Written For The Houses Competition, Round 10. Gryffindor. Year 1: Drabble. Prompt: (weather) snowstorm.
Word Count: 494 without A/N.
Another snowstorm, long ago…a ghost of a memory...
"I've got you, Petunia!"
Petunia laughs, and nabs Lily from behind her beautiful fort...
"It's freezing, Lily!"
Lily laughed, and pelted James with another snowball. His crimson dress robes were dusted with white, as were her golden ones. "James," she teased, "am I going to mess up your hair?"
They were picturesque. Secretly, it stroked her vanity far more than it should have.
"Are you cold, Petunia, darling?" Vernon removed his dinner jacket and placed it around her bare shoulders.
Relieved, she slipped her arms into it. They were picturesque in the snow, her white dress a gift from Vernon's mother, him carrying a bouquet of red roses. "Thank you, dear."
"Under 'toerag'. For two, at seven."
The Sparkling Cauldron was truly beautiful — a chandelier of golden cauldrons illuminated the paintings on the walls, and fairy lights danced above every table. And James had booked the finest private room, a recommendation from his own father.
Only the finest for my Lily-flower.
"Vernon. For two. At seven."
Proud, he swept his arm at the golden chandelier. "Beautiful, isn't it. My father only takes his most important customers here."
Only the finest for my Pet.
"We could be out there, you know." Lily spoke quietly, but her voice was strong. "Fighting with wands, not snowballs. We might not get another night like this. We could be out in the cold..."
James brushed her hand softly. "Let's not think about that tonight, Lils."
She smiled, and they didn't.
"To think," Vernon declared, "that with the new job at Grunnings, we will have so many more nights like this!"
"Oh, Vernon." Petunia reached for his hand. "I wouldn't trade this for the world. Imagine still being out in that cold?"
"Crazy weather outside, huh? Storm's worsening."
Witch and wizard both gave the waitress a warm smile. "It is!"
"Anything to drink?"
"Hmm...a Sparkling Apple Cauldron for me?" James indicated the signature cocktail, a blend of Firewhisky, apple juices, and vanilla vodka.
"And you, ma'am?"
Under the table, Lily gave James a nudge. "The same for me. Thanks!"
Raising his eyebrows, James waited for their waitress to leave before giggling. "Wouldn't have expected it of you, Lils." He leaned forward to kiss her, waiting for her to pull towards him…
And she did. "That's not the only rule I'm breaking tonight..."
"Crazy weather outside, huh? Maybe the storm's letting up."
Vernon nodded. He'd never dream of doing something as tacky as being rude to a server, but he had no interest in idle conversation. "I'll have an Apple Pie on the Rocks. Petunia?"
For a moment, she considered doing something wild, daring… how would he react? Would he be shocked? Thrilled?
"A Persimmon Mojito for me, please."
Bend the rules, sometimes. But never break them.
It's Lily's first time really playing in the snow. It's Petunia who teaches her to throw snowballs.