- Red? What are you doing here? Don't you dare ruin your romantic night for me... I said, sniffing inelegantly.
She just arrived in the dorm, where I was alternating between angriness and sadness for half an hour with Mary and Marlene trying to comfort me.
- My place is here, Dore, tell me what happened, she said.
I retell the scene to her.
- Sirius came back to the party and James went after him to try to talk to him... After a minute he came back and suggested to me that I came back here to look after you... She said, hugging me.
- Great, so he went back there to what? Do what he was stupidly blaming me for? Pick up girls? I snapped at her.
- Hey, don't attack me, I'm all on your side, hon, she said.
- Sorry, Lils, I'm just pissed, I said, my voice betraying me by finishing the last word with an awful high-pitched sound betraying the fact that I was restraining myself from crying.
- He wasn't looking like he was in any mood to pick-up girls, Dorcas, Lily said. He's in love with you, you would have to be blind not to see it, she added.
- Yeah right, the scene he just made was clearly an act of love, I said sarcastically.
- He was... It was insecurity, not that it was nicely outed... She said
- Didn't you just said you were on my side, Lily? Because, from where I look, I'm thinking you're on his! I said, exasperated.
- I'm on your side, Dore. And I agree with you, jealousy is an awful flaw. But... Just remember where he comes from? The little boy who never managed to get his own mother's love... It won't be easy to love him, and it won't be easy for him to believe that he deserves love, you know? She explained.
We all fell silent for a minute, muted by what she said. It was true, so true. Sirius, for a long time, never felt worthy of love... That was so sad...
- James loves Sirius with all his heart, Lily continued, seeing that we were listening. But he told me, it took years for Sirius to fully trust his friends. It was all new for him. He still doesn't believe that James would jump in front of a train to save him, even if he wouldn't himself think twice about it, she added.
- Well, now I kind of feel bad... I whispered.
- You shouldn't. He needs to work on these issues, I just wanted you to know where that could come from, Lily said.
- Should I go look for him? I asked.
- No, I think that James will help him for tonight, you two should have that conversation after he's cool off, Lily suggested.
- Yeah, I guess you're right, after the last time I went to see him when he was pissed, I should have learned... I shrugged.
We talked for a while, changing the subject as I was feeling better about what happened. I went to bed hoping that everything would be fine between Sirius and me...
- I did warned you that I would be a lousy boyfriend, didn't I? Sirius greeted me, as I was on my way downstairs to join my friends to breakfast.
I stopped and turned to look at him. He had his hands in his pockets, looking at me with an uncertain and shy smile.
- You did... I sighed.
- I do hate it, when I make a fool of myself like I did last night... He began. But, the worst was how I treated you. I'm sorry...
- Sirius, you need to trust me, I wasn't trying to make you look like a fool. You need to understand... Being with you... Most of the time, I don't understand why you want to be with me in the first place, so... Do believe that you're what I want. No-one else is'... I said, shying out of his persistent stare.
He came closer and bring my chin up for me to look back at him.
- I don't understand why you want to be with me neither, well, except for my good look, he winked at me.
- In any case, clearly not for your incessant boasting, I laughed. And, just so you know, you're not to tell me whom I'm allowed to talk to or not, I finished.
- I know. Are we fine, Fury? He asked me.
- I hope so, I hate fighting, I sighed.
- Yeah, me too, let's not, then? He said.
- Well, it will happen again sometimes, seeing that we're hot-tempered people, I said.
- I also heard somewhere that make-up sex is the best, he said, smirking.
- Shut up, I said, pulling him to me to kiss him.
The kiss was very good indeed, a little like our first kisses were. A little intense, a little desperate, a little relieved that it was happening...
- I love you, he sighed when we stopped to take a breath.
My jaw dropped.
Sirius
- Will I stop making a fool of myself when I'm around her? I complained to my best friend, as we were in our way back from a prank set up.
We sneaked unto DADA's class and we set up an elaborate magic trick. When the third years would begin their weeks tomorrow, there would be a Cornish pixies break out, bewitched to sing awfully bad some of Celestina Warbeck's lousy songs.
