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The Lions of Gryffindor by Equinox Chick

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Chapter Notes: Thanks Kara for the beta work.

Brackenfen. Brackenfen. Brackenfen. Brackenfen. However James repeated the word over the next few days, and whatever emphasis he put on the syllables, he was still no further in solving the riddle of the place where Jeremy Flaxen’s body had been found.

The Daily Prophet had run a small story on the death, but the details were scanty. Flaxen was believed to have drowned, as he’d been found wandless. The journalist writing the story had quoted the opinion of an anonymous Ministry official that this was ‘a salutary tale for wizards and witches everywhere, who do not carry their wands at all times.’

–They’re saying it was an accident, then?” Sirius remarked. He was peering over James’ shoulder as he read the report at his writing desk in the dorm. Normally, James hated this and would move away, but this time he simply handed the paper over to Sirius.

–No, you have it,” Sirius muttered. –I’ll read later.”

–S’okay. I’ve read it three times already. It’s not going to help me remember Brackenfen.”

Sirius shrugged. –It’ll come to you. Probably in the middle of a Quidditch game or when you’re thinking about a girl.” He stopped speaking and nudged James with his elbow. –You going to tell me what you’ve been getting up to recently?”

–Nope,” James replied, grinning. –I’m not up to anything, Padfoot, except schoolwork and Quidditch practise.”

–Schoolwork and Quidditch have never made you smile so much,” Sirius argued.

–That is because I was never captain before. I like ordering people around.” Pulling back the chair, he deliberately bumped into Sirius and walked across to his trunk. –Anyway, I have things to see, people to do, owls to find and a letter to send.”

–Letter?”

–Usual letter home,” James replied. –But I’ve asked Mum about Brackenfen. You could be right; maybe I went there as a kid.”

–Maybe.” Sirius yawned as he sat down at the desk and started to look through the paper. –Oh, good, you haven’t done the crossword.”

–Uh, since when were you so interested in crosswords?”

–Since I discovered that the Sunday Prophet crossword has a prize of five galleons.” He looked up, frowning as he hurriedly did some calculations in his head. –That means that if I win every Sunday from now till Christmas, I should be able to buy you all decent presents and some booze for the room.”

–Us or Martha?” James said slyly.

–You, of course, Prongs,” Sirius replied. Then he looked wistful. –Would be nice to get her that broom she’s after, though.”

–Merlin, Sirius, that’s a Nimbus she’s after. They cost a packet!” James exclaimed.

–So winning this week’s crossword isn’t going to help much,” Sirius said and gloomily put down his quill.

–You’ve never actually got me a decent present,” James joked, trying to lighten the atmosphere. –I’m not that fussed, and you can always share the ones I give to Remus and Peter.”

–I’m not a charity case,” Sirius mumbled.


James sighed. Although he had a practise scheduled soon, needed to return a book to the library and his letter to send, he knew he had to speak to Sirius and get this cleared up. –Sirius, it’s not charity. You’re my mate, my best mate, and I’m pretty sure if this had happened to me, then you’d do the same.”

–And you’d tell me where I could stick my money,” Sirius said, and gave James a rueful smile. –I know you don’t mean anything bad by it, but I don’t want to rely on it, okay?”

–Sure,” James replied. –Just ... so you know, I’m not fussed about a present, so spend any winnings on Martha.” He started to laugh. –You never know, you might win enough to buy her a Nimbus twig.”

Dodging the quill pot that Sirius threw at him, James laughed and ran out of the dorm.

He whistled tunelessly as he walked out of Gryffindor Tower and towards the library. Returning a Charms textbook, he snorted as Madam Pince scowled when she couldn’t find any ripped pages to berate him for and then hurried away to the West Tower.

–James, hold up!”

He looked around to see Lily and Phyllida walking briskly towards him. Smiling, he slowed his pace, allowing them both to catch him. –Hello, girls, what can I do for you today?”

–Hmm, well more what we can do for you, actually,” Phyllida replied. –Or rather Lily.”

–Hmm?”

–Sirius has just told us you’re sending a letter to your mum,” Lily said. –Well, I have one for her, too - remember the family history she was asking about?”

James nodded. –Yeah, she likes looking up stuff like that.”

