As the sun rose fully in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling atrium, Daphne paced back and forth, her eyes fixed on the clock ticking away on the wall. She was getting more and more anxious by the minute, wondering where Emily and Sirius were. They were supposed to meet up at the International Travel Office to embark on their three-week adventure to America, starting July 10th, that very Monday morning. But granted she had spent a good part of the morning ordering Eric around. Now her twin was seated in the leather chair, his head against the wall, arms crossed appearing asleep.
"We don't even leave till noon Daphne! They still have over an hour. They'll be here," he said loudly, opening one eye. His hair was brushed over in a loop-sided way as he watched his sister pacing around, her dragging into the carpet. Daphne, however continued to pace, her worry increased as minutes went by. Just as she was about to send out a silent scream of frustration, she spotted Emily and Sirius emerging from the crowd, their backpacks and small bags slung over their shoulders. Emily, with her hair tied back in a ponytail, flashed a sheepish grin at Daphne. She approached, followed closely by Sirius, his black hair curlier than ever and his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Sorry we're late," Emily said, holding up a pastry bag. "Had to stop and get this!"
"James was having a bit of a tantrum about not being able to come, and I got held up trying to calm him down," explained Sirius, setting his bag down for a moment.
Daphne chuckled as Emily took a bite from her pastry.
"Ah, classic," she said, with a soft laugh. "I'm surprised you didn't get hexed for trying to reason with him. Well, I'm just glad you're both here now. Let's get moving."
Together, the four friends made their way through the crowded Ministry atrium, exchanging brief words of excitement and anticipation as they headed towards the International Travel Office. The group approached the woman at the counter before being told to enter the last door on the right. Standing there was a short, balding man who was standing near an old boot sitting on the table.
"Welcome! Hello! My name is Mr. Edgar Johnson, I am your escort to the Magical Congress of the United States of America."
Based on his accent, and overly cheery persona, Johnson appeared kind and eager to escort them. In his hands was a briefcase. He looked over the group and shook each of their hands after asking their names.
"Upon arrival in New York, you will have your wands and hands registered. In America, there are many laws that will prevent you from using your magic. Exclusively, No-Majes and wizardfolk don't interact but this has been relaxing in recent years. Here in Britain, I understand everyone lives in tandem with each other but not over there. Please be aware of this when out and about."
"It seems odd to live completely in secret…" commented Eric rubbing his chin. "Why would it be that way?"
"I remember studying about the Salem Witch Trials and the First Aurors by Joshua Jackson, but American wizards and non magic people can't interact in any way," said Sirius, taking a step forward and looking up to confirm with Johnson. "They can't even marry non magic people."
"Josiah Jackson, but yes. You are right. Wizards were hunted and killed and it was best to hide ourselves. There are more No-Majes. Communities typically live close together. It would be terrible to deploy Oblivators for a wizard's mistakes. That takes time and resources that aren't always available."
Emily listened and pulled Sirius back, disbelieving that he knew about American history.
"Has everyone used a portkey before? Good, okay at 12:00, the portkey will be active and we will be in the City. About fifty seconds, all it will take. Mostly due to the waters you're crossing. Now before we leave, you need to secure your items and make sure everything is tucked in. With normal travel within Europe, wizards don't need to be so careful, however, crossing the ocean and we Americans don't like your items near our coasts. Some rather interesting things have been found before."
"Sir, why aren't we able to side-apparate?" asked Eric, holding his bag closer than his chest.
"Excellent question! The City is nearly…. Hold let me convert it… New York is 5570 kilometers away. That's way too far. We have studies that recommend no more than 2500 kilometers, or 1,550 miles as we say. Americans have more knowledge on traveling means since our country is so big. Because of this, we have travel hubs."
"Are we going through them?" asked Daphne, a sparkle in her eyes. "Other than arriving in New York?"
Johnson's smile was warm and reassuring as he answered Daphne's question. "Ah, yes, we'll be using the International Travel Office's designated travel hub to reach the Magical Congress. It's a bit more... complicated, but it ensures a safer and more efficient journey. And, of course, avoids any… unpleasantries with the No-Majes." He chuckled to himself, and Emily raised an eyebrow.
"Unpleasantries?"
"Ah, yes, well, as I mentioned earlier, some... interesting items have been found near the coast," Johnson cleared his throat quietly. "Let's just say the Congress prefers to avoid any... diplomatic incidents."
"Where are the hubs located?" asked Emily, pressing for more information. It was amazing how the Americans traveled.
"We have seven, and they are of course New York's, Miami, Chicago, Kansas City, which has the most diverse scenery by the way. I'm from there. Then there's Dallas further south. Out west we have two, located in Los Angeles and San Francisco. I hear there's a Penny Halliwell quite famous out that way but you aren't going beyond the east coast." He glanced at the group before continuing. "Now, are there any other questions before we depart?"
Emily looked around at her friends, seeing their excited faces. They each shook their heads and focused on their final preparations. Sirius was checking his bag, Eric was adjusting his strap, and Daphne was smoothing out her skirt.
"I think we're all set," Emily said finally, breaking the silence.
"Excellent! Then let's get started. Remember to secure all your items and make sure everything is tucked away. We'll be using this portkey to travel to New York City." Johnson pointed to the boot and beckoned them closer. "And don't forget to hold on during the journey! It's a bit of a bumpy ride, but we'll be fine."
