As Sirius lay in his room, the memories of his extraordinary kiss with Emily continued to unfold like a vivid dream. Her soft lips and the electric thrill of their kiss replayed in his mind. The conflicting emotions of longing and guilt battled within him, leaving him feeling lost and uncertain about what to do next. He couldn't help but relish the warmth and comfort it brought to his otherwise tumultuous teenage years. At near sixteen, he was still trying to navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and the expectations placed upon him. But this kiss with Emily was different – it was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
The way their lips met was nothing short of magical, as if they had been drawn together by an unseen force. The passion that surged between them was unlike anything he had ever experienced, and it left him feeling both exhilarated and vulnerable. It was as if they had unlocked a secret part of themselves, allowing them to truly see and understand one another in a way they never had before.
As the memories continued to wash over him, he couldn't help but wonder if this connection with Emily could be the key to unlocking the mysteries of his own heart. He longed to explore this newfound emotion and to see where it might lead them. And though he knew that the path ahead would not be easy, to face whatever challenges lay ahead with James not knowing these feelings. There was whirlwind of contradictory emotions raging inside him. Standing up too quickly, he kicked his trunk, feeling the pain shoot up his leg.
"Shit!" he shouted bouncing on one leg and attempting to rub the injured one.
Pushing his hair back, he felt his chest still beating harshly at what he had done. His mind consumed with the thoughts of Emily and the intensity of their shared moment, now an hour later. Guilt and desire warred within him, as he struggled to reconcile the exhilaration he felt with the fear of repercussions.
Sirius knew he had crossed a line by kissing Emily, his best friend's sister, and he couldn't shake the sense of unease that gnawed at him. The weight of secrecy pressed down on him, amplifying his internal turmoil. He had to keep their kiss hidden from James, knowing that it could jeopardize their friendship and cause irreparable damage. He found himself at a crossroads, grappling with the aftermath of their impulsive kiss and unsure of how to navigate the uncharted territory that lay before him. He knew that he had to tread carefully, as the consequences of their actions could change the dynamics of their relationships forever. It was one that he never meant to be at but one he was determined to be neutral with.
Slamming the door to his room open, he briskly walked up to Emily's door holding his arm up to knock but refusing to do so. Sighing, his feet lead him to the kitchen, reaching for a glass for some milk. Pouring a fair amount, his thoughts drifted back to the electrifying moment he had shared with Emily as the thunderstorm outside, like him inside, intensified.
The kiss they had shared was unlike anything he had ever experienced before – it was filled with a raw intensity and passion that left him breathless. It was a moment where time seemed to stand still, and all that existed was the undeniable connection between them. Sirius could still feel the tingling sensation on his lips and the rush of emotions that had coursed through him, a stark contrast to the emptiness he often felt in his interactions with others. The memory of that kiss warmed his heart, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of his troubled thoughts.
What was she thinking asking him such a strange, but adoring question? This was the only thing on Sirius's mind as he sat at the table rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Her lips were so unbelievably soft, so extremely delicate —
Sirius was lost in thought, replaying the events of the kiss with Emily in his mind, when James busted in slamming his hands down on the table. Startled, he quickly tried to hide his emotions, shuffling the tall glass between his hands.
"Hey, Sirius! Did you hear about Emily being made a prefect?" James asked, oblivious to the sudden change in his friend's behavior.
Sirius glanced up, trying to keep his composure. "Uh, no, she didn't tell me."
He attempted to sound casual but wasn't sure how convincing it was. Emily hadn't told him, but maybe she kept it a secret to surprise everyone in the morning. James, sensing his discomfort, decided to change the topic.
"So, have you heard about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? He's supposed to be an expert in the field," he asked, trying to gauge interest in a more neutral topic.
Sirius, grateful for the change in conversation, perked up a little. "Yeah, I've heard some rumors. Apparently, he's a bit of a legend in the wizarding world. I'm curious to see what he brings to the table."
As they spoke, James couldn't help but notice the lingering unease in Sirius's demeanor. He decided to probe further, hoping to understand what was truly bothering his best friend.
"You know, Padfoot, if you need to talk about anything, I'm here for you. We've always had each other's backs. Something's off, mate. What's going on?"