–Well, my parents have been in touch and have given me as much detail as they can, so, if you’d like, Snitch can take your letter as well.”

–Sounds good.” He pulled out his letter and handed it to Lily, who ran up the steps to the Owlery, then turned away intent on getting to the Quidditch pitch, but Phyllida stopped him.

–Stay and chat for a while, will you?”

–Uh ...” Resisting the urge to say he had to go because Phyllida looked serious about something, James nodded. –Sure, what’s up, Phyll?”

–Apart from the obvious fact that my mum’s dead,” she said dryly, then faltered. –Sorry, sorry, I know I’m hard to be around at the moment, I just wanted to thank you for treating me normally.”

–What, you mean rudely?” he said, grinning at her.

Phyllida giggled. –That’s exactly what I mean. Listening to you and Sirius mucking about makes me feel as if nothing’s changed.” She sighed. –I am pleased to be back here, but everyone’s treating me as if I’m made of eggshells.”

–They’re worried, probably,” James muttered, slightly uncomfortable at the way this conversation was turning. –You were missed, you know.”

–You missed me?” She laughed.

–Well, yeah, I did actually,” James protested. –Phyll, we’re not going out together anymore, but we’re still friends aren’t we? And Gryffindors. Wasn’t me I meant, though.”

–Sonia?” she murmured, and smiled when he looked surprised. –She told me you two were seeing each other. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. She also said you were keeping it secret. I was surprised, though.”

–Why?”

–You’ve never shown any interest in her, that’s all,” Phyllida remarked, adding, –This isn’t part of a plan, is it?”

–Huh?”

–To make someone else jealous,” she replied frankly. She raised her hand when James started to splutter. –Hear me out, James. Sonia’s my friend - my best friend - but Lily is a friend, too. So if this is some idea you’ve got from Sirius about making Lily jealous-”

–Give me some credit!” he snapped. –If this was a plan then I wouldn’t be keeping it a secret, would I?” He stepped back intent on turning away, but Phyllida tugged on his sleeve. –I have somewhere to be, Phyll.”

–Sorry,” she murmured, –but I had to ask. Sonia likes you, and if this is just a game...”


–It’s not,” James replied, holding her gaze steadily. Although annoyed with her, he didn’t try to explain any more. He liked meeting up with Sonia; it gave him something else to think about rather than schoolwork and Quidditch. And just because he’d once thought about Lily, he didn’t see why he had to remain single.

–Have you told the others yet?”

–I will,” he replied. –But really, Phyll, this is none of your business.”

She gave him a twisted sort of smile. –I know that, James. And I wouldn’t have said anything but she’s my friend and ... well, perhaps I shouldn’t say, but Julius treated her pretty badly.”

–Because of that stupid trick at the end of last year?”

–Well, partly. He was annoyed about that, but ... well, in the end, I don’t think that made much difference. He’s not a very nice person. I thank my lucky stars that despite looking the same, Jacob is nothing like him.”

–You telling me the Bennetts are good and evil twins?” James started to laugh, but Phyllida didn’t join in.

–Evil is a strong word,” she mused, –so I wouldn’t say that.” She shivered slightly. –You’re not using her, are you?”

–No,” he said softly. –I like being with her, Phyll.”

–Good!” she said, and patted him on his cheek. –Then hurry up and tell your friends, so it doesn’t have to be a secret.”

–You two look very intense about something,” Lily said, walking down the stairs.

–Phyll’s giving me Quidditch advice,” James said steadily. –Thinks I should play Preston as Seeker, and wants me to switch to Beater. Not sure where she thinks Martha should go.”

–Keeper, obviously,” Phyllida replied.

She started laughing, and with a start, James realised this was the first time he’d heard her laugh since she’d been back. Lily must have realised it too, because she gave James a grateful smile, then tucked her arm into Phyllida’s.

–Shall we get back to the common room and leave James to his practise?” she said.

Phyllida stopped giggling, and smiled across at James. –I’d rather watch your practise, if that’s okay. I’m dying to see what this new girl is like. How about you, Lily?”

–Hmm, watching James shout at a lot of people in the cold, or huddle up in front of the fire with a magazine. Tough choice. Sorry, Potter, you’re not that interesting,” Lily replied; her smile took the edge off the words.