- So, you declaring your love to your girlfriend is foolish how, again? James asked.
- Well, said girlfriend didn't say it back, I pouted.
- Because she was clearly in shock, Pads, James said.
- Or, she just didn't return the sentiment, I continued pouting.
- Sirius, really, don't be thick, mate, the poor Meadowes is head over heels for you.
- You sure about that?
- That you two are desperately silly? Yeah, pretty much, he laughed at me, putting his arms on my shoulder affectionately. Honestly mate, you're being lame, he laughed some more.
- I know, right?
- Totally, and I LOVE to see you being a lame romantic bloke.
- All right, shut up, I pushed him.
- Did you talk to Moony? James asked.
- Not much, I just told him to butt the hell out of my relationship, I shrugged.
- Pads...
- And you should butt out of this too, Prongs, I warned him.
- … Fine... He sighed.
Dorcas
- He WHAT? Marlene shouted, flabbergasted.
- I'm not all that surprised, I told you he loves you, didn't I? Lily said with a grin.
- And what did you say? You must've been surprised? Marly said, her hand on her heart.
- Surprise is not the word. I never thought that he would be the first to say it. Damn, I never thought that he would actually say it at all... So... I just kissed him like a crazy person, hugging him too tightly and all. But... I kind of forget to say it back to him. Then, when I realised a moment later the moment was kind of past and I felt awkward, so...
- Oh. Said Lily.
- You think that's bad? I asked.
- Well, no... She began.
- I KNOW I'M STUPID, I said, hitting myself on the forehead in despair.
- It's not that bad, just... You know after what Lily told us last night about him and all... began Mary.
- ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT, I'M GOING STRAIGHT AWAY! I panicked.
- You go GIRL! Marlene encouraged me.
I rolled my eyes at her, before I went downstairs and began to climb the boys' stairs. I knocked at their dorm. Remus opened to me.
- Oh, hey, Dorcas, he said, opening the door wider to let me see in the dorm.
- Hey, I said back with a smile. Sirius' not here? I asked, seeing that Remus was alone.
- No, he went... James and him... They... He said, scratching his neck.
- Considering the guilty look on your face, there was clearly some pranking involved, I smiled.
- I didn't said that, he winked at me.
- Well then, tell him I want to see him? Please? I said.
- Of course.
It was a little awkward, I hoped that Sirius and him were fine, after last night.
- Great, thanks, later, I said, going back down.
As I was arriving in the Common Room, I saw the portrait closing behind James and Sirius who just entered through it. I just forget any common sense or restraint and I just threw myself at my boyfriend.
- Oh, hey, Fury, he said, surprised. Miss me?
- Later, pads, James winked at us before he went upstairs.
- I love you, I simply said, looking him in the eyes.
- Do you, now, he said, a warm smile spreading on his face.
- Well, not all the time, but, yeah, most of it, I smirked at him.
He hugged me tight and kiss me in my hair.
- Hm... That is good to know, he said. Wanna hang out?
- Yeah, why not, I said, as he was pulling me by the hand to bring me upstairs with him.
As usual, I was looking at the clock in despair. Why do I always have to be, and by far, the first ever to finish my exams. We were not allowed to get out for the next half hour, and I was tired to re-read my answers. I was satisfied with it and to re-read it incessantly would just bring unnecessary doubt. We did the practical part of the exam during the first part of the period, and I managed it quite well. It was the end of the mid-term's exams. It went great, or so I think, we can never really know before we got our grades, can we? I didn't realise that I was tapping my fingers on my desk before the girl in the desk in front of mine turned to me with an annoyed scowl and an exaggerated sigh. I stopped it. I tried to focus on the positive. In half an hour, I would be free, I would go pack to leave for two weeks tomorrow morning.
