Chapter 7
It took a little time for the equilibrium in their group to tilt back into normal state. Remus was not keen on revisiting the argument, he never was even if it still brooded inside, but after Sirius begrudgingly but genuine promised that he will not be an idiot and only come back to full moon topic when he will have the same tool James has, Remus seemed to let go of most of his tension. Turned out it was Lily who wasn’t so fast to move on and forget, she treated Sirius colder than before to his hardly hidden chagrin. James could almost feel it himself, it was so sweetly, uncanny reminiscent of the way her disappointment hurt him, too.
Even though Sirius declared almost that very morning that he can and will become Animagi too. Tournament postponed this for a time being, and yet James wondered sometimes what kind of animal would be his form – Sirius joined this speculation eagerly. He mostly went for strong handsome animals – tigers, leopards, even wolves. It was no good, of course, after all, James himself would never guess he would get Prongs.
“Would you guess my form by me?” he asked Sirius one cloudy night in the roof of Astronomy Tower, when the conversation reached this intellective activity.
“No,” Sirius admitted with a huff. “If it ever occurred to me at all, I’d expect him to be someone more cuddly.”
This was probably said because James settled on his lap and treaded fingers through his hair, but again Sirius looked too blessed out for it to be a complaint.
“As a matter of fact, Prongs is very cuddly.” James reassured him, making Sirius drop his head back from laughter.
“Maybe, but I prefer you human. Who can know about my animal form, though?”
This earned him a bite on the chin, which was in hindsight Sirius’ real goal there.
Soon, anyway, James noticed that Animagi transformation was not the topic Sirius studied now – at least, not the one that had most of his attention. Now when he joined them in library, Sirius was reading and made notes on books dedicated to magical law system. James was only slightly surprised by the topic, not the fact that Sirius had to work on academic project. James was just as piled with N.E.W.Ts preparations as his classmate who had it in June, and was living through this, castle patrolling and full moon mostly because Sirius was there almost constantly, and any hard work day was worth it when Sirius was near him at least a few hours.
Now they tried to expand it. The first time James, true to his word, smuggled Sirius into Gryffindor Tower for the night they did it late in evening with Sirius under invisibility cloak. When he stumbled over a pouf and cursed, startled second year arose from the chair near the fire she slept in, and James committed the best performance of his life, managing to walk very slowly and calmly outside of common room where he doubled down in soundless laughter.
The best about spending the night with Sirius was a hard to define category, everything was ‘best’, and James loved the feeling of subtle harmony between himself in the world when he woke up with Sirius in one bed. Every morning with him had its own accord, starting with crimson note, it was like this that day, too.
The crimson curtains were deep and dark, and weightless morning sun breaking through the thin gap colored them bright and flaming. Yet Sirius’ hair kept their inky black gloss even under the light, soft and warm under James' fingers, mussed a little after the pillow. It could barely be said that they slept at all, and they were mellow and fired up at the same time. Still entwined, smallest movement felt and answered.
Judging by sounds of their steps and voices, Remus and Peter were already up and about. “We’re skipping breakfast,” Sirius murmured into James’ neck, more declaration than offer. James chuckled, guessing the reason easily: normally Sirius dragged him out of bed before sunrise when he stayed the night in Gryffindor Tower, escaping any witnesses. James, personally, had no objections - being lazy in the morning in the bed with Sirius, the best way he could start the day.
“If so, then… keep it up?” James whispered, wetting his lips, squinting more for show than to see him - Sirius would lean into focus soon enough.
He felt it in the slow grin, in heady gleam of half-lidded eyes – how pleased Sirius was to be indulgent when he leaned down and gave him another kiss, deep, greedy, with teeth scraping already tender lower lip.
Maybe James made some delighted humming sound at this, or maybe Remus just was gifted with perfect timing.
“In case you are intending to leave the bed today, do not open curtains before we close the door!” he said somewhere on the far outside, loud and with a note of genuine demand. Peter burst in laughter and James actually echoed him. He scooted himself and Sirius up to the headboard, adjusted their sheet to agreeable decency waist-level. Looking in Sirius’ dark eyes, drinking in raised color in his face, bitten grin, James reached for the drawstring over their heads --
“Now you provoked him!” Sirius shouted to outside, and the second James was distracted was enough for Remus to take measures. The curtains shook and crusted with Gluing Charm taking hold, and James whistled, shaking his head at Sirius’ unrestrained glee.
“You had shown my hand.” James said, lightly scratching Sirius’ shoulder –to raise goosebumps, best retaliation.
“I know I did.” Sirius’ fingers skimmed over his ribs, getting back with the same tool because Merlin knew why but James loved the way Sirius did this, just enough pressure so it was not tickling but so light it was shortening his breath. “You want to make us public display too badly.”
A distinct tone of displeasure in his voice, masking something else deeper. James traced his chin, taking in Sirius’ expression. Possessive, yes, but not only that, more vulnerable and shy in a way that had little to do with nakedness. James could get carried away enough he didn’t care who glimpsed what side of them, because he was shameless and besides Sirius was the only one he really felt and saw when they were together. Winch meant he had to take a notice here.
“You’re right. We’d be too devastating.” James said shimming down and bringing Sirius with him. If they wanted to wait until no one was in common room, they had for about twenty minutes – and a few ideas formed already how to spend them.
