Engraved Love | J. POTTER

20 | camping trips and escapees

J A M E S P O T T E R

Ophelia gripped his hand in hers as they looked around the area. As per usual, the seventh years got to go on their camping trip. There were concerns expressed due to recent events but McGonagall assured everyone that as long as they stayed within the borders of the protection spell, they would be safe.

James's thumb brushed gently over her hand. "Hey," he whispered, grabbing the girl's attention, "If you want to go back, I'm sure McGonagall won't mind sending us back."

She shook her head, "No, it's fine. I'm just a little nervous, is all."

He squeezed her hand in comfort, "Let's go find out where Remus, Sirius and Peter went." He led her through the campsite and she rubbed her upper arm, trying to keep warm. "Here," he said after a moment, he released her hand and she turned to look at him. He slipped off his jacket and handed it to her.

"No, it's okay," she shook her head.

"Take it," he suggested, "You're cold."

She smiled at him before placing the jacket on. He took her hand again and she laced her freehand around his arm, resting her head against him. He leaned down and kissed her head, "You okay?"

She nodded, "Never better."

O P H E L I A L O V E G O O D

"I'm bored," Sirius announced and Ophelia rolled her eyes. Peter, James and Remus had disappeared to who knows where leaving the two alone.

"They'll be back soon," she pointed out, "Be patient."

"I vote we go for a walk," Sirius suggested and Ophelia turned to him in confusion.

"You want to walk in a circle?" she inquired.

"No, I want to leave the circle," he informed her, standing up.

She shook her head, her eyes widening slightly, "We're not supposed to leave."

"I'm aware," he replied, "But if you're too scared, I'll just go on my own."

"Sirius," Ophelia hissed. She looked around for James, Remus or Peter but none of them were around. "Sirius!" He had left the barrier and she shook her head in disbelief, "Damn it."

She got up from where she sat and went after him. "Sirius Black, I swear to Merlin, if you don't start walking away right now-"

"What exactly are you going to do about it, Loony?" he inquired and she jumped. She turned around to face him with an irritated expression.

"Bloody hell," she muttered. "How do you do that?"

"It comes with the whole being a dog thing," he explained and her eye twitched slightly. "You really shouldn't have come after me."

"Was I supposed to just let you wander off on your own?" she inquired and he nodded as though it were obvious. "If anything had happened to you, it would have been on me."

J A M E S P O T T E R

"Has anyone seen Ophelia and Sirius?" James asked the group and they all looked up.

"Not since earlier," Peter replied as he looked around.

"Last I saw them, they were by your tent," Lily announced, gesturing to the area they had been at.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Remus grumbled as he stood up.

James grew confused, "What is it?"

"Sirius is a bloody idiot is what," he replied as he started toward the edge of the barrier.

"Wait, where are you going?" Lily asked as she looked between the boys.