Like Magic

Chapter Twelve

Vernon woke to the sun streaming through the window of the room he shared with James.

He was eager to be on the moors and show both Petunia and Lily what a man he was. He had his trusty Scouting compass and sturdy boots. He even had purchased a good walking stick. He would be a drill instructor to these "recruits."

"Potter," he barked while leaning over James' bed. "Get up. Now."

James flew up in shock. "Huh?"

"We're going to the moor today, Potter," Vernon said standing over him in the same menacing way Professor McGonagall did when he'd neglected his homework.

James slowly started to rise out of his comfortable bed. Vernon pushed past him, knocking James back onto his bed. James moaned. Even Sirius had never awakened him so rudely.

"Me first, Potter. Do something about the heat in here," Vernon said, slamming the door to the toilet behind him.

Yawning widely, James reached under his pillow for his wand and lighted the fire. "Ugh, morning," he said, stifling yet another yawn. He stretched and glanced out the window. The sun isn't so very high, he thought.

"James," a voice whispered from the fireplace. He spun around and saw Lily's face. She was glancing around the room. "Where is he?"

"He's in the bathroom, but I can't say for how long. He's eager to be on the moors."

"We have to talk. As soon as you can, in the hallway," said Lily, her voice urgent. "And put out the fire."

James dressed rapidly and doused the fire. Lily was already in the hallway, pacing like a caged tiger.

"What's so important, Lily?"

"This is a disaster, James. Petunia is barely talking to me and Vernon found the Floo powder last night. I saw him in our fireplace."

"He probably thought he was just imagining things," James said levelly. "You know the old wizard axiom don't you? 'Muggles ignore what they don't understand.' Vernon strikes me as one of that sort."

Lily began to chew on her thumbnail. James, smiling reached over and held her hand in his. "It'll be all right, Lily," he soothed.

"I certainly hope you're correct about Vernon being ignorant," said Lily grimly. "I'd hate to have to call someone in to Obliviate him. By the way, do you think there is something odd about that dog?"

"What do you mean by odd?" asked James, shifting uneasily.

"Well, it feels like it is laughing at us. Do you think it's someone's familiar?"

"A dog? I've never heard of a dog being a familiar, Lily."

"I guess you're right. I'm just anxious," she said, beginning to lift her other hand to her mouth. James caught that hand too and squeezed them both.

"Once we're on the moors things should go fine. The only reason we have to come back here is to collect our bags. We could have Vernon and Petunia stay in the otter mobile."

"Auto, James. It's an automobile," she corrected him.

"Yes, we can have them in it, and run in here for the bags, and be on our way," he said easily, as if he had solved the greatest problem mankind had been striving to solve since the rise out of primal muck. Lily smiled at him, thinking how sweet and naïve he was.

"I love you, James." She leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips. He wrapped his arms around her waist and began to return a more passionate kiss. They heard a door open.

"Well..." came the lascivious chuckle. "Lily and Potter kissing in the hallway. Maybe you two didn't spend the entire night in your rooms?"

Petunia opened the door, having heard familiar voices. "Oh. I wondered where you had gone, Lily. I tried to ring Vernon but I couldn't find the telephone. Oh - " She looked uncomfortable suddenly.

Vernon quickly announced, "I found them snogging out here. What would your father say about that?"

Lily stiffened, ready to reply, but Petunia was quicker. "I think we should get some breakfast and collect our lunches if we are going to walk before noon. Besides, we should be home before midnight or Papa will have the police looking for us."

Breakfast seemed unnaturally tense. Lily was nervous that a wizard, witch or house elf might Apparate into the dining room right in front of Vernon. While it might be interesting to see his reaction, the distress it would cause Petunia was too great a risk.

Having had their breakfasts, the group arranged with the hosteller to keep their baggage until they returned from their hike. They collected their lunches and set out for a day on the moor.

Vernon pointed the direction they were to go. He felt quite dashing in his new sturdy boots with red laces, stout walking stick, and flashy cap perched on his head. He had a small rucksack across his shoulder that had both his and Petunia's lunches in it. Petunia had on wool glen plaid trousers, boots, and a heavy cardigan.

Lily and James each had a rucksack with their lunches, along with rain ponchos, torches (at Lily's insistence), a spare pair of socks, two 35 mm cameras, a small first aide tin and a short rope. Both Lily and James had their wands tucked into a pocket in their jackets.

The public footpath was well marked. Dartmoor looked much like any other moor. It rolled slightly in some places, with tors in some places and bogs in other areas. The heather was not yet at its full glory so the ground looked a drab greenish brown. The footpath was well used, and some parts of the track were muddy.

