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Chapter Twenty-Three: Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad

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N O V E M B E R 1977

The first two months of school passed slow. Atleast they did for Romina. She struggled to keep her focus while sitting alone in the back of every classroom to put distance between herself and the other Slytherins. Since their first night back at school, and the blow up in the corridor with Regulus, they had surprisingly left her alone.

Boarding in the dormitory that originally belonged to James was helpful. She had no reason to return to the dungeons, and only had to deal with seeing them either in class or in passing.

She just about begged Professor McGonagall to turn a blind eye when she sat with the Gryffindors table during meals. A green snake hidden within a sea of red lions was the talk of every hidden alcove in every single corridor. She ignored the whispers of gossip. She got tired after hearing three different versions of the story of what had apparently happened over the summer.

Currently, she was laying in front of the fireplace in her room, dressed in a set of plaid pajamas that helped keep her warm. The beginning of this winter season was especially cold, almost a telling of the hard times to come. Everything was changing. Some of the change was good, but that good change was only because of something bad.

It seemed to be a never-ending cycle.

"What the bloody hell is happening in here?"

Looking up at the intrusion on her quiet time, Romina let out a laugh as she saw James standing over her with his hands on his hips.

"I'm cold and tired so I'm laying by the fire. Why is that so weird?" She questioned him with a raised brow.

"Well, for starters, it's Friday afternoon. We have a party to plan." He sighed, collapsing down beside her, and stretching his arms up over his head. He would agree that laying by the fire felt quite nice.

"His birthday is tomorrow. Do we really need to do any real planning?" Romina closed her eyes once more and let out a soft hum.

"She asks if we really need to plan! Do you hear that people?" James groaned dramatically.

"James, there's nobody else in here. Stop talking to yourself." She teased, a laugh escaping her lips as she looked back over at him.

"Alright, alright." James chuckled, holding his hands up as if to say, 'you got me, I'll stop'.

Comfortable silence took over once the laughter died down. It had been a few minutes before James spoke up again. "I know I can be somewhat of a git, but I've been meaning to ask if you'd ever be able to forgive me for how I've treated you?"

"I thought we were talking about the birthday boy." She sighed at the quick turn of conversation.

"We'll get back to him eventually. But it's been eating away at me all summer if I'm being honest... which I want to be. I want to be honest." James was now propped up on his elbows, his eyes falling onto Romina as she stayed in the same position on the floor. "I'm sorry for judging you solely on the fact that you are part of the Lestrange family, and a Slytherin. I was wrong in my ideas, and I really was a bloody git."

"Did Lily put you up to this?" Romina smiled softly as she moved to sit up. She crossed one leg over the other, her back facing the warm fire as she watched James. "Because I forgave you the moment you let me into your home with no questions asked. And let's be honest here, last year I acted like a git, too. I enjoyed watching you squirm." She admitted with a laugh, playfully nudging his shoulder with her hand before he sat up to face her.

"Well, it's official that you are now an honorary Gryffindor. McGonagall said so herself." James grinned.

The two shared another laugh before they got serious about what to do for Sirius' birthday. She found herself praying that they didn't get sucked into a stupid game again by Marlene but James so much as said there would be absolute chaos. Especially seeing as it was his last birthday here at Hogwarts.

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The next day was Saturday November 3rd, Sirius Black's eighteenth birthday. His last one spent behind the secure walls of Hogwarts.

He didn't have any preferences to how the day was spent but found himself being dragged to Hogsmeade with Romina and Remus so everyone else could prepare for the surprise party. It wasn't really a surprise, though. He knew there was something going on. Not like he would complain, he enjoyed the attention.

"It's bloody freezing outside already." Romina groaned, tightening her scarf around her throat as she rushed past Sirius and Remus who were taking their time with walking through the crowds of students traveling to the little village outside of the school grounds.

"Well, strangling yourself with your scarf is not going to help any." Remus told her with a laugh.

Sirius grinned, watching the two of them bicker back and forth about whether a tight scarf was the perfect piece of garment to battle against the cold wind. "You two! Come on, I want to get some sweets." He gestured over to Honeyduke's, a smirk now forming on his lips as Romina's eyes lit up as she rushed past them to beat them both into the store and out of the cold.

"It's nice to see her so happy." Remus hummed. His hands tucked safely out of the harsh winds in the pockets of his coat. "Don't you agree?"

Sirius glanced over at him with one brow raised high into his forehead. "Of course I agree." He cleared his throat, "Why are you being weird?" He held onto the handle of the door, refusing to open it until Remus responded.

