Chapter 23: Blow Your Mind
Gemma stared at the flames in front of her, lost in thought. What she was thinking about, she couldn't say, but her mind tumbled over itself as she recalled the last ten days and the fact that tomorrow everyone would be returning to Hogwarts.
The Christmas break had passed surprisingly quickly, probably aided by Sirius's company. He'd joined her for walks around the castle and grounds, afternoons in front of the fireplace reading or working on assignments, and when the weather was dry, flying practice while she cast various spells. They had even duelled one day, using a deserted classroom and pretending to battle until one had disarmed the other.
Gemma had dominated the duel and won. Sirius had frowned at her, then tossed her over his shoulder and carried her all the way up to his dorm. Then he'd dominated her in another, altogether more enjoyable way. Gemma blushed at the memory.
After that first day together, Gemma had told Sirius that she wanted to have sex again. And Sirius had happily agreed. Since, they'd had sex almost every day and Gemma was now tired, achy and sore, but she wasn't going to complain. She liked it, and she was going to miss all the sex when her friends returned. Damn their stupid dorms.
"What are you reading?"
Sirius's hand reached down in front of her and grabbed the book that was loosely held in her lap. She wasn't reading it; had forgotten it was there. She was distracted by the flames and her thoughts. She turned to look up at Sirius. "Hogwarts, A History. I've read it before. And I wasn't really reading it now. Where have you been?"
Passing the book back to her, Sirius moved around the sofa and joined her. As usual he practically sat on top of her. The man had no idea about personal space, it seemed. "Snuck into the kitchens to try and get more of that banoffee pie. I can't stop thinking about it. But they didn't have any." He pulled an exaggerated upset expression.
Gemma laughed. In the early hours of Christmas Day, Sirius had snuck into the kitchens to steal a banoffee pie; his Christmas gift to her. She had joked a few days earlier that she never gets to eat dessert for breakfast, so they had eaten the entire thing before eleven AM and spent the rest of the day feeling sick. It had been perfect. "It was incredible. It's been haunting my dreams."
Sirius grinned. "One day I'll get it for you again." He turned his body more fully towards her. "What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
Gemma smiled. She knew exactly where he was going with this. She shrugged casually at him. "A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Why? Do you have any ideas?"
Sirius leaned in and nipped her earlobe. Her nipples tightened in response. "You know exactly what ideas I have." He pulled back slightly, then sighed. "Our friends return tomorrow, along with the rest of the school. We both know it won't be easy to continue doing what we're doing. How about we make this afternoon count?"
She smiled and nodded at Sirius. "I think that sounds like an excellent idea."
And Merlin, did it sound like an excellent idea. There was one thing she really wanted to do that Sirius hadn't let her do yet. She'd learned early on that Sirius liked control in the bedroom, and she was happy to let him take the lead. In fact, the thought of surrendering herself completely was exhilarating. But she wanted to do something, and this time, she wasn't going to let him distract her.
They headed upstairs to Sirius's dorm quickly, and began removing their clothing. Once naked, Sirius stalked towards her and Gemma let him catch her. He kissed her hard and fast, moving them quickly towards the bed.
Gemma placed her hands on his shoulders and firmly paused their movement. "Sirius, wait." He pulled back and looked down at her, waiting for her to continue. She liked her lips in anticipation. "Every time we've been together, you always go down on me and give me the most incredible orgasms." She ignored the smug smile on Sirius's face. "While I love that, I want to return the favour." Taking a deep breath, Gemma drew on a confidence she didn't truly have, and knelt on the floor in front of him. "I want to suck your cock, Sirius."
Fuck.
How could he say 'no' to that? Why would he want to say to 'no' to that? Especially as she was already on her knees. Merlin's fucking Beard.
Gemma had offered to give him oral the first time they'd been together, but never since. Although, he hadn't really given her much chance. He enjoyed taking control of their time together and that usually meant he would give her an orgasm with his hands or his mouth, then they'd have sex. He was desperate to encourage her into some new positions, but they were both still learning. And the traditional way was just too much fun.
He stared at Gemma, kneeling in front of him, awaiting his answer. How many times had he imagined this? How many times had he been tempted to just push her to her knees and tell her to take him into her mouth? Too many to count. And he'd never been bold enough to be that demanding.