–Perhaps I’ll ask Sonia, then,” Phyllida said lightly. –That’ll be okay, won’t it?”

–Yep, sure, no problem,” James replied and started to walk off. –I’m already late, so see you there.”

Lily watched him go, and then looked at Phyllida, who seemed brighter than she had all week. –I never thought you were that interested in Quidditch,” she remarked.

–I’m not,” Phyllida replied, and made a show of yawning. –But I’m sick of staying inside.”

–Do you want me to come along?” Lily asked.

Phyllida pulled a face. –You don’t want to watch, you made that clear. Please, Lily, I know it’s difficult, but can you stop being so ... so ... damn considerate, and try to treat me normally.”

–Sorry,” Lily mumbled. She swallowed and then tentatively touched Phyllida on the arm. –Have I been awful?”

–Just not very Lily-like,” she replied. –Mary’s the same as well. She’s not mentioned Quidditch once, and barely talks about Remus. It’s as if you think you’re not allowed to enjoy yourself around me.”

Lily smiled helplessly. –It’s not that. It’s just it seems a bit insensitive if we’re having a laugh while your ... your mum -”

–Is dead,” Phyllida replied bluntly. She shuddered and took a deep breath. When she spoke again, her voice was trembling. –Nothing’s going to change that.”


–I’m so sorry,” Lily whispered. Then, as she noticed tears forming in Phyllida’s eyes, she enveloped her in a hug. –Please, tell me if there’s anything I can do. We all want to help, you know.”

–I know,” Phyllida replied through the sobs. –But there’s nothing you can do. Nothing’s going to take away this pain, Lily, certainly not all of you treating me as if I’m made of glass.”

Saying no more, Lily held her tighter merely stroking her hair until Phyllida pulled away. She muttered her thanks and then smiled weakly when Lily handed her a tissue. ”Now,” she said between sniffs. –I want you to tell me all about this barman of yours.”

Unable to stop herself from breaking into a smile, Lily sighed. –He’s not mine, Phyll. I’ve only met up with him once and exchanged a few letters. We’ve barely even kissed.”

Phyllida pounced. –You have kissed, then?”

–Um ...” Lily giggled. –A little bit.”

–So ...” Phyllida drawled, her voice sounding more composed now, –when are you seeing him again?”

Sighing, Lily tucked her arm into Phyllida’s and started to walk back towards Gryffindor. –Unfortunately, I’m banned from Hogsmeade for the next visit, although if I stay for Christmas, then maybe Professor McGonagall will let me out then.”

She continued to chat, knowing now that Phyllida needed this normalcy and triviality in her life. And Phyllida responded, offering advice, sharing stories about Jacob and then further back to James.

–Why did you two break up?” Lily asked, not remembering the reason Phyllida had given at the time.

–Um, grew apart, I suppose,” she replied. They’d arrived at the bottom of the steps that led up to their Tower and Phyllida stopped walking as she thought about the question. –We were only fifteen when we started seeing each other, and James was fun ... is fun, I should say, but we argued a lot. You must remember. And-” She smiled a little ruefully as she thought about it. –Ironic really, I’m going out with an identical twin, but I doubt Jacob is as close to Julius as James is to Sirius. That’s what any girl has to deal with going out with either of them.”

–Martha doesn’t seem to mind,” Lily mused idly.

–Hmm, well, Martha plays Quidditch,” Phyllida said, –so James is always going to get on with her.” Phyllida stopped speaking, eyeing Lily curiously. –Anyway, none of this affects you, does it, Lily? Not now you’ve got this gorgeous man running after you?”

–Just asking,” Lily muttered. She scowled at Phyllida, wondering what she was insinuating.

–Just answering,” Phyllida replied mildly. –You’re not interested in James, though, are you?”

–Me? No!” Lily exclaimed, and started to laugh. –Really, I’m not. Oh, this isn’t another of yours and Sonia’s attempts to fix me up, is it? Only-”

–No, it’s nothing like that.” Phyllida started up the stairs leaving Lily at the bottom. –Just checking, that’s all.”

–Checking what?” Lily called out, but Phyllida didn’t answer.

