Whimsical {James Potter}

Chapter 24

Chapter 24: The Silver Trio

It is not the first time Cressida has watched the station go past and had no need to wave goodbye. But this time feels better. She feels stronger. Because it is her decision that nobody was there besides James' parents who dropped them off. She wonders if one day they'll regret it. Maybe not so much her father, but her mother might realise when she's older and Cressida isn't there.

Sirius and James had disappeared to discuss something with the Prewett twins. Something about Peeves they mention before leaving. Remus is keeping to himself, reading a book on some muggle topic that he received for Christmas and Peter is already asleep, leaning against the window with his face sticking to the glass. Cressida sits on the opposite side to them, closest to the window, silent and thinking.

They have their first game against Slytherin just a week after they return and having missed nearly fourth months of training, plus very little formal training over the summer holidays has left her with almost a year without anything to keep her skills in check. Cressida can't lie and say she's not at least a little bit nervous for it, especially against one of the dirtiest teams Slytherins have formed in many years. Maybe she could ask James for some extra sessions throughout the week. Maybe one on one isn't the best at the moment.

Just as that thought comes to her head, the said person, and his devilish companion saunter back into the compartment. Cressida prays that Sirius would take the spot next to her, but alas James contently flops down on the padded lounge with a jovial sigh.

Cressida shuffles slightly closer to the window, turning her head to watch England's land fly past.

"I gave Lily the book," James announces.

Remus marks the page on his book before closing it. "And how did that go?"

James grins proudly, his chest puffing out. "Remarkably well."

Remus' eyes shift to Sirius, almost asking for a factual recount instead of his friend's typical overly optimistic viewpoint. Sirius shrugs, folding his arms. "I'll give it to him," he says, "Evans said thank you and took it. A bit sceptical but can't blame her."

Cressida pins her eyes on Remus', trying to conclude if her suspicions are right. But to his credit, the sandy-haired boy gives nothing away but simple delight for his friend's achievement. "Thanks for the idea of a book," James says to Remus. She can see his face turn to look at her. His hand reaches over, grasping her knee in a casual gesture. "And thank you for the idea of a gift."

Cressida's throat bobs in a slow gulp. She forces a straight smile and nod, only glimpsing up at him for half a second before looking back out the window. The hand on her knee squeezes it once more before retreating to the owner's lap. A hot rush of blood pools in her cheeks; from both the touch and her frustration.

Another set of eyes are pinned on her. She tries to resist looking, very much aware of how open her face is to them, but paranoid about the unknown, Cressida looks forward to meet Remus' sharp gaze. Upon meeting it, the exchange only lasts a few seconds before he looks away on his own account.

Their conversation prattles on about nonsensical topics that she really cannot be bothered to keep track of. As the train jostles about naturally, she feels every motion – every brush against a body that isn't her own.

Out of desperation, she observes the other side of the compartment, but Peter's snoring figure against the window, his legs stretched out over the space she could have taken.

"I'll be back." Cressida pushes hastily off her seat, clambering over legs until she reaches the sliding door. Clammy fingers barely keep a strong hold of it, leaving it ajar after she leaves. The train's corridor comes with a breath of air that is finally free to take. Pausing just out of sight of the door's window, Cressida leans against the outer wall with a hand laying on her stomach.