Vernon was annoyed that his new boots were becoming muddied with the sticky goo. He looked back at Petunia, Lily, and James. They were a distance behind him so he quickened his pace. He really wanted to impress them with what a good rambler he was. He swung his walking stick in broad arcs as he trotted along, never noticing the growing distance between himself and the others.

Petunia was relishing the walk. She looked around as she came to a steady walking pace. She regretted slightly allowing herself to be convinced to leave her jacket behind at the Winking Hound, because it was a little chilly even at this time of the year. The sun kept hiding behind the clouds.

"You know, Lily, I had my doubts about this," she said. "But it is pretty here - oh, Lily, look at this orchid!" Petunia fell to her knees to examine the flower more closely.

"I can't claim credit for it. It was all James' idea, Pets," Lily said, bending over to look at the plant with her sister. "These are lovely. They remind me a bit of the flowers in the gardens at Hogwarts." Lily bit her lip. Oh, dear, I'm in for it now ... we were having such a lovely day and then I had to bring up the sorest subject of all.

"Maybe someday I'll go back to see them," Petunia said quietly, and looked ahead at Vernon. He was striding further ahead of them. "I wonder if Vernon would like it up there?"

Lily was speechless. Oh my ... Pets, willing to return to Hogwarts?

"I'd like to show you my Scotland, Pets. The highlands are quite beautiful. When the heather is in full bloom - there is nothing quite like it. The sky is so big. And the light is so - I can't think of the word."

"Magical?"

"Almost," said Lily, glowing. "Usually it is dark and brooding, but when the sun comes out, it's radiant. It takes my breath away." Lily had a dreamy look on her face.

"I read a book about Edward the Seventh. He gave a piece of white heather to Alexandra when he asked her to marry him. Have you ever seen white heather, Lily?"

Lily chuckled. "Yes, James gave me a sprig when he asked me to be his girl. I thought it was the most romantic idea ever. Now I know it isn't original."

"Oh, Lily - " Petunia's eyes shone. "Are you and James - "

"No," said Lily quickly, blushing. "Well, yes, but not yet. We'll be married someday, but we aren't engaged just now. I want a bit of a life first."

"You can be engaged and still have a life, Lily," said Petunia.

"I suppose. I don't know. I love James, I want to marry him, but - just not yet. I suppose the white heather is just a promise that I will marry him someday."

"It's very romantic just the same, Lily."

"You're right. It is."

The sisters smiled at each other and stood, wiping the dirt from their knees. Arm in arm, they walked on in happy silence.

James walked along behind the girls, lost in thought. He was relieved that Lily and Petunia seemed to be getting along well, and though Vernon was walking a little faster than he'd like, he was glad that the man wasn't out of sight just yet. The moor didn't look particularly dangerous, but James well remembered his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes and knew it wouldn't be safe to completely let his guard down. Dartmoor in particular had a bad reputation for things happening to the unwary.

James glanced up to see Vernon nearly a quarter mile ahead of Petunia and Lily. How did he get so far ahead of us? This is no place to show off!

Vernon strode forward at a steady pace. He looked back at the trailing group. Petunia was talking to Lily. James was further back and looking all around. That hippie. Look at him! His hair's a mess, looks like it's never seen a comb. Jeans frayed at the bottom with patches on them. I have never seen boots like that before. Must be some strange snake or something. He keeps looking around like something is going to jump out and grab him. Bet he was smoking some of that marijuana stuff. Wonder if Lily has tried it too?

Vernon quickened his pace. It was hard work to walk so fast and he felt his heart pounding in his chest. He was on the rise of a small slope and paused again, looking around. Petunia and Lily were no longer talking and James was further back still. Vernon smirked to himself. He was proving himself to his satisfaction. Lily was certain to see what a man she had lost and Petunia was sure to see what a great catch she had in him.

The moor didn't look at all dangerous to him. What had Lily been so worried about? There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the ground was firm - not boggy at all. Vernon saw that the girls had moved along, and were now blocked from his view. Potter was still in sight, though, and was looking away from him. Vernon began to smile. I think I'll play a little joke on Potter.

Vernon left the marked path and began to circle around behind James. He'd seen from his vantage point that he would have to climb a small hill to get to where he could jump out at the unkempt hippie. This was going to be fun. When he'd been at Smeltings he had studied practical jokes more than his class work. Now, he would be able to laugh again at someone else's discomfort.

Vernon skirted around a wet area and began to walk up the hill. He got to the top and looked to see where James was, but couldn't see him. He stood for a moment waiting for James to become visible. Where is he? Vernon scanned the entire area trying to see Petunia, Lily, and James. Holding his hand to his eyes he turned a circle still trying to spot the group, growing increasingly annoyed by the moment. Did they manage to get lost?

