Sister (slow updates)

Chapter Nine

Our descent down to the first floor was slow, as I cautiously stepped down each flight of stairs. Remus stayed next to me, walking at my pace, in case I needed to lean against him. When we had finally made it down to the entrance hall, we slipped out the front doors and onto the warm, sunny grounds. Students milled around, doing various things outside on the grounds. A group of Hufflepuff third years were making their way back to the castle from the greenhouses. Several students were lounging on the grass, talking with friends, doing homework, or reading.

We walked across the grounds toward the lake, finding a nice tree to sit under. We sat with our backs against the tree as I opened my book. I was nearly finished, not having much to do the last few days. Remus sat with a book of his own open in his lap, knees bent to prop the book up. We sat silently for awhile, just reading and taking in the fresh air. Eventually, I leaned my head over against his shoulder while we read. He gave me a glance, but didn't say anything, just went right back to reading.

I finished my book while we sat there, under the tree near the lake. I closed it, sticking my bookmark in the front cover so I wouldn't lose it, and held it toward Remus. "You said you wanted to read it when I finished," I smiled softly. He took the book, closing his own.

"Thank you," he smiled. "I'll be sure to return it as soon as I've finished."

"No rush. I trust you with it."

He looked at his watch. "Should we head back to the castle? It's nearly dinnertime."

I shrugged and looked out at the lake. "Can we stay a few more minutes? I've missed the fresh air."

"Of course we can."

We sat a bit longer, silent, my head still on his shoulder as I watched the sun sinking lower against the trees on the other side of the lake. The wind blew lightly, sending a chill down my spine. Summer was ending. Autumn was quickly approaching. The weather was getting chillier, and the sun was setting earlier. Finally, I lifted my head and nodded, ready to go inside before James freaked out too much and locked me up for eternity. Remus stood, holding the two books with one hand and extending the other to me. I took it, and he pulled me to my feet.

When we had finally made it into the Great Hall, we quickly spotted James, Sirius, and Peter. James looked like he hadn't even touched any food. He was looking around nervously, saying something to Sirius. Sirius was the first to spot us, saying something to James, whose head quickly snapped our way. I sat next to James when we made it to the table, Remus sitting on my other side.

"Where were you?" James demanded as soon as we'd sat down. "You were supposed to be in the common room. I came down and you were both gone, but your homework was still sitting by the chair. Then Padfoot thought you'd already gone down to dinner, so we came down and I find out you're not here either." He looked at Remus. "You were supposed to watch her and make sure she didn't do anything to hurt herself."

"Jamie, please, we just went down to sit by the lake and read," I rolled my eyes. "It's not like I ran a marathon or anything."

"Remus-"

"Don't start on him," I cut off. "He didn't do anything wrong. You're the one being overprotective."

"You could've gotten hurt," he shot back.

"But I didn't! Merlin, James, you're suffocating me in that common room! I love you, Jamie, but I just can't stay cooped up in that tower all day everyday. I wanted to go outside! Breathe in the fresh air! Read by the lake in utter peace and quiet. Is that too much to ask?"

James looked at Remus. I couldn't see what he did, because I was still facing James, but whatever it was caused him to sigh. "I'm sorry, Jo. I didn't realize... I just wanted to protect you. I don't like seeing you hurt or in pain."

"I know, and I love you for it, I really do, Jamie," I sighed, "but sometimes it's overwhelming."

"I'll try to do better, I promise," he said gently, looking at me. I could tell he was upset. James always hated doing something wrong, especially when it had anything to do with me.

After dinner, we slowly made our way up the steps. Peter had disappeared, but James, Sirius, and Remus stayed with me, walking near my pace. James was glued to my side the whole time. Sirius walked a few steps ahead of us, stopping and waiting for us to catch up. Remus walked behind me.

"Please just let me help you," James begged as I stopped for the seventh time to catch my breath. "You look like you're in pain. I can take you to-"

"James," I breathed out, "I can do it."

"Jo, I don't want you to overdo it."

"I have a solution," Sirius said, walking back to us from his place just up the corridor. He reached me and turned around. "Get on my back. I'll carry you up the stairs."

"Sirius, I couldn't ask-"

"You're not asking. I'm offering. Just take it so James will shut up."

I sighed and looked at James, who was looking at me expectantly. "Fine. Just this once."

It felt simultaneously strange and comforting, Sirius carrying me back to Gryffindor Tower. He held a firm grip on the back of my legs, which were hugged around his waist. My arms wrapped around his neck while I leaned my head over one of his shoulders. James and Remus walked beside us, one on either side. I had tuned out their conversation, only focusing on the smell of Sirius' shampoo and the feel of his lightly calloused hands on the bare skin of my legs.

Everything began slowly coming back to me. Lily and Marlene's teasing about Sirius and I liking each other. My dream, in which Sirius and I were assumedly together. The tight feeling in the pit of my stomach when I smelled his shampoo. The warmth I felt when he was touching me, even if on accident. I hated the idea of Lily and Marlene being right about us. I hated the idea of Sirius genuinely liking me that way, after thinking this whole time he didn't see me like that. But, perhaps, it was all real. Perhaps it was all happening, slowly but surely.

And that thought terrified me.
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Hello hello hello!

Edited and posted this on the bus to sectionals for tennis!! It's going to be a long day, but it's going to be a lot of fun. If my partner and I make it to round 4 we qualify for state and I think that'd make a pretty good end to my senior year tennis season!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Vote if you liked it, comment things you liked or didn't, and I'll see y'all next week with a new update!