Chapter 29- All About Trust
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Sirius knew he was taking a chance. Even though the version of Sonorous charm he was using should only project his voice into Rosmerta's bedroom, if she hadn't engaged a privacy ward, her father would hear.
He didn't care.
"ROSMERTA!"
She stepped back from the window.
Heart racing, Sirius strode forward.
Rosmerta threw open the kitchen door and ran toward him. She was wearing the same clothes as earlier, but now they were heavily creased. Her eyes were puffy and her nose was pink.
Sirius thought she had never looked more beautiful.
She threw herself into his open arms. "I'm so sorry," Rosmerta said in a teary voice. "I love you, and I trust you with my heart, with everything. I do. I love you!"
Gods those words sounded so sweet. He blinked rapidly, trying to control his emotions. He brushed kisses across her hair, her brow, her jaw, and then took her lips in a kiss that made him want to laugh and shout with happiness.
"I love you," he said huskily, dropping to his knees and wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'm begging, darling please forgive me for not saying it before."
Her fingers stroked his hair. "There's nothing to forgive, but if there were, how could I not forgive a man who quotes Clapton?"
Sirius looked up. "You've heard of Eric Clapton?"
Rosmerta smiled. "Like a fool, I fell in love with you; you turned my whole world upside down."
He rose to his feet. "You know Muggle music."
She slid her arms around his neck. "Some."
"Do you know the Sex Pistols or The Clash?"
An adorable look of concentration crossed her face. "Punk rock?"
Sirius kissed Rosmerta soundly on the lips. "You are the perfect woman."
Her expression grew cloudy. "I'm far from perfect, love."
"You're perfect for me and that's all that matters," he said with a confidence that brought a smile to her face.
"You're perfect for me too."
Sirius noticed Rosmerta's teeth were chattering. "Not perfect enough to notice pink lips turning blue. Let's go inside and get you some tea."
She laughed self-consciously. "I didn't think about grabbing a cloak. All I could think about was you."
He took off his cloak and bundled Rosmerta into it, snatching another kiss. "I like the way you think." Sirius opened the back door to the Broomsticks. "I'd deserve it if you thought 'I have to shut that damn drunk up.'" He followed her into the kitchen, adding hastily, "I'm not drunk, though, and I can prove it if you want."
Rosmerta giggled as she walked toward the stove. "Performed many a sobriety test, have you?"
Sirius gave a bark of laughter. "One, actually, and it was Muggle." He took off his cloak and strolled over to watch her make tea. "I passed with flying colours, even though I was completely arseholed." Immediately, he realised he shouldn't have bragged about that after volunteering to prove sobriety.
She laughed at his expression. "Don't worry. I'd give you Sober Up if I was concerned."
"Handed out many a sobriety potion, have you?" he asked teasingly.
"Yes, I have—goes with the occupation." Rosmerta offered him a cup of tea.
Sirius cupped his hands around the warm mug. "Do you enjoy running a pub?"
She sipped her tea before answering, "I do. I like people, having a chat, bringing a smile to someone's face."
"Must be a lot of responsibility."
"Yes, but it makes me happy to know my father trusts me to handle it."
Sirius shook his head. "I don't think I'd do well, being tied down to one place."
"How about being tied down to one person?"
He almost joked 'by one person—you—sounds fun.' The trace of insecurity in her expression compelled him to answer, "I don't consider it being tied down, to love one person faithfully. I think it would be freeing, to know wherever I go, someone is waiting for me to return."
Rosmerta's smile was misty. "I'll always wait for you."
Sirius put down his mug and cradled her face the way he had before their first kiss. "Will you come with me?"
"Sometimes."
"Right after I leave school?"
"Definitely."
He kissed her softly, until her tongue sought a more passionate expression of his love. Sirius smiled against her lips before deepening the embrace. He could smell traces of salty tears and the perfume he gave her on Rosmerta's skin. Both were satisfying. He didn't want her to cry, but it felt good to know she loved him so much. The perfume gratified a primal need to mark his territory.
Mine, he thought, tracing her curves with his fingertips. Sirius shifted his mouth from soft lips to her throat, marking her skin in another way.
"Sirius!" Her fingers tightened in his hair—not to pull him away. "I would invite you to spend the night, but there is no way I can trust myself," she whispered shakily.