Petunia and Lily walked on. Lily paused for a moment to take a drink of water. She offered her thermos to Petunia who had stopped too. Petunia handed the thermos back to Lily and looked up the path.

"I think Vernon must be a half mile ahead of us, Lily. I can't imagine what has come over him. I've never seen him so - athletic before." Petunia began to giggle. "You know, Lily, Vernon's main idea of exercise is kissing!"

"Oh, is that all?" Lily asked dryly.

"Don't worry, Lily," Petunia laughed. "I won't let him go any further, unless..."

Lily waited for her sister to continue, but finally her curiousity (as well as the funny feeling in her gut) got the better of her. "Unless what?"

"I've seen Papa negotiate a contract before and Vernon will not be getting me for free," Petunia said intently. "I intend for him to marry me before he gets anything."

"Petunia Abigail Evans! I am shocked," Lily laughed, amazed at Petunia's self-possession. "I never thought you were so mercenary."

"Lily, there is a lot you don't know about me," said Petunia. "I am perfectly aware that Vernon was interested in me as a way to further in his career. Mum said he was dating me just to further himself, not because he was interested in me. But in the last few months, I have come to believe that Vernon really does care for me - me, and not just as a way to get ahead at Grunnings."

"How do you know?" Lily asked slowly.

"Papa and I had a nice talk about that. He said that he was concerned that Vernon might be interested in me for selfish reasons. I'll admit I was upset after Papa said that and cried myself to sleep for a week. I thought maybe you had convinced Papa to say that. But then I thought more about it. I almost thought to break up with him entirely - but that would have put Papa in an awful position."

Lily stared at her sister, not believing the words she was hearing. She almost said something about Peter, but something told her to remain silent.

"Then I thought I should just be careful with Vernon. I was for a while. And I believe him when he says he loves me." Petunia looked off to the countryside in quiet reflection for a while.

Lily's thoughts were reeling. She hadn't realised that Petunia had deep reservations about Vernon - perhaps she still did. There's still hope then - all might not be lost.

Petunia looked at Lily and sighed. Lily was frowning, and chewing a nail, a sure sign of serious thought. "I know what you're thinking, Lily, and the answer is no," she said gently. "Peter is not the one for me. I love Vernon. And he really loves me too."

James had caught up with them while they had stood together talking. He stopped short, seeing something was passing between them. It didn't seem to be anger. James inwardly sighed in relief. He looked around. "Where's Dursley?"

Both girls looked at James in puzzlement. "Vernon?"

"Yes, him. Where is he?"

They all looked around. Petunia craned her long neck to look ahead of them. "He's just over the top of the next hill - isn't he?" she asked. James began to feel anxiousness creep into his stomach. "Don't worry, James, Vernon has lots of experience walking. He told me," continued Petunia, but she didn't sound very confident. "He wouldn't go too far ahead of us. Maybe he's found a nice place for us to eat." Petunia began to walk up the track.

Lily sighed nodding her head at James and the two of them followed Petunia's steps. Reaching the crest they looked around hoping to see Vernon Dursley sitting on the ground with his sandwich unwrapped. But the moor was vacant of people other than the three of them.

"Where is he?" asked Petunia, worried.

"He can't be too far off," said James. "Maybe he's off - er, taking advantage of Nature's facility."

Lily snickered to herself. "Well, I guess we should wait for him to finish," she said. Hope he finds a nasty leaf to use.

"Do you think we should see if he is all right?" asked Petunia.

"I think one of us should see if he is all right, James," Lily said. "You're the boy, so we elect you. Right, Pets?" Petunia nodded agreement.

"Oh, all right," said James. "I'll look for him."

James disappeared into the reeds, walking out about twenty yards. He began to circle the hill. Where the hell is he?

Petunia and Lily sat down to wait. "You don't think he's lost, do you, Lily?" asked Petunia, unable to keep the worry from her voice.

"Pets, it will be all right," soothed Lily. "Calm down. James will find Vernon. He can't be too far away."

"You're not answering my question. I think you know something about this place that you're not telling me. It seems - strange."

"Strange?"

"Don't pretend not to understand, Lily," said Petunia irritably. "You learned something at Hogwarts about this. What did you learn?"

Lily sighed. "Moors are not safe places to go for the unwary, Pets, you know that. I tried to warn Vernon. You heard me. People sometimes disappear in moors. There are all sorts of creatures that try to lure you into trouble." Petunia's face drained of colour, and her knuckles grew white. Lily reached for her sister. "Don't worry, Pets - James will find him."

Petunia pulled away from her. "You should have warned him, Lily," Petunia said.

"I did try, Pets," Lily said defensively. "Yesterday, several times! He wouldn't listen and neither would you. If he knew I was a witch maybe he would have listened to me."