Sirius hesitated for a moment, feeling the pressure of the truth bearing down on him and the weight of his secret threatening to spill out. He knew he couldn't keep the secret to himself for long, especially with James's keen sense of observation. But he managed to keep it in check, not wanting to risk their friendship.
"Yeah, Prongs, I appreciate that. It's just...a lot going on in my head right now, that's all."
James studied his friend, sensing the unspoken words hanging between them. "Alright, mate. Just know that whenever you're ready to share, I'm here for you. We're in this together, remember?"
Sirius gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, James. I really appreciate that."
Their conversation continued to drift from topic to topic, touching on the upcoming Quidditch season, their classes, and even a few jokes about Professor McGonagall. As the night wore on, the tension in the air began to dissipate, and the two friends found themselves drifting off into incoherent gossip, their bond strengthened by the unspoken understanding that they would face whatever challenges life at Hogwarts threw their way, together.
Despite the secrets weighing on Sirius's heart, he knew that he could always count on James to be there for him. He took a deep breath, grateful for James's friendship and support. As he navigated the conflicting emotions and secrets swirling within him, he found solace in the presence of his loyal friend, knowing that, for now, some things were better kept to himself. James kept talking about something that he only half heard as it was getting late.
"Padfoot! Are you even listening to me?" said James loudly waving a hand in front of his face.
"Yes, yes, I am!"
James brushed his hand through his hair several times seeing the defeated look from his friend. Pushing his shoulder, he sat beside him holding up a fist.
"You got my back to not be an idiot this year? Promise?" he asked solemnly, making a noise from the table as he pushed the chair back.
"Prongs have I ever not been there to support you in your pathetic attempts at wooing women?" he beamed temporarily recalling a few girls who had failed at capturing his attention.
"You gave that Rebecca girl a massive mark on her neck before Easter! And that wasn't even counting the ones who you've taken to bed!"
"Just because you suck at romancing women doesn't mean I do!" said Sirius thinking again about how difficult it was to say as they rounded the hallway toward the stairs.
James continued to tease him about his past flings, not knowing how it hurt to hear. The way Emily's hair bounced as she walked the halls of Hogwarts or how other males had been staring at her a good number of years now. It really set his nerves on end when he heard that Luke was growing closer to her over the last year. But seeing her in her pajamas, innocent and willing, to kiss him was something he didn't think would or should have followed. Rubbing his head, he turned away from James, trying to block Emily from his mind.
"Padfoot, what's the matter? You look paler than normal," James asked patting his back. "Stomach bug?"
Yeah, trying to not visualize holding your sister against the frame of the door. Yeah, trying to normalize this feeling inside of me wanting to strip your sister of her pajamas and gently explore her body which… which my hands had slightly done tonight!
"Yeah, Emily and I got caught in the rain earlier with that storm and I might be coming down with something," he lied facing him a moment. "Your mum made us some tea but I'm not feeling well now."
At the mention of Emily's name, it made James frown slightly. "I do hope she comes to her senses. She's been rather reckless as of late with Luke."
As the clock struck ten, James couldn't contain his excitement as it chimed ten times.
"Can you believe it, Sirius? A whole new year of mischief and mayhem awaits us!"
He danced around the second-floor hall, his eyes shining with anticipation. Sirius forced a smile, trying to match his friend's enthusiasm, but his thoughts were elsewhere.
"Yeah, mate, it's going to be epic," he replied, a hint of distraction in his voice.
James continued, oblivious to Sirius's internal struggle, making it all the more challenging for him to focus on their conversation. Despite his turmoil, Sirius kicked his slippers off into the corner before slumping on the bed.
"So, Padfoot," James began with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "have you been spending a lot of time with my sister lately? It's like you can't get enough of her!" His tone was teasing, but there was a hint of curiosity lurking beneath the jest.
"You have a lot of questions, so damn late James," he snapped momentarily. Sirius felt a flush of heat rising to his cheeks as he scrambled to come up with a casual response. "What are you so curious about?"
"It's just a question, because I don't want to go to bed yet," he smiled folding his hands together. His hazel eyes were still lined with questions Sirius could tell.
