*dot*
It had been a long day taking the four teenagers throughout the city these last three days. Every single one of them was so different that appealing to them was like trying to herd cats. And Johnson was the one stuck with the task of keeping them safe and in line. He was thankful for once he didn't have children of his own. After meeting them, he could tell their distinctive personalities and how they cared for one another on a deep level.
Eric, the sweet and innocent one, had been a breeze to watch over. He was always polite and considerate, and Johnson had enjoyed getting to know him, though he was certain the boy was too crucial for his own good. But then there was Emily, the charming and shy one. She, like Eric, was the least bit of a problem. Her smile was brightest among the group, but a sense of innocence shrouded her actual brave sense of obligation. Everywhere he turned however she was usually near or in Sirius's arms.
Daphne though, she had been a handful from the start, always trying to push boundaries and test limits. She was the sassy, spoiled one, who had been a whole different story altogether. He had been looking forward to this assignment with apprehension, knowing her father well, and the Winters were usually a challenge. And boy, had she proved him right. Her constant questions had gotten on his nerves, and he was more than happy to be leaving her behind for his day of rest.
And then there was Sirius Black, the mischievous and unpredictable one. Johnson had been keeping an eye on him for days, trying to anticipate what kind of trouble he might get into next. Had it not been for Emily's constant reminders, he may have allowed the boy to jump in the New York Harbor. He had been relieved when they finally arrived at the hotel last night, thinking that he could finally get some rest today.
Just as he was thinking about how nice it would be to turn in and watch a movie, he noticed Sirius and Emily walking hand in hand through the main lobby. Stopping them a moment, he asked where they were going.
"Just a walk through the park Sir," answered Emily looking earnestly at him. "Promise only a couple hours."
Johnson's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the two, his mind racing with possibilities. "Just the two of you?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Sirius grinned mischievously, but it was hidden mostly. "Yeah, just a little romantic stroll. We promise we'll be back in time before nine." He glanced at Emily, who was blushing slightly.
Emily nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "We'll be fine, Sir. We just want to get some fresh air and enjoy the evening."
Johnson raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure what to believe. He knew that Sirius was capable of anything, and he wasn't sure if Emily was ready for whatever kind of trouble might be planning.
"Alright, just be careful," he said finally. "And don't go too far off the path."
Sighing, he watched the two walk out of the lobby, trying to appear nonchalant while actually keeping a close eye on them. He didn't want to be too obvious, but he followed at a discreet distance. Changing into his Animagus form, a small blue bird with a red stripe down the head, he landed on the street lamp over them. As they walked, Johnson noticed that they seemed to be heading towards the more secluded areas of the park. The path became narrower and the trees grew closer together, casting long shadows in the fading light. Johnson's instincts began to kick in, telling him that this was a bad idea. He quickened his flight, his eyes fixed on the pair. They were laughing and chatting, completely carefree.
As the lights flickered and then plunged the city into darkness, Johnson felt a strange sensation wash over him. He was suddenly aware of the extreme dark around them. Dropping to the ground, his limbs lengthened and his senses shifting as he became human again. He looked down to see his hands transforming from talons, his feathers morphing into fingers.
Johnson's eyes widened in shock as he gazed around trying to find Sirius and Emily. His ears perked as he heard the distant sounds of sirens and chaos. Apparating quickly to the Magical Congress office, he practically took the door off as he exclaimed Sirius and Emily had gone missing during the blackout. After what seemed forever alerts came across from their wands on the board.
"They used Lumos first, which makes sense. Potter used a strong one, at that," someone commented trying to find the source location. It was still within Central Park they could see, then suddenly they each cast different spells most likely in defense. What worried him was Sirius setting off Stupefy so closely after Emily's Protego. They were a powerful pair of young wizards, more powerful than anyone realized.
"Johnson, we need you to report back to the hotel! They were seen apparently heading along Broadway near the Beacon Theatre."
"They got pretty far north in a short amount of time," commented Johnson before turning to leave.
After what seemed an eternity, he spent about half an hour waiting for the teenagers to appear. The Aurors were looking through the park as well and handing anyone lost. He went inside a moment to check on his board, but he turned at the sound of the front doors being opened. There they stood, disheveled but alright. They explained themselves before he sent them up to bed, sighing heavily as he sent a message to everyone they had returned safely.
"You need a night off," muttered the doorman with a nod.
Johnson let out a deep sigh and rubbed his temples, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. During the next several days, Johnson kept them indoors as much as possible. There was much talk in the Muggle world as to what caused it but for at least the group of teenagers, it meant gossiping about their adventures in the dark and their favorite parts of the trip so far.
A few days later, they continued onward to Philadelphia. Liberty Bell and Independence Hall were among the top places the girls wanted to see. Sirius took care of helping Emily up as she was smaller than the others. They weren't allowed to venture out beyond Johnson's eyes in this city though and it was met with understanding. He had to leave on the sixteenth day to complete the blackout report in New York. By that point, even Daphne was tired and willing for the twenty-first day to come. The calendar was marked on July 31st for their return.
"You were caught in all that in New York?" asked Daphne, her eyes wide. "That's insane!"
"It was so dark, I couldn't see my hands in front of my face," exclaimed Emily brushing her hair back. "Sirius got us figured out though."
