WHOO! 100 REVIEWS! THANK YOU ALL OF MY JADDIE SHIPPERS!
HEYO! I AM SPOILING YOU ALL ROTTEN! I GOT THIS NEXT CHAPTER OUT QUICK, IT'S LONG, IT'S JADDIE FILLED, THERE'S SOME PURE DRAMA… AND MUCH MORE!
To:
Hp head: wow thanks so much for the review! I'm sorry for the fake-kiss, I had to set up for a scenario in this chapter… And trust me, there will be some more seer information next chapter! (and no, she will not constantly bake and burn cookies like May Castellan) Plus, it's my job, as an author, to torture you guys hahahahahahah! And about the Pure's leader… who ever said it was a man? And yes, the leader does have a nose ;) I think you'll like this chapter and I hope to have a review from you just ranting about all of the juicy bits! Thanks for reading and reviewing, it's always awesome hearing from you!
Jenni: thanks Jenni! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Fanficlover32: I have my secrets about how Enrico crushed James's hand… ;) I just know you'll love this chapter! Please keep on reading and reviewing, because you're awesome!
Kattttiiieee: thanks for all of your kind words and I hate ending my chapters too! Trust me, Adam has it coming… ;) keep reading and reviewing!
Wishiwasamarauder07: if you loved Jaddie, you're gonna love this chapter… ;) please keep reading and reviewing because you're so great to hear from!
Percy-potter-pond: SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT WAS THE REFERENCE! WE CAN BE FRIENDS! YAY! Thank you so much for the Al and Scorp feedback, I'll be weaving a little 'fight' into the story! Keep reading and reviewing because I know you're awesome because you read Skulduggery Pleasant!
Nina98155: keep up the great feedback! I have a feeling you'll just love this chapter ;);)
Cap92A: I love hearing from you! You're so awesome and I always look forward to reading your reviews when I get the little email saying you posted one! Trust me, you'll love this chapter! Keep reviewing and reading please!
PLEASE REVIEW OR PM ME ANY FEEDBACK BECAUSE IT ALWAYS MAKES MY DAY! And now, onto the best chapter yet… ;)
Chapter 27: THE WEDDING! YAY!
(Just to remind you guys where we left off…)
Are me and James Potter… the guy that I seriously like… the guy that hides his feelings towards me very well… my house's sworn enemy… my close friend…
SPOONING?
…
I think this means I crossed the line. I could literally feel me and James hurtling towards the awkward, weird, in-between, kind of like kind of don't stage… the place I didn't want to be in…
Oh. Shit.
This is bad. So very, very, very bad!
I froze. I panicked. I had a spaz attack. I vomited. I jerked up. I sneezed. I hiccupped. I cuddled in closer to James. I'M NOT TOO SURE WHAT I DID! All I know is next minute, my bare feet were on the floor and I was standing up, looking down at a groaning James.
"Cold. Come back, it's too cold. Too early…" James mumbled. My pulse sped up – he wanted me to come back! HE LIKES ME! HE LIKES TO CUDDLE ME! "Wait, who the hell was I just cuddling?" Umm… maybe not…
I gave an awkward cough, my cheeks a brighter red than Rose's hair. "Uh, that would be me," I answered, laughing shakily.
James bolted upright, his eyes wide. "I'm sorry, WHAT?" he asked, completely in shock.
Was it really that bad? That he hugged me? I mean, we didn't do anything… did we? "Well, I think we fell asleep playing that imitation game where we imitate classmates and teachers… I think I won with the impression of Cheeseburger," I rambled, my voice turning into a mumble when I saw James's face blush bright pink. James Potter… blushing? "Are you blushing?" I asked bluntly. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL? DID I SERIOUSLY BLURT THAT OUT? CURSE MY BIG MOUTH!
James scowled, turning even redder. "No! I am not!" he whined.
Ok, I'll admit, it would be funny besides the fact that it was the most AWKWARD THING EVER!
James looked like he was about to say something when Madam Pomfrey shuffled over to us. "Well, both of you slept through half of the school day but don't worry, McGonagall suggested I let you both rest up. I think she also wants you both to go and see Professor Gerard," Madam Pomfrey said stiffly. Why would she want us to see Gerard? "Oh, and you're meeting Gerard in the afternoon so you have some time to kill," Madam Pomfrey explained before shuffling off.
I looked back at James to see him glaring at me. I didn't know if he was mad or joking. "Are you really mad at me right now?" I asked, cautious of the answer.
James shook his head. "Nah. I just don't like Professor Gerard," James replied.
"Why? He's awesome!" I replied.
James didn't reply. Awkward silence fell. He was looking at my face with a closed-off expression.
And he wouldn't talk to me for the rest of the day… until we saw Gerard.
"Maddie, James. Please, come in," Gerard welcomed, smiling slightly. I walked in with James following me. James still wasn't talking to me and I just couldn't figure out his weird behaviour.
After the three of us were seated, Gerard leaned forward on his desk and rubbed his hands together. "So… it seems that you two, plus Scorpius, Albus, Lily, Miranda, Rose and some others are going to Victoire and Lupin's wedding. Correct?" Gerard asked.
I replied with a 'yes' but James just nodded. What was going on with him?
"Well, Headmistress McGonagall has asked me to arrange your transport situations. I have already discussed the other student attendees travel plans this morning whilst you were both asleep. So, Harry and Ginny will come and pick you up in two days. You will stay with them until the wedding and then come back to school for next term – school is finishing in about a week and a half anyway. The Headmistress just wants to make sure that you are both well rested… as well as spending some time away from all of the drama. I know the Headmistress was quite harsh with the punishments but… I just want you both to know that you've been through a lot. And that I supported your plan to take down Enrico because honestly, someone needed to tackle him," Professor Gerard added, smirking.
I smiled, glad that someone wasn't too pissed off at us. "Thanks, Professor."
James looked kind of confused, like he hadn't expected Gerard to be so nice. "Yeah… thanks."
Gerard smiled. "Now, off to your common rooms, both of you." And with that, we left in AWKWARD SILENCE.
I was walking next to James, completely aware of how close we were. If I'd taken one more step to the right, we'd be touching… AND IT KILLED ME! It was almost as if the whole sleeping-in-the-same-bed situation had just me EXTRA hyperaware of him. It sucked and rocked at the same time.
