*dot*
"Prongs, did you see where Emily went off to?" asked Sirius looking over the large crowd around them. In his hands were a few bags meant for gifts for the others. "I mean, I don't even see Daphne or Eric anywhere either."
"I don't know Padfoot," agreed James sensing the distress in his friend. It was unnerving his sister had invited the Slytherin with them after failing at returning on the Hogwarts Express for the winter holidays. Between the friction of Sirius and Luke, James knew that it was dangerous for Emily to be with the Slytherin at all, but knew he had to tread lightly given her fiery opposition in her being denied his friendship.
"I'll go back and try to find the Winters. You head back home and see if the other two show up early. I would assume Emmy would go back home if she couldn't find us. But I'm really worried about her attention to him," muttered James pulling his hat over messy hair that never sat right.
Nodding in approval, Sirius found a hidden corner before Apparating away to Godric's Hollow. Transforming into his Animagus form, he patrolled the neighborhood earning several head pats from the Muggles. Finally, nearly two hours later, two figures walked toward the Potter's home. Sirius who had been laying in the grass nearest the home stalked away a moment before hiding to watch the pair hand in hand toward the home. Unlocking the door a moment, Emily smiled as Luke brushed some stray dust off her coat. She smiled at him as he did, making Sirius's blood boil. Waiting some more time, he quickly changed back to human form, strolling into the house interrupting their intimate moment in the den. He overheard Luke explain about his family, including his parents and the lack of involvement in his life. He peeked around the corner, hoping she didn't touch hi— she touched him… his mind screamed as he closed his eyes and stepped fully into the den breaking Emily's attention on Luke.
As Sirius interrupted their conversation, a mocking smirk played on his lips as he looked at Luke and Emily. The two of them were shocked to see him as Emily muttered his name in surprise.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Two unlikely allies plotting against the forces of darkness, I presume?" he taunted with a cheeky grin, his tone dripping with sarcasm. They exchanged a knowing glance, they aware of the underlying tension that existed with Purebloods. Luke tensed at Sirius's words, knowing the underlying disdain he held for Slytherins like him. Emily, sensing the shift in atmosphere, rose to her feet with a defiant glare. Before he could response though, she rose to her feed, her expression firm and resolute.
"Sirius, we were discussing the pressure David faces. It's not easy for him, you know," she retorted, her voice laced with defiance.
Sirius raised an eyebrow, the playful demeanor fading from his face as he responded in a mocking tone, the seriousness of the conversation evident by his next words.
"Oh, I know, Emily. I know the Lukes are bigots who use their power and money wherever they please," he sneered. "But David's different. He's not like them. He's his own person, and he deserves our support, not our judgment."
Of course, everything was said in an exasperated tone that mocked the other boy in the room, who cleared his throat as he stood up beside her frowning at Sirius. Crossing his arms, he stared down the young man before him. The words hit Luke like a dagger, a sharp reminder of the prejudice and stereotypes he faced from those around him. But as he looked at Emily standing up for him, her loyalty unwavering, he felt a swell of gratitude towards her. She saw him for who he truly was, not just a product of his family's legacy. It was this that upset Sirius most. In that moment, Luke felt a newfound sense of strength and acceptance. A sense of relief passed over Luke's body while Sirius stood in anguish watching this unfold before them.
"You don't know what you're talking about Black," said Luke cockily. Bracing for the next barb, it came sharper than he expected.
"Oh, you're so different," he taunted, his voice turning cold and cutting as he continued taking small steps forward. "You're just like the rest of them. A horrible person, just like my own family. Slytherins, all of them, are cut from the same cloth."
The words hit Luke like a physical blow, his heart seizing in his chest at the harsh accusation, but standing strong against the words, he watched as Sirius stopped right in front of him.
"You're from a Slytherin family too Black. Just you're weak and careless about your arrogance. And that irresponsibility will lead you into more trouble than it already has."
Luke and Sirius silently squared off, as Emily stepped between them, her back to Luke as she stared into Sirius's eyes. Her eyes flashed anger as she stood between them defending the Slytherin.
"No, Sirius! David is not like them."
In that moment, Luke felt the weight of Sirius's words bearing down on him. There was a crackling of tension in the air as her words cut through both boys like a sharp knife. Sirius pushed himself away from them as he spun around pointing an accusing point at Luke.