Forty minutes later they were descending in the direction of first floor, still feeling each other on the skin and already not having enough, James looping arm around Sirius’ neck to walk so close they almost stumbled, Sirius hooking fingers around his wrist and drumming rhythm of his pulse. Corridors were empty – despite it being bright green-and-blue Saturday of lovely May, after breakfast students had to head to the library, reckoning with preparation for exams. James idly offered to visit kitchen and steered Sirius in the direction of Hufflepuff basement when they were called after by angry voice.
Regulus was marching towards them with a crumpled parchment in hand, his face twisted in indignation all the more startling because he usually was so calm and unaffected. The greeting smile dimmed on James’ lips, confused, but Sirius inhaled sharply in recognition.
“Regulus, this can wait --” he started, low and heavy, his fingers tightening around James’. The Black crest on broken wax seal was unmistakable.
“No, since with you it couldn’t.” Regulus pushed the parchment in Sirius’ chest, his voice burning with vitriol. “Great stunt, but failed to achieve what you apparently wanted, she didn’t combust.”
“Who didn’t combust?” James frowned at the paper that Sirius was clawing in his fisted hand, his mind racing. He had to accept the logic: Sirius could have sent to his mother something dangerous as a countermove and not mention it. But he wouldn’t be this carefree and even elated after, the edge of broken through boundary would be razor-cut…
“Our mother,” Regulus said, looking at him with sudden vehemence, and James jolted. “When she found out that Sirius disowned himself from our family. Now he’s as good as Black in name only.”
James briefly laughed, almost sure that this was a prank Sirius pulled on mother and brother both – but Sirius’ smile was too spiteful and wide for this to be anything but true.
“In that case, little brother, it achieved exactly what I wanted.”
“I know, showing off how much you stand out from us was always your ambition,” Regulus grumbled, recoiling back as if he couldn’t even stand too close to them. “You just had no one to be this idiotic for.”
“Keep James out of it,” Sirius almost whispered, expression frozen, releasing James’ hand to reach in the inner pocket. Regulus mirrored the movement bit to bit, and James stepped forward between them.
“Mr. Potter! Where have you been? You are to go to the foot of the north mountain now to get instructions about third task!” professor McGonagall were waving to him from the doors of Great Hall, headmistress Gregorovitch near her, arms crossed and narrowed eyes moving from Regulus to Sirius. Remus and Lily were there too, looking at James with confusion and worry, but he only slightly shook his head, grabbing the opportunity and leading Sirius away from Regulus.
James could barely smile in greeting to Pauline and headmaster Delacour who already were standing outside the main entrance, couldn’t even tell if the sun was still beaming. They couldn’t start discussing Sirius’ decision to strike himself off his family with others around, and Sirius’ expression was more guarded, this a bit hollow smirk James seen so rare lately it felt like a patch of ice under his skin. Regulus only wanted to rile his brother up, that much was obvious, but James knew the excesses Mrs. Black could go to, and had trouble pulling his thoughts away from what it should have been like, to grow up in Black household, if it took just one new person in Sirius’ life to solidify this decision.
They reached the north mountain in what felt like a blink of short time, and only the scene before them pulled James out of thoughts. Up the slope were climbing thin golden railing, the rows of benches already constructed. James frowned, looking the almost-ready stands up – what was there left to be constructed for yet a month?
Sirius tapped his elbow, and James grunted in bewilderment, looking up in the air before the mountain. Pauline chuckled, Sirius huffed too, but honestly the picture before them deserved to be amazed at.
The air seemed to be rippling, quivering, and only stepping closer James made out that it was weaved with crystalline strings. Between them was growing something molten and almost impossible to catch by gaze. It gleamed iridescent but not enough to muddle transparency, membranes composed of what he could only describe as liquid air. The web of growing magic was more or less sixty feet tall, and James squinted, trying to make up if there were layers inside –
“Aether tower.” Sirius breathed behind him.
“Exactly, Mr. Black.” McGonagall nodded. “The magic required to grow this aether takes time and precise effort, with all condition included it will let the audience hear and see what’s going on inside, but contestants inside won’t be distracted by any noise. It will consist of three levels, the one champion who will finish first takes the Triwizard Cup and the victory.”
“Obstacle course?” Pauline came closer to examine the airborne wavering walls.
“That would be a general idea. The tower task would test not only your magical skill and fast thinking, it will be a measurement of courage and willingness to win as well.” McGonagall looked at the magic with mix of pride and worry.
They were allowed to walk around the structure and even touch the growing aether – it didn’t feel solid, rather vibrating and a little chilly. James was the first to decide that he’d seen enough to make a full picture, and the novelty of third task reveal was wearing off, hurried by the unresolved conversation of Sirius and his decision. He gestured to the lake, letting Sirius know that he will wait there, and headmistress Gregorovitch raised eyebrows with amusement that McGonagall echoed almost identical when he parted with the professor and assured her that he won’t forget about lunch.
Sirius caught up with James halfway to the lake.
“You’d think Beauxbatons headmaster wants to grow his own tower, he all but measured it with ruler before scribble numbers down,” he huffed with carefree cadence, almost not letting on that he was breathless. “Not too flashy for the final task, don’t you think? Only three obstacles.”
