FIRST YEAR - cherrychapstix - Harry Potter (2024)

Chapter Text

Bruno Vixen was born under the constellation of Leo, accompanied by a meteor shower that lit up the night sky as if the universe itself was heralding his arrival. Each streak of light across the heavens seemed to whisper a prophecy, as though the stars were declaring: This one is special. Watch out, world. Every meteor’s trail echoed with the promise of a force to be reckoned with.

When the doctor gently placed baby Bruno onto his mother’s chest, he didn’t cry. Instead, a soft babbling escaped his lips, as if he was already trying to make sense of the world around him. Emilia and Matias Vixen, his parents, were overwhelmed. Tears flowed freely down their faces, mingling with the joy that seeped into every pore, every fibre of their being. The happiness that filled the room was almost tangible, a warmth that wrapped itself around them as tightly as Emilia’s arms cradled her newborn son. This was their miracle, the miracle they had waited for, the one who was finally here in the world, babbling softly in his mother’s embrace.

Emilia and Matias were not people of wealth. Hailing from Lambeth, London, they had never known luxury or excess, but they were rich in the one thing that mattered most: love. The love that existed between them was endless, spilling over in such abundance that it seemed to fill every corner of their modest home. It was the kind of love that was infectious, that radiated from their very skin and settled into the atmosphere, thick and warm. And now, they had someone new to share it with—a little boy who would grow up swaddled in the richness of their affection. They were ready to fill Bruno with so much love that it would flow out of him too, oozing from his small limbs and brightening every moment of his childhood.

From the moment Emilia held him, she knew —deep in her bones—that her son was extraordinary. And time would soon prove her right.

It was a quiet evening two years later, the sun casting its last golden rays across the horizon as dusk slowly settled in. The cool autumn air drifted through the open window, tugging at the crimson curtains and filling the house with the crisp scent of rotting leaves. In the bathroom, Emilia stood in front of the mirror, wiping away the remnants of mascara from beneath her eyes. She paused, staring at her reflection—a woman in her late twenties weighed down with the usual worries. Finances were tight, and she wished with all her heart that she could find some relief, some way to make things easier for her family.

Her quiet moment was shattered by the sound of her husband calling her name, his voice suddenly shrouding a sense of urgency. Panic rose through her body as she dashed out of the bathroom and into the living room, heart pounding against her chest.

But nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.

There, in the middle of the room, was Bruno—only two years old—floating in midair, as if gravity had simply given up on him. His chubby little body glided through the air like a bird, his tiny hands outstretched as though he were reaching for the stars.

"Holy shite!" Emilia gasped, leaping onto the ottoman in a frantic attempt to catch him.

Matias was right there with her, his arms flailing as he jumped and swerved, trying desperately to grab hold of one of Bruno’s limbs. The living room had become a dance of parents chasing after their airborne child, the sheer absurdity of the situation too much for either of them to comprehend.

Nervous laughter and panic mingled in the air as the young couple raced around the room, their love for this strange, magical little boy fueling their every move. It was a moment of shock, yes, but also one of awe. Their son was something special, something extraordinary—just as Emilia had always known.

Bruno soared through the air, giggling and grinning as though he was born to fly. His tiny hands stretched upward, his chubby cheeks glowing with an infectious, carefree smile. He seemed completely at ease, floating in the middle of the living room, a mere picture of joy and wonder.

Not long after, a man named Dumbledore appeared at the Vixen household. His arrival was unexpected, his presence almost ethereal, but his words were clear. After exchanging a few pleasantries and contact information, Dumbledore explained to Emilia and Matias that Bruno was “special” in ways that set him apart from other children, especially those from families like theirs. As he grew, Dumbledore told them, he would exhibit more signs of something extraordinary— magic .

Emilia had always suspected her son was different, and now her intuition was confirmed. Bruno, their beloved boy, was destined for something bigger, something better. She clung to the hope that this magic would offer him opportunities they could only dream of.

As Bruno grew older, however, his magical gift didn’t shield him from the harshness of the world. School became a battleground. Bullies targeted him relentlessly, not because of his magic—they had no idea—but because of his poverty, his tattered clothes, and the uncommon lunches he often brought from home. The taunts were endless, cruel: you’ll never amount to anything, Bruno. You’re a stupid chav , you know what happens to chavs right ? Prat , arse-licker , wazzock, etc.. . And though Bruno tried to ignore them, the words cut deep, lodging themselves into his heart.