Listening, Emily eyed Sirius carefully, who was nodding intently as the American wizard explained. She had never used a portkey but tried to mask it. Sirius, who knew this, carefully held her hand, feeling it shake. He muttered words of encouragement as the time ticked closer to noon.
At 11:55, everyone was called nearby and at 11:59, they all gripped the boot in various parts. Johnson's voice was cheerful and steady as he counted down the final seconds, his eyes watching the pocket watch floating above them.
"10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Portkey activated!"
The friends felt a strange sensation, like the air around them was vibrating with magic. The boot in their hands hummed with energy, and they could feel the weight of the wizarding world's transportation magic coursing through it. As they were propelled through the air, Johnson's voice remained calm and reassuring.
"Remember, everyone, hold on tight! We don't want anyone getting lost. Hold tight on the boot and—"
Emily felt her hand tremble slightly as Sirius's fingers intertwined with hers. She tried to focus on Johnson's words, but her mind was racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. Would they make it to the Magical Congress without incident? Would they encounter any challenges or obstacles during their three-week stay? As the seconds ticked by, the friends held their breath, their eyes fixed on the boot in front of them. Johnson continued to remind them to keep their grip firm, his voice a steady drumbeat in the background.
"Almost there, everyone! Just a little longer... 20 seconds left... 15 seconds... 10..."
The boot seemed to vibrate more zealously now, and the air around them grew thick with magic. Emily felt like she was being pulled through a vortex, her stomach doing flips as she struggled to maintain her grip. Something passed through her as she looked over at her friends surrounding them. But then, just as suddenly as it had begun, everything stopped a minute later. The magic dissipated, and the friends found themselves standing in a bright, bustling room. The Magical Congress of the United States of America surrounded them, its towering foyer and grand architecture a testament to the power and prestige of the wizarding world. The ceiling seemed to go on forever. As they looked around in wonder, Johnson's voice rang out once more.
"Welcome to New York! You're all safe and sound now. Well done!"
With a sense of relief and accomplishment, the friends released their grip on the boot, their hands feeling slightly numb from the prolonged holding. As they looked at each other, they couldn't help but grin at the sheer excitement and adventure that lay ahead. Daphne and Emily hugged letting out a loud squeal. Eric and Sirius shared a grin watching the girls.
"First time in America!" they cried out as they looked around, taking in the sights and sounds. A woman with a warm smile and a camera slung around her neck walked up to speak to Johnson.
"Ah, lovely to see you again!" he said, shaking her hand. The woman's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she turned to the group. Johnson's arm settled on the photographer's back as he grinned for a moment.
"Welcome to New York! I'm your official photographer for the Magical Congress of the United States of America. I'm here to capture some special moments during your stay. I will be here with you while in the City."
The friends exchanged excited glances, and with anticipation, they introduced one another.
"First, I'd like to get some photos of you all together. This will be a special moment to remember, and I want to capture it perfectly."
She began snapping photos left and right, her camera clicking away as she instructed the friends on how to pose and smile. "Okay, Eric, stand closer to me, please. And Sirius, you can stand next to Emily. Daphne, you're looking lovely today, would you mind holding onto this?"
The friends laughed and followed instructions, enjoying the excitement of being photographed in front of the iconic New York City skyline. Emily couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious about her hair being messy from the portkey ride, but the Americans' warm smiles put her at ease. As the photoshoot finished, Johnson was handed a stack of prints.
"Here are some quick shots for everyone to keep. The rest will be edited and sent later when you return to London."
With that, she bid the group farewell and disappeared into the crowd, leaving them to continue with Johnson. The friends shared a look of excitement and gratitude, feeling like they were already making unforgettable memories in this vibrant city. Following Johnson out of the International Travel Office and into the heart of New York City, they couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.
Johnson led them down long winding corridors where their wands were measured and registered, their hands scans and identification given out. They were warned with explicit details they couldn't use their magic near No-Majes and that the rules would be applied to them now they were in America. Sirius smirked but it faded when Emily stepped on his toes.
"Excuse me, what's the legal age here in America?" asked Sirius nervously to Johnson.
"For what exactly?" he teased, leading them down the street, his long legs taking longer strides.
"You know… drinking…" said Sirius under his breath. Emily let out a soft giggle and shook her head.
"It's eighteen here in New York," commented the elder wizard with a smirk. "You shouldn't ask but no one would probably card you unless you spoke. How old is everyone anyway?"
"We turned sixteen in February," said Eric pointing at himself and Daphne.
"I just turned sixteen last month on the 10th. Sirius is not eighteen till November…."
Sirius looked sheepish at Emily and gave her a warning but let it slide as Johnson let out a chuckle.
"Just stay away from all that while you're here. I've heard stories about my grandparents. Please for the sake of being here, don't do it. Also you're here as guests. Promise, Mr. Black?"
Sirius grinned but agreed by nodding. As they approached the hotel, their eyes shined brightly as they took in the sights and smells of the beautiful hotel. All around them were people coming and going, as they went either in or out. There were some strange people here and there, but upon looking closer, they saw they were being lead to a small cut way toward the right. Johnson looked behind him a few times for good measure before muttering something to the door man, who nodded back. They crossed over and saw an entirely new lobby where it became apparent that
It was still early in the day, but for them it was near lunch. For the rest of the day, the foursome were taken to their hotel where they would stay for the duration in New York City. It was a beautiful place that had views of Central Park. The group were led in by Johnson, who asked them to remain on the hotel's property and not leave till he came back for them at evening meal.
