Petal in the Rain
Chapter 6 – Breathe on Me
Oh, it's so hot, and I need some air.
Oh boy, don't stop 'cause I'm halfway there
It's not complicated, we're just syncopated
We can read eachother's minds.
One love united
Two bodies synchronizing
Don't even need to touch me, baby, just…
-Britney Spears
May 13, 1940
Let that be realized.
No survival for the British Empire, no survival for all the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge, the impulse of the ages, that mankind shall move forward toward his goal…
"Wha-?"
"Shh! This is important; it's Winston Churchill," Lily snapped, huddled by Roxanne's crystal set, listening intently to the Prime Minister's speech.
I take up my task in buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. I feel entitled at this juncture, at this time, to claim the aid of all and to say, "Come then, let us go forward together with our united strength."
Britain was on the brink of panic; Germany had attacked Western Europe through the Ardennes Forest in southwestern Belgium over a period of six weeks, breaking French defensive lines and taking the Allies by surprise. Germany had taken over Norway and Denmark.
France was next.
"I don't understand why this is happening," Roxanne sighed wearily, hugging her knees as she entangled in the Egyptian cotton sheets on her bed, "Why can't Germany just screw off?"
"It's a matter of alliances between countries, and—"
"Lily, I'm not in the mood for one of your clever tangents," Roxanne warned, smothering her ears with a goose-down pillow. "Besides, Sister Marietta will be 'round soon to take us dress shopping."
"Fine, enjoy your ignorance," Lily retorted, crossing her arms as serene sunlit poured in through Roxanne's bedroom window.
Classes had commenced for the day and the girls of St. Madeline's were all eagerly waiting to go dress shopping for the afternoon. The school was preparing to host a co-ed ball with the all-boys boarding school across town, St. Peter's, and the girls were in a mad state of frenzy and excitement.
"Come, Lily! Let's go downstairs and wait with the other girls," Roxanne chirruped happily, herding the redhead out of her room and into the hall. "I wonder what stores we'll be going to? As long as they have a nice red dress, I'll be pleased. What colour do you want your dress to be—?"
"I fancy just going nude," Lily replied dully, not at all looking forward to the ball.
"How is that fair? All the boys will want to dance with you then, and I'll be crying in a corner by myself like a pathetic wallflower!" Roxanne mocked, poking Lily's side to make her yelp. "I think you'd look lovely in green. It would bring out your eyes."
"Really? With that horrid red hair, I doubt Lily would look good in any colour," Acantha sneered over Lily's shoulder, flipping a long strand of her beautiful black mane. "You can't seriously be considering going to this ball, Lily? You'd make a fool out of yourself, wearing some hand-me-down dress. You might as well wear a potato sack."
"Even in a potato sack she'd look prettier than you, Acantha," Roxanne smirked, her tone bordering on vicious. "Jealous?"
"Defending your little orphan, are you? I never thought you a charity case, Roxanne," Acantha spat, her dark eyes retaining a menacing twinkle. "I suppose ugly little whores stick together, don't they?"
Lily couldn't control her rage with Acantha any longer; she side-stepped Roxanne and slapped the Greek beauty across the face, sending her to her knees. A crowd of girls congregated around the three gasped, some rushing to Acantha's side to help her up, others rushing to find teachers.
"I think you should buy a purple dress, Acantha. It'll match the welt that'll appear on your face shortly. The boys ought to find that attractive," Lily chided, glaring down at the gob-smacked girl holding her left cheek with her hand. She wasn't usually prone to violence, but enough was enough.
"Lily…that wasn't a good idea," Roxanne whispered, clutching her forearm. "When the teachers find out—"
"Ms. Evans!" a booming voice sounded from beyond the crowd.
The throng of girls parted down the middle, leaving ample room for Sister Agatha to make her way over to Lily and Acantha, who was obviously feigning a serious injury to further incriminate Lily.
"What have you done to this poor girl?" Sister Agatha shrieked, scuttling over to Acantha and helping her to her feet, "My girl, are you alright?"
"NO! S-s-she punched me in the face!" Acantha cried out, dramatizing her hysterics to elicit as much sympathy—and therefore punishment for Lily—as possible.
"I did not punch you, Acantha! I slapped you, which, may I add, you deserved," Lily said resolutely.
"Lily Evans," Agatha growled, her fists rolling into balls. "You will not be buying a dress or going to this ball. While we are out, you will be doing dishes in the kitchen, and when I get back you will be dealt with, understood?"
"That sounds like an excellent plan," Lily retorted, ignoring Roxanne's look of horror. "I eagerly await your return, Sister."
Lily pushed her way through to the kitchen, hatred and rage coursing through her veins. She was so fixated on her anger that she didn't hear some of the girls scream as pieces of the crystal chandelier above mysteriously shattered and rained down upon them.
"Have you been drinking that elixir to induce euphoria again, James?" Sirius questioned, cocking an eyebrow at the not-so-subtle, permanent grin on his best friend's face. "I thought you'd be ringing my neck by now because of what I did the other day."
James and Sirius had set off for a walk around London, contemplating taking a detour to Diagon Alley to pick up some odd jokes and biting slippers. It was sunny and warm, with many Londoners picnicking on the banks of the Thames River, women pushing baby carriages and couples doing some spring shopping. All he could think about was Lily.