He hated going to school. Each day felt like another round of torment, another reminder that he didn’t belong. Bruno watched the other children from the curbside, their laughter ringing in the air as they played together, seemingly without a care in the world. They fit in so effortlessly, while he sat on the sidelines, always watching, always apart. All he wanted, deep in his heart, was to have friends. But the children here weren’t worthy of making friends with—they were yobs, unkind and cruel in ways he couldn’t fathom why.

As the school years dragged on, things only got worse. Bruno found himself in fights more often than not. He never started them, but somehow, he was always the one to finish them. His magic—wild, untamed, and still a mystery to him—had a way of intervening. Without lifting a finger, his bullies would find themselves dangling from trees, flagpoles, or fences, bewildered and afraid. Bruno never touched them, never did he dare to fight back with his fists. It was always the magic.

But that didn’t stop the trouble from finding him. Teachers called him a troublemaker, and he had no way of explaining what was happening. He didn’t understand it himself. Why did these things happen around him? Why was he the odd one out, not just in school but in life? The answers felt distant, as though they were beyond his reach.

Everything changed on Bruno’s 11th birthday. A letter arrived, addressed to him, with emerald ink on thick parchment. It wasn’t like any letter Bruno had ever seen. His parents, Emilia and Matias, were overwhelmed with joy when they realised what it meant. Their son— their Bruno—had been accepted into a fancy boarding school, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Tears of pride and happiness flowed deliberately as they held each other close, and for the first time in a long while, hope filled their home.

Dumbledore, the long-bearded man who had visited years ago, returned to explain everything. He spoke of magic, of Hogwarts, and of Bruno’s special gifts. Bruno listened, wide-eyed and in awe, as the man revealed secrets about their world that made his head spin. Dumbledore even knew about their financial struggles. With quiet grace, he provided everything Bruno would need for school—a wand, robes, and books, all delivered a week before Bruno’s departure. His parents were speechless with gratitude, the weight of their worries lifted in a way they hadn’t expected.

For Bruno, the feeling was entirely new. His fingers tingled, his heart raced, and his stomach churned with anticipation. It was excitement—pure and overwhelming. He was going to a place where he might belong, a place where his magic wouldn’t make him strange but special. The thought filled him with a warm glow, unlike anything he’d ever felt before. His future lay before him, waiting to be discovered.

In the Vixen household, the days that followed were filled with a sense of elation. The air felt lighter as if the promise of Bruno’s better life had cast a spell of joy over them. The excitement lingered, growing stronger with each passing day. Bruno’s parents, filled with pride, had begun crossing off the days on the calendar. Every mark brought them closer to September 1st, the day their son would begin a new chapter in his life—a chapter filled with possibilities, magic, and perhaps, a place where he could finally find the friendship he’d always longed for.

The thought of never having to return to his rinky-dink primary school was a relief Bruno couldn’t fully put into words. The place that had been a battlefield of bullying, taunts, and fights was finally behind him. No more sitting on the curbside, watching others live a life he couldn’t reach. No more yobs, no more names like "arsehat" or "wanker" thrown his way. The mere idea of it made his heart swell.

But there was more. He wasn’t just running from his past—he was running towards something, too. The boy he was, the one who had been picked on, mocked, and pushed to the edge, felt like he was on the verge of transformation. He could feel it in his bones. He was about to become the ideal version of himself that he always knew he could be: braver, smarter, and no longer weighed down by the insecurities that had followed him for years.

He envisioned himself walking through the halls of Hogwarts, a place filled with others like him—people who carried this magic , people who understood what it felt like. The prospect of leaving behind the relentless taunts of his old life felt liberating. For the first time in his life, Bruno could truly imagine spreading his wings and soaring. At Hogwarts, he would be more than just the odd boy who couldn’t explain what was happening around him—he’d be something greater, something powerful.

He was so damn bloody excited.

His hands trembled as he thought about it. Hogwarts wasn’t just a school—it was a chance to reshape his life, to be seen for the person he truly was. He wanted to walk in as Bruno Vixen, the boy with magic, and walk out as someone transformed, someone who’d proven the bullies wrong. Someone who’d rise above all the taunts and doubts, who’d finally belong.

And for Bruno, that future couldn’t come fast enough.

As the final day of school dawned, Bruno entered the playground with a new outlook, knowing this would close the painful chapter of his life at Oliver Hopkins Academy. No more name-calling, no more being the odd one out. Today, he wanted to etch a memory into the minds of his classmates—one they’d carry with them like a badge of infamy, something they'd never forget.

“Oi, twit!” The voice pierced the air, mocking and familiar.

Perfect.