But it was still silent which was so unlike James. I was beginning to worry – had I said something? Did his hand hurt? Was he weirded out by me? I didn't know so I decided to just go on and ask.
"What's wrong?" I asked, breaking the silence like a knife slicing through bread.
James's head jerked up and his eyes met mine. "Hm? Oh, nothing," James said, giving me a strained smile.
"'Nothing' isn't gonna cut it with me. Why are you so quiet?" I asked, my voice coming out a little harsh.
James sighed and ruffled his hair up. "It's just… last night… with you and me… it's just, you're acting really normal about it all."
James's words hung in the air. He thought I was being… normal? WHAT? CAN HE NOT SEE THAT I'M FREAKING OUT? DOES HE REALLY NOT KNOW THAT INSIDE, I'M YELLING AT MYSELF?
"What?" I yelled, flabbergasted.
James stopped and turned to face me, his eyes blazing. "Well, you are! I mean, you go ahead and act one way last night and a different way today!" James stated, almost yelling.
What was he going on about? "What do you mean? How exactly was I acting last night compared to this morning? I mean, did anything even happen last night?" I yelled back. This was bad… I was getting angry and impulsive. My temper was coming out and I knew this would end badly.
James looked hurt and angry at the same time. "What do you mean 'did anything happen?'! Didn't it feel… I don't know, different?" James asked, genuinely upset.
What was he trying to say? That he liked me? Well, why didn't he just say so? "Different how? Different as in…?" I yelled, trailing off. I didn't want to say it. I didn't want to even ask if he liked me! I mean, what if he said he didn't?
James's look grew defiant. "Different as in what? Tell me, for gods' sake! Just tell me!" he yelled, angry and desperate all of a sudden.
Was he asking me to tell him if I liked him? This was just getting too confusing. I mean, what if he was? But what if he wasn't?
"Different as in… as in… well, why don't you say it!" I yelled, angry he was making me feel so confused.
James shook his head, muttering under his breath. "How did you feel different last night?" James asked, angry and defiant, staring into my eyes. I just stood there, gaping at him. Did he really just ask me that? What was I supposed to say? "Go on. Tell me," James asked, his voice hard. Why was he being like that?
"Why are you being like that?" I yelled, my eyes burning.
"Like what?"
"Like some sort of asshole who doesn't care what I say!" I screamed, my voice echoing in the empty hallway.
James looked… well, he looked enraged. "Is that what you think? Is that really what you think?"
No! "Yes!"
Mistake. Bad mistake. It's like I wanted to say no but saying no would mean that he would win. Win what? I'm not even sure anymore.
James stepped right up close to me, his face containing his emotions. "Tell me what felt different last night," James demanded, his voice low.
"I don't know what you mean," I replied evenly.
James gave me a look. "Fine then. I'll ask this instead – how did you feel last night?"
And suddenly, I wanted to hide. I wanted to turn and run. That one question made me feel so… exposed. What do I answer with? The truth? No, not the truth. How could I tell him that I liked him so much, it hurt? How could I tell him that being with him made me feel like the heroine in some cheesy romance book? How could I tell him? All I knew was that I could try. Try and tell him.
"I felt… it was different because…" I trailed off, my eyes locked on his steady blue ones. But I paused too long. I couldn't get the words out in time, I couldn't tell him. I couldn't.
James stepped away, his blue eyes filled with hurt. He laughed humourlessly. "You can't even say it. You can't even bring yourself to admit it," and with a final shake of his head, he left.
He just walked away.
Wait! Come back! I didn't mean to pause like that! I want to tell you… but I'm scared…
I should've said that all out loud. I shouldn't have lost my temper and screamed at him in the first place.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda.
I shuffled into the common room, holding back tears. Tears of anger and sadness and tiredness. Everything felt wrong in my life. We ruined any chance at finding the Pure's, we got Hope seriously hurt, we got Albus hurt, we got kicked off the Quidditch team… and I lost James. Now, I don't want to sound melodramatic, but it felt like I was spiralling towards a big hole and I couldn't stop myself from falling right in.
"Maddie! Hey, how are you feeling?" Xavier came up to me, smiling his a thousand-watt smile.
I tried to give him a smile, but I just broke down. Tears streamed out and my chest started concaving. I was gasping for breath and I knew I looked like a train wreck.
"Maddie?" Xavier asked, alarmed. I threw myself at him, hugging his broad shoulders. I was shaking uncontrollably and I couldn't stop myself from sobbing.
"He… he left," I choked out between sobs, my voice cracking. Xavier wrapped his arms around me and started rubbing my back.
"Who left?" he asked quietly, his soothing voice making me feel slightly better.
"He just walked away… a-and I did-didn't get to-to-to tell him…" I croaked out, my voice raw.
"It's ok, Mads," Xavier whispered, smoothing my hair down.
"No! It's not! He just walked away… and I-I-I could-d-dn't stop him," I cried. I knew I was probably making a scene but I didn't care. I was so hurt and so broken. My whole body ached for him to just come back. I just ached for him. I pulled away from Xavier, wiping my eyes and nose. I needed to pull myself together… but I coudn't.
"Who did this, Mads?" Xavier asked again, his sweet face full of sympathy.
"James," I rasped out. A moment of silence fell before I flung myself back at Xavier, crying my eyes out all over again. "He left me… he just left," I whispered through sobs.
Xavier held me tighter. I knew Xavier was such a great friend for not bolting when he saw me crying. And I loved him for being so sweet and understanding.
But it wasn't Xavier's arms I wanted around me.
After I'd finished my crying fest with Xavier, he snuck off to get some dinner for me. I didn't want to leave the Common room, not whilst I was feeling so sad and gloomy. And I was cool just chilling while everyone was dinner, on the couch, eating some yummy chocolate from Jo's secret stash… when none-other than Roy stumbled through the common room door, cursing.
"Roy?" I mumbled out through a mouthful of chocolate. What the hell was he doing here? I hadn't seen him in ages since the whole breakup thing. Roy looked up and flushed.
