Chapter Twelve – Reversal
August2022
Turning my head slightly to the right, I tilt my chin upwards. Yes. There is definitely a rose hint in my normally white cheeks. My reflection smiles as me and it takes a moment for me to register that I too, am smiling.
"Good morning my love," Albus' figure appears behind me as he bends down to kiss my neck.
"Good morning," I smile back as he continues to trace a line of kisses up my neck and along my jaw line. "And how are you today?" He replies with a murmur as his hands slip around my waist and I lean back into him. I gaze into the ancient full length mirror; Albus is almost a head taller than me, his messy black hair is only a shade lighter than my own, which tumbles in unorganised ringlets over my shoulders. His eyes shine like emerald pools from his peaceful face; my own blue eyes reflect the glimmer of sky that can be seen from the window. He rests his cheek against my hair and smiles as me. This is the closest to happiness I have ever felt… or, almost, at least.
"If only you weren't so beautiful…" he whispers in my ear. "Then I wouldn't mind going to work." I discovered Albus worked on a muggle building site a little way from here. He said it didn't pay a lot but it was enough. He wanted to be able to support me.
"If only you would accept my dowry… My father expected to pay it, he doesn't mind, to him it is only proper that he should give you money." He sighs, we had this conversation yesterday but Albus has far too much pride to accept money from my father – even in the form of a dowry – he is so like me in that sense…
"No Vivian; that would be like being paid for you… I should really be paying him for letting me be with you…" Now it is my turn to sigh – partly out of frustration and partly because of the way Albus is leaving a trail of kisses down my neck. "I really have to go…" pulling away reluctantly he kisses me one last time on the lips before disappearing out the door and down the stairs.
I go downstairs to watch him walking off, the house now looks very smart, Albus took a day off work yesterday and we had a massive clean-up while we talked. We talked about a lot of things, about his work, about the house, about Scorpius and Roxanne… We even talked about the future. Albus says he wants to be an Auror, like his father, but when he retires, he wants to go into teaching – Defence Against the Dark Arts hopefully, if Professor Creevey ever retires himself that is. I have no dreams or ambitions, I never did. We didn't talk about the baby much… only when it kicked or moved… never about its future.
My day passes slowly as I wait for Albus to come home. I tidy our bedroom and smile at the memories of the last two mornings walking up in Albus' arms. He is so gentle yet his touch is like fire. It seems odd that in only two days we will be going back to school. After everything that has happened this summer, I just can't imagine being back in my dorm… away from Albus. I suppose I hadn't really thought about that but I will have to sleep on my own again. I'm not sure I like the idea.
Looking through the fridge, I decide to make Albus something nice for dinner – my cookery skills have improved vastly over the holidays and I am now fairly confident in following a recipe. I decide on spinach and ricotta stuffed cannelloni and begin to prepare the ingredients.
Jumping slightly as the doorbell rings, I spill the spinach and ricotta mixture over my robes. Albus is early – he must have forgotten his key. Putting down the spoon, I clean my robes with a flick of my wand and open the door.
James.
Pound… Pound… Pound… My heart beat slows. His hair still falls beautifully before his soft brown eyes; his once confident posture is now slumped with uncertainty; his eyes have lost their sparkle. He cannot be here.
"Vivian…" he breathes.
"You cannot be here."
"Vivian… I had to see you," his eyes bear into mine. Begging.
"You cannot be here." I repeat. His face falls. My heart chips again.
"Vivian… please."
"You cannot be here. Please. James… please. I need you to leave."
"Why?" his voice is barely audible.
"Because you can't, you know you can't. I am your brother's wife."
"Are you happy Vivian?" It is a simple question. Am I happy? I was… until I opened the door to see James Sirius Potter.
"You need to leave."
"Vivian," I have to tear my eyes away from his to prevent me falling into his arms again. I owe it to Albus. I owe a lot to Albus.
"James," I breathe deeply. "You know as well as I do that a part of me will always belong with you… But I think there is a chance I could be happy with Albus… I need to try James… I could never be happy with you." There is a small slither of truth in those words that I cling to. I could never really be happy knowing I had divided a family… divided brothers.
"I love you Vivian…" when I do not reply, James reaches up and kisses me gently on the lips. It takes all my will power not to fall into that kiss; I remember how Albus' kisses feel. When I do not respond, James pulls back, giving me one last painful look before turning and running down the street…
Running…
Running and colliding…
Running and colliding… Into Albus.
No.
James takes one look at his brother and apparates. After what seems like days, Albus moves. Slowly, hesitantly, walking forward, towards me. He must have seen it… must have seen James kiss me.
Hello, sorry it has taken so long to update but here it is, updates should be more regular now. Let me know your thoughts in a lovely little review or come and visit by blog (link on profile page) to ask me or my characters questions. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! GirlOnTheSidelines xx