“For all we know it can be three herds of chimeras carrying noble warrior goblins with ancient swords,” James shook his head, slowing the steps so Sirius could catch his breath with no effort. “Speaking of ancient and noble… Why didn’t you tell me about the goal of your research?”
Sirius did look away, but he was smiling when he answered, a little dry yet genuine.
“Honestly, I wasn’t sure it will work. As you can imagine, not many heirs in history wanted to reject the legacy and wind up on the streets” He shook his head, face suddenly shaded by gloomy and tense emotion. “I’m sick of people expecting me to be her successor. Lobby Muggle-hating laws, behead house-elves, collect nastiest Dark poisons and charms to use against those I want to punish --” Sirius winced, his voice faltered like every word scratched painful. “Sometimes I almost believed that I had nothing else ahead, and will end up just as mad and vile. But it seems I’m in luck.” He huffed, not exactly cheerful but lighter still, James felt it in his breathing pattern because he was holding him with both hands, and Sirius leaned on him. “At least I will be, if you let me win the tournament. This thousand of galleons wouldn’t go amiss.”
“Ah, your cunning scheme revealed.” James gently bit the lobe of his ear and felt Sirius’ laughter, more free now, set loose. “By the way, you may have to postpone winding up on the streets. I, mum and dad will be happy to let you in for as long as you want.”
Sirius’ embrace became a fraction tighter, but when he leaned back to look at James, he shook his head.
“They barely know me. A big assumption to make.” It was apparent Sirius tried to reign the hope in but James wasn’t going to leave him much chances.
“You need a place to rest, that’s enough.”
Sirius let James tell Remus, Lily and Peter about his disownment. When they gathered together after, it was visible in the harder set of his jaw and more thorough haughty look that Sirius expected to bear different treatment even if they tried to hide it. But no one tested his resolve, to James’ pride and gratitude their friends accepted everything without too much sympathy or surprise, even Peter had shown admirable restraint.
The only one who was more different than before was Lily, warmer, less critical, more letting herself to laugh at Sirius’ wicked remarks and even participate in escapades. Since they both accepted not being included in full moon walks, Lily now was taking Sirius with her on night patrols. It were them who distracted Filtch sitting on stakeout near the Fat Lady portrait when James and Peter sneaked out – and James had a feeling Lily was the instigator of trapping Filch on sixth floor corridor for all night until James and Peter walked Remus to Hospital Wing and James heard Lily explaining to caretaker with perfect sincerity that it was someone’s very tricky false doors hex they lifted only by morning. Sirius stood by her side, nodding with solemn serenity, letting only his eyes narrow with amusement when he noticed grinning James.
Remus regarded this with far less amusement. N.E.W.Ts preparations stressed him into exhaustion as it was, putting only more strain on transformation recovery, and James was sure that this contributed to that murky displeased glint in his gaze when Lily chuckled at Sirius hexing Mulciber’s books to knock him on the bookcase after he hissed insults behind Lily and Mary. James and Mary froze the bookshelves so it wouldn’t topple the rest and helped to return the books on places, accompanied by desperate wailings of madame Pince. She reached a boiling point and threw everyone out of library. Remus was almost ready to fight librarian for the tome of Lost Art of Medieval Transfiguration and James had to drag him back, promising to return at night under the cloak. And then he lingered again, under excuse of apologizing to her, but in fact because he noticed Regulus and seized the chance when he saw it.
They didn’t discuss it, the fact that Regulus never joined them anymore. Sirius acted as if he never had a brother and took seat at Gryffindor table during meals with an ease of man who did this for seven years. But James felt like his own the way his hands tensed when he saw Regulus in passing, the sharp turn of his head. And Regulus was not talking about the reason of their falling out, it seemed no one knew that Sirius was no longer Black heir. This was why James approached him now, even more encouraged by the way Regulus sighed but didn’t try to leave.
“He’s doing all right. But he would be doing so much better if you started talking again.” James said, forgoing a preamble. “Sirius needs you.”
“I need him too,” Regulus admitted simply. “But I need him to stop being demonstrative and rash.” Indignant, James was about to argue, but Regulus shook his head. “I know what you may think of our mother now, James, and the things she did to us and others were often wrong.” He took a breath and looked down, shoulders rigid. “But she’s not well. And she’s going to crumble only further now, after his stunt.”
There James was again, nearing the painful grim past. He suspected that adjective ‘mad’ Sirius used could not be only fanciful expletive, but it didn’t change anything, cruel this judgment was or not.
“It’s not a stunt for attention, it’s Sirius’ choice. ” James answered finally, voice quiet. “He doesn’t expect you to join him, only to accept.”
Regulus chuckled at this, shaking his head.
“You know Sirius – of course he expects me to join him! And he doesn’t understand why I hesitate, why I don’t hate her enough I’d want violent mania and loneliness to gnaw her alive. Especially after we met you.” James shook his head but Regulus didn’t stop, his small mirthlessly amused smirk so like Sirius’. “For him it was the only thing needed, that day we arrived when he walked into Hogwarts Great Hall and saw you. All his life was grey and you’re the color.”
