Disclaimer: You know the drill.
I woke up the next morning a little afraid. I thought the girls had changed their minds and decided to remain angry with me, but I realized I was mistaken when Alice said, "So when are we going shopping for the dresses girls?"
I groaned. "Come on guys. The dance which I don't want to go for, by the way, is over two weeks away."
"You aren't going for the dance with Sirius." Mandy asked me.
"Well we spent a couple of hours together. After which I left with his worst enemy and he still has to speak to me after that." I pointed out dryly.
"I just assumed when you came up later that you guys had patched things over." She reasoned.
"You know what they say about assuming… It makes an ass out of you and me."
"What really happened?" Lily added.
I told them exactly what had happened. I was sitting on my bed, looking out the window as I spoke. When I turned to look at them after I was done they were looking at me as if I had stripped off my clothes and was dancing to Buttons by Pussycat Dolls on my bed.
"What?" I asked. Seriously who does everyone keep looking at me as if I have sprouted another head or something.
"Do you like him?" Mandy asked me.
"What?" I yelled. "No, I don't."
"Rubbish." Alice countered me.
"I really don't. He's arrogant and egoistic and thinks he can get away with anything. And I sure as hell don't like him. Now can we get back to the topic at hand?"
"Sure." Lily said, her eyes twinkling.
"I really don't like him." I insisted.
"I didn't say you did. Anyway you're going to go shopping with us. You're going to buy a dress and you are going to come for this dance with us this year. You hear?" Lily asked me sternly.
I groaned. I placed my hands on my hips. "I don't want to go."
But the others just smiled that saintly smile, knowing it was all talk and nothing else.
"We'll go. You'll come too." Lily started. "But…" She held up a hand when I started to interrupt. "You can go first. Pick a dress. Try it, and if you like it, buy it. If not, you can leave and we won't stop you. Just two hours. We'll be done by twelve twelve-thirty. Just come on, Allie. I have gone for countless dances without you. And this year I'm going with someone I love and I want my best friend there. Please."
I sighed. "Fine."
And with that we went down for breakfast.
--
We entered the only formal clothing store in Hogsmeade called Zara, owned by a woman called Madame Zara. Everyone walked off in different directions, looking for dresses. And I decided that I would be as enthused about this as I could get. As I browsed through a stack of grey coloured dresses I couldn't help but think of last night and Sirius. After I asked him if he would be able to walk away from a friend in need, something that I didn't get a reply to, I had given up and gone to bed. And I hadn't slept well cause all I could think of was him.
It was only because he seemed so different from what I had thought of him. He and I were quite similar. In what ways I couldn't really think of at that moment. Most people at our school loved Lily, just like they loved James. And as their best friends, people had certain thoughts as to how we were supposed to be. We were the exact opposite. We were quiet and guarded to a point where we were rude. It wasn't because we wanted to be like that, it's just how we were. And Sirius seemed to enjoy solitude just as much as I did. But he had the kind of confidence I could only hope to have. He knew what he was doing, what he believed was correct and he never changed that. Not when seventh year Lucius Malfoy and his own cousin Bellatrix Black-Lestrange attacked him in my second year. He had fought back, but it was useless. A third year against two seventh years was hopeless. But he had stood up to them. Proud, defiant. A true Gryffindor. I questioned myself time and again. Hidden in cocoon of denial, from everyone around me. I was only starting to get out, and it was still scary as hell. I was drawn to him partly because he was what I wanted to be. I wanted to know him, know why he was the way he was. And how he got there.
As I was thinking this, I had proceeded to another rack of dresses when I came across a dark blue chiffon dress. The colour was absolutely gorgeous and the material was heavenly. I had to try in on. So I made sure I had the right size then took it off the rack. The others joined me as well, having found their own dresses. While I was in the changing room, I heard the door bell tinkle, indicating that more people had entered the shop.