Bruno turned slowly, feigning irritation, though inside, adrenaline coursed through his veins. “What do you want now?” he shot back, eyes narrowing as he approached the small horde of boys gathered around their leader. The biggest of them all—an arrogant brute, one who always made it his job to attack Bruno every single moment he could, whose size was matched only by his ego—stood with his arms crossed, a smug grin plastered on his face.

“You think you’re leaving without us throwing you a party?” The bully’s voice was thick with mockery. “The lads and I waited just for you, Vixen. Come on, hug your mates goodbye!”

Bruno smirked, matching their brute’s grin, the fire in his chest burning brighter. “Shouldn’t have!” he said, walking forward with an exaggerated innocence, like an impish hyena approaching a trap. But it was their trap, not his.

In one swift, subtle movement, Bruno reached into his pocket and let marbles cascade behind him, their polished surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. He couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle, imagining the impending chaos.

Bruno slowed his pace just before the group reached him, turning on his heel with a falsely serene expression. Behind him, the bullies advanced, their laughter ringing out as if they’d already won. But within seconds, the noise shifted. Laughter turned to gasps, then shouts, as the bullies found themselves slipping and stumbling over the marbles. Arms flailed wildly, feet lost traction, and like a line of dominos, they fell—one after the other—hitting the ground with a satisfying thud.

Bruno doubled over, laughter bubbling out of him uncontrollably, the sound echoing across the playground. “Nice party, lads! You really did a number!” he called out between breaths, revelling in the sight of them sprawled out on the ground. The shock and bewilderment etched on their faces were priceless, and Bruno savoured every second of it.

For the first time, he wasn’t the victim. He wasn’t the one shrinking in fear or bottling up his frustration. Today, he was the one in control, the one leaving the lasting mark. With each laugh, he felt the heavy weight of years of bullying slowly lift from his shoulders, as though the last vestiges of his old life were being swept away.

With that sweet, satisfying victory fresh in his mind, Bruno walked away, the memory tucked securely in the back of his head. His heart swelling with hope and anticipation as he prayed that whatever awaited him at his new school—Hogwarts—would be far better than this.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The summer had just begun, and Bruno was already feeling a lightness he hadn’t experienced in years. Sunlight streamed into his room, dancing across the floor as the tree outside swayed in the breeze. No more school, no more taunts, and no more smelly bullies. This summer marked the end of one life and the beginning of another—a clean slate.

He spent his days immersed in the textbooks Dumbledore had sent, each one filled with words he could hardly believe were real. The thought of attending a magical school, surrounded by people who wouldn’t judge him for his shabby clothes or unruly hair, filled him with hope. He could barely contain his excitement at the thought of making new friends—real friends—who shared this magic. The possibilities stretched before him, vast and thrilling, like the open sky.

Emilia and Matias, sensing the importance of this transition, were determined to give Bruno a summer he’d never forget. They didn’t have much, but what they did have, they poured into him. Day after day, they filled their time with small joys that Bruno would carry with him, memories of home that he could look back on whenever he felt alone at Hogwarts.

They took him on picnics in sprawling parks, where the scent of fresh grass mingled with the sweetness of jam sandwiches. They wandered through the streets of London, feeding ducks by the river, their laughter echoing through the crisp air. In the evenings, they danced in their small living room, the radio blaring songs that made Bruno's feet shuffle and skip with happiness. They stayed up late watching old films, their faces illuminated by the flickering screen, as Bruno nestled between his parents, warm and content.

They even attended family parties with relatives Bruno had never met, introducing him to cousins and aunts he hadn’t known existed. It was a whirlwind of activity, life couldn’t get any better than this, Bruno thought.

He realised the one thing that going to Hogwarts would cost him—his parents. It hit him like a wave ten days before he was set to leave, a thought that had been lurking in the back of his mind, but now refused to be ignored.

All summer, Bruno had been wrapped in the excitement of it all—leaving behind the bullies, the promise of magic, and the possibility of a new life. But now, as the days slipped away faster than he was ready for, the reality began to settle. For the first time in his life, he would be away from his parents. The laughter they shared over the summer, the late-night movies, the comfort of their presence—he would have to leave it all behind.

He hadn’t thought about what it would feel like to be away from them for so long. His chest tightened as he imagined the emptiness of their home without him, the quiet mornings when his mother wouldn’t hear his footsteps shuffling through the small flat, or the long walks his father took him on, just to fill the silence. Bruno realised how much he would miss the little things—the smell of his mother’s cooking, the sound of his father’s voice, the warmth of their arms around him at the end of a hard day.