"I don't want to step on any toes..."

"You fancy Mina?"

"I don't know. Maybe?"

Sirius paused for a moment, unsure of what to think or even say about this. Not like it was some deeply emotional exposè or anything, but Sirius knew he had to react appropriately.

"Well, I don't know why you'd be worried about stepping on any toes. There's nothing going on between us." Sirius shook his head, giving Remus a small smile before a banging on the window broke him out of this little haze.

Romina was standing on the other side of the door, her face close to the window with her hands on her hips as she looked between the two. "Are you guys coming in or are you just going to stand outside?"

Her voice was slightly muffled since she was on the other side of the large, thick door.

Remus hoped his cheeks weren't red because they sure felt hot. He looked away from Sirius and then back to the door. Sirius had let go of the handle, and he realized he wasn't sure how long they had just been standing there awkwardly with one another. He took in a deep breath and opened the door, nodding to Sirius as he stepped back out of the way. "Did you buy all of the treacle fudge? You know when we were here last week, I swear they were about to close up shop because Peter wanted to buy the whole shelf."

Sirius opened his mouth to make a comment about Peter wanting to feed Romina all the treacle fudge but decided against it. He wasn't even sure it was romantic feelings Peter was feeling. He just wanted to take care of Romina and be there for her. Feeding her favorite treat, treacle fudge, was the way to go apparently.

They both entered Honeyduke's to join Romina, but Sirius stayed behind to linger on the outskirts of the main aisle as he watched Romina and Remus go over all the chocolate in stock. He grabbed a few things for himself, knowing full well he was going to share with everyone later tonight.

"Chocolate fixes everything." Romina sighed happily, tapping her foot against the floor as the three waited in line to check out.

"You two are eerily similar. It's like you're the female Moony." Sirius teased.

Remus shrugged, "Mina's just smart. Chocolate is much better than any of those crazy treats you've got in your arms."

Sirius made a face, silently mimicking Remus before laughing. "Whatever you say, mate." He stepped up to purchase his things and sighed when Romina slid up next to him. She set the fudge down and quickly paid for both of their things before he could protest.

"Happy Birthday." She told him with a grin, "Oh and also you're totally sharing some of those sugar quills with me." She shrugged and grabbed the bag before turning around and leave.

After they left the sweet shop, the trio walked around until both Sirius and Remus decided they were tired of hearing Romina complain about the wind. They found themselves nestled in the back corner of The Three Broomsticks, a mug of warm butter beer in front of each of them.

"Have you guys thought more about what you're going to do after school?"

Romina sipped the warm beverage, a happy sigh escaping her lips as she set the mug back down.

"I love the Potters, but I think I want to get my own flat. Maybe somewhere in London." Sirius admired, shrugging his shoulders. He had not put too much thought into it but knew that he couldn't live with them for the rest of his life. He had to grow up at some point.

"Remus?" Romina inquired again once she realized he wasn't responding.

"Hm?" He was brought out of his thoughts at the sound of his name leaving her lips. He blinked, once then twice, before glancing over to Romina with a weak smile. "I don't have a plan set in stone just yet. I guess you could say I'm working on it."

Romina ignored the sadness in his voice. She was certain that if there was something he wanted to talk to her about, he would.

The reality of the situation was that Remus had not a single clue what he would do after graduation. He was a werewolf. Nobody would hire his kind - nobody with a right mind, anyhow. He was deathly ill for one full week leading up to the full moon. That week did not even take into consideration the day, or sometimes two, after where he needed to mend himself back together.

Having Peter, James, and Sirius with him at each transition was helpful. He would always be eternally grateful for the trouble they went through just to help him at his weakest moments. Just the thought was making him begin to get emotional.

"Uh, if you'll excuse me." Remus got up quickly, walking off towards the restrooms.

"Did I do something wrong?" Romina finally asked Sirius as she turned to face him now. "Because if I did, or maybe if I said something wrong, I want to know so I don't upset him again."

"No. You didn't do anything wrong." Sirius sighed, he finished his butterbeer and sat back in the chair. "Remus just gets sentimental about these sorts of things. I think he's in denial about the beginning of adulthood." Sirius lied, trying to lighten the mood.

Romina frowned. She wasn't too sure about what he was saying but decided that it was probably best for her not to pry.

They sat in silence until Remus arrived back only to say that they should probably head back to the castle. Romina agreed, and quickly redressed to battle against the cold outside before heading out.

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James realized it would be much easier to have the party in the Gryffindor common room rather than elsewhere. It would be big enough to house everyone he wanted to invite for the party. And having Romina and Remus take Sirius to Hogsmeade was more than enough time to prepare everything.