Sirius stroked his cock and watched Gemma's eyes flick downward, taking him in. She licked her lips again. Damn, he was going to explode before she even touched him.
"Are you sure?" He barely recognised his own voice. He cleared his throat. "Don't feel like you have to, just because I've gone down on you."
She was shaking her head before he'd even finished his sentence. "I don't. I feel no obligation. I want to do this, Sirius."
He smiled. "Well, I won't stop you from doing something you want to do."
Gemma stared at his cock for a moment, then reached out to stroke him. He dropped his own hand as she clasped him inside her small fist and pumped him. Damn, that felt good. She looked back up at him. "I've never done this before though. You might need to tell me what you like."
He chuckled slightly. "I've never had this done to me before, so I can't help you. But I'm sure whatever you do, it will feel amazing." He thrust his hips into her hand. "It always feels amazing."
"Oh." Gemma stared at his cock again, and Sirius could see she was surprised that he'd never had a blow job before. One to discuss another day though, because suddenly she was leaning towards him.
His head fell back and he groaned as she swiped at the tip of his cock with her tongue. Merlin, he was in trouble. She lapped at him, licking around his head and then dotting little kisses along the side. It was the most exquisite torture he'd ever endured. Slowly, she licked her way back to the tip, then boldly took him into her mouth.
His knees buckled and his fists clenched as she slowly pulled more and more of him into the warm cavern of her mouth. Her tongue continued to dance around him as she hollowed her cheeks and sucked him deep, bobbing her head back and forth to take more of him each time. Fuck. Neither of them may have ever done this before, but he had an idea she was fucking good at it. He was certainly enjoying it.
And he was close to climax already. They hadn't discussed whether he would come in her mouth, but he imagined she would expect him to pull out. It was the polite thing to do. He moved his hands to her hair, threading his fingers into the silken strands. He wanted to tighten his grip, hold her steady while he pumped his hips, but she wasn't ready for that. He wasn't sure he was either; the thought alone made his balls tighten too quickly.
Instead, he held her head loosely, letting her know she was still in control. He just needed to touch her, needed to feel her softness. He felt the knowing tingle at the base of his spine and he started to pull away. "Gem, I'm going to come." His voice sounded breathless even to his own ears.
She gripped his thighs tighter, and stayed where she was, continuing to swallow as much of him as she could, sucking him in and licking around him. Sirius was close. Too close. Gemma looked up at him and their eyes met. Fuck. He shouted out as his orgasm overtook him and he watched as Gemma frantically swallowed his seed.
Taking deep, calming breaths, Sirius stepped backwards and pressed his hand to the wall to steady himself. Gemma slowly rose to her feet, all graceful curves and flushed skin, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she wiped away his essence. Damn her. She knew the effect she'd had on him. He was going to make the minx pay for that smugness. He was going to throw her on the bed and lick her pussy for hours. He was going to give her so many orgasms she wouldn't be able to stand for days.
Once he found the energy to move, of course.
"That was fun."
He almost laughed at Gemma's comment; understatement of the year. "It really was. Thank you." She blushed slightly, then stepped backwards and perched on the bed. She looked good there. It was a damn shame their friends were coming back as he was getting quite used to the idea of her being naked on his bed. He stood up and moved towards her, a playful smile on his lips. "So, do you have any other demands for this afternoon?"
Gemma laughed softly, then shrugged her shoulders and glanced to the side. "Not really. Except…" She paused for a moment, so Sirius waited. He was intrigued about what she would ask for. "I wouldn't mind us trying it with me on top."
Sirius wouldn't mind that either. Not one bit. "That sounds like fun." He moved past her and threw himself down on the bed, chuckling as Gemma squeaked when she nearly slipped off the edge. He was bigger than her, and the bed was only a single. She'd just have to climb on top of him.
As he stretched himself out on his back, Gemma didn't hesitate to do exactly that. She threw her leg over him and straddled his hips. His cock reacted instantly and jerked forward, bumping against her arse. A few more moments and he'd be fully hard again.
He looked up at Gemma who sat smiling above him. She clearly liked this position. His eyes travelled over her body and took in her beautiful, round breasts, slim waist and slightly flared hips. He quite liked the position too.
