"So had a good first couple weeks, you three?" Hagrid questioned from behind one of his enormous pumpkins. Kaylie was propped up against one of the bulbous gourds, books spread all through the grass and nose practically touching the parchment as she wrote. James was sprawled on his stomach, snatching at Beast's paws as the puppy (though it was already the size of a small Labrador) rolled in the grass. I looked over at Hagrid's direction from the Quaffle that I was tossing up in the air; all you could see was his rather copious backside. I felt kind of guilty. We hardly had time to see him, besides classes. Between Quiddich practice school work and our new developing relationships the three of us hardly had time for each other, let alone tea with the jolly great giant (sarcasm totally not intended).
"Sorry we haven't been here sooner Hagrid. Things have been manic," Kaylie sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose and getting ink all over it. James looked over at her and snickered.
"I understand. Fifth year is a rather big one," Hagrid grunted, his head popping over the pumpkin.
"Tell me about! I feel like Quiddich is coming out of my nose," James exclaimed, shooting a rather dirty look at the Quaffle in my hands.
"Quiddich! Is that all you can think about James? We've had enough coursework to choke a mountain troll," Kaylie exclaimed. My jaw dropped. Kaylie never complains about coursework. It's like it's a part of her.
"Are you complaining about school? Who are you and how did you get a hold of Polyjuice Potion?" James questioned, giving Kaylie a look that stated 'you have grown an extra head'.
"I'm not complaining about school, I'm complaining about the lack of time I have to complete the actual work. If you two let me go to the library more than twice a week while you're at Quiddich, I could get more of it done," she snapped, glaring at the two of us.
"If we let you scamper off to the library with that boyfriend of yours every single night we would fail out of Hogwarts," James countered. "Plus, you do your work with us at the common room, don't you? And, it's Friday, you can catch up on the past two weeks this weekend. All our coursework is due at the end of the month and you know it."
"One, he's not my boyfriend James. We just fancy each other, that's all. And two, I could possibly get work done with the two of you if it wasn't for your girlfriend chattering like a pixie on a cheering charm. How she made it as far as fifth year is beyond me. And three, Hogsmeade is tomorrow so no work done then, and I am not leaving the coursework for Sunday. Do you want me to have a panic attack?" Kaylie replied, as she flipped furiously through Spellman's Syllabary.
"That is completely uncalled for!" James announced, shooting Kaylie a disgusted look. "I don't take stabs at your 'fancy'."
"Well, actually, you do. If it's not about it Quiddich skills, it's about how looks is going to get him nowhere in life," I remarked calmly. James and Kaylie both turned their rage for each other on me.
"I do not!" James remarked loftily.
"All righ', all righ'. Shall we go have some tea?" Hagrid remarked, brushing the dirt from his hand onto the seat of his trousers. We silently followed him into the small hut and settled onto the chairs. Beast stuck his head in my lap and I scratched his ears idly. James and Kaylie were both taking every effort they could to not look each other in the face. They didn't necessarily hate the new person in each other's lives; I think they were just not used to having to share the attention that we usually gave each other with another person. It was fine between James and me because well, we're blokes, and Kaylie was my sister so we'd always be fine. But the relationship between the two of them was something different all together, something that none of us could describe. Not really siblings, not romantically interested either, but beyond the certain point where the title of 'friends' just wasn't enough. Let's just say I had to play referee more often than none.
Hagrid looked between the three of us as he poured the steaming tea into large mugs and placed a plate of sticky buns upon the table (not really 'sticky', but more like wet cement).
The silence was as thick as fog. I wanted to shout out in frustration. Tell them to get over themselves and just enjoy the time we actually got to spend together now that we were growing busier and busier. Is this what it means to grow up? That you lose touch and closeness between friends?
"James, I'm sorry that I took a shot at Rory. I didn't mean it. I'm just a tad bit stressed is all," Kaylie stated finally. James looked over at her and gave her a small smile.
"And I just don't want you to get hurt. I know how blokes can be, because I am a bloke," James countered. I let out a sigh of relief. Maybe now that they're getting used to the idea we can finally go back to normal.
"He's not going to hurt me James, because if he does don't you think I'd hex him to oblivion?" Kaylie questioned, a smirk pulling at her lips. James let out a loud laugh.
