Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

The Crate

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

June, 1978.

The last day before graduation, and I find myself completely overwhelmed. Because while I've long known my time at Hogwarts was destined to come to an end, actually finally reaching it is completely shocking.

Fact of the matter is this:

I'm simply not ready for this chapter to close.

And I'm so terrified for what awaits us;

The unknown that lies beyond the protection afforded by these walls.

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, of course. In fact, I can't think of a single person who wants our time here to end.

In true Marauder fashion, we decided that if we were going out, we'd go out with a bang. That's why it was hardly surprising when James and Sirius burst through the Common Room a few days ago announcing a final, massive party.

"The party to end all parties," to quote Prongs word for word.

And though I do want to spend my last night together with my friends, I find myself once again conflicted, wishing I could somehow be everywhere all at once. But of course, as soon as the opportunity presents itself, I can't help but to slip away to meet Reggie and Evan once more.

... Time to be quite candid about the fact that I'm addicted to them -

To us.

I think I'd happily spend the rest of eternity running to them.

Reggie and I find each other first. We'd all agreed on meeting in the Room of Requirement.

A tribute to sentiment, seeing as it'd offered us a much needed sanctuary during our final months here.

Sure enough, when I sneak into the Room, Reggie's already there waiting for me. He'd arranged it so the Room was set to mimic a beautiful starry night sky. And as I step inside, the sight of the scene above us takes my breath away.

Our favourite:

The sky, the stars, and us.

Beauty in simplicity; so very Reggie.

Hands finding their way onto my waist, Reggie guides me back against the door and begins kissing my neck with an especially urgent longing.

"Missed you -"

"Missed you -"

As I kiss him back the door suddenly opens behind us, causing me to fall fully into Reggie as the two of us stagger several steps forward.

"Don't worry. It's only me."

Evan's whisper to us as he steps in quickly and shuts the door behind him. And then, a decidedly more teasing murmur as he reaches forward and loops his arms around both Reggie and I, "Don't tell me I'm late?"

Right on time, actually.

After he kisses each of us he glances upwards into the darkness, his tone one of audible appreciation, "Who made the stars, then?"

Reggie's unexpectedly shy whisper hits my cheek as he replies, "I did."

Evan just sighs as he pulls us ever closer, "You did an amazing job. They're completely beautiful."

...

... It's there as we lay together and rest our heads against one another that we make our final plans regarding what's to come next for the three of us.