"Emily, he's a snake!" Sirius yelled, his voice dripping with venom. "You shouldn't even be his damn friend. He shouldn't be here!"
But Emily stood her ground, her gaze steadfast as she walked to Sirius head-on pushing her hair back over a shoulder. "Neither should you, Sirius, when you ran away from home!" she retorted, her voice firm and resolute.
Sirius's eyes widened in shock at Emily's unexpected rebuttal, his expression hardening as he stared at her harshly. "I left an abusive home, Emily. My mother was a monster!" he shot back, his voice tinged with frustration and hurt.
As the tension between them escalated, David felt like a pawn caught in the middle of a power struggle. He could see the pain and anger in Sirius's eyes, but he also saw the loyalty and determination in Emily's gaze. And in that moment, he knew he had to speak up. Watching both Gryffindors, he knew that he had to leave before either of them fought over whatever was going on in Black's mind.
"Black, I understand your pain. But Emily saw something in me that you're refusing to see," he began, his voice calm yet resolute. "I may be a Slytherin, but I'm not defined by my house or my family. I'm my own person, just like you."
The room fell silent as David's words hung in the air, a quiet plea for understanding and acceptance. And as he looked at Emily and Sirius, he saw a flicker of something shift in Sirius's eyes. A glimmer of recognition, a hint of understanding.
"Thank you, Emily, for inviting me into your home and for your kindness. Please thank your parents for welcoming me," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. Turning sharply around the two Gryffindors, he calmly went to collect his items.
"David, you don't have to—" Emily's voice trailed off as she raced out toward him, her eyes filled with tears and regret. But it was too late, and he was gone. Emily spun around seeing Sirius standing by the main door, his arms crossed leaning against the frame. She felt emotions swirling in a whirlwind of anger and frustration as she threw hands into his chest. But all Sirius did was smile smugly at David's departure, his demeanor unapologetic and cold, as took the hit from her.
"Are you happy now, Sirius?" Emily's voice cracked with emotion as she yelled, take a fist to his side hitting him there a moment, which he lightly blocked by grabbing. The weight of her words heavy with sorrow and betrayal. Without waiting for a response, she turned inside and ran to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.
Tears streamed down Emily's cheeks as she collapsed onto her bed, the pain of losing a friend and the betrayal of another weighing heavily on her heart. She cried for the loss of the newfound camaraderie and the rift that had formed between them, uncertain of how to mend the broken pieces of their fractured friendship. And as she wept in solitude, Emily vowed to find a way to bridge the divide and heal the wounds that had been inflicted upon their fragile bond.
*dot*
Leaving a moment to inform James what had happened, he stood tall with him outside the restaurant where Daphne and Eric were eating happily. He said he would take the Winters to see the Christmas lights in London as a treat since they had explained a troubling bout of their grandmother's health.
"I'll head back to be with Emily then," he had said to James, a firm nod that he would care for her.
"Yeah, Eric and Daphne aren't in a great place either. Luke isn't there right?"
"No, we… we had a row about being … well … the Slytherin he is. I sort of pissed Emily off and made her cry," explained Sirius as James turned back one more time. His expression was unforgiving and firm judging by the tight grip on Sirius's arm.
"You better make this right Padfoot! I understand why you did it but yelling at my sister wasn't the answer." There was a sternness in James that he hadn't seen before, a protective layer he never showed before on Emily's behalf. His wild hair was blowing in the wind between them, as Sirius nodded in agreement. "She might be making mistakes, but that's why we, you and me, must lead her on a better path. I'll be damned if some bloody Slytherin has her."
"She swung at me," he whispered seeing the dead unyielding expression in his best friend's face. But James remained firm in his concern for Sirius's actions. "But yes, I know Prongs."
"Thank you Padfoot," he said before walking back inside the restaurant.
When he came home, he threw the worn shoes against the door and stopped long enough to change out of the loose jeans. Pulling a pair of lounge pants on that hung off his narrow hips, he left a shirt off, as he reentered her room across the hall. Finding her asleep, her long hair circling the pillow she cuddled. Her large winter blanket was tangled like a vine around her thin body. The Potters had not returned but he found a note in the kitchen saying they would be back in the morning. But here as Sirius looked down at Emily's slumbering form, he was mesmerized by her beauty to remain angry anymore. Sometime while he was gone, she must have woken up to change because she was now wearing an extra-large baggy shirt that ran short on her body, revealing navy blue panties underneath showing a good amount of cheek. He let out a low whistle as she rolled onto her back, it exposing a great deal of her breasts that held perfectly in place. He had never seen her in this state before and all he could do was stare in admiration.