"So that's it? It's my fault because I don't want Vernon to know? All right. You tell him then. You win."

"Pets, I don't think this is about winning or losing."

"Of course it is!" snapped Petunia. "You're always right, and I'm always wrong. You know so much more than I ever will, and you never cease to tell me so."

"That's not true!"

"There you are again, telling me I'm wrong," said Petunia. "Just stop talking, Lily. I don't want to hear any more of it."

Lily opened her mouth to argue, but Petunia had turned her back to her. She closed her mouth and decided that perhaps it would be wiser to let Petunia cool down a bit.

* * *

Vernon was getting bored. He had been waiting for what seemed like hours for someone to appear, and finally decided that he must be facing the wrong direction. Well, there's a prank failed. Might as well find the others. Vernon began walking.

After a bit, when he hadn't found the path again, Vernon became worried. Should have read that instruction manual for the compass. Shouldn't have left the path. Oh, damn!

Vernon struggled to pull his boots from the boggy muck he'd stepped into. Once free, he sat on the nearest log, and rested his rucksack on the ground, taking out the thermos. As he drank deeply, he did not notice the rucksack begin to sink into the muck until it was nearly consumed. Cursing, he reached for it, only to fall over in the mud himself.

He was kneeling in the stuff trying to stand when he felt hands pulling him down into the slop. Vernon began to struggle, which only increased the speed of his sinking. Taking a deep breath, Vernon strove to control his fear and remained still. Turning his head he looked around to see if he could see anyone about. There was no one.

"Hello," he called out then more loudly, "Hello! I'm stuck in the mud. Hello, anyone?"

Vernon thought he heard someone calling back at him. He strained his ears to listen.

"Hello!!!! I'm stuck in the mud. Hello, anyone?"

An echo. Damn. He began to struggle again. But the harder Vernon pulled, the more the mud held tight. It's like it's got hands of its own, pulling me in, thought Vernon grimly, and reached down to try to physically pull his feet free. When his fingers felt something strange on his leg, he looked down and nearly screamed. Thin, greenish fingers were reaching up from the muck and grasping his ankle firmly.

"Oh my God!" shouted Vernon.

The voice echoed right from the muck itself. "Oh my God!" Vernon looked around and saw a hand holding his compass going into the muck. Vernon was about to scream when he felt a firm hand seize his shirt collar and pull up. Vernon landed on solid ground with a thud, finding himself sitting next to James Potter.

"Are you alright, Dursley?" James asked.

"There's something in that muck, Potter," said Vernon, his voice unnaturally high. "I saw a hand grabbing my ankle."

"That was a Grindylow. There's probably half a dozen in there."

"Grindylow.? What the hell is a Grindylow.?"

"It's what was pulling you down," said James, and Vernon glared at him. "We better get out of here. Where's your rucksack?"

"I put it down to drink some water and it got sucked under the mud. And what is a Grindylow.?" Vernon asked, annoyed that James was so calm. I nearly died and he acts like this is a minor annoyance.

"It's a water creature that enjoys luring people into sticky situations," said James quickly. He stood. "Come on, let's move."

"Nonsense, Potter. No such thing," scoffed Vernon. "Next you'll be telling me there's such a thing as fairies and elves?"

James raised an eyebrow. "Well, Vernon, what do you think was pulling you down?"

"It was just the suction," Vernon said, very much in denial. "Just the suction."

"And that hand was just your imagination, I take it?"

"Yes - yes, that's it," said Vernon, knocking mud off his boots. "I was struggling in the mud - that's all. It was my imagination."

James shrugged. "If you say so, Dursley."

Vernon grunted. "You are a really strange person, Potter, do you know that?"

James chuckled. "Really? You think that?"

"You and Lily are just really two odd birds."

James shrugged, still smiling. "We should get back to Lily and Petunia. Petunia's very worried about you, did you know?"

"All she should worry about is if I'll marry her." Vernon stood and began walking off in what James knew was the wrong direction. James watched him for a moment, beginning to understand the dislike Lily held for Vernon.

"You'd be lucky if she said yes," James muttered under his breath.

"Well, Potter, are you coming?" Vernon called over his shoulder.

"I would, except you're going in the wrong direction, Dursley," said James dryly. "It's this way."

Vernon snorted. "I saw a light over there, just behind those reeds, Potter," he said. "You can't fool me. I'll bet it's an easier path."

James frowned, and his voice became more serious. "I really think we should go back the way I came, Vernon. The girls are undoubtedly concerned for us."

Vernon began to let his temper rise. "Potter, I am going this way even if you're not."

James stared at him a moment and then shrugged. "Fine, have it your way." He really is every bit the idiot Lily says he is. Better follow him and keep him from disaster - again! James grudgingly followed Vernon.

