Disclaimer: The song All I need is by Mat Kearney.
I nervously smoothed the skirt of my dress as I stood up after adjusting the straps of my three inch heels that Lily made me buy. I must have sighed or something because Lily turned away from the mirror and gave me a reassuring smile. She looked gorgeous. The dress she wore complimented her figure in every way. She had it altered and it now ended just below her knees. It was loose enough that it didn't hug her every curve but you could tell that she had a lithe body. It had a scoop neck, front and back with long sleeves. Since she was tall enough, she decided to go with gold ballet flats. Her normally straight hair was gently curled for the evening. She wore simple make up; just some lipstick, eye shadow and rouge. But her excitement made eyes sparkle brilliantly and her skin glow. Didn't I already mention she looked gorgeous? If only I had her looks…
She must have seen the look I gave her because she smiled and said, "Don't be silly. You look gorgeous."
I just rolled my eyes.
Alice who had been applying her make up in the bathroom came out, "I agree."
She looked just as wonderful. The black dress she had was not the one she had first tried out at the store but it was just as great. It was a really simple, sleeveless dress but she carried it off really well. It had a boat neck with thick straps. And it hugged her from everywhere ending mid thigh. The upper part of her hair was held back by a clip while rest of it flowed down her back in natural waves. So her make was a little more elaborate but she looked great so who cared?
"I think we all look great. The boys are going to be floored." Said Mandy who was sitting on her bed, waiting for everyone to finish just as she had. Her pink strapless gown looked great with her strawberry blonde hair that was tied in a bun at the nape of her neck with tiny curls framing her face. Pearls had been woven into her hair, sparkling brightly as the light reflected off them. Her make up was very light, with an exquisite choker around her neck.
For like the millionth time I looked at myself in the mirror, hoping I looked a tenth of how good the rest of them looked. The dress was the same one that I had tried out that day. My black hair had been pulled back into an elaborate chignon with my bangs falling into my eyes as usual. I had dark eye make up and nude, glossy lips. My eyes looked really blue and my skin was a little pink with excitement. The dress fitted just as well as it had the first time I wore it. I hadn't opted for any jewellery, make up was pushing it. So I had a good body, great dress, blue eyes and shiny hair. And I was three inches taller!
"It's seven, girls. Let's get going." Lily called.
Taking a deep breath, I turned away from the mirror.
"Let's do this." I mumbled, wanting nothing more than to take off that dress and climb into bed. But a huge part of me wanted to see how Sirius was looking tonight and how the evening would turn out.
So with that, I followed the rest of them out. Mandy was in the lead, with Alice then Lily and then me. When we were climbing down the stairs, I whispered something to Lily that I would never have had the circumstances been different, "I'm nervous."
"Don't be." She whispered right back.
I stopped climbing down just waiting for a couple of seconds, to prepare myself. I heard Remus greet Mandy; tell her how beautiful she looked. I peeped and saw Frank hugging Alice and handing her a corsage. I saw James kissing Lily and putting her arm around her waist, wonder and love shinning in his eyes. Right next to James, he was standing. Patiently, I might add, with one hand inside the pocket of his trousers. And he looked just amazing. Black tuxedo with a grey shirt that highlighted his stormy orbs. No tie, no bow-tie, nothing. He looked formal and casual, both at the same time. His hair was the same, falling elegantly into his eyes. His eyes, the brilliant grey, his face, sinfully beautiful. I felt so inadequate, so ordinary.
His gaze shifted and he saw me peeking.
That irresistible mouth of his quirked upwards.
Now that I had been seen I had no other choice but to get out there. So I just slipped out from where I had been standing and observing everyone else and shrugged at him, as if to say, this is it- this is me. To his credit, he didn't seem disappointed. Not at all.
I walked up to where they were all standing.
"Hello, love." He said in the velvety voice of his. I loved it when he called me love.
I smiled shyly and tried to tuck my bangs behind my ears. "Hey." I said softly. God, why was I acting so shy?