"What if there was a way?" The intensity of his tone caused Rosmerta to look up at him searchingly. Sirius' pulse raced from the enormity of what he was about to reveal. "You trusted me with everything," he said. "I want to trust you the same way."
She nodded. "I love you. You can trust me with anything."
He stepped back. "May I spend the night if I take another form?"
Her eyes narrowed in confusion and then widened in amazement when he transformed into a great black dog. "You're an Animagus!"
He returned to human form. "Illegal Animagus. There are reasons…."
"You'd be in trouble for breaking the Ministry regulation against underage advanced spellwork and once you register they will track you like the animal you become when you need to be free?" Rosmerta smiled wryly. "McGonagall's lecture on Animagi convinced me I didn't want to become one."
"I'm contrary. It had the opposite effect on me."
Sirius saw the exact moment Rosmerta realised what his being an Animagus meant. Her mouth fell open. "You…you came round as Grimmy…you listened to me talk about you…were you laughing at me?"
"I was enchanted by you."
"Really?"
He nodded solemnly. "Especially when you wore those scarves—please say you'll bring that dress when we go on holiday."
A startled laugh burst from her throat. "Oh gods, I didn't wear knickers with that!"
"I was tempted, but I remained a gentleman. I didn't look up your skirt."
Rosmerta's smile was soft. "I've always wanted a dog."
"I'm house-trained and very affectionate."
"I know. You drooled on my stomach."
He winked. "What can I say? You make my mouth water."
Rosmerta hugged him. "I love your sense of humour."
Sirius pulled her flush against his body. "Anything else?"
Her gaze dropped to his mouth.
There was a knock at the back door.
Sirius shifted into Animagus form and padded over to the table. He dropped to the floor and peered between chair legs to see who was calling at this time of night.
"Callum, is anything wrong?"
What little the dog could see of the man's face appeared slightly embarrassed. "I just walked Dorrie home. On my way back, I saw your light on and wanted to make sure you were all right."
"I'm fine, but thank you for stopping by." Rosmerta's voice held a smile. "If I had an employee of the month award, you'd win it."
Callum chuckled. "Thanks. Good night."
"Good night."
The dog's hackles began to rise when he noticed the man didn't turn away when Rosmerta began to shut the door. Sirius went over to the window and nudged the lace curtain aside with his muzzle. Sure enough, the overly conscientious employee stood rooted in the same spot.
Get going, Mister, or you'll find out how painful a dog bite can be.
After another moment, Callum turned away.
"Were you growling?" Rosmerta asked, crouching down to stroke his fur. Sirius turned a puppy-dog gaze her way. She hugged his neck. "Oh Merlin, you know how to work those eyes in both forms." She kissed him on the top of his head. "Don't be jealous of Callum. He's nice, not interested. He and Dorrie are very happy together."
He shifted back to human shape. "Not as happy as we are."
She shook her head at him, but blue eyes sparkled with pleasure. "I've got half a steak and kidney pie left over from dinner. Are you hungry?"
"I might even lick the tin, the way I did that first night."
Rosmerta took Sirius' face in her hands and kissed him. "A woman likes to know her cookery is appreciated."
"I appreciate a lot more than your cookery," he said fervently.
She kissed him again and rose. "Thank you. Would you prefer a butterbeer to drink this time?"
Sirius grinned. "Not that the water wasn't fresh, but yes, I would."
After watching him devour the reheated pie almost as speedily as when he was in canine form, Rosmerta said, "Ready to go upstairs?"
Chewing a brushing/flossing mint, he nodded.
"Haven't you forgotten something?" she asked, when he strolled toward the stairs.
It took Sirius a second to remember. "Oh," he said, hurriedly transforming.
Rosmerta walked over to ruffle his fur. "Don't think I wasn't tempted to 'forget' to remind you."
He licked her fingers.
She giggled.
On the way upstairs, he licked her ankle.
"Behave!" she whispered laughingly.
Sirius was relieved her father's door was closed. He couldn't perform nonverbal magic while in Animagus form. His mind was human, but the shape he took limited his abilities.
Inside her room, Rosmerta bent to sniff his fur. "You smell like a seedy tavern, love. You need a bath."
He combined a low whine with a puppy-dog look.
"No, you can't transform once you're in the tub," she said firmly.
Head low in an attempt to show utter dejection, he slunk into the lavatory.
"I'll join you in a minute," Rosmerta called after him.