"Oh. Hi, Maddie. I didn't know you were here. I was just getting Rachel a jumper… because she's cold… yeah…" Roy stuttered, not looking me in the eyes.
Talk about awkward.
"Oh. That's cool. Are you and Rachel a thing or…?" I asked, swallowing the lump of chocolate.
Roy turned even redder. "Uh, no. I mean, she's cool… and awesome… but, no. It's not like that," Roy explained, rubbing the back of his neck.
I raised my eyebrows at him. "Are you sure? I mean, it just looks like you both really like each other…" I suggested, smiling.
Roy shook his head. "Nah. You see, I still like someone else and it just wouldn't be fair," Roy said, getting a dreamy look in his eyes. Dreamy? Ugh, barf.
Wait, what? Does Roy still like me? Roy must've seen my alarmed expression because laughed and waved his hand. "No! No, I don't still like you! It's actually… Colleen," Roy admitted, his blush even redder on his pale skin.
"What? Colleen?" I asked, completely surprised. He still liked Colleen?
Roy laughed. "Yeah, Colleen. She wrote to me, a couple of weeks after we broke up. It's the first letter she's sent to… to anyone back here, I think. I sent a letter back and then she replied and then – well, you get it," he said sheepishly. "I think her writing to me has just reminded me how much I truly loved her and how much she means to me. I don't think I could live without her – she's my soulmate… my one, true love…" Roy trailed off, wistfully. Ugh, BARF! 'She's my soulmate'? Like, come on! How cheesy is that?
"Oh… that's… uh, nice," I managed to get out with a smile.
Roy beamed at me. "Yeah. It is. When she comes back next year… well, I think you know," Roy hinted, smiling widely. Thank god he'd stopped with the mushy-mushy cheesy shit. "Colleen is my everything, my every bit of light in this dark world," oh, shit. Here we go. Roy stared off in space, his eyes glazing over. "I know life without her would be dull and uneventful. I know life with her will be everything I've ever wanted."
"Do you want me to, I don't know, write this all down for your vows or…?" I said drily, but Roy didn't even hear me. "Nope? Ok, then."
Roy started pacing and I sighed wearily. How could I have even liked this guy? "Colleen is the only thing that matters to me in the world. I know I will always love and cherish her. It's like she… she crushed my heart in her hand and then-" Roy kept talking, but I'd frozen in my chair.
The words 'crushed' and 'in hand' played in my mind.
How did Enrico break James's hand? How was he even that strong? I recalled seeing him launch himself at Al even though Enrico was the most un-co little shit I've ever seen. How was he… so strong?
Just then, Xavier came in, holding a plate of food for me, smiling supportingly. "Here you go, Mads," he said, giving me the plate of food. I didn't grab it and the plate clattered to the floor. "Hey! Maddie! What the…?" Xavier exclaimed, bending down to pick up the food on the floor. My hand whipped out and caught his arm. Xavier froze and looked at me, curiously. "Mads? Are you ok?"
"Enrico crushed James's hand in his own – crushed. Basically all of James's bones were broken. It's not possible for Enrico, a weakling, to do that. He literally grabbed his hand," I gushed, grabbing Xavier's hand, "and crushed it," I said, squeezing tightly. Xavier pulled away quickly, a worried look on his face.
"Maddie, are you… uh, having a vision or something? You're acting… strange," Xavier commented, pulling me off my seat so I was standing.
"Enrico then launched – and when I say launched I mean jumped about two meters – at Al and then went on attacking him. How could Enrico, who has no leg muscles or strength, do that without a running start? I mean, Enrico literally jumped so high off the ground and then flung himself at Al – it was crazy. It was not possible. Not for Enrico," I explained, ignoring Xavier completely.
"So… you think someone disguised themselves as Enrico?" Xavier asked, looking utterly lost.
I grunted in frustration. How was he not getting this? "No! Enrico must have… have boosted himself with strength somehow. Somehow, he made himself physically stronger – so strong, he could break nearly every bone in a hand by just squeezing it," I said, desperately trying to get him to understand.
A look of realisation dawned on Xavier. "Oh my… but… but how? And if Enrico could boost his physical strength, could he boost his magical abilities too? Make himself better at spells? And could everyone in the Pure's have access to that power too?" Xavier asked, a concerned look on his face.
Our eyes met. "We need to tell everyone." I grabbed his hand and started yanking him out of the room when someone coughed from behind us. We turned and Roy waved.
"I am still here, you know. And what the hell is all of this about… Enrico? We were told he went to visit a sick relative… are you saying he's a Pure? Wait, was he the Pure that attacked Professor Lupin?" Roy asked, looking like a lost sheep.
"Hard to explain. Just come with us," Xavier said, yanking me out of the common room, Enrico right behind him. Once we were out, we gathered in a little circle. "Ok, I'll get Maria, Hope, Jo, Scorp and Al," Xavier said, turning to me. "And you'll get Rose, Miranda, James and maybe Adam. And you, Roy," he turned to face Roy, "can get Rachel and Eva. They're in the library, studying for a test. Got it? Everyone meet back on the seventh floor, left corridor. Got it? Near the tapestry of the ballet-dancing trolls," Xavier said, nodding and briskly walking off. I nodded and followed him to the dining hall.
Roy, still confused, ran off to the library. Xavier and I didn't speak. I mean, there were too many things to think about and my head was just racing. Once we'd reached the hall, I walked as calmly as possible to the Gryffindor table, which caused many of the students to stop and stare, but I barely noticed – we had a crisis on our hands. My eyes scanned the table for mop of messy black hair. I found him almost immediately and made a beeline for him. My palms were sweating and my hands were shaking. We were fighting and mad at each other… but there I was, going to go right up to him in front of everyone. Oh, the joy.
I walked right behind him and tapped his shoulder. "James," my voice echoed through the hall. He didn't turn around. "James," I repeated, my patience growing thin. He still didn't turn around. "Oh, for gods' sake," I muttered, grabbing both of his shoulders and hurling him up. "James!" I yelled, shaking his shoulders. Finally, he turned around, his eyes made of ice and his face in an absolute rage.
"What?" he snarled, running his hands through his hair.