He had just gotten done hanging up the last banner when Peter came running, almost tripping over his own two feet, into the room. "They're coming down the hall now!"

"Oh! I love a good surprise party!" Lily sighed happily, grinning widely as she looked up at the banner strung across the staircase to the boys' dormitory.

James grinned back as he looked up at his handy work.

"You guys do know Sirius is never surprised with anything right? Don't you think he thought it was odd only Remus and Romina went to Hogsmeade with him?"

"Marlene! Don't rain on James' parade. He worked hard on this." Lily sighed as her hands moved to her hips, her attention turning to Marlene now as she looked over at her friend.

"Alright, yeah, sorry." She rolled her eyes in a playful manner before they all turned around to prepare for the surprise.

"How much are you willing to bet that James is still following Lily around like a puppy? I heard she agreed to one date, but she didn't tell him when. He's been on his best behavior lately." Romina smirked, stepping through the portrait hole, tugging off her scarf at the sudden burst of heat from the multiple fireplaces that were lit within the large room.

She grinned wide at Lily and James before she turned around to tug Remus in with her, "Surprise!"

"Happy Birthday, Padfoot!"

Sirius raised his hands up, feigning shock with a laugh escaping through his lips, "All of this for me?" He grinned.

"Yes, yes. All for you. Now let's get this man a drink!" James excitedly rushed towards his best friends to envelope them all in a bone-crushing group hug.

"James is a strange bird. Are you sure you want to give him one date, Lils?" Marlene teased.

All Lily did in response was smile. Romina watched her watching James and couldn't help but let out a happy sigh. Things were good. Things were finally good. She wasn't going to mess this up by thinking negatively about the future. She wanted to enjoy the here and the now - and that was exactly what she was going to do.

After the situation in the summer, Romina quickly found what her limit was when it came to firewhiskey. The party didn't really start until after dinner, but the gang hung out around the fireplace and gave Sirius his gifts.

"You guys truly don't have to go through all this trouble for me."

Sirius was grinning down at his lap, a handful of new band shirts gifted to him by Romina folded neatly. "How did you even get out to muggle London to get these without my knowing?" He teased.

"Remus helped!" Romina laughed softly, "Because let's face it, me? In muggle London? I wouldn't survive." She shook her head, dropping onto the couch beside him so she could rest her head on his shoulder. "I thought it was only fair since I've been stealing your shirts. I've got to replenish your wardrobe."

Sirius smirked, glancing down at her for a moment before he gently kissed her forehead in thanks.

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"He's got a new album and it's bloody incredible!"

"James and Sirius have played it this summer for me. And I'm not disagreeing!" Romina looked over at Remus, Peter, and Marlene who were animated in their description of the album 'Bat Out Of Hell'.

"So, what's the problem?" Peter inquired.

"Why is he calling himself Meat Loaf?"

Remus let out a cackle. "I don't think we can answer that question for you. But his name aside, the album is great! I brought it with me. Should we figure out how to play it?"

Romina clapped her hands with excitement. "Yes!"

She was beaming. Three cups of firewhiskey aside, music was becoming her new favorite thing. She was learning so much about muggle culture, things she never knew before having grown up in a pure blood, sacred twenty-eight family. She had never been allowed to register for Muggle Studies, so she had nowhere to learn about these sorts of things.

Romina watched in awe as the guys huddled in a corner to get the record to play. James, though slightly inebriated, came up with the brilliant plan to transfigure a nearby armchair into a record player. She knelt on the couch, facing them with her chin propped up in her hands.

Eventually they got it working, and Romina found herself dancing and singing without a care in the world with Lily and Marlene. She had never felt this carefree before and it was an amazing experience.

"Oh!" She squealed, at the beginning of the next song. "I love this one!"

"This isn't even the best one on the album!" James groaned.

"Baby, we can talk all night
But that ain't gettin us nowhere
I told you everything I possibly can
There's nothing left inside of here"

Spinning, round and round. Singing, louder and louder. Romina, Lily, and Marlene giggled together. There was truly not another care in the world. There was no war looming off in the distance. No evil dark lord rising to power. No hate, no death.

Just friends, happiness, love, and laughter.

"I poured it on and I poured it out
I tried to show you just how much I care
I'm tired of words and I'm too hoarse to shout
But you've been cold to me so long
I'm crying icicles instead of tears"

Next, she found herself arm in arm with Sirius, swaying back and forth as they sang loudly. The feeling of being so close to him set the little, tiny nerves on her skin on fire. It was a good kind of burn, something she had always felt with him but never spoke about.