“You make it all sound so abysmally romantic,” James huffed. He knew his achievements when he saw them – and this flame, this craving for freedom in Sirius were his own, decisions like his could not be made in few months they get to know each other, however consuming and wonderful they were. “But you know Sirius didn’t do it for me.”
“Not for you, yes.” Regulus even laughed a little. “Because of you.”
James decided this angle was worth a working, too, “Alright, it was my mighty influence. To hell with me! But don’t shun your brother. In a way that will not attract your mother’s attention, if you must.”
Regulus almost smiled more openly in answer to James’ grin, seemingly against his will.
“Would be tricky to get Sirius on the page of secrecy.”
“All the fun is about challenge.” James shrugged, elated by the success. It was just the beginning, yes, and Sirius would scoff at all the half-measures, but it was chance, open possibility – the best option he could hope for.
Sirius was waiting for him behind the corner.
“I started to think Regulus will kidnap you and ask for ransom.” He said, the corner of his smile a little hardened, displeasure he tried to push down.
“That was the idea, but then I decided it will not bring you two closer to peace.” James reached for his hand, glad that Sirius met his touch. “If you want, now you can discreetly talk it out and reach a ceasefire.”
“So you left me some choice in the matter,” Sirius huffed, but he didn’t withdraw his hand.
“All the choice.” James smiled, even a little surprised by implication. He was annoying and overeager, yes, but not manipulative. “You miss him, and I needed to do something to make it solvable.”
“Looking out for me, are you?” Sirius chuckled, but his fingers in James’ palm held firmer, warmer.
“You ain't seen nothing yet,” James nuzzled the smile to his check and for a moment they stood still, caught up by the moment turning unexpectedly, meltingly tender.
It took a week, but it was working. Nothing changed outwardly, except now Sirius could mention Regulus occasionally when they were talking spells and studies, and James knew him enough to notice the difference in posture and that almost nod brothers exchanged in distant greeting. And if James grinned on this occasion too widely, well, there was only Sirius to know why and amusedly roll his eyes about.
Exam period turned Remus and Lily brutal in their approach to making James and Sirius prepare for the third task. The separate training was out of question immediately, they didn’t even pretend to consider something else but perfecting defensive spells together in duels.
They decided on the far side of the lake where they had less chance to attract audience – rebounding spells were a hazard that led them on the open ground in the first place.
Sirius’ dueling style was all about graceful speed, and James reveled in admiring it, sometimes letting it lead him to defeat. But Sirius preferred attacking, and the farther James let him, the more he got carried away with banter and laughter, so he was easy to reach if you could seizure a moment – James could, that was one trait he sharpened on Quidditch pitch.
One of undoubted favors Sirius had in the beginning were hexes not taught in Hogwarts, and even through James could tell he’s holding back, the sensation of being plastered over earth with little capacity to breathe hit him heavy even if it was for a few moments.
“Forte Et Dure Charm, incantation is not that hard, but requires strong will,” Sirius said, helping him stand.
It took a few hours and the sun almost set, pre- thunderstorm heavy, dark orange evening in full swing, when desire to rise to a challenge got James mastering the spell enough he brought Sirius down. Sirius was smiling and wincing at the same time while pressed into the ground by power James felt rolling down his shoulder. Sharp worry mixed with joy of achievement rattled him to the bone when James threw the wand away and hurried to bend over Sirius.
“You’re wicked,” Sirius said with the wild smile looking up at him, voice still hoarse. “No one got me with it stronger in one hit.“
Have a taste of what she’ll do, it rolled from Sirius’ tongue so easily that morning with Snape.
“This time is the last.” James said, ardent, and Sirius’ eyes widened, his memories and James’ understanding zipping between them before he surged James down and kissed him - biting, daring kiss thawing half-way into gentle, trusting.
The champions’ families were supposed to be officially invited to watch the final task, as excited Pauline informed them the week before the third task. It put a shade of uneasy thoughtfulness on Sirius’ face, but not for long – by the end of breakfast James got a note informing him that mum and dad were in Hogsmeade already. They didn’t even wait for evening before James went for a cloak and they climbed down into the secret passage.
Parents knew about Sirius’ self-disownment, and he was aware of this, too, and the meeting was very quiet and more about emotions – also because it was, after all, the first time James saw father on his feet after the long illness. He seemed cheerful and not as weak as James feared, but he still hugged him longer and tighter. Sirius tried to be more nonchalant that he felt even if he really was glad to see them, James could feel – especially when the act dissolved very softly after mother took Sirius’ hand and said that they would be happy if he stayed to live with them after the Tournament. Sirius was first to open embrace for them when they left back to Hogwarts, and his smile was open, warm – a little shaken.
The morning of June 24th was a sweet, picturesque day – cornflower-blue sky, white bands of clouds. James and Sirius wished luck on the History of Magic N.E.W.T to their friends who needed it and were about to follow McGonagall outside to meet James’ parents when they were stopped by headmistress Gregorovitch.
“If I may – Durmstrang champion needs to greet family who arrived to support him.”
The smile left Sirius’ face, and James held his forearm while he turned to headmistress and smiled widely.
“I’m coming, too – duty as a champion of host school to greet guest family.”
Durmstrang headmistress pressed her lips in almost-smile but nodded, gesturing to follow her. James apologized before McGonagall almost over his shoulder. Sirius walked with frozen expression.