I was spending Christmas at grans. I was so happy about it. It will smell good from all the cooking she would do for Christmas, the ginger cookies especially. Those were something. Also, there would be two novelties this year. First, I was invited to the Potters for their big Christmas soiree, I was to spend December 25 and 26 with them. Second, we were planning a New Year's Eve friendly bash at my new flat. I have a flat. Still crazy to think about it. I can't wait to run over there with Lily and our moms to redecorate. My mom beforehand went with grans and Aunt Alice to clean up and help her move out. My bed was already there, and Alice gave me most of the furniture. She was moving with her boyfriend, aka Robby, the photograph who was following her everywhere. It was just logical to pay only one rent, especially because they were hardly ever at home...
Also, I was planning to escape there with Sirius somewhere during the Holidays... Hm. That should be interesting...
I looked back at the clock and it was FINALLY time. I was free, at last! I put my things in my bag and got up, not even bothered by the looks of the other students, always not understanding how I could be already done. If only they knew, I was done 45 minutes ago... I gave my exam to Professor Flitwick, who nodded to me with a smile, before I left the classroom. I went directly to my dorm, very excited to pack up my things, and also to be able to have the night off with my friends before we would leave tomorrow. I took off my robe, then the wool gray sweater of my uniform, then my tie. I was throwing things in my suitcase when the door opened on my boyfriend.
- Oh, hey, I said, smiling at him. You're already done, then? I asked, speaking of the exam.
- Yeah, it was easy enough, he said, closing the distance between us in three long strides.
He took me in his arms and kissed me.
- Let's enjoy some time alone, for once? He said.
- Yeah, I know it's rare... I sighed.
He took off his robe and pulled me to my bed, and we continued to snog while lying on it. His hand ran up my thigh to grab my butt under my uniform's skirt.
- You know that the girls can come back anytime, right? I said, not really convincing, as I was myself taking off his sweater and tie.
- The perspective of being caught is quite a turn-on, actually, he whispered in my ear, before he bite it gently, giving me shivers all over.
Nonetheless, he took his wand and silently casted a locking spell on the door. I began unbuttoning his shirt and passed my hands over his chest, caressing it gently. He was now himself occupied with the unfastening of my blouse. Once it was done, he took a moment to appreciate the view, or so his facial expression was leading me to that conclusion, before he just decided that he wanted to hungrily kiss my cleavage. Merlin. That was feeling good...
- Is the door locked? Dorcas, you here?
It was Lily's voice, coming from the other side of the door. I sat up very quickly in my bed, trying to button up my blouse as fast as I could manage, before she would unlock the door.
- Damn Hogwarts, Sirius said with a smile.
- Alohomora, I heard, then there was a click sound as the door was unlocking.
Sirius sat up too but didn't look at all in a hurry like me. Actually, he was looking like he finds the situation pretty hilarious. As the door was opening, I was hitting him with my pillow, to try to make him stop laughing at me. Lily entered, followed by Mary, and they froze when they saw us. I mean, it was written GOT CAUGHT in capital all over our faces.
- Oh. Hey, guys? Lily said.
- I think we're crashing, Lils, Mary laughed, on her way to her bed.
- Well, obviously, Lily laughed with her. Your blouse is crooked, Dore, she winked at me.
I looked down and saw that she was right, I buttoned it wrong.
- We should have written a Do not disturb on the door, I think, Fury, Sirius grinned, while buttoning up his shirt.
- That's the downside of shared dorms, right? Lily said.
Sirius was now putting his sweater on, not bothering with the tie, that he just stuffed in his pocket. Then, he came back to sit next to me, circling my waist with his arm. Marlene entered at that moment.
- FREEDOM AT LAST! She shouted as she entered, her arms in the air in victory. Oh, hey Sirius, she greeted him. What's up?
- Oh, nothing much, was enjoying my gorgeous half-naked girlfriend when those two interrupted us, he smiled his crooked smile.
I nudged him in the ribs.
- That's unfortunate, she smiled at us.
- So, what are you planning to do during your weeks off? Mary asked him.
- Oversleep, spend time with her, he said pointing me, and with James' family, home shopping, that kind of things.
- Home shopping? I asked him, surprised.
- Yeah, of course, I'll need my own place someday, and I hope to find a place that I would be able to move to after school's over, he shrugged. James' father wrote to me that he found something that could do, he wants me to visit it next week, he said.
