Early Summer, 1979

The sun was low, casting orange and blue hues over the nearly clear skies. Only a few fluffy white clouds broke up the vast, sweeping colors of the setting sun. The air on this warm evening was lively and buzzing with excitement. Many finely dressed witches and wizards were dancing, drinking or laughing in the yard below, which was large, tidy and nicely decorated for the occasion.

A tall man with dark hair leaned back against the far corner of the garden fence, taking a much needed break from the festivities and excited guests. He had many things on his mind as he sipped his firewhiskey that had little to do with the wedding that had just taken place. While it had been a beautiful ceremony and he felt honored to have stood beside his best friend on such an important day, the world around them was crumbling.

The days that passed now were weary and grim, full of fear and foreboding. War waited for them just beyond that breathtaking horizon, even if tonight allowed them a rare moment to stop and breathe. Tomorrow would bring reality back to them all, and he was thankful to have a night like this one to remind them what they were fighting for.

As he gazed at the wedding guests, a small figure caught the corner of his eye. A young woman in dark blue dress robes was wandering aloof from the rest of the crowd, not too unlike himself. He smiled as he recognized the abundant pale blonde hair that she wore partially pinned up away from her face. Making his way to her, he used the cover of the increasing darkness to his advantage. He watched her closely as he approached. Her pretty face was lifted to the sky, eyes wide, and a wine glass was clutched loosely in her delicate fingers. The rising moon cast an ethereal glow on the skin that was exposed by a plunging, V shaped neck line on the front and back of her gown. She was a vision tonight, and he found it harder than usual to keep his eyes from wandering.

"Some wedding, huh?" He murmured close to her ear, a mischievous grin blooming over his handsome face when she jumped a mile.

"Ah shite!" The young woman gasped, turning to face him. "Sirius! I fuckin' hate it when you do that!"

Her body relaxed and a smile hinted at her lips despite the annoyed sigh that escaped them. Her eyes gave him an unhurried once over, taking in his tailored garments and his styled hair. He had even shaven, which was strange to her. She had grown used to his rugged good looks, and the sight of him looking so clean cut was a bit of a shock.

"You look positively vile this evening, Áine." He lied.

"Funny, that coming from a bloke so ugly even the tide wouldn't take ya out." She shot back, sipping her wine as her blue eyes twinkled up at him.

He let out a barking laugh, shaking his head. He had missed her, though it had only been about two months since they had both left Hogwarts for the last time. Her sarcastic nature and her feisty Irish charm had always been something he'd been fond of, not that he would ever admit it to her.

"I hear you've been working hard."He stated in an attempt to start conversation.

"I have." She agreed, crossing an arm over her chest and looking down.

"You don't sound very happy. I thought you got the job you always wanted."

"I did." She insisted weakly. "It's just... everything that's going on... I'm just tired already. I'm tired of being afraid very time I turn around. One of my bosses is awful and it's been... draining."

"Ah." He said, eyes softening. "Is he a hard ass?"

"It's not that. I... I think he might be in with Voldemort's lot. If not, he's surely a supporter. The things I've overheard him say about muggles are..." she trailed off, squeezing her eyes shut.

"Hard to listen to?" He offered.

"Pure evil." She corrected, looking him in the eye.

Her face was somber, all trace of her lightheartedness from a moment ago gone. As he looked into her eyes he got the sense of sadness or grief buried deep down inside, and his heart hurt for her.

"Who is is he?"

"Uh, Rookwood. Augustus Rookwood."

"I've not heard of him."

"That doesn't surprise me. Unspeakables lie pretty low, don't they?"

"I suppose you're right."

"I don't want to talk about any of that tonight though." She said abruptly, downing the remainder of her drink. "Not my job, not my boss, not even the Order. Not tonight... tonight is about James and Lily. Merlin knows we all need a little bit of good to fucking hold on to these days."

Turning back to the horizon, which was now almost completely devoid of color, she trained her eyes once again on the stars that were steadily starting to shine in the wake of the sunset. They seemed to be multiplying as the darkness thickened. He smiled, taking a few steps forward to stand by her side and following her gaze upward.

"There's so many of them out here, away from all the lights of the city." He murmured.

She didn't answer, but he saw her nod a little as if she was deep in thought. He felt bad for dampening her spirits, so he tried again.

"None brighter than that one there." He smirked, pointing at the star that bore the same name as himself. "Brightest star in the sky. I'd say that naming me aptly is one of the few things my parents did right."

Áine scoffed, shaking her head.

"They should have named you after either one of those... Ass-ellus would suit you much better."

She turned a little and pointed at the pair of stars he recognized to represent the two donkeys in the constellation of Cancer.

"Oh, I get it," He smirked, entertained. "You think you're funny tonight."