“She could come, actually. She could have wanted to pretend that nothing happened…” he muttered under his breath, but not bewildered anymore, his breath was shortened by anger. James could barely guess what will he do faced with Mrs. Black, if anything could be diffused – if he would even try rather than join Sirius against her –
Sirius stopped abruptly.
“Andromeda?” he asked, incredulity wiping away the aggravation.
Tall woman with luxurious dark-brown hair who was standing near the main entrance turned to them, a little girl about eight years old peeked out curiously behind her. James smiled almost involuntarily at the child – she had bright purple hair.
“Glad to finally meet you in person again, Sirius.” the woman said, pulling James' gaze up, and he took a breath, suddenly struck by how she resembled Bellatrix Lestrange on the photo in Daily Prophet, and yet how different she felt.
“James Potter, I believe.” The woman said, nodding to him. “Andromeda Tonks, Sirius’ cousin. This is my daughter Nymphadora…”
“Just Dora!” the girl exclaimed, shaking her hair that on James’ eyes turned golden. James laughed in honest admiration – she was the first Metamorphmagus he’d seen, and she knew how to pull off an effect.
Andromeda turned to greet James’ parents who were standing nearby. Turned out dad knew her husband and Dora’s father, he was prominent Healer in Spell Damage wing of St. Mungo’s. “The weather calls for a lakeside walk.” he suggested, James and Dora enthusiastically agreed.
James was elated twice as much by the fact that he was getting to know someone from Sirius’ family who cared enough to support him - and that his mother wasn’t arriving to shame him. Sirius still looked more amazed than pleased, it seemed he didn’t knew Andromeda that well.
“Our families haven’t kept contact,” she explained even before James could actually ask. “Sirius was Dora’s age when we met the last time… You see, Ted is a Muggle-born, by marrying him I wrote myself off the family.” Not a shade touched Andromeda’s face, on the contrary she smiled with the spark of elegant mirth. “Aunt Walburga must have burn me off that tapestry, didn’t she, Sirius?”
“Of course she did,” Sirius huffed. “That’s how I remember you so well. I learnt by heart all decent members of our family.”
“Then you have known you won’t stay alone when you join,” Andromeda said it almost as lightly as before, but her gaze on Sirius was more intent. “You remember uncle Alphard? He wanted you to contact him, here’s his note…”
The curve of Sirius’ lips was not quite smile, undecided between doubting and grateful. James gestured forward, got his nod and walked a little faster, catching up with his parents, he didn’t want to be too prying. If Sirius decided, he would tell later, after he and found again parts of his family reconnect alone.
Soon two groups blended again. Turned out Andromeda went to Hogwarts, too. She was surprised and intrigued by Whomping Willow, openly surprised that rare but not strictly safe plant was put on the school grounds.
“We all know not to come near it,” James said, biting back his grin, and offered the group to visit the Quidditch stands – both to lead curious Dora away from the already unnerved three that packed punch nasty enough for adult wizard, and to let father rest after long walk. Besides, Dora had just bet that she can fly faster than him, and James accepted the challenge and a chance to grab a broom, it’s truly been a while.
She really was fast for the child her age. Andromeda and James’ mother were visibly worried, but they didn’t have to endure anxiousness for long. James let Dora win the race from one goal post to the other – by few moments, and without doubt.
“I won, I won!” Dora jumped on the ground near Sirius who was the judge, her hair now bright juicy red. “’You’ve seen, right?”
“Dora truly is better at this than you, James.” Sirius said, smiling down at the girl.
“She is.” James slid upside down on the broom, making the glasses shift down on his forehead, and touching with fingertips of both hands to Sirius’ shoulders. “At least I will always have my show off stuff.”
Sirius was now smiling wider, looking up at him, so radiant and close. James almost decided to lean just a little bit lower and kiss him, after all, only their families were there to see, and yet still – it would be affection on display. So James moved higher, still holding the broom only with knees, messed Sirius’ hair on his way and then did a somersault again, raising on the level of hoops and frying through all of them in succession. It was a good moment with just one small unfulfillment that made it be felt in more clarity. The one that would stay in soft haze, would be remembered with a smile.
As they were walking back to the castle for lunch, James and Dora started another competition, of changing the hair color faster. This one she won in earnest, but took mercy of James and replicated the colors he stuck on, half of his head bright pink and the other turquoise blue.
“You act like you two are one age.” Mother laughed, and James shoot back with a grin, shrugging.
“I’m not acting, I’m genuine.”
“Truer words,” Sirius raised eyebrows with lazy smile, tangling fingers in James’ much more colorful hair. His touch lingered, and James turned his head to get him scrape where he wanted to, catching Dora’s smirk and winking at her.
James left his hair as they were for a little bit more, last silent competition with Dora and this round she left him won, making her hair silver blonde when they entered the Great Hall. All of them moved to sit at Gryffindor table, Remus and Peter jumping on their feet to greet mum and dad. Hogwarts students were so used to seeing Durmstrang champion among Gryffindors they weren’t surprised his family followed suit. Andromeda was sitting straight with royal elegance, but it was a warm kind of regal, and Dora was freely ecstatic to be in Great Hall. Regulus widened his eyes seeing them, before he nodded in greeting.