He seemed to be amused by it, his mouth quirked higher and his eyes crinkled.
"Merlin, Alex. You look beautiful." James said; his tone genuine.
I turned to face him, "You clean up pretty well yourself." And he did. He looked handsome in his tie and suit, his black hair untamable. But not as good as Sirius.
"She does, doesn't she?" Alice said from Frank's side. "You should have seen her in the dorm, constantly looking in the mirror and sighing. Hasn't eaten anything all day. Not even a single piece of candy." I brought my hand to my forehead, "Alice. I don't think they really wanted to know that." I mumbled, really embarrassed for some reason.
Mandy laughed, "She looked so worried. And I have never seen her worried, not even before our OWLS."
I rolled my eyes and rubbed the back of my neck, "Are you guys done embarrassing me?"
"Don't pay attention to them. But I agree, you look beautiful tonight." Remus said, smiling a little sly smile. He looked exhausted. "Rem, you okay?" I asked him. He nodded, "I'm fine. Didn't much sleep last night, that's all."
"Okay let's go get this over with." I said; my stomach was taut with nervousness.
"Let's. If Alex gets any redder I'm afraid she'll stay that way." Lily laughed. As did the rest of them.
I rubbed my neck once again and started to follow them out when an arm snaked around my waist and pulled me back, flush against a body.
"Wait a moment, love." His voice whispered in my ear.
He turned me around to face him and took out a box from the inner pocket of his jacket.
"I have something for you." As he said that, he opened the box.
I couldn't help but let out a gasp. Inside the box was a lovely delicate silver chain with an oval shaped blue coloured pendant. The best part of the necklace was that the colour of the pendant matched the colour of my eyes perfectly. I brought up a hand to touch it but at the last moment I decided not too, afraid I might do something to mar its perfection.
"Go ahead, love. Touch it." He encouraged me.
But I just couldn't bring myself to touch it. So, after letting out a solitary chuckle, he took the necklace from the box, placed the box aside and turned me around so he could put it on. The chain was long, the pendant rested between my breasts. After he had fastened the clasp, he bent down and kissed the area where my neck and shoulder meet. I couldn't help but lean back into him and he willing encircled his arms around my waist. Even with my heels there was a huge height difference between us, so he could easily rest his chin upon my head.
"It's too much and unnecessary." I said.
He didn't reply.
So I lightly pinched his hand, "Sirius. It's expensive, I can tell. And there is no need for you to give it to me."
"I understood the first time you said it." He said lazily.
"I hate it when you don't respond." I said.
"Hmm." He responded.
I laughed lightly, "Seriously. It's too much. Take it back."
His arms tightened. "No, I didn't spend a knut on it. The chain was my uncle's and the stone is something I found a long time ago. Remus and James helped me attach it to the chain. So be quiet and keep it." He kissed my head and moved back and suddenly I was all cold.
"Come on. I want everyone to see just how beautiful my date is." He stood beside me, an arm around my waist. Together we made our way to the Hall.
--
The Great Hall was decorated beautifully. The heads and prefects had done a great job. The house tables had been pushed to the sides. A stage was put up at the head of the room and the Weird Sisters were belting out their popular songs. Dumbledore had agreed to hire a live band for two hours and the other two hours recorded muggle music would play. The dance floor was the centre of the room with small round tables surrounding it. The seating arrangement was pre-decided. Luckily Lily had convinced James to make sure that all of us would sit together.
The moment Sirius and I had entered the Hall, everyone turned to look at us. Even the teachers. And I had turned a lovely shade of red. Somewhere along the way to the Hall, Sirius' arm had fallen from my waist and grasped my left hand. I noticed Angelica's eyes lingering on our joined hands and interlocked fingers. She had then grabbed her date, Amos Diggory, and proceeded to snog him on the dance floor.
Haha. Score for Alex.
I noticed Lily standing at the punch table, so I started to walk in her direction, pulling Sirius along. On the way, almost everybody greeted Sirius. And he returned their greeting. Many wanted to talk to him about something or the other. So I pulled my hand away from his and whispered, "I'll be there with Lily. Find me when you're done socializing."
