CHAPTER TWO Fuse and ignition
Her red hair tied back, she headed towards the lake, its beauty never seemed to change and it was relaxing surrounded by soft green grass. Even though it was windy and cloudy she enjoyed the lack of students outside. Her favourite type of weather, the calm before the storm, all of nature preparing itself for the inevitable. Occasionally her mind flitted back to the piles of homework waiting for her, she as ambitious and almost always completed tasks set her, but she was tired of trying to impress everyone, there was no need.
As her mind took in the surroundings she paused for a moment, not to think about her muggle family or her ambitions, but to think about him. The messy black hair that never seemed to sit straight.
A smile came to her lips, he was popular and he knew it, but recently he hadn't played it up. He was more interested in studying than in enlarging his ego. She had noticed how she felt around him; quick to arch up, to take on the challenge of beating him at his own game. It was the only time she could express the temper that raged inside her, he was the only one that made her react, made her care.
Interrupting her thoughts the hazel eyes and messy haired boy sat next to her, not saying a word. There was no pretence here as there was no one else around to dictate the circumstances or the outcome of the meeting. There was no question in his eyes this time, no arrogant smirk. He was just being himself. This struck the red head as odd, expecting him to try a hand at being witty.
He lay next to her seemingly happy to be in her presence. She almost shocked herself by what she did next. Her mind had been so full of thoughts that she knew how to clear it. She glanced at him quickly, but his eyes were closed peacefully. She leaned over and placed her lips firmly on his. His eyes fluttered open as an electric current ran between them, which was something the red head had not expected. He felt him react quickly, he was shocked but he quickly pulled her closely to him, deepening the kiss. He rolled her onto her back still keeping her tightly in his arms.
She lay there unable to keep from smiling, as he kissed her again and again, unable to stop not that he seemed like he wanted to stop. He tasted sweet and she poured all her emotion into the kisses, the intensity, the fire, everything that was rarely seen.
He lay with her underneath him, kissing her neck and her collarbone softly and sweetly. He ran his hands through her hair. Not a word needed to be spoken. He brought his mouth to hers again and the red head opened her mouth tentatively and their tongues met as she opened her mouth wider and wider, feeling herself being drawn to him.
His hands ran along her neck as the intensity of their kissing increased. As though the true nature of themselves had finally been released and it was soaring happily between them. Playfully she rolled him over so that she straddled him, she liked the game they were playing and she winked to let him know it. Not surprisingly he willingly played along, but still there was no smirk.
She leaned in, her red hair framing her face. She bent down and kissed him softly, then gracefully rose to her feet and began the journey back towards the castle. He reached for her hand pulling her back towards him, cupping her face with his hands and his smile never faltered.
Emerald eyes met hazel ones, she looked at him as if to say 'I will see you later'. And she knew she would…
A ray of sunlight broke out from beneath of the thick clouds as he watched what was left of the sun set. He felt happier than ever and longed to discuss it with his trusted friend. The grey eyes sought his as Sirius turned to James. A wide smile broke out on James face and no more needed to be said.
His smile was acknowledged with a curt nod that seemed to know all, as if it were destined from the start. He returned his gaze to his surroundings enjoying the last rays of light as they disappeared towards the far and distant horizon.
Out of habit rather than anything else he reached his hands towards his head and ruffled his hair, grinning as he remembered the many arguments that had been spurred by this seemingly innocent manoeuvre.
He used to believe that the world was his oyster, that pranks and mates were the only things that mattered. But the red head knew different. He could see it in her actions, with her friends. Her maturity was almost on a frightening scale, and yet it was almost as though she wanted more than anything to a be a child again. The thoughts of someone who had grown up too fast. Glancing towards Sirius, who was now staring moodily at red crimson tassels, he saw many similarities in them.
As the night wore on he was unable to concentrate, anything seemed more important than the homework they had been set. He kept remembering the suddenness of the red heads actions.
These thoughts kept him occupied well into the night until he could take it no more. Quietly he swung his legs out from under the warm blankets and tiptoed across the room, careful not to wake any one.
The grey eyes were not asleep and they watched his friend creep out of the dormitory. He tipped his imaginary hat to his friend.