"Oh, you know how it is," he replied with a nonchalant shrug, trying to play it off coolly. "Emily's just great company, that's all. No need to read too much into it."
James raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Sure, sure, whatever you say, mate," he said, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease Sirius. "Just make sure you remember she's my sister, alright? I don't need any funny business going on between you two."
The banter continued between the two friends, with James poking fun at Sirius's expense as they shared a few more laughs together. Despite the lightheartedness of the moment, Sirius couldn't help but feel a cramp of guilt at the secret he was keeping from James, knowing that their innocent teasing could take on a very different tone if the truth ever came to light. They continued to talk, somehow diverting conversation toward Lily Evans, who Sirius in turn teased James about until the clock struck midnight.
Nodding in understanding, James seemed to catch Sirius's hints to end their conversation, and the two friends said their goodnights. As Sirius contemplated his friend's words and felt a pang of shame for his thoughts about Emily, he struggled to fall asleep, his body betraying him with restless movements. In an attempt to divert his mind, Sirius stretched in bed trying to find another position to sleep in.
*dot*
David's eyes slowly blinked open, the remnants of the dream swirling in his mind like a hazy mist. As he lay there, still bathed in the warmth of the imagined sun and the soft touch of Emily's lips on his, a sense of longing tugged at his heart. The memory of their shared moment by the lake lingered alluringly in his mind, a vision of a world where they were more than just friends, where love blossomed in the gentle embrace of the setting sun. Sighing softly, he sat up, the weight of reality crashing back down on him. Looking around he saw the small tidy room in the Leaky Cauldron that he had had for the last few weeks. He ran a hand through his dark hair, the ache of unspoken emotions lingering in his chest, a grumble from his stomach telling him to eat. He felt his body betray him a bit as he lay there wondering if he the energy or time to deal with it. He was after all a sixteen-year-old male without parental influence, so he had pretty much spent much of his summer holiday with friends or at their family's Greek home.
The dream had felt so real, so vividly perfect, and yet now it slipped through his fingers like grains of sand. But as he pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the growing desire in his groin, a flicker of hope ignited within him—a spark of possibility that whispered of the beauty and connection that could be waiting just around the corner. The train ride to Hogwarts, yes it would be impossible to find her when he had prefect duties to attend to first, but hopefully he could find Emily in the throngs of students littering the train.
With a determined smile, David decided to carry that dream with him into the waking world, a silent promise to himself that perhaps, in the vast expanse of the universe, there was a chance for their hearts to intertwine in a love that transcended even the boundaries of his most cherished fantasies. It was here that he had many ideas and desires for her, but knew she was very limited in experiences.
And with that thought in mind, he set out to greet the day, ready to embrace the unknown with an open heart. The blinding light of Diagon Alley at this hour allowed him some fortune in avoiding others. The usual bustling shops and magical sights only served to amplify the weight of his solitude, a reminder of the distance that had grown between him and his parents. The stifling expectations and disapproving glances that had filled the air at home now felt like an oppressive cloud hovering over his every step, casting a shadow on the joy and wonder that Diagon Alley once held for him. But even that glimmer of hope seemed distant and unattainable in the face of his strained relationship with his parents, the divide between them growing wider with each passing day.
He remembered his first year, and all the excitement it brought. He vaguely recalled seeing Emily with James as they bounced from shop to shop, but he never imagined that fateful day on the train her first year. How marvelous she was then, and so innocent. She was still pretty innocent, but now there was something more between them and he sought out every moment to capture her attention.
As he wandered through the enchanted alley, the familiar sights and sounds felt unfamiliar without someone to share them with, a sense of isolation settling over him like a heavy cloak. The memory of the dream with Emily lingered in the back of his mind, a beacon of light in the darkness of his troubled thoughts. David paused in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, the cheerful colors and sweet scents doing little to ease the ache in his chest. With a heavy sigh, he knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but a flicker of determination sparked within him.
As he pushed open the door and stepped inside, a quiet resolve settled in his heart, a silent promise to himself that despite the obstacles he faced, he would find a way to navigate the complexities of his life and carve out his own path, one filled with love, acceptance, and the courage to follow his heart's true desires. David sat at a corner table in the cozy inn, a plate of eggs and bacon growing cold in front of him as he absentmindedly pushed the food around with his fork. The chatter of the other patrons blended into a comforting hum, the nostalgia of happier times mingling with the uncertainty that clouded his thoughts. As he sipped his tea, the steam rising in delicate tendrils, his mind drifted to Emily, her laughter echoing in his mind like a distant melody.
