Chapter 1
“What time is Lily getting here?” Sirius was looking out the window and Remus was rolling his eyes.
“I told you four times already, Lily will be here around six tonight, why are you so insistent? You saw her two weeks ago.” Remus rolled his eyes once more, fearing it would become a permanent position.
“Why does she insist on taking the train?” Sirius whined slightly.
“Her parents are muggles.”
“So are yours.”
“My mum is, not my dad.”
“Absolutely ridiculous.” The both looked back to see James and Peter pushing one an other down the stairs.
“Boys! You’ll fall!” They looked to see Harry’s mum, Euphemia, looking concerned for the boys who insisted on pushing one another.
“Sorry mum.” James muttered as they finished coming down the steps.
“What are you sulking about Sirius?” She asked then, wiping her hands on her apron, taking note to the other two boys. One looking out the window, the other peering over his book.
“I’m waiting for Lily.” He said to her, looking back smiling.
“Sirius dear, I hate to break it to you, but Fleamont said they would be here around six. I thought I told you already.” She looked over to Remus who had this pinched face of annoyance.
“I already told him as well.”
“Are you both into the Evans girl? Did I make the wrong move letting you two share a bed last time?” She asked, a smile on her face. James’ face burned red and Sirius shook his head, still looking out the window.
“I don’t like her like that, just last time she saw me I was a right mess. James is the one who is always pining after her.”
“Sirius!”
“Sweetheart, you aren’t very subtle.”
“You should see him at school Effie.” Peter held a smirk as he said it.
“He’s an absolute basket.” Remus agreed.
“Oh Lily Evans. Oh Lily. Why won’t Lily date me? Why won’t she go on a date? What’s one date going to hurt?” Peter mocked James with a smile across his face. James had a crimson face only a moment before he smiled wickedly.
“Do you think Dorcas would say yes if I asked her out? Did you see Dorcas today? She was stunning. Don’t you think Dorcas is just the best?” James mocked Peter in return to see his face pull the same reaction.
“This is why Lily won’t go out on a date with you. And Peter, you need to ask her dear.” Euphemia smiled before returning to the kitchen.
“Even my mum knows it’s hopeless.” James laid across an armchair dramatically.
“Because it is mate.” Peter responded.
“I’ll prove all of you wrong.” James muttered, more to himself than anyone else in the room.
“So what are we doing this week?” Peter asked.
“Mum thought we all needed a break from our stressful home lives.” He snorted with laughter after he said before continuing, “she acts as if my home isn’t stressful.” Breaking a smile once more.
“Mate, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do a chore.” Remus commented. Sirius decided now was the proper time to throw his friend under the bus.
“Remus you have no idea mate! Same to you Peter! She dotes after him like he’s still a toddler, just absolutely adore the boy.”
“Does mummy still tuck you in at night James?” Peter teased.
“I’ll have you know, she only does because Sirius won’t leave my bloody bed at night.”
“Not helping your case there James.” Remus smiled.
“Where is Lily sleeping?” Sirius asked him. James let out a slight groan.
“Where mum always puts her, in my bloody room.”
“You mean our bloody room.”
“Sirius you have your own room, you chose not to use it.”
“She does always stay in your room.” Peter commented.
“Mum knows it’s the most cozy and Lily won’t argue with her logic so I’m kicked to one of the guest bedrooms. Guess were bunking in your room tonight Sirius.”
“No, you can.” Sirius commented before turning back to look out the window.
“I’m excited to see the upcoming fight.” Peter smiled at Remus.
“I’m not placing any bets. I always lose to you.”
“Oh come on, five chocolate frogs says Sirius will sleep with you over James.” Peter wagered with Remus. He deliberated the offer, but knew Sirius often chose to sleep with Remus after summer break ended for a few days so figured it was one he could win.
“You know what, I’ll take that bet. Sirius will sleep with James.” Remus held out his hand and they shook.
“You can’t let me down mate.” Peter smiled.
“Oh, but question first, we aren’t done with the fact Lily sleeps in James’ room.” Sirius had a devious smile.
“No, no, Padfoot, no, you know too much now.” James muttered, wiping his hand down his face as he knew when he friends stayed prior often it was only for a few nights at a time, Sirius had quite the intimate look into his life now.
“Do the snitches still fly on the wallpaper even when she sleeps in there? Or does Effie charm them to stop for the night?”
“Don’t make me answer that, you know the answer to that.” Peter snorted at the response.
“Maybe that’s why Lily won’t go out with you, she worries your bedroom will always have snitches.” Peter smiled.
“I happen to rather like my wallpaper.”
“Do your toys still stay as well?” Remus chimed in, knowing his friend’s room.
“Okay, why is everyone attacking me?”
“Mate, the girl you like is about to spend the night in your room. We all know you didn’t get it girl ready.”
“Girl ready? What does that even mean Wormtail?”
“Are your action figures still on the dresser?” Remus smiled slyly, turning the page in his book.