Deciding she could not be bothered with any more of Phyllida’s hints, Lily walked away. She had a Potions essay in her bag that she wanted to ask Professor Slughorn about. He’d said she could drop in anytime, and he never seemed to object to her visits, even on a Saturday.

–Lily, my dear, how delightful of you to drop in,” Professor Slughorn said, smiling contentedly at her. –What brings you to visit my humble abode?”

She smiled at him. Professor Slughorn’s quarters were anything but humble. He had the most ornate, yet comfortable chairs she’d ever sat in, topped with plump cushions and with lace coverlets on the arms. His walnut coffee table was always polished to a golden shine, and the bookshelves stacked with interesting knick-knacks and photographs of his most prized former students.

–I wondered if I could go through my last essay with you, Professor.”

–Mmm, certainly,” he replied. –Take a seat, and let me see if I can find some biscuits? I always think it civil to-” He stopped speaking as someone rapped at the door. –Sorry, my dear, let me deal with this.”

Lily sat back in the chair, her essay on her knee whilst he answered the door.

–Ah, yes, come in, come in,” she heard him say. –What a tremendous idea. Lily, I won’t keep you a moment, but I must take this delivery.”

–No problem, sir, I don’t have anything planned for today,” she said, and turned her head to smile at him. Her eyes widened. Standing in the doorway carrying a wooden crate stood Rich.

–Where would you like your wine, sir?” he asked politely, then gave Lily a small wink.

–In the corner, I think,” the professor replied. –And if you could unpack it for me. The reds need to go into the rack, and the whites in the Chill Charm cabinet.”

–All part of the service,” Rich replied, still showing an almost obscene amount of courtesy.

The professor nodded, and trotted back to his seat. –Rosmerta has started a delivery service,” he explained to Lily. –The odd bottle of mead can easily be sent by owl, but for my soirees I need a more personal service.”

–Mmm,” Lily nodded her head, but she was barely listening.

–So, my dear, what is it you wish to discuss with me about your essay?”

–Uh...” Feeling flustered, she pulled out the essay trying to remember what it was exactly she wanted to ask him, but with Rich in the room she was finding it hard to concentrate. He stood up, having finished unpacking the wine, and stepped forward to say his goodbyes.

–Excellent,” Professor Slughorn said vaguely and handed him some small change. –Pass on my regards to Madam Rosmerta, young man.”

–Sure,” Rich replied as he pocketed the money and walked to the door. –And, sir, anytime you need a delivery, however small, I am only too willing to be of service. Hogwarts has lovely grounds. It’s a pleasure to walk up here and admire the view.”

–Um, sir, this is so silly of me, but I’ve brought the wrong essay,” Lily said as she heard the door close, and Rich walk slowly away. –I’ll ... um ... come back another time. Sorry.”

Professor Slughorn blinked, seemingly surprised at her abrupt change of heart, but then waved her away. –Anytime, my dear, I do have to prepare for our next Slug Club dinner. I do hope you’ll be joining us.”

–What?” Lily swivelled her head and looked back at him. –Oh, yes, certainly, sir. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

He was loitering at the end of the corridor when she closed the door. His eyes lit up at the sight of her, and a slow, lazy smile crept across his face.

–Finished with your professor?” he asked.

Was she imagining the teasing note in his voice? Tossing her head and letting her hair swing across one shoulder, she smiled up at him, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. –I thought you might like a tour of the grounds,” she said. –I could show you all the best views.”

–I think I’m looking at it,” he murmured.

At that she felt a very definite flush on her face, and turned away uncomfortable that she must seem so very gauche. –Where would you like to start?” she asked.

–Hmm, well, am I allowed to be here?” he replied, his voice lilting. –I mean, I’d love to see the castle, but I’m kinda guessing that’s out of bounds.”

–Um, probably, but I can show you the grounds,” she said.

–It won’t get you into more trouble, will it?”

–Well, you’re here for a reason, but perhaps you got lost and I’m just being a responsible prefect showing you the path back to Hogsmeade,” she replied, winking at him.

Rich chuckled. –Girl after my own heart, Tiger-Lily? Are you often in trouble?”

She didn’t answer but merely smiled in what she hoped was an enigmatic way. Reaching the Entrance Hall, she hurried her pace slightly, praying that Professor McGonagall or Filch weren’t about to appear because then things could get awkward. Rich followed until they reached the courtyard and then he stopped.