Her eyelids fluttered about as she dreamt about whatever it was. Deep inside, he couldn't shake off the guilt he felt over the heated conversation they had earlier with Luke. He had unintentionally upset Emily with his sharp words, causing her distress and leaving a shadow of hostility between them.
Determined to make amends, Sirius had arranged a piece of mistletoe to her four-poster bed, hoping to extend an olive branch and repair the rift between them. His heart weighed heavy with remorse, but he held onto a glimmer of hope that this gesture would convey his sincere apology. As he had carefully pinned it up while standing on her bed, and the occasional look downward praying he didn't wake her. Pulling her gently toward the center of the bed, he slipped under the blankets after straightening them and brushing hair from her face. Her lips formed his name several times before eyes fluttered slowly awake as he settled beside her, his elbow sinking into the plush bed. Looking down at her once more, he beamed, feeling grateful he could have a friendship with her that allowed forgiveness.
"Sirius, what are you doing in here?" she asked softly stretching back against another pillow.
"I came to say sorry for how I behaved," he said resting his free arm over his side.
When Emily noticed the mistletoe above them, a pang of hesitation and curiosity flickered in her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder at Sirius's unexpected gesture and the unspoken message behind it, sensing his attempt to mend the breach that had temporarily strained their relationship. With a soft grin, Sirius caught Emily's gaze, his eyes reflecting regret and silent plea for forgiveness.
"Forgive me, Emily. Truly I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice laced with genuineness as he acknowledged the earlier outburst and the hurt it had caused her.
Emily's heart softened at his sincere apology, her walls of hurt and anger slowly crumbling in the face of his humility and vulnerability. She felt her resolve melt away seeing the depth of his regret and the earnest desire to set things right between them. Moved by his heartfelt gesture and the honesty in his eyes, she hovered over him, her arms outstretched bracing her weight against his body as well, her hair fell in a curtain around their faces. With one hand she reached out to touch his cheek gently and a look of understanding and forgiveness passed through her. Leaning forward pressing a soft kiss to his lips, his arm wrapped around her waist as their bodies meet. Still bracing herself a bit, she felt a pull between them as his hands lifted the shirt off her back caressing the smooth skin below the cloth.
As they pulled away, hazel met grey, a moment of connection and healing shared between them. The mistletoe above them seemed to glow with the magic of forgiveness and understanding, wrapping them in a bubble of renewed trust and mutual respect. It was a tender moment of closure and renewal as a tentative peace settling between them. Emily couldn't resist a playful glint in her eye as she raised her hand and lightly smacked Sirius's arm.
"You're still an ass for yelling the way you did to me," she teased, her words carrying a hint of affectionate exasperation mixed with a touch of lingering hurt. Surprised by her playful jab, Sirius chuckled kindly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of repentance and laughter at her candid remark.
"I know, I know," he conceded, a sheepish grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'm truly sorry, Emmy. I never meant to upset you like that."
In a moment of unspoken understanding, Emily kicked off the blankets, they landed in a small pile at the end. Welcoming Sirius in a silent gesture of reconciliation and appreciation for his efforts to make amends, their eyes met in a quiet exchange. She knelt on the bed, her weight sinking in as she hovered over Sirius seeing him reacting in an extremely positive way. Blushing at the display before her, she covered her mouth as the male smirking looking down his own body. Sensing a daring and brave idea as a form of punishment for him. It wouldn't be anything too harsh aimed at him, but she felt he needed to be taught a lesson for his misbehavior.
"Yes, well… uh… that… that happens frequently because of you," he admitted trying to sit more fully against the headboard to conceal himself with a pillow or blanket or anything to ease the embarrassment. Crawling into a sitting position, he watched her closely for any movement showing whatever was going to happen. But he sat there fully aware of his body's betrayal as her fingers inched across his thigh slightly tickling him. Their eyes met for a moment as she brought her hand up tracing a line down the tattoos on his chest. Catching the constriction in his features, her eyes sparkled as the space between them crackled with a potent mixture of desire and vulnerability. Their hearts beat in sync.