"The sparrow flies south for winter," I blurted out, while watching James pale. He knew that was the code phrase for 'get Enrico'. He turned around and motioned for Rose, Miranda and Adam to follow us out of the hall. We all left, our footsteps mingling with those of Xavier and our Slytherin friends.
The moment we were out of the hall, Rose stopped. "Guys, I think I have some bad news about the Pure's and Enrico and-"
"Get in line," Xavier said sharply as he kept of walking. We walked up to the seventh floor in silence and waited outside the tapestry for Roy, Rachel and Eva. When the three of them came up, Rachel narrowed her eyes.
"What now?" she said, her pimply face scrunched up. Man, I'd missed her.
Xavier paced three times along the wall and then closed his eyes, deep in thought. Suddenly, the tapestry disappeared, leaving a huge doorway.
"What even?" I muttered, opening the doors. We piled in the room that was full of comfy-looking chairs and loads of food refreshments. "What is this place?"
"Room of Requirement. It's hard to explain what it does – I'll explain later. Right now, we need to discuss some important issues," Xavier started, his voice firm and authoritive.
"First things first," James started, as we all plonked ourselves down in the chairs, "why is Mr Pale Boy here?" he asked, pointing to Roy.
Roy, looking offended, glared at him. "Hey!"
"He overhead me and Xavier talking. He knows Enrico is a Pure and that he's now in custody… for now," I explained to an unhappy James.
"Ok, can I start off by voicing my ideas on what the Pure's want?" Rose said evenly. Without waiting for a response, she continued. "Good. Ok, so I'm pretty sure the Pure's want to exterminate every single other magical race… or at least replenish their numbers so much, they won't be a threat," Rose explained.
"Yeah, so?" Jo said. "What's new?"
Rose gave her a look. "What's new is the how. You know how the massacres were only 50 at a time? Well – I can't believe how I didn't see it before – they're sacrifices," Rose explained.
"What?" Hope gasped.
I nodded, agreeing. "My friend, Able, suggested that thought to me as well – that they were sacrificing them in groups of fifty so that they could… I'm not too sure," I explained.
Xavier leapt in. "Plus, Enrico was super strong when we caught him – like, super strong. He couldn't have been able to break James's hand. No way. So, where did that power come from?" Xavier asked.
We were all stumped. How is that even possible? To get super strength? No one had a clue… Except for Eva.
"Syphoning," she said quietly.
A moment of silence.
What? What's syphoning?
"Um, what's syphoning?" Miranda asked timidly.
Rose looked horrified, but she managed to mutter out a definition. "Kind of like… ok, hard to explain. So it's like if you use something to draw power from something else. Ok, bad explanation. Used in the context Eva was suggesting, basically she means by drawing out somethings power and using it for something else," Rose explained quietly.
Finally, everything clicked into place. "You mean… they're boosting their own power and strength by sacrificing other races? That's just… wrong. And cruel," I said, disgusted.
They were literally killing so many innocent people just to boost their own power?
"But why would they want or need super strength?" Scorp asked.
Everyone was stumped again.
"To wipe out every other major, magical race other than witches and wizards," Eva said. "They're not just killing them to get power – they want to exterminate all of the other, powerful magical races."
That's bad…
After that night in the Room of Requirement, we decided to not speak a word of this to anyone outside of that room and to meet again next term.
It was crazy. We'd finally discovered why the Pure's were killing of all these people but we couldn't actually do anything about it – we didn't even know who was behind the Pure's or where their base was.
So, I decided to fling all of the Pure drama into the corners of my mind where they couldn't ruin my wonderful week at the Potter's and the wedding I'd be attending. Also, in that corner, was the information that I was seer. I just didn't need that in my life.
Lily, Al, James and I all met inside of Gerards' office. Inside, we saw Harry and Ginny waiting for us, them looking so worried.
Ginny sighed and ran over, embracing all four of us. "Oh, my babies! What were you thinking?" she cried as she pulled us all closer.
Harry cleared his throat, making us pull away. "Why would you do that? Why would you try and take down Enrico on your own? No! Don't answer that. Let's just go," Harry sighed, glaring furiously. We all linked arms and apparated out of there and into the Potter's house.
I breathed in the scent of the home and saw the weird furniture and smiled – it was good to be back.
"Have you seen my dress?" Lily yelled from down the hall. The wedding was today and everyone was running around like mad chooks. The wedding was being held at Fleur and Bill's house, by the sea and it was going to be kind-of warm.
"No!" I yelled out to Lily, zipping up my own dress. Once I'd wriggled into it, I smoothed it down and smiled, satisfied. I then got to pulling my hair into a cute but messy ponytail and pulled my shawl on. I raced out into the hall and into Lily's room, my bare feet padding against the wood floor. "Want some help finding the dress?" I asked, taking in her huge room littered with discarded clothes and jewellery.
Lily sat in the middle of the room in a silk slip, pouting. "Yes, I would very much like some help!" Lily cried. I rolled my eyes and waded into the room.
"Ok, is it black and sparkly?" I said, eyeing a flimsy-looking piece of black material, covered in glitter and sequins.
"Yeah, how'd you know?" Lily asked suspiciously.
"Umm, because I found it," I said, picking it up and holding it up so she could see it. Lily smiled and raced over, snatching the dress.
"Thanks, Maddie! Hey, I like your dress! Oh yeah, 'cause I picked it out!" Lily said slyly as she slipped the dress on.
I put my hands on my hips and gave her a pose. "Don't I look fabulous? And thanks for helping me pick it out," I said, eyeing the silky, pale blue dress I had one that went to my mid shin. It had spaghetti straps and a kind-of low neckline. I was so uncomfortable in it but Lily was making me wear it… and it wasn't too bad, I guess.
"You look hot as!" Lily screamed, fluffing her fire-red hair up. Lily was seriously pretty in her black dress that made her look curvy and skinny at the same time. I swear she always looks like a supermodel whenever I see her. She turned to face me and I internally face palmed. What a trust that her eyes were covered in black kohl or eyeliner and that her lips looked huge and bright red. She looked way older than fourteen. I raised my eyebrows at her.
"Do you think your mum will like all that makeup?" I asked, trying my best not to sound like some teacher.