"If you hex me for merely taking your wand and replacing it with trick wands last year, I can't imagine what you would do to a guy that breaks your heart. But just know, he won't just have to take it from you, he'll get it from me too," James replied, reaching around me to ruffle Kaylie's hair. She smacked his hand away and almost spilled her tea in the process.
"Finally! Can we stop being all awkward now? Yeah?" I sighed, taking a big bite of the sticky bun and regretting it. It glued my teeth together instantly.
"Awkward? Who was being awkward? I studied, you played mediator, and James was a dunder head just as usual," Kaylie scoffed. James choked on the tea he was sipping.
"Dunder head? Well thanks," he grumbled. Kaylie smirked at him, as I attempted to un-stick my jaw. Unfortunately I didn't get it in time to warn Kaylie that James was taking out his wand. He said the spell so fast, that Kaylie didn't even have time to block him. Her tea was already dripping down her face.
"Could a dunder head do that?" He snickered. Kaylie was in shock as Hagrid tried to stifle his laughter. I took a great big gulp of my tea and managed to get my mouth open enough to suggest James start running. Kaylie was emerging from her stupor and her wand was already in her hand. James pushed back from the table and dashed out of the cabin. Hagrid was still laughing.
I began to play with the sticky bun, mashing it between my fingers and waiting for Hagrid's laughter to quell. It finally did and I looked up. Hagrid was examining me.
"Any reason yer sittin' here mutilating yer food and not tryin' to stop yer sister from killing James," he questioned, taking a seat across from me. I sighed and vanished the food from my hand before looking at Hagrid.
"We don't need to worry about them. The worst she'll do is make him dance non-stop or hit him with a tickling charm. I've set Kay to stun rather than kill," I remarked. Hagrid nodded and continued to look at me thoughtfully.
"So you jus' don't want to chase after them?"
"No…I wanted to ask you a…well…" I started before the words got caught in my throat. I cleared it and began to roll my wand between my hands, sending sparks shooting out of it.
"So I take it your talk with Albus and Rose went well," I announced finally. Hagrid smiled and reached behind him, grabbing a thick tome. He placed it in front of me and I smiled. It was the same one he showed James.
"Albus felt kind of hurt that James never talked to him about it but mostly felt relieved that he finally knew what was goin' on. And Rose, well Rose is her mother's daughter. She had already done all the research but was waiting for someone to tell her about it," Hagrid remarked.
"What about their friend? What was his name? Malfoy?" I questioned.
"Scorpious. Good lad. Nothin' like his father was when he was here. Didn't really know about his family history. I believe he took it rather hard, but Rose and Albus consoled him. Now what's really goin' on in your head Kent?"
I sighed and took out the copy of the letter I wrote to Mr. Potter three weeks ago. It still was unanswered. But I knew Hagrid was as close to him and James' family as any and has known Mr. Potter since he was one, so maybe he could help. I silently handed the letter to him. Hagrid scanned it and his brow furrowed.
"I didn't know that they were still workin' on your dad's case. I remember readin' about it in the papers, such a shame," Hagrid stated quietly. I lowered my eyes and began to memorize the pattern of the scarred wood.
"He still hasn't replied. Do you think he just ignored it? Or what?" I questioned suddenly.
"No, Harry would never ignore someone in need. Could be busy. Could not really know what to say. Could be waitin' to talk to you in person." Hagrid replied. I mulled this over.
"So he isn't just ignoring it? Because he doesn't want to tell me bad news, or something?"
"No, he's not that type of person," Hagrid replied, patting my shoulder. I buckled under his weight and drained the rest of my tea. I stood up and gently took the letter back from Hagrid, folding it into small squares.
"Thanks Hagrid. I just needed to know that he wasn't ignoring me. I couldn't talk to James about it because he's his Dad and all," I remarked, starting to go towards the door.
"Kent, if ye want to talk about yer Dad, just come by," Hagrid denounced gruffly. I gave him a small smile and nodded. I may be more open about my grief then Kaylie was, but even I wasn't ready to talk about it.
