A Fake Valentine
Characters: fem!reader (you), Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew.
Warnings: Fake dating trope, mutual pining, mild jealousy, possessive Sirius, high school drama, fluff.
Summary: To avoid the Valentine’s Day chaos, Sirius convinces his best friend (you) to be his fake girlfriend. But when the charade unexpectedly turns you into Hogwarts' newest center of attention, Sirius realizes he isn't ready to let anyone else take his place.
Themes: Friends to Lovers, Fake Dating, Marauders Era.
WC: 7.623
My Masterlist
Some might call it bitterness, envy, or frustration for a girl – obviously single – to say she hated Valentine’s Day. You were a girl, you were single, and you did indeed hate Valentine’s Day, however, it had nothing to do with frustration or bitterness. Perhaps a tiny bit of envy, but nothing too alarming. In fact, if it weren't for Sirius, the date wouldn't have any impact on your life at all.
Speaking of Sirius, he was living proof that if some kind of god or divine providence existed, he clearly had his favourites. Look at the facts:
Sirius was a very handsome lad.
Sirius was one of the Marauders.
Sirius was charismatic.
Sirius was on the Quidditch team.
Sirius was the top Transfiguration student in your year.
Sirius was your best friend.
And Sirius was also the man you were sordidly in love with.
You listed all these problems attributes in your mind, reminding yourself they were part of what composed your misfortune.
Due to Sirius's reputation being widely known throughout Hogwarts, among both boys and girls, this was a difficult time of year for you. Every year, Sirius drowned in love letters – some of which turned into howlers when he snubbed them – boxes of chocolates (which he never ate for fear of being poisoned by some kind of Love Potion), or was cornered in every nook of the castle with different types of public declarations that left everyone present cringing when the person was rejected.
All these facts made you dislike Valentine’s Day. However, what made you truly loathe the date was the constant reminder that you were too much of a coward to admit your feelings to him. You stayed by his side every year, watching different people take the initiative to do what you always wanted, only to be cordially rejected with a wicked, utterly charming smirk that only he could pull off. Even when rejected, it seemed hard to stay heartbroken after receiving a smile like that, you supposed.
No. You were better off as his "great friend," thank you very much. At least that way you could see all his facets and receive – in some way – his affection, even if it wasn't romantic.
Which didn't mean you didn't feel bothered, because even though he rejected most people, Sirius flirted as naturally as breathing, and you had to watch in silence as he made "commitments" with some of his admirers, even while making it clear he couldn't return the feelings they were willing to give.
You also knew that, to some extent, Sirius loved the attention. However, at certain moments – like Valentine's Day – it could be rather exasperating even for someone like him. And that was exactly why you had a rather exasperated Sirius on your heels now that February was fast approaching.
Stepping back a bit for context: it was evening, and you were sitting on one of the sofas in the Gryffindor Common Room. Lily was in front of you on the floor while you braided her long red hair. Remus was sitting on a sofa nearby, and James was lying next to him, tossing a miniature version of a Quaffle up and catching it.
You were relaxed in a silence interrupted only by James’s occasional chatter or a student passing by toward the dormitories, listening to the rain falling outside and the crackling of the fireplace. Just as you began to feel sleepy, the portrait hole swung open and someone walked into the room with heavy footsteps.
"I’m telling you, Pete," Sirius said as he marched in, turning his head back to his friend following close behind. "These girls are going to be the death of me..."
You looked up from Lily’s hair and turned toward him. "Hello."
"Hello, Pips." Sirius stopped and scanned everyone gathered around the sofas and Lily on the rug. "Ah, everyone’s here. Thought you’d be in the dorms by now."
Lily barely suppressed a long yawn at the word "dormitory." "Actually, I was just thinking about heading up." She put a hand to her mouth and turned to you. "You have magic hands. I nearly nodded off right here on the floor with you messing with my hair."
James finally sat up, making room for Sirius, who practically threw himself onto the sofa next to him and Remus. "What were you and Pete talking about?"
"Oh, well. The usual," he said, folding his arms behind his neck to lean back. "Girls."
Peter laughed as he sat on the rug a bit closer to the fire. "Phoebe Howard tried to slip a Love Potion into Padfoot’s pumpkin juice."
James bounced in his seat, abandoning the tiny Quaffle. "And what gave it away this time?"
"The smell," Sirius replied, scowling as he remembered the strangely familiar fragrance.
You let out a laugh at the expression on his face. "I’m glad Professor Slughorn’s teachings are actually coming in handy."
"What I don't understand is how anyone in our year is capable of brewing Amortentia," Lily huffed with indignation.
"You’ll find that a girl desperate for our Padfoot’s attention is capable of anything, my dear Lily," James said, placing a hand on Sirius’s shoulder.
