2. Rain, runaways and lemon water
Somewhere in England
Sirius' POV:
It was raining.
I was running. Well, sort of.
My chest burned. I think my wrist was broken. The strap of my bag bit into my shoulder. My legs hurt. Heck, everything hurt.
Just a little farther, I told myself. At least I hoped so.
The rain had really picked up now. Sharp drops hit my face and soaked my clothes. But all I could think about was crossing the threshold of the Potter's house.
Twenty minutes and two wrong turns later, I was here.
I don't think I've ever been happier to see a door. I knocked, quite loudly. It was late.
Emilia opened the door, her eyes cloudy with sleep. But she so gasped loudly when she saw me that I almost ran the other way. Her eyes, no longer sleepy, darted up and down my form. She looked behind my shoulder and at me a couple times, opening and closing her mouth, but not saying anything.
Finally, she stepped aside, allowing me to enter.
I waited as she closed the door, dripping water all over the place. In the light of the kitchen, she looked me up and down a few more time. Biting her lip to stop another gasp (I think) she nodded at me to follow her.
"Sit," she said, softly, indicating the sofa in the living room. "I'll get James." She hesitated, maybe wanting to say something else. But then she turned and went up the stairs.
Few seconds later, she returned with James and her parents. I got up as they came in, wincing slightly (visibly), but eyes transfixed on James.
"Wha-" he asked, eyes wide.
"My dad," I whispered. "Reg stayed back."
I heard someone sniffle at my words -Emilia. She looked like she hadn't expected me to turn around and catch her tearing up, so she handed me a glass of water instead. I took it gratefully- it tasted citrusy, I noted.
She must've caught my surprise. "I added lemon and sugar. Just to perk you up," she explained.
"Come, my love," Mrs. Potter said, extending her hands. "Let's get you patched up."