Sweet Home Alabama

Upon entering the hotel, Bessie insisted on giving them the grand tour. The tour started off in the kitchen which was actually quite nice. "This here is the kitchen," Bessie said pointing. "Feel free to help yerselves to anythang. Supper will be ready shortly if yalls are hungry."

"Good!" Sirius exclaimed. "I'm starved! What are we having?"

"Chitlins, collie greens, and corn bread. Made the way my mama used to make them before she passed. Lord rest her soul."

Sirius was about to ask what chitlins and collie greens were, but he didn't get the chance, for the tour continued on.

"This here is the living room," Bessie said. "The television only gets two channels but we don't watch it all that much anyway."

"What's a television?" James asked.

Lily elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Act like a muggle for goodness sake!"

Bessie apparently didn't hear James' question for she said, "Wait till my Billy gets home. Yall are in for a real treat cause he can play the fiddle like there aint no tomorrow!"

After the living room, Bessie took them all upstairs. "Yall have ta excuse the mess. The rooms up here were just cryin out to be repaired! Luckily there's one good room."

Everyone was quiet, taking in their new surroundings. On the staircase there were many pictures of Bessie and a guy, probably Billy, and many small children.

"Well, here we are's!" said Bessie, gesturing towards the open door.

They found themselves in a glowing yellow room with two queen beds covered in lacy bedding; two windows with matching lacy curtains were on one wall, while small pictures of flowers adorned the other walls.

"Oh isn't this just gorgeous!" exclaimed Sirius in a feminine voice.

"Darlin' you're just so sweet! I'm so glad you like it!" Bessie said giving Sirius a big smile. "I'll leave ya'll to unpackin'." Bessie gave them a final smile and walked out of the room.

Autumn and Ariel jumped onto one bed, claiming it as theirs and were soon joined by Sirius.

"Sirius, get off!" Ariel exclaimed trying to push him off but was unsuccessful.

"Ooohhh....I didn't know you were like that!" Sirius said winking.

Sirius rolled off the bed and jumped on the one beside it. "Well, if you guys get that one then I get this one!"

After much arguing, the sleeping arrangements were decided: Autumn and Ariel in one bed, Sirius and Remus in the other, (A/N: no this is not a slash story!) while Lily and James were to share the floor.

"How come I have to sleep on the floor?!" Lily whined.

"Would you rather sleep with me?" asked Sirius sweetly.

"Ah, yes, the floor sounds quite nice!" Lily said.

"Don't worry Lily," James said. "I don't bite....most of the time."

"That's reassuring," Lily said sarcastically.

"Stop all this talking my dear companions, for it is dinner time!" Sirius exclaimed, wrapping his arms around Lily and James while guiding them towards the stairs.

After Billy got home, they all sat down to a home cooked meal.

"Mmmmm what's this?" asked Autumn, chewing on a large piece chitlin.

"It's the finest chicken guts in town. Gott'em for half price too!" Bessie answered proudly.

Autumn gulped down her bite and took a large swig of her milk. After everyone heard this, they politely pushed their plate away.

"Now what'cha'll doin down here in Alabama?" questioned Billy.

"Actually, we're on a road trip and this is our first destination," answered Remus.

"Ya'll should go up to Mississippi, they got a great taxidermy museum. You supply the animal, they'll teach ya ter stuff 'em," said Billy.

"I hear they gots the best chitlins in the world up theres!" added Bessie.

"My friends got a nice hog farm up there. I'm sure I could call him up and get ya'll a nice room at his place if ya want," Billy suggested.

"No, that's ok, we've already ready planned everything out," Lily said.

"But thanks, I'm sure we'll keep that in mind, just in case," James added at the look of disappointment on Billy's face.

After eating peach cobbler for dessert, they sat around Billy while he played his fiddle. He really was as good as Bessie had said. Sirius pulled Bessie up and began dancing with her. When the clock chimed ten Bessie said, "This has been mighty fun folks, but it's time to hit the sack. For me and Billy at least."

Following Billy and Bessie's suite, they went up to their room.

"I don't think I've ever gone to bed this early in my life," said Sirius as soon as he was cuddled underneath the covers with Remus.

"Yeah but it's been a long day. And technically its 3:00 in the morning in England, because of the big time difference, so that's what time our brains think it is," said Ariel while stifling a yawn.

Everyone said goodnight and soon the pitter patter of rain had lulled them all to sleep.

In the middle of the night, Lily was awoken by a huge crash of thunder. Hugging the blankets tighter, she closed her eyes and tried to fall back to sleep, but failed.

Lilynoticed James stirring next to her. She let out a small whimper as another crash of thunder sounded.

James turned over and looked at Lily. "You can't sleep either eh?"

"No, the thunder is too loud," Lily whispered. "And it's hard enough to fall asleep on the floor as it is."

"Yeah....."

Lily jumped slightly as another roll of thunder filled the room.

James, noticing her edginess, scooted closer. "Don't worry, thunder can't hurt you."

"I know but it's just so....creepy," Lily said.

James put his arm around Lily. She gave him a small smile, and tried to go back to sleep.

A/N- Please review!