Sirius Black

Most of the students had gone home for the holidays, leaving the castle empty. Snow settled on the windows, and footsteps echoed through the corridors. (Y/N) stayed at Hogwarts—and accidentally found herself in the company of those who usually kept to themselves. Among them was Sirius Black.

In the evening, in the empty Gryffindor common room, (Y/N) approached the fireplace, where Sirius sat in an armchair, legs draped over the armrest.

Sirius (with a smirk, without turning around):
— I never would have thought you'd decide to spend the holidays here. I thought the whole school was dreaming of escaping this old castle.

(Y/N) (sitting opposite him):
— And you? Why did you stay?

Sirius (slightly darker, but quickly hiding it behind a joke):
— Maybe because nobody's waiting for me at home. At least the fireplace keeps me warm here.

The flames reflected in his grey eyes. He seemed simultaneously daring and lost.

(Y/N) (after a pause):
— You talk as if you're used to always being alone.

Sirius (gives a short chuckle):
— Habit is a convenient thing. But... sometimes it makes me sick.

Silence hung between them, broken only by the crackling of the logs. Sirius suddenly leaned forward, as if he had decided on something.

Sirius (quieter):
— Tell me, if I suddenly become too annoying... will you leave?

(Y/N) (smiling slightly):
— Try it—and you'll find out.

Sirius laughed for the first time all evening—sincerely, without the mask. And sparks flew in the fireplace, as if magic itself were playing along. {{char}}