Thunder
Chapter 3: In which a few people are proved wrong
Jackie met Lucius in the Entrance Hall, before they were checked by Filch and allowed to go down the road to Hogsmeade. The conversation was amiable to say the least, and Jackie thoroughly enjoyed the walk, as Lucius was actually quite intelligent and offered his opinions easily. They walked down the main street of Hogsmeade until they stopped outside the Owl Emporium. It was a new addition to the all-wizard town, and was a small run business, as people did not often 'wear out' their owls.
"You wanted to look at an owl, yes?" Lucius said, gesturing to the door.
Jackie nodded, "Yes," and they walked in.
There was a tinkling bell noise as they walked in and the place, although new, already had the same smell that the Owlery at Hogwarts had, a mixture of feed and droppings. Lucius pointed out two likely choices for her, a proud Snowy owl, and a haughty-looking Tawny creature. The shop assistant was only to willing to help them when she sensed a sale, and began talking a mile a minute about the pro's and con's of each owl.
"Well, the Snowy's very loyal, though 'e ain't a native bird ye see, so if ye intend to stay around 'ere for most of the year, ye might wanna consider the Tawny...less suspicious ye see, don't frighten the Muggles so much...or bring their attention to it..."
Jackie was very taken by the proud Snowy owl in front of her, and it was times like this she'd wished sent a letter home asking for more gold before the Hogsmeade trip. She checked her purse; she'd left most of her money up at the castle not expecting to spend money in Hogsmeade today. She only had 5 galleons, 10 sickles and 3 knuts to her name, and the beautiful creature cost 26 Galleons. She smiled and thanked the assistant for all her help and assured her she'd be back again to buy later. The shop assistants face fell; after all 'I'll be back later' was as good as a no in her books. Jackie tried to ignore Lucius's confused expression as they walked out of the Emporium.
Lucius didn't say anything until they reached the Three Broomsticks and had sat down in the warmth of the small bar. Madame Rosmerta (a young attractive girl, in her late teens) served them, and brought them the steaming Butterbeers they had ordered. Jackie took a small sip, revelling in the taste and when she put her glass down Lucius put his down also,
"What was that about?" he asked, not unkindly, but forcefully, "in the Emporium, I thought you wanted an owl."
Jackie looked into her butterbeer, slightly embarrassed by her predicament, as she knew the Malfoy's weren't poor, "I uhh, I didn't have enough money for either of the owls."
Lucius didn't say anything, realising he'd probably touched a nerve. They continued to drink their butterbeer in a comfortable silence until, "You know, you could've paid me back if you wanted the owl."
Jackie looked up, Lucius was looking at her with a thoughtful look on his face, "I mean, you still can, if you want, I don't mind, I don't even care if you want me to buy it for you, I have the money to spend."
Jackie shook her head, "I won't accept charity from you Lucius, even if it is just an owl."
She finished her butterbeer, and went to stand, wrapping her coat securely around her, it was nearing Christmas so it was snowing lightly, "We still have a few hours, let's go for a walk. I've never been near the Shrieking Shack before."
Lucius stood, adjusting his scarf, "Really, never ever...well, there's no time like the present."
They walked out and realised that the snow had picked up significantly since they walked into the Three Broomsticks. Jackie nearly slipped on the pavement, and would have, had Lucius not reached out and caught her, sliding his arm around her waist quickly. She felt herself colour at her misfortune, but caught her breath when he didn't let go, but instead linked his arm with hers, stating simply, "In case you decide to fall on me again," with a smile.
They walked with their linked arms all the way up the hill to the lookout for the Shrieking Shack. There was a wooden fence that they leaned against looking out over the snowy landscape. Of course Jackie knew WHY the shrieking shack was there, it was impossible not to when you were friends with the werewolf that inhabited it, but it was still slightly scary to look at.
"It's quite beautiful, considering what goes on there every month."
"What? How?"
Jackie caught herself and looked over at Lucius; his face was impassive, though a small smile twitching at his lips told her he'd got the reaction that he wanted. When he saw her surprised face, the twitching split into a grin.
"I know Remus is a werewolf."
Jackie stared, her mouth open, "But, but, no-one's meant to know."