Reaching up, he filled his palms with her breasts and ran his thumbs over the hardened tips. A soft moan tore from Gemma's throat and he repeated the motion. Lifting himself to half sitting, he sucked one nipple into his mouth while his fingers played with the other. Gemma wriggled on his lap, her damp pussy rubbing against his stomach as she clearly tried to find the right friction to come. He decided to torture her a little more.
Alternating between breasts, Sirius suckled, nipped and licked at her soft flesh and tight nipples, rolling and pinching the other with his fingers. Gemma's wriggling increased and she started to pant in frustration. He finally decided to give her a much needed release. Trailing his fingers to her core, he found her bundle of nerves and gave it a quick flick. That was all she needed; she shattered above him, crying out her release as she slumped forward slightly.
Sirius didn't want to wait any longer. He grabbed a condom from his drawer and rolled it on. "You ready, Gem?"
She nodded and lifted herself up. His cock sprang forward, seeking the place it wanted the most. She reached for him – that sensation alone tearing a groan from his lips – and lined herself up. Then she slowly, slowly lowered herself onto him.
It was another form of exquisite torture. They both expelled a breath as she seated herself fully on top of him. She was so wet, so tight. He wondered if he'd ever get tired of the feeling.
Gemma rocked herself forward and back, obviously trying different movements now she had all the control. Sirius held himself still; he wanted to lift his hips, thrust himself in and out, demand they move at a fast pace. But this was Gemma's moment.
Gemma obviously read his mind. "You want to take over, don't you?"
He reached for her hips and chuckled slightly. "I want to do something. You rocking back and forth like that is torture."
She laughed and repeated the motion. "I quite like it. But I don't want to torture you." She leaned down and kissed him lightly. "How's this?"
She suddenly lifted herself almost completely off him – so only the tip of his cock was still inside her – then slammed herself back down. His growl mixed with her moan as she repeated the move, the sensation incredible and new. He ran his hands over her thighs, her hips, her waist as she thrust up and down. He pushed his own hips up, rising to meet hers as she came down on him, increasing the friction between them. Her breasts bounced in front of his face and he was eager to pull a nipple into his mouth, tug it between his teeth.
But Gemma pulled back. "Sirius." She sounded weary and he could tell she was tiring. "I can't keep up this pace."
He gripped her hips tightly and helped her to continue her movements. He lifted her off him, then brought her back down and slammed into her with his own thrusts. He felt her relinquish control to him. Felt her body relax as she allowed him to manoeuvre her above him.
He moved his thumb to her clit and rubbed it in tight circles until she shuddered, her climax taking over, her tight sheath rippling around his cock. It was almost enough to send him over the edge. Wrapping his arms tightly around her limp form, he lifted and flipped them over so he was back on top.
Gemma sighed in contentment and smiled up at him. "I knew you'd take back control."
He smiled and kissed her lips. "Is that what you want?"
She nodded and threw him a sexy smile. "Yes. Always. Take me, Sirius."
He didn't need any further encouragement. He pulled back and thrust into her hard and deep. He set a fast pace, slamming his body into hers, chasing that high for them both. He leaned back, hooked his arms under her knees and lifted her hips off the bed. The change in position made him go deeper, as he pummelled into her from a new angle. Her moans filled the room; she was close, he could tell. Could he hold out and give her two more orgasms? He was damn well going to try.
She reached up and cupped her breasts, pinching her nipples as she broke apart, her body going taut as her third orgasm rocked through her. He almost came from the sight alone. But he didn't slow. He leaned forward, lifting her knees with him and sucked her nipple into his mouth. She shuddered, another orgasm clearly on its way. He pounded into her, his own release moments away too.
Her hands found his shoulders, her nails scored his back, the bite of pain adding to his pleasure. He was done. He thrust hard one more time and poured out his release just as Gemma climaxed once again. He fell on top of her. Merlin's Beard, he was spent. He'd have to move soon. He was too heavy for her. But he just needed a moment.
The last ten days with Gemma had been incredible. But this time; unforgettable. He genuinely wondered how he was going to survive without this. Without her. And that thought terrified him.