And worse yet, he wondered how they would feel without him. He was their only child, their whole world. They had spent so long waiting for him to come into their lives, and now he would be leaving them behind, heading into a world they couldn’t follow him into.

The excitement he had been living on for weeks began to dull, replaced with a hollow ache that settled deep in his chest. He didn’t know how to tell them, didn’t want them to see his fear. They had given him nothing but joy, support, and love. He owed them everything.

On the first of September, 1971, Bruno’s family packed all of his belongings into the trunk Dumbledore had kindly provided and made their way to King’s Cross Station. The feeling in Bruno’s stomach was impossible to ignore—nerves, excitement, and the weight of change gnawing at him all at once. As they arrived at the bustling station, the usual mayhem of commuters rushing by and announcements crackling overhead surrounded them. But their focus was clear: Platform 9¾.

Matias and Emilia exchanged uncertain glances as they stood between platforms 9 and 10, puzzled about where exactly to go. Bruno, his heart pounding, noticed a boy with wild curly hair and round glasses rushing toward the brick wall, along with his parents. Without a second thought, they had all disappeared.

“Come on,” Bruno urged, grabbing both of his parents’ hands. They darted toward the same wall, and, just like that, they found themselves standing amid something out of a dream—Platform 9¾, surrounded by the magic of his new world.

Bruno’s eyes widened in awe. The platform was alive with movement, laughter, and colours. Witches and wizards in long robes of all shades hurried by, some carrying tiny owls, others herding their children toward the gleaming scarlet train. The air buzzed with excitement, and for the first time, Bruno felt like he was part of something bigger—a place where he truly belonged. But just as quickly as the excitement filled him, a knot of dread began to twist in his stomach. Leaving his parents was going to be harder than he thought.

Emilia glanced at her watch, her heart sinking as the hands neared 11 a.m. She knew their time with Bruno was running out. Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at her son, her baby boy, who had grown so much but was still hers in every way.

“Mum, I’ll be fine,” Bruno said, trying to sound confident even though his own voice wavered. “That Dumbledore bloke promised to look after me. Papi even made him swear,” he added, attempting a smile.

Emilia let out a watery laugh, pulling him into a tight hug. “I know, mijo. I know,” she said softly, her voice cracking. “I just want you to be good, to learn everything you can. We’re so proud of you, Bruno. You’re going to do great things.”

Bruno clung to her, fighting back his own tears. His mother’s embrace was warm and familiar, and the thought of leaving it behind hurt more than he expected. But he couldn’t let her see that. Not when she was already falling apart.

Matias stepped forward, his expression full of emotion. He wrapped Bruno in a bear hug, lifting him slightly off the ground. “Te quiero, mijo,” he murmured. When he set Bruno down, they shared a look—a moment of understanding that said more than words could.

“I’ll miss you both,” Bruno whispered, glancing between his parents as they tried to hold it together. Emilia wiped her eyes and smoothed out his clothes with trembling hands, trying to give him one last bit of motherly fuss.

“Go on now,” she said, forcing a brave smile. “You don’t want to be late. And remember, te quiero, mijo.”

“Te quiero,” Bruno echoed, his throat tight with emotion as he hefted his trunk and turned toward the train. The platform was full of families saying their goodbyes, kids already leaning out of the train windows, waving. Bruno took a deep breath and climbed aboard.

The inside of the train was bustling with chatter and laughter, the compartments filling up fast with kids he didn’t know—kids who didn’t know him or his story. It was both thrilling and terrifying. After wandering down the corridor, he finally spotted an empty one and slid into it, wrestling his trunk onto the rack.

He opened the window, leaning out to catch one last glimpse of his parents. His heart ached at the sight of them, standing together on the platform, arms around each other, tears streaming down their faces. They were his world, and leaving them behind felt like leaving a piece of himself behind, too. But he knew they were proud of him, and that thought gave him strength.

“¡Cuídense mucho!” he called out, his voice carrying over the noise of the platform. He waved frantically, blowing kisses in their direction, hoping they could feel how much he loved them.

Matias and Emilia waved back, their faces still wet with tears but glowing with pride. The train’s whistle blew, steam hissed into the air, and slowly the train began to move. As the platform started to slip away, Bruno felt a bittersweet pang in his chest. He was stepping into something unknown, something magical—but he wasn’t doing it alone. He carried their love with him, and that would always be enough.

He slid back into his seat, watching the train pull away from the station and glide into the bright September sun, the rolling hills and valleys filling the view from the window.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice broke his quiet moment.