Lucius cocked his head to the side, "Yet, you do...I'm not the smartest boy in my grade for nothing Jacqueline. Ever since Severus wouldn't shut up about him leaving I did my research, and found out. I figured it would do him no favours to spread it around so I didn't. He doesn't deserve to be ridiculed for that, it's going to be hard enough when he comes out of the closet."
Now Jackie was really stumped, how did he know these things, "Are you making this up on the spot?" she asked, bewildered.
"Au contraire, my dear, I'm merely very observant. Don't worry; I don't think anyone else notices. I find my own house very uninspiring and boring personally, so I look to the others to find either amusement, or in the case of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, I found out things they don't even realise is happening to the both of them."
Jackie looked back at the shrieking shack, "I don't understand, if you notice, why no-one else has?"
Lucius smirked, "because my dear Jacqueline, not everyone has the patience that I do to study the behaviour of people, they don't find it as fascinating as I do, the way the mind works, and how the body responds. On the same topic, I know of your little crush on me and be warned, the feelings are, how should I say, mutual...Whether that's a good or bad thing I'll leave you to decide later."
He frowned as he finished the sentence, and looked out over the landscape, not expecting a reply.
Jackie was also frowning, though for a different, reason. So he knew about her, Remus and Sirius, probably about James and Lily as well. She looked at him out the corner of her eye; the snow was still falling softly though it was slightly heavier now again. It was gathering on his shoulder as he leaned casually on the fence. She was once again drawn to the fact of how beautiful he was. She copied his pose, shivering slightly as she realised just how cold she was once she started moving, she had not thought ahead to wear a scarf.
"I...uhh...I think it's a good thing," she managed to choke out before a gush of icy wind left her momentarily breathless.
Lucius moved closer to her, taking his scarf off as he did so, wrapping it tenderly around her neck and shoulders, tucking it into her jacket, musing as he did so, his fingers lingering probably too long on the side of her face, "it might be, it might not be. I'm not a completely nice person Jacqueline, and neither are my family, not to mention they are certainly not the most accommodating of people."
Jackie shrugged, slightly hurt at his tone. He noticed her snub and put his arm through hers as they walked back down the street to the castle. They stopped under a tree near the Three Broomsticks, before they were seen by other students, even though it was nearly dark already.
"Don't snub me Jacqueline; didn't I just say that our crushes were mutual?"
His arm was now around her shoulders, but Jackie still sighed as she looked up at him, his eyes hooded and mysterious, waiting for her answer.
"Yes, but...I don't know what I want."
He leaned down and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, lingering for longer than was necessary again.
"You don't need to know. Because I have no idea either."
He smiled at her, rubbing her cheek lightly with his thumb where he had kissed it, "Come now, let's go back to the castle before you freeze."
He linked arms with her again, and they walked back to the castle slowly, ignoring the other students and focusing on their conversation, which thankfully for Jackie had turned to more mundane things like schoolwork.
They were greeted with a blast of hot air as they walked into the Entrance Hall. Other students were saying their goodbyes rather, physically, but Lucius settled for a small hug, and a quite, "Thank you for today Jacqueline, it was very pleasant."
He watched her walk up the stairs to wherever the Gryffindor Common Room was, and he turned and made his way back to his own common room, meeting Severus on the way who had been forced to stay behind as punishment for not finishing his Charms to a satisfactory standard.
0o0o0o0o0
Lily had likewise had a pleasant day in Hogsmeade. Thoroughly supporting Jackie's 'date', she had spent the day with James and co., and it had turned out quite enjoyable. She stayed in the entrance hall to see Jackie off with Lucius, before meeting the Marauders outside as they too walked down the road to Hogsmeade.
"Why isn't Jackie with us again?" James asked, seeming genuinely interested in where their friend was.
"She's with Lucius today; he said he'd help her find an owl."
Lily smiled as James scowled; looking around for the offending Slytherin as though he would spot by simply looking.
"Humph, I could've helped her with that if she wanted it..."
Remus sighed, joining the conversation, "You know she likes him Prongs, you never know, he might prove us wrong and be really nice."
James 'harrumphed' again moodily but seemed in better spirits when they got to Hogsmeade. They went to Zonko's first, and Lily dutifully looked away as they replenished their dwindling prank supplies. They trouped to Honeydukes next, breathing in the sugary air, glad to be out of the cold. Lily was as surprised as the next person when James turned around with a large red lollipop, with her name on it.