Gemma couldn't move. And not just because Sirius was lying on top of her, pressing her into the mattress with his bulk. No, Gemma couldn't move because she'd had four – yes, four – mind blowing orgasms and her body felt utterly exhausted. Boneless. Merlin's Beard, would she ever walk again?
She laughed involuntarily at the thought; that her friends would return tomorrow and find her passed out on Sirius's bed, unable to move.
Sirius pushed himself up to look at her. "What's funny?"
She smiled and shook her head. "Nothing. Just thinking about how our friends might find me still lying here tomorrow. I'm not sure I can move, let alone walk."
Sirius grinned, then slowly pulled out of her and rolled off the bed. She admired his arse as he walked away and removed the condom. He had a fantastic backside. And back, and legs, and arms and chest. He was sexy all over. And he was all hers.
Gemma froze at the errant thought. No. He wasn't hers. He was her friend and now he was her… fuck-buddy? But he wasn't hers. And after today, she wasn't entirely sure they'd even have the chance to have sex again. After all, it had taken them four months to get to this and only because no one else was around. When school started back up, their days and evenings would be consumed again and it wasn't like they could have sex with their friends in the next beds.
"I'm not liking that frown." She glanced up at Sirius as he stood in front of her, his arms crossed over his chest. He was unashamedly naked and Gemma admired that about him. He was confident without being arrogant. A balance he'd grown into as he'd become a man, because a few years ago he was definitely more arrogant than confident. "Are you thinking about what happens when everyone returns tomorrow?"
"Yes. I imagine this will be the last time we're together."
Sirius frowned and moved back to the bed, joining her. She raised her knees to her chest to make room. "It won't be easy. We'll have to sneak around and take whatever opportunity we can find. But I'm not thinking this is the end, Gem. Unless you want it to be?"
"No. Not at all. I just figured we wouldn't want to have sex with our friends so close by."
"Well, no. But there are other ways. Other places." He threw her a quick smile. "They just might not be as comfortable."
Gemma smiled too, remembering the floor of the Astronomy Tower and the table in the Shack. "I guess we'll have to get creative then."
"Now that, I excel at. Along with other things of course." He raised his eyebrows suggestively and Gemma laughed.
She reached behind herself and grabbed his pillow, throwing it at him. "Confident much?"
He caught the pillow easily. "I'm fairly certain you agreed with my abilities four times earlier."
She blushed and grabbed his second pillow, throwing that at him too. Again, he caught it easily and laughed loudly. Shaking her head, Gemma stood on wobbly legs and went to retrieve her underwear. She could hear Sirius dressing behind her, and by the time she'd pulled her top back on, he was already remaking the bed.
Her heart gave a small twinge at the sight. His bed looked perfect. Untouched. As if they hadn't just spent the afternoon – the last ten days even – rolling around in it having amazing sex.
Gemma shook herself of her silly thoughts and joined Sirius as he headed for the door. It was getting late, so they decided to grab a quick dinner then get an early night. Understandably, they were both exhausted.
"Ok. Alice, you go first."
Gemma smiled as Mary pointed her finger towards Alice and rocked back and forth in excitement. The girls had all returned from their Christmas breaks, and after unpacking their things, they'd all settled on the edge of their beds, legs crossed and eager to hear everyone's news. It seemed they all had something to share and had apparently sat in different compartments on the journey back to avoid talking before they were all together.
"Well, we stayed with Frank's family for a couple of days, and when Frank returned on Christmas Day it was absolutely amazing!" Alice grinned from ear and ear. "His mum hustled around him all morning, but we managed to get a few quiet moments alone, then he took me out for a walk in the afternoon." Alice's grin got even wider. "Then we went straight upstairs, locked the door, muted the room, and made up for all our lost time!" They all giggled and squealed like thirteen year olds. "It was amazing. Best sex ever! Although probably because it had been so long. But I wasn't complaining. Frank had plenty of stamina!"
They all burst out laughing again, with Lily blushing and Mary fanning herself. Gemma's mind went straight to Sirius and his stamina, and suddenly she too could feel the heat in her cheeks. Merlin's Beard.
Alice continued to talk about her holiday – without going into too much detail about Frank's stamina – before she turned to Lily. "You next."