Lily scowled. "Doesn't matter what she thinks – she already hates the dress so may as well go all out," Lily said, shrugging. Man, she's already trouble.
"Guys! We're leaving now!" Al shouted as he came into Lily's room. He stopped and glared at Lily. "You look about twenty years old. Wash your face," he demanded sternly.
Lily tilted her chin up. "No way," she said defiantly.
"Mum and dad want us to leave now!" James said, waltzing in the room. His eyes found Lily and he raised an eyebrow, glaring at the same time. "Are you planning to leave the house looking like a hooker? Wash your face," he said, pointing to the bathroom.
Lily huffed. "I do not look like a hooker! Everyone looks like a hooker to you, James. I have the worst brothers ever!" Well, I thought her brothers were being cute.
James and Al didn't move from the doorway, an unmoveable wall of brother power. I stifled a laugh.
Finally, Lily groaned and pushed past the boys to the bathroom. "I'm washing my face!" she screamed from the bathroom.
"I swear she's going to get into so much trouble if she's not careful," Al said, sharing a look with James. "Well, I need my tie. I'll see you guys downstairs," Al said, walking out and leaving me and James alone.
I looked at James and stifled a sigh. Why did he always look so good and desirable? It took all of my effort to stop being mad at him.
"Look, Maddie," James started, his hands running through his hair, "I just wanted to apologise… you know, for the other day," he stuttered, nervously, not meeting my eyes. "It was… uh, mean and rude of me… to say and to, uh do that to you. And I'm sorry. So yeah. And thanks for helping me with my hand. It was… nice of you to do that," he fumbled out, looking at his feet.
I blinked a couple of times. He just apologised for our massive fight… and it was the cutest and funniest thing ever.
I snorted and started giggling. "Done with the apology?" I asked.
James frowned and nodded. "Yeah."
"Well, I'm sorry too for being a mega-bitch," I said. This time, James laughed.
"Why do I find this so funny?" James said, laughing.
I giggled. "I dunno. It just is," I said. I cleared my throat and composed myself. "Ok. Forgiven?" I asked, holding my hand out for him to shake.
James gave me his famous smile and I nearly fainted. "Forgiven," he said, grabbing my hand and shaking it.
Good lord. Even shaking his hand made me feel like I was on fire. Tingles ran up my arm and my fingers felt electrified. I looked into his dark blue eyes and was lost. I knew I was a complete goner – there was no way that I'd ever be able to get over James Potter.
And then I realised that we were still holding hands and it was extremely awkward, seeing as how we should've let go about TWO MINUTES AGO!
Yeah, talk about awkward.
I quickly jerked my hand away, it suddenly feeling cold and naked without James' hand.
James's head jerked weirdly and he coughed. "Ready to go?"
I nodded briskly and walked out of the room.
LIFE WAS SO HARD! I'm really trying hard (not really) not to complain but I just couldn't help it! If James liked me, could he please just give a sign? Or maybe tell me? Or, I don't know, KISS ME?!
I swear, James Potter was killing me slowly.
Just as we were about to leave, Ginny pulled me aside with a pair of extremely gaudy and OTT high heels in her hands. They were covered in pale blue glitter, the heel was made of crystal and there was even a little bow on the front of the heel, covered in blue gemstones.
PLEASE GOD HELP ME!
Ginny was smiling evilly as she handed me the shoes. "Vic told me to make sure you wore these shoes! Apparently, you're going to be her 'something blue' for the night! Well, put them on!" Ginny fluttered as I slipped on the shoes. Standing up, I was much taller and much more uncomfortable.
"My feet hurt already," I whined.
Ginny smiled. "Good! That means the shoes look great!" she said as she walked away expertly in her heels. I, on the other hand, stumbled and nearly tripped quite a couple of times. Once we were all holding hands, we apparated to Bill and Fleur's house. Blinking a few times, I took in the surroundings. It was a cute little beach house with an outdoor aisle, seats and white gazebo facing the sea. Night was almost falling and I knew there'd be a beautiful sunset as the backdrop to the wedding ceremony. Beside the house was a white, billowing tent that would probably be used for the reception. I breathed in the scent of the beach and smiled. This place was sick! I turned to Al, smiling.
"This is awesome! I can't wait to see Vic and Lupin!" I squealed to a smiling Al.
"I know, it's going to be so much fun!" Al said excitedly, his tie matching his eyes perfectly.
As a group, we all started walking to the house. We piled into the cosy and cute house which was spilling warmness and family. Lupin was pacing on the floor, a look of nervousness and horror on his face. When he heard us come in, he froze and looked up.
"I've forgotten my vows! I've forgotten my bloody vows!" Lupin said frantically. I heard Ginny chuckle as she walked forward and stroked his arm.
"Calm down. Just think, you're marrying Vic, the most amazing girl ever," Ginny soothed, her words instantly calming him. I'd almost forgotten she and Harry raised him. Harry walked over, smiling.
"I know you haven't forgotten those vows. You have the best memory of all of us," Harry commented. Lupin nodded, smiling tentatively.
"Yeah. I can do this. I can do this," he muttered, walking over to us. He stopped at Lily and frowned. "What is that dress? It's too short!" Lupin cried, crossing his arms. I peered over at Lily and saw that her dress was about ten centimetres shorter than what is was when we left. Lily scowled and pulled it down.
"I have the worst brothers!" she said, poking her tongue out at him. Lupin shrugged and crushed her in a massive bear hug, squeezing her tight.
"And I have the worst little sister!" Lupin teased as he pulled away and grabbed Al into another hug. "Now, can you do me a favour and actually pay attention to my wedding and not snog your boyfriend the whole time?" Lupin teased, earning a wack from Al.
"Do I get a hug?" James pouted. Lupin sighed and rolled his eyes.
"If I have to," he said as he hugged James. They broke apart and Lupin came over to me.
"Madison Taylor. My, you look lovely in blue!" Lupin said as he swooped me into a hug. I laughed and wrapped my arms around him. I stepped back and assessed him.
"Looking good, Professor," I said, nodding in approval.
Lupin laughed. "Thanks, sis!"
I froze. Did he just call me… sis?
"Sis?" James asked, obviously thinking the same thing as me (which made me feel good, I'll admit).