"And all I can do is keep on telling you
I want you (I want you)
I need you (I need you)
There ain't no way I'm ever gonna love you
Now don't be sad (don't be sad 'cause)
'Cause two out of three ain't bad
Now don't be sad ('cause)
'Cause two out of three ain't bad"

She then found herself with Remus, dramatically holding onto one another as they sang. The words came out clear and perhaps with a hidden meaning. Romina felt so connected to everyone in this room already, it was almost overwhelming.

"Baby, we can talk all night
But that ain't getting us nowhere"

The room felt like it was spinning. Romina held onto Remus' shirt as his hands found her waist. Their chests were heaving, hot breath that smelled like cinnamon - thanks firewhiskey - hitting their faces as they stared at one another.

Sirius was currently grabbing himself another drink, glancing up at the worst possible moment with a slight scowl. He didn't want to stick around to watch them snog each other's faces off, he couldn't put himself through that. So, with one large gulp, he poured more to take the place of the liquor he had just downed, before weaving through the crowd towards the other end of the room to occupy himself with something - someone - else.

Remus had leaned down and pressed his lips against Romina's. There was no noise in her ears, it was almost like they were alone in the room. Silence, except for their own breathing and the sound of clashing teeth. She continued grasping onto his shirt for stability before her hands slipped onto either side of his face as she kissed him back.

The kiss went deep, for only a moment, before they both immediately pulled back in disgust.

Romina dropped her hands from his face while Remus dropped his hands from her waist.

"Did you-"

"Was that-"

"Gross?" They said, now, in unison.

Romina grimaced and Remus laughed.

"I am so sorry!" Remus apologized, fighting the blush that rose high on his cheeks. He was mainly blushing now because everyone around them had stopped to watch. When he took another step back, he looked up and made eye contact with James who looked appalled.

"Remus, mate, I don't know what to say." James sighed, turning to look at Romina.

"And you, young lady, I think it's well past your bedtime." He wiggled his finger at her.

Lily laughed from her spot beside him, reaching forward and pulling his hand down to his side. She gave him a squeeze, "Leave them be! It's called experimenting!"

Marlene smirked, "Experiment!" She cried with a laugh, moving to now wrap her arms around both Remus and Romina.

"Marlene! Please!" Romina giggled, wiggling herself away and out of her grasp before rushing through the crowd to get herself a drink. She wasn't going to have anymore but after that awkward moment - she needed it.

Her tongue darted out to wet her lips as she squinted at the cup, expertly pouring the amber liquid as close to the brim without spilling. She set the bottle down before leaning down to sip at the cup before picking it up and turning to face the room. She regretted her decision because she made immediately made eye contact with the birthday boy.

Sirius was lounging on the couch, one arm draped over the shoulders of a blonde-haired girl, someone that Romina didn't recognize. Another girl, one with beautiful dark hair - almost as dark as the nighttime sky, was sprawled out across his lap. Her head rested on a pillow while her legs were laid out across his thighs. His free hand rested on her knee, and as they spoke to him, Romina could see that he responded all while keeping his eyes on her.

"What's going on there?"

She turned away, glancing up at Remus as he sidled up beside her.

What was going on there?

Romina had no idea. She hated the weird sensation bubbling up in her stomach at the sight of Sirius in that compromising position on the couch. She took in a deep breath and looked down at her feet.

"Forget I said anything. Come on, come with me to watch James annihilate Peter in a game of exploding snap." Remus smiled, taking her hand in his and dragging her through the crowd back to where the game was taking place.

Romina took one final look back behind her shoulder, chewing at the inside of her cheek once she realized Sirius was watching her walk away with Remus. Usually, his emotions were written clear across his face but Romina felt like right now, in this very moment, she could not tell what he was thinking, or what he was feeling. And she hated it.

It had never been like this with Regulus. Or maybe it had been, and she never realized that it was. There was always a bond between the two like no other. Romina knew the feelings swirling like a raging fire inside of her when she looked at Sirius were completely different than those she felt when she looked at Regulus.

Guilt flooded her system as she turned back around, forcing her attention elsewhere.

"Mina! You up for a game?" James leaned back with his arms propped up behind his head.

"A chance to kick your arse? Oh, count me in." The brunette grinned widely as she took Peter's place after he sullenly got up, annoyed and slightly embarrassed that James had beaten him already twice in a row.

"As if, Lestrange."

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The song in this chapter is "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" by Meat Loaf.

RIP Michael Lee Aday