Lily smiled. "Well, I met James's parents and they are so wonderful. Such warm, welcoming people. I honestly felt like one of the family after just a few hours."
"How often did you visit them?" Gemma asked.
"Well, the original plan was to visit on just a couple of days; you know meet the family and leave it there. But on the first day we were all talking so much that suddenly it was really late, so I phoned my parents and I stayed over." Mary looked desperate to interrupt but she kept quiet. They all did, so Lily could continue her story. "My parents weren't happy about it, but they understood. And, before you ask, I slept in the spare bedroom."
Lily looked away but there was a tell-tale blush on her cheeks. Alice leaned in. "Ok. You slept in the spare bedroom. Where did James sleep?"
Lily's blush darkened before she suddenly laughed. "He slept in there with me!" They all screamed in excitement and waited for Lily to reveal more. "He snuck in shortly after his parents went to bed, and we muted the room. I think his parents might have known because James wasn't exactly quiet walking down the hall..." She rolled her eyes in laughter. "…but they didn't stop us or say anything. Which was really cool. My parents would have freaked. You know how traditional they are."
"So… did you have sex with him?" Mary asked boldly.
Lily paused, then suddenly grinned. "Yes. Twice. I stayed over again after Christmas Day. It was amazing. He's amazing. In the morning, when we woke up together, he told me he loved me. And I… well, I love him too."
They all screamed again and Mary ran to Lily to give her a big hug. Gemma and Alice grinned from ear to ear.
Eventually they calmed and Lily spoke more about her Christmas break – including the fight she got into with her sister, again – and then she turned her gaze to Gemma. "Your turn. I couldn't believe it when James said that Sirius had decided to stay behind. What happened? What was it like, just the two of you roaming the castle?"
"Or, did you not do much roaming?" Alice winked and laughed, joined by the others.
Gemma laughed with them. Then she told them everything – almost everything – about their week together. She kept the details light, but she wasn't ashamed to admit that they'd had sex quite a few times. And she definitely wasn't ashamed to admit that she had enjoyed every second of it.
"So you're still just friends?" Lily asked, her expression sceptical.
Gemma nodded. "Yep. Just friends. I know you guys find it odd, but it is working. We have amazing sex and then we just go our separate ways."
"Not that separate, given you're partnered together in class." Alice said, smiling.
Gemma laughed. "True. But I don't really think of Sirius that way when we're in class." A small lie, but she wasn't going to admit that her mind always wandered to sex whenever Sirius was around. And it was only because he was so painfully attractive to look at. "Neither of us want anything serious right now; he's got plans to travel the world and obviously I'm hoping to get into Auror training. We're just enjoying ourselves before we properly go our separate ways."
"And after?"
Gemma looked up at Mary. "After what?"
"You said you don't want anything serious right now. That you both have plans for straight after Hogwarts. But what about after? What about when Sirius is done exploring the world and you're a fully fledged Auror? It's not like you won't see each other ever again when you leave Hogwarts, right? Do you think... maybe... one day...?"
Gemma frowned. She hadn't thought about that. She hadn't thought about anything beyond getting into Auror training and surviving that. But what if... No. Gemma shook herself. Mary and the others were getting in her head. There was nothing serious between her and Sirius. Not now, not ever.
"No." Gemma firmed her tone so her friends knew not to ask any more questions. "Sirius and I are just friends, and that's it. We won't ever be more, and that's fine because we don't want to ever be more." She moved on to quickly share some other details about the break – such as her walks around the castle and grounds, the books she had read, and Sirius helping her with her flying practice – then she turned to Mary, needing the focus off herself. "What about you? Any news from the holiday?"
Mary nodded and gave them all a shy smile. A very un-Mary smile. "So, you know how St Mungo's have that volunteer programme each year?"
Gemma nodded with the others; St Mungo's was always busier around the holidays and the patients were often more distressed with being away from home. St Mungo's ran a programme where people could volunteer their time to sit with patients and keep them company, leaving the Healers to do what they did best. Knowing Mary as well as she did, Gemma wasn't surprised by where her story was going.
