New
JAMES
“And now
Looking in your eyes
I feel in my heart,
The start of something new.
Ooh, yeah”
My heart skips a beat when I took in the gap we have from each other. Standing a foot away from him, I can see the emotions he’s trying to conceal. His eyes looks conflicted, a ray of emotions dances on his beautiful steely gray eyes, from fear, anger, sadness, a hint of happiness and finally, it settles to impassive. Smile slowly disappearing from his face. Before I can ask him what’s the matter, I hear Sirius’ voice.
“Prongs!” I tried looking over my shoulders when a force stops my head.
“James!” I can still hear Sirius’ voice calling my name but I can’t even move.
“James!” Someone yells on my ear which made me sit up straight and jumps out of my bed. Didn’t take note about the sheets wrap around my body that causes me to stumble and slams my chest on the floor. I groaned and move to lie on my back.
“How’s the floor, Prongs? Was it hurt from how you fell on it?” I opened my eyes and saw Sirius sitting on my bed crossed legs. I flipped him off and tried to stand.
“Fuck. That hurts you wanker!” I told him while rubbing my chest.
“I’ve been waking you up for the last 10 minutes. I can feel Effie’s frustration from the kitchens.” He says while taking a bite from the apple he’s playing catch with. I sighed when he points out my mum's frustration. If Sirius is here this early just to wake me, she must’ve tried waking me up but gives up halfway.
“Shut it! What do you want? And why are you here so early?” I ask while sitting up, rubbing the sleep off my eyes. I stretch my arms trying to get rid of the sleepiness still lingering on my body.
“Ahm—maybe because we're about to get behind schedule? Or maybe because Moony is waiting outside in the car with Wormtail? He’s a little pissed by the way. Or maybe because it’s the first day of school? I mean, there are a lot of reasons why I’m here Prongs. Do you want it alphabetical or chronological?” He sounded confused by my question which is justified because who would ask such questions. When my brain processed what he told me, I immediately made my way to the bathroom.
“Damn it, Pads.” I told him then enters the shower and turning it on to medium heat. It usually takes me up to half an hour to take a shower then another 15 to change but given the limited time, I can make it work in 10 minutes, tops.
“What’d I do? It’s not my fault you sleep like a log, mate. We’re all use to it now but sometimes it’s annoying. Like for now, you’re suppose to be awake an hour ago but instead you slept through your alarm. Really Prongs, you’re a morning person but an absolute shit about being one.” Sirius keeps blabbing while rounding up my room. Checking every nook and corner like he’s never been here before when in fact, he spent his holidays here before Regulus and him decided they had enough of their parents abuse.
“Sorry mate. It’s just an automatic response to us whenever somethings not going right. We have a silent rule that when things go shit, blame Sirius.” I told him when I made it out the bathroom, towel wrap on my waist and heads to my dresser to pick and wear pants. After wearing my pants on, I went over the wardrobe and look inside for something to wear.
I pick a khaki jeans and a polo shirt then shows it to Sirius who shook his head with a grimace. I set it aside then took out a hoodie and a black jeans but Sirius only takes it from my hands then shove it back the wardrobe. He took out a black corduroy shirt, a white t-shirt, and a grey jeans. He hands it to me so I instantly put on the clothes he pick out for me and sat on the bed. I look over to him and finding him kneeling on the floor looking under my dresser. I cleared my throat so he shot a glance at me. He shooed me off the bed and he then kneels in front of it and looks under the bed. I’m standing in the middle of the room, hands on my waist and a bewildered look on my face.
“May I ask what you’re doing, mate?” I ask him when he still continues on kneeling and looking under the bed then stands up to kneel and look under the dresser (did I mention he already look under it before looking under the bed? All this looking and I keep on repeating the words look.)
“I’m looking for your white snickers. It’s the only thing that will look good being paired with what you are wearing.” He sits on his heels and stares at me, head tilted on the side giving me a curious look. He looks like someone who’s contemplating his choices on friends.