"What’s so interesting about having a boyfriend who’s completely inebriated on a Love Potion? Not to mention the whole moral context and consent... it’s a bit creepy," you questioned, crossing your arms over your chest.
Lily made a sound of immediate approval, leaning her arms on her knees. "Exactly! Thank you! That’s what I’ve been saying since I found out Love Potions existed. I mean, hello? It’s bizarre, to say the least."
"As if any of those nutters care about that," James commented, earning a sharp look from Lily, which made him raise his hands in quick surrender. "Not that I agree! I’m just saying... the competition for Padfoot is cutthroat. Desperation makes people lose their minds, and Valentine’s Day is almost here, so..."
Sirius rubbed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. "Ugh. Valentine’s Day... I’m exhausted just thinking that I’ll have to sniff everything I put in my mouth for the next few days."
"I can be your taster," Pete offered enthusiastically, likely eager to eat the tons of chocolate boxes Sirius would receive.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Pete," you warned him. "Most of those potions don't usually end well, assuming they were even brewed correctly."
Remus finally looked up from his book and aimed his gaze at Sirius. "You know this inconvenience is entirely your own fault, don’t you?"
"You don't have to rub it in his face, Remus," Lily said, and you turned to him, trying to hide the satisfying smile blooming on your face.
"Oh, come off it. I just like to have a bit of fun. It’s not my fault if people get the wrong idea."
Remus rolled his eyes. "It’s not that they get the wrong idea, they know exactly what you’re like, Padfoot."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, confused. "And?"
"And they think you’re a welcome challenge," you continued.
"I can fix him," Lily added ironically.
"Wait a minute, what do you mean 'fix'? What’s there to be fix–"
"The point is, Padfoot, you flirt and snog way too much. And since you’re a popular bloke, everyone thinks they have a chance to finally snatch you up. Something like that," Remus interrupted, sighing and looking back down at his book.
"Well, that’s just my nature. Not much I can do about being naturally attractive and charismatic."
"Then you’ll just have to accept that you have some very difficult days ahead," you pointed out.
"You’re mean, Pips." He winked at you, his tone exaggeratedly dramatic. "You used to be kinder to me."
"What a load of rubbish! I’m not mean. I’m the one who helps you most while you’re constantly getting into trouble, one mess after another." You blinked in surprise. "I’ve even used my influence as a Prefect to get you out of your scrapes."
"As Head Girl, I shall say nothing about that, but know that I have an opinion," Lily commented, looking your way with a sharp gaze.
"Well, right now you don't seem to care one bit that your best friend might end up in the Hospital Wing after being poisoned by some Love Potion brewed in a teapot and strained through someone’s knickers."
"Again, entirely your fault," Remus noted, still not looking away from his book.
"You lot are cruel," Sirius pouted.
"You want to know something, Padfoot?" James stood up, walking over to where Lily was sitting and putting an arm around her shoulders. "If you had a girlfriend, like me, you wouldn't have to worry about any of this. I haven't received a single letter since I started going out with Lily."
"And I should hope not," Lily murmured, looking at her boyfriend.
You swallowed hard at James’s comment. Seeing Sirius be a flirt and hit on anything that moved was hard, but in your opinion, seeing him with someone – dating, committed – made everything feel much more solid and deep. Something difficult to change. It was as if it proved you’d never have a chance with him. Was it a feeling you should be proud of? Not in the slightest.
"Padfoot? Dating?" Peter mocked, looking between James and Sirius before gesturing with his head toward you. "It’s easier to see her dating than Padfoot."
"Oi, what’s that supposed to mean?" You raised an eyebrow and put a hand on your hip.
"Erm – " Peter choked.
"Actually, you’ve just given me an excellent idea."
"Oh, here he goes," Remus sighed, smiling in anticipation of whatever Sirius was about to say.
"I’m going to get a girlfriend."
You felt your smile falter slightly.
"Wait a minute," Peter held up a hand toward him. "I thought the whole point of this discussion was that you don't want to date anyone."
"I don't need to date for real," Sirius explained. "I just need someone to carry the honour and make the girls leave me alone."
"Right." Peter looked at his friend with scepticism.
"And is anyone daft enough to agree to be part of this mess just to save your skin from a bunch of desperate girls?" Lily scoffed, leaning her head on James’s shoulder.
You saw a wicked grin spread across Sirius’s face from ear to ear as his eyes shifted focus. Everyone else’s gaze left his face and fell on you as they realised what he was implying, and when you finally understood, you immediately moved to deny it.
"No, absolutely not." You shook your head. "Pete, are you sure Phoebe didn't manage to get him to drink that potion? There must be something wrong with his head."