"Excuse me Sir, are you getting us at our normal times? Or New York time?"
"I would assume our time, not London time. But we can make sure you have something more until then. Please make yourself home, and here, magic can be used. This whole hotel is magic."
Nodding, they set out to find their rooms and bask in the joy of the Plaza Hotel. The endless hours fueled them as they laughed and joked while enjoying the many amenities within it. It was the start of a great vacation…. The suite was dimly lit, the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioning and the gentle rustle of the curtains as the four took a long nap mid day and then went to dinner in the hotel's restaurant.
Emily and Sirius sat on the couch, their eyes fixed on the floor as they tried to process the events of the day. It had been a long and exhausting journey, but they were finally in New York City. The city that never slept was alive and vibrant, and Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. She had always dreamed of visiting places outside of Britain, and now she finally was. Sirius, on the other hand, was more subdued. He had been quiet all day, his eyes fixed on the floor as he struggled to come to terms with the new surroundings. He missed London, and that was a big change for him.
As they sat there, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness. She was tired, but her mind was racing with thoughts of all the things she wanted to do and see. Tomorrow though, they were promised a fun filled day. Sirius got up a moment and wandered over to the tall bookshelf and picked up a series of large round discs. Turning he went to find the record player and smiled when he turned on the machine, to play the record in his hands. He kept the volume soft though as Eric and Daphne had gone to bed a bit ago. Clapping happily, he turned the music up and bobbed his head in beat.
"What are you doing?" she laughed as he pretended to play a Muggle guitar and turned back to find another record to switch out.
"This looks like a band called Kiss… and this says The Eagles…. This one says Ramones"
As the music filled the room, Emily couldn't help but be swept up in its infectious energy. She jumped up from the couch, her feet moving in time with the beat. Sirius, noticing her reaction, grinned and spun the record to a new track. The music was upbeat and carefree, with a laid-back vibe that seemed to match the mood of the city.
"Hey," he said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you want to dance?"
Emily looked up at him, her eyes surprised . "Dance?"
Sirius nodded. "Yeah. We're not going to sleep anytime soon. And yeah, we're tired. Let's just... let go, for a little bit." Sirius looked at her for a moment, pleading for her to agree.
"Okay," she said softly, taking his hands and allowing the music to take over.
As they danced, Emily felt a sense of freedom that she had never felt before. She was letting go of all her worries and fears, and just living in the moment. He was laughing, his eyes shining with joy. They danced, losing track of time as they moved to the music. Spinning and twirled their bodies in perfect sync, her long hair flying behind her. The music was like a breath of fresh air, blowing away the cobwebs of their long journey. The connection with him was something familiar and loving. As the song changed, Emily caught Sirius's eye and nodded towards the window. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city.
Pausing a moment, they got lost in the beauty of the view. Below them was Central Park and to the west the sun was blanketing everything in a soft orange glow. The music still played, but no longer the focus of their attention. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the room, Emily felt a sense of tiredness creeping over her. She had been awake for hours, and despite the excitement of being in New York City, her body craved rest.
Sirius seemed to sense her fatigue and cradled her in his arms with a gentle smile. Reaching up to grasp his forearms and let out a heavy sigh. It was comforting to be there, knowing Sirius would always be there even when her and Potter were mad at each other.
"Wow," she breathed, watching the light disappear around them outside. Sirius nodded, his eyes still shining with excitement.
"I know," he said softly. "But it's not the only beautiful item here."
They stood there for a moment, taking in the view. Then Emily turned back to Sirius, her eyes shining with mischief. Turning in his arms, they faintly heard the record playing a slower song and it made them waltz in place listening for anything nearby. They thought a door opened and closed but it was too faint to register fully. Slow dancing until darkness crept through the room. Continuing to sway to the music, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, Emily felt a spark of electricity run through her. She couldn't help but notice the way Sirius's eyes brightened at the corners as he smiled, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.
Sirius, too, was caught up in the moment, his gaze locked on Emily's as they danced. He felt a flutter in his chest, a sense of excitement and anticipation that he hadn't experienced in a long time. They were standing in an open area, with no walls or barriers to separate them from Daphne or Eric, or even Johnson, who was technically across the hall. But they also knew that neither cared. Something in the way he was gazing at her, as they stood there in the fading light, the music finally came to an end. Swaying gently still, they looked into eyes burning with intensity.
And then, slowly, they began to move apart, their bodies relaxing as they returned to reality, a silent understanding passing through them. Turning away from the window, leaving the darkness and the magic of the night behind them, Sirius took Emily to her room. They held hands and looked at each other fondly, their eyes locked in a warm and tender gaze. Before either knew, Sirius leaned forward, his lips brushing against Emily's in a soft, gentle kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of longing and affection, of a deep connection between two people. Emily felt a flutter in her chest as she returned the kiss, her lips meeting Sirius's with a sense of ease and comfort. She had never felt this way about anyone before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.
As they pulled back, Emily smiled up at Sirius, her eyes shining with happiness.