"I'm just happy," James replied, closing his eyes and basking in the affection of the sun as he strolled down the street, "And you're right, I should ring your neck, but I'm in too good a mood."
"Why? Oh…you didn't!" Sirius exclaimed, dealing James a hearty, congratulatory slap to the back, "You bedded Lily, didn't you? Congratulations, Jamsie-boy! What was it like? Was she a prude like I expected?"
"I did not bed her, you wanker!" James growled, giving him an annoyed shove. Sirius bounced back to James' side, scandalized.
"Why the ruddy-hell not? You're a rich, good-looking lord, for Merlin's sake!"
"Because she's not just a piece of ass to me, Sirius," James pronounced, his glare piercing; it didn't faze Sirius in the slightest.
"If you don't bed her soon, I bloody will," Sirius threatened, crossing his arms.
"Over my dead body."
"That can be arranged."
"I could kill you in a second."
"No, you couldn't. Besides, I'm too good looking to die."
"You're as homely as a flobberworm, Sirius, and just about as useful."
"I've always had more girlfriends than you, Potter."
"I have higher standards than you do."
"Maybe I just like sex more than you do."
"You pride yourself on being a man whore?"
"As a matter of fact I do."
"Doesn't matter; I could still kill you."
"Prove it you bast—wait, isn't that Lily's friend over there, the one in the charming kilt?" Sirius broke off mid-sentence, elbowing James in the ribs as he sized up the brunette schoolgirl from across the street.
"Ow! Where?" James said, jerking his gaze towards the procession of girls, scanning them for Lily. "Which one is her best friend? Do you see Lily?"
"The buxom brunette," Sirius replied, inspiration striking. "What'd you say we invite her and Lily on a double date tonight? Give you another chance to seduce her?"
"What makes you think that Lily would agree going on a date with me if you're there?" James commented, frowning. "You kidnapped her, remember? And quit talking about me seducing her, you wanker."
"Lily will forgive me; I'm too wonderful to hate. Besides, who wouldn't agree to a date with us at some posh restaurant?" Sirius countered, practically laughing at the absurdness of it all. "You'll get another night with your girl, and I'll get a night with her attractive friend."
"I don't know…"
"Mate, you're a nutter. Let's go." Sirius rolled his eyes and grabbing James' arm, attempting to pull him across the street.
Roxanne walked down the cobblestone sidewalks of Shaftsbury Avenue, lined with a variety of boutiques housing elegant hats, shoes and clothing. She was melancholy after what had transpired at school; she wanted to attend the ball and go dress shopping with her best friend, not a bunch of snotty rich girls.
The girls filed into a gown shop called Fairy Gothmother's Couture, a store lined with racks of beautiful dresses, laced corsets, petticoats and lingerie. The interior was very glamorous, with intricate crown molding and chair rail, large windows and mauve curtains. It was a very classy place; Lily would've had to shop off the clearance rack if she were there.
"Alright ladies, you have an hour to pick out your gowns for the ball! Please respect the merchandise, and nothing too scandalous, we are a Catholic institution, remember," one of the nuns announced over the loud shrieks and giggles emitting from the students.
It didn't take Roxanne very long to find a dress that would be suitable for the ball. When she brought it up to the cashier, ready to pay, she wasn't only met by the gown attendant, but a surprise as well.
The cashier took Roxanne's red dress and neatly fashioned it on a hanger, pulling plastic over it for protection. After tying the bottom of the plastic in a firm knot, the blonde attendant handed the dress back over to Roxanne with a warm "Have a nice day!"
"Uhh…don't I have to pay for that?" Roxanne inquired skeptically.
"The gentleman outside paid for you dress, Miss," the blonde girl politely responded. "See the one leaning on the window outside? Holding another dress in his hands?"
Roxanne looked over her shoulder and peered at the back of a strong, debonair man with black hair. She headed for the door to confront the man waiting outside.
James leaned on the store window outside, feeling slightly abashed, a plastic-wrapped dress in his hands when Roxanne exited the dress shop.
"Excuse me—?" the pretty brunette began, her eyes widening as she realized whom she was addressing and the man standing beside him.
"Hello," James said warmly, extending his hand towards Roxanne. "I believe we met briefly before; I'm James Potter."
"How do you do?" Roxanne replied, feeling her ankles wobble nervously. "It's a pleasure to meet you, especially after you saved Lily…" There was a pregnant pause. "However there seems to be some confusion concerning my dress…"
"No, no confusion," James replied, glancing at Sirius for encouragement. "I thought I ought to purchase your dress because I…er…bought Lily one as well."
"Oh…well, that's very nice of you…but I assure you I have the funds to purchase my own dress," Roxanne pronounced, trying to remain polite. She raised a curious eyebrow. "Is there a reason why you bought dresses for Lily and I?"
"I…I thought maybe you two could—" James started, having trouble getting the words out, afraid Lily's best friend wouldn't agree to a double date.
"What Jamsie is failing miserably to ask you is if you and darling Lily would like to go out to Wiltons with us tonight?" Sirius interjected, slinking beside Roxanne, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Dinner is on James, of course."