Sirius' ears pricked up at the sound of clothing removed. He leapt into the claw foot tub and thought there was plenty of room for two. While it wasn't quite how he'd imagined their first time in a bathtub, he was willing to go with the flow and enjoy the view.
She walked into the bathroom dressed in a white bikini.
Oh honey, Sirius thought, hoping he wasn't drooling. He lowered his head and lifted a paw. No slobber, thankfully, but his tongue was hanging out. He 'grinned.' She was hot.
"I've heard dog washing is a messy business so I figured I would be prepared." His girlfriend knelt on the mat beside the tub and ran her fingers down his throat. "Do you think I should bring this bikini on our holiday?"
His enthusiastic barks caused Rosmerta to smile widely.
"Shhh!" she said, using a charm to turn on the tap. Warm water seeped into his fur. "I've never washed a dog before." She made a huff of rueful amusement. "I've never washed a man's hair either, so you're taking your chances with me."
"Woof."
She kissed him on the top of his snout. "Was that a vote of confidence?"
He moved his muzzle up and down.
"Yes! Aren't you clever?"
He nodded again.
"Modest, too," she said smilingly, reaching for the shampoo.
Canine eyes dropped to the curves displayed by the bikini. They weren't modest, either. They were exceptional.
"You're panting again. Is the water too warm?"
Rosmerta's tone was tongue-in-cheek. Sirius turned 'innocent' eyes on her. She giggled. "You are such a dog."
He woofed.
"Yes, I know, I give new meaning to dog lover."
The feel of her fingers lathering up his fur brought contented noises rumbling from his throat. After rinsing the soap out of his hair, Rosmerta reached for a towel on a rack. Without thinking, Sirius shook the water out.
"Oh! Oh!"
He liked the sound of that almost as much as the view of a wet bikini.
"Tell me that was a reflex action."
He nodded.
Rosmerta began to pat him dry with the towel. "I need a bath now."
Sirius scooted to one side of the tub and waved a paw toward the other.
Come on in!
She pointed toward the door. "Out!"
He clambered out of the tub and hung his head as he reluctantly padded across the wet tile.
Rosmerta said, "Don't be like that. It's only that I don't want you to see me naked until you can do more than see me naked!"
He yipped in agreement, wagging his tail.
Once she shut the door, Sirius transformed.
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Rosmerta stepped into a bedroom awash in candlelight. She made sure her towel knotted securely and walked toward the bed, where a great black dog stretched out on the duvet. A note was on the pillow.
I'll be a good doggy, I promise, but would you wear this for me?
Love,
Her eyes scanned the room and saw the gown draped across the chair by the desk.
"I've never had the nerve to wear that," she said, walking over to pick up the embroidered, empire-waist gown. It was long, flowing—and made of sheer ivory tulle. She took a deep breath. "Before now."
Rosmerta quickly grabbed a pair of panties out of the dresser and went back to the lavatory to change. When she returned to the room, the dog's tail began thumping the duvet.
She crossed to the bed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"Woof!"
Rosmerta lay down on her side facing her Animagus boyfriend. She said, "If I had any doubt you were a man transformed into a dog, your fixed stare would convince me."
Guilty canine eyes lifted to hers. She laughed. To his credit, Sirius' gaze only dipped for a moment before returning to hers. She petted his silky fur on the top of his head and down his back. "I never envied other children's toys, but I did envy their dogs. I'd heard dogs were man's best friend, and that's what I wanted."
Her companion made an enquiring-sounding grumble.
Rosmerta smiled wistfully. "A best friend who would ignore my mother—who thought the village was beneath us—and the children who wouldn't play with me because they thought I was toffee-nosed, like her."
The dog growled.
She scratched behind his ears. "It's all right, I didn't have it bad." Her lips turned up. "And now I have you."
He turned his head to lick her hand.
Rosmerta leaned over and kissed his paw. "Goodnight, my love."
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Weeks later, when January became February, and villagers looked forward to increased sunshine, remembering the way she had awakened her love still made Rosmerta smile. She had opened her eyes to find the warm body next to hers belonged to a man, not a dog. She promptly kissed him.
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Do you transform back when you fall asleep?
Sleepy grey eyes opened to smile into hers. "No. I woke in the middle of the night and wanted to hold you in my arms."
Rosmerta settled her mouth over his again and kissed him for being so sweet. Sirius responded passionately. He shifted her onto her back and pressed his body into hers. He rocked his hips in a way that made it hard to keep her resolution not to become lovers until Sirius had left school.