“Looking good,” Lily smirked, eyes at his hair, and James messed it up more turning to his and Sirius’ families.
“Her first compliment, I must have finally found my winning look.”
Father laughed, Lily threw her hands up, mother and Remus shook their heads. With one effortless wand motion Sirius brought James’ natural color back, roll of concentrated magic left tingling sensation on his scalp.
“I’ll bring it back if you win,” Sirius promised with innocently raised eyebrows, shifting just an inch closer on the bench when James hooked the foot around his ankle under the table.
It was strange to think about them as rivals, and at the same time it made the third task seem far more exciting, James almost hoped it would be truly dangerous, like this the edge of anticipation thrilled more. Even when McGonagall came to fetch him and Sirius walked toward headmistress Gregorovitch, saluting to James over his shoulder, it still felt like another day together with a more public duel ahead.
This there was no tent for champions to wait in, instead they took the first three prominent seats in first row. The aether tower stood before them, high and transparent as if it was a construction build of wind, iridescent shade slid over it under the sun. It was completely empty.
“Wonder if we will have to fight illusions,” Pauline said, thoughtfully twirling a wand in her fingers.
“Or the illusion hides the task from us now.” Sirius tapped finger over his knee, restless glint in his wide open eyes – by his smirk James guessed he had the same expression.
Seats behind them were filling; vibrating hum of spectators was, too, impatient. Finally thin wizard in dark purple robes stepped before them, looking rather unnerved.
“After the signal champions will enter the tower together at the same time.” He said, not bothering with Sonorus – apparently, this was supposed to surprise the audience. “As soon as you will be inside, the challenge will reveal itself. Only the one who pass first will see the second, and third, accordingly.”
James barely could hold himself sitting on his spot, looking at Sirius he shared wild triumphant grin. This was better than anything he thought, they could fight through the tower together –
The cannon shot was drown put by cheering and applause as all three of them stood and turned to the audience. James saw his parents beaming at him, Remus, Peter, Lily and Mary, Regulus, Dora and her mother, bright eyes and loud, exuberant joy – he felt like he’d seen them exactly like this already or dreamed to see. Then with a flash the day returned to sharp focus when James looked at Sirius and felt his savage excitement.
The aether parted before them easy like curtains drawn, and James took Sirius and Pauline by hands before stepping in with one movement. He wanted to look back and see how aether sealed itself, wanted to wave to the seats for the good measure, but his thoughts were cut short. First the silence fell around them, even more full than underwater. And then cascade of chirping, clicking sounds filled the whole space.
They appeared out of the air itself, shredding the concealment – large, intricate and fast creations of battle magic, prowling, crawling, flying closer and closer. In the rays of high outside sun they seemed aflame, light sliding like water over their copper feathers, claws and horns.
“Stymphalian beasts,” Sirius said, impressed. Pauline pressed her lips more tensely, frowning and stepping forward with raised wand when James exclaimed:
“Wait! We have more chances to get through together!”
Pauline shook her head but looked hesitant – and then the first beasts reached them. Metallic snake threw itself on James and Sirius knocked it away with quick spell. The eagle dived in and made Pauline run left where lion roared, readying to jump – James froze him into a block of ice.
“We need – something loud – it would confuse them…” Pauline breathed out, trying to Stun the colossal bull.
“How loud?” Sirius sent eagle attacking him flying in circle of looped wind while enraged hog tried to break through the shield James raised before them.
“Don’t know!” Pauline laughed, high trembling sound. “Loud like something made of Stymphalian copper…”
The largest beast still didn’t try to move at them – tall bear was walking back and forth, accompanied by snarling sharp-teethed wolf. James finally pushed the hog away and Sirius tied him up. It screeched, rolling on the ground to free itself. James blinded the bull with Obscuro and it was trashing left and right in rage more than panic. Sirius and Pauline moved forward, James after, by the corner of his eye watching the lion tearing itself out the ice. If only James mastered chronomagic enough he could freeze them all mid-moment… But then, why freezing if --
“I’m blowing the bear up,” he said to Sirius, gripping his wand tighter. “Can you lock him in time loop?”
“We need to be closer,” Sirius narrowed his eyes, watching the movements of the wolf crouching closer to them. James looked back at Pauline and she nodded, raising her wand. James and Sirius moved forward, wolf jumped, cutting across. Flash of yellow light and he staggered, caught and bound by green stems bursting out of the ground.
The bear roared over James and he shouted Bombarba Maxima!, aiming at the gap between chest plates. Crashing, screeching metal sound shook the whole tower, it felt like. James sank to the ground from the force of it, pulsing, reverting back into itself and exploding again. Sirius locked the figure in perfectly timed sphere of constant blasting rumble. Clutching Pauline’s hand, James stood on his feet and grabbed Sirius’ hand, dragging him away from the centre of imploding.
The beasts were in feverish paralyzing panic. Wolf and hog stopped struggling, the snake writhed on the earth, lion curled on itself, bull fell down and froze. James saw the transparent steps materializing near then on the aether wall and pulled them all there, Pauline already started climbing…
The eagle wrestled itself out of the wind circle Sirius conjured and dived on them again. Sirius pulled James to dodge, but it still got them. Sirius hissed through gritted teeth and then gasped when James dragged him on the stairs - in that moment the eagle disappeared, all the beasts were gone and the noise stopped.