I sighed with his antics and rubbed my temples. I then walk over the shoe-rack standing tall beside the bedroom door and pick up my white snickers. I turn back to face him, my lips forming a thin line and gives him a solemn nod.
“It’s okay, mate. There are times that we forget about things. I commend Remus for his patience though. That man deserves an award for choosing to endure for the greater good. He sacrifice a lot in his life—” I begin to tell him while trying to put my shoes on.
“Oh shut it, Prongs. I’m not that bad?” He tried interrupting me but I kept on going on. He sound so unsure because he knows himself and deep inside, he knows I speak the truth.
“—but sacrificing for all of us who wants to strangle you, he only not deserve an award but also a statue. I’m your best mate but sometimes I need time to be with other people too or they might find your body 6 feet under. I’m guessing they wont even throw me—” I still continued talking while picking up my bag and slinging it on my shoulder. I started down the stairs and hears Sirius closing the bedroom door to follow me. We spotted my mum lounging on the couch on our living area.
“Wow. I feel the love, mate. Effie, we’re leaving!! I manage to get him moving.” He raised his voice calling to my mum and heads out the front door passing by me.
“Mum, we’re heading out. I might run late, team’s having a meeting later after class. I love you. Please tell dad we’re leaving and I love him too.” I walk over to where my mum is sitting and gives her a kiss on top of her head. She hums as a response and only says, ‘love you too darling’
I walk to the front door where Sirius is waiting for me, leaning on the wall. I continue what I was saying before and only kept going on.
“—on the pits of hell for giving you a place to lie under, right? And Remus, dear Remus, he still chose to be with you and color us surprise, even love you. Wow. He’s so amazing.” I manage to tell him before we reach Remus’ car, him sitting on the Driver’s seat. Sirius immediately heads to the shotgun seat and I open the back door where Peter’s already waiting for me.
“Okay? What’s with the face?” Remus’ ask after Sirius slams the door and didn’t even spare a glance. Sirius looks at him and they had a mini staring contest.
“Are you really just putting up with me?” He asks after a beat of silence. I turn towards Pete and he and I shared a look. We look forward and saw Remus’ with amusement written on his face.
“Are you really insecure right now? After telling your brother before we left your place that you’re the handsomest between siblings. And to think there’s just the two of you.” Remus’ raised his brows and Sirius only looks at him for a second then looks out the window.
Remus finds my eye on the mirror and gave me a questioning look. I shrugged my shoulders and tries for a smile to look innocent but the way Remus gave me a condescending look, it probably wasn’t giving the look I intend to. I cleared my throat and tap Sirius' shoulders.
“Mate, I’m only kidding. You know we could never, never live without you.” He turns his head to my direction and raises his eyebrows to signify for me to continue when I gave a little pause. “I—I can’t even believe sometimes that I’m breathing the same air as you Pads. Your beauty cannot be compared, your humor is spot on and you, mate, you’re literally out of this world.” I nod my head looking solemn as I can to indicate how grateful I am for being his friend. His face remains impassive but his lips quirked up a tiny smile on the side. He rolls his eyes to hide his smile and gazes back out the window.
“It’s fine, Prongs. I forgive you. I can understand that there are times I’m being too much. You know, all this magnificence can’t be solely handled and it oozes out of me. It’s fine. We all have our time.” He flips his hair over his shoulders and bats his eyes facing me.
“Of course Padfoot. Nobody can beat you of being the numero uno, mi amigo.” I send a wink and a flying kiss to him to which he catches and places his hands on his chest.
I heard a groan and a sigh. I peer at Remus’ and saw him shaking his head then started to turn the engine of the car so we can head out. I then changes my gaze and glance at Peter who have his head on his hands and shakes it. I ignore them both and pay heed to Sirius who’s pressing the buttons to turn the radio on.
“So mate, you left Reggie then? At your place?” I ask trying to sound nonchalant about it. He squinted his eyes when he checks me out after a while. Trying to gauge my intention base on my question. I mean, what intention? I was only trying to start up a conversation and maybe ask about Regulus too. Nothing wrong about that. Rightttt?