Sirius let out an enthusiastic sigh before standing up and throwing himself onto the sofa next to you. "You’d be perfect! You’re one of my best friends, you’re always with me, and you know me better than any other girl. People will just assume we’ve... eventually fallen in love."
You had eventually fallen in love with him. Perhaps that was why your brain was trying so hard to warn you to follow logic. This couldn't bring you any good, you clearly loved him, and he was willing to pretend he did too just to scare off a bunch of silly girls who, just like you, had ended up liking the wrong boy.
"No way. We can't assume the whole school is that stupid."
"Please, Pips," Sirius leaned closer, the scent of leather and sandalwood that always accompanied him invading your senses and making your heart give a painful lurch. "It’s a perfect plan. No one will question it. We’re already always together, we even go to Hogsmeade together sometimes. We can do it again, we just need to keep up appearances for a few days."
"It’s not that simple, Sirius," you argued, trying to ignore the weight of his arm now resting on the back of the sofa behind your head. "And what happens when Valentine’s Day is over? Do we just 'break up' and go back to normal?"
"Exactly!" He snapped his fingers. "We can say it didn't work out, or that we decided we were better off as friends. It’s not like that doesn't happen."
"How many girls you've dumped are you still friends with?" Lily asked sceptically.
Remus finally closed his book, his expression oscillating between amusement and concern. "You do realise this could backfire spectacularly, don’t you?"
"What on earth could go wrong?" Sirius shrugged dismissively. "At most, people will know I’m no longer... how shall we put it? Operational? And honestly, who better to be my 'girlfriend' than my best friend?"
James let out a loud laugh, messing up his hair even more. "Be careful, Padfoot. These sorts of games don't usually end well. Someone always ends up getting screwed."
"Nothing to worry about, Prongs," Sirius insisted, turning those grey, pleading eyes back to you. "Pips, please. I’ll buy you all the chocolate frogs you want. I’ll do your Transfiguration homework for a month."
You looked at Lily’s hands, which were still entwined with James’s. The contrast between their real relationship and the charade Sirius was proposing was almost cruel. Of course, he wasn't aware of that. You looked at his face again – that shameless face that seemed to depend on your answer – and then you weighed your options. Accepting meant having everything you ever wanted: his touch, his proximity, being his girlfriend, even knowing none of it was genuine for him. On the other hand, you’d have to watch Sirius go on dates and receive gifts and declarations of love all day long, and the idea of seeing him surrounded by people desperate for his attention again was equally unbearable.
You gave a long sigh.
What an egotistical fool you were, weren't you?
"Two weeks?" you asked in a whisper, your voice wavering slightly.
"A month," Sirius promised, a victorious smile beginning to sprout on his lips. "We need to last a bit longer if we want to be convincing. After that, you 'dump' me and I go back to being Hogwarts' most coveted and miserable bachelor."
"I’m going to regret this," you muttered, covering your face with your hands.
"You’re a saint, that’s what you are," Lily said, standing up and offering a hand to help you up too. "I don't need to warn you that I don't agree with this and think it won't end well, do I?"
"Well, I think it’s a bit late for that, I’ve already agreed," you replied somewhat apprehensively.
"Not that any of you would listen to me anyway," she murmured more to herself than to you.
The Common Room slowly emptied. Remus said goodbye with an encouraging nod, and James and Lily headed up the dormitory stairs, whispering flirtations to each other as if no one else was watching. Peter had already gone up too. In the end, it was just you and Sirius before the dying embers of the fireplace.
Sirius stood up without moving away from you. He stopped in front of you, one hand in his robe pockets, looking strangely less playful now that there was no audience. His other hand reached for yours, holding it lightly.
"Thanks, really, Pips," he said, his voice lower and huskier. "I know it’s quite the ask."
"It’s fine, Sirius." You pulled your hand back and gave him a small smile. "As long as you don't make me look like a fool," you tried to joke, though the only feeling you could filter through right now was apprehension.
"Never," he winked, and before you could react, he leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to your temple. A friendly kiss, you told yourself. Still, the spot where his lips touched your skin felt like it was burning. "Be ready for breakfast tomorrow. You won't want to miss the debut of Hogwarts' newest couple."
You watched him walk up the stairs with that remarkable confidence he possessed. You stood there, alone in the silence of the hall, lightly running your fingers over the spot where he had kissed you. Sirius was focused on getting out of the sight of the girls of Hogwarts, and well... if that’s what he wanted, you would definitely make it work.
What wouldn't you do for him, after all?
As it turns out, things rarely – actually, maybe never – go according to plan, and perhaps Sirius’s "genius" idea to put you under his spotlight left him on the verge of discovering a hard truth, both about his own old reputation and your newly discovered one.