“Yes, and they intend to stay there. She’s slept there before she knows how I like my stuff.”
“You didn’t move everything out of the room right?” Sirius asked then, somewhat concerned.
“No, I left your stuff there too. Figured you’d retrieve it before bed.”
“Are you boys done in here now?” Euphemia returned into the sitting room.
“We’re discussing why Evans doesn’t like James.” Sirius responded to her.
“I could join the discussion,” she had smile on her face, “or you lot could go gather some fresh lettuce from the garden. Might be good to get that one peeled away from the window.”
“Effie, just, I want to know when she gets here.”
“I understand that Sirius, but I promise, the loud pop will alert all of you. No matter where on the grounds you are. We need tomatoes as well, plus anything else you all think would be good in our salads.” She walked away once again and Sirius let out a long whine.
“I just want to know.”
“You know better than to make mum wait, come on. Get some fresh air and all that horse shit they say.” James said as everyone nodded in agreement, leaving the room to go to the garden. They continued their banter with one an other until sure enough a loud pop was heard. All of them looked up, taking off towards the source of the noise. They could hear retching as they approached.
“Lily dear, are you alright?” Fleamont asked her in concern, they saw her a few steps away from him and her bags, bent over.
“Yeah, sorry Mr. Potter, just every single time.” She retched once more, still trying to gain her bearings.
“Lily, once again, it’s Fleamont, no need for formalities.” He laughed some, picking her bags up for her before walking towards the house.
“Lily!” Sirius was the first to shout her name and she held her hand up as he came barreling towards her.
“I’m trying to not sick up Sirius, please, one moment.” She tried before she felt him topple into her anyway.
“I missed you.” She hugged him back after a moment, deciding maybe laying on the solid ground was the best way to prevent herself from being sick in this moment.
“I missed you too.” She said to him, feeling for the first time that he was very much physically okay. It brought her a sense of relief.
“Lily!” Was called out by the other boys as they came up to her, smiles across their faces. Sirius stood up, holding his hand out for her to take to get up easier. She accepted, smiling before turning to everyone else.
“Remus!” She hugged him close to her, he laughed at the fact she was still much shorter than he was. So much for the first year bet they would stay the same height.
“I thought Padfoot would go mad if you didn’t show up soon.” He laughed.
“I think he went mad anyway.”
“I mean, it wouldn’t take much.” They let go before she turned to face the others.
“Lily, we need to know if you want in on our bed.” Peter said as she hugged him, she pulled away smiling.
“What’s the bet?”
“If Sirius is going to sleep with James or Remus tonight.”
“I’ll say he’ll sleep with Remus.” She said smiling.
“You both are going to lose.” Peter said to her with a large smile.
“Well, hello Miss Evans.” James placed himself in front of Peter, causing Peter to swat at him lightly.
“James.” She rolled her eyes before laughing slightly, hugging him.
“We haven’t seen one an other for ages!”
“I saw you two weeks ago.” She laughed, pulling away from him.
“We have so much to fill you in on.” James said as they began walking towards the house.
__
It had gone smoothly, or as smoothly as anyone in the home expected. Cups were spilt at dinner, Lily knew Peter was the one who accidentally got mashed potatoes in her even if he denied it, dessert was to be had. Now though, as preparing for bed, began the problem at hand.
“Sirius, just go sleep with Remus.” Lily was already dressed in her pajamas, as was Sirius who was currently laying on the inner half of the bed.
“You let me sleep here last time.” Sirius tried with her.
“Yes, after what happened. I wasn’t going to move you now please go find another bunk mate if you don’t want your room.” She stared at the boy who had his own quilt in the bed, his stuffed animals around him, he looked more than ready to fall asleep.
“Just tonight.”
“No, not just tonight. We all know if I let you sleep here tonight then just tonight turns into my entire trip.” They had done this before, it was a testament of will. Who would break first into letting the other one win.
“Lily, please.”
“No, no damn puppy dog eyes.”
“It’s only been a few weeks.”
“I bet Effie would let you sleep in their bed.” She tried, not wanting a foot in her kidney at two in the morning.
“Lily, I’m staying.” He sounded a bit more firm, she sat on the bed next to him.
“Sirius, no you’re not.”
“My brother let me sleep with him during storms.”
“For starters, no he didn’t we covered that two weeks ago, he hadn’t in years. Secondly, it’s beyond clear outside you can see all the stars in the sky so no storms. Third, you’re fifteen. Fourth, James, or Remus, or even James’ parents would be more than happy to share their beds with you. And finally, don’t you think girls might like a little privacy.” She leaned against the pillows that were firm, she assumed the pillows must had been switched out.
“But, we slept together last time.” “Sirius, bed, go find a new one.” She held the covers up for him to exit.
“Lily, go to bed, find a new one.” He smiled cheekily up at her, she sighed in defeat.
“Do you want to talk about it?” She finally asked, looking down at the boy next to her.
“Not really.” She sighed once more, deciding giving into defeat for the time being and slid under the covers with him entirely before looking at him. He refused to make eye contact.