–What’s that over there?”

–Greenhouses. We have Herbology in them. I don’t think you can go in them, but I’m sure you could peek through the windows if you’d like,” she offered lamely.

. –Lead on, Lily-Lily,” muttered Rich, and now he was forcing the pace, striding across the grass and towards the glass houses in front of them. –Whoa, impressive.”

–Really? I would have thought you had much better in America,” she said. –Isn’t everything bigger there?”

–You’ve been watching too many Muggle movies,” he muttered. He rubbed at the dusty glass trying to get a better look. –That’s one helluva Venomous Tentacula.”

–That’s odd,” she said idly. –I didn’t see you as the sort of person who’d be interested in plants.”

–I was sent a book once by a ... friend. Kinda caught my interest,” he said and then grinned. –What kind of a man am I? Talking about plants when a very pretty girl is taking the trouble to spend time with me.”

Feeling foolish because she couldn’t stop the goofy grin appearing on her face, Lily ducked her head, peeping at him from below her lashes. He was still smiling as he reached out his arm and tugged at hers.

–A very pretty girl,” he murmured. With his other hand, he cupped her chin, tilting it up. Then he lowered his mouth and gently brushed his lips on hers. Lily closed her eyes, wondering if he’d pull away now as he had the last time, but then felt his mouth, firmer, more insistent, yet still gentle on hers. Unconsciously, she raised her hands, twining them around his neck, eager for more, but he pulled away. Her eyes flew open, unsure why he had stopped, but he was smiling, still smiling down at her.

–So, Lily, why hasn’t a girl like you got boys continually falling at her feet?” he asked softly.

–No idea,” she mumbled. She tore her eyes away not wanting to admit that she’d barely kissed anyone before, and most boys in the past had seemed put off by something ... except - infuriatingly - James. –I’m friends with Sonia, though, and she is beautiful.”

–Don’t fish,” he said, tweaking her nose. –Sure, she’s packaged well, but you’re pretty.”

She could feel her cheeks flaming now and, in desperation, tugged herself free. –Come on, I’ll show you somewhere else.”

–Coward,” he mouthed at her but grinned and followed her back into the light. –What’s that over there?” he asked, pointing beyond a clump of trees.

–The Quidditch pitch,” she said. She tugged on his robe sleeve as he started to walk towards it. –There are people using it, though.”

–Who?”

–James is holding a practise there and I think Phyllida was going to watch.”

–Phyllida’s the friend of yours who’s just returned to school, right?”

Lily nodded, marvelling that Rich had remembered that from her letter.

–Well, they’re your friends, aren’t they? So they’re not going to grass you up to the teachers for bringing me along.” He paused, and squeezed her hand. –Come on, Lily. I would love to see a practise. I haven’t seen a Quidditch match before, although my uncle used to talk about them all the time.”

There was something odd about his eagerness, she thought to herself. Not the enthusiasm for the game, but more something ‘off’ about what he was saying. And then it struck her ... his uncle.


–I thought you were Muggle-born?”

–Hmm?” he said, not really listening.

–You said you were a Muggle-born, just like me,” she persisted. –When I’d hurt my foot, and we were in that hotel, I told you I was a Muggle-born. You said -”

Rich’s attention snapped straight back to her. He stared into her eyes then gave a sheepish grin. –You got me!”

–Got what?”

–A small white lie, Lily-Lily,” he whispered. –Sorry, I guess I was trying to impress you, or form a connection.”

–Oh!” Biting her lip, Lily swallowed before asking, –Why?”

–You’re fishing again,” he muttered. –Now, come on, take me to see this Quidditch practise.”

***


As James watched his team string together a series of moves that would make the Slytherins melt in anguish, he grinned. –Brilliant play, team,” he called. –Mary, you’re flying well, Lysander ... calm down. You’re a good player, just don’t try to do everything. Carla and Preston - you two work so well together. Fantastic aim.”

–Do I get a mention?” chirped Martha, swooping down.

–Martha, what can I possibly say to you?” he said, grinning at her. –Sharp as ever. Shame you were late, though.”