Sirius’ hand was bloodied, and he held pieces of his wand broken in two by vicious claws.
For the first time in years James was glad he’d been the target for that cutting non-verbal spell so often – he knew how to stop the bleeding and treat cuts. Sirius huffed over his temple, for a moment softly closing healing fingers around his palm.
“Well, off I go, I think.” He said, looking at the pieces of his wand with sardonic amusement. “Shame, I wanted to see if I had a chance to beat you at the last level.”
James had no way of knowing if losing wand was equal to losing in the task, but if not, if there was any chance that until champion walked out of the tower he still was competing… Then James wasn’t going to see this task to the end without Sirius.
“You still can,” he shrugged, handing his own wand to Sirius. He slightly shook his head as if in a dream and trying to shake himself awake, but then reached out and took it, their fingertips touching for a second with a jolt of warm static.
“This arrangement needs work.” Sirius laughed. “Are we to throw wand back and forth if the next level is beastly, too?”
“It’s not,” Pauline said in low voice. She was a few steps above them and probably could see the second obstacle. They looked at each other only a moment more before rushing up, still elated despite the fact that they didn’t came exactly unscathed.
It was strange, to stand on the transparent floor of second level and see the ground far down. And stranger even was looking before and see the wall of black fire, seething, tall and stretched so it was impossible to walk around. James felt that this fire breathed cold, the kind of cold that bit to the bone. He heard about magic like this before but never performed himself, and if he was honest, was hoping he will never get to.
“This can’t be it…” Pauline murmured, walking half a step closer to the wall of flame and quickly performing revealing spells. “They wouldn’t make the only way to be the injury…”
“Who knows, maybe they charmed the Triwizard Cup to heal all and every magical wounds,” Sirius’ grin was lopsided, and when he handed the wand to James he could see by himself – the trace of spell was it, the fire that couldn’t be overcome without harm to the wizard who tried. It would not matter if you fly over, part it with spell or simply make your skin impervious and walk through, it would damage you the same. You or someone you chose to take the injury instead.
“Ready to pay an arm and a leg?” Sirius asked, taking the wand back from James and rolling his sleeve. James wasn’t going to stand and watch it, for a moment he even forgot about the Tournament, audience outside aether barrier where his parents were, anything but simple truth – he will not let Sirius injure himself, especially with magic – especially if it was just a dare to himself, challenging test.
“We should have taken that destructive bird, maybe it would have come in handy,” James started talking, not knowing in earnest what he was going to say in the end, walking towards the fire. He needed one moment, one dart and he knew the way Sirius moved, how easily he was distracted. Sirius huffed, gesturing his hand where the marks of claws were still visible.
“I tried to grab it, you see, but unfo – WAIT, NO!”
Pauline screamed, too, and then for a few moments James couldn’t hear anything at all. When he touched the fire, it felt like the ice pierced into him, seeping through and locking everything – flesh, bone, blood. He staggered back but the feeling remained – not pain, worse than pain, sensation of cold gnawing him from the inside, ice growing into him. James looked down at his hand and felt lightheaded. It was dark blue, and he couldn’t even risk moving his fingers, almost sure they would start to break.
“It wasn’t worth it,” Sirius whispered in his ear, frantic, urgent, and James felt his fingers trembling on the wrist he still could feel. “This rotten Tournament doesn’t worth it!”
“But you—were going to—now you can.” It was easy to smile but strangely hard to string sentences together, yet the more James felt the ice in the bones of his hand, the easier it was to get used to. He could still probably faint if he’d stand too fast, but he could still, and then he would ask Pauline walk him down since there would be no point in any more injures after Sirius gets the Cup…
“No, James, we can,” said Sirius with blazing, intense force, throwing James’ hand over his shoulder, holding his waist and moving them both towards the wall of black fire. “And when it screws me up, too – let’s hope they really have something potent for healing.”
James pushed him in the shoulder with healthy hand and it came up half-hearted, but he really had no strength enough to wrestle in earnest. This was getting ridiculous, James thought and laughed, leaning on Sirius’ shoulder, he did it to spare Sirius the wound and now they both were getting messed up, they were hopeless. He heard Pauline calling after them, felt the surprise intake of Sirius’ breath and then light chill rolling up his body and making the hair stand. And then there was the stair on the aether wall, just like before, and no one in empty space behind them.
“I hope—Pauline is just that fast…” James chuckled, and then felt Sirius trembling near him, but not from laughter.
“I don’t understand why…” he was uttering, looking at James in frustration and hurt. “It didn’t burn me, nothing!”
He raised his hands as if summoning James in witness, his clear, unburned hands, James’ wand still gripped tight. Was the secret really this simple?
James nodded at the wand, and Sirius’ eyes widened. Next minute he looked like he was going to snap it in half, too. “The fire counted us as one wizard because we had one wand – your wand!”
“Good thing – you decided to keep me company,” James smiled wide because it was the best luck he could pray for, and besides smiling was by far the easiest he could do while standing and not swaying. Sirius’ face twisted with something truly painful and James hurried to add “Let’s go up… all and every magical wounds, remember?”
