'When darkness is no less than everything you've built become undone
There's no fight and no flight, disaster leaves your passion overrun

It's time to let go, it's time to carry on with the show
don't mourn what is gone, greet the dawn

I will be standing by your side
together we'll face the turning tide'

"Dawn'"- Poets of the Fall

The past few days had flown by in a blur. Order meetings and party plans had been in full swing. The safe house had been a hive of activity. They had barely had any time alone. Sirius sighed. Hopefully once the party was over they could spend some time together and talk about what was causing the slight restraint that had drifted between them.

In brief quiet periods they took the opportunity to snatch kisses, hugs and whisper words of love. He didn't know how he'd managed to restrain himself from taking her yet. He smiled. Sirius Black holding back and not jumping in feet first! It was definitely love! He knew he wanted their first time to be special, to be right. Their eyes followed each other everywhere and neither of them could refrain from smiling for long. They had decided to keep their relationship to themselves for now.

But he knew something was bothering her. He caught the look of distress that flickered across her face in unguarded moments. He knew it was something to do with the dream she'd had about him the other night. He needed to speak to her about it. She had not been the same since then. Her mood was slightly subdued. She'd said she was fine but he didn't believe her. Damn that bastard to hell! Sirius raged inwardly at the thought of Voldemort. He was not ruining this wonderful thing he and Rose had.

xox

Rose woke to the sun streaming through her window. She stretched her arms above her head and smiled. Twenty one today and I'm in love! She sighed in pleasure at the thought of Sirius. He was wonderful.

You don't deserve him. The unwelcome thought sneered at her and the sharp stab of guilt and shame pricked at her, piercing her happy moment. This was how it had been for the past few days. It was like she had an evil imp inside her head tormenting her. She had constantly told herself that it was only a dream and Sirius would understand if she told him. It was a dream! She hadn't done anything wrong!

Don't lie! You were enjoying it. You wanted him to touch you. You begged him! No! She yelled inwardly, it wasn't real! Keep telling yourself that, the voice continued, you know full well that even when you were woken from your dream, you could still feel your groin pulsing and throbbing. You were still horny. You wanted to fall back into your dream and have him take you and make you scream in pleasure!

She began to groan in shame. She couldn't lie to herself. She had been turned on by his touch. It made her feel sick. She buried her head back into the pillow wishing she could drive the thoughts away. She screamed in frustration. Him again. Souring and tainting her happiness. She was not having it! She and Sirius loved one another. It was her birthday. She pushed the guilty thoughts away again, jumped out of bed and went downstairs.

xox

Rose stared in shock as Kingsley presented her with a small, ornate wooden box and two letters. He told her that these had been found in Dumbledore's rooms after his death and had been placed in a Gringott's vault for safekeeping. 'I thought it would be best giving them to you now, before tonight.'

Her hands had shook as she opened the first letter. 'Miss R. Greenwood' was written on the front in Dumbledore's flourishing hand.

' Dear Rose,

I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. It should also find you celebrating your twenty first birthday. Therefore I send you my heartiest congratulations. It was a pleasure to have you as a pupil at Hogwarts. I would wish you success for the future, but for the fact you have the shadow of Tom Riddle hanging over you like a dark cloud, and I am heartily sorry for that.

I shall continue to hope that the cloud may still be vanquished and that as you are reading this, your future stretches ahead with a clear sky. If it does not, then I have faith that you will meet the darkness with strength, courage, intelligence and the pure heart you possess.

Before I removed your family's memories, they wrote this letter to be given to you, along with the box, on your twenty first birthday. I took up the charge of keeping these items safe. I hope these items have found you should anything have become of me.

I will close this letter now and finish by advising you stay strong and keep faith in yourself whatever may occur.

Yours sincerely

Albus Dumbledore'

Her eyes filled with tears and she sat down. She placed Dumbledore's letter on the table and shakily picked up the next one. "Rose" was written on the envelope in her father's handwriting. She ripped open the envelope to devour its contents.

'To our June-Rose-In-bloom,

It saddens me to write this letter, knowing that by the time you read it we will have no memory of you. We will be parted from you and unable to be there to celebrate with you on your special day.

Your headmaster has explained to us the reasons why this must be so and we understand. We would not want this Voldemort creature to get to you. Your headmaster assures us that he and his friends will do all they can to keep you safe from this evil wizard and I trust him. As your father I am both sad and angry I cannot protect my first born child from this evil man.

You are a wonderful daughter and sister and words cannot express how much we all love you. Your mother and I are so proud of the lovely young woman you have become.

Be the strong, kind, loving, intelligent, brave and wonderful girl you are. We know you can handle whatever may come. Stay calm and grounded and remember we love you.

Now, to the box. The contents are a family heirloom from your mother's side. It belonged to your grandmother Sarah. We don't know anything about it. Your mother has had it stored away for years. When we heard that you would have to go into hiding, your mother wanted you to have it on your twenty first birthday. Carrie says she doesn't mind you having it. She says it's not her colour and will suit you better anyway!

So, it is our birthday present to you. We hope you like it and this letter finds you happy and safe from that evil man. Happy Birthday Rose, we all love you so much. Let's hope we will all be together again one day.

You will always be in our hearts,

Your loving family

xxx'

'I'll leave you now,' Kingsley said, "I'll see you both later tonight.'

The moment Kingsley had apparated, Sirius drew a sobbing Rose into his arms and held her until her sorrow abated.

He kissed her cheeks and brushed her tears away. She responded with an intense kiss. When they broke apart, she placed a hand on his face. 'Right, no more tears. I've got the best birthday presents a girl could ask for. A letter from my family and you. And I love them both equally. Nothing could top them today.'

He smiled. You are amazing. Nothing seems to get you down for long.' She laughed. 'I've always been like that. I can go from sadness to joy in the blink of an eye.' She started to hum a tune to herself. 'Which song is that?' She smiled 'It's the chorus from a muggle song. I always think of it when I'm feeling down.' She began to sing, 'I get knocked down but I get up again, your never gonna keep me down…' They both broke into peals of laughter.

'Are you going to open the box then? Your family wanted you to have it.' She looked at it and picked it up. The box was made of oak and beautifully carved, with fairies, sprites and Celtic symbols. On top of the box was a carving of a raven. The box held the ravages of age. 'This is very old,' she said. 'I've never see it before.' She flipped the catch and opened it.

Nestling inside was a black velvet pouch. She took it out and untied the string. She tipped the contents of the pouch into her hand. Both she and Sirius took an intake of breath. 'It's beautiful', she breathed. She took hold of the silver chain and lifted it into the air. The stone that hung from it glistened. It was set in silver and the precious metal was also had been carved with intricate Celtic symbols.

'It's amber' Sirius said, 'Dark amber.' He looked at her, 'Shall I put it on for you? The colour matches your eyes.' She smiled at him and closed in for another kiss. 'Charmer,' she said. She looked down at the pendant and shook her head. 'No, not now.' She placed it back in the pouch and then into the box, closing it.

'Very well my lady,' Sirius replied. 'Would the birthday girl like some breakfast then?' She smiled and nodded. 'Please. All the surprises and emotions have made me surprisingly hungry.'

She looked at the box as Sirius moved away. A cold unease had crept over her ever since she'd opened the box. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important about this pendant and that it needed to be hidden. She resolved to find a safe place for it as soon as she could.