Marlene and Dorcas were excited to see the penthouse. Gideon had looked up the address as soon as he got a chance. He had sent the pictures from the apartment website to the group chat.
Gideon
Have any of you looked up the address that he sent.
(3) Attachment(s) sent
Marlene
Holy Smokes! Is this a prank?
Lily
I don't think James is that kind of prankster.
Also he did say it was Sirius' place. He's like a millionaire or something.
Marlene
Of course he's not. Perfect gentleman for lovely Lily. 😉
Does Sirius have someone he's entangled with?
Dorcas
I'm pretty sure you are already engaged to me.
Fabian
Are you going to be good with the movie Remus?
Remus
I'd rather wait for the verdict form you guys but it's rude to turn down an invitation.
Trailer looks fine. It will be nice to not have to walk out of a theater if needs be.
Dorcas
That last manager was horrible. Kicking you out for sitting on the bench.
Remus
Not many people go to the movie and leave halfway.
Fabian
You were waiting for us…
Whatever with a home theater we will be able to change it if needs be.
Lily had been bouncing all day. They were all standing outside the penthouse waiting for Remus. Remus had a late customer which put of closing and he missed the train. Remus had assured her that they could go up and he would be there when he could. James came off the elevator and motioned to the front desk, who led them to the guest elevator.
"We have one more coming, but I'll have Sirius send him the code."
With that the front desk attendant was dismissed. The ride was long as they went up 30 stories. The entire group was watching out the window as the street below became smaller and smaller. The elevator opened directly to the penthouse. Lily noted that it was definitely the penthouse of an artist. The walls were painted with murals. There were stacked notebooks on every table and counter. There was minimal furniture besides a few standing pieces of art. James was pointing out the features when they all heard the shattering of glass.
James ran to one of the rooms and threw the door into the wall. "What do you think you're doing?"
Sirius came out clutching his hand. There were bits of mirror he kicked out the door.
"It's been more than a week and its still gone James. I don't see anything."
James looked over his shoulder at the concerned guests. Gideon stepped forward first and offered to take Sirius into the kitchen. He was used to nursing both at work and for his friends who often would find trouble. Sirius reluctantly followed. James threw Gideon the first aid kit from the bathroom.
Once the two boys were gone, James used a low voice to ensure he wasn't heard. "Sirius has had a difficult time finding a muse after the last show if you wouldn't bring it up."
Everyone nodded. Lily wanted to shout that Remus had found it. That Sirius and Remus had this odd soulmate bound that had bounced between them, or transferred, or something. To be honest, Remus seemed to not fully believe her, but somewhere deep in her, she knew that Sirius was his one.
"Let's head to that movie room of yours and set up. Dorcas likes to inspect each seat at the theater, I have a theory that she'll do that here too."
Dorcas looked offended, but the rest of the group laughed a bit at her expense. As hard as she tried to hide it, Lily still saw her look over all the seat and their distance and angle from the screen. Dorcas settled on a seat and Marlene sat to her right on an end cap. Lily chose the seat to her left. The method may seem crazy, but Dorcas always found the best seating. James came to sit in the seat next to Lily. As much as Lily wanted an excuse to James, Remus had claim to the aisle next to someone in the group. While the rest of the group was very kind, without knowing if something would set Remus off in the movie, Lily had the most experience and the gentlest touch when it came to Remus.
"This one is for Remus"
James face remained neutral, but the light in his eyes dimmed. "Of course."
"It's not what you think." She looked to Marlene and Dorcas for help. Both shrugged their shoulders. They all knew Remus was particular about what information was shared while he wasn't around. The group didn't want to feel like they were gossiping. "Please just know that it's for a just cause."
"Of course" James repeated. He moved to the seat behind and to the right of Lily. She turned in her seat so they could still talk.
"I didn't think the two of you were an item…"
The room went still. Lily didn't want to approach the subject of dating with James.
"We're not. Remus doesn't really date." Lily knew she had to say it. She had practiced in her bathroom mirror things that she could say. "Right now, I don't either. I'm not looking for anything." James face did react. He turned from questioning to defeated in a second. "It's a long story, but I'm helping Remus tonight."
James nodded. "I understand, as much as I can with none of the information."
Marlene decided to step in for the defense. "Remus has been through a lot. He's a private person and we'd like to respect that."
James was shocked at her harsh tone but had the decency to drop the subject.