James heard the wings seconds before he saw the creatures. "Oh, shit," he groaned. "Dursley, cover your ears, now!"

"What?" asked Vernon, turning to look at James, and his eyes widened as he saw the swarm of Dartmoor pixies descend upon him.

James began to knock the pixies off his jacket, hoping that Vernon had managed to cover his ears in time. The dark blue creatures were incredibly sadistic, using their needle-sharp teeth to rip at their jackets. James held onto his wand tightly, using it to beat a pixie about the head once or twice, and finally knocking enough away from him that he could see Vernon, covered in a swarm of pixies.

The sight of Vernon Dursley being attacked by pixies would have made James laugh if the situation hadn't been quite so dire. Vernon was lying on his back, feet kicking in the air. The pixies were sitting on his chest and stomach, pulling off his boots and socks, digging through his pockets. One pixie was pulling Vernon's hair strand by strand from his head. Another pixie took two of its fingers and stuck them up Vernon's nostrils.

James felt a fierce pain in his hand, and looked to see a pixie with its teeth lodged deep in his palm. James shook his arm, dislodging the pixie into the muck, and swished his wand quickly. "Sacrarium tintinnabulum," he shouted, and the loud pealing of church bells filled the air. The pixies covered their ears in pain, and shrieking, disappeared back into the depths of the moor.

Once they were gone, James made his way to Vernon's side. "You all right, Dursley?" James asked, wincing at the painful bite on his hand. "You covered your ears in time?"

"Wh-what," Vernon stuttered. "What the hell was that?" He remained lying on the ground, afraid to move. Weakly he moved his legs. "My boot. I've lost a boot. I have to find my boot."

James sighed in relief. "Good, you did manage to cover them," he said. "The sound of a Dartmoor pixie screaming can render a person deaf, you know."

"Pixie?"

"Get up, Dursley," said James. "We can't stay here. Once they realise those weren't real church bells, they'll come back. Move." James cradled his arm but kept his wand in his injured hand.

"There aren't any churches out here," said Vernon, confused, but he began to struggle to his feet. "Why are you holding such a small stick? That won't knock those things away."

James put out his uninjured hand to assist Vernon. "Dursley, it's not a stick. It's a wand. Now please, start walking!"

"A wand?" Vernon said, his voice beginning to sound more like his usual sarcastic self. He followed James through the reeds. "Lovely, Potter, are you some sort of magician or do you just like to hold something phallic in you hand?"

James had had it. He stopped walking and spun around to face Vernon, his eyes flashing. "You know, Dursley, life would be so much easier if Lily didn't care so much for her sister's feelings, and would let me hex you from here to Sunday. You really are about as annoying a person as I have ever known - bar none, and I've known a few. And for your information, this wand shows that I'm a wizard."

Vernon stared at him for a moment, and then began to laugh. "You're certainly a self righteous bastard yourself, Potter," he said. "A wizard? You tell your girlfriend that Petunia is mine until I say she isn't - Lily Evans' opinion is of little consequence, and you can't do a thing to me."

"Let me tell you something, Dursley," James said slowly. "If you ever hurt Petunia Evans, I will personally come looking for you. There is nowhere you can hide that I will not be able to find you. I have a lot of friends that will help me too."

"What, like that pathetic Peter Pettigrew?" Vernon taunted. "Lily's the fool that put Petunia right into my hands. Lily doesn't know that, does she? If she had just kept her arrogant nose out of Petunia's business she might have gone back to him. But, no, she had to meddle. Hex me! That's a big joke. What kind of ninny do you think I am?"

James raised his wand and pointed it at Vernon. "Hysterium," he said very calmly.

Vernon was about to make a snide comment when he found himself on the ground, uncontrollably rolling in laughter. The laughter filled him from head to toe, and Vernon's face grew red and tears formed in his eyes. "S-s-stop, P-p-potter," he gasped through the chuckles. "H-h-hurts..."

James pointed his wand again and gave the counter to the hex. "I'm a wizard, Dursley. I don't pull rabbits from hats, and I don't like playing games. Don't mess with me or mine, Dursley. You hurt Petunia, and you'll hurt Lily. And if you hurt Lily, you'll hurt me. Understand?"

Vernon sat up, gasping for air. "What sort of tricks are you playing at, Potter?" he said angrily. "Did you and Lily drug my water? Do you really think hallucinations will work?"

James aimed his wand at himself and said "Aridus," instantly drying his clothing. Vernon stared at him. "No tricks, no hallucinations, Dursley," said James coolly. "It's magic."

