𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐀 | 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

✧ chapter 35 ✧

1977

After James' strange outburst and abrupt retreat the others decided to call it a night as well, heading upstairs to bed.

The only two left in the common room were Aurora and Remus, who were still enjoying each other's company after the holiday separation.

"I got you something," Remus stated, turning to face Aurora, "I know I shouldn't have but I saw it and I just wanted to get it for you." He rambled, producing a small blue velvet box. Aurora opened it to reveal a thin, gold ring with a tiny diamond set in the centre.

"I know it isn't much but I know diamond is your birthstone and I just wanted you to have it. I hope you don't think I'm moving things too fast I didn't intend it like that I just know you love rings-"

Aurora cut off his nervous babbling by pressing her lips to his.

"It's beautiful, thank you." She kissed him again, taking the ring out of the box and sliding it onto her left index finger where it stacked on top of the plain silver band already there.

"You don't think it's too much?" Remus asked nervously.

"No, not at all. It's not an engagement ring for Merlin's sake, it's just a gift." Aurora reassured, "A wonderful, thoughtful, beautiful gift." She pecked him between each word, then nudged his nose with hers.

"I thought, I know we haven't been together all that long and it's nothing official, but I really like you and thought maybe we could make it official, and this could be like a promise ring, only if you want of course." Remus began his nervous babbling again, making Aurora laugh. She was slightly taken aback at the thought of a promise ring, but the idea of making that promise to Remus did something to settle the feelings of guilt she had been experiencing. She still didn't know why she was feeling guilt at all, but the idea of the promise to belong to Remus and have him belong to her made her feel safe and secure once more.

"I think it's perfect." Aurora smiled, kissing him again.

Sirius, who had come downstairs to find Aurora and heard the whole thing, felt a pang in his chest, as if someone had pulled a rubber band as far as it would stretch, then let go and allowed it to snap back and hit him in the heart. He wasn't sure why, but all of a sudden talking to Aurora was the last thing he wanted to do. He turned around quickly to head back upstairs without being noticed, but tripped on the rug and swore loudly, alerting the two snogging on the couch to his presence.

"Sorry gang, just came downstairs to uh, yep but you two are busy so I'll be off. Goodnight." He stuttered clumsily, scrambling back up the stairs before either of them could reply.

"I should be off too." Aurora stated, getting to her feet and offering Remus a hand. He pouted, taking her hand but instead of allowing her to pull him to his feet, he attempted to pull her back onto the couch.

"Remus, we have classes tomorrow." Aurora laughed, feeling his hot breath tickle her neck as he wrestled to keep her on the couch.

"Fine," he eventually relinquished, pulling the two of them up to a standing position.

"Kiss goodnight for your boyfriend?" he emphasized the word, enjoying the way it tasted on his tongue.

"I suppose I can sacrifice one last kiss." Aurora played along, stretching up to peck his lips.

"Is that all I get?" Remus pouted, opening his eyes to see Aurora already heading towards the stairs.

"Goodnight, Remus." Aurora called over her shoulder, beginning her ascent.

"Tease!" Remus called back, smiling to himself as he headed towards his own dorm.

✧✧✧

The next morning Sirius wasn't down at breakfast.