Sirius and Eric were over near the television watching something. Their laughter filled the room as Emily and Daphne watched with glee. However, a moment later, her blonde friend leaned over with a gentle, but annoying, smirk on her face. Her eyes asked a question, which Emily was unsure if she could reply.
"What?" she finally said, her eyes darting around the room. Neither Sirius nor Eric seemed aware of Daphne's antics.
"So how was it?" she dared wiggling an eyebrow. Staring at her with disbelief, Emily's face began to pale at the possibilities. "Oh you know…. Sirius? I mean I saw–"
Blushing red at the realization, Emily turned her head and tried to make herself even smaller in the chair she sat. Beyond that first morning in New York, she thought back to the many nights while they were in America, that Sirius and she had committed their own sins under the stars in one of their rooms. Eric had even taken the sitting room sofa to offer something to them in request to play the music box all night with no one to bother him.
"Em! Come on! Don't be a prude now! We must talk!"
Emily shot her a warning look, her eyes pleading for Daphne to drop the subject. But the blonde was relentless and her voice dripped in sarcasm.
"So, was it...um...good?"
"Daphne, please. Just drop it. It's none of your business," Emily sighed, her shoulders sagging in defeat.
"Oh, come on. I'm your best friend," Daphne raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence as Emily's turned a deeper shade of red. "I have a right to know what's going on in your life. Come on, Em. I'm not going to judge you. Much…."
She winked, trying to appear playful and non-threatening as her smirk still lingered. but Emily's embarrassment seemed to soften her expression. Hesitating, she shook her head.
"You're really going to make me talk about this, aren't you?"
Daphne nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Yeah, I am. I walked in on you two...um...having a moment. I'm curious about what happened."
Emily took a deep breath, then began to speak in a hesitant tone. Bloody Merlin, Daphne of all people would have been the one to walk in…
"It was...unexpected. I mean, Sirius and I have been friends for a long time, but...I guess we both needed something that morning… and other mornings and nights… as well….."
Her expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded for her to continue. Emily hesitated again, but Daphne's encouraging gaze prompted her to keep going.
"It was...intense. I won't lie. Sirius is...fierce. And when we're together...it's like nothing else matters."
Daphne's eyes lit up with amusement, and she leaned in closer to Emily. "Oh, so it's like that, huh?"
Emily blushed again, but this time it seemed more like a mixture of embarrassment and excitement.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that."
"I think I'm going to have to tease you and Sirius about this later." Daphne grinned mischievously as Emily rolled her eyes, laughing despite herself.
"Just try to keep it to yourself, okay?"
"I make no promises," she winked, letting out a soft laugh.
The two were sent off into a fit of laughter as Sirius and Eric turned around to see them holding each other up despite their best efforts to stay on the chairs they were in. Emily had stood to get a glass of cold water when she spun around grabbing Daphne's hands.
"Oh, right! I remember now! You said Arlo was bigger than Sirius, and what does that even mean?!"
Daphne's face turned bright red as she tried to play it cool. Sirius even turned fully around throwing his hands up. Waving him on, Emily sat on the arm of the chair pushing Daphne lightly in jest.
"Oh, yeah, just a little...um... comparison. That's all."
"Comparison? Ha! You're not fooling anyone with that innocent act, Daph! Spill! What's going on with that?"
Daphne sighed realizing she was trapped.
"Fine, okay? It was just a...moment of weakness. Arlo and I are… how can I say it… very intimate at times. He's passionate about what he does to me… and he… well he lets me get on top and it just hits differently than when he is."
Emily's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her gaze straying to Sirius a moment. His head was slightly turned, as though he was listening to the conversation, but she couldn't tell.
"What does he do?"
Daphne hesitated, unsure if she wanted to reveal more details. But Emily's enthusiasm was infectious, and she found herself blurting out the truth to her best friend before she knew it.
"He used his fingers and, you know…" Emily felt her jaw drop as Daphne pointed at her tongue. "It's so intense, and I've never had a connection with anyone like Arlo before."
Emily stayed rooted to her place, her mind playing out everything Daphne said, imagining that Sirius was doing those things instead.
"And let me tell you, it's true. Arlo is...um...well-endowed, to say the least."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks.
"Daphne, really? You're bringing this up now?"
She shrugged, her grin still in place. "Hey, someone's got to keep things real. And besides, I'm just trying to help you out. You know, give you some...inspiration."
Emily's face grew even hotter as she felt a pang of embarrassment. Daphne chuckled, not taking the hint. "Oh, come on, Em. It's just a little friendly advice. And besides, I think Sirius is probably...adequate."
Emily threw up her hands in frustration and shock. "You're being really cruel right now."
Daphne's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered her composure. "Oh, sorry, Em. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just...um...wanted to help."
Emily shook her head, laughing despite herself. "You're something else, Daphne."
"I didn't mean that Sirius isn't capable of bringing the big O to you, but Arlo's just different... rougher with me... I sorta like it," said Daphne in several rambles. "Arlo really brings something special to the table...or rather, to the bed."
Emily chuckled, shaking her head. "So, what's it like? Being with someone who's...more...experienced, I assume he is?"