"Oi, look at him over there, all by himself," a gruff voice remarked, breaking through the quiet of the inn. The comment was followed by a snicker from a nearby table, where a group of friends exchanged knowing glances. David felt the weight of their stares, a prickling awareness that he was indeed the lone figure in a sea of companionship.
"Hey mate, better finish up soon if you don't want to miss the train," another voice chimed in, a hint of concern lacing the words. The reminder of his impending departure jolted him back to reality, the time ticking away like sand slipping through an hourglass. With a quick nod of appreciation towards the strangers who had unintentionally pulled him from his contemplation, he quickly finished his meal, a newfound determination thrumming in his veins as he made his way back to his room to gather his things. Each step forward felt like a silent promise, a vow to follow the path that led him closer to Emily, to the chance of a love that transcended the barriers of his fears and doubts.
The memory of their shared moments by the lake danced before his eyes, a bittersweet reminder of the connection they shared. The ache in his heart grew as he imagined her smile, the warmth of her touch, the way her eyes sparkled with intelligence and kindness. The thought of facing another day without her by his side felt like a heavy burden, a loneliness that settled deep in his bones. Something akin to his parents. How he was ready for Hogwarts! But amidst the turmoil of his conflicted emotions, a flicker of hope ignited within him, a whisper of possibility that maybe, just maybe, the dreams he held in his heart could find a way to bloom into reality.
David heaved his heavy trunk off the ground, the weight of it straining his muscles as he made his way toward King's Cross. The morning air was crisp, a sharp contrast to the warmth that lingered inside, and he pulled his coat tighter around himself as he stepped out onto the cobbled street. The bustle of Muggle London surrounded him, the sound of cars honking and people rushing by drowning out his thoughts.
As he maneuvered through the crowded sidewalk, his frustration grew with every step. The mundanity of the city seemed to mock him, the concrete jungle devoid of the magic. With a muttered curse under his breath, David navigated his way towards the entrance of the underground station, blending in with the throngs of commuters as he descended into the depths of the city.
The dimly lit platform greeted him, the harsh fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows against the cold tile walls. As he waited for the train to arrive, David's mind wandered back to the world he was leaving behind, the familiar sights and sounds of the wizarding realm a stark contrast to the dreariness of the city around him. With a heavy sigh, he resigned himself to the journey ahead, the lure of magic calling to him like a siren's song as he boarded the train bound for Kings Cross Station.
As David hurriedly made his way through the crowded platform of Kings Cross Station, his eyes darted around in search of a familiar face. Amidst the sea of strangers rushing to catch their trains, he caught a fleeting glimpse of a trio of figures up ahead. His heart skipped a beat as he thought he saw the familiar silhouette of Emily, her long hair flowing behind her as she walked alongside James and Sirius.
However, before he could call out to her, the bustling crowd swallowed them up, the trio disappearing from sight, accompanied with a mass of bright fluffy blonde hair he knew belonged to Daphne. A pang of regret gripped his chest as he realized he had missed his chance to catch Emily's attention, the distance between them growing with every passing moment.
*dot*
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over the pair, David reached out to gently cup Emily's face in his hands. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire in her chest that she couldn't ignore. Their gazes locked, the unspoken words between them hanging heavy in the air. Without breaking eye contact, David leaned in slowly, his lips brushing against hers in a tentative and tender almost kiss that spoke volumes of the emotions swirling between them.
In that electrifying moment, time seemed to stand still as they melted into each other, their hearts beating in perfect synchrony. The world around them faded away, leaving only the sound of their whispered breaths and the sensation of their entwined souls dancing in the sunset. Emily felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, a surge of emotions she had never experienced before with anyone else.
As they pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other, a soft smile graced David's lips as he whispered, "You're so beautiful, Emily."