"Don't think I didn't notice you holding hands Alex." Was how Lily greeted me.
"It's nice to see you too." I retorted.
"That's some necklace you have there." She lifted it with her fingers, running them along the chain lightly.
"Sirius gave it to me." I whispered.
"James mentioned something about helping Sirius with it."
"You didn't tell me." I accused.
"It was supposed to be a surprise."
"That it was."
Lily smiled at something behind me.
"Miss me?" I had to close my eyes and swallow really hard. He wasn't even touching me, but I could feel the heat that his body was giving off. His breath was hot on my ear. I really hated myself. It wasn't like I had never been with a guy before, but he sure made me feel like this was my first time around a guy I liked. Oh shit, I liked him. Damnit.
"You wish." I replied.
He chuckled and came to stand beside me. "She's a smart one, isn't she." He asked Lily.
"A little too much sometimes." She agreed.
"But I still like her." He continued to talk to her about me as if I wasn't there.
Lily smiled and looked at me before answering, "Me too."
"Okay, flower, everything's set. Let's go dance." James came, finally done with all the last minute adjustments.
Lily let him lead her to the dance floor. "Take care of her Sirius." She said before the crowd swallowed her. Something about the way she said it made it seem as if she wasn't just talking about tonight.
"So love, you ready for some dancing?" He asked me, his eyes shinning with excitement.
I mock sighed, "Well I guess I have to don't I?"
"Well I sure as hell want to see you dance again." He said, that darn smirk was back on his face.
I blushed. What was with him and keeping everything hot and heavy when I wanted it to be light and fun?
He chuckled, "Come on." And led me to the dance floor.
After several fast numbers belted out by the Weird Sister, the melody shifted and a slower song started to play. There had been a considerable distance between Sirius and me; I had even danced once with James and twice with Remus before being paired up with Sirius again. Now as a soft tune filled the air we both moved closer, his arms rested on my lower back, my one arm on his shoulder and the other rested right above his heart. My eyes, thanks to the heels were level with his neck. Jesus, even his neck was attractive. It was strong looking, with a visible vein on the side. And every time he swallowed his Adam's apple would bob slightly, making it seem even stronger for some reason. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone, the hollow at the base of his neck visible along with just a tiny hint of his chest. It was honestly the most attractive thing I had ever seen and I was thankful that he hadn't worn a tie. I raised my hand for his chest and fingered his collar, "I'm so glad you didn't wear a tie."
He chuckled, "I'm glad you agree. Ties are really uncomfortable."
"You have a very nice neck." I blurted out. Embarrassed for the umpteenth time, I looked away.
He chuckled again and dipped his head, his lips brushing against the side of my neck, "As do you."
We swayed softly to the music, which for some reason was a muggle song. It was really weird for some reason to listen to the Weird Sisters cover Mat Kearney's All I need.
Guess we both know we're in over our heads
As I looked into his eyes, I couldn't help but be a little scared and nervous. I really didn't want to fall for him. Sure I was intrigued by him. But he was complicated, just like me. I didn't need anymore complications. There was also the issue of his playboy-like mannerisms. I just didn't need to the added troubles but I couldn't stay away from him.
Maybe it's all going black, but you're all I see
I didn't care that almost every conversation of ours ended in a fight, I didn't care that Goldberg was likely to corner me tomorrow and tell me how Sirius was hers and some other crap. I didn't care about anything other than the fact that I was with him now and he looked so calm and contented, just like I felt.