- That's great, I said, wondering what kind of place that would be.
- Good, said Mary. Marlene and I are supposed to do that too, so exciting, right? To have our own place. We'll look in London, as we're both dying to leave the countryside!
We chatted some more before I resumed packing my stuff and kicked Sirius out.
- Can I write to you, or is it too lame? I smiled at Sirius, as my parents were waiting on me on the 9 ¾'s platform.
- Of course, you can write to me, silly, he rolled his eyes.
- Good. I will, then, I said, hesitating to go.
- Can I kiss you in front of your dad, or will he jinx me? He asked me, taking my hand.
- I never thought something like that would stop you, I laughed.
- You're right, and it's worth the risk, he said, kissing me gently. See you, Fury, he said.
- Soon, I smiled to him, before going to join my parents.
- So, happy, Dory? My mom said, as we were sitting on my bed after two long days of shopping and redecorating of my flat.
- Happy's a too-feeble word, mom. Ecstatic would be nearer from what I'm feeling right now. Thank you so much, this place is perfect for me and Lily, I said, hugging her.
- I wanted to talk to you about security. There's an anti-apparition magical barrier, the chimney isn't connected to the Floo network and the flat isn't visible if the person doesn't have that, she said, giving me the small parchment paper she showed me two days ago when we arrived. I gave one to Lily too, and I explained everything to her. It's important, Dorcas, you girls need to be extra careful and safe, she said.
- I know, I understand, thanks mom.
- And by-the-way, we're closing in on Villeroy and Gallagher, she said, evoking our death eaters' nemesis. We're pretty sure we'll be able to catch them within the next days... She added, her eyes fierce.
- Great, I have to admit I'll feel better when those two maniacs would be arrested. Especially after your last letter. They really killed that couple?
- Yes... We think that it was a recruitment meeting that turn badly. They were brilliants healers from St-Mungos and they already turn down their offer multiple times... Looks like they're more and more forceful. You're either with them or you're against them. There's no place for neutrality in their world... We already began to hide people who had been approach by them to join...
- It's getting worse, isn't it? I sighed.
- Well, a lot of good and talented people are still fighting them, there'll always be hope. Good will win, Dory, it always does...
Boyfriend (still weird to call you that),
How are things at the Potter's Manor? Did you already ride your bike? Did you visit the house James' father told you about?
Do you miss me?
Because I do, miss you, already. Ridiculous, I know, it's been only 48 hours we've been appart. We've been pretty busy, though, I must say. My flat is now nicely decorate and ready for Red and me. In fact, I'm writing to you from it, we're having a sleepover, the two of us, tonight, before Christmas' madness began.
How is Christmas at James'?
As for us, it always been celebrated at my parent's flat. That year will be different, for obvious reasons, it will be at my gran's home. There will be my gran's (of course) and my grandfather from my mother's side, plus Aunt Alice (my mom's sister, the one who previously owned my flat), her boyfriend Robby, my dad's sister Valery, her husband Michel and their son Olivier. As you could've guessed, Michel is French, so we only see them during Christmas Holiday. Olivier is a year older than me, and I wish I would be in touch more because he's really nice. We kind of grew up together, but Michel got a dream job's opportunity when we were around ten, and they move out. Anyway, sorry to bore you with family platitudes!
We'll be seeing each other in two days, can't wait!
Also, you can write back, you know.
Actually, I command you to write back.
Love you,
Dorcas xxx
Dear Fury,
Things are great, actually. Christmas is nice here. Well, not that I have anything normal to compare it to. We decorate the tree (I must say that I hate doing it, but Euphemia loves it, so I'm acting as if I like it), we're preparing for the big soiree, too. Of course, I rode my bike. It purrs to perfection. I'll give you a ride when you'll come here.
Do I miss you?
Good question, let me think about it for a moment... Of course, I miss you. Did you increase the Amortentia dosage? Because, I must say, I'm obsessed. I'm sure you commissioned Prongs to spike my juice in your absence, you devilish woman...
You're not boring me with your Christmas' family traditions. On the contrary, I like that you have a great and boringly normal family. I might want to crash your party, actually, to spice things up, you see.