The morning after the night in the Common Room, you’d barely had five hours of sleep. Every time you closed your eyes, the feeling of Sirius’s lips against your skin returned to haunt you, and the idea of having to pretend to be his girl made you nervous with both anticipation and despair. By the time the other girls started waking up, you were already awake, staring at the canopy ceiling and mentally rehearsing all the ways this plan could fail miserably.
It was so tempting to back out now.
You took longer to get ready this time, trying in some way to put more effort into your appearance. When you went down to the Common Room trying to look as natural as possible, your hands were shaking slightly as you adjusted your Gryffindor tie. Sirius was already there, leaning against the table near the portrait of the Fat Lady, chatting distractedly with James. The moment he saw you, his face lit up with a devastating smile that, if you weren't used to receiving it, would have made you faint right then and there.
"Morning, babe," he said in a voice loud enough for the students heading out to breakfast to hear.
Before you could respond, he stepped closer and, with all the naturalness in the world, draped an arm over your shoulders, pulling you gently toward him and leaning down to kiss your cheek.
Your eyes went as wide as Bludgers and your face instantly turned beet red.
"Sleep well?" he asked, lowering his tone just enough to create an illusion of intimacy as they began walking toward the Great Hall.
"I-I- I, I... I-I– " you stammered back, feeling the heat of his body radiating against yours through his robes.
"Stay focused, love," he whispered with a wink.
"Oh my god," was all you were able to mutter.
The entrance into the Great Hall went more or less as you’d imagined. The usual hubbub of hundreds of students seemed to dim and then swell as you walked past the tables, appearing much more intimate than ever. Sirius kept his arm around you in a way he obviously never did, he also tilted his head occasionally, pretending to whisper something funny in your ear, which forced you to laugh and, consequently, look like the luckiest girl in the castle. Ah. If only it were real. At the moment, you felt more like the most pathetic girl to ever set foot there.
When you reached the Gryffindor table, he didn't sit between Remus and Peter as usual, he tucked himself in right next to you, letting your thighs touch under the table while still keeping his warm hand on yours.
"Milk?" he offered, pouring a mug for you even before serving himself.
"Thanks," you murmured, feeling dozens of eyes burning in your direction.
"Anything for you, love."
Across the table, James and Lily watched the scene with expressions that couldn't be more contrasting. James looked like he was holding back a laugh, while Lily watched you with an arched eyebrow, clearly worried about how well you were – or weren't – able to separate reality from the illusion you were creating.
Of course, some more persistent people wouldn't believe so easily that the great Sirius Black had finally entered a relationship just by seeing him getting cozy with a girl – even his best friend – since that was a somewhat recurring scene. And well, someone sooner or later had to put it to the test.
"Hi, Sirius." A small, somewhat uncertain voice rose behind you. If your memory was right, it was Phoebe Howard. She was clutching a copy of A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration to her chest tightly and seemed to be fighting her own desire to hex you while trying to maintain eye contact with the boy beside you.
"Hello, Phoebe. Morning," he replied, tossing a grape directly into his mouth as naturally as he would answer anyone else.
She stood there for a few seconds, smiling to herself just for receiving a "good morning" from Sirius Black, before snapping back and speaking again.
"It’s... well. I was thinking. You’re the best Transfiguration student in our year and I – I... I haven't been doing very well..."
"She’s doing well enough in Potions," you suppressed a laugh hearing Peter comment quietly and mischievously to Remus.
The girl continued, "I just wanted to know if I could ask you for a... study session... in the library this weekend." Her voice seemed to diminish with every word.
Sirius’s grip on your shoulder tightened subtly. He didn't look at Phoebe immediately, instead, he tilted his face toward you, smiling in a way that would make anyone believe you were each other's entire universe, before turning to her again with a slow, lazy expression.
"That’s very kind of you, Phoebe. But I’m afraid my weekends now belong entirely to my girlfriend," he announced, putting an arm around your shoulders and resting your head on his shoulder. "And honestly, I can barely concentrate when she’s around, I might not be the best person to teach you." Sirius said, and the conviction in his voice was so strong that even you felt a flutter in your stomach. It was almost as if he meant it.
Phoebe wilted visibly at his words. She flicked her gaze between Sirius’s arm around you and your own face, the latent envy in her eyes fighting against the obvious sadness of being rejected. Unable to say anything else, she let out a muffled sound and turned, fleeing toward the Ravenclaw table with her ears burning red.
You almost felt sorry for her – until you remembered that just the night before she had almost spiked your best friend's drink – and Sirius? Well, Sirius looked very pleased with himself. He had just gotten rid of Phoebe Howard and announced – to whoever hadn't reached that conclusion yet – the fact that you two were dating.
