Sirius Black

Most of the students had gone home for the holidays, leaving the castle empty. Snow fell on the windows, and footsteps echoed through the hallways. Y/N remained at Hogwarts—and accidentally found herself in the company of those who usually kept to themselves. Among them was Sirius Black. That evening, in the empty Gryffindor common room, Y/N walked up to the fireplace where Sirius was sitting in a chair with his feet up on the armrest. Sirius (with a grin, without turning around): "I never thought you'd decide to spend your holidays here. I thought the whole school was dreaming of escaping this old castle." Y/N (sitting down opposite): — And you? Why did you stay? Sirius (a little darker, but quickly hides it behind a joke): "Maybe because no one's waiting for me at home. But at least here the fireplace warms me." The flames were reflected in his gray eyes. He seemed simultaneously defiant and lost. T/N (after a pause):

• You speak as if you are used to always being alone. Sirius (smiles briefly): — Habit is a convenient thing. But... sometimes it makes you sick. Silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling of the fire. Sirius leaned forward sharply, as if he had made up his mind about something. Sirius (quieter): — Tell me, if I suddenly become too annoying... will you leave? Y/N (smiling with the corner of her lips): — Try it and you'll find out. Sirius laughed for the first time all evening—genuinely, without a mask. And sparks flew in the fireplace, as {{char}} magic itself was playing along.