–Ughh, two minutes, that was all. And it was only because Sirius-”

James raised his hand. –I don’t want to know. Just ... don’t be late next time.”

–I promise,” she said and opened up her blue eyes, batting her lashes at him.

He snorted. The Martha of a few months ago would never have dared behave like this. Her crush used to stop her stringing a sentence together around him, but now she had Sirius as a boyfriend, her confidence had grown. It was great to see, just as long as she didn’t get too cocky.

–You’re forgiven this time,” he muttered. –But I’ll cast a Bat-Bogey hex on his face if he delays you again. You won’t want to snog him for days.”

Martha poked out her tongue, and started to grumble, but James had swooshed his broom around, heading for the stands.

–How much longer?” Sonia asked. She was snuggled up in her cloak, arm in arm with Phyllida and although she was smiling, she sounded a touch put out - or bored.

–About half an hour,” he said. –You don’t have to stay, Son.”

–No, I’m fine,” she replied. –I expect the fresh air is doing me good. And it’s interesting, actually.”

–And about to get a lot more interesting-” Phyllida interrupted. –Is that Lily’s boyfriend?”

–OOOOH, where?” Sonia asked, much more animated as she leaned over the seat ledge. –Mmm, that’s him.”

–What the hell?” James swivelled around on his broom and watched Lily and Soule, who weren’t quite holding hands, walk up the wooden steps towards them.

–You don’t mind me gate-crashing, do you, James?” Rich asked as they approached. –Only Lily told me there was a session and I’d love to see you guys in action.” He studied the players who’d now slowed down and were looking across. –Is that Martha? She looks too slight to fly.”

–She’s a Seeker,” James replied shortly. –Being bulky doesn’t help in that position.”

–What about that girl?” Rich pointed to Carla, who alone of the players didn’t appear to be paying them any attention. Instead, she’d taken a Bludger and was aiming it at the goal posts, hitting the hoop ring every single time. –She’s not scoring many goals.”

–She’s aiming for the post,” James said. –Carla’s a Beater. She’s there to take people out, not score goals.”

–I woulda thought you’d have another guy in that position. She looks as if she’d blow away in the wind. Surely a man would be -”


–She’s good!” James retorted. –Sorry, but what has this got to do with you exactly?”

–James, that’s rude!” Lily exclaimed. –Rich is interested, that’s all.”

–And coming in here telling me I don’t know how to pick a team is polite, is it?” snapped James.


Rich smiled at Lily and then at James. –Sorry, I didn’t mean anything. I know very little about Quidditch, I was just intrigued, I guess. In Quodpot, there aren’t that many witches playing professionally.”

–We have a lot here,” Phyllida said. James smiled slightly as he heard the edge in her voice, for Phyllida had inherited a strong sense of equality from her mother and wouldn’t let anyone tell her that gender or blood status were a bar to anything.


–I think I’m winding your friends up, Lily-Lily,” Rich murmured. –Sorry, I’m not saying it’s right, simply that Quodpot is arranged differently. Far more violent.”

Phyllida didn’t look pacified, but sat back in her seat and let Sonia change the subject. With a curt nod, James returned to his team.

–Is that ...” Mary demanded.

–Yes, it’s the tosser of a barman that you all seem to like,” James grumbled. –I’m not wasting any more time. Let’s fly. Mary, chuck me that Quaffle. Carla, Preston, try to stop us. Martha -” He hesitated, wondering whether to let her go back to the changing rooms but she’d arrived late and he was loathe to let her go early. –Martha, watch us and see if you can give us some pointers.”

–Cool! Can I sit with the others?” she asked, casting a longing look at Lily and Rich, obviously dying for the gossip.

–NO! Fly above us and watch properly!” he ordered.

Despite his irritation, the rest of the session went smoothly and James was reasonably pleased with his own performance. After catching a stunning pass from Lysander, he dodged a Bludger thrown by Preston, and hurled the Quaffle into the right hand hoop. Grinning, he accepted the applause from his teammates (even Preston), and turned to face the stand.

Sonia was standing up and clapping with Phyllida next to her. Lily wasn’t looking, her attention all on Rich. He, however, was watching intently.

–You fly very well,” he called out as James dove towards them. –Your team is good.”