ӿӿKaylieӿӿ
"I hate this! Why can't I wear a sweatshirt and jeans? He already fancies me," I groaned, flopping back on my bed. Lizzie giggled and twirled in front of the mirror with one of Victories dresses held to her chest.
"I don't see how you don't want to. I think dressing up is lovely. I just wish that I had someone to dress up for," she sighed. Victorie turned and examined Lizzie critically while nibbling on the sandwiches we nicked from the kitchens.
"You're really beautiful Lizzie. Boys are just a strange breed." Victorie remarked. "You've got lovely hair and a fantastic complexion. Really, there is no reason for someone not to like you. You've just got to be assertive. And who says you need a boy in order to dress up?"
Lizzie blushed and tucked some of her yellow hair behind her ears.
"I just don't think any boy can see me anything other than Professor Longbottom's daughter. Having your dad as the Gryffindor Head of House makes dating a difficult option," she sighed.
"Nonsense. Complete rubbish. Who your dad is doesn't matter at all. You just need to be confident," Victorie remarked, taking another bite of her sandwich.
We took advantage of the fact that everyone was at dinner to use the empty dormitory to plan out my outfit for my first official date with Luke. Unfortunately James had put me in a bad mood for the rest of the day from his little tea stunt. I got him back though and made him hang on the wall by the fireplace for everyone to see. It only took a well placed sticking charm to do it.
"And it matters Kay. Just trust me. The first date is crucial," Victorie remarked, eyeing a couple of options critically. She smiled triumphantly and pointed at one of them.
"That's it." She exclaimed. Lizzie came over and nodded approvingly a smile blooming over her features.
"Go ahead and put it on," She exclaimed, bubbling over with excitement. I sighed and began to shed my clothing. Pulling on the gray tights and the soft green v-neck jumper I turned to Victorie and Lizzie. They were both eagerly sitting on the bed, practically fizzing over with excitement. Honestly, it was just clothes. I rolled my eyes and shimmied on the softly pleated grey skirt over the tights and sweater. Unlike the pleats on our uniform skirt, these pleats flowed. It was a soft grey in...Merlin, was that a snakeskin pattern?
"Isn't this a tad short and a bit pagan?" I snorted.
"Pagan?" Victorie questioned, passing me the wide brown leather and elastic belt. I fastened it around my waist and raised my eyebrows.
"The snakeskin pattern?"
"Oh pish-posh, you can't see the pattern unless you really look. Now put this on," Victorie commanded handing me a cream blazer. I took it and looked at it. It was really a faint pinstripe. I slid it on and held out my arms to the girls. Victorie cocked her head to the side and hopped off the bed. She came over and rolled up the sleeves to the jacket so the sweater popped out on the cuffs. She stood back and put a finger to her chin. She walked over to my wardrobe and threw it open. She perused my scarves but made a noise of distaste and went to her school bag. She dug through it and pulled out a green and blue patterned scarf that didn't look like it would protect from the cold at all.
"The pattern is called paisley. Isn't it so American?" She giggled, looping it around my neck. She stood back and looked at me with slightly squinted eyes.
"Yes, it's perfect. With your brown boots you wore two Saturday's ago," she announced, clapping her hands together once. I turned to the looking glass and examined myself. Somehow Victorie was able to exude sexiness and scholarly in one simple outfit.
"We'll just pull your hair up on the sides and leave it natural. You've honestly got curls wizards would kill for Kay. They're not bushy. Not spirals. But perfectly tumbled," she sighed, fingering her own ultra straight locks. I gaped at her. Victorie was envious of something I had? She was perfect. Gorgeous, smart, funny. Everyone liked her. It made me smile to think that I could be the envy of anyone.
"So I'm thinking that red sundress, you know the frilly one, with my black coat and black tights. Should I wear heels?" Rory announced as she barged into the room. The three of us froze. Becca, Sarah and Rory were flouncing into the room.
"Oh! We were wondering why you weren't at dinner," Becca smiled, opening her own wardrobe and perusing her clothes.
"Is that what you're wearing tomorrow?" Rory questioned, looking me up and down. I looked down at my outfit and smoothed the skirt.
"Yes. Victorie put it together," I replied with a slight blush.