Sirius's body buzzed with anticipation as his need for Emily was matched only by his surging pride and admiration for her. Her courage and vulnerability showcased the depth of their connection, and he felt humbled by the trust she placed in him. Observing her actions, he knew it was likely part of her exploration.
He promised to cherish and protect her, guiding her through this journey of discovery and pleasure, ensuring his love was devoted to her comfort and satisfaction. As the tension between them intensified, Sirius fought to maintain control, his body reacting fiercely to Emily's every touch. He was keenly aware of her inexperience and determined to make their first encounter one of mutual pleasure and exploration. His heart swelled with love and protection, his hands gently guiding Emily as she continued to explore his body, whispering words of encouragement that soothed her, instilling confidence and assurance.
"Take your time, Emmy," he murmured, his voice a gentle caress against her skin. "I want this to be perfect for you."
"You want this prefect for you?" she teased, her knees touching his.
"Whatever you want Emmy," he smiled as her fingers traced the contours of Sirius's stomach, her touch sending waves of pleasure coursing through him, he fought to keep his passion in check. His heart pounded in his chest, his body yearning for release. Empowered by his words, her fingers trailed down his chest and abdomen toward his waistband. Sirius closed his eyes, reveling in the sensation of her touch, his body responding to her with a hunger that was tempered by his desire to give her control. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Emily leaned in closer, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.
"Emmy," he warned grabbing her hand swiftly as it hovered dangerously over his lap, where he was extremely stiff at the idea of what they were doing right now. "Do you actually know what the bloody hell you're doing? To me?"
"Oh, I know exactly what I'm doing, Sirius," she murmured, her voice laced with amusement and a hint of seduction. "I've read a book or two from Daphne—"
"Your friend has naughty ideas in that blonde head of hers," he laughed. "I heard that she gives really good head from a few guys in my year."
"Have she's given you one?" asked Emily, stopping suddenly in concern.
Shaking his head, he replied to her with a no. "I would never accept one from her. She's your best friend. I'd like to live."
His breath hitched, his eyes darkening with a mixture of desire and apprehension. He tried his hardest to maintain his composure in the face of Emily's boldness, but her touch along the V of his toned stomach and waist ignited a primal urge within him that he struggled to contain.
"Daph told me that guys like it when you touch here, a tease for the guy…"
His hands trembled slightly as he fought the urge to pull her closer, his body responding to her proximity in ways he couldn't deny. Before them both, he knew the truth of what she did to him on a regular basis. As their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. A silent invitation for him to let go of his inhibitions and surrender to the alluring temptation she presented. The air around them thickened with unspoken desire, a palpable energy that pulsed between them like a living thing.
As Emily's fingers reached the top of his pubic hairs, she looked up once more seeking approval before proceeding. Sirius nodded, his eyes filled with love, giving her permission to continue. With trembling hands, she slowly released the waistband fully, the sound echoing in the large room when they were tossed to the floor. Seeking reassurance in his eyes as his hands reaching out brush a stray lock of hair away. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her eyes widen at the sight, his heart pounding with a blend of yearning and restraint. He resisted the urge to take over, allowing Emily to explore at her own pace, knowing that this moment was about her.
"You're doing great, Emmy," Sirius murmured, his voice filled with encouragement and pride watching her eyes bounce with it. Smirking, he shifted down the pillow behind him motioning to himself. "Take your time, there's no rush."
Sirius's breath caught in his throat as her smalls hands nimbly wrapped around him, the anticipation of the touch causing a fire to ignite in his veins. He watched with bated breath as she took him into her mouth, her movements firm and confident, a testament to her desire to explore and please him. The sensation enveloped him causing an involuntary buck in his hips, a guttural groan escaping his lips. His head slumped back against the headboard and pillow in pure ecstasy as his hands clenched her hair in place. His entire body thrumming with desire as Emily continued her ministrations, her tongue swirling around him in a dance of delight. The exquisite torture of her mouth on him threatened to break through the carefully constructed walls of control that he had put up.
Sirius closed his eyes, willing himself to hold on, to savor the intense pleasure that radiated through him like wildfire. Emily's hands moved in tandem with her mouth, traveling every inch of him with a sense of wonder and discovery. Hips moved in a rhythm of their own accord, a silent plea for more of her intoxicating touch. But he held back, determined to let her set the pace, wanting nothing more than for her to experience the pure joy of giving and receiving pleasure.