"Mind if we join you?"

Bruno turned to see a grinning boy he immediately recognised as the one he'd seen dart through platform 9 ¾. Beside him stood a smaller, round-faced boy who wouldn’t meet his gaze.

Bruno nodded, trying to mask his awkwardness with a smile.

“I'm James, and this is Peter.” The grinning boy motioned to the boy next to him, sticking out his hand with eagerness. “We’re first years. You?”

Bruno returned the smile, reaching out to shake James’s hand. “Name’s Bruno. First year too. Nice to meet you both.”

Peter gave a quick, forced smile, his leg bouncing nervously as he plopped down across from Bruno, turning his attention toward the window. His gaze fixed on the passing landscape, seemingly more interested in it than the conversation happening inside.

James, however, made himself at home, settling in beside Peter and shoving their luggage onto the rack above. He looked like he couldn’t sit still, already itching to talk again. His leg bounced restlessly, fingers drumming lightly on his knee. “So, Bruno,” James said, glancing over at him with a grin, “are you feeling as jittery as Peter about leaving your family?”

Bruno hesitated for a moment before nodding. "A bit, yeah."

Instead of teasing him, James gave a reassuring smile. “You’ll get used to it, especially if we end up in the same House. I’m ready for the best year of my life at Hogwarts.” His excitement was raw, pure and real, reigniting the flicker of hope in Bruno.

Just then, a rap at the door made them all jump. The faint rattle of the train hummed underneath, and the compartment door slid open, revealing a tall, skinny boy with light brown hair, his face unreadable as he clutched a paperback novel.

Bruno opened the door, smiling awkwardly. The boy’s face softened instantly, his eyes lighting up.

“Hello! May I join you? Everywhere else is full.”

“Of course, come in!” Bruno stepped aside, welcoming him. As the boy settled in beside him, his entire demeanour changed. “Hiya, I’m Remus. First-year,” he introduced warmly.

“I’m James! We’re all first years,” James chimed in, squeezing Remus’s hand.

“I’m Bruno. Nice to meet you,” Bruno added, shaking Remus’s hand firmly.

“And that’s Peter,” James said, nodding toward the other boy, who was still staring out the window, his face gradually turning a pale shade of green. “He’s feeling a bit queasy, but he’ll be better once the train stops moving.”

“Ah, I see,” Remus noted, casting a sympathetic look at Peter.

The train's engine roared, as the picture out the window suddenly began to swipe across like a movie scene. That familiar flutter of butterflies returned to his stomach, swirling wildly as he grappled with the uncertainty ahead.

"Are you guys familiar with Hogwarts?" Bruno asked, his voice tinged with nervousness as he felt his fingers start to tremble. He didn't have time to process what was going on entirely. He was leaving his family for a school full of the unknown. He didn't know what to expect. "I'm what you call, um... a Muggle-born?"

He recalled Dumbledore’s earlier words, delivered with such warmth and confidence. The Headmaster had assured him he would make countless friends at Hogwarts as if he could foresee a future brimming with friendships and adventures waiting to unfold.

James’s eyes lit up with eagerness. He ran his fingers through his hair and adjusted his glasses as if he was preparing for this. “Yes! Both of my parents went to Hogwarts. I’m what you’d call a pureblood, but honestly, I don’t think any of that matters.”

Peter blew a playful raspberry at James’s comment, prompting a swift flick to the back of his head in response. James scowled, annoyance flickering in his eyes.

“Don’t mind Peter. He can be a bit old-fashioned sometimes,” James remarked, rolling his eyes.

“I’m a half-blood. My dad’s a wizard, mum’s a Muggle. So, kind of in between.” Remus shrugged, his fingers tugging at the cover of his book.

Bruno nodded, some of the tension in his chest loosening. “Best of both worlds, I guess.”

Remus chuckled softly. “Something like that.”

“Hogwarts is one of the three schools of witchcraft and wizardry open to anyone who shows signs of magic in the UK,” James explained, the excitement he tried to hide away breaking free in every word. “We’re here to practise magic and truly excel in our potential within the Wizarding World.” Just as he was about to say more, a hurried rap at the door interrupted him, echoing through their snug compartment.

The boys turned their heads in unison to see a tall, pale boy with long, dark hair standing outside. He surveyed the compartment before him.

Bruno stood up and slid the compartment door open, a smile spreading across his face as relief washed over the boy. “Are you guys first years?” he asked hurriedly, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yep! Wanna join us?” Bruno invited, stepping aside to make room for him.

