Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Back to Heaven

Returning to my room, ostensibly for the evening, I find myself secretly struggling to summon the patience to wait for midnight.

Midnight: my opportunity to slip away unnoticed and back to Reggie.

As I make my way through the common room and down the hall I frown, slowing as I reach my dorm room.

Unusual, the door being left open like that -

Unusual because Mary'd mentioned she'd be out late this evening, catching up with some of her Hufflepuff friends.

Unusual, because even if she decided to stay in, we both tend to keep the door closed -

... Mustn't have shut it all the way on her way out, and a draft blew it open.

Shrugging to myself, I push the door all the way open and walk in, my eyes widening in disbelief as I take in the sight of the person sprawled out on my bed.

ON MY BED!

"... Peter?"

Pursing my lips, I hesitate. Then, shutting the door behind me, I approach him slowly.

He sits, fully reclined, hands tucked behind his head and staring back at me expectantly, "Evening, Y/N."

"... What's going on, Pete?"

"Not much. Just found myself thinking about you. And so I thought I'd surprise you."

It's quite a surprise, you in my room like this, yes.

... And not one I fancy. Not at all.

I don't say anything, instead I stare at him with a look of frustration, arms crossed.

He nods at me sympathetically, "... Bad day?"

"No."

"So why the frown, then?"

Why the frown?

Why the frown?!

You're in my room, in my bed, uninvited.

... I'm just going to be completely clear with him, draw the line.

He'll understand; I'm sure he means no harm.

"Because I'm a bit - I'm a bit annoyed by this. By finding you here like this."

"And why's that?"

Really? I actually have to explain this?

"Well, because ... because you shouldn't just sneak into my room, Pete. It's not cool."

He stares back at me as if deep in thought, then shakes his head dismissively, "First of all, I didn't sneak. Sneak's an ugly word. I walked right in. I even knocked first. It's just that no one was here."

Ok?

... And?

My frown deepening, I continue to stare down at him.

But Peter just shrugs, "Second. Why not? We're friends, right? I wouldn't mind if you wandered into my room."

Sighing, I shake my head and prepare to challenge this, but he rushes to continue, "- And if it were Prongs, or Padfoot, or Moony, you wouldn't mind! I know for a fact you wouldn't!"

"Right, but -"

"So I don't see why I'd be any different!"

"Because -"

"It's not fair!"

Dropping my bag down onto the end of the bed, I lean towards him, my face gravely serious, "Pete, I need you to hear me, ok? Really, really hear me. Perhaps my waltzing into your room would be fine with you, but I'm telling you I don't like it. I just don't. And I'd appreciate your respecting that. As to your other point - it's - it's ..."