"I was just making an observation." She batter her lashes, feigning innocence.

"You're always so mean to me. I've been nothing but a gentleman to you tonight."

"Tonight! Yet just earlier today I seem to recall someone bewitching my heels to tap dance as soon as I put them on! It's not funny Sirius, do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is to tap dance while wearing heels?!"

Her question was drowned out by his laughter, and she stared at him indignantly. It was difficult to keep a smile off her face though, as his laughter was infectious even if it was at her expense.

"I'm sorry Áine, old habits die hard. I was just having a bit of fun."

"You're completely impossible. And you can't say I'm always mean to you. Don't forget third year when our houses had the same Transfiguration hour and McGonagall made you and James turn out your pockets because someone slipped some belching powder into her teapot."

"Oh yes, I remember that. I was sure I was caught that day. I had to hide how surprised I was when there was nothing in my pockets but an old quill."

"Luckily for you she didn't see me summon all those Zonki's products across the room behind her back. I was even kind enough to return your contraband to you after class."

"I suppose you were." He agreed, looking down at her.

She really looked beautiful tonight. He'd always thought her to be pretty, but something about her tonight seemed to pull him in. The feelings for her that had always presented as abstract thoughts throughout their years at Hogwarts now seemed more concrete than ever before. Was it the robes that she wore that fit her slender curves like a glove? Was it the closeness they'd shared earlier as he accompanied her down the isle to witness their best friends join hands in marriage? Perhaps it was just the firewhiskey coursing through his veins and making him want to reach out and pull her close.

"I remember in the sixth year when Wilkes tried to curse me when I wasn't looking." Sirius said.

"Oh yeah. You probably deserved it, but I never liked the little prat."

"You punched him square in the face!"

"I know. I got detention for a week."

"I always thought it was odd..." He mused, looking down into her starry eyes. "You didn't go for your wand. You just sank your fist right into his nose."

"Suppose it's how I was raised."

He laughed again. Áine was muggle born, something that she and Lily had in common. They had attended Primary together before Hogwarts, and had been best friends for as long as they could remember.

"Wilkes never got over that. I was always a target for him and all his stupid Death Eater friends."

"Probably ashamed that one of their own was beat to shit by a cute little blonde girl."

"Cute? Didn't you say not a moment ago that I look vile? Make up your mind." She teased.

Sirius downed the rest of his drink as well and looked her over again. He felt nervous, which he wasn't accustomed to. Charming girls was one of his specialties. Yet, Áine wasn't just some girl. She was his friend, someone who he had come to care for a bit over the last couple of years and that made him feel strangely vulnerable. There was also that one secret late night not too long ago that they spent together in the dark corners of Hogwarts, keeping warm during a chilly winter's night.

"Fine. That dress wasn't a terrible choice. It fits you... nicely."

Áine laughed, the melodious sound only making his sudden urge to embrace her even stronger.

"You don't clean up too bad yourself."

He watched her eye him up and down again, only to look down and fiddle with her empty glass to hide the fact that she liked what she saw. He stepped closer to her, leaning in so that his lips were close to her ear.

"I've had a crazy idea." He said, his voice low and causing her heart to beat a little faster.

"Not for the first or the last time, I'm sure." She retorted, but he could have sworn she sounded breathless.

"I think you should dance with me."

She turned to him as he grabbed her hand, confusion and timidity plain as day on her face.

"You... you want to- to dance?" She confirmed.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Why not? Nobody would expect it from us."

"I... I don't know." She faltered, unable to think of one reason not to.

On the contrary, the thought of him sweeping her up in his arms and holding her close made her fluttering heart start to hammer with excitement. When had this happened? She'd always known he was attractive, as if anyone with eyes could deny that. Yet, he had always been Lily's boyfriend's friend. It wasn't until the last two years at Hogwarts that she and Lily had even started spending time with James and his friends. They were all in Gryffindor after all, while she was in Hufflepuff.

"Please? Just one dance, and if you don't have any fun I'll leave you be for the rest of the evening."

"Is that a promise?" She asked, masking her nervous excitement with sarcasm.

"You have my word."

He offered her his arm, his smile lacking it's usual mischief and radiating warmth instead. She took it gingerly, and he led her back down the small hillside toward the guests. The music was louder here, and the bright lights revealed the pink hue that colored her cheeks. They set their empty cups down on a table and before Áine knew it Sirius had swept her across the dance floor, their robes billowing after them.

The next couple of hours passed in a whirlwind of laughter, music, drinking and dancing. For the first time in too long, everyone in attendance at the wedding felt nothing but happiness. The protective charms on the small little farm gave them all a sense of safety, a place where they could let their guards down for one evening.