"I wish you didn't have to go to your own room," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sirius's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I know exactly what you mean," he said, his voice low and husky.
They stood there for a moment, looking at each other with a sense of wonder and anticipation. Then, without another word, Emily opened the door behind her and pulled Sirius in with her, not caring if anyone saw them. Their arms wrapped around each other as they carelessly laughed and filled themself with kisses. Sirius wrapped his arms around Emily, holding her close as they lost themselves in the magic of the moment. The night outside, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in each other's love and affection.
The next morning came sooner than she expected but the memory of their first night in New York had been magical. It was near midnight when they finally closed their eyes and the soothing sounds of their breaths filled the room. Now, though, harsh sunlight filled the space. Someone was opening the curtains and as she sat up, there stood Sirius over her bed. Looking over she saw the clock read near five…
"Sirius it's so early," she muttered, pushing her hair back. "We've only had a bit of sleep."
"Hey, Emmy," he said with a cheeky grin as he bounced on the ball of his feet. He still wasn't wearing a shirt, but his pajama bottoms were hanging low on his hips again. Dangerously low… again….
"Why are you so energetic?"
"You're exhausted. You should get some rest later," he grinned
"You are a pain sometimes," she smiled, throwing a pillow at him and falling backwards onto the plush blanket. Sirius's grin grew wider, and he took a step closer towards her.
"Oh, come on, Emmy. Don't be shy."
Emily's face flushed, and she looked up at him, her voice dropping to a flirtatious whisper.
"I'm not going to let you tease me like this."
Sirius chuckles, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Oh, I'm not teasing you, Emmy. I'm just getting warmed up. You know what they say: practice makes perfect," he said leaning in closer, his breath tickling Emily's ear as he whispers. Emily's cheeks heated up, her eyes sparkling with amusement while she playfully swatted at his arm. He laughed and lightly flicked her nose, making a giggle escape.
"Oh, I'm not sure I'm ready for 'practice makes perfect' just yet," she said with another giggle as he laid over her gently.
"Ah, come on, Emmy. You're not going to leave me hanging like this, are you?" Emily giggled as his eyes and hands made wild gestures toward his waist.
"Maybe I am. Maybe I'm just trying to keep you on your toes."
"Well, I suppose I can appreciate a good challenge. But don't think you're getting out of this that easily."
"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots," said Emily, her smile growing wider.
"You should be," Sirius laughed, his breath warm against her skin. "Now, are you going to let me get a little closer?"
Emily's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe... if you promise to be gentle." She ran a thin finger down his chest, seeing a tattoo there.
"I promise to be very gentle... very, very gentle," he whispered against her cheek as his lips captured hers, and a hand grasped her breast gently massaging it tenderly. His fingers caressed a nipple, carefully tugging it while he smirked returning another kiss. Carefully Emily wrapped an arm around his broad shoulders and pulled him closer. Sirius was definitely aroused as he was practically laying over her, his arousal firmly pressed against her inner thigh. It became firmer as they played, unaware of anything around them. Shifting slightly onto her stomach, Sirius continued as her butt stuck out, making them both grin wildly.
"Are you…," started Sirius seeing her moving about in front of him. Pushing down his bottoms, he smirked seeing what she wanted. Emily muttered a contraception spell that Daphne had taught her and practically demanded his attention. He couldn't speak anymore as she lifted her hips up to meet him causing her to kneel before him, she facing the headboard. Extending an arm out to brace herself, Sirius came closer and taped himself against her before running a thin down her spine.
"Please Sirius, please take me…" she begged, twisting in place to look back into his eyes. "Take me like you wanted last night!"
Without thinking, Sirius pushed himself in and braced his weight onto his arms which lay on the base of her tailbone, as he ravenously gave the lady what she wanted. The feelings shivered through them both, their hearts racing with excitement as they pushed barriers away. His hands moved to her hips, then her apex of her pelvis as he held there continuing to control his thrusts. Hard, fast, then slow and sensual as they moaned each other's name. The fire inside them was electric and somewhere deep, deep down, they tried to stay quiet but beads of sweat were growing as Emily slumped forward, the sheer pleasure leaving her breathless. Her arms had failed her, her face pushed into the pillow.
Pure, unadulterated pleasure spread across her being as he leaned over her taking another angle in. The pressure was building in her, he could tell. It was building in him too. She had already gone once already and he was determined that his lady got her fill first before him. His fingernails scratched her peachy skin against where her jeans would sit but the thin red welts would fade he knew.
"Sirius…. Oh bloody hell…. Sirius!" cried Emily, trying to get back onto her elbows, but the trusts kept her moving out of place. There, she came again and this was when Sirius felt himself lose restraint. He stilled a moment as he emptied, feeling the suffocating pleasure of his balls tightening against his inner thigh. It was powerful, coming in several pumps, but somehow he pushed through it earning some meows from Emily below him. She was twitching in place, her entire inner self pulsing with need as she drained him end to tip. Kissing her spine, she was shaking in pleasure again…. Merlin… another? Sirius smiled knowing he did well as he hushed her down.
Emily's hands were tangled in the bed sheet as she flexed against him. Gently pushing himself up from her back, he stood up kicking his bottoms off his ankle and hopped off the bed. Reaching for his shirt that had been abandoned on the floor, he wiped himself before throwing it near his other clothing.
