Chapter 13

Roseline clambered in through the portrait hole a few minutes later and threw herself down in an armchair, staring into the fire. Remus was sitting nearby, reading.

"Remus," said Roseline.

Remus put down his book. "Yes?"

"Can you think of any reason why someone would want to live with their leg torn open when there's a hospital wing downstairs?"

Remus sighed. "You and Sirius had another argument I see. What happened?" Remus was wary. He wasn't altogether sure he wanted to hear what had happened.

Roseline related the day's incidents to him. When she had finished, Remus lay back in his chair and groaned, covering his face with his hands.

"Oh, Merlin." He said.

"What?" said Roseline. "You're not telling me you agree with him. In Merlin's name Remus, he's bloody crazy. His leg was falling off."

Remus surveyed Roseline through the gaps in his fingers.

"And you jinxed him?"

"Yes."

"And covered him with the invisibility cloak?"

"Yes."

"And forced him to the hospital wing when he didn't want to go?"

"Yes. And yet he was still stupid enough to say that he had his reasons for not going in the first place, although what reason could justify...."

Remus cut her off. "He had a reason."

"What?"

Remus sighed again. "Isn't it obvious? You embarrassed him."

Roseline stared at Remus. "Embarrassed him? In Merlin's name, Remus, if that's true then he really needs to get his priorities in order."

"Look, I've known Sirius for a long time, and if there's one thing he will always avoid, it's showing any sign of weakness. A lot of it is to do with his family, I think, they're always trying to bring him down, get him to give in. He's constantly fighting, and refuses to be weak."

Remus looked Roseline in the eye.

"Sirius doesn't like to admit that he's only human. He keeps up a front of being the cool guy, the one who never cries, never gets hurt. You made him show weakness in front of you, and he didn't want to. He really likes you Roseline, and I'm betting that right now he's cursing himself for letting his guard down and letting you see that he's not invincible."

Roseline stared at Remus.

"That," she said "is ridiculous. Does he honestly think I'd stop liking him just because he admitted he was injured?"

Remus shrugged. "I don't know. I think he just over reacts to things like this because of all the things he's had to deal with."

Roseline was gazing into the fire.

"I'll see you later," said Remus.

Roseline nodded, but did not turn around as Remus left the room.

.........................................................................................................

A few hours later Roseline opened the door of her dormitory. She crossed the room and sat down on her bed, staring at the blanket, a slight frown on her face.

"So," said Lily, sitting down beside her and grinning. "How was your night with Sirius?"

Roseline shrugged gloomily, but remained silent.

"What's up?" Lily looked concerned.

Roseline sighed. "Nothing."

"Come on, you can tell me."

"It's nothing."

Lily put an arm around her friend's shoulders and gave her a little shake.

"Come on, Ro, tell me. You can trust me."

Roseline sighed again. "All right."

"So go on, what happened with Sirius?" Lily prompted after a few moments of silence.

"A lot. But nothing too pleasant." Roseline related the day's events to Lily.

"And now he's not speaking to me," Roseline concluded, looking every bit as gloomy as she had when she came in.

"Don't worry," said Lily comfortingly. "I'm sure if you talked to him he'd come round."

Roseline shook her head. "I don't think so. I told you, he won't listen."

"Well, I think you should try. I mean, you really like him, don't you?"

Roseline hesitated, then nodded.

Lily continued. "And I know he likes you. And much as I dislike each one of the Marauders, including Sirius, you're my friend and I know he makes you happy, so I think you should try. And I'll see what I can do about it. Don't worry, everything will turn out fine."

Roseline gave a weak smile. "Thanks, Lily."

"No problem. Go down and visit him again tomorrow and see if he'll talk. In the meantime, I'll see what I can organise."

"Wait," said Roseline. "What do you mean, you'll see what you can organise?"

Lily grinned. "You'll see." And without waiting for a reply she had disappeared down the stairs to the common room.