Áine danced with Remus at one point, who was a perfect sweetheart as usual. She also had a turn with James' father (who has been enjoying his mead more than usual this evening), Dumbledore (who made her laugh with a few silly puns), and Peter. Peter seemed rather shy, making light conversation about the wedding and telling her what he'd been up to since Hogwarts before he accidentally trod on her foot. When it happened a second time a few minutes later, Sirius swooped in to gently rescue her and whisk her off onto the dance floor once more.

The two of them drew lots of curious glances their way from their friends. They did not miss the way he held her body close, or the way her eyes twinkled so fondly up at him. However, nobody said a word to them about it. Speeches were given, more drinks were poured, and the night wore on.

They twirled nearby Alice and Frank Longbottom, who both smiled knowingly at the pair of them. Marlene McKinnon, who was now dancing with Remus, gave a low whistle. Sirius only pulled her closer, sighing contently when she finally lay her head against his chest.

"You know, this reminds me of one very late night in the Astronomy tower at Hogwarts."

"Oh..." Áine breathed, her heart thudding at the memory. "Those memories are quite fuzzy, thanks to the drinks you boys smuggled from the Three Broomsticks."

"Mine are as well... but I remember enough." He whispered, resting a cheek on her soft hair.

The music eventually slowed tempo as the few guests began to take their leave. Sirius still held Áine in his arms as they swayed over the dance floor. It wasn't weird or awkward anymore; no, they had both found that they very much enjoyed each other's company. After a few moments of whispering sweetly in her ear, Sirius felt his pulse racing as he offered her a ride home and bid their best friends goodbye.

"I can't even begin to tell you how perfect you looked today. I'm so happy for you, Lil." Áine told her friend. "You guys deserve all the happiness and love."

"Thank you!" Lily breathed, embracing the little blonde that had basically taken up the role of her sister. "Be safe tonight, I don't trust that motorbike."

Áine had been more of a sister to her than Petunia had been in years. She was grateful to know her, and hesitantly hopeful that her sudden closeness with Sirius wasn't just a temporary coincidence. She could see the two of them being really great together, but it would take a lot of patience and hard work.

"I'll be just fine. Promise!"

"I promise as well, Lily." Sirius assured, turning to hug the bride now that he'd said his goodbies to James. "I'll get her home safely."

"Oh, alright. But we need to talk about this at some point, you two!"

"Talk about what?" Sirius smirked behind him as he took Áine's hand and led her quickly away from the newlyweds.

They heard the sounds of laughter from their friends before they found themselves alone once again under the cover of night. They walked quietly as Sirius led her to his motorbike. The air between them had changed significantly since the last time they were alone. There was a thrilling nervousness that buzzed between them now, and she did not overlook the way his hand lingered in hers as he turned to her.

"Do you want to go home?" He asked, his voice low and rich.

"Home?" Áine asked blankly, feeling as though her brain had gone completely haywire. "Where else would I go?"

Her question was innocent, but even as she asked it she realized what he meant. Sirius did not answer right away. Instead, he stepped a little closer and cupped her face in his hands. He did not speak, but his desire was written plainly over his features. When his lips met hers, she did not shrink away. In fact, she kissed him back with a sincerity that dizzied them both.

In the next moment they were wrapped intimately in each other's arms, their lips moving together with a fervent hunger. It wasn't until a distant laugh that came from the direction of the reception interrupted their sudden passion that Sirius released her, mostly, still keeping a hand on her waist as if he didn't want to let go. The alcohol was coursing it's way through their bodies, and they both felt alive and reckless.

"Do you want to come home with me tonight?" He rephrased, his grey eyes searching her blue ones.

"Yes." She said, without hesitation.

In the next few moments they were off, the magical bike roaring loudly as they rose into the stars.

Áine woke slowly and begrudgingly the next morning, her body feeling heavy as lead. When she realized she was completely naked, she froze. Her eyes flew open only to scream in protest at the blinding light of morning through the window before she closed them again. She groaned, stretching a little in the bed where she lay.

It was in that second that she realized she was not alone. Letting her other senses take in her surroundings first, she knew that she was in a soft bed. Straining her memory, visions of her and Sirius dancing the night away crossed her mind.

She remembered laughter, hugs, happiness... and desire. Desire she had felt for the man whose body was laying warm and solid beneath her head. The stolen kisses in the dark, and the salacious hours that had followed.

Opening her eyes more carefully this time, she slowly took in the surroundings of Sirius' flat. Her eyes raked over the walls and the furniture as the memories poured back into her brain, until she was staring down at his sleeping figure. His arms still lay around her, and his mouth was slack against the dark pillows. He was still fast asleep.