"What?" she started but James shoved it in her hand.
"It's for you, that's why it has your name on it." He grinned at her stunned expression, "I can be nice too you know Evans."
Lily took the lolly and licked it cautiously. When she was satisfied that nothing was wrong with it she was quite happy to continue being civil to James who in turn seemed to be trying extra hard to be nice to her as well. The next stop they decided was the Three Broomsticks, as it was getting too cold to stay out in the cold for too long. They sat around a long table, laughing as Sirius attempted and failed to use his many lurid pick-up lines on Madame Rosmerta. Lily took the opportunity to look at Remus, he wasn't too involved with the conversation, though whenever Sirius pulled out one of his horrible one-liners, he would look up and a small smile would grace his lips.
James put an end to her subtle spying as he started to talk to her about maybe coming over to his house on the holidays when the 'rest of the gang' where there also with Jackie, to spend some quality time together. Lily couldn't lie, if the holidays would be anything like the day she had spent with the boys today it would be a lot of fun at the Potters.
The conversation was put to an end quickly as another red-haired girl waltzed over to their table.
"Can I speak to Remus please?" she said smoothly, but with a noticeable Scottish lilt.
James raised his eyebrows as he took in her figure, but looked at Remus. Remus looked startled but apart from that he just nodded. Sirius on the other hand, looked ready to commit mass murder. Lily could see a storm brewing behind his gray eyes and for a small minute she felt scared for whoever would cross him in that state. It appeared Remus had noticed as well, because instead of inviting the girl to sit, he stood and walked slightly away from the others to pursue the conversation.
When Remus returned the uneasy air left the table and the conversation returned. Lily looked out into the snow-covered street; from where she was sitting she could see Lucius and Jackie walk past. James followed her gaze and let out a low whistle, grinning evilly.
"Look boys, Jack's off to do some shrieking in the shrieking shack"
The other boys laughed appreciatively at the joke but Lily looked back at her friend, feeling quite pleased when she saw they had linked arms. Towards the end of the afternoon the boys decided to call it a day, having done everything they needed to do. It was getting colder, so Lily conceded and they walked back up to the castle. They had reached the common room when James turned to her and said, "Hey, uhh, Jackie's not back yet, do you want to play chess with us for a bit?"
Lily looked at her pile of homework, then back at James's hopeful face, "Sure" she answered, knowing that she'd pay for it later when the homework was due.
0o0o0o0o0
Lucius was distracted. His attempt at Astronomy was one line, and various doodles at the top of the page. He couldn't quite distract himself enough from the pressing thoughts crowding his mind, to do it properly. He wanted to write to Jackie, to see if she enjoyed herself, despite his little outburst after the Owlery. In his minds eye, all he could see was Jackie stuttering away despite the cold, Jackie's shocked expression when he mentioned her friend's affliction, Jackie smiling nervously as he put his scarf around her neck...his scarf. He raised his hand to his throat, it wasn't there. She must've kept it, he thought, as he wracked his brain trying to think whether he'd taken it off of her. He thought back to when they'd said goodbye, and yes, she had walked in the direction of the Gryffindor common room wearing the green and silver scarf, still wrapped tightly around her neck. Looking for an excuse to write to her suddenly became much simpler. He grabbed a piece of parchment and hastily scribbled a note.
Jacqueline,
I trust you enjoyed yourself today, as I did immensely. I found it rather pleasant overall. Also, would you be so kind as to return my scarf to me tomorrow at breakfast, as it's the only one I have.
On a brighter note, are you staying at Hogwarts for Christmas?
Yours
Lucius
He was about to walk out of the common room to the Owlery when he saw his own owl, pecking at one of the few windows in the common room. He opened the window and it hopped in proudly, lifting its leg towards him with a letter. It was from his parents, politely asking whether or not he was staying at Hogwarts for the Christmas break, as well as inquiring as to how his term had been. While he re-read the letter, he sent his owl to Jackie with his note. She puffed her chest out proudly before she left as if to be happy to be needed on so many journeys today.
His fathers' letter was cold, just like the man himself.
