Whimsical {James Potter}

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: A Party to Bore

Though Cressida had thought her troubles would lie in hearing about her loss of the Keeper position from the other students of Hogwarts, it is her friends who are the ones constantly reminding her of it. She's sure they have the right intentions, wanting to emphasise their anger in her place but she really rather wishes they'd just let her wallow silently.

Andrews hasn't said anything to her, and she doubts he will. He'd probably get enough satisfaction by coming to training in the Keeper's uniform alone and watching James glower at him. Not only because James is just as, or even more so pissed at him than her, but he's one of the most competitive players currently at the school and Andrews doesn't hold up to his standards.

But for now, the day is warmer than it has been in the near two months they've returned to Hogwarts as she and Sirius wandering down the stone steps towards their outdoor Care of Magical Creatures class.

"Your birthday is coming up," Cressida says, holding her books to her chest. Wanting to soak in the nice weather, her cardigan is left lying over her bed, leaving her in an untucked white blouse and loosely tied tie. "Any thoughts to want you want?"

"Firewhiskey," Sirius answers immediately, chuckling at her exasperated expression. Like her, he's left his grey jumper behind, and his white sleeves are folded up just above his elbows. His collar is half propped up and his tie is barely hanging on. "Seriously though, just some alcohol and a good night is all I want."

Cressida considers it. She wants to do something special for him but he's not the type to underplay an event for the sake of modesty. If that is all he wants, then that is what he wants. "Good thing it's a Friday then," she muses. "How many people do you want around?"

He clicks his tongue, holding out a hand as he begins to count to himself. "Four," he declares. Cressida pinches her brow in confusion before realising he's only counted her, James, Remus and Peter.

"Sirius, are you sure?" she questions slowly. "Because I'll be making sure whatever you want happens and I don't want to cancel any major parties James might be thinking of throwing if you want one."

"Trust me, Cress. I love a good party but not for my birthday. Why should they get to celebrate my life when they aren't a part of it?" Cressida pauses mid-step, dumbfounded. Sirius walks another few before realising his companion isn't next to him anymore. He looks back at her, raising his brows. "What?"

Slowly her legs begin to move again as she shakes her head. "Sometimes you say the stupidest things and other times you say something that sound like they would come from wise old grandparents or something."

"I think I'd be an amazing grandfather," he gloats with a pull at his lips that some may mistake for a smirk, but Cressida can tell the sincerity behind it.

Cressida smiles in agreement, having no doubt that Sirius would do his absolute best. She knows the struggles he faces in his own home, and he'd have to be under the imperious curse to want to put anybody else through it. "You'd have to have grey hair to qualify as a grandparent," she goads. "I think it would be quiet the look on you."

Sirius' nose shrivels up. "I will be dying my hair. Either the muggle way or hope someone invents a potion by then."

Xx

"Come with me. Please."

Cressida laughs silently, shaking her head determinedly while she lays about near his pillow. "I'm good," she draws out. James clenches his eyes shut, hunching over the end frame of his bed with his head hanging between his shoulders. "Just don't go." But she knows why he is going to. She honestly admires his stubbornness. "Is it all really worth speaking to her for like two minutes?"