“Prongs, mate, stop hitting on my brother.” He finally vocalize after being closemouthed for a minute. He sounded earnest while saying it. I literally gaped at him for like, a little longer than necessary. He smile thin lip at me. I tried opening my mouth to say something but close it when I realize I have nothing to say. My brows furrowed while trying to discern his question and observe the look he is giving me.
“What, and I mean this with all sincerity mate, the fuck are you talking about? Why would I hit on him? I’m in love with Lily. Always has been. That would not change just because I met your brother.” I tried to sound convincing but base on the look my friends shared, I did not express it accurately.
“Prongs, mate, it would be hypocritical of us if we are judging who you fancy. I mean, we are literally a couple.” Remus says after a beat of silence then points himself and Sirius. My mouth hang open and flounder for a response.
“Wha--?! Moony! I am not insinuating that you are homophobic because firstly, I am not gay. Or queer. Or whatever.” I said voice pitching higher. “Secondly, I don’t fancy a guy most definitely not Regulus. And lastly, I am irrevocably, undeniably, deeply and madly in love with Lily.” I utter after counting the reasons why I don’t like Regulus because I don’t.
“Come on guys, we’ve already established that since we were eleven years old. That’s just a fact that wont change no matter what. Okay? Let’s just end this conversation. I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” I added when they didn’t voice out whatever’s in their heads when it’s obvious they want to say something.
They each shared a look and nodded. Sirius then reach out to turn the radio on. The end of the music plays on the radio and it starts engulfing the uncomfortable silence that wraps us. He stares at me through the rearview mirror and gave me a fond look paired with a soft smile.
“I hope you did not forget that we know you better than anybody else. I know you better, mate.” He said and I nodded before looking outside the window.
Watching the scenery change before me. From houses adorned with different fences and flowerbeds swaying with the wind to the vast land splayed with wheat fields and crops. The music ended and another one followed.
“She got the devil in her eyes, but they're pretty in the light
Even prettier at night, like a city full of lights
And she a ride or die for a man she likes
If we don't make it out alive, see you on the other side”
When the song played on the background, I heard Remus groaned and chance a glare aimed at Sirius before turning his attention to the road. Sirius turned up the volume a little and the song continued playing while we drive to the direction of the school.
“Really Pads?” Remus ask voice laced with frustration.
“What? Can’t I appreciate the song?” Sirius refuted defensively, hands on chest acting offended.
“Pretty little tattooed body what a perfect view
And she likes to be extra naughty when she's in the mood
She got those bright eyes in the night, a hidden thigh tattoo
So we'll go tire out our bodies 'cause that's what sinners do”
“That’s not what I meant Pads, you know that. But really, you know Regulus plays this song like, every fucking day the whole summer.” Remus told Sirius, now exasperation written on his face. I perked up when I heard Regulus’ name. I tuned in on their conversation.
“Well, Moony ain’t wrong Pads. Whenever I visit, I heard that bloody song playing on Reg’s bedroom.” Peter agreed on Remus’ statement. I can see Sirius’ shoulders shaking due to his silent laugh.
“Wait—You lost me for a bit there. What are we talking about?” I ask them when I couldn’t connect to there conversation. Remus sighed and shakes his head.
"She got the devil in her eyes, but they're pretty in the light
Even prettier at night, like a city full of lights
And she a ride or die for a man she likes
If we don't make it out alive, see you on the other side"
“We are talking about this song because it’s been playing nonstop on Regulus’ room the whole summer and this idiot’s only laughing without explanation why he stills wants to listen to this music.” Remus explained to me with a disgruntled noise and exhaling through his nose to maybe control his annoyance.
I heard a groan beside me so I look over Peter and saw him shaking his head, scowl set on his face. He smacks Sirius' head that made him yelp and turned to Peter to send him a death glare.
"She gon' kill me with those bedroom eyes
She likes to put on a show
And her body keeps me up at night
We never could take it slow"
"What was that for?" Sirius' demanded through gritted teeth while narrowing his eyes.