"There is no such thing, Potter. And by the way," said Vernon spitefully, "I have friends at the Metropolitan and they have never heard of you. Law enforcement, eh? I am beginning to think you're in something highly illegal. Perhaps the IRA? You know they do raise the ire of the police here. If I were to tell them you and Lily were involved with that crowd - " He let the threat hang in the air.

"I don't think, Dursley, that you are in a position to threaten anyone. There are a lot of secrets buried in your closet that I don't think you would want Mr Evans or Petunia to know about."

Vernon snorted. "I don't know what you're talking about, Potter."

"They certainly would like to know about your bookkeeping. I bet Mr Evans would be very interested in why your expense reports are always so high? Or how you neglected to pay for your license? Or that you have been drunk in your company otter mobile while ferrying Petunia from party to party?"

Vernon was taken aback by this revelation. How did he know all this? And if he had been so blatant that some fool like Potter could spot it, then who else might know? "Er, say, James," he said quietly. "I think maybe we have misunderstood one another."

"You think?"

"I certainly never meant to suggest that you or Lily were doing anything illegal. I have Petunia's best interest at heart. Her mother is very ill and her father is so distracted with his wife's health - I only want to be of help. I'm sure you feel the same way."

"Petunia's best interest, and not your own?" scoffed James. "Not bloody likely."

"Well," said Vernon, forcing a laugh, "my interest in Grunnings is merely to help the family through this difficult time. Nothing more than that."

James aimed his wand at Vernon and dried him off. Vernon fought the urge to raise his hands to protect himself from Potter's wand.

"We better get back to Petunia and Lily," James said again.

"Right," Vernon said quickly as he limped along in the one boot he had left. "You won't tell Petunia what I said, will you?"

"Not as long as you make her happy," said James carefully. "But I meant what I said. You cause her any pain and any wizard that sees you will hex you."

Vernon was quiet, and James saw that his words had impacted the man greatly. James wasn't sure how he felt about his threat - James didn't like making threats, and he couldn't help but feel guilty for scaring Vernon, no matter how despicable the man really was. James pointed his wand towards the bogs, calling out "Accio boot," and neatly caught Vernon's boot as it flew towards them. He handed it to Vernon, who took it quietly and tied it back on.

It didn't take long before the men had reached Lily and Petunia. Petunia jumped up from the ground to take Vernon by the arm as he approached, and Lily took James aside.

"What happened?" she asked, low. James glanced over towards Vernon, who had dropped to the ground next to Petunia, exhausted.

"We just had to skirt around a rather large bog, didn't we, Vernon," James said looking at him intently.

"Yes, yes," said Vernon, "we had to skirt a rather large bog and it has quite tired me out, Petunia."

"Oh. Would you like a sandwich - where's your rucksack?"

"I lost it, dear. I was rather silly, and left it behind," said Vernon, looking over at James.

"It could have happened to anyone, Vernon," James said.

Lily noticed James cradling his wand arm. "James, what happened to your arm?" Lily asked quietly. "Let me look at it. Oh, James. What bit you?"

"Pixie," he whispered. He nodded to Vernon.

"Did he get bit, too?" Lily asked, getting the first aide kit out of her rucksack. "You covered your ears?"

"Of course we did! Vernon wasn't bit, but I don't think he'll ever be quite the same."

Lily finished cleaning the wound and bandaged it as best she could. "We probably should go back to the village. It's getting late. Maybe we should cut across the moors to save time."

"No," said both James and Vernon.

"I lost my compass in the bog," said Vernon. "We should really stick to the paths so we don't get lost. James, let me carry your rucksack for you."

"Thanks, Vern," James said, a smile playing on his lips. Vernon smiled back with ill grace.

Lily looked keenly at the two men, and then at Petunia, who stared at them in shock.

"Something happened out there," said Petunia. "They're - friendly."

"Perhaps we should just be grateful," said Lily.

James fell behind Vernon and joined the girls. "Erm," he said.

"Yes?" asked Lily.

"So those pixies - "

"Pixies?" asked Petunia.

"I had to get rid of them," said James carefully. "Vernon happened to see me do it. I'm sorry, Petunia - he knows I'm a wizard now. He doesn't know about Lily."

Petunia was quiet, and Lily couldn't resist asking, "What did he say?"

"Just what we thought he would say. No such thing."

Petunia smiled weakly. "I suppose it's better this way, isn't it?"

"I'm sorry, Petunia - "

"No, James, it's all right," she said, and walked ahead of them.

Lily pressed James' arm. "And?"

"I pointed out that there is such a thing as magic and he best not forget it."

Lily was confused by James' comment. She looked at him in silence for a few yards. "What does that mean, James?"

"I just told him he better not hurt your sister," James said evenly. "Ever. That if he did, any wizard he'd ever run into would hex him."

"James! You know that's not true!"