Holding onto you, holding onto me
Baby it's all we've got, but it's all I need
You're all I need
As the beat picked up, the drums joined the guitar; I moved closer and rested my head on his chest. It felt so normal, so good to stand so close to him and gently sway with the music. He shifted, slightly, but enough for me to raise my head and look at him inquisitively. He raised a hand to me face, his finger tracing my cheek bone lightly. Instinctively I moved closer and he dipped his head. His lips brushed mine lightly once, twice and thrice. He kept this up, lightly kissing me several times, but that wasn't the kind of kiss I had in mind so I shifted my hand that rested on his shoulder and moved it to the back of his neck and held it there, making sure he couldn't pull back this time. I felt him smirk against my lips, but who cared. This time he didn't move back. His mouth moved against mine, sending shivers down my spine. His hand on my face, stroking my cheek, his other hand drawing idle patterns on my back. I pulled back suddenly, overwhelmed by the feelings he was making me feel. He was breathing slightly heavily, just like me and I couldn't help but smile.
And if all we've got is what no one can break
I know I love you if that's all we can take
The tears are coming down; they're mixing with the rain
I know I love you, if that's all we can take
When the song ended, he pulled me away from the dance floor and towards the tables. As he approached a particular table, I saw that its occupants were all looking at us. And I blushed, knowing it was futile to hope that they hadn't seen our display on the dance floor. But no one said anything, thankfully. He pulled out a chair for me and then sat down on my right, Lily on my left with James sitting next to her. Remus, Mandy, Alice and Frank were all already seated.
James was the first to pick up the menu card that lay next to his plate and read out loudly in a clear voice, "Pork chops with mashed potatoes and vegetables." And just like that it appeared on his plate. Magic truly took my breath away.
Following his lead everyone placed their orders. I really wasn't all the hungry and even if I was I doubt I would be able to keep it down, so I simply called for a Chicken Alfredo with a glass of lemon ice tea.
Frank and Alice were the first ones done with dinner and they immediately returned to the dance floor. Mandy and Remus were next. Lily and James left after their dinner, but I still wasn't done. I hadn't even eaten half of my pasta, simply moving it about in my plate. I bet Sirius noticed that. Heaving a sigh, I pushed my plate away, "I'm done." I lifted the napkin from my lap and threw it on the table. He mimicked my motion and then ran a hand through his hair, "Aren't you having fun?" he asked; uncertainty lingering beneath his words.
I was ashamed of myself. He had made such efforts to show me just how he felt about the dance and me and all I had done was hide away from him, be embarrassed and pull away from him abruptly. "I really am. I'm just not hungry."
"That's a first." And he sounded a little bitter.
"How about we get out of here. It's a little suffocating in here. Maybe we could go for a walk on the grounds?" I really wanted to make it up to him.
He relaxed slightly and got up from him seating, offering me his hand. I took it and got up too. He didn't let go of my hand and I tightened my grip. He squeezed back and led me towards the door and outside.
"Wait. I need to go up and get me a coat. It's going to be cold outside."
He shook his head, "It's really stuffy in this jacket. You can have it." He shrugged it off and held it open for me. I slipped my arms into the jacket and pulled it closed. It was huge but I didn't care. The smell of Sirius filled my senses. He smelled of soap and something that reminded me of the air after it was done raining. Grateful for the heat and greedy to get another whiff of the smell, I snuggled deeper into the jacket.
As we entered the grounds, the air cooled dramatically, cooling my heated face and the wind ruffling my bangs. Sirius didn't seem bothered by it, as he rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbow. I shouldn't have even been surprised when I saw his corded, muscular forearms or his graceful long fingers. But I was. And once again I caught myself thinking just how different we were. In almost every way. He was confident and sure of himself. I wasn't. He was such a strong person, and I don't mean physically. Imagine growing up in a family who hates you for your beliefs, for what you are. I would never be able to stand up to my family (let's ignore the fact that they are amazing and will support me in every endeavour) no matter what the cost. But he had, he still did. His fierce loyalty to his house, his friends… I don't think I've ever known anyone like Sirius Black.
He caught me staring at his arms, "Is there anything about you that isn't perfect?" I asked.
He raised an eyebrow, "Physical perfections don't hide the imperfections on the inside."
Did I know that or what? So many times I came across demons and warlocks whose looks would have put Greeks gods to shame. "So you think you're physically perfect huh?" I teased.