Lupin shrugged. "She's an honorary sister to me! Plus, she'll be my god sister soon enough," Lupin sang in a sing-song voice. Did he just imply that he thought I'd marry James?
I blushed, turning so red, I could actually feel it creeping up my neck and face. "What?" I stuttered out, completely shocked at what he'd just said.
Lupin shrugged. "See ya! I need to practise my vows," Lupin said as he bounded off and gave us a wink.
I didn't dare look at James. What if he saw me blushing? How embarrassing!
Lily cleared her throat. "Well, let's go see Vic!"
And that was that.
"Oh, Vic! You look so pretty!" Lily cooed as she walked into the bridal room. Vic gave a nervous laugh.
"Thanks, Lil… I'm just so nervous," Vic admitted as she sat down on the bed. Inside the room with Vic were five girls wearing matching dresses of lilac. "Oh!" Vic exclaimed, "these are my friends Thalia," she motioned to a girl with strawberry blonde hair and fat lips, "Sabrina," a plump girl with long, orange hair down to her waist, "Lucie," she pointed to a tall and athletic girl with huge shoulders and cropped, brown hair, "Georgia," a stunning girl with thick lips and shining, black hair cut in a neat bobwith small glasses perched on her thin nose, "and that's Arianna, or Ari," the last girl had thick, bright pink and grey hair, her short and curvy figure contrasting to Vic's lean and graceful one. I could tell Ari was Vic's best friend – it was quite obvious.
"Oh! They are just the cutest!" Sabrina squealed as she ran over and gave us all huge hugs. "Hi, I'm Sabrina!" she introduced to us about a billion times.
"Maddie! You wore the shoes!" Vic exclaimed as she came over and hugged everyone.
"Yeah, I did!" I said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Vic smiled sympathetically. "Hurt like a bitch, don't they?" she said, giggling.
I took in Vic and nearly gasped. She was radiant. Her dress was tight and glittery to her hips where it spilled into a full ball gown of white chiffon with sparkling flowers here and there. Her makeup was minimal, only a pale pink on her lips and her eyes done in lilac. Her hair was piled into a curled bun with a veil sitting upon it, going down to the floor. It wasn't too glittery or too plain or too gaudy – it was just right.
I knew no other bride could ever compare to Vic – she was just too happy and joyous and beautiful.
"You look stunning, Vic," Al said, summing it up nicely.
"Yeah," I agreed, smiling wide.
Her friend Ari came over and wrapped an arm around Vic's waist. "Can you imagine being friends with her? You're always the 'ugly one'," Ari joked drily.
"Or the 'other one,'" Georgia added, smiling.
"How about the 'what's-her-name one!'" Lucie said, giggling. All five girls were giggling as Vic scolded them.
"Hey! You guys know we're all-" Vic started but was interrupted by her friends.
"'We're all beautiful in our own way and we should love ourselves for who we are,'" they all recited, looks of boredom on their faces. Obviously Vic says that a lot.
Vic blushed. "Please, stop mocking me! It's my wedding day," Vic pleaded, smiling none-other the less.
Thalia suddenly gasped. "Vic! The back of your dress has a rip!"
Suddenly, the five girls weren't just girls – they were soldiers.
"Everyone to battle stations!" Sabrina yelled, running around. The five girls all ran to certain positions with certain equipment in their hands. Some had needles, some had thread, some were getting ready to slip the dress of Vic and some were standing near the toilet (why, I'm not too sure. Maybe they were on toilet duty? Or hold back hair duty?).
What the hell?
"Ready for battle? Well then, LET'S MOVE!" Ari yelled and all five girls got to work. It just so happened that Sabrina's job was to get everyone in the room that wasn't part of the bridal party out.
"Sorry guys! We'll see you at the ceremony!" Sabrina said as we scrambled out and the door slammed in our faces.
A moment of silence.
"Girls are weird," James said, frowning.
Yep, that pretty much summed it up.
The ceremony was beautiful. There wasn't a dry eye in the whole audience. It was cute and love-felt but not too cheesy. I'd decided that Lupin and Vic were my couple goals.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Lupin leaned down and wrapped his arms around Vic's waist as they kissed. Everyone got to their feet and started clapping and cheering.
After they were officially married, we all piled into a tent that looked small on the inside but was spacious on the inside. Everything was lilac and white in the tent. It was so pretty with such a good vibe. My table consisted of the Potters and the Weasleys. There were jokes all night and it was by far the best wedding I'd ever been to (also my first, but, oh well!).
After dinner, the dancefloor opened. Al and I were on it straight away with Scorp (who'd arrived just after we did), dancing like we were the biggest weirdos. I was laughing and sweaty after only a couple of songs and had to go and sit down – my feet were killing me!
"My feet! I need to rest!" I yelled over the loud music as I limped over to our now empty table and pulled my heels off. I sighed, smiling. I loved being in England so much. I loved going to Hogwarts and all of the new friends I'd made. I loved feeling like I was a part of so many families. I loved feeling like there was no way in hell I didn't belong. And I hated knowing it would all be over soon. School was almost over and by then, I'd have to go back to Australia and AIM. Even though I was looking forward to seeing my friends and family again, I could already feel a terrible ache of missing this place and the people I'd met. Al, Scorp, Jo, Maria, Hope, Xavier, Rose, Miranda, Lily, Lupin, Vic, the Potters, the Weasleys… James…
A lump formed in my throat – I'd have to leave all of this soon. Maybe it was ok that James and I never got together… I mean, firstly, he doesn't like me and secondly, if we did get together… I'd have to leave. That would break my heart. Break it into a million pieces.
Thinking of the devil, James walked up to me and sat down next to me. "Man, I'm so tired. Ellie had me dancing like mad just then!" James exclaimed, smiling madly. Ellie. I'd almost forgotten about her and her backstabbing habits. Of course James was dancing with Ellie – Ellie was fun and pretty and loveable. I, on the other hand… "Maddie? You in there?" James said, waving a hand in front of my face.
I blinked and smiled. "Yeah, just in a daze."
A few moments of silence. He was so close… so close to me. If I leaned a little to the right, my head would be on his shoulder. I could smell his scent of musk and winters air with a touch of pine… and mint today. I was hyperaware of him, shivers going down my spine even though we weren't touching.
