi..." he agrees, startled. "Why did you want to meet up here?"
"It's pretty," Dorcas explains, taking his hand and leading him over to the edge. "You can see the stars. They're beautiful tonight."
There's a pause, and she turns to find him staring at her.
"I've seen prettier..." he says, softly.
"You sap," Dorcas laughs, leaning against him and wishing that this moment could last forever. She's the one to break it though, as she moves away from him, playing with the edge of her cardigan. "Why me?"
"What?"
"Why... Why did you choose me? You're a bloody Marauder, for Merlin's sake! You could have had any girl in the school – No, listen to me! Why did you choose me? Because I'm afraid this is some sort of sick joke, and I couldn't handle that. I know I'm not brave, or funny, or pretty –"
"Dorcas," he interrupts, smiling. She glares at him. "You told James he was a self centred narcissist during lunch today. You are funny. You're one of the funniest people I know. And as for you not being pretty... That doesn't deserve a response. No buts," he adds, as Dorcas opens her mouth to argue.
"But –" she says, anyway. It's his turn to kiss her, and when they break apart he moves her over to the balcony again, and leans over it. She joins him, taking one of his hands in both of hers and resting her head against his shoulder.
"When I grow up," she whispers.
"You are grown up," he says.
"Shut up. When I grow up I want... World peace would be good. I wouldn't complain if we somehow vanquished Voldemort. But if I can spend another day with you, that'll be good enough for me."
"And I'm the sappy one," he ruins the moment by saying, and she rolls her eyes and kisses him.
So... yes, the guy at the end can be whoever you want it to be but I like to think it's Remus XD Review?