"Emmy," he panted trying to keep the pressure on her hair as gentle as he could, but realized how deep he must be in her. Opening his eyes he looked down, seeing her face had disappeared entirely in his lap. "Merlin, you have no gag reflex…."
As the waves of sensation crashed over him, threatening to pull him under, Sirius fought against the rising tide of release that threatened to overtake him. He gritted his teeth, his breathing coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to maintain composure, to give Emily the space and time she needed to fully immerse herself. Her movements grew more urgent, her touch more insistent, as she sought to bring him to the edge of bliss. Sirius's body trembled with the effort to hold on, to delay the inevitable climax that hovered just out of reach. He knew that the moment of release was near.
Pulling her up and denying her the chance to control this feeling anymore, he tasted himself on her lips as she wrapped arms around his neck. Emily's fingers traced the outline of his hip, her eyes locked with his, a silent question hanging in the air. With newfound confidence, she leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss that was both exploratory and sensual. Her knees were planted on either side of his hips, providing a small opening of space between their pelvises. Reaching around her, he tried to avoid having her sit backwards onto him as they kissed feverishly, the only literal thing stopping them was Sirius's hand on himself and her thin navy-blue panties.
Unable to resist the magnetic pull of her presence, Sirius closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a searing kiss that spoke volumes of his pent-up longing and passion. Emily responded eagerly, her fingers tangling in his hair as she deepened the kiss, their bodies melding together in a fervent embrace that left them both breathless and wanting more. In that moment of raw, unbridled passion, they let go of their past grievances and insecurities, losing themselves in the heady bliss of each other's touch. The mistletoe above them seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, blessing their union with a touch of magic and destiny. As they broke apart, breathless and flushed with desire, Sirius gazed into Emily's eyes, his heart laid bare before her.
"I'm sorry for everything, but I never want to let anyone else have you," he whispered, his voice brimming with sincerity and devotion.
Emily's eyes were filled with curiosity and desire. Leaning closer, her lips brushing against his in a soft, teasing caress. Their breath mixed as hands explored each other's bodies, a dance of desire that was both innocent and passionate. As their lips parted, Emily's fingers continued their journey brushing against his most sensitive areas, and every fiber of his being screamed for release. As their lips parted, Sirius couldn't help but press his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the charged silence that enveloped them. The heat between them was palpable, a desire that simmered just beneath the surface, waiting to ignite into a blazing inferno of passion.
Emily pulled her shirt over her head, but lost balance causing her to fall backwards, the shirt halfway off her shoulders. Letting out several giggles as she went backwards with a soft plop against the blankets under her head. She blushed realizing that she was baring her chest to him, revealing small side set breasts that Sirius had spent many nights staring at in the common room. He was certain others did too. Pulling his legs from under him, he stood up stroking himself a few measures as he observed the young lady before him. From his position he could see her panties hugging tightly against herself.
"Are you sure you want me to continue? I won't stop even if you beg me to," he forewarned, grabbing an ankle and rotating her sideways. Popping onto her elbows, she grinned somewhat excited but fear crossing her face at the same time.
"Emmy, I need to know if I have to stop now," he asked kindly, with his concern about what his next actions would be.
"I want you to show the same love as I did for you," she whispered raising her legs up in silent obedience.
Sirius let a wide radiate smile as he bent down to grab his wand from the floor that rolled out of his pants. Muttering a quick muffle charm and a locking charm on the door, he tossed the thing next to hers on the night table. He tenderly moved closer to Emily, his hands comfortingly guiding her legs apart.
With a loving gaze, he leaned in, his lips brushing against her sensitive skin, sending tremors down her spine. Gently removing her panties, he saw everything so warm and inviting to him. The heat of his breath added to the intensity of the situation, as Emily's heart raced in anticipation.
Gently, Sirius began to explore her with his lips and tongue, savoring every inch of her. His touch, whether it be from his tongue or fingers, ran in deliberate and passionate strokes, reflecting the depth of his feelings for her. Emily's breath hitched as she felt a wave of pleasure wash over her, her body responding to the tender touches. With expert skill, his index fingers folded her and found places she didn't realize she possessed, yet he performed this with such care and affection. As he lapped over her several times, his tongue exploded within, his nose becoming trapped a few times. Gasping for air, he returned each time listening to the panting she was emitting out.