"You will be there?" Roxanne cooed, mockingly batting her eyelashes.
"Of course," Sirius grinned roguishly, grabbing Roxanne's hand and bringing it toward his lips to kiss.
"Then I must decline," Roxanne retorted, glaring at Sirius as she pulled her hand free from his.
"I told you she'd say no if you came," James muttered to Sirius.
"Why is everybody ganging up on me?" Sirius pouted, crossing his arms childishly. "I'll have you both know I'm quite the catch!"
Roxanne snorted.
"Listen Roxanne, I promise I'll make the evening worth your while and, if I have to, I'll muzzle him," James turned to Roxanne, eyes pleading. "I'd just like the chance to see Lily again…please?"
"Let's entertain the thought of us going," Roxanne relented, the man's quandary drawing her sympathy. "There's no way Sister Agatha will let us out on a date, especially not Lily. We wouldn't be able to come anyway—"
"Steal out the window like Lily did last time," James suggested. "I'll get you girls back to school at a reasonable hour—"
"Lily and I won't be able to sneak out until at least ten o'clock and all the restaurants will be closing by then," Roxanne pointed out.
"Jérôme Ponchelle is an old family friend; he'll leave the restaurant open if I ask him to," James replied confidently. "Any more qualms?"
"No…but—"
"Would you stop arguing and accept the invitation, woman?" Sirius burst out in exasperation. "Your lame excuses are driving me insane ."
"Why don't you shut up? I'm not speaking with you," Roxanne snapped tetchily, eyes aflame. She seemed impervious to Sirius' good looks, a rarity.
"You're a real piece of work, aren't you—?" Sirius started.
"Shut up, Sirius. Please, Roxanne?" James interjected before her retort came.
"Fine," Roxanne surrendered, ignoring Sirius' glower.
"Excellent! We'll meet you outside of the attic window at ten. Here's the dress I bought for Lily," James said, handing it over to Roxanne. She had no idea how the man knew her friend's sizing…
"Cheers. Ten o'clock then," Roxanne murmured, her grey eyes still trying to comprehend the situation.
As James and Sirius departed, Sirius winked as he looked over his shoulder; Roxanne rolled her eyes at the idiotic pretty boy.
"It ought to be an interesting night…" Roxanne murmured, grinning as she made her way back to St. Madeline's to tell her friend the interesting news.
History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.
"Trust Winston Churchill to come up with a witty quote like that," one of the older male dishwashers said to another, chuckling. "Maybe 'e can talk us outta this war we're all mixed up in."
"Well if anyone could do it, it'd be him," the other agreed, scrubbing grim off the bottom of the pot he clutched with an iron-wool brush.
Lily listened to the two man chatter, cleaning a set of tea cups and saucers in soapy water as her punishment required her to do. She was angry—no, enraged at the unfairness of her life. She didn't ask for this stupidity!
Lily plunged her hand into a sink full of water, ready to clean another plate, but when she extracted her hand the water began to bubble, boiling hot. She stared down at the water, stunned, and dropped the plate she held, sending it crashing to the floor.
How did that happen?
"Lily!" Roxanne hissed, peaking through a crack in the kitchen door, jogging Lily out of her horrified stupor. "Hey Red, come here!"
Lily wiped her hands on a dish towel and headed for the exit, wondering why Roxanne was back at school so early from shopping. She'd barely been gone an hour…
"What are you doing?" Lily asked, staring at Roxanne in curiosity. "If Aggie catches you talking to me she'll throw a fit and make you clean dishes too."
"So? I'd probably be more fun cleaning with you than dress shopping with a bunch of girly gits," Roxanne whispered, rolling her eyes. "But that's not why I came. Looks like you and I will be going out on the town tonight!"
"What are you on about?"
"I ran into James Potter in the boutique," Roxanne started, watching Lily's face flush pink with surprise. "He's invited us to dinner tonight with his idiot-of-a-friend, Sirius."
"You're joking!" Lily gasped, twisting her apron nervously. If the dishwashers hadn't been so absorbed in Churchill's speech, they would've chastised her for taking such a long break, "We couldn't possibly—"
"It's too late, I've agreed and James has gone and bought you a dress for tonight," Roxanne pressed the plastic-wrapped dress into Lily's hands and smirked. "He fancies you, doesn't he? Practically begged me to agree so he could see you again!"
"But how—?" Lily looked caught in a pleasant daze, "When—?"
"I'll meet you in your room at nine thirty. We'll get dressed and ready for Wilton's. I hope you like seafood!" Roxanne whispered excitedly, running back up the hallway, a slight bounce in her step.
I'm going to see James again.
The last time Lily had seen James he'd kissed her…
"My collar is too tight!" Sirius whined, pulling at the fabric as he and James made their way towards St. Madeline's. "Aren't we a little too dressed up?"
"Wilton's requires dinner jackets, you know that," James replied dryly, looking suave in his tailored jacket.
It was close to ten o'clock; the night air was getting nippy as a full moon reflected over the surface of the Thames River. James wouldn't admit it, but he was nervous. The last time he'd seen Lily they had kissed, and he wasn't sure if awkwardness would linger between the two of them because of it. The kiss shared between them had strengthened his feelings for Lily, but had it hindered hers? Brooding over the kiss had nearly driven him to insanity.