"It's very nice," Becca announced as shot Rory a warning look and held up a jewel red and white patterned jumper with a crew neck. She was cocking her head to the side, her shiny black hair slipping into her eyes.
"That's nice," I remarked with a stiff smile. She looked at me and blushed.
"Thanks. Kent asked me at dinner if I wanted to go with him tomorrow to Hogsmeade. I thought he would never ask, actually," she remarked, giving me a wry look.
"Yes, well, Kent's not one for tact really," I giggled. "Do you want to borrow my black skirt I wore on the train up? It would look brilliant with that jumper."
"That'd be lovely," Becca remarked, giving me a warm smile.
"Right, what will James go gaga for? Can you believe we've been an item for three weeks and he hasn't kissed me yet?" Rory exclaimed, throwing stuff on her bed.
"On the note of someone snogging my little cousin, I take my leave," Victorie announced dryly. She gave me a piercing stare and grabbed her bag before flouncing out of the room. I snorted and began to take off my outfit, putting it carefully on a hanger and hanging it on the back of my wardrobe. I slipped on a tank top and a pair of Kent's old pajamas before grabbing an old zip-up Gryffindor sweatshirt. I piled my hair on top of my head.
"Kaylie, what do you think? Will this get James' blood pumping?" She questioned, holding up a flouncy dress in a shade of red-orange that frankly didn't do anything for her skin color.
"I think that you'll freeze," I remarked, pulling on a pair of socks and snatching my novel from my bedside table.
"But that's not that big of a deal," she remarked with a pout.
"It's not that fantastic," Sarah added. Rory looked like she was going to cry. I took this note to make my leave, tuning out her pleas of it being her favorite dress. That was too much noise for me at the moment. I was actually really looking forward to curling up in my favorite chair by the fire and delving into my novel. I was rewarding myself for getting my gruesome ancient runes essay done earlier by allowing myself to read a rather smutty muggle novel. I found a bunch of them this past summer while shopping with Victorie.
I almost beamed when I reached the common room. My favorite chair was left open, but the common room wasn't much quieter then my own dormitory. James, Fred and Kent were performing something in the corner while surrounded by a gaggle of entertained Gryffindors. I curled up in the chair and peeked over.
"It's revolutionary! The best new way to prank your mates!" Fred was announcing, brandishing a small black box. I rose to my knees and leaned nestled my arms on the back of the chair. What were theses three up to?
"Behold, the Everlasting Yo-Yo!" Kent announced, removing the violet toy from the black box.
"Tell your mates it's a simple muggle toy, but in reality they'll be yo-yoing for hours!" James finished, almost jumping up and down with joy.
So they finished their yo-yo. I guess the potion I worked out did its job. Fred was demonstrating the toy. He started out slow but then his arm started moving so fast it was a blur. He couldn't stop.
"Want to give them mercy? Just spray them with this," Kent was explaining, taking a small bottle out of the box and giving Fred a spray. He stopped so suddenly he pitched forward.
"Other than that the effects wear off in a few hours," James announced as the crowd pushed forward. I couldn't help beaming, but a small part of me was hurt. Why wouldn't they tell me they completed it before showing it off? I flipped back around and opened my novel. Trying to concentrate on the words in front of me, I blinked harshly. The euphoria was draining away and I was becoming more and more upset. Suddenly I wanted to cry. I thumbed the page and flipped it so harshly it ripped. I reached for my pocket and threw up a hand. I left my wand on my bedside table.
"Kaylie! There you are!"
I flipped around to see James beaming. He came around the side of the chair and squished himself next me. I turned my face and concentrated on my book.
"Kent and I have been looking for you forever! Did you see—hey—are you crying?"
"No. Yeah, I saw it. It's brilliant. When did you finish it?" I questioned with my voice thick.
"You are crying! Is it Luke? Is that where you disappeared to after you stuck me to that wall?" James questioned harshly. He gently grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. A few choice tears were slipping down my cheeks. What is with this? I don't cry. I stopped crying years ago. This is trivial.
"KayKay, what's wrong? If he did anything, he's dead," James stated, wiping away the tears with his thumb.
"Luke didn't do anything, James," I snapped, pushing his hands away and roughly wiping my face.
"Then why the hell are you crying? What's wrong?" He exclaimed, looking at me curiously.
