Hi Everyone,
Thanks for reading this story. I have never written about any of the marauders so I found this quite interesting to do as part of a challenge. Sorry if my view of the characters doesn't match yours but please don't hate. Hope you enjoy x
The rose was the symbol of their friendship. It had been there the first time they had met and that was the reason they both threw their hands out to grab it. It was dark and red similar to the blood they both had running down their arms from the sharp thorns stuck in the rose. Looking from the blood to the rose and into each other's eyes they saw the idea form in both of their minds. James thought that it wouldn't be too bad an idea, after all he would need someone to look after Lily once he was gone and Sirius was family to him. He knew he was the only real family Sirius had, Sirius had been cut off from his family due to a difference in beliefs. It was a serious decision but looking into Sirius's eyes, he knew that Sirius could be trusted with both his and Lily's life. It was time to tell him the truth.
'Sirius I need to tell you something and you must guard it with your life. I'm not well. The healers say there is nothing to be done. They can't tell me how long I will have but they don't believe I will finish the year. I plan on telling Lily soon but you must promise to keep this between us three. I am telling you this for another reason. I need you to.. to look after Lily when I'm you know...gone.'
His tears were silent as they fell and they matched the silent crying of Sirius as he learned his best friend and brother was dying. It was then that Sirius decided to make the suggestion as he stared up into the hazel eyes of his brother. 'James, become my brother in blood. Let it be my way of showing my loyalty and love for you and a way to prove I will keep my promise and your secret.' Sirius wanted to be able to be there for his friend and if this was a way he could show his loyalty then he would do anything. But this was more than that, this was a way of holding onto his friend forever even when James finally left him and this world behind. Sirius wasn't sure how he would cope losing his friend but he knew now wasn't the time to interrogate his friend or break down. No, right now he needed to be strong for his friend. 'Sirius, I would be honoured although I already consider you my brother'.
Sirius felt the silent tears roll down his face at the memory. They had used the rose to cut their wrists again and the bond had been completed. Looking at the grave in front of him, Sirius felt a sense of pain and peace. The pain of losing his brother and yet he felt the joy of all the happy memories and times they had shared together. Sirius looked at the grave in front of him, over the years he had spent days tending to James' grave. It was in the same spot they had found the rose that day, and Sirius had gotten some help from Lily to make roses grow around and over the stone. A symbol of the friendship they had and would always have. Sirius cut his wrist on the rose like he did every year and spilling his blood on the ground. 'I'll never forget you James, my brother'. Stepping back from the grave Sirius put his arm around the fragile body of Lily leading her away from the grave. They always came together every year like clockwork. They never spoke but it was a way of closure and showing James that he'd kept the promise he made all those years ago.