James raised the hand that still felt deeply frozen, slowly, sticking the elbow. Sirius all but scooped him by the waist and led to the stairs, his hand supporting James’ back all the way they climbed up.
The last level was the most beautiful. The whole space under the dome of the tower was filled with soft silver light. In the middle stood the tree – James would say it was the apple tree, but In fact he wasn’t sure he ever heard of something like this. Silver leaves were moving without wind and the glow was from them. On the top of the tree grew white apple – the whitest color James ever seen.
Dryad was standing near the tree, her braids with twigs and robes where soft and silver, too. Tall and thin, she was like the mirage, play of the tree light.
“So, you arrived.” She said, looking from Sirius to James and back. She wasn’t smiling, but James felt as if they were welcomed, long-awaited. “One of you can take the fruit from the tree, and I can give him the victory. If he takes the fruit for himself, long will be his regret.”
Sirius started shaking his head even before James opened his mouth, but it only made him huff.
“See? A chance to beat me at the last level. ”
Sirius laughed, short and sharp. “You incapacitated yourself, it doesn’t count.”
“Alright!” James gestured towards the tree – too enthusiastically, it threw his balance and he almost tipped, Sirius catching him at the last moment. His shoulder of the frozen hand was rapidly, tortuously numbing. He might as well accept it. “Lead me to the tree, let’s figure out how to take the apple together.”
Dryad watched them calmly. Odd, how many thoughts flew through his mind as Sirius was leading James to the tree, and how weightless they were. This numbness in his arm may as well be permanent, Merlin knew if he will ever feel fingers again. Courage and willingness to win, maybe the core of the third task was exactly that, accept the injury in exchange of victory.
James was deeply, piercingly glad and grateful that Sirius wasn’t alone here now, clutching harmed hand and stumbling forward. Reaching up to bow the branch so Sirius could take the apple, James looked into his face in the soft silver light of leaves, and didn’t feel weak and wounded anymore, instead he felt so elated, so rewarded he laughed out loud. Sirius looked up and smiled too – and then his smile only grew wider when he plucked the apple.
“James. This is everything we need!” he never sounded so openly ecstatic. “This can heal all and every magical wounds, see --” Sirius pushed the apple in his hands and the question stopped on James’ lips, because it was the truth. Luminous, burning knowledge clear in his mind as soon as sweetly cold apple touched his skin – this fruit could heal him completely, no sacrifice needed anymore.
But no victory then, either. James looked at dryad, completely unperturbed, than back at Sirius who was still smiling wild happy smile, like every pain was long gone.
“I can’t take it, this is stupid!” James laughed at impossibility of the situation, second time in last twenty minutes. “You want to tell me no one wins? People on the stands will be so disappointed.”
Sirius laughed out loud, picking up James’ tone. “International outrage.”
“Canceling of Tournaments…”
“…for two hundred years more!”
The apple in James’ hand felt light like the cloud, Sirius’ eyes were brighter than any stars he ever seen, but James gently pushed the fruit back in his hands.
“And what about long will be his regret?”
“I’ll share yours if you share mine.” Sirius said, leaning down and sinking his teeth into the apple. James didn’t think about anything else after, taking his bite too.
It was the most delicious thing James ever tasted, which was strange because it was not sweet, salty, bitter or sour; it was brand new unknown flavor. It felt like the flame flown down his injured hand and then nothing was wrong and aching anymore. James understood that he squeezed his eyes shut only when heard Sirius’ huffing and opened them. Sirius was smiling, softer now, his lips darkened with the fruit juice. He took James’ healed hand in his and brought to his chest, knuckles over heart.
The moment ago James expected everything to start crumble under their feet, but all the jokes and worries were erased. What remained was reaction, movement - the most natural in the world when he reached towards Sirius and pressed lips to his, quiet motion and complete, making his heart still for the moment – and then race fast, faster when Sirius’ lips moved and opened.
When they parted, dryad stood before them with the same peaceful expression, this smile they could feel but couldn’t see. There was a two-handled cup of blue crystal in her hands.
“Both of you took the fruit, and neither did it for himself.” She said, raising the cup. “So I can give the victory to both of you – or neither.”
Sirius narrowed his eyes, holding James’ hand tighter. “If we choose neither, we will go down in history.”
It was joke and dare at the same time. “Tempting.” James tilted his head to his shoulder. “But with blessed luck like this we will end up there anyway.”
The Triwizard Cup was lighter than it looked, or maybe the thing was that they both held it. The moment they took it dryad was gone, and the aether around started thawing away. Sirius drew James’ wand but it wasn’t needed, not really, the level they stood on slowly let them down on the ground.
The roar of audience was thunderlike. Before stepping forward to raise the Cup, before looking into the crowd to see faces of friends and family, James looked at Sirius under afternoon sun, pulling him closer by waist.
“Haven’t you promise me something if I win?”
Sirius lowered his head laughing, but raised James’ wand and made his hair again half-blue, half-pink.
“Pity you didn’t promise me anything if I win.” He said, catching his breath.
Still feeling the sparks of Sirius’ magic in his hair, almost sure that he would float up in the sky if Sirius didn’t ground him now, James kissed him firm and then leaned back to speak over grinning lips.
“Blank check for life, ask anything you want.”