When the Roses Went Black: The Lost Lover of Sirius Black

IV

A Day at the Races played on her muggle record player, and Rose did a final once over in the mirror. She shouldn't be this concerned about how she looked; everyone had seen her look much worse, but nonetheless she looked. Her long black curls cascaded down her back. Light jeans flared at her ankles, and she had tied her black and white button up into a bow above her waist, with white strappy sandals on her feet. Spraying herself once more with perfume, Rose was satisfied with her appearance. She'd never confess it, but the whole time she was getting ready, her mind danced with thoughts of how Sirius would look. He was so effortless in his looks, and she believed it quite unfair.

Lily came out of the bathroom in white jeans, a green sweater, and black converse. "Lily! You look stunning!" Rose squealed. It was true, the green complimented Lily's hair perfectly and her red lipstick created a beautiful contrast with her fair skin. She flushed. "You really think so? You think James will like it?" "No," Rose said sternly. "He'll love it." Lily's look of apprehension melted into a smile. Rose knew the way James made her feel, and it was so refreshing to see her best friend so happy.

It was 10:57, so the girls decided to head to the boy's room on the other side of the dorms. While walking, Lily slung her arm around Rose. "You know," she began, "I believe Mr. Black has a thing for you too." Rose laughed. "Why you'd throw in the 'too' at the end is a mystery to me." Rose was a good liar, and could fool most people. But not Lily Evans. Lily spun her around, grabbed her shoulders, and looked her dead in the eye.

"Rose Daniella Maria Ferbreezeo. You are LYING to yourself. You know you like him, and I'll be damned if he doesn't feel the same. If you both would open your eyes, you'd see that, but you're both too stubborn to admit it," Lily finished in a huff. Before Rose could reply, she spoke again, but this time, gently and with a smile. "And before you ask. Yes, he will love it." Rose didn't know how, but Lily knew her better than she knew herself. Lovingly bewildered, she smiled, and Lily threw her arm around her again as they knocked on the bedroom door. But nothing prepared Rose for what she saw when it would open.

***

It was 10:59 when Sirius Black opened the bedroom door. He and Rose both let out small gasps when they looked at each other. She looked tailor made for Sirius, everything more perfect than what he ever could have envisioned. He felt his heart rate pick up, and his leather jacket was suddenly all too hot. He fought the urge to toy with the silver Cross that hung around his neck, a habit he picked up when he was nervous. Sirius Black was mesmerized, convinced that there would be no other woman to match the beauty of the one standing in his doorway.

***

Rose gasped as she looked at Sirius, unable to notice his similar reaction to her. He wore a plain white t-shirt, his leather jacket, a silver Cross necklace, destructed jeans, and boots. He looked like if a god played guitar for The Doors, and that alone had her heart in a vice grip. James finally broke the staring contest by beckoning them to come in.

Lily winked at Rose, who gave her an elbow in the ribs. As Lily went to go kiss a starstruck James, Rose sat on Sirius's bed and watched he and Remus pour drinks. The air was light and everyone wore a smile. The boys helped pass out Firewhiskey. The six friends all sat about the room in a sort of circle, and Remus enchanted his muggle record player to start playing a Tom Petty album. Sirius sat down next to Rose, and James stood up, glass high in the air with his arm around Lily.

"Here's to you," he began smiling. "And here's to me," Lily added. Remus continued: "And may we never disagree." "But if we do," said Peter. "The hell with you!" Sirius and Rose yelled. James finished: "And here's to me!" The group all cheered and took drinks. Lily ruffled James's hair, Remus and Peter took long sips of their drinks, and Sirius planted a quick kiss on Rose's cheek, something he had done since they were 13. She leaned on him, letting her buzz take over. Everyone smiled, content. The rain poured outside the castle walls, and darkness was closing in. But in their little room, the six friends laughed as though they never would again.