I pulled the dress on and pulled up the zipper that was on the side. I turned to look in the mirror and I must say I loved the dress. It was sleeveless and had a wide deep v-neck, till the middle of my sternum. The part of the dress that covered my abdomen was tight, hugging the curve of my waist and then it flowed down to my calves. The back of the dress was just as the deep as the front. The dress made my neck seem longer, my collar bone delicate, my waist tiny and my boobs bigger. There was something really magical about it. And I simply loved it. I opened the stall door and walked out barefoot and saw that the others were out too. Mandy was closest to the exit, with Alice next to her. I was next to Alice and Lily was next to me. Lily was wearing a golden sheath dress that reached her calves, and was positively glowing. Alice was in a black spaghetti strapped dressed that ended right above her knees. Mandy was in a light pink strapless flowing gown that complimented her strawberry blonde hair perfectly.
We had found our dresses.
We were just standing in front of the mirror and admiring the dresses when a familiar song started to play out the speakers. We grinned at each other,
"I'm in like with you," Mandy sang.
"Not in love with you quite yet," Alice sang the next line.
"My heart's beginning to slightly overrule my head," I was next.
"Oh no
Oh no
My self control it won't hold up for very long," Lily sang, her body swaying with the music.
"Oh no
Oh no
You touched my soul
I can't help falling too fast for you.
Can you hold on a bit
Stop before we go," We all sang together, dancing in changing area outside our cubicles in the fancy dresses.
"Cause I might need a moment
And I wouldn't want to spoil it," I pretended that I was holding a mike with my right hand, my left hand raised above my body, playing with my hair and my shoulders and hips swaying to the music.
"Who knows," We all but screamed.
"If I am
Ready or not," Lily sang, as she grabbed my hands and together we danced in a circle. Mandy and Alice were dancing with each other.
"Only time will tell
Who knows if we are
Ready to make this something," Alice sang, her eyes closed, her head swinging from side to side.
"Who knows
Maybe this is love
But I haven't fallen in quite yet
Oh no
Oh no
My self control it won't hold up for very long
Oh no
Oh no
You touched my soul
I can't help falling too fast for you," We exchanged partners, losing ourselves, singing and dancing. Having a moment with each other. Eyes closed, fingers snapping, hips moving in time to the music. Who cared if we weren't singing all that well? We were having fun and that was all that mattered.
"Can you hold on a bit
Stop before we go
Cause I might need a moment
And I wouldn't want to spoil it, aah!" I had somehow ended up in Mandy's position near the entrance of the changing area. I was singing the loudest, the others dancing more than singing. I had been dancing with my back to the entrance. As I turned around I saw four pairs of amused eyes staring at us. I yelled pretty loudly, which made the others stop, and stopped dancing. The sudden change in momentum threw me off and tripped over my own feet. I was going to fall backwards, which was going to be really painful. I clenched my eyes shut and stiffened, knowing fully that I couldn't orb. I stopped falling, but the pain didn't come. I opened one eye and saw pair of highly amused grey eyes. I opened my other eye and the view didn't change.
He caught me.
He actually caught me. The fact that he was amused didn't seem to put a damper on it because not only did he catch me but I could feel him. Not like that! He had me pressed to him so I could feel his strong body, his warm hands were on my bare back and his mouth was quirked, betraying just how amused he was. Thankful, I closed my eyes, "Shit."
"I'm sorry, love. Would you rather be on the cold, hard floor?" Even his voice sounded amused. I opened my eyes, "It was a thankful 'shit'." I whispered.
"Really now?" He raised an eye brow.
"Yes, really." I'mnotgoingtoblush. I'mnotgoingtoblush.
"Good to know." And he pulled me up, but didn't let go, which was a good thing because my legs were shaky, the blood was rushing to my brain. I could feel a lot of excitement, nervousness and lust (not that it surprised me. I mean come on; I was in a room full of teenagers, most of whom had feelings for each other. They might not say anything about it, or even act on it, but that doesn't mean that they didn't feel it.) I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to control myself, the feelings that were radiating of Frank especially, were just too much to handle. I wish he would tell Alice what he felt and fast.
