Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Ecstasy in the Agony

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

January, 1978.

It's late Friday afternoon when Evan happens to pass by me in the halls. And as I look back to steal another glance his way, I see him following me at a distance. So I continue along, practically shivering with anticipation, knowing full well that he's following me the entire way. Turning one corner then another, I slow but don't stop until I finally find a deserted stretch of hallway.

"Mr. Rosier," I murmur teasingly as he approaches, hands in his pockets as he strolls leisurely towards me.

Smiling, he draws closer. Once within arms reach, he quickly loops his hand around my waist and pulls me along with him into the nearby stairwell.

"Oops," he whispers into my ear as he presses me against the wall, his body meeting mine as his breath tickles my cheek, "... What a completely chance meeting."

I laugh back at this, though as soon as his lips meet mine for a stolen kiss, that laughter is replaced with a sigh of tremendous longing.

"So tell me then, how are you spending your evening?"

A tantalising question, one that sends a shudder through me as the two of us dare to linger together there in the stairwell.

"Sirius and James are throwing a party."

"Or ..."

"... Or?"

As Evan pulls me in closer, I shiver, my heart rate quickening.

His fingers lightly drum at my waist, "... Or, find a way to sneak off. Sneak off and spend the night with Reggie and I. Alone, together; we'll leave each other breathless."

Of that I have no doubt -

Another kiss, and then another, "Well? What do you say? Would you -"

It's been nearly a week since our encounter together, though it's felt like an eternity. I need no time to deliberate and my answer's off my tongue before he's finished asking the question:

"- Of course. Where? When?"

Whatever the risk,

Whatever questions my absence may raise -

... I simply don't care.

I'll find my way to you.

...

Gryffindor Tower is absolutely packed tonight, and all around us are people from every house, drinking, laughing, partying.

Sirius and James throw damn good parties.

Of that, there can be absolutely no doubt.

And yet despite this, I squirm at the idea of being in such a crowded - and loud - place. Finding myself surrounded like this is overwhelming and bordering upon oppressive.

Especially when my mind's focused on one thing:

Getting out the door and to Evan and Reggie.

In fact, from the moment the party'd begun, I'd dedicated myself to finding my way out. And now, as I attempt to navigate past a small group of seventh-year Hufflepuff girls, I only narrowly avoid having one of them spilling a glass of Ogden's all over me.

"Hey!" They call out in annoyance as I try to scoot my way through.

"Sorry," I mumble back flatly, ignoring their irritated glares as I continue to try to weave my way across the common room.