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

XXVII

After two weeks, Peter had finally rejoined the group. He was met with lots of hugs and lots of questions. Rose had to confess, he looked a lot better than what he did in his school days. He was dressed neater, he had shaven, his hair was always gelled and combed, and his skin had cleared up considerably. Wherever he had been (France, they found out), had done him wonders.

"I'm sorry for not writing," he expressed sincerely. "But with the war, I needed time to find the good that's left in the world. The world is so much bigger than England, so much bigger than Voldemort. It's magical what there is to see, and what we all have yet to see." On and on Peter gushed about France, and despite their previous worry about him, the friends were happy to see Peter finally get some happiness for he, and he alone. Everyone was happy that for once, Peter could live in his own spotlight, and not hide in the shadows of his more popular friends. He joined the Order right away, and despite the dismal circumstances, the Order felt like one big family.

Some nights were worse than others. Members would come to the Longbottom's, bloodied and bruised, often carrying tales of someone new who had turned to Voldemort's side. It was always particularly hard when people who had attended Hogwarts with everyone had been found out.

One night, Kingsley came to headquarters, not wanting to even look at Sirius or Rose. When Sirius finally pressed the matter, he found out that his brother, Regulus, had tried to Crucio Kingsley that night. Sirius had long been wary of Regulus's shady friends, but he hoped that their family's hateful nature would not infest him. Clearly it did, and Sirius looked like a ghost. Rose let him cry into her all that night, and it broke her heart to watch her lover shake with fear for his brother.

Everyone worried constantly for Remus. His cycles seemed to be hitting him worse these days. Fresh scars marked his body each month, deeper than what they used to be. The very roots of his hair were starting to grey, his face sad and pale, and he often walked about with a limp. Rose and Lily would spend entire evenings tending to his cuts, feeding him hearty meals, and making him tea.

Sundays offered a reprieve from it all though. Each Sunday, the six friends would gather at Rose and Sirius's for dinner. Rose would often prepare her grandmother's vodka sauce recipe, and Sirius (who was quite the gifted baker) would make brownies for dessert. Everyone would laugh and talk, feeling almost as free as they did in their Hogwarts days. Lily's stomach was getting bigger, and James would always encourage her to eat more, as she was eating for two. Peter would sit back, bursting with laughter and his tie askew. Remus would regain his color on these days, and would smile as though he had no aches. Everyone knew times were getting worse, but on Sundays, everyone could forget. Everyone could pretend, and for a moment, live in a world where this was life.

***

One Sunday evening in late March of 1980, Rose and Sirius had bid their farewells to their friends and were cleaning up the kitchen. "Gosh that baby is coming fast," Rose commented as she scrubbed dishes. "I know. I heard they're expecting him in July," Sirius replied. Rose noticed a knowing smile toying at his lips. She took a bit of water and splashed him. "What's with the look Black?" she questioned, arching an eyebrow. Sirius looked innocently confused. "No clue what you're on about." He splashed a bit of water back at Rose and strutted into the living room.

After about two minutes, he called out to Rose. "Rosie!" he yelled. "I need your help with something in the living room." Rolling her eyes, she dried her hands and walked in to join him. "Yes Siri-" she stopped, clasping her hand to her mouth.

Sirius was on one knee, a box with a beautiful diamond ring in his hands. He smiled at Rose. "I think you know how this goes," he purred, grin growing ever wider. "Rose Daniella Maria Ferbreezeo. Will you make me the most undeserving, yet most blessed man alive, and marry me?" Rose, incapable of words, nodded fiercely and threw her arms around Sirius, sending them both to the ground. She leaned over him and kissed him deeply, his strong hands enveloped in her curls. Both had begun to cry, and laughed when their faces grew wet with each other's tears. Sirius got up and slid the ring on Rose's finger, then kissed her hand. With a cheeky grin, Rose was hoisted into Sirius's arms, bridal style.

"Come along my beautiful bride to be." Rose blushed. "Whisk me away, fair groom," she declared dramatically. Sirius shot her a wink, then bounded up the stairs to their room, his new fiance glowing with glee in his arms.