what we shared

chapter 5

The next morning Laurie woke up later than the new usual-much later. Opposite her James was snoring and she rolled back over.
She decided to let him sleep and padded gently out the door.
"Morning! there's some tea and food downstairs for you." She was met by a cheery Mrs. Potter still in her dressing gown. "James still asleep is he?" Laurie nodded.
"Do you think I could borrow one of your recipes Effie? I want to cook something for me and mum tonight." Laurie immediately hated how hopeful she sounded, knowing there was a chance she wouldn't show up, it was too late to lower her expectation though. But Effie just smiled.
"Of course dear, come downstairs with me."

Laurie decided on a small roast chicken with trimmings and made her way back upstairs to say goodbye to James before leaving.
"Happy Christmas Eve you tosser." She pushed him over.
"Hm? rrnhhg?"
"It's almost midday."
"What?" He finally sat up, rubbing his eyes. "God, happy Christmas Eve." He pulled her in for a hug. "Good luck with your mum tonight." Laurie could tell there was more he wanted to say, the possibility hanging in the air, but they both dismissed it.
"See you, love you."
"Love you too."

* * * * *

That night Laurie had cooked dinner, lit the candles they'd had in a cupboard for years, and set the table, the whole time telling herself to not get her hopes up, and all the while knowing it was too late. She sat at the kitchen table, fidgeting with the cutlery and a loose thread on her sweater. Then she moved to the couch, watching the clock. After an hour she convinced herself it would be fine, her mum could heat up the chicken when she arrived wrapped in her black coat. Then after another hour she knew she wasn't coming.
She could go over to the Potters, they'd be more than happy to have her. But frankly she was embarrassed. They'd seen this pattern time and time again. And time and time again Laurie would convince herself things would be different. She didn't want to see the pitying look in their eyes. Not tonight. She sighed and got up to go to bed. She'd clean up in the morning.
Just as the doorbell rang. She practically sprinted to the door flinging it open, and coming face to face with,
"Sirius?"
"Happy Christmas Laurie." He wrapped his arms around her tight and it took a second for her to register what was happening but she hugged him back, his hair in her face.
"Happy Christmas-what are you doing here?"
"Sick of my family, so I hopped on the Knight bus."
"𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦!?"
He shrugged. "What are you implying Laurie, I'm tougher than I look. Now can I come in? It's freezing out here."
Laurie stepped out of the way, watching Sirius take everything in. The set table, and the smell of food in the air.
"Oh bollocks your mum, have I interrupted..." He faltered off noticing the look on her face.
"No, she didn't come." She shook her head, hating how it sounded.
"Oh, bummer. I'm sorry Laurie. Her loss, it smells amazing."
"I can pop it back in the oven if you want some?"
"Really? That sounds great, I'm starved. Got into an argument and left before dinner."
"So there was an argument? What happened? Only if you want to talk about it of course." She gestured at the couches and Sirius slumped into a seat.
"The usual. How could I, Sirius Orion Black, heir to the Black family inheritance do such a thing as be put in a different house, and accept it?" His chin was slightly quivering but he didn't stop. "And I just got so sick of it that I snapped at them. Why does it matter if I'm in a different house, it's not like I'm a different person." He fell short.
Laurie felt a familiar pang in her chest and her throat tighten.
"Wait here." Laurie ran up the stairs, skipping two at a time. The ring she had bought yesterday in it's box next to her bed.
Back downstairs she settled in next to Sirius, bringing her feet up and sitting on her knees to face him.
"I bought this for you. I don't know if it's your style, and don't feel obligated to keep it, you can just keep it in your pocket or return it-" She was rambling and took a deep breath before continuing. "It's ruby. It promotes loving, nurturing, compassion, and it's supposed to be protective. It's also associated with loyalty and honour, which reminds me of you. Because you are those things Sirius, and you should be proud. Not to mention it's Gryffindor colors."
Sirius' eyes were wide glancing between the ring and Laurie.
"Sorry if it's-"
"No I-" He paused, reaching into his pocket. "I got you this, for Christmas, and again, for helping me with the Slytherins." He pulled out a thin gold chain necklace. With a small ruby pendant attached. He was smiling now. "Guess we're just in sync you and I."
Now it was Laurie's turn for her eyes to widen. "I guess so." Sirius slid the ring onto his left index finger before poking Laurie in the forehead playfully.
"Perfect fit. Want a hand?"
"It's okay I've got it." Laurie clasped the necklace together at the back, admiring it. "Should we go to the Potters after dinner? James would love to see you."
Sirius grinned. "Sounds like a plan."