"Nothing. It's nothing," I remarked, turning back to my book.
"James! People are already talking about wanting them by Christmas!" Kent exclaimed coming over. He stopped and crouched down to look at me.
"Is it Luke?" He asked automatically.
"No! No it's not Luke! For the love of Merlin, could you two be any denser?" I exclaimed. I heard the chatter of the room stop for a second, then pick back up again. It took me a couple seconds to regain and quell my temper.
"What do you mean?" James questioned hesitantly.
"Here you are showing off your new toy when I wasn't even aware you'd finished it!" I hissed. The boys exchanged looks.
"We tried to find you Kaylie! But after you stuck James up, you just disappeared. I got him down and we had a breakthrough and finished the Yo-Yo," Kent started.
"Then Fred noticed it and basically flipped his broomstick. He announced to the whole common room that we had a presentation after dinner," James picked up.
"So we thought we'd see you in the Great Hall, but you didn't come down. Of course you were the first person we wanted to tell! But then you go all weepy like a hosepipe!" Kent finished.
"You know we would've never been able to finish this without you KayKay. Don't be thick," James added in a soothing voice. I wiped my eyes and sniffed a little.
"Right, sorry," I remarked finally. James slung his arm over my shoulder and gave it a brief squeeze.
"Sorry we are both so dense," he remarked with a slight smirk, wiping away a left over tear from my chin.
"Sorry I turned into such a girl there," I snorted, noticing Kent's wand sticking out of his trousers. I grabbed it and tapped my book, repairing the damage I made earlier, before handing it back to my brother.
"What'd you need my wand for?" Kent questioned, settling in against my legs.
"I left mine upstairs," I groaned, nudging James in the ribs with my elbow. He yelped, but wiggled so I could actually move my legs.
"What's with that? You're never without your wand," James commented.
"Well I was trying to get out of my dormitory in a hurry and I happen to have a lot on my mind," I remarked, starting my book over.
"What's on your mind?" Kent questioned, tilting his head back so he could look at me upside down.
"Tomorrow, I suppose," I sighed, noticing James looking at me out of the corner of his eyes.
"Why are you so nervous about a trip to Hogsmeade?" Kent questioned.
"Because of my date with Luke, why else would I be nervous?"
"Has he kissed you yet?" James coughed. I looked over at him. The tips of his ears were bright pink.
"Why would that be any of your business?" I questioned, hitting James over the head with my book.
"I'm just curious!" James announced.
"No, he hasn't," I replied quietly.
"REALLY?" Kent exclaimed, flipping around.
"Yes, really! We're taking things slow!"
"I'm just surprised is all," Kent replied.
"It's just a kiss," James snorted. I gave him a sidelong glance.
"Really? Because Rory was just upstairs harping about-"
"Right, I see your trepidations," James remarked quickly. Kent gave us a confused look. I settled back in the chair and concentrated on my book, trying not to laugh. James and I may get into tiffs now and then, but I wasn't as vindictive as to blow James' bluff in front of Kent. There was a reason he was keeping this to himself. James shot me a thankful smile. I absent mindedly reached up and scuffed up his hair, thinking of all the possible reasons that James wouldn't have kissed his girlfriend yet.
ӿӿJamesӿӿ
"So…" I sighed as Rory and I walked down the high street in Hogsmeade.
"So?" Rory giggled, shoving her hands in her jacket pocket.
"What would you like to do?"
"I don't know James, don't you have anything planned?" She questioned quietly. I was supposed to have something planned? I figured we would just play it by ear.
"Well, we could pop into The Three Broomsticks. Kent said he would be there and you could probably use a warming butterbeer. That frock doesn't look very heat inducing," I remarked, motioning to her dress. She looked down and blushed before folding her arms over her chest and avoiding my eyes. Oh shoot. I was supposed to comment on her looks, huh? "Not that it doesn't look keen on you, because it does."
"Are you sure that Kent and Becca would want us around?"