–Thanks.” James nodded curtly and turned to Sonia. –I won’t be long. Are you hang-” Then he faltered. Lily was watching him curiously and exchanging looks with Martha who’d flown towards them. –Are you both hanging around?” he amended. –I can walk back with you, if you’ll wait for me to shower.”

Sonia gave him a half smile, but lowered her eyes.

–How sweet,” Phyllida said, breaking the silence. –James needs our protection.”

–What can I say?” James bluffed. –I know you can out-duel me anytime, Phyll. I want you on my side.”

–Which side is that?” Rich asked, his eyes sliding from Sonia to Phyllida and then back to Lily.

–Gryffindor, obviously,” Lily said, sounding arch. –James can’t see beyond any other House.”

–Me neither,” Sonia replied. Deliberately averting her eyes from James, she smoothed out the skirt of her robes, her hands travelling downwards over her long legs. –Phyll, we can wait, if you’d like. Or are you pining for Jacob?”

James felt his mouth go dry as he saw her licking her lower lip. He hadn’t planned on seeing Sonia until later tonight, but wasn’t sure now he wanted to wait.

***


–Where did you get to, Prongs?” Remus asked when James walked back into the common room. –The rest of the team were back ages ago.”

–Went for a walk,” he muttered. Not expanding anymore, he walked off to the dorm to dump his stuff. He grinned to himself. His walk back with Sonia and Phyll had taken a much more exciting turn when Phyllida had spotted Jacob. Alone, together, James had dragged Sonia off to the oak tree behind Hagrid’s hut and shown her exactly how much he’d missed her.

–Thanks for coming to watch,” he muttered, –but it’s a bit risky, don’t you think?”

Sonia smiled at him, then very slowly blew in his ear, letting her hand trail down his arm. –I can’t resist handsome Quidditch players,” she whispered.

–I’m not sure I can resist you,” he said, delighting at the way she wriggled in his arms. He bent his head down to kiss her again, and this time moved his hands up and down her back before resting below her waist. Sonia kissed him back, her fingers dancing on the nape of his neck; then she pulled away.

–Come back,” he grumbled. ”I was enjoying myself.”

She evaded his hand. –Me too, but ...” She licked her lips. –Tell the others about us, James. I’m getting sick of the secrecy.”

She’d walked away, not looking back, and he’d watched her go, her blonde hair ruffling in the breeze.

And now, as he lay on his bed, he pondered his dilemma. Perhaps he should finish it now? But when he thought about Sonia curling herself around him, he didn’t want this to end. Perhaps he could persuade her to keep this a secret after Halloween? But she’d been adamant this afternoon, spending far less time with him than usual. He also wasn’t sure she was still up for tonight and when he thought about it, he couldn’t blame her. It was his problem, and he had to face up to Peter soon.

–Just not yet,” he muttered to himself, and went to join the others in the common room.

–I think I know why James was so late back,” Martha said when he sat down opposite her and Sirius, snuggled up together on an armchair.

Sirius looked up from his crossword, and flipped her on the nose with his quill. –Was he sulking because we weren’t there to watch?”

–Merlin, no!” exclaimed James. He started to laugh. –The practise went so well that I’m going to permanently ban you from watching.”

–So why was he late, then?” Sirius asked Martha.

She started to giggle. –Sonia was there and seemed very interested in him. I think he was trying to escape.”

–Sonia was there?” Sirius raised his eyebrows. –Watch out, Prongs, she’s deadlier than Devil’s Snare.”

–Give it a rest,” James snapped. He glanced at Remus, hunched into the corner of the sofa whilst Mary sprawled out. Remus would understand. Perhaps he could get him by himself.

–She ‘leurves’, you,” Sirius said, sniggering. –You need to get yourself a girlfriend, mate, before she pounces.”

–Where’s Peter?” James said abruptly.

–Don’t change the subject!” Sirius was relentless, his eyes boring into James. –What happened, Martha?”

–Oh, well, Sonia was making it very clear that she wanted James to walk her back.”

–Phyll was there,” James said.

–Where was I?” Phyll asked. She looked up from her book at the mention of her name, and moved her chair closer to James.

–Watching the practise, apparently,” Remus remarked. He sounded casual, but there was something about the way he was watching James that made James feel uncomfortable.