In this moment, they are lost in each other, their emotions and desires intertwined. The muffle charm cast earlier ensured that their intimate sounds remained private, allowing them to fully absorb themselves in the experience. Sirius was thankful for this as Emily let out several deafening gasps that bounced in his ears. He smiled against her thigh kissing there too. As he continued to give her pleasure, a deep sense of love and gratitude for him connected them. This act of giving and receiving was a testament to the bond they share. The strength of their relationship held in ways they never thought possible. Letting out a soft moan as her body rose in place, the pleasure intensified in them both. Whimpering his name with a mixture of desire and gratitude in her voice, she reached down gripping his shaggy hair that bounced in response to his actions.
"Sirius," she breathed, "I've never felt this way before…"
Sirius smiled against her thigh a moment more, his eyes never leaving hers. He gently ran a finger up along a fold, it completely drenched as he did so.
"I want you to feel this way, Emmy," he replies, his voice low and filled with fervor. "I want you to know that you're safe with me, that I'll always be here for you."
In the calm after the storm, after coming down from their highs, Sirius found himself staring at Emily, his heart swelling with a sense of protectiveness and affection that he hadn't anticipated to come from experiencing this finally. He knew that they had both been swept up in the moment, but it was clear now that they had to tread carefully if they were to maintain the deep bond of friendship that had always been the cornerstone between them. They had redressed and were in the kitchen, his lounge pants hanging dangerously low again and her covered barely in that baggy shirt that stopped mid-thigh. Each holding a cup of hot chocolate, she sat on the counter, her arms wrapped around his neck as he stood between her legs.
"We should probably... talk," he said softly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of agreement.
Emily nodded, her own eyes reflecting the mix of emotions they both felt.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the hushed silence of the room. "We should."
But instead, they stood sharing a deep kiss unaware of anything or anyone as they knew they were truly alone in the house. The cool night air providing a welcome respite from the heated emotions that still swirled within them. They might have stumbled into uncharted territory, but they would face the challenges of their outside friendships, so long as they had each other. In the afterglow of their shared pleasure, as they stood entwined in each other's arms.
Sirius brushed a stray lock of hair from Emily's face, his eyes forgiving with softness and adoration.
"I love you, Emily," he whispered, his voice a gentle caress against her skin. She smiled, her heart overflowing with love and contentment.
"I love you too, Sirius," she whispered, their souls intertwined in a bond that would withstand the test of time. And in that moment of perfect unity, they knew that they had found a love that was truly unbreakable. Returning to the warmth of her bed, they reset the blankets before laying themselves down.
"Sirius, what happens if someone comes in?" asked Emily suddenly looking into his stormy gray eyes. He was still holding her close, gently stroking her hair.
"I used a muffle charm to ensure our sounds are kept private. But if someone does come in, we'll simply explain that you had a bad dream or something like that and you needed me with cuddles or something…"
He gave a reassuring smile, trying to alleviate any concerns she may have. Feeling a sense of peace and contentment settled within her heart as she wrapped her arms around his middle. She fit perfectly in his arms wrapped in a protective cocoon surrounded by his citrus scent.
Emily nodded, feeling slightly more at ease. She leaned in to kiss him once more, their lips meeting with a sense of urgency and passion. With a gentle tug, Sirius tucks the blanket around them, ensuring they both stayed warm and comfortable throughout the night. Nestling closer to him, feeling his heartbeat against her chest, and as the night wore on, they lie entwined in each other's arms, their breathing slowing as they basked in the afterglow of their love.
As they drift off to sleep, their bodies still humming with the echoes of their passion, they found solace in each other's presence. In that moment, there is no past or future, only the blissful embrace of the present. The room was filled with a quiet stillness, their breathing syncing in peaceful harmony. Wrapped in each other's arms, they surrender to the pull of slumber, their dreams intertwined with the promise of a love that knows no bounds.
*dot*
"It's really late," mumbled Eric finally following James and his sister into the Potter's den after brushing off some ash from the Floo. "But that was beautiful James! I really enjoyed the sights and sounds of London. And Daph! You even ate all that chocolate cake!"
"Don't remind me Eric," muttered Daphne, taking off her coat sitting over two already on the armchair. It looked like Emily's and Sirius's, but she moved on quickly, seeing James walking away. "Did you ever find Emily and David? They disappeared after a while."