"Oh don't look at me like that Pads. You deserve it." Peter refuted back which compel Sirius to grab his hair. I reach out to hold Sirius' wrist and trap his hands in between mine.
“Reg always drags me to his room when I visit their place and demands to play videogames with me which is, no problem at all. I don’t mind because I like spending time with him but then this track always, and I fucking meant this, ALWAYS on the background playing. Even if it’s not from his speaker—" Peter rants while his hands flailed.
“What do you mean drags you to his room? When did you became close?” I ask, confusion on my voice.
"I knew her in another life, some other nights
She's warm like a summer drive, I feel alive
A storm when the lightning strikes, a fire lights
Reborn in our current life, our stories tied"
“Wormy is an honorary skittle.—That’s what they’re called. Don’t ask me why. It’s like how we were branded as The Marauders by the student body. They were also called the Slytherin Skittles, Reg as a silent member when everybody discovered he was homeschooled. They’re actually quite popular, Reg too.” Sirius explained further when my frowned deepens, not understanding any word. I nodded my head to his explanation.
“And I’m an honorary skittle. Well, that’s what Pandora claimed me to be. Over the summer, most likely because of brothers' recent change of residence, they’ll just randomly call each other even if the other’s in the shower. No malice with them actually.” Peter said eyebrows meeting at the center.
“Yeah. Before, when we were still in that house – and because I’m at school and Reg’ homeschooled- Walby would only allow them to talk an hour once a week. Perhaps that’s what compelled Walby to let them stay over for a night, again, once every month. Their bond is beyond us, frankly speaking. Can’t explain the dynamics of their group but they definitely compliment each other.” Sirius stated shrugging and hums lightly with the song.
"She looks good in the moonlight
Dark yet bright looking good, lookin' too nice
She make me wanna go all night
Wanna go until the sunlight"
“So, the song? Any explanation there Pads?” Remus gave Sirius a sideway glance before focusing on the road.
“It’s not really my story to tell but I can tell you that it’s like an inside joke between them. It’s Dorcas’ dedication song to someone she fancy.” Sirius told us with a grimace on his face. I tuned them out when they started talking about the people they think Dorcas’ fancies. I glance outside the window just as another car passed by.
"Back full of tats God, I like it like that
She bad, so bad never give a heart back
She a trap, no cap every soul she's had
Fall hard fall fast, with a heart all black, oh
To be loved by her
Something like a perfect curse
Put our souls in a hearse"
I froze on my sit, mouth agape and wide eyes following the car outside. There, sitting on its passenger seat looks a great deal like Regulus. Elbows sitting atop the window shield, lit cigarette on his fingers and head leaning on his seat. Curly raven hair that reaches below his ear, pink lips, and his perfectly shape nose that accentuate his sharp jaw. I squinted my eyes to make sure that it’s Regulus but the car drove faster, pulling ahead of Remus’ car and was gone in a second.
I sighed and leaned on my seat while listening to the music still playing on the radio.
"Pretty little tattooed body what a perfect view
And she likes to be extra naughty when she's in the mood"
The song finish right as we reach the parking space of the campus. In a manner of speaking, I actually have my own car but we all chose to use Remus’ car. It’s convenient when there’s no parking space left. My parents gave me a car when I turned sixteen and I had my license right away. I can drive fine but chose to give that responsibility to Remus.
When Remus found a space to park the car, it was beside a Ford Raptor. I wouldn’t have been curious as to who owns the car when I peer at the passenger seats window there I saw Regulus.
His eyes are close, head still resting on his seat to which you would have thought he’s asleep but he’s fingers tapping on the side of the door says otherwise. Sirius must’ve seen his brother because he leap out his side of the car and rushes towards his brother.
“Reggie!” Sirius shouted right next to his brother’s ear to which I would’ve flinch if it was me but it didn’t even deter Regulus’. He only opens his eye and gives his brother a deadpanned look.