Tears welled up in Emily's eyes, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment and the depth of her feelings for David. She traced her fingers along his jawline, memorizing every contour of his face, committing this moment to her heart forever. In that quiet embrace by the lake, under the canvas of the starlit sky and with a shared look of unspoken understanding, they knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together—a journey filled with love, passion, and endless possibilities waiting to unfold in the pages of their intertwined destinies.
As the sun began to set over the Great Lake, casting a golden hue on the water, David and Emily found themselves sitting on a large rock near the edge of the shore. The sounds of laughter and splashing water from fellow students enjoying the last of the warm weather at Hogwarts could be heard in the distance. David looked at Emily with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting the colors of the sun setting behind them.
"Isn't this view just breathtaking?" David said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
Emily nodded, her heart fluttering at the sight of David's profile against the vibrant sky. She felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time, just sitting there with him, away from the chaos of their everyday lives at Hogwarts.
"It's magical," Emily replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She turned to look at David, meeting his gaze and losing herself in the depths of his blue eyes. Time seemed to stand still as they sat there, the undeniable connection between them growing stronger with each passing moment.
As the last rays of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon, David reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from Emily's face. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, everything else faded away. Without saying a word, David leaned in closer, his lips hovering just inches from Emily's, asking the silent question that lingered between them.
Emily's heart raced as she closed the gap between them, meeting David's lips in a soft and hesitant kiss against her forehead. It was brief but filled with unspoken emotions, a promise of what could be if they dared to take a chance on each other. No one from either of their houses exactly endorsed their relationship. As they pulled away, both of them breathless, a shy smile tugged at the corners of Emily's lips. In that quiet moment by the lake, under the painted sky, they found solace in each other's company, their hearts intertwined in a bond that transcended words.
Emily's eyes fluttered open, the remnants of the dream still clinging to her mind like a soft whisper. As she blinked away the lingering images of the sunset, David's touch, and the overwhelming rush of emotions, a wave of disappointment washed over her. Reality crashed back in with brutal force, reminding her that what she had experienced was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.
She sat up in bed, her heart heavy with the weight of what could have been. The memory of that fleeting moment by the lake with David felt bittersweet now, a tantalizing glimpse of a world that existed only in her dreams. She closed her eyes, trying to hold onto the remnants of the fantasy, unwilling to let it slip away completely.
Taking a deep breath, Emily pushed aside the ache in her chest and resolved to carry on with her day, knowing that the dream would linger in the back of her mind, a silent reminder of the unspoken desires hidden in the depths of her heart. And maybe, just maybe, it was a sign of the possibilities that awaited her in the real world, a beacon of hope that love and romance were not just fantasies but tangible realities waiting to be embraced.
But that kiss with Sirius last night? Blushing again, the soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the hallway. Quietly closing her door, Emily made her way past Sirius's door. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying the events of the previous evening over and over. The touch of Sirius's lips against hers lingered on her skin, a bittersweet sensation that left her heart in turmoil. She kept touching them feeling invigorated about it all. As she passed his room, she couldn't help but stop in her tracks when she heard his voice calling out to her.
Turning back, Emily met Sirius's gaze, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest. The look in his eyes was a mixture of emotions she couldn't quite decipher, and she found herself holding her breath, waiting for him to speak.
"Emily, is everything okay?" The question hung in the air between them, and Emily felt a rush of feelings welling up inside her. How could she possibly put into words the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped her since their kiss?
Sirius's voice wavered slightly as he continued, "I... we need to talk, Emily. Can we meet later before we leave for the train?" His request felt like a lifeline in the midst of the confusion and uncertainty swirling around them.
Her heart pounding, Emily managed a small nod, her eyes never leaving his.
"Of course," she replied softly before turning to resume her journey down the hallway. As she walked away, she felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation building within her. The time for honesty would come, and Emily knew that the conversations ahead would be both challenging and necessary. With a deep breath, she eyed the clock on the wall. It read six am, which was simply too early but something she was used to given the schedule for school. Taking a short visit to the bathroom, she returned to her room and finalized the trunk for the long ride later that morning. Hearing her mother calling, the doorbell rang out loudly too. Hurrying down the stairs she saw a mass of blonde hair from the other side of the glass door.
"EMMY!" shouted the person happily, giving her a big hug. "I am so ready for us to go this year!"