Daphne snorted, her laughter echoing through the room. "I just enjoy the ride...and Arlo's impressive equipment. Well, let's just say it's been an adventure. And I'm not complaining. Okay, so Arlo's...experience has taught me a few things about pleasure. And trust me, it's been eye-opening."
Emily's eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of things?"
Daphne's smile grew sly. "Well, let's just say that Arlo knows how to make me feel like I'm floating on air. He's got this way of making me feel so alive, so connected to him...it's like our bodies are speaking their own language."
Emily's face softened, her expression becoming more thoughtful. "That sounds amazing. It must be incredible to feel that kind of connection with someone."
Daphne nodded vigorously, her ponytail bobbing up and down. "It's like nothing I've ever experienced before. And the best part is, it's not just about the physical stuff. It's about the emotional connection we've built, the trust and intimacy we've developed over time."
"That makes a big difference. It's not just about the act itself, but about the love and affection behind it." Emily smiled, her eyes shining with understanding.
"Exactly!" Daphne's grin grew wider as she spoke. "And that's what makes our relationship so special. We're not just two people having sex; we're two people who are deeply in love and committed to each other."
Emily gave her a big hug and for a moment she thought she felt Daphne shake a little. Looking down, she saw tears in her longest friend's eyes.
"Daph…" she asked, worried her questions were causing this. "What's wrong?".
Daphne let out an inaudible sob as she returned the hug. "I've never told you, but I want to be a mum and raise a family, more than anything….
"You'll be a great mum one day Daphne!" said Emily softly holding her friend dearly. "I'll be right there teasing whoever this child is along the way! Honorary Aunt!"
"That's the only thing I really want to do," she admitted quietly rubbing her hands looking down suddenly nervous. There were tears in her eyes as she looked up to see Emily watching her closely. Her face crumpled, as a soft sob escaped.
"I want to be a mum more than anything... I know it's a big responsibility, but I'm ready. It's not the most conventional thing, but I've always felt like I was meant to be a mum."
Emily's grip on Daphne's hands tightened. "You'll be an amazing mum, Daph! You're already so loving and caring. I'm sure you'll be an incredible parent when it comes."
Daphne smiled, her voice filled with conviction. "Arlo and I have talked about our future a lot, and we both know that we want to build a life together. He wants to become a Healer, which is amazing, because I've always been drawn to medicine too, but I don't have the patience for the practice as a whole. I want to be able to devote myself fully to any children we may have and our family."
Emily's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds like a dream! You'll be able to raise your kids in a way that's true to who you are, and Arlo will be able to pursue his passions too."
Daphne's smile faltered for a moment, and she looked down at her hands. "But sometimes it feels like people might not understand our choices. Like, they'll think Arlo is the only one working or that I'm not contributing to the family."
"If that's what you both decide, no one can take that away. It will be yours and Arlo's choice for your family together. Even my opinion wouldn't matter."
Daphne's eyes welled up as she looked up at Emily's earnest nod of sincere love.
"You're right, Em. I just worry about what others might think. But you're right."
Emily nodded, her expression soft and understanding. "Daphne, I think it's beautiful that you're wanting to be a mum. I've not thought about that for myself. I doubt I'll have children at this rate."
Daphne's smile returned, a little wobbly but genuine. "Thanks, Em! You always know how to put things into perspective."
Emily smiled back, her eyes shining with warmth. "That's what friends are for! Now, let's forget about all this serious talk and go get some ice cream across the street. Johnson said we could go there to get snacks and stuff!"
Daphne laughed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. The two friends hugged each other tightly, tears of joy streaming down their faces. They held each other for a long moment, savoring the love and friendship that they shared.
As they pulled back, Daphne smiled shakily. "I'm glad you got on our boat in first year…."
As they left, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and admiration for her relationship with Daphne. It was clear that their friendship was something special, something that went beyond the physical and into the depths of their hearts and souls. They were like sisters almost, more so than their actual siblings.
*dot*
Sirius lounged on the couch in the luxurious hotel suite, his eyes fixed on the TV as he half-watched the channel with Eric by his side. He was on this vacation with the Winters and Emily, and he was determined to make the most of it. They were all relaxing together, enjoying some well-deserved downtime despite all the running around they had done so far. It had been over two weeks already; he couldn't wait till the 31st to return home.
As he flipped through the channels, Sirius's ears perked up at the sound of his name being mentioned. He sat up straight, his interest piqued. Hearing my name a lot today, he mused to himself.
Daphne and Emily were chatting and laughing in the adjacent seating area, but Sirius didn't think much of it at first. He was too engrossed in the TV show to bother with their conversation. However, as he continued to watch TV, he started to hear his name again...and again...and again. It was as if they were talking about him, but he had no idea why. Suddenly, his curiosity got the better of him. He turned his head slightly several times, before getting up from the couch and padded over to where the girls were chatting after returning with bags filled with food from the place across the street.
"Hey, girls, talking about me much?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of mischief.
The girls looked up at him, surprised by his sudden appearance. Daphne raised an eyebrow in concern.
"Oh, come on, Sirius. We're having girl time, remember?"
"Girl time? What's that got to do with my name being said… multiple times at that?" said Sirius, taken aback as Emily giggled behind her hands.
"You're just curious because you heard your name being mentioned, aren't you?"
Sirius shrugged as he took in her soft features. Whatever they were talking about had her in a silent fit of giggles. He rather liked his girl all laughs for once. His girl? Merlin he was possessive….