“You sure? You might feel better if you do.”
“I slept with Effie and Mounty one day when I fell asleep for a nap, but I don’t think that’s really acceptable at sixteen.” She rolled her eyes some.
“I’m sure if James walked into their room right now they would most definitely let him crawl in bed with them for the next week.”
“My parents said it showed too much weakness.”
“Sirius, your parents aren’t the best example.”
“James’ parents aren’t mine.” She turned to look at him again, sliding further down to face him and ran her fingers through his hair.
“Sirius, they love you like a son. They love all of you like sons. Clearly they love you like one as you live here with them.” He smiled, still not making eye contact.
“I know, logically I get that. You should have heard my mother with James’ mum though a week ago. Just it was bad.”
“Sirius, I don’t know how to say this… I don’t think…”
“It wasn’t because she loved me and wanted me home. She wanted me to just be under her control again.”
“I’m sorry Sirius. It doesn’t explain why you’re throwing a fit about moving beds though.” She finally said, his hands were cold she noticed as she held them.
“I feel safe here.” She felt like an ass now.
“You feel safe because James is in here, I’m not James. You still had horrid nightmares the night I slept in here a few weeks ago.” She noticed how he was half buried into the pillows.
“Lily, don’t make me say it.”
“I won’t make you say anything.”
“You want me too though.”
“I’d like to know why you insist on sleeping here yes, but I won’t make you.”
“James only knows because he had to know.”
“I don’t think you should keep James out of what happened.”
“You said that a few weeks ago.”
“I feel the same now.” Sirius swallowed heavily at her answer.
“Lily, Effie has a lot charmed in the room. So I like this room.”
“She can charm another room, it’s not hard.”
“If I move then she knows it’s still happening.”
“I’m sure she knows whatever you’re embarrassed about either way. She originally helped.”
“I don’t like saying it out loud. So, climbing into bed with Remus isn’t an option. James knows, he won’t tease or make fun, but my pride you know? What if one of the other boys find out? They’ll view me completely different Lily. You won’t.”
“I assure you every single one of your friends loves you so much and would never think poorly of you Sirius, the sheer idea seems ridiculous.” She laughed a bit in the heavy situation.
“Just, can you stay here tonight with me?”
“I thought you just said I could go find another bed?”
“If you sent James back maybe.”
“Oh, so now I’m not free to go?” She teased slightly.
“I like talking in the dark better with you.” He admitted, she rolled her eyes.
“Let me dim the lights then if we’re staying here.” She did it without the use of her wand, one thing she adored about magical house holds, magic wasn’t exactly needed to accomplish things. As she did, she noticed the room darkened, but the ceiling above James’ bed stayed somewhat lit.
“Look, it’s the sky.” Sirius muttered, finally looking at Lily not just in her general direction.
“It’s pretty.”
“Effie put it up.”
“Do you want me to get James to sleep here? I don’t mind sleeping somewhere else.” She offered then, feeling like a dick for trying to get him to move when clearly this was a comfort thing.
“No.” It wasn’t a sharp answer, but more reserved, not like the Sirius she knew for years.
“Okay, well, wake me up if you need too.”
“How do you fall asleep so fast?”
“Truthfully? I am beyond tired from my trip.”
“I get it.”
“Yeah, so let’s just fall asleep.” Lily didn’t want to keep poking at these fresh wounds.
“Can you ramble off a story?”
“What do you want to hear?”
“Any story.”
“There was once a boy with black hair I swore he never brushed and he fell asleep.”
“I didn’t mean one about Snape.” She laughed loudly at his comment.
“First off, be nice. Second, I meant you.” She had a smile with her eyes closed.
“Come on Lily, you always tell stories.”
“When I’m not dead on my feet.”
“Just one.”
“Want to hear what happened with my sister?”
“Always, I live for the drama.”
“She was so mad I was allowed to come here because my parents are real strict about boys with her, but they guess we spend enough time together there’s no difference with me. Anyway, when she heard about me coming here she locked me out of my room for a few hours until I threw a fit to my dad to get her to let me.” She could feel him laugh some.
“Remind me in the morning to tell James even your parents know it’s never going to happen.”
“I think his ego could be hurt even more.” She mocked concern.
“Oh his poor ego, we wouldn’t want to damage it more.”
“If the arsehole wouldn’t ask me once a week to go out he might stand a chance.” “Are you, Lily Evans, stating you might like one James Potter?”
“That’s the exact opposite of what I was stating.”
“It’s our secret.”
“Only person I share secrets with is Remus.”
“Horse shit. We have secrets.”
“Fine, we may have a few, but Remus and I gossip on rounds.”
“Why does that not surprise me?”
“Because we gossip in front of you as well.”
“How don’t you guys run out of things to talk about?” “Have you met James? He gives me enough to gripe about.”
“Does Remus ever talk about me?”
“That is completely confidential.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Hey, we keep secrets here. You know that.”
“I know, just curious.”