"Emily, wake up! We've got to get going for breakfast!" came a loud voice suddenly at the door.
Emily's eyes flew open, and she quickly sat up, trying to cover her body among the ruined bed. Sirius, still standing beside the bed, well naked, turned to face the voice.
Daphne was standing at the door, her jaw hanging open at the sight before her. Their friend's eyes widened as she realized the scene before her. She lets out a dramatic sigh as her face turned several shades of red.
"OH. MY. GOSH. Sirius! What...what am I even looking at?! How did you...how did you…"
Daphne's face was extremely red, nearly like a tomato, and she was stunned into silence for once.
"I walked in on you two, literally, and...and…" She was literally gasping for air… "I don't know what to say. You're...you're… Arlo's always intense with me, but this...this is a whole different level of crazy!"
"Arlo Stone takes you a wild animal," inquired Sirius, a small grin of understanding under his eyes. "I thought he would be calm and bookish..."
"Arlo is not calm and bookish in this regard," Daphne said, staring at Sirius's waist. Her eyes widened, if they even could at this point. She let out an inaudible gasp as she stared Sirius down. "I mean no offense but he is bigger than you… It goes down nearly to his knee…."
"Ah, yes, well, I suppose that does matter in some cases," Sirius said with a chuckle. "Never thought I would be made aware…. Stone actually beat me and James at something…. Wow!"
"James and you? How do you know this?!"
"We've changed in the same room before. I assumed you and Emmy have too!"
"Yes well… it's different for girls!"
"We aren't checking each other out!" snapped Sirius impatiently.
"She needs bigger boobs in my opinion!" argued Daphne pointing at Emily.
"DAPHNE!" screamed Emily holding the sheet for dear life. She stared at them both through their rambling, her jaw dropping at the conversation. Daphne's eyes flicked up to Sirius's face, a mix of amusement and embarrassment.
"You two are something else. I'm going to go get some coffee and try to process what I just saw. I think I'm going to need several minutes to process this… Merlin… like the time I walked in on Eric…."
Daphne slammed the door behind her as Sirius turned around, his face was red with embarrassment. He let out a laugh as he gathered his clothing and helped Emily pick out her day's wear. He was chuckling, and running a hand through his hair as they dressed together. He couldn't help but tease a little more, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Hey, I think we're getting the hang of this, don't you?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Emily rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. "Yeah, yeah, we're just a couple of lovesick teenagers now," she said, trying to sound disinterested.
Sirius chuckled and pulled her into a quick hug. "Hey, someone's got to be lovesick around here," he said, his voice muffled against her hair.
As they broke apart, Emily's eyes flicked up to his face, and Sirius caught her looking at him with a soft expression. He smiled, feeling his heart skip a beat. He knew that look, that feeling of being seen and understood by someone else. Without thinking, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind Emily's ear. She didn't pull away, didn't even flinch. Instead, she leaned into his touch, her eyes never leaving his.
For a moment, they just stood there, the tension between them palpable. Then he pulled back, his eyes never leaving hers.
"We should get going," he said, his voice low and husky. Emily nodded, still looking at him.
"Yeah," she said finally. "We should."
As they walked out of the room together, Sirius couldn't help but feel grateful for this little moment they shared. It was small, it was quiet, but it was real. And sometimes, it was the little things that meant the most.
"Wait, did she say Arlo Stone has a big dick?" pondered Emily stopping Sirius a moment before they exited the suite with Daphne, Eric, and Johnson.
"I am trying not to imagine it either," replied Sirius with a smirk. "But if so… then that explains a lot about why Daphne was always at the pitch and sore afterward…."
"Stop spreading my business Black!" snapped Daphne with a smile at the two.
Blushing, Emily quieted and took the smile as confirmation of Daphne's frequent absence during the year, and made the mental note to never ask Aro the truth.
*dot*
The entire first three days were spent exploring New York City. They went, with Johnson's kind words, into the subway and rode for miles around. Daphne was most excited to see Grand Central Terminal in Midtown. Eric found the New York Public Library and demanded to see the nearest one to the Plaza. Sirius and Emily spent a good amount of time walking across the several bridges, including the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. On their second day, we arrived early to Time Square and later went to a Broadway show. Everything was great and so relaxing. On the morning of the third day, they were given a restful day off which allowed for them to roam, providing they check in every few hours with Johnson.
There was a nasty lightning storm heading in as Sirius and Emily began their walk through Central Park.
It was, for the part, as Sirius noted his arm around Emily's waist, quite a loud place with Muggles and others all gathering to watch the sky. They strolled hand in hand enjoying the evening air and the sounds of the city. Thinking of their stay at the iconic Plaza Hotel just a few blocks away, the sounds of laughter and music drifted from the park benches and playgrounds, where children and families were enjoying the summer evening. Chatting idly, discussing their plans for the next few days, that at least didn't include the Winters, and making silly jokes about the various Muggle attractions they had seen so far. They had visited the Statue of Liberty, and even taken a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Eric hadn't cared too much for the ferry as he became a bit sick. Sirius had teasingly threatened to jump into the waters, but after taking in Johnson's firm tone, he chose not to.
As they turned a corner, Sirius suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky. His eyes strained as a flash of lightning crossed the park followed by a loud bang.