Love you too, even when you're a pest,
Sirius xxx
PS: James INSISTED that I say Hi for him.
Sirius,
PLEASE DO, you're welcome here anytime.
Fury (I can't believe I actually wrote that) xxx
PS: Not funny, that joke about Amortentia!
- Dory, love? I heard my mom call from the kitchen.
- Yes? I answered.
- Everything's set, you can stop cleaning and go prepare, they will arrive shortly!
Great. I hated cleaning, but every year was the same. My mom would cook like a mad woman with gran, enough food for an army (I'm not exaggerating that much, we eat leftovers for a week after). I put away the cleaning stuff and went to the kitchen. It smelled heavenly good.
- Any news from Sirius, hon? Will he come? My mother asked me.
- No, I don't think so, it's fine, I'll see him tomorrow as planned, I shrugged, but feeling a little disappointed.
- I have a gift for him, you'll give it to him tomorrow, then? She smiled.
- You don't even know him! I frowned at her.
- He's the one making you really happy during those depressing times we're living, I love him already, she winked at me.
Well, that was touching. I closed the distance between us and went to hug her.
- Love you, mom, I sighed.
- And I love you too, but hurry to clean up and change, while I finish this and run to do the same, she pushed me out of the kitchen.
- Is he really already asleep? He talked to me like thirty seconds ago! Olivier told me.
- You know grandpa, he's an afternoon sleeper, I laughed.
- Wanna go take a walk outside?
- Yeah, why not? I said, getting up to take my coat.
- So, what's up? Olivier asked me as we were getting out.
- Well, let me think... I got attacked two times by a couple of death eaters... And I now have a boyfriend...
- Okay... Care to elaborate? On those two subjects?
I explained the crazy months I've just been through, before he told me his own struggles. Is main was that his father, Michel, was a renown healer and that Olivier wanted to be a professional musician. Let's say that it wasn't his father's aspirations for him.
- Well, why were we born if not to disappoint our parents? I nudged him affectionaly.
- Yeah, say the girl who'll do the same profession as her parents, he nudged me back.
- True, but they never wanted me to, I said.
- … Do you hear that? He asked.
I tried to hear what he was referring to, and I heard a distant roar indeed.
- It looks like... It's coming from the sky! He turned around to look.
I smiled, as I realised what it was. Indeed, Sirius' bike pierced the clouds something like a yard away.
- What is this? Olivier said, taking off his wand.
- That would be my boyfriend, I laughed, putting my hand on his for him to drop his wand.
- You came! My mother exclaimed as she saw Sirius coming in with Olivier and me.
Sirius smiled charmingly at her.
- I brought you a little something, he said, giving her a gift bag.
- How nice of you! She said, closing in and giving him a warm hug. He looked surprised, at first, then he seemed to come back to life and hug her back.
- It's just some wine, to go with the dinner, he said, still looking a little surprised by the warm welcome.
- We're very happy to see you, Sirius, are we not, Richard? She said, turning to my dad.
- Welcome, mr. black, my dad said to him, shaking his hand.
- Please, call me Sirius.
After the greetings (even my grandfather, who got awoken by my mom's enthusiasm), we all sat in the living room for Sirius to get to know everyone. I sat at his side, sliding my hand unto his, ever so grateful that he came. It was making me realise even more that this was real. Him and me. For him to come in my family like this... I realised that I would surely never get to know his parents. Not that I wanted to. I would want to jump on his mother and shake her hard. Maybe even punch her in the throat. What a horrible person. How could someone not be in love with Sirius? My entire family was completely under his charm right now. My dad just promised him to keep the bike's a secret from the Ministry. Evidently, not a minute after, all the men went outside to take a closer look at it.
- Well, quite a charming one, that boyfriend of yours, Alice winked at me.
- He gained your father easily, I would not have thought it possible, my mom said. He was kind of mad after we met him the first time. They we're snogging in a bed, she turned to her sister.
- Okay, Val, please give me some, she said, as my Aunt was serving herself some wine. That here looks like an interesting anecdote, she smiled at us.