"Maybe. I don't know what you're talking about," he mused a moment while taking one bag of potato chips. Daphne chuckled as she swatted his hand.
"Oh, Sirius. You're so obvious. But honestly, this is girl time. You're not invited. You see, sometimes we girls need to talk about things that are just between us," she said, her voice gentle but firm.
Sirius's eyes narrowed. "What kind of things?"
Daphne leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. "Things like...boys."
Emily's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yeah, and sometimes we don't want to share our thoughts and feelings with the guys we're interested in."
Sirius's face lit up with understanding. "Ah, I get it. You're talking about...gossip. And speculation. And maybe a little bit of matchmaking." He said the last part with a sly grin, earning a laugh from Emily.
"Oh, Em. You're not helping." Daphne rolled her eyes good-naturedly. But Sirius was undeterred.
"Come on, girls. I'm trying…. So, you're saying that sometimes you talk about us, like...who's cute, who's not, who's got a crush on who?" Emily nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly! And it's not always just about physical attraction. We talk about personalities, values, and stuff like that."
Sirius's eyes widened as he started to piece together the puzzle.
"So, you're saying that you're talking about...me?"
Daphne and Emily exchanged a mischievous glance before bursting into laughter.
"Maybe," Daphne said, her voice still giggly.
Sirius chuckled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.
"Okay, okay. I think I get it now. You're talking about me, and maybe...other guys too…."
Emily leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "And maybe we're talking about which guys are worth our time."
Sirius's face grew serious as he processed the revelation. He had never really thought about how girls might talk about boys before. But now that it was placed in front of him, he couldn't help but wonder what they were saying about him.
"Okay, girls," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "You're going to have to tell me more."
As the two remain quiet before him, their faces not cracking as much as he tried. Finally, realization hit him.
"You're talking about Stone, not me…."
Daphne and Emily exchanged a look, then back to Sirius.
"How did you know?" Emily asked, surprised.
Sirius's grin was smug. "Well, I may have overheard some whispers in the Gryffindor common room from time to time. Something about Stone being 'the one' and how he's 'so dreamy'." He raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And then there was the whole 'he's got that whole good-boy vibe going on' thing."
The girls burst into laughter, their faces finally cracking into smiles. Daphne leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Well, let's just say that he's...interesting. He's got a bit of a reputation, but maybe that's part of his charm."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "A reputation? What kind of reputation?"
Emily leaned in, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Let's just say that he's got a bit of a wild streak. But hey, I think he's worth the risk."
"He's a bloody nerd with a big cock," said Eric as he walked over suddenly sitting down, his blue eyes staring his twin down. The three stared back, their faces frozen in shock. Sirius's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at Eric like he was seeing him for the first time.
"Wait, what? How do you know that?" Daphne finally managed to stammer, her voice barely above a whisper. Eric smiled at her, his expression completely calm and nonchalant.
"What?" he asked, looking at them like he was genuinely puzzled. "I'm in Ravenclaw with him. I've seen and heard things…."
Emily shook her head, trying to process what she had just heard. "You said...he's a nerd with a big...cock?" she repeated, her voice trembling at Eric's awareness of Arlo. Sirius's eyes were still wide with shock. Eric nodded, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Yes, I'm aware of Arlo's...endowment. And let me tell you, it's quite impressive."
Sirius's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, really? I thought that was just this one having too much fun!"
Eric chuckled as he sat down his cup as Daphne slapped Sirius on the arm. "Yeah, well, I think it's safe to say that Arlo has a bit of a... well, let's just say he's got a lot going on."
Sirius whistled softly. "Wow, that's quite the claim to fame. No wonder Daphne's had a crush on him."
Eric leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "And let me tell you, Sirius, Arlo's not shy about showing it off either. He's got this whole... the confidence thing is pretty intimidating. At least in the common room. Arlo's not known for being quiet about his loves. Daphne's at the top of that list."
Sirius nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I could see that. He's not really known for any certain swagger. But hey, if it works for him, more power to him."
The two of them sat in silence for a moment, lost in their own thoughts while the girls sat with their jaws hanging in shock. Finally, Emily broke the silence.
"Well, I think we can agree that Arlo's definitely got a unique... situation going on," she stammered, staring at Sirius trying to avoid Daphne's glares.
Eric grinned. "Yeah, you could say that. If it weren't for him dating my sister and he were actually gay, I would totally be into him too."
Daphne's eyes snapped back to life, her face flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement.
"Eric, you're such a pervert," she teased, nudging him playfully and rolled her eyes. Shaking her head a moment as she mouthed what at Emily, who also was laughing silently. "You're one to talk. You're always talking about the latest rumors and gossip."
Eric shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, I'm the most discreet person alive, but I do have my sources. It's not just our houses that talk about Arlo. He made an impression with that Hufflepuff girl before he dated Daphne."
"Oh? Who's been talking about him?" asked Daphne, an eyebrow raised with intrigue.
Eric leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"I may have heard some whispers from the other houses. Certain girls seem to have a certain... appreciation for Arlo Stone. That Hufflepuff told all her friends. There was a line outside the common room for weeks after they broke up. When it became news you two were dating, it somewhat settled."