"What's going on?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern as they turned in place as others looked upward too. The air was thick with an eerie silence, as if the city itself was holding its breath. Sirius pulled out his wand, his eyes scanning the area for anything. Moments ago he knew there were few people nearby without any light, and their eyes were still adjusting.
"Stay close," he whispered to Emily, his voice low and urgent.
Emily nodded, her eyes wide with concern. She pulled out her own wand, holding it tightly in her hand as she gazed around at the darkness. As they stood there, trying to make sense of what was happening, a faint hum began to build in the distance. It grew louder and louder until it was almost deafening, and then suddenly... everything went black. The lights in the city flickered out, plunging the streets into total darkness. Cars screeched to a halt as drivers realized what was happening, and pedestrians stumbled around like blind men. The sounds of panic and chaos erupted from every direction. Standing frozen in place, their wands still clutched in hand as they stared out at the sudden darkness. They were surrounded by Muggles who were equally confused and frightened by the sudden loss of light.
"We need to get back," said Sirius urgently, grasping her hands tightly and turning in place to try and find the way they came.
Emily nodded nervously, her eyes darting around at the chaos unfolding around them. "But how are we going to get back? We can't see anything! And we don't know which way is what."
Sirius thought for a moment before muttering the incantation "Lumos" and a warm, golden light burst from the tip of his wand. Emily followed suit, illuminating the darkened path before them. All around them were the tall trees blocking anything out. They set off, trying to make their way back but as they walked, Sirius began to realize that they were not heading in the right direction. The path looked unfamiliar, and the park seemed to blend together. Emily looked up at Sirius, her brow furrowed in concern.
"Sirius, are you sure we're going the right way?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sirius hesitated, his eyes scanning the darkness. "I'm not sure," he admitted, holding his wand high to look around. "I thought I knew where we were, but... maybe not. Stay here for a moment…."
"Sirius, what do you mean? Sirius?" she asked, reaching out a hand to where she knew he was standing but wasn't there. It was like he disappeared! Turning slowly in a circle, she took her wand muttering the maximum light spell and found him nowhere near her. "Sirius?! Where the bloody hell did you go? SIRIUS!"
Fear was creeping in and she realized he really wasn't there. Fat wet tears formed as Emily began to shake, his name escaping her lips several times. A loud noise came from behind here causing her to spin in place. Aiming her wand in the direction, she saw nothing but a large black dog, its gray eyes staring her down. It came closer and tried to nip at her hands, but Emily let out an ear-piercing shriek before spinning in place and taking off in fright.
Her hair whipped behind her as the dog chased her, but the darkness seemed to be alive, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke and electricity. Passing a group of Muggles, confused and frightened, she ran through the darkness, desperate to find a way out. There was more screaming and the sounds of glass breaking nearby but she couldn't find the source. Emily's eyes scanned the area, her heart racing with anxiety. Emerging from the park on the north end, she caught sight of a street sign reading "Broadway". The once-thriving street was now a scene of utter devastation. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight. She had never seen anything like this before. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and ash. There were looters rummaging through broken storefronts. With every sound of shattering glass and screams, her heart raced with fear.
"Oh my god," she whispered, eyes wide with horror as she gazed out at the destruction.
The further she walked, the worse it got. Buildings were in ruins, cars were overturned, and the streets were filled with broken glass and debris. Suddenly a tall, menacing figure with a black leather jacket stepped forward blocking her view.
"Hey, kid," he sneered, opening his hands like requesting candy. "Looks like you're not going anywhere. Hand over your valuables, or we'll make you sorry."
Emily's eyes went wide with fear as she looked up seeing several men surrounding her. She was certain they could see the panic in her eyes, and knew to think fast. Sirius would know how to get out of here, but at the moment she didn't know where he was.
"I don't have anything," Emily said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. The looter sneered as he motioned to the nearest one to her. "Save it, kid. We're interested in what you're carrying, or maybe you in general… You seem like quite a tasty treat… Quite young for my liking though…."
Just as the looter moved forward, a strong wind came from behind her as the dog from earlier began barking at the group of looters making the first one jump back.
"Fucking mutt!"
He kicked out randoming trying to divert the dog away from Emily, but it remained steadfast in protecting her. Something about it was odd the way he stood in front of her. She noticed the stance but couldn't place it correctly. The dog kept barking at the looters as it tried to back her away at the same time. Feeling a surge of fear and adrenaline, the looter tried to take aim at the dog.
Without thinking, and more simply reacting, she shouted "Protego!" in a desperate attempt to defend herself and the dog. The spell shot out striking the looter with a burst of blue light. The looter stumbled back, clutching at his chest in surprise. The other looters stopped in their tracks, eyes fixed on the young witch before them, a mixture of fear and anger evident.
"What the fuck was that!" shouted one. From what Emily could tell he was about her height but dared not move forward.
"What do you think she is!" shouted the first one rubbing his chest.
"I don't know! A magician!"
"She's a fucking bitch!" the first one shouted, drawing a knife from his pocket. "You'll fucking pay for that!"
But then, Emily saw something that made her heart skip a beat. The dog's body began to shift and contort, its fur receding as its limbs shortened and its head transformed into a sleek, angular face. It was Sirius, his eyes flashing with a fierce intensity as he shouted "Stupefy!" in a loud, commanding voice.