“Cheers,” the boy said, giving a casual nod as he slid into the seat next to Remus. "Sirius Black. And you lot are?”

“Bruno Vixen, nice to meet you,” Bruno said, settling back into his seat.

“I’m Remus Lupin,” Remus chimed in, extending his hand with a friendly smile. He shook Sirius's hand firmly, a sense of ease growing in the air.

“James Potter, and that’s Peter Pettigrew,” James added, nodding toward the other boy slumped in his seat. “He’s feeling a bit sick right now, but he’ll be better soon,” he explained, offering a reassuring smile to their new acquaintance.

“We were just explaining Hogwarts to Bruno,” James chuckled, leaning back comfortably. “He doesn’t have an inch of knowledge about it.”

“Oh, so you’re not a pureblood?” Sirius asked, his tone warmer than Bruno expected, almost as if he was shedding some unseen burden. Bruno wasn’t sure what to make of that, but he recalled James saying it didn’t matter.

Bruno furrowed his brow, curiosity piqued. "Why does that matter?" he asked, careful not to sound defensive. "I’m not used to... well, magic."

James grinned. "Don’t worry, Bruno. I’ll catch you up on everything. Think of me as your guide."

Sirius nodded, running a hand through his dark hair. "Yeah, I can help too. If you’ve got questions, ask away."

Bruno couldn’t suppress a grin. His fingers trembled in his lap, and he curled them into fists, trying to steady himself. “Well, that’s fortunate, because I do have a ton of questions,”

Remus chuckled, "Shoot."

“What’s the blood status thingy?” He asks.

With a deep breath, Sirius leaned in closer, taking a shift glance to ensure the door to their compartment was securely locked. “Alright, I’ll explain it,” he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “In the Wizarding world, there are twenty-eight families that claim strictly wizard blood; they call themselves the Sacred Twenty-Eight. This list hasn’t changed since the 1930s.” Sirius began, positioning himself closer to the boys as if sharing a well-guarded secret.

James interjected, his tone suddenly serious. “Even though I’m a Pureblood, my family’s not on the list. My grandad didn’t exactly care for all that anti-Muggle rubbish, so we got the boot.”

“That’s a key point,” Sirius said with a sharp nod. “Any family that defended Muggles or had even a whiff of non-magical blood got dropped from the list. Most purebloods are obsessed with the idea of keeping it ‘clean,’ like it's some sacred duty or whatever.”

Bruno listened intently, nodding as he absorbed the information, the weight of their words settling around him like a thick fog.

Sirius’s voice deepened with disgust. “My family’s the worst of the lot. They think only purebloods should marry each other, and anyone who steps outside that is ‘tainting’ the bloodline. And if you don’t agree, well…” He let out a bitter laugh, his eyes narrowing. “They call you a ‘blood traitor.’”

James interjected, his brows furrowing in frustration, his stoic demeanour reflecting the weight of the conversation. “The Potters have been purebloods for centuries, but since we don’t buy into that bollocks, we’re blood traitors too.”

Sirius’s expression darkened momentarily before morphing into a crazed grin. “My family are staunch blood purists, taking extreme measures to keep our bloodline as pure as the driven snow. But I don’t give two ruddy shits about any of it.”

Bruno hummed thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to the window where the landscape unfolded like a vibrant tapestry. The overflowing masses of green hills rolled gently in the distance, dotted with farm animals grazing peacefully, the grass a deep, rich green under the sun’s warm embrace. “Seems like every part of our world has prejudice hidden beneath a facade of bliss,” he remarked.

“It wouldn’t be life if it weren’t,” Remus replied, with a small sigh.

“What could you lot tell me about the Houses? At Hogwarts, I mean,” Bruno asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

James leaned forward, excitement glimmering in his eyes. “Well, there’s Ravenclaw, full of those nutters who can’t keep their noses out of a book. Then there’s Hufflepuff, known for valuing hard work and dedication.” He puffed his chest proudly. “And then there’s Gryffindor—where the bravest go. My dad was one! I reckon I’ll be sorted there.”

Sirius interjected, his tone slightly sardonic, “Slytherin is the one he failed to mention. My blood bleeds green as far back as the olden times. The House of ambition, cunning, and—if you ask my family—the only one worth mentioning. They’ve been in Slytherin for generations. Every single one of ‘em.” Sirius’s lips curled into a wicked grin. “I wouldn’t mind breaking that fine family tradition, though. Get myself into Gryffindor and shock them all.”

