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

XVIII

The weeks after the holidays drug on like a mule. There was no time for parties, there was only time for studies. Oftentimes, Rose would wake up asleep on Sirius, a book still open across her chest, and Sirius with a quill still in his hand. The six friends had barely enough time to sleep, and each woke up in the morning dark circles under their eyes. It was hitting Rose the worst. She stumbled about, seeming unaware of her surroundings. Her nose was constantly buried in a book, and exhaustion plagued her every waking day. It pained Sirius to see Rose like this. He worried for her, because no matter how obvious it was, the girl would not gift herself a break. He had pondered for weeks on end how to give his beloved a break and to score some time alone with her. It hit him one cold day in February.

***

Classes had ended for the week, the sun was beginning to set, and Rose was heading straight to the library. It felt so routine, so mundane anymore. She stared blankly ahead of her, her mind working furiously about five subjects at once. She turned a corner and felt a strong hand grab her wrist and pull her. She was met with a grinning Sirius Black, holding her against the wall.

"What are you doing Sirius?" she asked, sounding exhausted. "Giving you a break darling," he replied matter-of-factly. "Come," he said, dragging Rose behind him. Sirius ignored Rose's constant whines and protests of how she had whatever exam coming up, and she needed to keep her grade up in whoever's class. Rose was looking around bewildered as he drug her to some unknown place. She missed Sirius more than words but was filled with constant worry about her studies. Rose's head was so preoccupied that she didn't even recognize the familiar staircase she was being led up.

They reached a large wooden door, and Sirius finally turned to face Rose. She tilted her head and crossed her arms. "Sirius I," she began, but he put a finger to her lips. "Ah, ah, ah, Rosie. I'll hear none of it. Now close your eyes. No peeking." Rose sighed and pursed her lips, but closed her eyes nonetheless. She heard Sirius open the door and help Rose up to where the door led. "Okay," he whispered excitedly. "Open."

When Rose opened her eyes, her pissed off expression melted away into a soft smile. They were in the Astronomy Tower. Sirius had a small fire going in a muggle made, iron fire pit. There was a blanket laid out with frothy mugs of butterbeer, all sorts of candy, and enough food for the both of them to have dinner. A record player sat in the corner, with Rose's favorite Eagles album playing. Rose turned and jumped into Sirius's arms, tears beginning to well up in her eyes.

"Thank you love," she whispered, clinging onto him. Sirius kissed her head and spun her around. He put her down and looked down on her in admiration. Rose had her arms draped around his neck, and gazed at Sirius like he was the most beautiful thing in the world. "Well what are you looking at me for? Tuck in!" he exclaimed with a light nod towards the picnic. Rose smiled and began to eat, feeling the most relaxed she had in weeks.

Sirius watched her devour the food lovingly. He noticed Rose had been skipping meals to study, but he didn't realize just how hungry she was. Noticing his gaze, Rose looked up, turning pink in embarrassment. "I'm sorry I'm acting like a hog," she began, then looking down. Sirius waved his hand. "Shh, none of that Rosie. I know that you need to eat. You need to worry about your health too." Rose smiled a bit, thinking of how sweet it was that Sirius cared for her health in the way he did. She returned to her food, and the two laughed and talked by the warm firelight. It was clear just how much they missed each other. Rose hadn't looked this happy in weeks, and she was reminded what it was like to be in love with your best friend.

When they finished eating, the two leaned back on the blanket and snuggled close together, watching the sky be painted shades of violet, bright blue, burnt orange, and deep rosy pinks. Together they laid, appreciating the vast artwork above them. Rose gently nudged Sirius with her head. "I've missed you Black." Sirius ran his hands through her hair. "I've missed you too Rosie.. So much." Rose smiled to herself. She looked up at him. "Really?" she asked shly. Sirius leaned on his elbow and looked over her. "Like crazy, love," he replied, studying every inch of her face. She smiled and pulled him to her lips. They stayed that way till dawn.