"She's been nonstop about talking to you," muttered Eric, his own blonde hair swept back into a neat ponytail. "Daph, let go of her! She needs to breathe!"
"I'm just so happy! You promised to tell me what your surprise was too!"
"Oh! Emily, you didn't tell your best friend first? That's rude of you!" shouted James from behind the group of fifth years.
"Shut it James!" she said turning back holding up a small badge in her hands. "This! This was my surprise!"
Daphne arrived at the Potter's residence, interrupting a moment of unspoken tension between Emily and Sirius. Her sudden presence redirected Emily's focus, pulling her away with a sense of urgency, and signaling a shift in the dynamics at play. Just as Sirius, who stood behind James, seemed poised to address the underlying emotions between them, Daphne's arrival proved to be an unexpected interruption.
"Seriously, Emmy? Prefect? That's just rich," Daphne quipped, her tone laced with sarcasm as she gestured towards Emily's badge, a smirk playing on her lips. "Never took you for the rule enforcer type, but hey, maybe there's hope for you yet." Her words carried a hint of teasing familiarity, hinting at a shared history between the two that added a layer of complexity to their interaction, the subtle tension between them palpable even amidst the chaos of the room.
"You know that David is a prefect too, right?"
"Yes, I know—"
"Well," said Daphne a moment staring at James and Sirius. "That means you'll be spending a lot of time with him for your duties. Eric's one too!"
Eric huffed a moment before slapping his sister in the arm for letting his news out to the group. The group laughed as James, Sirius, and Emily went to the table to eat their breakfast. As the Winters siblings both already ate, the trio sipped on coffee and a serving of bacon, eggs, and toast. Laughing loudly, Emily's heart had been stirred with a myriad of conflicting emotions. As she encountered Sirius amidst the familiar setting, his disposition appeared subtly disconcerted, a deviation from his usual calm self. Their shared silence during the journey to the train station hung heavy with unspoken words, creating an atmosphere thick with unresolved tension.
Observing Sirius discreetly stealing glances at her, one could discern a sense of inner conflict swirling beneath his composed exterior. Lost in her own reverie, she felt a strange amalgamation of anticipation and apprehension brewing within her as they drew closer to their destination. Just as Sirius seemed poised to address their unspoken turmoil, Emily's friend Daphne intervened, redirecting her toward an urgency that left her mentally reeling.
"Daphne! Wait I need to speak with Sirius," she started.
"You must get to the prefect's carriage. I know how much you adore David!"
"We aren't a couple," she said, feeling her arm go limp against her friend. Goodness, when did Daphne get so big herself? Surely the years of being friends would be noticeable. Having her arm so delicately nestled between her friend's ribs gave her the unwanted feeling of touching the side of her breast. "Let go of me!"
Watching Sirius recede into the distance, determination etched across his features, Emily fought the surge of regret as her friend dragged her away. The missed opportunity lingered heavily in the air, each step drawing her further away from him.
With the bustling station in front of them, Emily acknowledged the fleeting nature of time and resolved within herself not to allow fear or uncertainty to impede her any longer. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the station, a silent promise was made as she vowed to confront the whirlwind of emotions that had been building between them.
Somewhere between arriving and getting to the end of the train, Emily and Eric found themselves standing alone waiting for the Head Boy and Girl to appear. Daphne had disappeared to claim a compartment. Soon others arrived with similar badges as them. Remus and Lily, the Gryffindor 6th years, were standing with their 5th years as David walked up behind Emily. He lightly tugged on her robe before leaning in quietly wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I wish you would have told me! I would have come with a bouquet," he whispered softly against her cheek. His body was pressed against hers and it felt extremely warm and welcoming. She could smell his applewood shampoo and it was intoxicating here on the platform with so many people around.
"I hadn't the chance. We got back only a week ago. Eric and I got our letters while in Italy," she whispered back, feeling oddly happy suddenly. Her hands wrapped themselves over his hands near her stomach. His fellow Slytherin prefects stood behind him as the Head Boy welcomed them onboard.
"It's amazing though! We'll have duties together then!" He picked a similar badge from his pocket and pinned it to his robes. The green and silver were a sharp contrast to her red and gold. Allowing her first to board, they walked a few feet, finding themselves in a large carriage reserved for the prefects, it showered in the bright light from the station outside.