Sirius snorted as Emily sat in a silent laugh, her leg kicked out to steady herself on her chair. She shook her head, a mixture of amusement and disgust on her face while Sirius clearly seemed to be happy his behaviors didn't escape Gryffindor Tower.
"You're both terrible. I'm surprised you're not the ones spreading rumors about Arlo."
Because Emily was laughing, it set off everyone and before they knew the noise filled the room before they each wiped their eyes. Sirius shook his head, grinning as he stood up.
"Alright, I think we've had enough fun for one day. Let's get to bed. All of us, Daphne!"
As they all stood up to leave, Daphne turned to Eric with a mischievous glint in her eye before hitting his arm. "That's for wanting to fuck my boyfriend!"
"You have a hot boyfriend," he smirked, rubbing his arm as she turned around a moment with fire in her eyes. Sirius smirked as he and Eric retreated to their room while the girls giggled onward to theirs.
"I... I can't actually breathe the same air as you right now," gasped Emily to Daphne, still looking stunned as she and Daphne giggled and chattered their way down the hallway.
As they settled into their room, Sirius and Eric climbed into their beds, the dim lights casting a warm glow over the space. Sirius, still chuckling to himself, pulled the blankets up to his chest and gazed up at the ceiling. Eric, meanwhile, leaned back against the headboard, his eyes fixed on the darkened window.
Sirius chuckled, finally starting to relax as he listened to the distant sound of the girls laughter. Eric smiled wryly, rubbing his arm where Daphne had hit him.
"Well, I guess that explains why Daphne's always in a cheerful mood with him…."
"My sister is loud," said Eric matter-of-fact, kicking off his slippers. "I heard them before he left for his Healer internship at the hospital. I wasn't impressed, but I can admire the smirk on his face when he left her room..."
Sirius's eyes widened in surprise, and he turned to Eric with a mischievous grin. "Oh, yeah? Merlin, knowing this about Stone just seems strange."
Eric chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Let's just say that Arlo was very... attentive to my sister's needs."
Sirius snorted. "I bet she was. I've seen the way she looks at him."
Eric nodded as he waved his wand to dim the lights. "Yeah, and I'm pretty sure our parents are oblivious to Arlo's true intentions with her. But hey, being the older twin, it's my duty to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't break her heart."
"You're pretty protective of your sister, aren't you?" Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow.
Eric shrugged facing Sirius a moment. His blue eyes were dark in the dim light. "Someone has to be. Mum and dad are always so busy with their own things. Isadora's married off to a rich Lord, or Duke, or whatever the hell he is. I'm the one who's usually around to look out for Daphne."
As they settled into their beds, the only sound in the room was the soft rustle of sheets and the occasional yawn. The darkness outside seemed to press in around them, but Sirius and Eric didn't notice.
"Sirius?"
"Yeah?"
"How is Emily? All the stuff with her brother; is James protective of his sister too, like me? Like you with Regulus?"
Sirius's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the question. He hadn't thought about Regulus in awhile, and the thought he wasn't the best older brother soured his thoughts but he pushed them aside.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure. Emily's always been a bit of a mystery to James, and she's never really opened up about her feelings with me about him. But from what I've seen, James is... different. He's always been very focused on his own goals and ambitions, and I think he's kind of... distant from her without realizing it."
Eric nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I've seen that too. James can be pretty selfish sometimes. But I'm sure he loves Emily in his own way. He's just... not really good at showing it."
As they continued to talk, the darkness outside seemed to recede, replaced by the soft glow of their wands and the gentle hum of their conversation. The two fell silent for a moment, lost in their own thoughts. Eric sat up a moment flickering his wand.
"I think it's simply David pursuing her because James believes she's that little girl still."
Sirius's eyes snapped back into focus, his brow furrowed in concern. "What do you mean?"
Eric's eyes took on a somber tone. "I mean, Luke's been playing on her good nature, using her kindness against her. He sees the woman Emily is becoming, same as you. I think she just really sees him in the most platonic way possible."
"Luke is a spineless idiot. Once we are out of Hogwarts, he'll no longer have her attention and then Emily and I can be the happy couple we are meant to be. But that bloody snake keeps getting in my way…. I know her best and I truly love her.
"I'm going to marry her one day… maybe have a family. I don't yet… I want Emily, all of us really to live life to the fullest before we commit to something like that though…." he mumbled quietly feeling his eyes drooping.
The two boys fell silent again, lost in their own sleep. The darkness outside seemed to press back in around them, but this time, it was accompanied by a sense of unease. As they settled back into their beds, the darkness outside seemed to recede once more, replaced by cruel words Eric said about Emily and Luke. The pain that Emily endured because of Luke was noticeable. Sirius only had one more year to bring her fully home to his arms.
*dot*
On their last three days, they left for a brief visit to Ilvermorny, which Johnson had surprised them completely in doing so. As they walked along the short wooded area, their eyes widened in a sense of excitement and wonder. The group of teenagers had been cooped up in Monongahela National Park at a ranch, enjoying horseback riding, American camping foods, and breathtaking night skies that were filled with stars. Now though, they arrived at a large wrought-iron gate that concealed the school from them at first.