The spell hit the nearest looter with a blast of red light, sending him stumbling backward into his companions. The group froze, unsure of what to do next. Emily's eyes were wide with shock and wonder as she stared at Sirius in his Animagus form. She had never seen anything like it before.
"Run," Sirius whispered urgently, his eyes never leaving the looters.
Without hesitation, Emily grabbed Sirius's hand and they both took off in a sprint, weaving through the debris-strewn streets. The looters, momentarily stunned by Sirius's sudden transformation, didn't react quickly enough to give chase. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as they ran, the wind whipping through her hair. As they turned a corner, she finally caught her breath, her legs aching from the exertion. She stumbled slightly, and Sirius quickly pulled her up, his eyes scanning the surrounding area before focusing on her.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and urgent. His eyes were soft and looking every part of her with care.
"Y-yes," she stammered, with a slow nod, still trying to catch her breath.
Sirius led her to a nearby alleyway, where they ducked into the shadows. Emily leaned against the wall, trying to process what had just happened. The dog... Sirius... Animagus... It was all so surreal as while he paced back and forth, his eyes darting as if checking for any signs of danger.
"We need to get out of here," he said again. "Those looters won't be the only ones looking for trouble. We need to find a safe place to hide."
Emily nodded, still trying to wrap her head around everything. She glanced down at Sirius's hand in hers, feeling a strange sense of comfort and security.
"What... what just happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Were you that dog that chased me?"
"Ah, yes," he said finally, his eyes flickered, and for a moment, Emily thought she saw a hint of embarrassment in his expression. "I was. And I was... trying to lead us to the hotel, but I understand why you ran. You didn't know it was me."
"You were the dog?" Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "But... but how did you do that? You're... you're a person!"
Sirius chuckled, a dry, wry sound. "Animagus, darling. It's a special talent. I can transform into a large black dog at will. Something that James, Peter, and I all can do. We do it Remus."
"I didn't know what was happening," Emily said, her voice still shaking with adrenaline. "I thought you were just a... a dog. A really weird dog."
Sirius nodded sympathetically, seeing clearly Emily was still in shock from his transformation.
"I didn't mean to frighten you. I didn't explain myself properly but I was trying to help you."
Emily looked at him, her eyes still wide with wonder. "You're... you're an Animagus?"
Sirius nodded again. "Yes, I am. We learned how to do it our third year but didn't master it till fifth."
Emily's mind was reeling. She had heard of that magic, of course, but she had never seen anything like this before.
"And what about Remus?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Sirius's expression turned somber. "Remus is... complicated. He's a werewolf, and he's... he's not well after full moons."
Emily felt a pang of concern. She had heard stories about werewolves, but she had never met one before.
"What do you mean?" she asked. Sirius hesitated, looking around the alleyway as if he was checking to make sure they were alone.
"Remus…" he said started. "...has to live with his condition. It's not easy and that's why we became Animagus. We're doing everything we can to help him."
Emily nodded, feeling a sense of solidarity with Sirius and his friends. She knew that she had stumbled into something much bigger than herself, something that went beyond the chaos of the blackout in the city. Sirius stopped pacing and looked at her. His eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, but also a hint of determination.
"We're going to have to talk about it later," he said firmly. "Right now, we need to focus on getting back. This time, please, don't run away."
Emily nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to make it through this with Sirius by her side. As he transformed back into a dog, Emily couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Reaching out gently, she scratched behind his ears, feeling a strange sense of comfort with this strange, magical creature in front of her. His gray eyes closed with understanding and comfort in her carasses.
"Okay, okay," she said, shaking her head with a small laugh. "I won't run away. I promise."
Sirius wagged his tail, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He sniffed the air, then set off in a direction, Emily following close behind. As they walked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the strange sights around her. The blackout had brought out the worst in some people, but it seemed there were small pockets of people helping one another. One person tried to help her as she walked with Sirius closer to her knees.
"Hey, miss, are you okay?" the young man asked, his eyes squinting with concern. "Do you need any help getting back to your place?"
Emily hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't know this man, and she wasn't sure she wanted to involve him in her situation. Besides, Sirius was right there with her, and she felt a sense of safety with him by her side. Just as the man was about to take a step closer, Sirius let out a sharp bark. The man's eyes widened in surprise as he took a step back, his hands up in a defensive gesture.
"Whoa, easy does it!" he said, backing off slowly. "I didn't mean to scare you or your... dog."
Emily felt a surge of relief as the man retreated, his eyes fixed on Sirius with a mix of fear and curiosity. She reached down to pet Sirius's head, trying to calm him down. He stood at attention, his eyes staring at the man.
"It's okay, boy," she said softly, scratching his ears. "It's okay."
Sirius wagged his tail, his ears still perked up as he watched the man back away. Emily smiled wryly, feeling a sense of gratitude. Thankfully the man hurried down the street. Turning back to Sirius, who was still watching the man with a wary gaze.
"You're really good at this protection thing," she said with a nod, trying to make light of the situation.
Sirius wagged his tail again, his ears relaxing as he sniffed the air. Emily smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and security with him by her side. They seemed to be avoiding most people, darting down alleys and side streets to get away from the crowds that gathered. Emily followed him, feeling a sense of adventure wash over her, but finally her eyes had adjusted to see their paths too.