Once I was sure that I could stand on my feet, I stepped back, leaning against the wall and cleared my throat. I hated weird silences. "So yeah…" I trailed off.
"How long have you been standing here?" Alice asked looking at Frank, who looked slightly dazed.
"Long enough." James answered. He looked at Lily and smiled, his eyes lighting up, "I love the dress."
She smiled back and nodded, "Me too."
Frank whistled. Everyone looked at him, so he shrugged. "What? That was something. Four beautiful girls singing and dancing like that. You can't expect me not to whistle."
Remus chuckled and nodded; James grinned and Sirius still had that amused look in his eyes, lips quirked. The girls shook their heads, I just slid down the wall and sat down, trying the catch my breath. I don't think anyone missed Alice's blush at Frank's 'beautiful girls' statement.
Mandy, Alice and Lily got into the cubicles to change, no doubt. They got out, back in their regular outfits, their dresses thrown over their arms. Mandy and Alice left, Remus and Frank following them. Lily looked at me, still sitting on the floor, "You going to get it?"
I shrugged, "Don't know yet."
"It looks good."
"I guess."
"You going to get out of it?"
"Give me a minute." And I did need one. Yesterday he was pissed off with me to the extent where he didn't speak to me at all. Today he's amused by me, catching me before I fall and most importantly he is talking to me. He called me 'love'! Breathe, Alex, breathe. "You go ring up yours. I'll be out in a few."
She left with James. I rested my head on the wall and closed my eyes.
I felt someone sit down next to me. Oh, I wonder who it is.
"You should buy it." He said, his deep voice washing over me.
"It's pointless. I don't want to go for the dance." I sighed.
"Well it's not because you're embarrassed of dancing 'cause you dance really well."
I laughed, shaking my head, "If you say so."
And just like that things were quiet again. It was only a few moments before things would turn awkward. So I moved to get up when he rested his hand on my thigh. "About yesterday." He started.
"Sirius, I-" He cut me off before I could say anything else.
"You were right. If I had a friend like that I would do everything in my power to keep him from falling apart." I looked at him in surprise knowing just what a big deal it was for him to admit to something like this. Especially about Severus. "But I still don't like him."
I grinned, "You don't have to."
His eyes grew dark, but it wasn't because of anger. "But I like you." He said.
Predictably, my stomach tightened and my palms started to sweat.
He brought up one hand to cup my cheek, "Go to the dance with me."
I closed my mouth, how and when it opened I don't know and swallowed. Abruptly, I stood up, "I should get out of this dress. Excuse me."
I entered the changing room and when I turned around to shut the door I realized I couldn't cause he was standing in the doorway. Not trusting myself to say anything, I placed my palm on his chest to push him away but he used that hand to pull me towards him. And before I could say or do anything he covered my mouth with his own. He was kissing me. Kissing. Me. His arms went around me, pulling me closer, his mouth moving against mine. I was frozen, but Jesus! His kiss was maddening. I'd have to be a stone statue to not be affected. I lifted my arms and linked them behind his neck. His arms around me tightened. I stood up on the tips of my toes and kissed him back, running my fingers through his long hair. He groaned. His mouth was hot and demanding as it moved with mine. I felt him nip my lower lip and then soothe it by running his tongue across its length. Barely suppressing a moan, I opened my mouth. Jesus, Sirius Black was some kisser. That's when I finally registered the fact that I was kissing Sirius Black. Sirius Black. I immediately pulled away, though a part of my brain and the rest of my body protested.
My arms were still linked behind his neck and his were snug around my waist. We were both breathing heavily, our chests heaving together. I licked my lips and tasted peppermint. I dropped my hands and tried to pull away but he wouldn't let me go. I placed my hands on his chest and tried to push him away but he didn't even budge.
"Let me go." I said, feeling really weak for some reason.
"Not until you give me an answer." He said firmly.
"You didn't ask a question." I retorted.
He rolled his eyes, "You're a smart one, aren't you?"
"I'd like to think so, yes." It was so difficult to answer, especially when he was so damn close to me and when his freaking fingers were drawing circles on my bare back.
