25 December 1975
Roseberry padded down the stairs in furry lion slippers, pulling her dark hair up into an untidy bun. She was dressed in red and gold silk pajama bottoms and a lacy red tank top. Her stomach grumbled as the smell of sausages reached her nose. Aunt Dorea was already awake, evidently, preparing a huge Christmas breakfast, no doubt. When she had made it to the landing, she heard a knock at the door. "I've got it, Aunt Dorea!" she called, as she pulled the door open.
On the doorstep, looking rather bedraggled, stood none other than Sirius Black, carrying a large trunk and a rucksack.
"Sirius! Come on in! Merry Christmas!" Roseberry greeted him warmly, stepping aside. "Can I help you with your bags?"
"I can manage," replied Sirius, setting his trunk down in the hall by the door. He wrapped her in a hug, "Happy Christmas, Rose."
James, having heard the exchange, bounded down the stairs. "Padfoot! Happy Christmas! What are you doing here?"
"Happy Christmas, Prongs," said Sirius. "I was wondering if I might stay with you for a bit. I had a fight with my parents. I left. For good this time. I just need a place to stay until I can get my own flat."
"You are welcome here for as long as you like," replied a deep voice from behind James and Roseberry. James's parents had emerged from the kitchen. Uncle Charlus pointed his wand at the boy's trunk and magically transported it up the stairs, presumably into James's room.
Aunt Dorea ushered the boy into the kitchen, "Come, we were just about to sit down for some breakfast." She made a place for Sirius between James and Roseberry at the table with a flick of her wrist. Everyone sat down and piled their plates with eggs, bacon, sausages, stewed tomatoes, and bubble-and-squeak. A small bowl of grits also sat in the center of the table, although it was largely ignored by all but Roseberry, who ate it with great appreciation.
Sirius tried hard not to look at Roseberry more often or longer than was appropriate. He was amazed at how beautiful she looked, especially when he considered that she had just woken up. The lace embellishing the top of her red tank top was rather distracting, as he could just see cleavage peering over the top and his pulse quickened as he thought of what might be visible through the lace. Sirius stared down at his plate, listening to the family's morning chatter.
After breakfast, Sirius followed Roseberry and the family to the living room. Presents were doled out and opened. Even Sirius had a few, from James, Roseberry, and the Potters. It was the best Christmas Sirius had ever had. He laughed and talked for hours with his best friend and his crush and Mr. and Mrs. Potter treated him with love and kindness such that his own family had never shown him.
.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.
Sirius spent the day at leisure, napping periodically between meals and snacks. He purred content as he lay sprawled on the sofa. Roseberry was sitting on the floor with her back resting on the sofa, reading a muggle book. Every so often she would move her head and the sweet fragrance of her shampoo would waft back to him. He glanced over at James, who was asleep on an armchair by the fire. He turned his attention back to Roseberry and, feigning sleep, moved his head closer to hers so that her silken hair brushed his cheek. He tried to picture other situations in which her hair would brush his cheek. Perhaps they would steal a nap by the beech tree at Hogwarts and she would roll over on top of him. She would smile down at him and trace his features with her soft fingers. He would undoubtedly wrap his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. She might grab his hands and he'd let her force his arms over his head. She would kiss him, and then sit up, straddling him. She'd look at him saucily, and push her cloak off her shoulders. She would unbutton her blouse slowly while he waited with anticipation. Sirius's eyes flew open, feeling he was being watched. He looked up to find James staring at him inquisitively. He flushed and repositioned himself to conceal any evidence of his daydream.
Roseberry looked up and saw that James was awake. "I'm bored, Jimmy. What's on for tonight?"
James and Sirius sat up. "What did you have in mind?" asked James.
Roseberry shrugged, "We could go into muggle London."
"Muggle London!" Sirius raised his eyebrows.
"That could be fun," nodded James. "We could send word to Remus and Peter. They could take the Knight Bus and meet us at the Leaky Cauldron before we head out together."
The three ran up the stairs and hurriedly got dressed. The boys were waiting by the door when Roseberry glided elegantly down the stairs. She was simply dressed in a black cowl neck sweater and a pair of jeans. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. She grabbed a red peacoat from off the hanger beside the door. Sirius scrambled to help her with her coat. She wrapped her Gryffindor scarf about her neck and pulled on a pair of black leather gloves before the trio stepped out into the night.
The soft glimmer of moonlight played across the freshly fallen snow and made the streets dance in the light of a million diamonds. Roseberry breathed in deeply, "It's such a beautiful night." She led the boys to the tube station and proceeded to purchase tickets.
"Roseberry's parents did business with muggles. She grew up knowing about the magic world, but she was raised as a muggle. I think she sometimes misses the simple pleasures of muggle life," explained James.
The three made their way to the Leaky Cauldron where they were greeted with hugs and smiles from Remus, Peter, and Lily Evans. James started in surprise. Roseberry gave him a roguish grin, "Try not to act like too much of a prat, Jimmy. You might have a chance."
James smiled back at her as the group left the Leaky Cauldron and ventured in search of muggle amusements. He hung back, buzzing around Lily, trying his best to impress her while Peter Pettigrew followed behind him.
Roseberry rolled her eyes, then happily looped her arms through those of Sirius and Remus. "I feel like such the lucky girl! Arm-in-arm with two devastatingly handsome wizards!" The friends eventually found a charming little pub featuring a live band.
Upon entering the pub, Sirius and Remus accompanied Roseberry as she sidled up to the bar to order ciders and ales for them all. They carried the drinks back to a large table that James had claimed.
Several hours later, Remus made his way to the toilets in the back of the bar. Sirius excused himself and met Remus coming out of the loo. Sirius held out his arm, barring Remus's way. Remus clapped his hand on Sirius's shoulder, "Exciting night out, isn't it, Padfoot? I've never done anything like this before!"
Sirius did not break a smile, but continued to stare darkly at him. "Come, Moony, let's have a talk," he said, grasping Remus's shoulder. The boys walked around the back of the pub, turning to watch the table where Roseberry and Lily were talking animatedly as James hung on to every word Lily said.
"Roseberry's beautiful, isn't she?" said Sirius softly, turning to watch Remus's reaction.
"She certainly is," replied Remus, watching the girl's eyes sparkle in the dim light from across the room. "I don't think I've ever met anyone so beautiful or vivacious."
Sirius smirked. Looks like ole Moony fancies the beautiful Rose. As if he has a chance. And yet, Moony had a way of cheering her up and could always make her laugh. She was obviously comfortable with him. He frowned.
Remus looked Sirius levelly in the eye, "Look, Sirius, Roseberry is beautiful, yes. She's spirited, intelligent, kind, powerful, and brave. I care for her deeply. I'm not going to deny that I might fancy her a little, but she's not interested in me, Sirius. Even if she were, I wouldn't pursue it. It's not worth the risk of losing her friendship…or yours."
Sirius clapped Remus on the back, "I'm sorry, Moony. I just—."
Remus cut across him, "I understand, Padfoot."
The boys made their way back to the table and sat on either side of Roseberry. She sighed contentedly, peering into the depths of her stout, "Happiness is a good dark beer, friends, and a brief respite from the shit that is life. Merry Christmas."