"Well, I decided to volunteer this year. I wanted to do it last year, but my parents were fighting and I didn't have the energy to bring it up. Despite St Mungo's being exactly like a muggle hospital, my mum always shuts down whenever I mention anything remotely magical." Mary rolled her eyes before continuing. "Anyway, this year, I volunteered, and it was amazing. I learned so much. Whenever I was sat with a patient and a Healer came in, I was allowed to stay." She blushed slightly. "And there was this one Healer…"
Lily gasped as Alice and Gemma both leaned forward.
"Well, he's absolutely gorgeous for one thing. But he's also incredibly talented and kind and was so amazing with his patients. I ended up spending quite a bit of time with him because he was looking after this one elderly woman who had no family and I was often sat with her, reading or playing games, and he would always come and check on her multiple times during the day. I'm certain he started visiting her just so he could see me. He basically said as much when we went to grab a coffee together on one of the days."
"Mary, this is exciting!" Alice said.
"But how old is he?" Lily asked. "If he's a Healer, surely he's…"
"He's twenty." Mary answered. "So only a couple of years older than me. I know what you're thinking, Lily, but I promise he's not some creepy old man."
"Twenty is young to be a Healer." Gemma commented. Like the Auror career, training to become a Healer was a long, tough and rigorous journey. Then again, The Ministry had reduced the length of time for the Auror programme; maybe they'd done the same for the Healer programme too.
"It is." Mary agreed. "But the training is only a year now. They've reduced it because of the war. We need Healers just as much as we need Aurors."
They all had a moment of silence as they realised the implication of that; that people were getting hurt everyday. Then Alice jumped back in. "What's his name? Did he used to be at Hogwarts?"
"He's called Stephen. Stephen McKay. And he went to Ilvermorny, in America."
"So he's American, then?" Lily asked. "How come he came over here?"
"His parents are both Healers too and they moved here a few years ago. Once he finished school he decided to join them." Mary grinned. "And I'm so glad he did!"
They all chuckled at that. Gemma wanted to know more though. "So, are you seeing him again? What else happened between the two of you?"
Mary sighed. "No official plans to see each other, because he's working and I'm here, but he did promise to write to me. And he did give me a kiss goodbye and it was really, really good." Mary sighed again, more dramatically. "I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes up because all the boys I've liked before have turned out to be awful, but I really, really like Stephen. And I genuinely think he likes me. I really want him to be different."
Gemma's heart ached for her friend, and as she stood to move to Mary's bed, Alice and Lily did the same. They all surrounded her and hugged her tightly. Gemma spoke first. "It sounds like you've really connected with this guy, not just by kissing him but because you got to know each other. From what you've said, he wants to get to know you, which is what those other stupid boys were lacking."
"Exactly." Alice agreed. "Plus, he's not a boy. He's a man!"
They all giggled, Mary included. "Thanks girls. You're right. It did feel different because he was genuinely interested in me. He asked me so many questions, and shared so much of himself too. Merlin, I hope he writes!"
"He will, I'm sure." Lily said confidently. "And if he doesn't, then he wasn't worth it in the first place. You're a gem, Mary. The man who gets you will be an extremely lucky man indeed."
Sirius laid back on his bed and watched his friends shove various items from their trunks back into their drawers. They'd just arrived back and were unpacking. Making a bloody mess, more like.
James frowned at a single shoe in his hand - its partner clearly missing – then shrugged and tossed it away. Then he turned to Sirius. "So, did you and Gemma have sex?"
He laughed at the directness of James's question. "Yep." He returned the favour. "Did you have sex with Lily?"
James laughed then grinned. "Yep. And it was fucking amazing. I love that girl so much, and she said she loved me back. I honestly thought I was dreaming and I was going to suddenly wake up, back in my own bed, staring at your ugly face again." He nodded towards Sirius, who grabbed a book from the side and tossed it at him. Jerk.
"What do you mean, 'wake up in your own bed'?" Remus asked. "Where were you?"
"Oh, Lily stayed in one of the guest bedrooms, so I snuck in there. Pretty sure my parents knew, but they didn't say anything. Thank Merlin. I think my mum is just so happy I've found someone she'll let me get away with anything!"
"I assume they like Lily, though?" Remus asked.
"They love her! And she liked them, too. It was awesome." James turned back to Sirius. "The only thing that stopped Christmas being perfect was you not being there. But I understand your decision. I assume it was worth it?"