He could have easily gone to Slytherin with that attitude, you thought.
────୨ৎ────
In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, life at Hogwarts became a blur between friendship and performance. Sirius took his role seriously, you supposed. Which was somewhat funny because, in the end, it all boiled down to physical contact – holding hands, cuddling in public, brushing his lips against your cheek or temple now and then. As for the rest, he didn't need to memorise your class schedule to find you because he already did that most days. He didn't need to get used to carrying your books because he rarely let you carry them anyway, the exceptions being the result of your own insistence. And during meals, he didn't need to discover what you liked to eat because he always made sure you had the best portion of your favourite food.
And Sirius found himself surprised by how much he was enjoying this routine. How incredibly easy and lovely it was to be in a relationship with you, even if it wasn't completely real. Before long, he thought it might be fair to give some credit to the lads who chose to date because, contrary to what he imagined, being with you in such an affectionate and intimate way proved to be no sacrifice at all. He was happier in these few days than in any date or snogging session he’d had in months, and it seemed to the rest of the school that Sirius Black was finally domesticated. The girls now kept a safe distance while you and he sat together in the courtyard, you positioned between his legs with your head resting on his chest while pretending to study.
"You’re a good actress, Pips," Sirius whispered, his fingers playing with a strand of your hair. "Who would’ve thought there’s so little time left until Valentine’s Day and Pete hasn't eaten a single spiked chocolate yet?"
"And have you received any to give to him?"
He turned his head to look at you. "No, I don't think so. At least not yet. Can you believe it?"
You laughed, though there was a twinge of anxiety in your voice. "Well, things really do seem calmer, but we’ll only know for sure if all this – " you gestured toward yourself and then him " – wasn't a massive waste of time when Valentine’s Day actually arrives."
"Details, details," he murmured, leaning in for a quick kiss on the top of your head.
There was almost no one around, and you were left wondering why the display of affection was necessary. In truth, he seemed to be quite enjoying kissing you lately and did so frequently, whether there were people nearby or not – to your purest joy or darkest doom.
"I can tell, by the way things are going, that everything is working out exactly as I planned. Look at us. We’re natural. I think I could get used to this."
You looked down and averted your gaze. All this time and all these caresses were wrecking your emotions. You felt like an idiot for playing this role, while at the same time feeling completely happy and comfortable with all the affection he was showering on you. You also felt you were starting to lose sight of the thin line that separated your love from friendship and kept your heart contained in all your interactions with him. In short, you were so screwed.
And of course, as mentioned about nothing in life ever going according to plan, that wasn't even the only problem.
While Sirius delighted in the peace acquired by your "relationship," something was shifting around you.
You could say his popularity had always worked as a smoke screen of sorts, which for you wasn't a bad thing, as you weren't a very extroverted person to begin with. It was comfortable to be just another girl, and the people whose opinions mattered to you knew your value well enough, you were sure of that. However, now everyone seemed to be finally seeing you in a strange way. Or at least the male portion of Hogwarts.
The first evidence appeared when an unknown owl landed in front of you carrying a note and a rosebud.
"What’s this?" Sirius asked, eyebrow arched.
"I don't know. I’m not expecting anything," you said, looking at the back of the envelope.
Lily didn't even wait for you to find out who had sent the letter before snatching it from your hand. "It says here it’s from Thomas Menken," she broke the seal and opened the envelope to read the contents. "He says he’s always admired you and that, if things aren't serious between you and Sirius, he’d love to take you for a Butterbeer."
Sirius scowled and snatched the letter from her hands. He read it again as if he didn't believe what he heard and let out a short, dry laugh. "Thomas Menken? That Beater who couldn't hit a Bludger if it were on his nose? The nerve." He crumpled the paper. "Clearly he’s spent the last few days with his head up a Thestral’s arse. Didn't he see we’re together?"
"It’s a fake relationship, Sirius," you reminded him.
"It’s not as if he knows that," he grumbled, his voice rising. "What’s with him, hitting on someone else's girlfriend..."
But Thomas was only the beginning. In the breaks between classes, boys who previously only interacted when necessary, now stopped to chat with you, giving compliments for even the most mundane things you could imagine, which certainly threw cold water on Sirius’s mood. He went from relaxed to a sort of territorial dog, extremely furious with life.
"What did Stebbins want?" Sirius hissed as the blond lad who had stopped you at the corridor entrance walked away, practically spitting his name.
"He just wanted to know if I had the notes from Professor Slughorn’s last class. It was nothing," you replied.
"He’s been staring at your backside since you appeared, and he isn't even in Potions this year," Sirius growled, putting an arm possessively around your back and pulling your chair closer to his. "Tell him you’re busy if he approaches again."