"Which one is her window?" Sirius asked, squinting as he observed the school grounds and high, stone walls of the academy. "And how the blazes are they going to climb down a wall without killing themselves? These muggle girls are wild…"
"I've seen Lily do it before…her window's the one by the ivy," James said, playing with the top button of his shirt, trying to decide if he should leave a few open for a more laid-back look.
"Trying to look sexy?" Sirius smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "So Miss Evans won't be able to keep her hands off you?"
"Shut up," James groaned, though he failing to hold back a nervous grin. "You're a git."
"Better a git than a git-in-love!" Sirius pretended to swoon.
"I am not in love," James' cheeks began to feel hot.
"Could've fooled me—"
"Let's see if Lily and Roxanne are ready, shall we?" James quickly changed the subject, turning away from Sirius, who was still grinning.
"RUPENZEL, RUPENZEL, LET DOWN YOUR LONG HAIR!" Sirius shouted, dodging James as he attempting to mask the sound of his voice with his hand.
"Wake up the whole school, why don't you?" James hissed, temper flaring.
"Is that you, James?" Roxanne popped her head out of the attic window and looked down at the two noblemen, "What do you think you're doing, shouting like that!?"
"It was my idiot friend," James apologized. "Are you and Lily ready?"
"Give us five minutes!" Roxanne whispered back, ducking back into the dusty attic. "Lily, are you dressed yet?"
Lily came around the corner she was changing behind, hands balled at her sides. She was wearing a beautiful silk dress in a deep emerald color, cut above the knees and backless. The luxurious material clung to her every curve, accentuating her hips and bust line, and the neckline was suggestive, but classy. She also wore a simple pair of black pumps (borrowed from Roxanne) and clutched a black pea coat to cover her shoulders when she was outside.
"You look gorgeous!" Roxanne squealed, wearing a pale pink dress of equal elegance and style—not the one that was purchased for her. "Your beau has excellent taste."
"You don't think I look like I'm pretending to be someone I'm not?" Lily asked weakly, admiring the dress in her floor-length mirror. "I feel like the dress is too fancy to be worn by someone like me…"
"Don't be absurd," Roxanne scoffed, frowning. "It fits you wonderfully. Your eyes and complexion really stand out, not to mention your hair."
"If you say so…"
"Let's not leave the boys waiting…shall we?" Roxanne's smile blazed with confidence and reassurance. "I saw James; he looks really good. I'm mad with jealousy!"
"Can you believe we're doing this?" Lily asked, suddenly filled with doubt. "We are going on dates with perhaps the two most sought after bachelors in London, or so the tabloids say."
"Sure I can believe it—I think we deserve it! Now are you ready? There's absolutely nothing to worry about."
"As ready as I'll ever be," Lily breathed with apprehension, putting on her jacket and buttoning it up to the top.
Back on the lush-green lawn, Sirius was pacing around James impatiently.
"Shall I dig myself a grave?" he turned to James, tapping his foot in annoyance. "Might as well as I'll probably die standing here, we've been waiting so long."
"Here they come…" James whispered, ignored Sirius as he saw Roxanne attempting to climb out the window using the vines. "Are you alright, Roxanne?"
"I'll be fine, thank you!"
"I'll catch you if you fall, darling," Sirius called back up, grinning at his partial view up her skirt..
"I'd rather fall!" Roxanne bit back, gradually making her way down.
"Why you little—!"
"Be a gentleman, Sirius," James scolded him, a threatening look upon his attractive face, "Ruin this night for me and you will regret it."
"Would you relax?" Sirius huffed, crossing his arms.
Lily began to descend the vine once Roxanne was grounded, her simple black pumps making it difficult to get a good footing in the slithering foliage. James hovered below her, studying her every move in case she fell. As she neared the bottom his hands planted firmly on her hips.
"My lady," James greeted, extending a hand to Lily as she dismounted from the vines. He smirked as she rolled her eyes at his formality.
"You're so full of it," Lily smiled and took his hand.
"I know," James grinned, his hair messy and black suit crisp. "You look… wonderful."
"Thank you," Lily blushed, reminding herself that Roxanne and Sirius were still there. "You and Sirius look quite dashing as well."
"We were blessed with good looks, weren't we, Jamsie?" Sirius' pearly whites gleamed as he inspected his pocket watch.
"It seems you were also blessed with an inflated ego," Roxanne commented blithely, ignoring Sirius' glare. "I don't know about you three, but I'm famished. Shall we?"
"Yes, of course," James agreed, entangling his arm with Lily's and—with a murderous glower—goading Sirius into doing the same with Roxanne, "It's a short walk to Wilton's; it's just down the Thames River."
Wilton's was indeed close by, located on Jermyn Street only a few blocks away from the river and Hyde Park. The restaurant was in close proximity to many popular destinations, including the West End theatres and cinemas, Haymarket, Shaftesbury Avenue, Leicester Square, the National Gallery and the Royal Academy.