As though recognizing their magic, the clouds disappeared and the four walked forward following Johnson. Emily couldn't help but compare it to Hogwarts. The two schools had their similarities, but Ilvermorny was undeniably unique. The architecture was more modern, with a mix of ancient and modern styles that seemed to blend seamlessly together. The buildings seemed to shift and curve, as if they were alive and breathing. The stone statue of the founder, Isolt Sayre, stood tall and proud near the entrance. It was a far cry from the imposing castle gates that led to Hogwarts. The atmosphere was more relaxed, with a sense of warmth and welcome that seemed to radiate from the very stones.
Inside the school, Emily was struck by the lack of grandeur. There were no opulent tapestries or suits of armor adorning the walls. Instead, the rooms were filled with books and artifacts that seemed to tell the story of the school's history. Everything seemed more laid-back, moving about with a sense of ease and camaraderie that Emily hadn't seen before.
The group was greeted by a kind-faced professor who introduced herself and led them on a tour of the school, showing them the various classrooms and common areas. Emily was fascinated by the magical creatures that seemed to inhabit every corner of the school. There were no Hippogriffs here, but instead, giant birds with shimmering feathers and cats with eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.
As they walked through the halls, Emily noticed all the different colors. Some wore red, while others were blue or yellow. Sirius asked about it, and it was explained that each student was assigned a house color based on their personality and values, and it was a far cry from the four houses at Hogwarts. In the evening, they gathered around a roaring fire in the great hall for dinner. Emily was struck by the sense of community and camaraderie that seemed to permeate every aspect of life at Ilvermorny. The adults that were there were all chatting and laughing together, seemingly without a care in the world.
As they sat down to eat, Emily turned to Sirius and asked him what he thought so far. He grinned mischievously and replied that he was loving every minute of it.
"It's like nothing I've ever experienced before," he said after chowing down on a piece of steak. "The atmosphere is so different than home.."
Emily nodded in agreement. She had never felt so relaxed and at ease in her life. The sense of freedom and possibility that seemed to permeate every corner of Ilvermorny was exhilarating.
The next day brought more adventures and discoveries. They explored the surrounding woods, learning about the magical creatures that lived there. They even took part in a game of Quidditch, although it was played on broomsticks with no wings.
As they sat on their broomsticks, flying through the air with reckless abandon, Emily felt a sense of freedom she had never known before. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
As their visit drew to a close for the last night, Sirius and Emily snuck off for a night viewing where they lay out under the stars, eager to spend some quality time together. As they gazed up at the sky, Emily pointed out the bright constellation of Scorpius, its scorpion's tail shining brightly in the southeastern sky. Sirius smiled knowingly as he followed Emily's gaze.
"Ah, yes, Scorpius is a beautiful sight, isn't it?" he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he rubbed her side a moment to readjust them more comfortably. "But look, there's something even more magnificent about to appear."
Emily followed his gaze to the eastern horizon, where the brilliant blue-white star of Vega was just beginning to rise. As they watched, the star grew brighter and brighter, its light illuminating the surrounding landscape.
"Wow, that's incredible!" Emily exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it."
Sirius nodded enthusiastically. "Vega is one of the brightest stars in the sky, and it's especially beautiful this time of year. And if you look closely, you can see the constellation of Lyra rising above it."
As they continued to gaze up at the stars, Emily noticed a faint streak of light moving across the sky. She pointed it out to Sirius, who grinned mischievously.
"Ah, that's just a shooting star," he said. "Make a wish, Emily!"
Emily closed her eyes, wished for adventure and magic, and then opened them again to see Sirius making a wish as well. As they lay there under the star-filled sky, they felt connected to each other and to the universe in a way that was hard to describe. Looking at the wonderful girl in his arms, Sirius felt the heat rise in his chest at the thoughts in his head for once didn't race. Instead he imagined that future he wished for.
Happy. Joy. In Love. Family.
"Emmy, I–" but he couldn't continue as she lightly pulled them closer, setting her lips on his.
As their lips touched, Sirius felt the world around him melt away, leaving only the two of them and the vast expanse of stars above. The kiss was everything he had ever experienced before and more- it was as if the entire universe had come together in that one moment, filling him with a sense of wonder and magic. Emily pulled back slightly, her eyes shining with a soft, golden light.
"I've been wanting to do that for a few days," she whispered, her breath hot against his lips.
Sirius's heart skipped a beat. "I've been wanting you," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
As they kissed again, Sirius felt Emily's fingers tangled in his hair, her touch sending shivers down him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, and she sank into the embrace, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. The stars twinkled above them, their gentle light dancing across the landscape. The world was full of magic and wonder, and Sirius felt like he was living in a dream. Their hands cascaded down one another as hastily they shed their clothing and submitted to the throes of passion. This time, though, Sirius conjured a pillow for his head as Emily sat on his waist, bouncing to her heart's content. Their grunts and pants as they continued into the empty forest around them, meant allowing for the purest emotion to transcend everything between them.
Sirius held onto her waist as he witnessed the woman he loved be with him in everything he could do or be for her. He saw her holding herself up in high esteem trying to find her place among the people around her. He saw a beautiful young woman that he knew was his everything.
And as they lay there under the stars after their sin, Sirius knew that he had found his home, his partner, and his forever.
*dot*
July 31st….
FINALLY! HOME!