"Why would I do that?" you murmured, trying to gently disentangle yourself from his grip. "He was perfectly polite. Besides, the notes are mine, I’ll lend them to whoever I want."
"You’re very naive, Pips. Honestly," he rolled his eyes, his face still set in a scowl. "You think they’re interested in your notes? They’re interested in you. And trust me, boys are trouble. All of them."
"Funny you should say that" you retorted with a sarcastic smile. "Seeing as you’ve been, technically, the biggest trouble in this school since day one."
"Exactly!" he exclaimed, as if you’d just proven his point. "They’re trying to play my game. I know exactly what goes through a bloke's head when he starts complimenting even the way a girl blinks. Believe me when I say the last thing he wants is to study. He wants an excuse to be near you."
"And why would that be such a big problem? I should be happy. You should be happy. I thought the plan was working. The girls aren't bothering you anymore, are they? Why all this moodiness? We’re going to break up eventually."
"Yes, it’s working wonderfully for me, and look like it’s the case for you too" he admitted, though his voice didn't sound happy at all. "Now I have to deal with half the male population of Hogwarts lurking around you like nifflers after gold. It’s irritating. They’re not good enough for you."
"Well, I don't know what happened, but it’s not my fault if I’m suddenly interesting. You’ll just have to learn to deal with it," you joked, trying to ignore the way his gaze seemed to burn your skin. "Think of it as training for when we go back to normal. You’ll be so used to pretending to care that you’ll be an excellent real boyfriend for someone one day."
Sirius’s face turned strangely serious for a moment. The lazy tranquillity vanished, and he watched you in a silence that seemed to last an eternity. Before he could say anything, however, Daniel Lloyd from Ravenclaw stopped in front of your table.
"Hi," he said, ignoring the death stare Sirius threw his way.
Brilliant, Sirius thought. Another one.
"I heard you, Evans, and Lupin are organising a study group for the O.W.L.s. I’d love to join, if there’s a spot."
You felt Sirius go rigid beside you. His hand, which was resting on the back of your chair, moved to your shoulder, his fingers closing with a possessive firmness.
The funniest thing was that Lloyd seemed to genuinely just want to study.
"Sorry, Lloyd," Sirius interrupted before you could open your mouth, his voice coming out as a low, dangerous growl. "The study group is full. And she’s going to be very busy with me... studying other things."
Daniel blinked, surprised and visibly embarrassed, and took a step back. "Oh... right."
As soon as he moved away, you turned to Sirius, indignant. "Why did you say that? Now everyone will think – "
"What? That we do couple things?" he replied, looking much happier after having scared off another of your ‘admirers’’. “We’re in seventh year, Pips. I’m sure they’re all big enough to know what a couple does behind closed doors. That’s why I repeat: boys are trouble, love. As far as I’m concerned, I intend to keep all of them well away from you."
You let out a long sigh before standing up to leave. "Right, right. If you say so."
────୨ৎ────
When Valentine’s Day morning finally arrived, Sirius entered the hall with an air of almost absolute triumph – if it weren't for the bloody nuisances that had swarmed you over the last few days. Moreover, no love potions, no howlers. James had proven himself a man of great wisdom indeed.
He sat beside you, exuding satisfaction.
"Peace," he sighed. "Pips, you’re saving my life."
"It better have been worth it," Lily mocked, holding a copy of The Daily Prophet as she read it. "All this work just to avoid saying no to a bunch of girls is a bit pathetic, frankly."
Sirius pulled you onto his lap, resting his chin on your shoulder. "Think of James begging you for a date since third year, Lils, then imagine fifteen of him doing it at the same time for an entire week."
Lily couldn't help a grimace, and Sirius smirked.
"Yeah. That’s why it was worth every second."
You continued to eat before the chaos of letters and presents descended upon the hall, which didn't take long, as minutes later the sight of owls flying in carrying parcels filled the castle. Sirius didn't expect any birds landing on his table today, but his eyes widened when nearly a dozen owls began circling over your head. Coloured letters, small packages, and even flowers fell onto your plate. He almost regretted saying too soon that the plan had worked, swallowing a comment only upon seeing that most of the parcels were addressed to you and not him.
"What’s all this?" James asked.
"Looks like someone has a few secret admirers," Lily commented, giving a knowing smile in your direction.
Sirius’s good mood soured instantly. He watched with a clenched jaw as you opened a box of Honeydukes chocolates with a card that read: "To the most beautiful girl in all of Hogwarts. – S.S."
"S.S.? Stephen Stebbins again?" Sirius grumbled, his voice exuding a dense, dangerous irritability. "Hundreds of girls in the school and he’s acting cute with the ones who have boyfriends? It seems someone needs a serious lesson in boundaries."
