What the hand dare seize the fire?
James wanted to be good enough for her. Lily only wanted him to smile. The two of them were perfect for each other, and Sirius had bowed out without a word. He remembered the day he saw them sitting by each other on the very couch he was currently curled up on. He remembered the smile he gave James, the mouthed words, ‘it’s all right’, giving away his blessing and his heart in one move… And what shoulder, and what art… Lily knew. She never said a word, but her eyes were like Seer’s orbs, all-knowing and all-encompassing. She had stroked a slender finger down Sirius’ arm, gazing at him with love and concern and gratefulness for him. And Sirius found he couldn’t hate her for taking James away. Could twist the sinews of thy heart? The fire was burning even lower. Soon it would be out completely, until the next morning brought it back to life with the everyday rush of students clamoring throughout the Common Room. Sirius closed his eyes, not wanting to go back upstairs. He didn’t want to s