After spinning through the air along their return from New York, Daphne let out a loud shrill as they walked through the Ministry's atrium. There standing in an open area was Arlo, a bouquet of flowers in his hands. He was anxiously reading his watch when Daphne called his name. Looking up, he smiled brightly as he hugged her deeply, and waved at the others who walked up behind.
"Hi everyone!" he said, releasing Daphne to hug Emily as well. "You look well rested after three weeks with Daph."
"We had to survive her," laughed Emily, turning to Sirius and Eric. They too nodded as Daphne let go of Arlo long enough for him to breathe.
"I think it's safe to say that we were the ones who had to survive you," said Daphne, grinning at Sirius and Emily. "But we're glad to be back, and it's great to see you, Arlo."
"That's an understatement," Sirius chuckled, shaking his head as Eric sat down his bag grinning.
"We've been keeping her on the tips of insanity," said Eric, letting out a laugh. "We've been making sure she's had a good time... whether she liked it or not."
Daphne rolled her eyes good-naturedly, smiling at Arlo. "They're just as glad to be rid of me, I'm sure," she teased.
Arlo chuckled, holding out the bouquet of flowers. "Actually, I was thinking of celebrating your return with a little welcome-home present. I hope you like them!"
He glanced at Daphne, his expression softening as he presented to her.
"I was worried about you, all of you, when I didn't hear from you for so long. But I'm glad to see that you're back in one piece," he smiled resting his hands behind his back, cheerful glee crossing his features as Daphne sighed heavenly.
"Thank you, Arlo. They're beautiful. You're going to make me blush," said Daphne, her eyes lighting up as she took the flowers, her face softening with gratitude. Emily and Sirius exchanged a sly glance, and Eric spoke up softly interrupting his sister's gift.
"So, what's the plan for today? Remember we've been up only a little bit."
Arlo's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, I was thinking we could have a bit of a celebration dinner this evening. It's been a long few weeks, and it was really early where you came from. I'd imagine you'd want to rest before doing much this evening. But tomorrow... Well, we have a lot of catching up to do."
The group nodded in agreement, still chatting and laughing as they made their way toward the Floo networks. Despite the chaos of their recent adventure, it was clear that they were all looking forward to settling back into their routine in England. Daphne was busy telling Arlo about the things they saw in New York, Philadelphia, and even the animals in the forest while they camped.
As she was describing Ilvermorny in grand detail, Sirius turned suddenly stopping in front of Arlo.
"Hey you beat me at something," said Sirius, letting go of Emily's hand and patting Arlo's shoulder. "Good on you..."
"SIRIUS!" cried Emily, with wide eyes nearly dropping her bags. "You can't say that!"
Arlo's brow furrowed in confusion as Sirius smirked and Emily blushed bright red staring at the Winters.
"Beat me at what?" he asked, his tone friendly but puzzled. Glancing over at Eric or Daphne, neither spoke up. In fact they both were tight lipped about whatever Sirius was on about.
"Oh… You know…." he started once more, giving him a tight grip on the shoulder again. There was a seriousness to his word that Arlo couldn't figure out. He was more perplexed as he turned to Daphne, who looked down at her feet trying to ignore Sirius's comments.
"I'm not sure what you're referring to," he said, his eyes darting back and forth between Daphne and Sirius. Emily was watching the exchange with amusement, her own face turning red. Eric seemed to catch and let out a soft laugh. Sirius, however, laughed seeing the confusion riddle the Ravenclaw more.
"Oh, come on, Stone! You're not dense, are you?"
Arlo shook his head looking around at each of them. "I... I don't know what you're talking about. Why would I beat you at anything?"
Emily intervened, her voice gentle as she pulled Sirius away. "It's okay, Arlo. We were just joking about it and Daphne started it all."
Sirius winked at Arlo as Emily practically dragged him away as Daphne let out a snicker trying to distract Arlo.
"Yeah, it's a really big issue…. Seriously, you're a saint for not letting people know your secrets," said Sirius calmly before turning in place to stop Emily from ripping his shirt. Arlo's face still looked puzzled, but he smiled politely unsure what to do.
"Well, I suppose…you're welcome… I think…. I'm glad to have everyone back safe and sound."
Daphne chuckled and put a hand on Arlo's arm. "Don't worry, Arlo. It's just Sirius being Sirius of course."
Sirius grinned mischievously. "Yeah, and don't forget Eric told us what Stone does in the common room. He's the one walking around with that."
Eric raised his hands in defense as Arlo turned around sharply at his housemate. "Hey, someone's got to keep things lively."
"What the hell did you tell them!?" he asked, a smile forming on his blushed cheeks. "Eric!"
The group laughed and had finally reached the Floo networks, leaving Arlo looking slightly bewildered but still smiling.
"Well, we're off. There are some things in London we need to do before going home," said Emily, finally succeeding in pulling Sirius away.
"You can't say things like that!"
"I was complimenting the man!"
"That's so weird! Don't do that again!" laughed Emily patting his chest.
They continued to whisper under their breath as they turned, their shoulders bumping with each step. The Winters and Arlo could tell the love between them as they stepped into the bright green flame. They disappeared before Eric too left Arlo and Daphne alone, claiming he wanted to check out Diagon Alley for a new book. Waving goodbye, Arlo turned to Daphne and seemed at odds with the entire exchange.
