The Downtown Nights
The warmth of the fire welcomed him as he entered through the doors. All of the posters of bands and singers, some that James recognised and some that he didn’t, looked back at him. Lights of all sorts nearly blinded him because of their brightness. James loved the usual atmosphere of the Weasley’s pub.
“Mate! Ja- James for God’s sake, get over here!” Remus called out. James shuffled through the crowd. The pub was overflowing with people, the smell of beer and smoke was everywhere. He followed the bright light of Remus’ lit cigarette, until he finally reached him.
Of course, ever the show off, he was playing heavy cords on the pub’s piano, no longer a cigarette but a harmonica in his mouth.
James chuckled and let out a smile at the sight of his friend looking so happy.
James recognised the tune, Piano Man, one of Remus’s favourites. James blinked and suddenly the harmonica was discarded on the wooden floor and Remus was belting out the lyrics.
All around people were dancing, it was impossible to keep a smile from forming on his face. James’ eyes fell on a figure that moved freely, red curls and green eyes, freckles all over her face. She was wearing a long green skirt and white shirt with sleeves that flowed around, something that Stevie Nicks would definitely wear.
Lily Evans truly was beautiful, James thought in that moment. Around her were all of her closest friends. Mary MacDonald, whose hair had never looked fluffier, Alice Fortescue, who had an undying love for photography and was now capturing those moments with her camera, and Marlene McKinnon who wouldn’t be caught dead in a skirt, and instead was wearing some flared jeans that James would have to borrow from her.
Out of all the people in the pub, Lily Evans caught his eye. She had that spark of joy. When James thought of her he thought of the wilting flowers, about winter slowly leaving and giving the spotlight to the spring. He imagined Lily as a wild and free mare, one that couldn’t be broken.
To him that meant he was in love.
He actually thought that he was in love a little bit with everyone he met. Even a lady he had only seen once, even a man on the streets. James saw beauty in the little things, and so did Lily. And that must’ve meant that they were soulmates.
As the chorus hit, happy voices echoed through the small pub. Feet stomped down and laughter filled James’ ears.
Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feeling alright
He watched the bodies sway to the sound of the music, he noticed people he had never seen before. A man in a leather jacket who was very clearly trying to fit into the crowd, belted the lyrics out almost louder than Remus did.
Then, James was struck again by the presence of Lily Evans as she made her way towards him.
“So, Potter. Are you not dancing tonight?”
“Haven’t got m’self a lady to dance with, have I?”
“Oh, I’m sure any girl would be flattered to be asked for a dance with you.”
“Well, what about you, then? Would you do me this pleasure?” James let his hand fall forwards, inviting Lily towards the crowd
“I’m honestly not sure.” Lily glanced at him for a minute longer “Oh screw it, let’s go.”
She took James’s hand and he felt all of the blood in his body rush to his cheeks. Her hands were warm, adorned with rings of intricate forms.
She twirled around, her long skirt following that movement. James had no idea of how to dance the proper way, he just did it in his own way. Swaying his hips and trying whatever felt right. And that was good, because to be liked by Lily Evans you didn’t need to be perfect, just yourself.
Remus’s voice was strong, just like him, something that couldn’t be stopped. And that made James feel a little more brave. It gave him a bit more confidence.
Somehow Remus managed to get the harmonica back in his mouth, once more. He was clearly singing with a smile on his lips, James could tell by the way that his voice sounded so childlike, which was rare.
Remus’s tune was coming to an end and James already knew what Lily was intent on doing. What she always did. Being the Fleetwood Mac fanatic that she was, she would absolutely ask for one of their songs. James ran a mental list through his mind of all the songs he knew, wondering which one Lily would pick.
And as Remus pressed the last notes on the piano keys, as expected Lily ran to him. She whispered something in his ear and Remus grinned smugly, turning to look at James. And being the idiot he was, James waved dumbly.
Remus got up and grabbed his guitar, which was unusual because it was well known that Remus would rather play the piano any day. That was just the effect of Lily Evans, then.
He headed towards the middle of the crowd, plucking hard on the strings. Lily stumbled back to James a sweet smile plastered on her face. She almost threw herself in his arms, whether it was her drunkness or she intended to do it, James had no idea.
Listen to the wind blow
Watch the sun rise
It took James a second to understand which song it was. Ah, he thought, The Chain
Lily took both of his hands and began to dance with him, moving back and forth.
Remus’s playing was powerful, it made people feel things. Feel emotions. And in that moment James felt it all. All of the emotions that a man could ever feel.
Even more, he felt those emotions as Lily sang the chorus right to his face. Words about love and never breaking that chain. Never breaking that moment. Never letting it slip away, never forgetting it. James was sure he wouldn’t, he would treasure those moments of happiness for years to come.