"Sirius," she half pleaded-half moaned.
He braced his arms to look down at her with a pained smile. "I said I'd be a good doggy, didn't I?" His gaze dropped. With a heavy sigh, Sirius rolled off the bed. The dog he transformed into rolled onto his back.
Rosmerta scooted over to bend down and pet his chest. "You're not good…you're the best."
He licked her cheek.
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On the first Friday in February, Rosmerta woke from a dream where a black dog licked her cheek and then transformed into a man who licked other sensitive areas. The images kept her humming Layla while making her father's breakfast.
After tidying up, she did a few errands in the village and came back to the Broomsticks. An inventory of the bar to double check that she had enough of everything for that afternoon's custom revealed a few needed items. Rosmerta had just made a note to bring out another jar of cherries when she heard a tapping sound.
She looked up and saw Lucius Malfoy rapping the window nearest the door with a silver-topped cane. Warily, Rosmerta walked across the room to face him through the glass. "What do you want?"
He lifted his wand.
The frown creasing Rosmerta's brow smoothed away. She was relaxed and utterly at peace. It was a lovely feeling. She smiled. On the other side of the windowpane, Lucius returned her smile.
Open the door.
Rosmerta didn't question why she heard Lucius' voice in her mind. She was happy to obey. He entered the pub, pale eyes gleaming with an emotion she could not begin to decipher. That would require thinking, and her only thought was pleasing him.
Lead me to your office.
Inside the cosy space, she waited patiently for him to tell her what to do.
Remove my cloak.
Her hands lifted as though pulled by strings. She unfastened his cloak and laid it across a chair.
Take off my gloves…slowly…using your teeth….
Rosmerta blinked. Why should I, said a little voice in the back of her mind.
Do it.
She obediently lifted his hand to her lips and removed his gloves, one finger at a time.
Now take the tie from my hair.
Do it yourself, the voice in her head said defiantly. Rosmerta's outstretched hand trembled.
Take it now.
In seconds, she had unfastened the velvet tie and smoothed back his long, pale hair with her fingers.
Kiss me.
What part of no don't you understand? The voice within was louder, angry. I told you no kissing!
Kiss me.
I'd rather kiss a dog…on the mouth…in a French kiss!
The conflict between warring urges caused Rosmerta's body to jerk backwards. Her knees buckled as pain ripped through her mind. On the way down, her head struck the corner of the desk.
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"Almost done."
Rosmerta opened her eyes to see Lucius scowling down at her. He finished a healing spell before demanding, "Where does a Hufflepuff get the strength to throw off an Imperius?"
She felt too weak to do more than ask, "Why?"
He unceremoniously picked her up and placed her in the chair behind the desk. "Because the Dark Lord commanded me to hone my skills, and you would not be able to tell anyone if I failed." Lips twisting, Lucius admitted, "My expertise is in gathering information, not casting Unforgivable Curses."
"Never try that again or I will make you pay." Her voice came in gasps, but the rage she felt lashed out in her tone.
A corner of his mouth lifted. "I do believe you'd try. Very well, I will leave you in peace."
"Sirius too."
Lucius put on his gloves and cloak. "Since you insist, I will not retaliate—this time. If the insolent whelp attacks me again, however, I will not stay my hand."
Rosmerta kept her mouth shut and her gaze stony. It disconcerted Lucius more than empty threats ever could. He nodded abruptly and left. She remained in the chair, shaking in the aftermath. His footsteps retreated. Within minutes, swifter, lighter footsteps echoed in the outer corridor.
Fiona burst into the office. "I saw Malfoy leaving, and the look on his face was…." She broke off to ask, "Are you okay?"
"Could you help me upstairs?"
"What the hell did he do you? Do you want me to fetch the Healer?"
"No! No Healer, I'll be fine after a rest."
Fiona's eyes were stormy as she leaned over to wrap an arm around Rosmerta and help her up. "You didn't tell me what he did to you."
"I can't."
"That's shite. You mean you won't." Fiona exhaled and made a visible effort to speak calmly. "I'm not one to judge people on their...relationships…but if Malfoy's abusing you, in any way, you need to break it off."
Rosmerta almost laughed. She didn't, because although Lucius wasn't her boyfriend, he had abused her. She began to walk, leaning heavily against Fiona. "Don't worry. He won't be back. I made sure of it."
