Silent Screams | J. POTTER

15 | shrieking shack

"I know you've already given your answer," James said as he drew circles on Romi's arm. Everyone had gone to bed ages ago but the two remained sprawled out on the couch, nothing but each other keeping them warm. She wiggled, pushing her back into him. "I just want to make sure you know that it's an option."

Romi remained quiet for a moment, taking in his words. "I know," she said, her sight focused on the simmering fire. They had lit it a bit ago but when it started going out, they did nothing to stoke it. "I'm not going to change my mind though."

"I know," James said, placing a kiss on her cheek. She smiled, relaxing in his arms. "You're okay with us staying with Remus?"

Romi hesitated. She didn't want to be controlling, as she had been when she first found out. "I don't know," she admitted and he nodded slowly at this, taking in her words. "I guess I'm just worried, is all. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"It'll be fine," he told her, tightening his hold around her, "If anything happens, I'll just shove Sirius and Peter into the line of fire and bolt." Romi turned herself in his arms, maneuvering herself so that she was not facing him. He grinned and she had her eyes narrowed on him, "Hey, it'll be fine. You'll see."

She leaned up, pressing her lips against his for just a moment before she nuzzled her head into his chest. "Thank you," she said and he held her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He almost asked what she was thanking him for but he decided against it, her breathing leveling out, the girl falling asleep swiftly.

The following day was the full moon and Romi was exhausted. It was an off day, neither of them having classes so he was able to spend the time with her, despite his friends' complaints. The pair were doing their best to be aware of how much time they spent together in comparison to their time with the group. Romi didn't want to get in the way of James's relationship with his friends anymore than she already had.

James had his arm wrapped around her, her head resting on his shoulder as they made their way through the school, heading towards the entrance to the Shrieking Shack. Romi had her eyes closed, resting a bit before the shift, allowing James to lead her to the spot. "I'm scared," Romi spoke and James lifted his head in surprise. "Sorry, I'm sorry."

"Hey, no, what is it?" he asked, stopping for a moment. He turned to look at her, the worry clear in his expression. She shook her head slightly and he took her face in his hands, "Romi, hey..."

"It's okay," she replied, upset with herself for saying anything. Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut? "They're waiting for us," she reminded him. "We should hurry."

"Romi!" he tried but she had already started walking ahead leaving him in the hallway. He closed his eyes for a moment, worried he had said the wrong thing. By the time he made it to the Shack, Romi had already tucked herself away in a separate room. He contemplated going to see her before the moon was fully up but decided against it.

"Don't take it personally," Remus reminded him and he turned in surprise. Of course he had known the boys were there but he hadn't expected them to be watching him. "It's because of the moon."

"Yeah, I know," he replied, his sight moving back to the door she hid behind. It hadn't felt like it was because of the moon. It felt like they had both been walking on eggshells around each other, waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was like someone had set a timer and they were just waiting for it to run out. Like watching the sand in a sand timer slowly trickle to the other side.

By the time the moon was at its peak, James couldn't be bothered to enjoy the bonding moment between the boys. It felt like he was forcing himself to be there. Remus had offered for him to leave before the turn but James wouldn't do that to him. But a part of him wishes that he had and maybe things would have gone differently.