"I know that, but he doesn't," James said.

"You are too much," said Lily, but she was smiling. James tried to smile back, and couldn't. He still felt uneasy with the threat, and wondered if he could pull Vernon aside at any point to take it back.

Vernon was in a foul temper. His carefully laid plans for the weekend had come to ruin. His hopes to sneak Petunia away from the prying eyes of her older sister had failed miserably. His stomach was a bit queasy from the previous night. I must have had a bad pasty at the pub. I should tell the owner a thing or two about serving bad meat pies. My mouth feels like an army has marched through it. I must be coming down with the flu.

Vernon looked down at his feet as he carefully placed one foot in front of the other. His boots were covered in mud and soaking wet. The left boot made a sucking sound with each step he took. His hands and face were covered in scratches undoubtedly from the bracken he had fallen into in the bog. His trouser hems were wet, too.

Vernon wasn't certain who he was angrier with: himself or James Potter. Yes, he had boasted to Petunia that he was an experienced walker. Yes, he had chosen to come to this God-forsaken place with the hopes it would be less hilly. Yes, he had tried to play a practical joke on Potter, only to have it backfire. Vernon was certain he could hear Lily Evans laughing at him behind his back. He could hear Petunia struggling to catch up with him, but he would not slow his pace.

"Vernon," Petunia called.

Vernon turned as he walked to glare at her. Petunia recoiled at the rebuke in his eyes and stumbled. Over Petunia's shoulder he saw James Potter staring at him. Vernon slid his glance back to Petunia and gave her a smile that had no warmth in it.

"Petunia, my little pearl, take my arm."

James kept his eyes glued to Vernon's back as he walked down a small incline.

Petunia held onto Vernon's hand. "Vernon, we should stop and put some ointment on your scrapes."

"There is no need to fuss, Petunia."

"But they could become infected. I saw Lily put a first aide kit into her sack. It'll just take a moment."

"I'm fine," he said curtly.

"What's wrong, Vernon? Did I do something to upset you? Just tell me and I won't do it again," Petunia pleaded.

"You haven't done anything," Vernon said, patting her hand. "It's just that damned Potter. Why did he have to find me?"

"I'm glad he did."

"Don't say that," snapped Vernon, pulling away slightly. "Don't ever say that again."

Petunia was quiet for a moment. "I know he's a bit - different, Vernon, but he doesn't mean any harm - "

"He threatened me."

"What? He threatened you?"

"He's a freak, Petunia."

Petunia glanced back at Lily and James. They were walking some twenty feet behind, heads together, talking quietly. James didn't look at all threatening to Petunia. She knew that Vernon didn't approve of James: his hair, his dress, his employment were all quite suspect. Petunia herself wasn't certain what James was doing for work, but as it didn't appear to upset her father, she thought it must be all right. Lily looked up to see Petunia glancing at them, and smiled at her sister brightly.

"I know he's a bit odd, Vernon," Petunia said quietly, "but Papa trusts him."

"Your father is far too trusting, Petunia."

"Why did James threaten you?"

"How should I know? All I was doing was talking to him. You think he would have been more help in the bog. But, no, he let me fall down into the bracken and get all scratched up. The only thing he did was throw my boot at me!"

Petunia bit her lip. "Why had you gone off by yourself, anyway, Vernon?"

"I wanted to surprise you. But I got all turned around," he said.

"You had your compass and map with you. Why didn't you use them?"

"Petunia," Vernon said very slowly and with anger in his voice, "I don't like you questioning me like this."

"I - I am sorry, Vernon," Petunia said, feeling her stomach drop.

"I thought we would have a nice weekend here. Now it's ruined."

"I didn't mean to upset you, Vernon."

"I had just hoped to give you a memorable weekend. The sort you like to read about in those romance novels you're so fond of," Vernon smiled weakly at her. "I just wanted you to have a few days away from nursing your mother. Your sister could help out more, you know. She could come down on weekends."

"Lily is busy," Petunia said, flustered.

"Well, she seems to find time to go out with Potter, doesn't she? You'd think she could spare some time for family - especially for the mother who talks non-stop about how wonderful she is."

Petunia felt her eyes begin to sting with tears as Vernon's words struck home. Her throat began to thicken as the tears threatened to fall down her cheeks. Even Vernon notices! He's right though. Mummy has always liked Lily best. I try so hard to do what she wants and it is never enough.

Vernon felt Petunia's melancholy and shifted James' rucksack to his other shoulder. He wrapped his arm around Petunia's waist and hugged her in to him as he walked. He gave the top of her head a kiss. She leaned in to his embrace.

James watched as the couple walked up the hill and neared the crest. Maybe Vernon does really love her. I hope for her sake he does. She's a nice girl - no, woman. Petunia really does like him. If only Lily could see that.