The front of the restaurant was sophisticated in look, having a large mahogany door and display window with pesto-coloured curtains and gold lettering. The group of four entered the rich atmosphere, which smelled like freshly baked Yorkshire pudding, and were led by a smartly-dressed maître'd to a reserved table near the back of the restaurant. There weren't many people dining; rather, they were finishing their dessert wine and smoking, preparing to leave.
"Are you sure we're allowed to eat this late?" Lily anxiously eyed the empty restaurant.
"I called in a favor with Jérôme Ponchelle, don't worry," James smiled, helping Lily take her jacket off and gulping as his knuckles brushed her bare shoulders. Lily shifted under James fevered stare, her shyness increasing when he pulled out a chair for her to sit in.
He was jogged out of his lusty stupor by a man dressed in coattails; the waiter.
"Good evening Lord Potter, Lord Black…ladies," a middle-aged man greeted, slightly bowing his head towards the males. "My name is Marc and I will be your server for the evening. May I start you off with drinks?"
"A bottle of Dom Perignon please," James ordered, not bothering to open his wine menu, "Lily, Roxanne, do you like champagne?"
"Yes," the girls said simultaneously, not about to protest to anything.
"Very good, sir," the waiter repeated in a perfect accent, standing perfectly straight with both hands behind his back. "Four glasses, I assume?"
"Only three. I'll have a beer, whatever is on tap," Sirius cut in, catching James' smirk as he leaned back in his upholstered chair.
"Of course, Lord Black."
Out of curiosity, Lily opened her wine menu and looked for the champagne James had ordered. She almost choked upon seeing the price.
"That champagne is half of my tuition fees for a year," Lily managed hoarsely, the colour draining from her face as the menu fell out of her hands.
"Is it?" James replied calmly, looking somewhat uneasy at Lily's outrage. "Is that a problem?"
"How can you spend that kind of money so…so freely?" Lily nearly sputtered.
"To us that's hardly a large sum of money," Sirius arched an eyebrow in intrigue. "Explore the Potter wine cellars and you'll understand how trivial one bottle is."
"I've gotten lost down there before," James added, appearing troubled. "It's like a labyrinth of bottles and wine cages."
"Wasn't that the time you began to scream and cry?" Sirius added, mischievously grinning at his friends' obvious embarrassment. "Almost wet yourself, as I recall."
Lily and Roxanne instantly burst into giggles, shielding their humor with their white linen napkins.
"For your information I was six," James grumbled, crossing his arms at the table's snorts of laughter. "That isn't half as bad as the time you hid under my bed for a week after your mother found out it was you that set her hair on fire during that dinner party."
"How old was he when that happened?" Lily asked, chuckling at Sirius' sheepish grin.
"That was last year!"
"You set your mother's hair on fire?" Roxanne gasped.
"Well, she was being a right hag the whole evening," Sirius explained, as if it justified his actions. "She chased me around the whole party, trying to set me up with this awful looking girl, Helga."
"Oh, you're exaggerating! I'm sure she wasn't that bad!" Roxanne protested.
"No, she was." Sirius remembered, trembling at the mental picture.
"Let's just say she makes that nun Agatha look like a beauty queen," James agreed, his expression sour. "I'd say Agatha is about half the size of her, too."
The waiter returned minutes later, toting a steaming basket of bread and pushing a trolley with a bottle of Dom Perignon nestled in an ice bucket, as well as three sleek flutes and a frosted mug of beer.
James poured three glasses and passed them around the table. Lily picked up her glass, watching the bubbles fizzle, and then took a sip. The sweet liquid tasted nothing short of magic.
"Any idea what you'll order?" James directed the question towards Lily and Roxanne. "I recommend the smoked eel—"
"No, the dressed crab is much better," Sirius argued.
"What's the crab wearing?" Roxanne quipped, making Lily grin and James shake his head in amusement.
"Certainly nothing as seductive as that little number you're wearing." Sirius winked, causing Roxanne to go red.
"I think that's his way of saying you look nice," Lily smiled, patting Roxanne's hand in assurance.
"Don't get me wrong, Miss Evans. I think you look ravishing this evening too," Sirius grinned. "But I've always had a taste for brunettes myself."
"Brunettes? I can't seem to find that on the menu," James pondered aloud, frowning. "I'll just have to settle on a pretty redhead instead."
"Like spicy food, do you?" Sirius grinned, making James laugh and Lily roll her eyes.
"If you two are quite done referring to us as food, I'd like to tell you what I'll order," Roxanne interrupted, determinedly folding out her menu.
The waiter returned after ten minutes, scribbling down the group's orders. Roxanne ordered lobster bisque Newburg with a side order of seasoned vegetables, Lily ordered the avocado pear with white crab meat and a roquette parmesan salad, Sirius ordered poached wild turbot with French farmhouse cheese, and James ordered warm beef consommé with a cucumber salad.
The bill was going to be a hefty one.
"So, what do schoolgirls do in their free time?" Sirius commented, slicing his fish with a silver knife. "Take long showers in the communal bathroom? Perhaps pillow fights and wrestling matches?"
"Dream on," Roxanne scoffed, dropping her fork.
"Believe me, I will," Sirius grinned.
"Sirius, do us all a favor and keep your perverse thoughts to yourself," James ordered, though a glimmer of a smile shone through his stern façade.