"I don't think so. But others do. Who am I to say no to them?" He shrugged his shoulders.
Smiling, I looked away.
It was a beautiful night. Cool and windy, quiet with the moonlight lighting up the grounds. "It was a full moon last night, wasn't it?" I asked him.
"Yes." He spoke softly.
We kept walking in silence. I made a noise of discomfort. My feet were really starting to hurt. "Wait a minute." I told him, "These shoes are killing me one toe at a time." With that I lifted a foot slightly to slip off the offending footwear. Sirius caught my arm, offering me support. I'll admit, the ground was cold, but I didn't care. My feet were really hurting. Holding the shoes in one hand, I started to walk again. Sirius hand slipped from my arm and caught my hand in his. We walked ahead, holding hands.
"Alex, is that yeh?" Called a booming voice from up ahead.
Smiling, I started to walk faster, "Hagrid!"
He held up a lantern. I saw him standing on the top step the lead up to his hut. And he looked just I remembered him. I saw his eyes land on Sirius and then to our linked hands. Letting go of Sirius' hand and dropping the shoes I ran ahead, climbed up the stairs and launched myself into Hagrid's arms. I was so short that I barely reached Hagrid's stomach. I heard a laugh rumbling from his belly, "Missed yeh too."
I pulled away, "Where were you all this time?"
"Dumbledore sent me on some business." Was all he replied.
He looked away from me to Sirius who had taken his own sweet time in approaching the hut, "Sirius Black." He acknowledged.
"Hagrid." Sirius returned.
I rolled my eyes.
That's when I heard a bark for behind Hagrid and something wet against my leg. I looked down to see the huge black and brown dog looking up at me with soulful brown eyes and a long, pink tongue. Delighted, I dropped down and reached to pet the dog's head and scratch it behind the ears. The dog closed it eyes and leaned into my touch. "You got yourself a dog?" I asked Hagrid.
"Taking care of this one for a friend." He replied. "'Er name is Sheila."
I laughed as I continued to play with the dog, "Sheila? Who names their dog Sheila?" I asked.
"Lunatics." Hagrid mumbled.
"Well she's a beauty, so I guess they are excused." I replied.
"I couldn't wait to bring 'er 'ere and see what yer would think of 'er." Hagrid replied.
I just smiled and patted the dog on last time on her head and stood up. "I'll come visit tomorrow or something and play with her properly then."
"Yeh two want to come in and drink some tea?" Hagrid asked, stealing a look at Sirius who was just standing there not saying a word.
"Some other time Hagrid. I'm barefoot and my legs are freezing." It really was getting really cold.
Hagrid patted my head, quite like I had patted Sheila's and after muttering g'night he dragged the dog back into his hut and closed the door behind him.
I looked at Sirius as I climbed down the steps and started walking back towards the castle, a big grin on my face.
"You like dogs?" He asked me.
"Love them." I replied, "But my grams won't let me keep one. Says they are too messy and since I'm away at school most of the time, she said I can get one when I get a place of my own." I laughed a little. "Grams has always been a neat freak."
I looked at him to see what he was thinking, I saw him looking at me with a smile on my face.
We walked to rest of the way to the common room in comfortable silence. When the Fat Lady asked for the password Sirius told her to hold on for a second. Then he turned to me. "Go with me to Hogsmeade tomorrow." I looked away. I had forgotten that it was Hogsmeade weekend tomorrow. A part of me was really excited that he wanted to go out with me again. Another part was angry with the part that was happy. I remembered what happened last time when we had gone together and a knot formed in my stomach. I knew I had to be sensible about this. So I asked, "Why?
"I think I have made it clear that I like you, Lexie." He said.
And I knew what he was doing so I couldn't help but say what I said next. "I can't. You're a nice guy, Sirius. Really, you are. And today was probably the best date I have ever had. But I can't do this. Not with you. You're funny, smart and good looking. Ridiculously good looking. And you're intriguing. If I get too close I'll get too involved. And if I get too involved either I'll end up getting hurt or hurting you. And I don't want to get hurt or hurt anyone if I can avoid it Sirius. And we all know your history. So no. I can't go to Hogsmeade with you. Ever."
