"I can't wait to get inside" James was beyond excited as we approached his home. I looked upon the large house. Have I ever been to James' house? I would've remembered it wouldn't I? As we got closer I noticed the vines that were struggling to grow in the cold and the large icy windows. The yard was huge and covered in a thick layer of snow, it looked peaceful. I doubt they were bothered by muggles too, the nearest town was a fair distance away. "James dear, can you show Elsie her room" Mrs Potter smiled and left through the dining room. The main entrance was long, to the left there was the living room and the right the dining room. At the end of the hallway was a staircase and another room that I couldn't quite make out. "This way Elsie" James grabs my hand and leads me up the stairs, Sirius following closely behind. The top hallway, just like the bottom was long and held many family photos. A few of what I suppose is James' relatives, but what caught my eye was the baby photos. A little mess of dark hair and hazel eyes filled with wonder. "Prongs you didn't tell me you were a cute baby"
"Oh please, I'm anything but" He joked and lead me further down the hall. "Now your rooms on the left, to the right is Sirius and mines on the other end of the hall" He explained. "The bathroom is just across from my bedroom too" I opened the door to my room and smiled. It reminded me of home. "I know it's not the same, but Sirius and I did the best we could" In the corner of the room was a bed with navy sheets, with a bedside table that had a photo of the boys smiling and goofing off. There was a wardrobe opposite to the bed, which I'll have to fill later. In the other corner of the room was a desk with a few boxes on the side labelled Elsie."Thank you, it's amazing" The two left to unpack their trunks, it seemed like a good idea.
Might as well start finding a home for everything. It didn't take long to unpack all my clothes, it was surprising how much I owned. The more and more I unpacked, the more the room felt like home. I was finally on the last box and began to work, it seemed to be full of childhood items. My old teddy bear Harold was the first item I picked up, his dark fluff had faded to a pale grey and its eyes were two different buttons. I remember when Danny attempted to fix them, but couldn't find a button that matched. One was blue while the other was black. I felt a small smile spread on my face as I placed him on the bed. I reached further into the box, finding old toys and books I owned. After a while the room was starting to feel more like home. I look through the box and found a small rectangle shaped package. Another photo album perhaps?
********
"Elsie? James says dinner will be ready soon" There was a gentle knock at the door. "Is everything okay?" I kept my eyes to the floor. The door creaked open. "Merlins beard, what happened?" I kept my eyes focused on the floor. I didn't want him to see me like this, I thought I was finally moving on but... It still hurts. "Elsie" Sirius sat beside me on the floor and that's when I finally looked up at him. His silver eyes full of worry, his dark hair tied back with only a few stray curls. My eyes travelled towards the photo album that lay open on the floor. I focused on the larger photo... The one of my family. My mother smiling brightly with me in her hands, my father and uncle behind her looking as cheerful as ever. Sirius caught sight of the photo and picked it up. "Is that your family?" I nod. He doesn't say anything, instead he just pulls me close. "I will always be here for you, I promise" We stayed like that for a while before he caught sight of another photo. It was a newborn baby wrapped in a pink blanket. In the top right corner was a label. "Elizabeth? Was that your mothers name?" Sirius asks but I shake my head. "Whose is it then?"
"Mine..." I mumbled. "What? You're joking right?" He looked at me with disbelief. "I uh... I never liked it. Stopped using it when my mother passed away" I had never told anyone that, I never liked my name. It seemed too proper which is why I preferred Elsie, it was short and simple. Besides... I couldn't bare the thought of people calling me Elizabeth, my mother was the only one who really used it. "Well I think its beautiful"
"Think you could keep this between us?" He smiles and pulls me closer. "Of course, your secrets safe with me" A familiar warmth filled inside, it made me feel at peace. "Stay with me?" I whispered, hoping he would stay. "Of course"
***************
Since living with the Potters, time has flown. Christmas was amazing, I don't think I could thank James' parents enough. They have been so kind and patient with me. Mrs Potter was even kind enough to have even knitted me a crimson sweater for Christmas. Though it was a size too large, it was very cosy. I've worn it nearly everyday since I had gotten it. "I can't wait for the fireworks" Peter chirps as we made our way further into the fields that surrounded the Potters home. It was new years and James wanted to celebrate it with everyone, he had even set up the fireworks himself. "Yeah, but how much further are we going to have to walk?" Sirius mutters. "It's not that far, stop complaining Padfoot" James stopped us as we reached a large hill. "Wow Prongs, you really outdid yourself" He had set up a large blanket with pillows scattered about. "You haven't seen anything just yet"
It took a few moments for us to get settled. Peter was sitting at the edge of the blanket, anxiously awaiting the fireworks, Remus however was wrapped up in a cloak and was sipping on a hot chocolate he had brought with him. Sirius and myself were sharing a blanket he had brought. We watched as James was fiddling about with a lighter. "You have done this before? Haven't you Prongs?" Remus speaks up. James looked up from his set up. "There's a first for everything... Just give me a moment" He ran down towards the bottom of the hill. We sat in a peaceful silence, well that was before a small light shot up into the sky, the higher it got more lights followed. The light burst into colour. From blues and reds to greens and purples. Each lighting up the sky. "Its beautiful!" James ran back up and joined us. "Happy New Years!" He smiles, he seemed so proud of himself.
"Look at this one!" We all turn towards the large white light shooting into the sky. It exploded into a rainbow of colours. It was the biggest firework I had ever seen. "Elsie" Before I could even respond Sirius pulled my face towards his. It was so sudden, the feeling of his lips on mine. I didn't realise how much I missed this. I smiled into the kiss and wrapped my arms around him.