"No wonder Malfoy looked upset…and ready to take it out on the first unfortunate soul he came across."
If he felt any regret over his actions, Rosmerta didn't care. She only cared that he was gone, and Sirius was safe. "Let's stop by the kitchen. I need chocolate." She leaned against the counter and directed her friend to the cupboard holding her stash.
"French or Belgian?" asked Fiona.
"Both."
Fiona stared at her, boxes in hand. "Chocolate counters the effects of Dark magic."
"Yes."
It was an admission. The only one Rosmerta could make.
"I'll whip up some hot chocolate, then," Fiona said in a brisk, motherly voice.
Rosmerta's eyes filled with grateful tears.
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Friday afternoon, Sirius finished his essay for History of Magic and rolled up the parchment. Now he could forget schoolwork for the entire weekend.
Across the room, Peter called, "Finished already? I'm only half done!"
"That's because you're a half wit."
Hunched over his Arithmancy, James snickered.
Remus said, "Kindness is to do and say, the kindest thing, the kindest way."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Friar Moony should write a book--A Platitude For Every Occasion." He said, "Fine, I take it back." Sirius cleared his throat. "Little John, Wormtail, dear friend?"
"Yes?" Peter asked with an expectant grin.
"Verily, thou art a half wit."
Peter brayed with laughter. "How kindly you said that."
James' chuckle cut off when someone knocked on the door. Peter was the closest, so he rose to open it.
"Lily!"
She was in robes with her Head Girl badge prominently displayed. Sirius joked, "Are you here in official capacity, Miss?"
Green eyes were sombre as they rested on James. "Headmaster Dumbledore asked me to inform James Potter and Sirius Black that their presence is required in his office."
James stood. "Why?"
Red hair shook. "I don't know. You haven't pulled any stupid pranks lately."
Sirius pushed his chair back. "We pull brilliant pranks, thank-you-very-much."
Lily tried to smile. "Perhaps you aren't in trouble."
James strode over to hug her. "I haven't managed mischief in ages. I promise. Maybe it isn't about school. Sirius and I applied to the Auror Academy." He looked over at Sirius with a smile. "I bet they sent our acceptance letters."
Lily seemed relieved. "I hope so. I'll escort you, if you're ready."
Sirius followed the pair out of the dorm. In the outer corridor, he hooked his right arm through Lily's left. On her other side, James said, "This reminds me of that film we watched on telly."
"The Wizard of Oz?" Lily sang softly, "We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz."
Sirius thought the tune catchy, but needed a change of words. He sang, "We're off to see the Headmaster, the wonderful Headmaster of Hogwarts."
Lily giggled.
James said laughingly, "If you only had a brain."
"If you only had a heart," Sirius shot back. He was mystified when the couple burst into laughter. He pulled Lily's arm gently. "C'mon, let's be off to see the wizard."
She nodded and fell into step, murmuring, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my…."
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A/N: Although The Clash didn't release their first album until March of '77, they did tour with the Sex Pistols in '76. Anyone who has seen the Tom Hanks film 'That Thing You Do', will understand why I giggle when I think of Joe Strummer pointing out Sirius and saying 'Hey, wasn't that our fan?' The white bikini and 'oh honey' were references to Ursula Andress/Honey Ryder in Dr. No. I think there is a distinct similarity in character body types. :D The gown is from Victoria's…I mean Siren's Secrets, lol, and Lucius' Imperius Curse was patterned on the one described in GoF. The Wizard of Oz seems to air over every major holiday, so it seemed plausible for James to have watched it with Lily on telly. The readers who made me go 'oh my!' in happiness over their reviews last chapter were……♥ 40/16 ♥ comettail ♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ Dolphindreamer ♥ ElspethBates ♥ Emmas Padawon ♥ FHGVZEhyde ♥ FNP ♥ Freja Lercke-Falkenborg ♥ ishandtwofourths ♥ ladyofthebookworms ♥ Lilia Black ♥ Limaree ♥ MollyCoddles ♥ Moonlight ♥ Nuttellamaedchen ♥ RahNee ♥ Shadow-ofthe-Night ♥ siriuslycoco ♥ Sivaroobini Lupin-Black ♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ Sophia Loren ♥ sunny9847 ♥ The Allknowing Tonks ♥ Watch Out for Yellow Moon ♥ WriterMerrin ♥ and ♥ Ylime166 ♥