He wasn't looking at me as I was saying this. I let out a loud breath and looked away too. "So you think I'm ridiculously good looking huh?" I heard him say in that annoying arrogant tone of his. I rolled my eyes. "And I am intriguing." Can he get any cockier?
"Yeah. You're also arrogant and annoying."
"But ridiculously good looking trumps arrogant and annoying." He had that damn smirk on his face again.
"Is that all you heard me say? Cause I said other things too." I said impatiently.
"I heard you." He said simply.
"And?" I knew he was enjoying this. But I wanted this over with. Fast.
He grabbed my arms and pulled me towards him. And covered my mouth with his. And had he not been holding me, I would have fallen to the ground.
Sirius Black always gave the impression of being very thorough person. And let me tell you this, he is a very thorough kisser. Every cell on my head and in my toes and in between was tingling. Once again he broke the kiss too soon for my liking. But I guess oxygen trumps everything else. He might have stopped kissing me, but he didn't move back. "Can it not be about the future, something that you and I both know is unpredictable? Can't it just be one step at a time, about tomorrow and you and me and Hogsmeade?" His lips brushed mine at every word he whispered.
"Reality doesn't change just because you chose to close your eyes." I wasn't giving in that easily. He sighed and stood up straight, the height difference is just too much. "No it doesn't. Look, I'm really not the serial dater that you think I am. Yes there have been a lot of girls, but they knew what they were getting into. They were the ones who chose to close their eyes to the reality. I ended it every time I realized the girl wanted something that I wasn't ready to give her. And I know that I want to spend the day in Hogsmeade with you tomorrow. What do you want?" He all but demanded.
I was silent. I was staring at the floor near his shoes. He made an impatient noise and grabbed my chin to make me meet his eyes. And my mouth opened slightly. He looked so… angry. And gorgeous. The fire torches the lit the hallways were reflecting the angry glint in his eye. His mouth was set, his jaw clenched. The light was making his scar shimmer. And I decided that I didn't have to look reality in the eye if I didn't want to. I didn't need to close my eyes either. I decided to wear shades. That way I could look at it with my eyes open and still remain unhurt. So I stood on the tips of my toes, my palms resting flat on his chest and I kissed him. He responded immediately. His hands encircled my waist and he pulled me flush against him. My hands moved from his chest and around his neck, playing with the hair that rested that. He backed me against the wall next to the Fat Lady's portrait, kissing me all the while. This time when he broke the kiss he didn't pull away or stop, he just moved onto other places. He kissed the corner of my mouth, my jaw, the place where my jaw and neck met. Then he moved down my neck to where my neck and shoulders met. His breath was hot on my skin and as he moved from on spot to another, his teeth nipping and his tongue swirling on my skin. His arms around my waist, hands resting on my back. His long fingers were tracing lazy circles through the fabric of my dress. All I could do in response was rest my head against the wall and breathe heavily. It was such a sensory overload. He worked his way across my neck and back up to my lips. We kissed once again. I ran my tongue across his bottom lip and he opened his mouth. I swept my tongue into his mouth. Finally. His mouth was hot and I felt a chip in one of his front teeth. And then his tongue brushed mine. And let me tell you, it felt great. As I pulled away, panting but feeling energized somehow, I couldn't help but smile at him. He grinned back. "So is that a yes?" He asked in that smug tone of his. I smiled again, resting my head in the crook of his neck and whispered, "Hell yes."
His arms tightened around my waist. And I felt him nod, "Good."
Just like that, the adrenalin that was coursing through my veins stopped and the exhaustion after a long, tiring albeit amazing day caught up with me. And I yawned against his neck, my eyes closed. "Whoa there, love. You falling asleep on me?" His voice held a lot of amusement.