Man, I really, really, really, really liked James Potter. Like, a lot. So much, I swear there was a sign above my head that read: MADDIE LIKES JAMES!
I wanted to hold his hand, to hug him, to kiss him, to run my hands through his hair, to talk to him all the time… to just be near him.
A random song started playing and James hopped up, smiling. "This is my jam!" James yelled as he started dancing right in front of me… and he's an amazing dancer!
Ha, jokes. He sucked shit. His arms were jerking everywhere and his face was contorted in the weirdest expression… but he looked so James-like. Except for his hair which was slicked back. I froze and frowned.
That's not right… his hair is meant to be messy… I mean, that's how I like it. So, I stood up and ruffled his hair up with my hands. James froze. I disregarded this and kept on messing up his hair. I stepped back and admired my work.
"Much better!" I said, pleased with myself. James was still frozen. "James? You in there?" I said, repeating what he'd said to me.
James smiled. "Yeah, just in a daze," and then he started dancing again, doing the worst and weirdest dance moves. I held my face in my hands, laughing.
"You're such a bad dancer!" I said, shaking with laughter.
"What? I'm amazing!" James said, dancing with his arms straight as boards, his legs moving in a shuffle movement. He was smirking his famous smirk and his hair was messy… he looked just the way I liked it. I had to tell him that I liked him. How could I not? I wanted him so badly, I needed him so badly.
But… what if he rejects me? James had to tell me first. I wasn't going to do anything, not going to change anything between us until I knew I wouldn't get hurt or rejected.
…
Why couldn't James just make a move already! If he likes me, can he just do something about it? And if he doesn't… well, can he let me know?
"Speeches everyone! Time for speeches!" Ron yelled out across the room. Everyone went back to their seats and looked at the small stage that Lupin, Vic, Harry, Ginny, Bill and Fleur were standing on. James stopped dancing and scampered over to a seat. For some reason, it made me smile.
Vic cleared her throat as she stepped forward, smiling. "Hello everyone and thank you for coming to my wedding. I've had loads of fun already and the party hasn't even started yet!" there were a few chuckles at this. Vic cleared her throat and smiled widely, her eyes shining. "I'd just like to start my speech off by saying it will only be very short and simple. First of all, I'd like to thank everyone that made this night possible, especially Ari, who has been my rock through this world-wind experience!" Vic said, clapping and cheering, the audience joining in. "Um, also my parents, Bill and Fleur, for being so supportive and for always being there whenever I needed it," Vic said, her voice cracking slightly as she motioned to her parents and started to clap, the audience joining. "And, last but certainly not least, I'd like to thank my beautiful husband, Teddy Lupin. He's been such a… uh," Vic said, looking at the ceiling, her eyes glistening. "You're gonna make me cry! Uh, such a great person to me and to everyone I love. Words cannot describe the feeling I get just by seeing you smiling at me," Vic said, sniffling slightly. 'Aww's were made by the crowd. Teddy beamed and stood forward to take her hand, murmuring words under his breath, making Vic giggle. "I would also like to say one very important thing – to take action. If you want something, go for it. I did that with Teddy – many, many times – and it payed off. It really did. Don't be scared of what the consequences might be – think of what the positives will be. Thank you," Vic said, her eyes tearing up. What a cute speech! I'll admit, there may have been one or two tears in my eyes.
The rest of the speeches passed in a blur, Vic's being the most inspiring, Harry's being the funniest, Lupin's being the cutest, Fleur's was the sweetest, Ginny's was the most heart-warming and Bill's was the most entertaining. After the speeches were done, the dance floor opened again and everyone screamed and ran to it. I bent down to grab my shoes so I could join Al, Scorp and Rose but James interrupted me.
"Well that was adorable!" James exclaimed. I whipped my head around to see him lounging on the chair, smiling sweetly, his hair hanging in his eyes.
Oh my, he's gorgeous (yes, yes, my heart skipped a beat, blah blah blah).
I smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it was. I wish my wedding could be as cute as this," I said, frowning at my words. "Uh, actually no. I want my wedding to be extra simple and casual," I said, smiling.
James shook his head. "Nuh-uh. I'm going big or going home. Fireworks, circus dancers, 10 tiered cake, a massive water fountain of me and the girl I'm marrying, huge ice pillars and sculptures and, of course, a person who'll be doing face paint," James said, using big hand motions and gestures, a wild look in his eyes.
I laughed and held a hand out. "Calm down! That wedding sounded… ok, pretty cool but also pretty tacky."
James was about to reply when something caught his eye. He smiled and stood up, waving at whoever had caught his attention. I craned my neck to see Ellie doing a James dance move and could hear James laughing. Jealousy shot through me. What. A. Trust. Ellie was ruining everything all over again. Ellie motioned for James to go over to her and I felt my stomach drop when he yelled, "OK!"
I saw him shake his head, smiling and muttering something under his breath. He gave me a shrug and pointed to Ellie. "I promised I'd dance with her," James said.
Um, what? Were he and Ellie a thing now? Was he seriously ditching me for-
Oh. Oh no. I was turning into one of those girls who gets super over-protective of people she has no right to.
All of this drama and jealousy and weird back and forth shit wouldn't happen if James just came out and told me of he liked me or not! I mean, he has to tell me! He needed to just stop being a coward and DO IT! And… oh…
Words from Vic's speech came back to me – 'take action'.
Since when was I the kind of girl who waited around for a boy to wake up and do something? I pride myself on being impulsive and daring but there I was, being a hypocrite and judging James for not taking action when I wasn't either! The reason we keep on going back and forth, never knowing where we stand was because we both didn't want to be rejected – we both didn't want to be the one who ruined our friendship.
But I was a daring and impulsive girl who was going to take action and who was going to be the kind of girl who didn't wait around for the boy. If he wanted me, I wanted to know.
So, I stood up abruptly in front of James making him jump.
"Maddie, you have some good reflexes," James said, holding his heart.
Good, now that you stood up, maybe you should, I don't know, SAY SOMETHING! "Don't go to Ellie!" I blurted out, my face burning.
James frowned. "Uh… why not?" he asked.