As they stood there, Arlo couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as he apparated them both to Yorkshire. He figured Daphne would be tired from the day and that was evident by her yawns. Daphne leaned in closer to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief while they walked to her family's home.
"So, what's been going on while you've been away?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arlo smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
"I've been doing that internship at St. Mungo's Hospital," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's been an incredible experience, and I've learned so much even with the little time I had. I helped in the maternity wards and delivered a baby by accident. Baby and Mum are perfectly alright. There was another family, the Diggory was the name… the mother kept having false contractions and her doctors think the baby will be born in early September."
Daphne's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing! I had no idea you would be doing that on the internship."
Arlo nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. "I am surprised too! I've always been fascinated by magic and the way it can be used to bring people into the world. And I think working at St. Mungo's will give me the best opportunity to learn from some of the best Medi-Healers in the wizarding world."
Daphne smiled, her eyes filled with admiration. "You're so talented and driven. I'm sure you're going to make a fantastic Healer."
Arlo felt his face grow hot with cheer, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in hearing those words from her. He knew that he had worked hard to get where he wanted, and it was nice to have someone like Daphne acknowledge his efforts. For now he wanted Daphne to enjoy her last two years at Hogwarts, and allow him to provide for her in the future.
"I'm glad you're proud of me," Arlo said, his voice low and husky. "I'm just trying to do my best and make a difference in the world."
Daphne smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You're doing an amazing job, Arlo. And I'm honored to be your girlfriend, maybe more later ..."
"Arlo and Daphne Stone…. Has a ring to it…." he teased, giving her a quick kiss.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Arlo knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be. He was home and he knew that as long as he had Daphne by his side, he could face anything that came his way.
"What did I beat Black at?" asked Arlo quietly. Her cheeks flushed as she met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You're ummm... Well you know…" she started slowly trying to find the words. She leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Oh, let's just say Sirius is not as good at certain things as he thinks he is."
Arlo's eyebrow shot up, his interest piqued as he thought back to Sirius and Emily's retreating figures earlier. "And what exactly is that?"
"Sirius has a certain... reputation among the girls in school," said Daphne grinned mischievously.
"Go on," he said, his voice low and intrigued. "Yes, I'm aware of Sirius's reputation. What's that got to do with me?"
Arlo's eyes widened in surprise as he followed Daphne's gaze to his own waist. He felt a flush rise to his cheeks as he realized what she was referring to. He couldn't help but glance down at his crotch, feeling a surge of embarrassment.
"Ah, you mean...?" he started, his voice trailing off, and his eyes dropped fixed on the ground as a slow blush spread across his cheeks.
Daphne nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Yeah, that's what I mean. You know, Eric's been telling us all about your...ahem...endowment."
Arlo's face grew hot with embarrassment as he looked around, hoping no one was paying attention to their conversation.
"What? Eric's been talking about me?"
Daphne nodded again, trying to stiffen her laughter. "Yeah, and let me tell you, it's been all the rage among us. We've all been talking about it nonstop."
Arlo felt his face burning with humiliation. He couldn't believe that Eric was spreading rumors about him. He knew his fellow Ravenclaw was normally shy and reserved, but this was ridiculous. It was probably when those damn fourth year students took his clothing he sat out to dry in the common room and resulted in him chasing them in only a towel held tightly around his waist. Now he thought of it, Eric had been there at the time and had watched him oddly.
"Ah, I see," Arlo said, trying to sound calm. "Well, I suppose I should be flattered that I've made such an impression."
Daphne giggled. "You're definitely making an impression! But seriously, Em and I had talked about it because she was a little curious about you. You're not like most of the boys in our year."
Arlo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes me so different?"
Daphne leaned in closer to him. "You're just...you know, you're different. You're confident, and charming, and you're just bigger..."
Arlo felt his heart skip a beat as he gazed into Daphne's eyes.
"Shut up, Daphne," he chuckled realizing what she was referring to fully. He felt warm at the thoughts. "Oh, you're a little devil, aren't you?"
He couldn't deny the way he felt when she looked at him like that and knowing that others knew about him, was somewhat refreshing.
Daphne's face turned bright red as she giggled, trying to play it cool. "What? I was just trying to be nice, Arlo. You're just being modest, that's all."
Arlo raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Modest? Me? Ha! I think not, my dear with you." He leaned in closer to her, his voice taking on a playful tone. "How do you know I am bigger compared to Sirius Black? He's the bloody sex God of our year…."
Arlo looked up at her, his eyes flashing with worry on the reason. Daphne laughed, her hand still wrapped around Arlo's as they walked.
"I accidentally walked in on Emmy and Sirius after they… were done. Sirius hadn't dressed yet and was just sorta standing there shocked when I opened the door. I saw everything and it just fell out of my mouth."
Arlo's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at Daphne with a mixture of shock and amusement.
"You saw him completely naked?" She nodded quickly covering her mouth.
"It was by accident, I swear. I never saw Em though. She was covered by the blanket on her bed." Arlo stood there shocked in place before a wide smirk crossed his face, and a belly laugh erupted from the Ravenclaw. Wiping his eyes a moment, he regained composure before taking hold of her hands and leading her into her home.
"Bloody hell, I beat Sirius Black on my dick size… Just wow…."