"I don't see why not," I smiled, proffering her my elbow. She took it and let me lead her to the bar that was already flooded with Hogwarts students taking advantage of the day off campus and the good weather. It was a brisk fall day, one that late September always graces us; taking its time before the snow would fall and coat the grounds and before the wind bites at skin and faces. Only a brisk breeze and the colorful harvest leaves littering the streets. I pushed open the door and a blast of heat hit my face. The bar was flocked with young wizards and visitors from out of town. I put a hand to the small of her back and led her to the bar where Madam Rosemerta was rushing around filling flagons of mead and passing out large butterbeers, hot and cold. I motioned for two and began to scan the packed room.
"Do you see them?" I questioned, depositing some coins on the counter and taking the two frothing mugs.
"Yes James, I do. But I don't think they want to be joined," Rory sighed, pointing to a darkened corner. I felt the tips of my ears turn red. They weren't going to be talking to anyone anytime soon.
"Right…shall we sit outside then?" I mumbled, motioning towards the door. Rory raised her eyebrows at me but pushed out of the door and settled under the tables shaded under bright umbrellas. I cradled the warm butterbeer in one hand and ran a finger around the rim of the mug.
"So," we both started. I let out an uncomfortable laugh.
"Go ahead," she sighed. I rubbed the back of my neck and shook my head.
"No, you…" I replied.
"James, why haven't you kissed me yet?" she questioned darkly.
"Well that's rather abrupt, isn't it? Not quite tactful," I replied, feeling my pride bristle.
"I just don't know how many more hints I can drop. Do you really actually fancy me?"
I blinked. Well of course I fancied her. I wouldn't be taking her out if I didn't fancy her. I felt the butterbeer react horribly with my breakfast.
"Why would you think I don't fancy you?" I questioned quietly.
"Because you haven't kissed me yet! I thought I stated that fact clearly," she replied.
"Well, yeah, maybe. But me fancying you doesn't have anything to do with snogging. It's about you and me. You're my girlfriend," I remarked crossly. Why were girls so infuriating?
"Yes, that's true. But snogging is nice," she replied weakly. I snorted.
"Look, I just don't want to bung things up between us. I wanted to take things slow and do it when the moment was right. Not between classes or in an empty stairwell. But properly," I groaned, "Maybe it's all Kaylie and my cousins' remarks on first kisses, but I wanted ours to be special. And if I told you this, I would sound like a total chick, which I do now."
Rory's expression softened and her features scrunched up a bit.
"James, that's really rather romantic," she sighed, reaching across the table to take my hand.
"It may be for you. But I feel completely emasculated."
She stood up and walked around, and took my arm lifting it around her shoulder and sliding into my lap. She wound her arms around my neck and rested her forehead against mine.
"It doesn't make you any less of a man for admitting what you're feeling. It's sweet James. I just didn't expect it. The great James Potter, charmer of the century, is scared of something. And that something is me. Someone you wouldn't give the time of day to six months ago," she teased, a smile playing on her lips.
"Oh that's rubbish. I would've given you the time of day if you asked," I laughed, reaching up and clearing some of her hair from her eyes.
"That's not what I meant."
"I know what you meant. You don't need to put me on a pedestal. I put my trousers on one leg at a time, just like everyone else," I laughed, poking her in the nose. She scrunched it up and gave a tinkling little laugh. I felt my stomach drop. Carefully I brushed the stubborn lock of hair out of her eyes and cupped her chin in my hand. Even I could feel her holding her breath, but it was okay because my own air supply was being clamped inside my lungs. I leaned in and softly let my lips brush against hers before pressing them against her more firmly. When I pulled away she was beaming.
"You're right. That was far better than any old kiss behind a stairwell," she laughed, before leaning in and kissing me again.
ӿӿKaylieӿӿ
"So where are we going? The Three Broomsticks?" I questioned as we started from the school gates to the village of Hogsmeade.
"No, no I've got another plan," Luke smiled, grabbing my hand and swinging it slightly.
"Please don't say Madam Puddifoots," I questioned hesitantly.
"Do you honestly think I don't know you better then that Kay?" Luke laughed.
"Good. That place is disgusting," I giggled.
"No, I figured by this time you've over-seen all those shops. The post office, Wizards Wheezes, Three Broomsticks, all entirely overrated," He declared as we reached the village square. I assumed we would go in the direction of the Shrieking Shack but he took me down an alley between Wizards Wheezes and Gladrags.