Ok, here we go. Just say that you like him, Maddie! "Um… well, you see… I…" Why the hell was I clamming up? I am daring. I am impulsive. I don't wait for the boy to take action – that's my job.
Well, then. I knew what I needed to do. "Screw it," I muttered.
So, before I could talk myself out of it, I squeezed my eyes shut, grabbed his face, pulled it to mine and kissed him. Yes, I kissed him. No jokes, no pranks, I'm not pulling your strings – this was real, mouth on mouth, kissing.
And. It. Was. AMAZING!
He froze, and I moved in closer. He was surprised at first but he then wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled my closer, rubbing my back and relaxing into me. I smiled against his lips and wrapped my fingers up in his hair, loving the feeling of his soft hair beneath my fingers. He kissed me softly, as if memorising the taste of my lips. He was being gentle and sweet, his arms enveloping me. It felt soooo good to just kiss him after so long of liking him so bad.
And it was utter bliss.
James pulled away, his lips lingering on mine slightly. He pulled away slightly so we were still embraced but his face was inches from mine.
"Hi," James whispered, smiling wider than I'd ever seen.
"Hi," I whispered back, giggling. I could feel my smile go even wider until my face was completely stretched.
"Does this mean you like me too?" James asked, smirking slightly.
"What?" I said loudly, completely shocked. "You mean… you like me?" I asked, disbelief in my voice.
James gave a short bark of laughter. "Well, yeah, duh! Ever since that time when I asked you to the Yule Ball and you said no," James explained, his fingers playing with my hair.
HOLD UP! He liked me the ENTIRE TIME?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
"You're telling me," I said, my voice low, "that you've liked me the entire time?" I asked, my voice surprisingly steady.
James faltered a bit. "Uh, yeah..."
"What about Ellie? Don't you like her…?" I asked, my eyes narrow.
"No… why would you think that?" James asked, his face uncertain.
I stared at him in shock. James Potter liked… boring old Maddie and not Ellie? I did the only thing a girl could do when she was told that.
I smiled widely, squealed and kissed him. Again. I could feel James smile as he pulled my closer again, his hands gripping my back and waist. This kiss was hot and fast, different to the sweet one before. I pulled away, out of breath.
"I thought you were mad at me for a second out there," James whispered, smirking, his dark blue eyes mischievous.
"Good," I said simply as he pulled me back to him. This kiss was even better than the first one! Everything was perfect, the music, the sounds of people dancing and singing-
OH CRAP.
People! James and I were basically making out in front of all of his and my friends… and all of his family. I pulled away quickly, my eyes wide. "Your whole family could see us making out!" I said wildly.
James laughed, a glint in his eye. "Yeah, so?"
I blushed and fiddled with the hair at the base of his neck. "I just… don't want to get a reputation or something like that…" I said, biting my lip.
James smiled. "Man, you're the cutest!"
I raised my eyebrows. "Cute, am I? Is that a word you're using to describe me?" I asked, pouting.
James raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Among many others that I'd not like to say where my family can hear – we don't want to get a reputation, now do we?" James said, his voice low and completely sexy. I was tingling from his touch and I needed to kiss him again. James looked around, grabbed one of my hands and started walking towards the exit of the tent. He led me outside, my bare feet playing in the sand. The night sky was like lapis-lazuli, dark blue spotted with silver stars. The moon was bright and half-full, a light in the sky.
I looked at James and smiled, loving the feeling of my hand in his. James's eyes lit up and he let go of my hand. "Race you to the water!" he screamed as he ran down the sandy hill. It was nice, knowing he was still the same James even though we'd just kissed.
Laughing, I chased after him, the chilly night forgotten as I threw my shawl off.
"Whoo hoo!" James hollered as he raced to the tide, flinging his suit jacket in the sand. Laughing, I started spinning and turning, just relishing in the feeling of being there with James. He beat me to the water and he waded in to around his mid shin. Smiling and giggling, I raced in after him, splashing around in the cold water.
"Ah! It's cold!" I screamed as I turned to look at James, who was staring at me with a funny look on his face. In a couple of strides, he was right in front of me.
"Scared of being watched now?" James whispered, the electricity between us coming to life.
I nodded. "Yep. I just don't care," I whispered.
We moved at the same time, his arms automatically going around my waist and my arms wrapping around his neck. James gathered me in his arms and he held me close. He kissed me softly and fast at the same time, my lips moving in synch with his. His arms heated me all through my body until I couldn't feel the cold anymore. The electricity between us was crackling, sending shivers and tingles through my entire body. James's hands found my hair tie and yanked it out, his fingers running through my hair.
"I love your hair, especially out," he whispered in my ear. I smiled, leaned back and shook it out so it was around me. James let out a sigh. "Much better."
And then he attacked me. His hands were in my hair, on my back, on my waist, running up and down my hips and thighs – everywhere. Anywhere he touched started to burn and I gasped slightly, kissing him harder and harder, faster and faster. His lips trailed down to my jawline and neck and he kissed me tenderly, his hands gripping my waist. I grabbed his face and smashed his lips back on mine, needing him closer. It was then that he gathered me in his arms bridal style and THREW ME INTO THE WATER!
I screamed and sunk into the freezing water, hearing James laughing faintly. I flung my head up out of the water, gasping. "You dickhead!" I yelled, splashing James… which turned into a full-on water war… which ended in us kissing again, softer this time, still giggling from our little water war.
My hands were wrapped in his hair, his arms wrapped around me. I was standing on my tiptoes, my feet loving the familiar feeling of sand. Water was lapping around my knees and my dress and I were completely soaked, but I didn't care.
I liked James Potter. So what? He liked me and we were willing to give us a go – and this time, Ellie wasn't around to ruin the moment.
AAAGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! JADDIE IS FINALLY TOGETHER! LEAVE A REVIEW IF YOU LOVED THAT HAPPY ENDING! THAT WAS ALSO MY LONGEST CHAPTER EVER GUYS!
I'll see when I can update, it might be a while so maybe this weekend or next week sometime!
I LOVE YOU ALL FOR READING MY FANFIC AND STICKING WITH ME! STAY TUNED FOR NEXT CHAPTER!
THANKS GUYS!
Kat xx