Áine panicked. For as long as she could remember she'd had a bit of a stupid schoolgirl crush on him, and the night before now seemed like a strange dream. Sirius was not the type to keep a girlfriend. He'd had many throughout their school years, but none long enough for her to bother remembering their names. That's why they'd never pursued a relationship months ago when they were still in school. It was this reason above all others that she pulled herself carefully from his grasp so as not to wake him. Once upright, she searched for her robes from the night before.

The room was a bit of a mess, but before long she had dressed silently. She made for the bedroom door, meaning to leave, but she paused. Looking back at his sleeping figure she almost felt guilty. Sneaking out this way felt wrong somehow. What if...

No. She remprimanded herself sharply.

Sirius Black was a lot of great things, but a long term romantic partner was not one of them. He was deeply loyal to James and his friends, he was as smart as they come and he could make her laugh effortlessly, but trying to picture him being like Lily and James seemed silly. She told herself that she had been stupid to come here, to let herself think for a moment that this thing between them could last. She wasn't in the market at all, despite being single. Especially for a man who had proved time and time again that he wasn't interested in settling down anytime soon. This would be just like the time they made out in the astronomy tower beneath a waning gibbous moon; they would simply pretend it never happened and go on with life as normal.

She sighed a little, the memories of his body entangled with her own the night before playing much too deliciously in her mind before she left the flat and apparated back home.

"I just don't understand why you won't at least write him back and explain." Lily was complaining to Áine as she was readying herself for work.

It was an important day ahead for her at the Ministry of Magic, the day that she would be sworn in as an official Unspeakable for the Department of Mysteries. Today was a day that she needed to keep her head about her, and to not be distracted. Yet, Lily had just returned from her short hiatus with her new husband after their wedding, And of course, she wanted to talk about Sirius.

Áine had spent nearly every waking moment trying to expel Sirius from her mind. It was a much more difficult task than she ever imagined it could be. Yet, she had no time to dwell on her feelings right this moment. Not only was this the job she worked hard for, but to secure a spot as an Unspeakable was beneficial for the Order as well.

The Order had a few Ministry officials on it's side already, but certainly so did the Dark Lord. The more hooks that their side had in places of power or somewhere they could absorb information, the better. This was not just her job and chosen career, but also her way of contributing to the ongoing war.

Augustus Rookwood worked in that department as well, and she was almost sure after working with him for the last several months that he was a Death Eater. Áine was Rookwood's apprentice, and she could not falter now. Lily did not know it yet, but a few of the wrong people had gotten wind of the recent marriage between the Pureblood James and his Muggleborn wife. It had taken some quick thinking on her part to mirror his disgust when he had brought it up at work. Surely their schoolmates who had joined Voldemort's ranks could have relayed to him that she was their friend.

Dumbledore thought they needn't place this information on the newlywed couple just yet. Their union had sparked something in many who had decided to follow in their footsteps, braving hope in the face of cruel death. It would be unwise and unkind to now discourage such a thing.

"I don't need to explain." Áine shrugged. "He's a ladies man... this is something he definitely already understands."

"I don't think so, Áine." Lily said gently. "He thinks you're upset with him, and he's not been himself at all."

Pausing a moment, Áine took a deep breath as she looked into the bathroom mirror at her own reflection. As she took in the sight of her long blonde hair, her spotty freckles, and her pale blue eyes, she knew that love was not within her horizon at this point in time. She had just started a new career, she was almost positive that one of her coworkers was a Death Eater, Voldemort was stronger than ever, and people were dying left and right. Whatever she felt for Sirius Black, it would have to take a back seat to more pressing matters for now.

"I'm not upset with him. Not at all. I just don't have time to start seeing anyone right now and... come on, you know him. He's probably had another girl or two at his apartment already since me."

"Then why can't you say that to him?" Lily asked pointedly, standing in the way of her leaving the bedroom. "The way you just disappeared on him wasn't fair. Come on... tell me the real reason. You're my best friend, I know when you're holding back."

Áine looked into Lily's brilliantly green eyes and sighed. She knew that Lily wasn't going to drop it. She was just as stubborn as she was kind.

"I don't want to fall for him just to have him get bored later. I'd rather just chalk it up to the firewhiskey and forget it ever happened. Go back to being friends, instead of getting attached and then... losing him."

Lily's expression softened. Her friend hadn't had an easy life, that she knew. War in her home of Northern Ireland had taken her father at an early age. Her mum, while still alive, was rather fragile. She understood that Áine had grown accustomed to solitude, slow to let anyone in to her heart. As much as she had hoped that her friends would be happy together, she knew that there were bigger things to worry about now. Now that they were of age, there was a different war going on that Hogwarts no longer sheltered them from. The time to grow up had come for them all.