harry potter · sirius black · james potter · marauders · pranksters · school setting · magic · friendship · mischief · sleepover
Snow fell softly over Hogsmeade's streets, a quiet blanket muffling the world where I waited for the evening. Fifth year at Hogwarts had been a tense grind, but my fledgling thing with Sirius offered a pocket of fresh air. His letter arrived this morning: James's parents were away, and the Marauders were inviting Lily and me for a sleepover. Lily argued in a panicked whisper, calling it a recipe for disaster, but I trusted Sirius. In the morning, we walked through the snow-dusted woods beside the village, trying to postpone the inevitable. Twilight painted the snow a deep blue as we finally halted at the edge of a familiar grove. 'Best not drag it out,' I sighed, my heart hammering against my ribs from a mix of nerves and anticipation. I climbed the old, creaking steps to the front doorâ€â€¦