The sound of the motorcycle took James by surprise. Huh, I didn't think we were that close to the road. The engine noise kept getting louder. Wait a minute - that's not from the road at all. It sounds like it's - above us!?

Vernon cried out in shock and fell backward down the hill rolling almost to James' feet. Petunia struggled to keep her footing and stared wide eyed at the sight above her head in the sky. A motorcycle soared in a roaring arc, its engine revving high.

"James," Lily said. "Oh. My. God. Tell me that isn't who I think it is?"

The motorcycle turned and landed with a great bump in front of Lily and James. The rider smiled impishly at them. "Well, well. Look who we have here? Lily and James," the man said as he took off his gloves and slapped them down on the handlebars.

Bloody hell, James thought as he looked over at Petunia who was still staring in wide-eyed wonderment at the unknown motorcyclist. James spared a quick glance down at Vernon, who looked as if he would have a heart attack.

"Sirius Black," Lily said, nearly shaking with anger.

"None other, gorgeous. You are looking ravishing, in a wind swept sort of way, Lily."

"What on God's green earth are you doing here?" Lily asked.

"Tsk-tsk, Lily. Is that any way to greet an old friend?" Sirius threw his arms open wide for a hug, which Lily deftly avoided.

"Sirius," James interrupted. "What do you think you're up to? Muggles could see you. Hell, Muggles have seen you," and he pointed to Petunia and Vernon.

Sirius followed James' gesture and noticed Vernon huddled at James' feet. "Well, what have we here? A nice plump Muggle - "

"Sirius," James warned.

"What's your name?" Sirius asked, giving Vernon an apprising look.

"V-Vernon Dursley. Motorcycles can't fly." Vernon had a very confused expression on his face. "They can't," he said with even more determination.

Sirius' gaze turned to Petunia standing still on the crest of the hill. He turned off the engine, lowered the stand and dismounted the motorcycle. He took off his sunglasses and said "Hello, there. You look quite fetching with the wind blowing through your long hair. You've got bloody fine legs too, from what I can see through those trousers."

"Eep," said Petunia.

"Sirius, stop it. Leave my sister alone," Lily hissed.

Sirius slowly and sensuously un-zipped his jacket, keeping his eyes on Petunia. Petunia gulped deeply, not wanting to watch, but unable to take her eyes away. Vernon saw her discomfort, and his face grew purple.

"That's your little sister, Lily? Well, she certainly has grown up," said Sirius, and he winked at Petunia.

"All right, Sirius, time to stop," James said stiffly.

Sirius looked back down at Vernon and smirked. "You have an interesting cologne on."

"He's had a difficult day," snapped Petunia, walking down the hill to help Vernon to his feet. "He was lost in the bogs, and a strange dog attacked him." Petunia glared defiantly at Sirius.

"Really?" said Sirius. "You must have done something to irritate him."

"Black, hadn't you better be on your way?" James asked, hoping Sirius would take the hint.

"I just got here, and I'm enjoying my conversation with Victor."

"Vernon," snapped Vernon. Irritation grew anew in him. He shook off Petunia's hand and crossed his arms.

"We better keep walking or it will be midnight before we get Petunia back home," Lily said, noticing the vein in Vernon's neck pulse.

"Mind if I ride along side of you?" Sirius asked coyly.

Petunia took Vernon's hand possessively and pulled him back up the hill.

"Don't you even think about it," Lily snapped. "You are in so much trouble, Sirius Black. You're going to get such a Howler from me when I get back to London."

"What'd I do?" Sirius asked.

Lily glared at him and stormed up the hill after Petunia and Vernon. Sirius looked at James and shrugged. "Women."

"Sirius, what do you think you're playing at? Riding a motorcycle into the moors with Muggles all around. Do you really think the Ministry is going to be amused with you?" said James, exasperated. "And last night! Lily's already suspicious of our monthly sojourns with Remus, and the last thing I need is her after me to register as an Animagi."

"That's what you get for being in love, Prongsy," sang Sirius.

"Don't think she'd let you off the hook, either, Padfoot. You'd be first on her list," said James, and Sirius laughed nervously.

"Well, she can't have a clue about what we can do ... can she?"

"Keep pulling stunts like last night, and you won't be laughing! Don't go back to the hotel until after we have gone."

"Well, this is boring," grumbled Sirius, and he got back on his motorcycle.

"Stick to the ground, Sirius, there are too many Muggles around."

"Right," Sirius said sulkily, and revved the engine. A moment later he had roared off into the moors, sending mud clods flying everywhere.

James watched him disappear before turning to follow Lily up the hill. Well, there's a day for you. God, I can't wait to be home.