I slapped his shoulder, not moving otherwise. "I'm not amusing." I mumbled into his chest, standing on tip toes is painful after a while.
He laughed and I felt his chest rumble, "Quite the contrary, I think you are very amusing."
"Bastard." I replied half heartedly. He laughed again. I pulled away and he stepped back. I pushed off the wall and turned to face the portrait, ready to finally enter the common room. And then buried my face into my hands and groaned, "You have got to be kidding me." The Fat Lady was grinning at me, "Quite a show there dear. You're quite lucky no one walked in on you." I groaned again. I heard Sirius chuckle behind me, as he rested his hands on my shoulders. "We're glad you had some fun." I shrugged his hands off me as I growled, "Speak for yourself." And snapped at the portrait, "Warthog." Without another word, she swung open for us.
"What kind of a password is warthog anyway?" I asked as we entered the common room. "The kind of password James thought of after watching The Lion King with Lily." Sirius said in a tone that made me think that I wasn't the only one who thought that the password was ridiculous. I sat down on the couch in front of the fire, taking off the jacket and handing it back to Sirius, exhaustion forgotten. He sat down next to me, his body so close to mine I could nearly feel it, and my stomach clenched, "Well then I think we should ban him from the Room of Requirements. That way they can't watch any new movies."
Sirius shook his head, "You have no idea. Warthog was his second choice. His first option was Deuce Bigalow- Male Gigolo. But Moony changed his mind." I shuddered, thinking about how every time I would have had to say that to enter the common room. "God bless Remus."
I turned to face him, on hand propped on the back of the couch, "Hey what's with those nick names anyway? Remus is Moony. James is," I squinted trying to remember, "Prongs. You're Padfoot and Peter is Wormtail." Personally I think Wormtail suited him just fine, but the others didn't make much sense.
"Oh. Nothing. Just something we came up with in our first year together." He shrugged, as he faced me as well.
"Really. Cause I don't remember you guys using them anytime before my fourth year." And I really didn't. They just started calling each other than in the middle of my fourth year. To his raised eye brow I replied defensively, "Hey, I'm observant. And how can I forget Lily's I-hate-James-Potter-slash-Prongs rants." Sirius laughed. "Those two came around so fast."
"You mean she came around really fast." I grinned. He chuckled, "Yeah she did. Thank Merlin. I don't think I could have handled another year of James pinning for her."
I rested my head on my hand, as I replied, "I think she stopped hating him a while ago. I guess she was scared. Also she was ashamed of admitting it. She's so stubborn, hates to admit that she's wrong."
"Quite like you, huh?" His question wasn't really a question. I looked at him; his eyes had this softness about them. I would never get tired of looking into them. "We're similar in some ways, yeah. But there are so many differences. It's like were the same object wrapped differently you know. Our presentation is totally differently. So people perceive us differently. You know?" I looked at him question
"Yeah I do." He said simply. I knew he did. He and James were so similar. Same pranksters with effortless intelligence. James loved attention, craved it even. Sirius received it unwittingly. James was easy going, don't get me wrong he could get serious, but he wasn't serious per say. But Sirius, he was just so guarded all the time, around people. Even physically there were similar yet different. Sirius was taller, but James was more muscular. James' eyes were a warm hazel. Sirius' were a stormy grey. They had the same hair colour, but Sirius' hair had such elegance that James' messy mop could only hope to achieve. They complimented each other and together they were an intimidating, gorgeous pair.
We were quiet for a while. And then I yawned again. "Well, I'm going to go to bed now. I'll see you tomorrow at..." I trialed off.
"Breakfast." He finished for me. "We'll decide then. You still have to talk to the girls. If you aren't doing anything together, we can spend the day together." I nodded. If I didn't want to go shopping before, now I would have killed to avoid it.
"Okay then." I nodded again. I smiled, "Night." He smirked at me and reached over, cupped my face with his hands and kissed me. It was slow and yet so hot. He drew back, but didn't pull away. "Night love." His breath fanned on my lips. I blushed, got up and walked to my dorm in a daze.