Dinner finished a half an hour later, the four chatting among themselves about nothing important and feasting on the delectable meal before them. Lily hadn't spoken much, preferring to listen to James and Sirius narrate all the preposterous situations they had found themselves in and to Roxanne bicker due to Sirius' lewd comments. It was when Roxanne and Sirius fought, seemingly immersed in their own worlds, that Lily found James' intense eyes tracing her, making her feel naked under his probing stare. She'd shyly look up and meet his eyes, then, almost as quickly, look away, pretending to be interested in Roxanne and Sirius' conversations.
"Have you looked at the dessert menu, Lily?" James asked her gently, ignoring Roxanne and Sirius' verbal spar. "The petits fours here are quite sweet."
"I'm full, thank you," Lily smiled weakly, nervously straightening in her chair as James leaned in toward her.
"Have I said something to offend you?" James whispered worriedly, perturbed by Lily's resounding silence. "You're so quiet?"
"No! I'm having a lovely time," Lily whispered back, her eyes pleading. "It's just…I'm overwhelmed, I suppose. All this wealth and beauty…I just feel like I don't belong...You must think me stupid—"
"Never," James insisted, his genuine eyes comforting as he discreetly slipped his hand over hers in her lap. "What do you say we get out of here?"
"Where?" Lily asked.
"I'm sure Sirius will know of some place." James grinned, glad to see Lily perk up.
"I heard my name…you two aren't plotting my death, I hope," Sirius looked at the two suspiciously, moving his hand toward the butter knife.
"If you are, count me in," Roxanne added pleasantly.
"You horrible, horrible woman," Sirius cried, his bottom lip trembling. "Roxanne will be the next ripper…or should I say, stripper?"
He was smacked over the head with a menu.
"Marc? Cheque, please!" James called out to one of the waiters serving their table, not having to wait very long, seeing as the restaurant was empty except for them.
The four diners grabbed their coats and stepped back out into the cool air. It was a little past midnight and the streets reflected the time, devoid of movement. Streets lights lazily lit the sidewalks along the river, reflecting on the surface, and a solitary cat dashed across the road into an alcove between some rubbish bins.
"So, what'd say we have some real fun?" Sirius grinned with a half-moon smile, his hands deep in his pockets.
"What did you have in mind?" James raised an eyebrow, stopping in the middle of the street with the others, hovering close to Lily.
"Do you realize what time it is?" Roxanne politely demanded, looking at Lily. "We should probably be getting back…"
"Oh, please. Dinner was only half the fun!" Sirius smiled, snatching Roxanne's hand in his own and looking positively playful, "Come with me!"
Sirius broke into a run down the street, laughing hard at Roxanne's shrieks of protest as he dragged her along beside him.
"Where's he going?" Lily asked, looking shocked as he dragged her friend away.
"There's only one way to find out," James grinned, holding out his hand for Lily. "Shall we?"
Lily couldn't remember running so fast in her entire life. Her red curls bounced merrily as she and James sprinted after Sirius and Roxanne, both laughing as they watched each other almost trip on fallen branches or run into lamp posts.
James pulled her along beside him, his face lighting up with excitement every time Lily giggled or exclaimed her legs would give out at any moment.
Sirius turned down an alley with Roxanne, but when Lily and James turned the same corner, they were gone. The alley vibrated with loud, enthusiastic music. One door remained ajar with a hanging sign above it reading "The Old Bell."
"The git brought us to an Irish Pub!" James snorted, Lily watching as his Adam's apple bobbed in his throat. "I've never been here before, are you sure—?"
"Stop worrying! I want to go inside!" Lily said keenly, taking him aback by grabbing a fistful of his jacket and pulling him inside the pub.
Roxanne and Sirius had just taken seats at the bar when Lily and James entered, making their way through the maze of people towards them. The pub seemed alive with music and dancing, musicians playing violins, drums and tapping spoons on their knees. It was very casual, a place primarily suited for the working class of London as opposed to rich, lordly-type like James and Sirius.
"Took you two long enough!" Sirius attempted to say above the music, enthralled by atmosphere, clearly in his element. "What'd think of this place? Great, isn't it?"
"You picked an... interesting place, I'll give you that," James said, looking around in bewilderment at all the activity.
"It's wonderful, Sirius!" Lily agreed, exchanging a look with Roxanne. "I love dancing!"
"I can't wait to see you dance, Sirius," James grinned, knowing it would turn into quite the spectacle.
"I'll need a beer first!" Sirius slapped his hand down on the bar, nodding his head as the bartender slid a large beer glass full of draft down the bar top. "What'll you have, ladies? Something…dainty?"
Roxanne and Lily traded smirks.
"We'll have what he's having." Lily ordered, pointing to Sirius' drink. "A couple of shots of whiskey too, thanks!"
Sirius and James' jaws dropped.
"You look surprised? We'll drink you under the table, boys!" Roxanne beamed, feeling the music and craving to dance.
The bartender placed four shots of whiskey on a dirty tray in front of them; Lily and Roxanne grabbed their shots and whipped back the alcohol.
"Drink your beers and meet us on the dance floor," Lily whispered in James' ear, grinning at his awed expression as she let Roxanne drag her out of her seat.