"I don't know. I know Sirius mentioned his stomach wasn't doing well. He said he was heading back earlier too."
He felt terribly lying to Emily's friends, but he knew that Luke wasn't here anymore. Wishing them goodnight, Daphne made her way to Emily's room where she quickly ran out of, her hands over her mouth.
"JAMES! What's Sirius doing in her bed!?"
"WHAT!?"
James rushed into Emily's room, his heart racing at the sight before him. He found Sirius and Emily entwined in a peaceful slumber, the soft moonlight casting a gentle glow over their peaceful forms. James looks back at Daphne, shock and confusion on his face. Daphne, still reeling from the unexpected discovery, her eyes wide with disbelief. She gestured frantically at the sleeping pair, as if trying to convey the gravity of the situation without words.
"James, what is going on?" she whispers, her voice filled with a mixture of concern and bewilderment.
James moved closer to the bed, studying his younger sister and his best friend as they slept soundly in each other's embrace. He could see the faint smiles on their faces, a trace of the love and connection they share evident even in their slumber. Taking a deep breath, James turned to Daphne and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
She glanced one last time at Sirius and Emily, their peaceful expressions bringing a sense of calm amidst the chaos of the moment. With a sigh, she followed James out of the room, leaving the sleeping pair undisturbed in their blissful state. As James led her to the cozy den in the Potter's home, a space filled with plush armchairs and warm, flickering firelight, he couldn't shake off the unease that lingered from the unexpected discovery of Sirius and Emily sharing a bed. James took a seat across from her, studying her intently with a mix of concern and consideration. He knew how much Emily meant to Daphne, as Sirius did to him, and he can see the turmoil in her eyes as she tries to make sense of the situation. Sensing Daphne's turmoil, he settled across from her, studying her with a mix of concern and consideration. He knew how significant Emily was to Daphne, just as Sirius was to him, and he understood the shock she must be experiencing.
"Daph," James began gently, breaking the silence that enveloped them, "I know this is a lot to take in. Seeing them like that... it's not what we expected, is it?"
Daphne, still visibly shaken, turned to James with a mix of confusion and curiosity painting her expression. She could see the concern in his eyes, genuine and caring.
"I never knew they were... close like that," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "We've always talked about David, never Sirius. But I do know that Sirius talks about her in a protective way toward David. He really hates him. I didn't realize or really know if she's even experience for anything. It's surprising to see what's upstairs."
James nodded thoughtfully, contemplating the implications of the bond between Sirius and Emily. "Their connection has always been special," he mused, considering the dynamics of their friendship. "Did you ever get the sense that there was something more between Emily and Luke?"
Daphne hesitated for a moment, thoughtful. "I've not have a lot of exchanges with David outside of things with Arlo, my boyfriend. But they are great friends. They are often given tasks together because they understand each other very well. There's always been a level of comfort between Emily and David though. Something that Arlo and I share I can tell," she reflected, recalling their interactions. "But Emily never really talked about David in that way. It was always more about their friendship and shared interests."
As the crackling of the fire filled the room, casting a warm glow over their faces, Daphne found herself lost in her thoughts, trying to piece together the puzzle of Emily's relationships. James, observing her internal turmoil, waited patiently for her to gather her thoughts.
"I didn't notice anything beyond friendship between them is all I'm saying," Daphne finally answered, her uncertainty evident in her voice. She turned to James, seeking his perspective. "What do you think could have led to this with Sirius?"
James considered her question thoughtfully, the crackling fire providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation. "It's hard to say," he replied, his gaze meeting hers with a reassuring look. "Maybe it was just a moment of solace for them, something innocent that happened unexpectedly."
Silence settled between them once more as they both contemplated the turn of events that had unfolded that night. Daphne's thoughts raced as she tried to make sense of the situation, her usual confidence shaken by the unexpected revelation. James, sensing her inner turmoil, reached out a comforting hand, placing it on her arm in a gesture of solidarity.
"We'll give them space to figure things out," James assured her, his voice gentle. "But we'll be there for them. That's what friends do, right?"
Daphne took a deep breath, finding solace in James's words. As she looked up at him, determination flickered in her eyes amidst the uncertainty. "You're right, James," she affirmed, her voice tinged with resolve. "We'll be there for them, no matter what unfolds. That's what friendship is all about."