"Mum was very happy I got it," beamed Emily ear to ear. "I told her first and everyone else this morning."
"We'll have to introduce ourselves in bit once we leave. I want Head Boy next year but only one each gets selected and it's not always a prefect that is selected."
"I can't imagine James getting it," she laughed pulling out a book to read as they sat down. Eric took the seat opposite them as his fellow 5th year Ravenclaw looked around nervously. She took the spot beside Eric and smiled at Emily.
All around them other students were bidding their families goodbye. Emily and Eric exchanged eager glances, their faces alight with excitement for the year ahead, seeing their fellow 5th years seated with their houses. The female Ravenclaw sat beside Eric nervously adjusting her robes several times. The Head Girl, Allison Cromarty, seemed to notice this and quietly spoke with her as the meeting began. With her signature determined expression, they took the lead in organizing their responsibilities for the term.
The Gryffindors sat together, the rhythmic chug of the train beneath them as someone shouted it was nearly time to leave outside. Finally, the train began moving as the meeting began. As they listened to the discussions and shared responsibilities as prefects, a silent exchange of glances and reassuring smiles passed between them, conveying a depth of emotions that words could not capture. The genuine admiration and respect that David held for Emily were palpable in the gentle touch of his hand on hers, a silent reassurance that they were in this together.
Emily, in turn, felt a sense of warmth and comfort in David's presence, his unwavering support resonating with the promises of loyalty and companionship. In that moment, amidst the backdrop of the meeting, their connection deepened, strengthened by the unspoken vows of friendship and solidarity that bound them together, echoing the sentiments that spoke of enduring love and unwavering commitment. As David's hand gently moved to caress her thigh underneath the table, Emily felt a rush of emotions, a mixture of surprise and affection washing over her. The subtle yet intimate gesture reinforced their unspoken bond, transcending the boundaries of words and affirming their connection in a way that only they could understand. Their hands intertwined, a silent affirmation of their unbreakable connection as they continued to listen to the discussions around them.
Eric peered over to make a sly comment noticing how close they were opposite him.
"What does that mean to be on patrol at night?"
"It means that two weekends in the year, you and other prefects will patrol the castle for any wrongdoing," answered David swiftly leaning forward, earning him a chance to firmly press his hand on Emily's inner thigh. "I did mine in February with the Head Boy last year."
Blushing deep red, Emily nodded in the answer and gently pulled his hand to hers feeling as though everyone could see where their hands were.
Eric raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk, "Looks like it's time for the brainiac to chip in, huh?" causing the group to chuckle.
David nodded in agreement; his enthusiasm evident as he eagerly contributed ideas for upcoming events. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve for any wrong doings," he boasted with a mischievous glint in his eye, sparking interest among the prefects.
Remus, ever perceptive, observed the group with a knowing gaze that suggested he had already seen the challenges ahead and was prepared to guide them through. "Let's not forget to prioritize our duty to the house unity as well," he reminded them gently, his wisdom grounding the group.
"Why weren't you put in Ravenclaw," muttered David teasingly turning in his seat behind him to see Remus and Lily looking oddly at him. They had been whispering under their breath but sat straight when Emily turned to face them too.
Lily, her bright red hair framing her face like a crown, exuded confidence and poise as she spoke, her voice commanding and authoritative as she outlined plans for cooperation and duty. "We've got this, guys! Let's show what it means to be a leader," she declared with a spark of determination in her eyes, igniting a fire of enthusiasm among the group.
As the hour passed on the train, the prefects engaged in lively discussions, their camaraderie growing stronger with each shared idea and laugh. With a shared sense of determination and friendship, they stepped away from the prefect carriage ready to face the challenges of the new school year as a united team. When it was finally time to go, Emily lightly pushed David up and rubbed his shoulder a moment.
David pulled Emily a moment back, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous twinkle.
"I can't wait to see you at Hogwarts," he murmured in a seductive tone, a hint of anticipation in his voice sending a shiver down her spine. Emily meets his gaze, feeling a rush of excitement at the promise of what lies ahead between them.
*dot *