When I entered my dorm, I saw that Mandy and Alice's curtains were drawn and I sighed in relief. I really didn't want them getting all girly on me now. I needed to think on my own for this. But Lily was awake on her bed and reading. She looked at me, all flushed and dazed, and grinned at me. I grinned back.
I entered the bathroom, shook my hair loose, washed out the make up and took off the dress. Just as I was getting into bed, I remembered how Remus had looked during the dance and I remembered this potion that my Grams made that really relaxed the body and allowed you to sleep without dreaming and made you wake up the next morning all energized and rested. I didn't know what was really wrong with Remus, but I figured he needed a quiet and good night's sleep. So I grabbed the potion from my stash under the bed and told Lily where I was going. I was pretty sure the boys would still be awake. I crossed the common room to enter the boys' dorms and made my way to the seventh year boys' dorms.
I knocked on the door twice and entered. Something I shouldn't have done, but really when have I ever done the right thing. So I entered and really wished I hadn't. But was secretly glad that I did.
While it always seemed like Sirius had a good body because of the way his clothes rested on his body, you would have never guessed without a shirt he had a body of a Greek God. Okay least his back, since he was facing away from me, folding what seemed like his jacket, but I wasn't looking at what he was folding. I was looking at his back and the way his muscles rippled as he moved his arms. Someone was snoring in the background, but who cared with a view like this? The way his black tattoo of something written in what looked like Latin between his shoulder blades contrasted with his fair skin. From my peripheral vision I saw James sitting on a bed opposite Sirius' which is weird cause since he was Head Boy he had his own dorm. When I entered James stopped talking, so I cleared my throat and Sirius turned around. And I nearly had a heart attack. His chest was a very good looking chest and his abs were very well defined. And they way his trousers were resting, ohso low on his lean hips. Oh my god, Alex, BREATHE! This is exactly what I did. Breathe.
I cleared my throat again, "Hey." God, could I sound any more retarded. "I knocked but…" I'msucharetard. I'msucharetard.
James laughed, "That's okay Lex. You needed something?"
I tore my gaze from Sirius' surprise! surprise! amused expression and looked around for Remus. He was lounging on his bed by the window, exhaustion clear on his scarred face. I smiled at him and walked towards him. I held out the vial of the potion in my palm in front of him. Questioningly, he took it.
"It's a potion my grandmother made." Least I was retaining some of my normal brain function. "Made of chamomile among other things. It'll help you relax and get a good night's sleep. And you look like you really need it. It struck me once I'd already reached my dorm or I would have sent it with Sirius."
Remus didn't say anything. He was just looking at me with a weird expression. No one else said anything, but I couldn't look at them. I was officially embarrassed. I folded my arms, "Yeah so, don't worry. Uh…It won't have any side effects or anything. Just you won't dream. If you do drink it. Which you should cause you'll really feel better."
Again, no response.
"Right. So I'll be on my way. Night."
And I concentrated on walking not running out of there. I had my hand on the door knob, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and Remus grabbed my in a huge hug. He wrapped his arms around me, lifted my off the ground and squeezed the hell out of me. For a thin and perpetually tired guy he sure was strong. "Thank you." He whispered fiercely in my ears. "Thank you so much."
I couldn't help but laugh. "You're welcome, Rem. But oxygen is really becoming an issue."
Chuckling, he put me down. "Thank you." He said again, his voice so sincere.
And I felt even more embarrassed. I haven't done anything like this for anyone before. Sure I've saved innocents and shit. But I've never done anything like this for a friend, something personal. And I realized just how far I had come. "It's just a potion." I shrugged. He leaned down to my level, "Nevertheless. It means a lot to me." I nodded, "It means a lot to me too." He ruffled my hair and straightened up.
"Right. So I'm going to go now. Night guys." I tried to gather my senses. "And for God's sake someone put a cork on Peter there."
Everyone laughed.
From the corner of my eye I saw him looking at me so I looked at him. He nodded at me. I nodded back and left.