Lucius,
Your mother and I were wondering if you were intending on gracing us with your presence at Christmas this year. As you may know, your 'Uncle Tom' is residing with us for a few weeks and if you were to be here, he would 'welcome' your presence. We hope your term has been fine, and that the magical standards have not lowered too much with the arrival of new first-years.
Axabras
He felt a shiver when he read that his Uncle Tom would be staying. He knew what that meant. It meant he was going to stay as far away as possible. There a slight pecking as the owl returned with Jackie's note. Lucius read it, and then quickly scribbled a hasty reply to his father.
Axabras,
My term so far has been satisfactory. The standards have not dropped, but rather, stayed satisfactory for the level of achievement of the new first-years. I will not be staying at Hogwarts this year for Christmas though I have intentions of visiting friends throughout this time so I may not be at home. Please give my regards to Uncle Tom if I do not get to see him, though I hope I do.
Lucius
He sent to owl on her way to the Malfoy manor and proceeded to read Jackie's reply in depth. How she managed to fit nearly a novel onto a small piece of parchment he would never be able to understand and he always felt as though he was disappointing her with his sometimes two or three sentence answers.
Lucius,
I do have your scarf. I forgot I was wearing it, it was so warm. I didn't even realise until Lily asked me where I bought it. Of course I will give it to you at breakfast, I would've anyway. I'll meet you outside the hall tomorrow morning. As to your holiday question, I'm afraid not. Lily invited me to stay at her place so I'm going to be there the entire time. It doesn't mean we can't see each other though, because Lily will probably see Sev during the hols, and if you're with him coincidentally at the same time, well, nothing can be done about that can it? I hope I can see you over the holidays. It would make them slightly brighter.
Jacqueline
Lucius folded up the note and decided that he would tell her his answer tomorrow before breakfast. He put it down among the piles of work and as he started to do some serious work on his essay Snape walked past on his way to the dorms.
"Night Lucius" he said vaguely.
"Night Snape" came the reply from behind as now teetering stack of books as Lucius tried to organise his things.
"Oh, Lucius, I think you should spend some time at my house these holidays. I know it's not as flash as the manor, but I bet it will be a bit more enjoyable than with your Uncle Tom..." Snape had turned to look at Lucius to gauge his reaction.
There was pause and a slight scratching of a quill, "Yeah, I'll definitely think about taking you up on that offer Snape."
Snape turned and continued walking towards his dorm and bed, calling for the last time over his shoulder, "Night, for real now Lucius"
He couldn't make out the mumbled reply, but he heard it, as he walked down the stairs to his room.
0o0o0o0
Remus was reading a book when Sirius opened the door to the dorm they shared with James and Peter. He didn't look up; he was too engrossed in his book. Sirius took the chance to see what he was reading...'Gone With The Wind', trust Remus to choose a sappy love story, and a muggle one at that. The full moon was approaching so he was looking a bit emaciated, but Sirius still thought he looked...hot, no, that wasn't a good word, beautiful, too girly...he couldn't think of an accurate noun to describe his friend without sounding like a flaming pansy, so he stopped trying.
"Are you just going to stand there? Or are you going to come in and do your deep thinking out of the doorway?"
Sirius coloured as Remus's voice emerged from the battered paperback he was reading. Of course Remus knew he was there, with his wolf-senses and all. Sirius was just glad he couldn't read minds, because he'd found the right noun, it was gorgeous, bloody gorgeous.
He walked towards his bed and crouched over his trunk, lying quickly, "I came up here for something and I can't for the life of me think what...hmmm..."
He rummaged through his trunk for a bit. He could feel Remus's eyes on the back of his neck, waiting for him to say something.
"Who was that girl today? In the Three Broomsticks?" Sirius decided to bite the bullet quickly, before the awkwardness that was present could expand.
"Melody?" Remus was still looking at his book, but his voice was clipped and his forehead furrowed with concentration. "She just wanted some help with Muggle Studies." His voice trailed off but Sirius didn't believe him. He stopped looking for his imaginary object and decided to try a direct approach. He flopped onto the bottom of Remus's bed and pouted heavily, "She looks like a slut."
Remus scoffed at him, "and you'd know all about that wouldn't you?"
Sirius grinned at him. From where he was sitting, Remus looked upside down and he was still scowling slightly. "Well that's what they say..."