“What are the odds that all of us get sorted into Gryffindor then?” James mused, adjusting his glasses nervously. “I’d say very high! Then we could all be mates there.” He quickly backtracked, flustered. “Er— not that we can’t be mates now.”

“I’m sure we could be mates, despite it,” Remus chimed in, glancing up from the pages of his book, a thoughtful smile playing on his face.

Bruno turned again to the window to look at the deep blue sky as fluffy white clothes clothed the sun, casting gentle shadows on the rolling hills that framed the railroad. His mind buzzed with all the information he had just absorbed. Blood status? What a load of bollocks—he could almost hear his old classmates sneering, using it as ammunition for their bullying. The four different houses, he wondered which one he would be in. He supposed he didn’t have any abilities similar to what each House wanted. The only trait he was confident about was his courage. He had never backed down from a fight or confrontation in primary school; he had always stood his ground, displaying bravery in the face of adversity—or at least, he hoped he had.

“Anything from the trolley, dears?”

Peter and James both took out tiny pouches giving silver and bronze coins to the sweet lady who beamed at them, giving them their snacks.

“Here,” James said, taking a hearty bite from a chocolate frog, the sugary treat melting in his mouth. “I’ve got enough to share, so don’t be shy now.” He gestured toward the pile of sweets stacked on the seat beside him. The assortment was a jumble of wrappers—cakes, sugar cookies, jellybeans, chocolate, and pasties—all jostling for space, creating a colourful display.

Sirius snatched a cake from the pile, sinking his teeth into it with delight. A gooey splash of chocolate smudged across his lips, and he flashed a goofy, mushy chocolate smile at them.

Laughter erupted among the boys, the sound bright and carefree, and Sirius beamed with pride, clearly enjoying the moment and the attention.

Peter clutched a newspaper in his hands, scanning its contents before declaring anything he deemed worthy of note.

“Oh, James… The Chudley Cannons lost again . Not that it’s any surprise, especially not against the Appleby Arrows,” he declared, shaking his head in mock dismay.

James pressed a heavy hand to his heart. “You best not say anything more, Petey.”

Sirius barked a laugh, sliding onto the bench beside James. “You actually like the Chudley Cannons? Out of all the Quidditch teams, you choose them?” He leaned back with a teasing grin, as if he couldn’t believe James’s choice. “I do pray for your sanity.”

“Thanks for the kind words,” James shot back, squinting at Sirius in playful suspicion. “So, who’s your favourite team, then?”

“The Chudley Cannons, of course,” Sirius replied, unable to hide his smirk as he watched James sputter in disbelief. “It’s a hard watch, especially when they play like utter dogshite…”

James shrugged, shaking his head but unable to suppress a grin. He reached for another cauldron cake, passing it to Sirius, then offered pumpkin pasties to Remus and Bruno.

“Thanks!” Bruno said, his eyes lighting up as he took a hearty bite, savouring the flavour.

Remus saluted James with his pasty, treating it like a sacred offering, his expression one of utmost reverence as he took a careful bite.

“Well, at least they aren’t as bad as the Pride of Portee,” James added, laughter dancing in his eyes. “Poor lads haven’t scored a win in ages.”

“Yeah, well,” Sirius said, leaning back casually, “their glory days are far from over.”

James burst into a fit of laughter, launching into a spirited debate about the utter downfall of the Pride of Portee with Sirius and Peter chiming in, the trio animatedly tossing quips back and forth. Remus, seemingly unamused by the ruckus, kept his nose buried in his book, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“These pumpkin pasties are top-notch,” Bruno said, plopping the last bite into his mouth.

“Mhm, I can agree with you on that one,” Remus replied, finally glancing out the window as the outline of Hogwarts Castle loomed closer. “Think it’s time to put on our school robes?”

Suddenly, the train came to a sharp halt, jolting them in their seats. The screech of the brakes echoed through the compartment, snapping them out of their momentary trance. Their excitement surged, and they scrambled to gather their belongings, caught up in the rush of anticipation.

As the train finally stopped at the station, the boys dashed off eagerly. Bruno took a deep breath, steadying himself before stepping onto the platform. They pushed forward together, laughter and chatter filling the air as they jostled their way through the crowd of students.

“Come on, Bruno! Let’s go!” James called.

“Firs’ years! O’er ‘ere!” A booming voice called out. Bruno looked up to see a huge, bearded giant waving them over, pointing towards a dock lined with weathered boats bobbing gently in the water. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light across the grounds. Bruno’s gaze drifted upwards, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of the majestic Hogwarts castle towering above the cliff, its turrets and spires silhouetted against the twilight like something out of a fairy tale.