Sirius and James watched the girls assimilate into the crowd, moving their hips and doing some fancy footwork with the rest of the dynamic crowd, both aghast. It seemed the dancing and drinking atmosphere wasn't only Sirius' element.
"Ok, I'll admit it, I wasn't expecting that," Sirius beamed towards the girls, packing his shot of whiskey back with utter ease as he leaned back in his barstool. "A piquant pair of friends, aren't they?"
"Yes, thank Merlin," James took a hearty swig of his beer. "They aren't anything like the drab society girls we're used to courting."
"You mean you've never seen Miss Collins drink like a man?" Sirius asked sarcastically, his face contorting. "I'm sure she would if it meant you caving into her advances."
"I think I'd rather eat mud, thanks," James replied, too jubilant to sorry about the irksome girl right now.
"No, you'd rather give in to Miss Evans," Sirius cackled in his drink.
"True, but we won't tell her that," James's grin was devilish as he ran his fingers through his messy hair. "I wouldn't want to scare her off."
"You're right," Sirius commented out of character, looking relaxed but serious. "Lily's something else...turns out you picked a good one."
"I told you she was different," James trailed off, smiling at the way she danced in sync with the music, her arms above her head as she moved sinuously. "The woman's intoxicating. I wonder if she notices how often I find myself staring at her…"
"Oogling her is more like it. Roxanne isn't too hard on the eyes either," Sirius added, ordering another beer and smirking as a girl across the room winked at him and waved him over. "Oh look, I'm being beckoned. Duty calls!"
"Then I better persuade you onto the dance floor before your attention wanders from Roxanne to some other good looking broad," James rolled his eyes as Sirius winked back, pushing him onto the dance floor, consuming his shot of whiskey first.
"What can I say? I'm too handsome for my own good," Sirius announced, feeling pleasantly buzzed as he and James made their way toward the girls.
Lily was dancing beside Roxanne, her body moving to the rhythm of the music, when she felt a hand gently slink around her waist. She turned around and found herself chest to chest with James, minus his dinner jacket. He had an aroused look in his eyes, an almost carnal expression, but his movements were gentle and amicable.
"I need your help," James said, dipping his head low and coming daringly close to touching her lips with his. "You see, I want to dance with you very badly."
"Then what's stopping you?" Lily breathed, her eyes focusing on James' lips as she felt herself flushing due to their closeness.
James tilted her chin upwards, forcing her to gaze into his eyes. She froze, entranced.
"I don't know how to dance."
Lily broke into a ridiculous smile.
The men gradually began to filter onto the dance floor, ready to take partners and dance to the next Irish tune. The drums steadily grew louder and people began to take position.
"Imagine that! A lord who can't dance," Lily grinned, her green eyes shining.
"I haven't given you permission to make fun of me," James pointed out, folding his arms. "I supplied you with such information on good faith, thinking you wouldn't ridicule me."
"I don't need your permission," Lily teased, hearing the song gradually picking up speed. "Now take my right hand and put your left around my back."
"Not on your lower waist?" James cocked an eyebrow, his smirk seductive.
"That would be improper," Lily pointed out, blushing.
"But I thought the waltz was supposed to be deliciously improper," James whispered, pulling her close and placing his hands. "Shall we?"
Before she could protest, James began to lead Lily about the room in a frenzied version of the waltz, the music energizing his movements and making them both grin. As they turned and trounced the wooden floor with their feet, adding to the music, Lily glimpsed Sirius and Roxanne dancing across the room as well, seemingly as happy as they were.
"You said you couldn't dance!" Lily exclaimed, giggling as he led her about the dance floor impressively, smile triumphant.
James was, in fact, a wonderful dancer. Lily supposed he had been taught many different dances, having to attend wealthy society parties, but this dance was natural and fun—not the sort of dance that could be taught by a pretentious ex-ballerina.
When the dance ended, Lily and James made their way over to Sirius and Roxanne and they danced in a group to the next song, making up silly moves and consuming more alcohol.
"You're such a lousy dancer!" Roxanne exclaimed in amusement as Sirius attempted to spin on his heels, instead bashing into a table.
"I'm talented I'll have you know!" Sirius huffed, dancing erratically in circles around Roxanne.
"The next Fred Astaire, this one." James mocked, shaking his head at his fallen comrade and slyly coming up behind Lily. He kissed the skin under her right ear.
Lily made a little guttural noise in surprise, eyeing James over her shoulder.
"Lord Potter, where are your manners?" Lily whispered.
"Must have left them in my other pants," James whispered back, pressing himself against her bare back.
"Then I suppose you have no reason for wearing these ones," Lily replied covertly, turning red because of her boldness.
"What are you implying?" she could hear the masculine excitement in his voice as he planted another kiss on her shoulder.
"I...uhh…—"
Click.
Lily had found herself moving in sync with James, they bodies rubbing up against one another's. Her back tingled where his hands had touched her, making her ache for more. As they crushed against one another, James had miraculously controlled himself for the sake of Lily—he didn't want to move too quickly, making her skittish. Besides, he knew Lily's judgement might be compromised by all the beer they'd consumed—and there was no fun in that.