Sirius felt a twinge in his chest at James's comment about him being missing. He'd missed his best friend too. As amazing as the week had been, it hadn't been the same without James. He smiled as he responded. "It was definitely worth it. Gemma and I got to spend a lot of time together."
Peter turned to him. "So are you two still just friends? Or have you fallen hard like our soppy friend over here."
Sirius and Remus both laughed just as James threw Sirius's book at Peter. It was making the rounds.
"We're still just friends." Sirius confirmed. "Well, friends with benefits, I suppose you'd call us. But definitely no soppy falling in love happening here." On either side, thank Merlin.
James shook his head. "I don't know how you do it. Especially after having sex. I've never felt so connected to someone. And after, when we were lying in bed, cuddling. And then we woke up together, her tucked in my arms." Sirius was about to respond; to inform James that he hadn't once cuddled Gemma after they'd had sex, and he certainly hadn't slept overnight with her. But then James frowned at himself. "Fuck, I am soppy aren't I?"
They all laughed. "You are." Remus agreed. "But it's nice. We're all happy for you even if we are going to wind you up about it."
James grinned. "It will be you one day, Remus, and I'll relish the opportunity to wind you up in return."
Remus's expression shuttered. "I'm not sure anyone could love a werewolf."
James sighed. "You know you're more than that. And if she loves you, then she'll love the werewolf as well. Otherwise she isn't the one for you."
Remus shrugged non-committedly. It was clear he didn't want to continue the discussion. Sirius turned to Peter instead. "What about you, Peter? Got any plans to turn into a mushy idiot?"
James rolled his eyes at the obvious dig at himself, but kept quiet. Peter chuckled softly. "Maybe one day. Call me boring, but right now I'm too focused on my studies to give girls much thought."
"Boring!" Sirius and James both shouted at the same time, grinning as they did.
Peter laughed and threw Sirius's book back at him. He caught it and placed it back beside his bed. He'd need that tomorrow when they returned to class.
"Urgh." He threw himself down on his bed. "I do not want to return to class tomorrow. And we start the day with McGonagall."
"At least we're not starting back with Divination." Remus pointed out. "We've got three whole days before we have to face that disaster again."
They all laughed. "That's true." James perched himself on his own bed. "Potions tomorrow afternoon, and apparently Slughorn is having a New Year Slug Club event tomorrow night." He frowned. "I'm going to have to follow Lily again. Make sure Snape doesn't try anything."
"Do you still think he will?" Peter asked. "It's been weeks since Hogsmeade and he hasn't said or done anything. In fact, Mary told me before Christmas that her and Lily saw him practically run in the opposite direction to them, as if he was avoiding Lily completely."
"I'm not taking any chances."
"Peter is right though, James." Remus added. "Maybe Snape isn't a threat anymore. He didn't exactly seem eager to threaten Lily, when Mulciber mentioned it. And they were… friends. For a bit."
"He was no friend of hers." James said firmly, his posture tense. "Not after calling her a… well. Not after that. And I don't trust him." He looked up at Sirius. "What do you think?"
Sirius frowned. He understood where Peter and Remus were coming from, because he too had sensed the hesitation from Snape when he was talking to Mulciber, and Snape hadn't actually said or done anything yet. But that didn't mean he wouldn't. "I know I don't trust Snape either. So even if he isn't planning on threatening or hurting Lily, I wouldn't take any chances."
James nodded his head once, settling the matter. It was clear he would continue to look over Lily's shoulder and keep Snape well away from her. Sirius didn't blame him. If it was Gemma under threat, he'd do everything he could to keep her safe.
He froze. Where had that thought come from?
He pushed it firmly aside. If Gemma was under threat, it wouldn't be the same thing. Not at all. James and Lily were together; in love. It was James's duty to protect her. But him and Gemma; they were just friends. He'd look out for her, sure, but he had no obligation to keep her safe. If Gemma was under threat, he'd ask her if she wanted help, then he'd leave her alone to protect herself.
As his friends bustled around him, getting ready for bed, Sirius focused on the same tasks; changing into his pyjama bottoms and brushing his teeth. But he couldn't stop his mind from returning to his earlier thought, and the lie he had subsequently told himself.