As they walked, Sirius occasionally stopped to sniff and investigate something, and Emily would wait patiently for him to continue. There was a loud bam to their left in the alleyway, which turned out to a stray cat hissing at Sirius. It took everything in his power to not chase the rotten thing down, and with her gently coaxing, they were onward again. There was a sense of freedom as they explored the city back to the Plaza Hotel.
After a while, Sirius stopped in front of the large hotel, its lights and signs glowing like a beacon in the darkness. Emily's eyes widened as she recognized the Plaza Hotel.
"We're here," Sirius said, his voice low and smooth after transforming back. Emily nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. They had made it back safely.
As they entered the hotel lobby, Emily and Sirius were immediately surrounded by the warm glow of the chandeliers and the soft hum of the air conditioning. The sudden change from the dark and chaotic streets was almost overwhelming. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the hotel's grand lobby. But before she could even process their surroundings, Johnson's frantic voice cut through the air.
"Emily! Sirius! Oh, thank God I've found you!"
Emily's eyes widened as Johnson grasped them both by the arms, his face etched with relief and worry. She felt a pang of guilt for causing him so much distress.
"We're fine," she said, trying to calm him down. "We got lost in the blackout, but we're okay."
Johnson's grip on their arms tightened.
"I was worried sick about you two. I saw you leaving for Central Park and when the blackout hit, I went after you. But I couldn't find you anywhere. I had to request backup to help me search for you."
Emily felt a surge of gratitude towards Johnson for going to such lengths to find them. She knew he was responsible for their safety and well-being, and it was clear that he had taken his job very seriously.
"We're sorry," Sirius said, trying to apologize for causing him so much stress. "We didn't mean to get lost. We were just trying to get back."
Johnson nodded, still looking relieved but also a bit shaken. "I know. I know you weren't trying to get into trouble. But as your guardian, it's my job to keep you safe. And with this blackout... it's been a nightmare trying to navigate the streets."
Emily nodded sympathetically. She knew how difficult it must have been for Johnson to search for them in the darkness.
"We're sorry, Johnson. We didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Johnson smiled, still looking relieved but also a bit tired. "I know you both used magic while out."
They both looked at each other quickly. "Please Sir, we only used Lumos–"
"Protego and Stupefy were used by you both as well. Remember your wands are registered. But–."
"We were attacked by looters," said Sirius, quickly throwing his arms up a moment. "We couldn't just do nothing!"
Johnson's expression softened slightly as he listened to Sirius's words. His eyes narrowed as he considered the situation.
"I see," he said slowly rubbing his chin. "I didn't realize it was an actual attack. I thought you two might have just gotten lost or wandered off."
Emily and Sirius exchanged a glance, their eyes conveying a sense of understanding. They knew that Johnson had been worried about them, but they also knew that he had to understand they had to use their magic given the situation as a whole. Johnson's face creased in concern.
"But, Emily, Sirius... you're underaged and you're not supposed to be using magic without proper supervision. And yet, you both used magic to defend yourselves…."
Emily nodded, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Yes, we did. We didn't want to just stand by and do nothing while those people were trying to hurt us."
Johnson's expression was still stern, but there was a hint of softness in his eyes. "I understand that. But I still have to report this. It's my duty as your guardian."
Emily felt a surge of disappointment, but Sirius spoke up before she could say anything. "Sir, we understand that you have to report it. But understand we had to protect ourselves. We're not sorry for that!"
Johnson stated firmly but thoughtfully. "I know, Mr. Black. But I still have to report this to the Magical Congress and your Ministry."
Emily nodded reluctantly, feeling a sense of resignation wash over her. She knew that Johnson had to do his job, and she didn't blame him for it.
"Let's get you both upstairs. Please get some rest. Until that gets resolved outside, everyone stays in the hotel, including you two and the Winters."
As they walked to the elevator, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in defending themselves against the looters, and they had done it together. They were a team, and they could rely on each other in times of need.
As they settled into their room, Emily turned to Sirius with a smile. "We make a good team, don't we?"
Sirius grinned back at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Definitely," he said.
As they changed into their pajamas, Emily's thoughts began to wander back to their morning the other day. She had been thinking about it as they walked back, trying to process the chaos and magic that had surrounded them at the time as she watched Sirius walk in his other form.
"Hey, Sirius?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sirius looked up from his own pajamas, his eyes curious. "Yeah?"
"Being a dog, is this why you fucked me from behind the other morning?" she dared a moment resting her hand on his chest.
Sirius's eyes flickered, and he cleared his throat before speaking. "Ah, well, I suppose that was... a bit of a... unconventional start to a question" He sounded sheepish, his tone laced with embarrassment.
Emily raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Unconventional? That's one way to put it. So, you're saying that... thing you did... is why you prefer that position?"
Sirius nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Well, when you're in a... certain shape, it can be... easier for everyone involved. And as an Animagus, I have to admit that it's just more... convenient for me."
Emily's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. "Convenient for you? You mean, like, as a dog?"
Sirius's expression turned wry. "Well, yes. When I'm in my canine form, it's just... simpler for me to do things that way. And it's not like I'm trying to be rude or anything... it's just... practical…."
Emily smiled slowly, trying to process this information. A giggle escaped her, followed by Sirius asking 'what' and then they were both laughing. Wiping the tears from her face, she settled into bed as he blew a kiss goodbye before leaving to his room.