He started to stand up, fists clenched and gaze fixed on the Hufflepuff table, where Stebbins was smiling distractedly. You acted fast, grabbing firmly onto his robe sleeve and pulling him back onto the bench.
"Sirius Black, sit down this instant," you hissed, flashing a warning look that made him hesitate. "Do you want to end up being expelled? It’s just a box of chocolates. I’m not even going to eat them!"
"He has no right to send them to you," he growled. "He knows you’re with me. That’s the second time he’s sent you something knowing that. What’s his problem? Is it some sort of sick fetish?"
"It’s just a gesture, Sirius. It doesn't mean anything, at least not to me," you whispered, leaning in so only he could hear. "The plan is to make people believe we’re a couple. Honestly, it’s convincing that you look so bothered by it, but I don't think it’s appropriate for people to think you’ve turned into a possessive brute."
Sirius huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and throwing one last death glare in Stebbins’s direction before turning back to you.
"Now, finish eating. If we leave now, maybe we can get to Defense Against the Dark Arts without you trying to fight half the Great Hall."
He resisted but ended up gulping down his mug of coffee and standing up, gathering his things with evident impatience. The transition to the corridor, however, didn't bring the relief you’d expected. As soon as you crossed the doors, Sirius’s nightmare became a constant reality. On the way, you were intercepted every ten yards.
When you were nearly reaching the staircase, a Hufflepuff boy ran up to you, ignoring Sirius as most of them seemed to enjoy doing.
"Wait!" he shouted before putting a hand on your shoulder. "I just wanted to know if you got my card. And if you’re free next weekend in Hogsmeade – "
Sirius stepped forward, his body positioning itself between you and the boy, brushing the intruder's arm away from you. His grey eyes were now as dark as a storm.
"What the bloody hell is with you lot? Of course she isn't free," Sirius said, his voice coming out as an impatient growl, his hand instinctively going to your waist, gripping it firmly. "She’s with me. Are you fucking blind?"
"I know she’s with you, Black," the boy replied with a mocking smile at Sirius. "But everyone knows you don't stick with anyone for long. I’m just keeping my place in line."
Sirius’s face went pale with fury. The plan had worked well. Too well. Now, the girls were leaving him alone, and the bloody boys had decided to make his life a living hell. Apparently, he had exposed to everyone how incredible you were, and now everyone wanted to take you from him.
Feeling Sirius’s tension and hatred – which you judged to be much more understandable now, especially since you yourself were furious at how that insolent boy had referred to you, as if there were indeed a "line" of guys you’d be with – you thought it best to intervene, placing yourself between the two before Sirius could strangle the boy..
"I appreciate the kindness, but what makes you think I’d be with you even if I weren't with Sirius?" you questioned in a serious tone, and the boy looked rather embarrassed.
"W-well, I just thought since Black – "
"He is my boyfriend. I am with him now. I love him, and even if he didn't want anything with me, I still wouldn't go out with you. Are you capable of understanding if I say it like that, to your face, or do I need to draw it for you?"
The three of you dipped into an awkward silence, however, you wouldn't say anything else and wouldn't allow Sirius to speak either. Not until the boy apologised or left.
"Right, erm... Sorry to have bothered you." He finally backed away, his face scarlet and his gaze turned to the floor before leaving.
Sirius didn't seem in the mood to stay there for another minute either. He pulled you away so quickly you almost tripped. He didn't stop until you were in an empty niche behind a suit of armour. Impatiently, he pinned you lightly against the wall, hands resting on either side of your head while he sighed deeply, his breath short.
"Place in line?" he repeated, sinking his head onto your shoulder, his voice husky and laden with possessiveness. "They think this is some game of taking turns? That I’m just going to let you go when this month is up?"
"Sirius... what? What are you talking about?" you started.
He finally lifted his head, matching his gaze with yours.
"Exactly what you heard." He brought one of his hands to your face, holding your cheek softly. "I don't think I’m going to be able to let you go when this month is up."
Your gaze darted away from his for a second before returning to meet the grey orbs scanning every detail of your face. "But- But you agreed. One month, and then I dump you."
"I was an idiot, as usual," he admitted, forehead leaning against yours, eyes closing. "I was the biggest idiot in the history of Hogwarts. I thought it wouldn't be anything more than normal. Spending these days being your 'boyfriend,' but... Pips, I think in these days I realised how all this time you... I- I can't even stand these blokes looking at you. I can't stand seeing you open those letters without wanting to hex every brat in that hall."
He opened his eyes.