Remus scowled at him, "I don't want to hear stories of your exploits Pads."
Sirius pretended to look shocked, "I wasn't going to tell you any, I'm sure you've heard enough. On a serious note about Melody though, I just don't your innocence taken by a scrag like her."
Remus raised his eyebrow, "She's not a scrag, thankyouverymuch! She's quite nice actually, and if you can't believe that she just wants help with Muggle Studies then you can sod off. I'm not interested in her in that way."
Sirius scowled, "Help eh, is that what they're calling it now?"
Remus huffed, and went back to his book, choosing to ignore Sirius. In return Sirius rolled onto his stomach, so that Remus was the right way up. His point had been made; he'd called melody a slut, so he was content to move on from the topic, "Are you staying here for the holidays Remus?"
Remus didn't reply at first, whether he was reading or ignoring Sirius he couldn't tell.
"No," he said finally, "My cousins are coming up and I don't want to miss seeing them. I don't see them very often."
Sirius looked at him, trying to discern whether or not he was irritated, his body was relaxed so he assumed it was okay. "Well I'm going to be at James', if you want to come and visit. Even if it's just for a week, Peter's coming too, so the whole gang will be there if we work it right."
Remus continued reading for a bit again before saying and vague, "Maybe. I'll see."
Sirius scowled again, not happy with his friends' vague answer, even though he put it down to the moon rising soon. Remus continued reading in silence and Sirius lay there with his thoughts until he had an idea. He rolled onto his back again and leaned over the side of Remus's bed to his trunk. Remus didn't object to what Sirius was doing so he put his hand in until he found what he was looking for, pulling out a small leather-bound tome. He opened the first page, 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" it read in curly lettering. He started reading and got to about two pages through when curiosity got the better of him and he tried to start a conversation again, "Are you mad at me Rem?"
Remus looked up, this time surprise was definitely evident in his eyes, "No, I, uhh, just found it slightly weird the way you acted today, especially in the Three Broomsticks. Then you came in here all guns blazing about Melody, it just, surprised me a little. I'm still digesting information."
Unbeknownst to Remus Sirius felt his heart drop to his toes, he hadn't meant to be that obvious about his dislike for Melody. Instead, he just lied again, "Ahhh, I've been a bit touchy all week, and I just really didn't like the whore...I mean, Melody."
Remus nodded, and then went back to his book. Sirius knew he didn't believe him, he could see it in his eyes, but he wasn't going to ask questions. Sirius continued reading his book, lounging around the end of the bed, while Remus sat cross-legged against his pillow. Sirius felt his leg start to go numb so he moved. The bed was very small, hardly big enough for the both of them, so Sirius decided spontaneously to use a makeshift pillow, Remus's crossed legs. He lay in the crook that was created, holding the book above him, so he could read, not too high, so as to disturb Remus though. Remus compensated by leaning his own book on Sirius's head, one hand holding the book, the other laying lightly in his hair. The air was getting thicker; both boys could feel it though neither were willing to break it. Sirius could feel his concentration waning as Remus's fingers played lightly with strands of his hair. He moved his eyes, too scared to move his head lest Remus should stop his ministrations, and it seemed he didn't even realise he was doing it. Sirius went back to reading comfortably, feeling remarkably warm as Remus continued to run his fingers through his hair.
Sirius was nearly halfway through the fourth chapter of his book when James burst in the dorm yelling loudly, "I know it's up here SOMEWHERE!"
Sirius and Remus froze, and Remus's hand dropped. James was rummaging through his trunk before holding up a dusty textbook triumphantly before dashing back out of the room. Remus coughed and Sirius looked at him, "My legs Pads, as comfy as they are have gone to sleep."
Sirius raised his head and moved back to the end of the bed before deciding to lie on his own. There was an awkward silence in the air, as both boys realised that had James noticed the rather intimate position they'd gotten themselves into they would both have a lot of explaining to do.
0o0o0o0
A/N: Umm, yeah…so here is the next chapter :) I thought I would have it up before this but umm, real life got in the way -.- Anyway, thanks for you guys who are reading it :) Please review as well to let me know how I'm going.
Disclaimer: I'm still not good ol' JK, or one of those movie guys. Therefore this stuff's not mine. Except for Jackie and Melody, they're mine…