–Yes, I was. You were good, Martha and it’s great to see you flying again, Mary. You must have a good chance of retain-”

–Boring!” interrupted Sirius. –What we want to know, Phyll, is whether your mate was chasing Prongs again? Hasn’t she got the message by now?”

–Don’t know what you mean,” Phyllida said softly. –Sonia came along to keep me company. Anyway, aren’t you more interested in Lily’s boyfriend turning up?”

Sirius yawned loudly. –Not interested. Martha and Mary have already picked that to bits. Besides, I need to help my mate extricate himself from Slattery’s web.” He shook his head, and stage whispered, –Been there, mate, you don’t want to know.”

–Why wouldn’t he?” Phyllida asked. James could hear a dangerous note in her voice, and avoided her eyes. –You didn’t seem to mind last year, Black. Spent rather a lot of time chasing her, I remember?”

As Martha squirmed uncomfortably, Sirius glared at Phyllida. –James should learn from my mistakes. If Sonia gets her hooks into him -”

As Mary now added her voice to Phyllida’s protests, James began to breathe deeply.

–You’re not going to say anything,” Phyllida said, staring at him.

James swallowed, but still wouldn’t look at her.

–Wow,” she muttered. –Sonia really does know how to pick them.”

–It’s not the right time,” he mumbled. –I need to speak to Peter.”

–All I’m saying-” Sirius argued loudly, –is that she should have given up by now. She’s just looking desperate. Ha - Prongs, maybe she’ll move on to Avery. He seems to be the only one interested!”

–That’s what you think, is it?” Sonia’s voice, trembling yet clear, seared the atmosphere. To James’ horror, she must have just entered the room from the girls’ staircase and he had no idea how much she’d heard. Her eyes glistening with tears, she searched their faces, resting momentarily on each one before finally meeting James’ eyes. –I hadn’t realised I was such a joke.”

–For Merlin’s sake, Sonia,” Sirius called as she ran back the way she came. –It’s a bit of fun. We’re mucking-”

James could hear Sirius’ words, saw Remus staring across at him, and felt Phyllida’s kick. –Sonia!” he called out.

She hesitated, her shoulders shaking, but didn’t turn around. Swiftly, James rose from his chair and strode across towards her. There were tears on her face, the humiliation wrought for everyone to see. –Go away,” she whispered. –I’m not doing this anymore, James.”

He smiled at her. –That’s a shame,” he murmured. Then, slowly and with utter deliberation, he tilted his head down and proceeded to kiss her.

–What the?” Sirius spluttered, as cheers echoed across the common room. –Is this what you’ve been getting up to?”

James broke away. –Yes, Padfoot, it is. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to take back all that crap you’ve just said about my girlfriend.” Catching her hand, he walked towards the group by the fireplace. Next to him, Sonia was sniffing, wiping her eyes and nose with her handkerchief but smiling. He put his arm around her, loving the way she melted into him and sat down on the sofa, pulling her on to his lap.

–What about Peter?” Remus said cautiously.

–I’ll go and find him, now,” James replied calmly.

–There’s no need,” Mary muttered, and nudged James.

He followed her gaze. Peter was standing by the common room door, a large book in his hand. His eyes drank in the scene, lingering on Sonia who had the grace to look away.


James struggled to his feet. –Peter, I can explain.”

–Explain what?” Peter rasped. –We all knew you’d been sneaking out, James. It was obvious. Can’t think why you didn’t tell us in the first place. Congratulations.”

It was a bluff; they all knew that, but in the ghastly silence that followed, no one wanted to say a word.

–Friendship!” Sirius declared suddenly and picked up his crossword. –’The last short day spent on the sea with mates.’”


–What?” James queried, dragging his eyes away from Peter’s gaze. He didn’t really care, but anything was better than the quiet that had descended on the room.

–Short day is ‘Fri’ for Friday, ‘last’ is ‘end’, a ‘ship’ sails on the sea. Whole clue is ‘mates’ - friendship. Those five Galleons are as good as mine.”

–Good for you, Padfoot,” James said. He looked across to Peter, wanting now more than anything to apologise and explain, but Peter had gone.
Chapter Endnotes: sorry for the wait.

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