"You’re not thinking straight," you whispered, without pushing him away. "You only feel this way because these boys are bothering you- "
"No, just listen to me," he interrupted. "All this time, I was so comfortable with you by my side under this label of friendship and I... I don't think I understood how I felt about you until I had to pretend to be your boyfriend." He stopped for a moment, letting out a laugh and a sigh before continuing. "Imagine my surprise when I realised I barely had to try. I think it was already latent in me all this time. Call it instinct, fate, whatever you want." He let out another low, guttural laugh. "We’re so natural together... You always make everything so light, so perfect... It’s hard to imagine when you aren't with me, and it’s painful too."
You felt his thumb caressing your skin while his warm breath ricocheted off your face. "I just needed to give my instincts a chance and be able to touch you, hold you..." he stopped momentarily, staring at your lips before wetting his own "...kiss you."
You couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through your entire body like an electric current.
"But even if not everything was pretend, I don't want to pretend anymore," he whispered against your lips. "At all."
You had nothing to say. Your eyes were focused on his face, and you felt your ears ringing, trying to record every word he said in your mind.
When his lips finally met yours, the sensation was different from what Sirius was used to. It was full of softness and tenderness. And he was certain he was surrendering, as if all your sweetness was invading him and messing him up inside. It was as if all the kisses he’d ever given didn't cause a third of the sensations that a single kiss of yours did. And then, feeling the greed and the urge for more, the kiss deepened. Now it was hungry, laden with years of silent desire and the newly discovered possessiveness he had desperately felt over the last few days. Your hands slid up his broad shoulders and wrapped around the nape of his neck seeking balance, your own legs had already given away.
The kiss continued for what felt like an eternity, Sirius’s hand still holding your face and his lips still exploring yours restlessly. With a husky vibration, Sirius ended the kiss and lightly lifted your head to look into your eyes.
You felt your head spinning like a carousel, the world around the armour niche appearing to have dissolved into blurs of light and shadow. The girl who had spent years guarding that secret as if she were covering up a murder seemed to have lost herself somewhere between Sirius’s firm touch and the softness and skill of his lips.
"Sirius..." you whispered, your voice coming out shaky and frail. You felt dazzled, as if you’d just stepped out of a dream too vivid to be ignored.
"Yes, my love?" He smiled, seeing the completely disconcerted and adorable state a single kiss had left you in.
"I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to explain anything to me."
"No, I do. I want you to know too." You fixed your gaze on his eyes. "It was so long spent convincing myself that this would never happen that... I thought I was alone in this. Completely alone."
His gaze softened, a pang of remorse crossing his grey eyes.
"Did you know I only agreed to all this because, just like you, I hate Valentine’s Day?" You let out a low, shaky laugh. "But my reasons are even worse than yours. Every year, I was dying of envy of every girl who had the courage to give you a card or ask you out while I just stood there like an idiot."
Sirius ran his thumb over your lips again before you continued. You still felt his eyes fixed on yours.
"I thought if I were with you this time, I wouldn't have to watch that again."
Your breathing began to normalise, but the sparkle in your eyes betrayed how dazzled and shocked you still were. "I didn't want you to pull away from me," you confessed.
"But I don't want to pretend anymore either, if you’ll have me. I wasn't pretending when I accepted your hugs. Or every time you held my hand in the corridor," you smiled affectionately at the memory. "I always had to fight to remember how to breathe. I’m doing it even now."
It was Sirius’s turn to laugh at the comment.
"So, if you’re saying you don't want to pretend anymore... know that I never wanted to. It was always you for me."
Sirius let out a sigh of relief that seemed to come from the depths of his soul, breaking into one of those smiles that made you fall even deeper for his infinite charms, filling his lungs with air and exhaling slowly.
"I’m going to burn every single one of those letters," he murmured, bringing his face close to yours again, making you let out a happy giggle.
"And all those Honeydukes chocolates?" you asked, eyes shining.
"Well, Pete can have those. I suspect he’s rather disappointed I didn't receive anything this year."
You laughed again before he locked his lips onto yours once more.
You stepped out from behind the armour minutes later, hair slightly dishevelled and faces flushed. As you walked back toward the Great Hall, Sirius entwined his fingers in yours firmly, chin held high, wearing the most satisfied smile Hogwarts had seen on a Marauder since James Potter started dating Lily Evans.
And you thought to yourself that maybe Valentine’s Day wasn't so terrible after all.
------------------------------------------------
English isn’t my first language, so I apologize for any typos or weird phrasing.
So, this was supposed to go up the day before yesterday for Valentine’s Day, but with uni classes starting back up, I’ve been a bit swamped. I still really wanted to share something for the date, though! I got a little carried away and it ended up being nearly 8k words lol. I hope it was worth it! Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
@ozai-the-bonsai