Click.
Sirius was up on one of the tables, dancing and showing off to a group of girls that had congregated around him. He offered a hand to Roxanne, pulling her up with him and moving familiarly with her body. They were both very drunk.
Click.
Click.
Click.
After about two hours, the bar stopped serving drinks, the music ended, and people started to head home, ready to face their upcoming hangovers. Sirius and Roxanne stumbled out of the bar into the alley, while James, still relatively sober, had one of Lily's arms draped around his neck, offering support.
"Sirius, we've got to get the girls back to school," James said firmly, watching Lily's drooping eyelids sag and rise.
Sirius appeared from behind a rubbish bin.
"No, James. We've got one more place to go!" Sirius managed, trying to sound firm as he picked a banana peel out of his hair.
"Sirius, it's ridiculously late, you're drunk—"
"It's worth it! Believe me; you won't want to miss this!" Sirius announced, helping Roxanne to her feet, "You ok, Lilllyyyyy?"
"I'm Roxanne," she slurred in annoyance, wiping her mouth on the back of her sleeve; she had just thrown up.
"Oh...right," Sirius squinted in concentration, looking at her. "Let's go!"
"What'd you say, Lily?" Roxanne asked, turning toward her friend.
Lily's head lifelessly bobbed to the side, resting on James' shoulder.
"We'll take that as a yes," Sirius confirmed, taking Roxanne's hand and leading her out of the alley. "Coming Jamsie?"
James cursed under his breath as he gathered Lily up in his muscular arms, her head finding the crook of his neck, and followed his two drunken friends out of the alley. If he had his way, he would bring the sleeping redhead straight to his house, but he didn't want her and Roxanne to get into any more trouble...after all, wouldn't the beatings just get worse from the nuns?
Click.
James found Sirius and Roxanne sitting on the muddy bank of the Thames River, a beer bottle limply held in Sirius' hand, looking expectantly up at the sky, a charcoal gray.
"What are we doing?" James heaved, reluctantly depositing Lily onto the cold grass and taking a seat beside the enraptured pair. "You're both sloshed, did you know?"
"Would you stop grumbling and relax for a moment?" Sirius demanded exasperatedly, balancing on his backhands, than collapsing onto his spine. "It'll only be another twenty minutes or so."
"These two are going to freeze to death!" James argued, noticing Roxanne shivering. "Whatever you need to show us it can—"
"What's going on?" Lily inquired, looking fatigued as she rose from the grass into a sitting position. "Why am I all muddy?"
"Look whose back from her alcohol-induced slumber!" Sirius grinned, taking a long draught of his beer.
"Here, take my jacket." James said in concern, wrapping the his suit jacket around her arms. "Sirius wants to show us something, but I think he's just—"
"Everybody listen up!" Sirius announced, cutting James off. "In order to fully appreciate this experience, you need to lay flat on the grass."
James looked skeptical, but Lily shrugged and lay back on the damp grass, the night air nipping at her nose. James half-hearted obliged when Sirius and Roxanne did the same, pulling Lily closer to him to warm her as the four people lay side-by-side, insignificant specs in the expansive universe.
"Now," Sirius whispered, his voice the only sound other than the chirping crickets—the night's symphony. "Look into the sky. Memorize every cloud and star, their colours and shapes."
The four lay motionless and silent, but Lily could feel James' chest rise and fall as her hand rested atop it. His cologne smelled like vanilla beans and sandalwood.
"Now close your eyes. Keep that image in your mind, and open them when I tell you to," Sirius ordered softly, watching his three friends close their eyes and proceed to wait.
James didn't feel cold anymore. The air felt neutral against his skin. One of his arms was looped around Lily's waist, protectively pulling her close. When he had done so, she hadn't protested. Her hair was soft against his left cheek, and his chest burned where her hand was touching it. He couldn't help but notice how small she seemed beside him—how soft the skin on her back was—how her lips slightly parted as she slept.
I wish I didn't feel this way about you.
Click.
I know we can't be.
Click.
Two worlds separate us.
Click.
Yet here we are, Lily.
Click.
Together.
"Alright, open your eyes." Sirius whispered.
It had felt like minutes, but a half hour had disappeared, and with it, the charcoal sky. The morning horizon was now a deep, embellished pink, violet lining every sculpted cloud from London to Bristol. The colors were so vivid they looked like they belonged in a Monet painting housed in Paris' famous art gallery, the Louvre.
"It's...it's..." Roxanne started, overcome.
"Beautiful," Lily whispered, red hair falling into her face as she found a moment to turn away from the sky and look into James' eyes.
"Yes, beautiful…" James repeated faintly, losing himself in the windows to her soul.
James slipped his hand around Lily's, and without Sirius and Roxanne noticing, kissed it, his lips lingering longer then intended.
Sirius and Roxanne gaped at the beautiful sunrise, while James pulled Lily into a soft, blissful kiss, his hands tracing her back underneath the coat he'd placed around her shivering shoulders. All happy, all oblivious.
He waited in the bushes, watching the group carefully, camera in hand.
Author's Notes
This is definitely one of my favourite chapters. Thank you for reading, and please review if you are enjoying the story so far!
Much love,
pratty-prongs-princesse