He chuckled. I could feel it coming from deep within his chest.
"Fine. A guy must do what a guy's got to do." He smirked. "Will you go to the winter dance with me?" He was looking deep into my eyes, but I looked away and said, "No."
It was impossible, but his arms on my waist tightened, pulling me even closer. "Why not?" His face was inches from my own, his peppermint breath cool on my tingling lips.
"Because I don't want to." I struggled, "Now let me go before someone walks in here."
"I like you." He repeated and the weakness returned.
"Well I don't like you so let me go."
"Really now," He said in the arrogant tone that grated on my nerves, "because something else tells me otherwise."
I raised my chin, "What does?"
"This." He smirked and then kissed me again. This time it was a slow kiss, like he had all the time in the world and all he wanted to do was kiss me. I could feel him everywhere. His hands on my waist, mouth on my own, chest against mine. I was seeing red beneath my eyelids. I tried hard, really hard but in the end I had to kiss him back. I just couldn't not. That's when he pulled back.
He didn't say anything. He didn't need too. His smirk said it all.
I rolled my eyes. "Just because I kissed you back doesn't mean I like you. It just means you're a good kisser."
"Good then. Take advantage of my stellar kissing skills." He said shamelessly.
I raised an eyebrow, "Don't confuse me with Goldberg." I said coldly.
I dipped his head closer, "I would never mistake you for Angelica." He said in his smooth, deep voice. Just listening to it sent a shiver down my spine.
"Come on," he urged, "Go to the dance with me. And lunch after that… maybe even dinner." His lips brushed against mine at every word he spoke.
"Are you asking me out?" I asked incredulously.
"Have you been listening to me?" He asked me in return.
"But I thought this was just for the dance… You want to date me? You want us to date?" And just like that I started to laugh.
"We fight all the time." I said.
"So?" He shot back.
"So… one of us would end up dead before the date was over." I told him dryly.
"I highly doubt that." He said seriously. They way he was looking at me, I knew he was being serious. About everything. But I couldn't date him. He was Sirius Black. An intelligent, talented, gorgeous guy. And if I went out with him I would fall for him no doubt. Then he would break my heart. And then what? I had seen Mandy after the break up… several other girls crying in bathroom stalls. I wasn't about to become one of them.
I met his eyes squarely, "I'm not going to end up like one of your groupies."
"I wouldn't do that to you." He was just as serious.
"I bet you told that to each and every one of them." I shot back.
I didn't need that look in his eyes to know that he hadn't. I knew Sirius dated quite a few girls… but the rest were just rumours spread by girls with nothing else to do. But what about his history with Goldberg. Also I would have to tell him about my Wicca stuff… and I didn't want to. I just didn't want to tell anyone about it. It wasn't that I didn't trust him, I did. More than I should… but it's not anything could be done about it now.
I looked away and sighed, "I can't." I whispered.
His one arm moved from my waist to the back of my neck and pulled me towards him and then he held me there. One hand running up and down my back, "It's just a date. Hopefully, by the end of the evening, I will have gotten so tired of your smart ass mouth and your grumpy attitude that I'll never want to kiss you again."
I pulled back and socked his arm, "I do not have a smart ass mouth and a grumpy attitude you jerk."
His eyes crinkled dangerously, "Prove it."
"What?"
"Go out with me and prove that you aren't just someone with a smart ass mouth and a grumpy attitude." He challenged me. Fuck. I couldn't back away now.
"Fine. I'll go to that damn dance with you. And for the record I don't want to kiss you ever again, you aren't that good of a kisser anyway." I waited for lightening to strike me for that whopper.
"Oh we both know I'm a great kisser." That damn smirk, I wanted to slap it off his face.
He let me go, only after kissing me on the forehead.
I slammed the door and locked it shut. But that didn't block out his hearty chuckle. Neither did it stop my heart from skipping a beat when I heard it.
"Bastard." I called out. But as usual, he didn't reply.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed it. Please do read and review. Also thank you to everyone who has reviewed before.