"Uh oh, do I need to get my wand out to protect myself?" I questioned hesitantly. Luke looked down at me and smirked.
"No. But it isn't like you could beat me in a duel. So the wand would be irrelevant."
"Those are challenging words. I believe I can beat you in a duel," I replied, taking out my wand and twirling it.
"Right, well there will be time for that later, but for now I figured we'd have a picnic that wasn't consumed by the Great Squid begging us for food," he remarked, standing aside and brandishing an arm. I felt my jaw drop. We were standing in a field of actual flowers, like one you'd find in Dublin or Whales. Beyond you could see the tracks for the Hogwarts Express. Colors dotted the landscape; pink and purples and blues mixed in to the soft green of the grass. Why are they even blooming? It's fall.
"Did you sneak out and conjure this up just for me?" I questioned with a sly smile.
"No, no I did not, but I did conjure these up for you," he answered. I turned around to him brandishing a bouquet of brightly colored daisies. I blushed and took the flowers, taking the moment to bury my nose into the smells.
"Where'd you find this? It's fall, they shouldn't be in bloom."
"I found it my fourth year. There's something about this meadow. It's always in bloom. Even in the snow you can see the tops of colored flowers. Maybe it's the magic in the air," he replied, pulling a blanket out of his school bag and spreading it on the ground.
"It's brilliant Luke, really it is," I beamed as he pats the ground next to him. I settled down and began to idly stroke the silky daisy petals.
"You look really stunning today," Luke stated quietly. I blushed and smoothed out my skirt.
"Victorie likes to think I'm her doll sometimes," I replied with a wry smile.
"I wasn't just talking about your outfit, though that's great as well. I just mean that you have this glow about you. I can't describe it," he replied with a huge smile. I blushed again and took out my wand. With a small wave and a muttered spell I plucked a set of flowers from the ground. Then I whispered some choice words and moved my wand in a circular motion, weaving the flowers together into a tight circlet.
"That is some pretty impressive magic. I suspect you could actually beat me in a duel, in all actuality," he remarked, scooting up so his chest was pressed against my back. He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. I looked at him over my shoulder and blushed slightly.
"My mum taught it to me, before things—well before they got all different," I replied quietly. I sat back against Luke and tried to remember the time where we were a full family. A time where Mum didn't work all the time. Where we actually had time to go on picnics in meadows and just talk to each other. I knew they weren't that far away, but the memory felt like I was looking at it through beveled glass. Something multiplied and beautiful, but something I couldn't reach.
"What do you mean by different? Your Dad?" Luke questioned, pushing all my hair over one shoulder and planting a kiss on the spot where my jumper didn't meet my skin any longer. I shivered, but it actually felt nice. It was a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. A feeling that beauty could still exist in the world.
"After—after he was—killed. My mum, she got busy. Busier than they used to be combined. They're Unspeakables you know. They're job is really demanding, but they always tried to make time for us. But after he was gone it was like she didn't have time for us anymore or didn't want time for us anymore."
I looked at Luke over my shoulder. He was examining me with a hard expression. I haven't been able to ever say that out loud.
"Do you really believe that? Deep down?"
I shrugged and flipped around so we were facing each other. I picked up the flower circlet beside me and placed it on his head. He smiled at me and leaned in to kiss me on the forehead. I looked at him and felt something spark inside me. Like I could trust what was happening. Slowly I leaned forward and blanketed his lips with my own. Instantly he responded, cupping my cheek with his hand and slipping his arm around my waist. He gathered me into his lap and kissed me back hard, until we broke off with a gasp. I tilted my head back and looked at his face before leaning my head against his chest.
"Luke, can I tell you something?"
"You can tell me anything, Kaylie."
"Even if it might ruin the mood completely?"
"Even if it might ruin the mood completely."
"Luke, my father was murdered and…well…Kent and I watched him die," I stated in a rush. I felt Luke's sharp intake of breath.
"Was it an Unforgiveable?"
"No, it was worse. That would've been fast and less painful. We found him after he was attacked and had to watch the light leave his eyes. Luke it was my fault. I could've…should've done something…anything. We tried, but just couldn't save him."
A/A: Don-don-donnnnnnn