James pulled Bruno into the boat with the other boys, the vessel wobbling and rocking as Peter’s face went even paler. “I think I’m going to be sick…” Peter muttered, gripping the sides with a white-knuckled intensity.

“Just breathe, Peter! It’ll be fine,” James said softly, offering a reassuring smile as the boats began to glide across the shimmering water, the ripples reflecting the first stars of the evening.

The giant bearded man sat in the lead boat, untying it from the dock before waving a massive arm. The rest of the boats began to sail behind him, drifting silently over the dark lake. A chill clung to the air, and the wind tugged softly at their hair as they moved further from shore.

“Oh, looky ‘ere now!” The giant’s booming laughter filled the night, warming the atmosphere. “The Giant Squid wants to say ‘ello to you firsties!”

Suddenly, a massive tentacle broke the surface of the lake, waving majestically as if welcoming the bewildered students. James leans precariously over the side of the boat, his eyes wide with both wonder and dread, scanning the inky water below.

“Oh Merlin, that’s what lives in this lake?” James whispered, his voice tight with nerves. “Godric, Merlin—someone, get me to land. Fast.”

Bruno snickered, watching as the colossal tentacle slowly sank back beneath the murky surface. “Bye, squid,” he called out with a playful grin.

“Thank Merlin,” James muttered, finally relaxing as the danger seemed to pass. His usual bravado slowly returned as the boat glided further from the dock, cutting smoothly across the calm water.

The eerie calmness of the lake was soon broken by the awestruck whispers of the first years. Their voices rose in a chorus of "Ooo's" and "Ah's" as the grand silhouette of Hogwarts grew larger with each passing moment. The castle stood tall and proud, illuminated by the last rays of the setting sun. Its windows sparkled like distant stars, casting a magical glow that reflected off the water.

Bruno gazed up in disbelief, his heart racing with excitement. A giant squid, and who knew what else lurked beneath this mysterious world? Everything here felt foreign and exciting, so far removed from anything he’d known back home. And he found that idea thrilling beyond measure.

The five of them exited the boats, joining the crowd of first years at the base of the stone steps winding up the cliff. One by one, the first years began climbing, with James, Remus, Sirius, Peter, and Bruno following close behind. Above them, the towering castle loomed, its ancient walls brimming with history. Gargoyles, perched on pillars, seemed to watch them, their stony gazes eerie yet strangely protective.

Remus’s wide eyes were filled with wonder, too captivated to speak. Bruno, too, was silent, stepping carefully as they passed through the heavy oak doors. The warmth of Hogwarts immediately enveloped him, radiating from the stone braziers lining the walls.

Inside, the grandeur of the Entrance Hall left him awestruck. Polished stone floors gleamed underfoot, the flickering candlelight dancing off the walls. His loafers clicked in rhythm as they crossed the vast space towards another set of ornate oak doors. These were adorned with intricate gold panels, shimmering in the glow of the floating candles overhead.

At the front of the hall stood a tall witch, her posture commanding, her expression unreadable beneath a purple velvet hat. Her sharp eyes scanned the first years as if assessing them all at once.

“Welcome to Hogwarts,” she said, her voice both firm and kind. “I am Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House. Before we feast, you will be sorted into your proper houses. Form a line behind me, quietly.”

The murmur of nervous chatter abruptly faded as the first years scrambled into a line. Their movements were frantic, though they tried to appear calm. The great oak doors creaked open, and the hushed voices of older students drifted through the air. Four long tables stretched out in front of them, filled with expectant faces. Floating candles bobbed gently above, their warm light adding to the hall’s magical atmosphere.

Professor McGonagall strode with purpose toward the staff table, a small stool in her hand. On top of it rested an old, weathered hat. James leaned over to Bruno, his voice an eager whisper, “This is it. The Sorting Hat. It’ll decide where we belong.”

Bruno’s heart raced as anxiety coursed through him. The pressure to make a good impression was suddenly immense, though he wasn’t sure why. All eyes seemed to be on them—the sea of students at the tables, the professors at the head. Even Sirius and Peter exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier confidence fading as they wondered which house they’d be sorted into. The weight of uncertainty hung in the air as they prepared for the moment that would determine their place in the school, and perhaps even their future.

“Maxie Agnes!” Professor McGonagall’s voice rang out as she read from the long scroll in her hands.

The crowd of first years parted to let Maxie walk forward. Her eyes bulged as she shook once Professor McGonagall approached her with the decaying hat, trembling slightly as Professor McGonagall lowered the weathered Sorting Hat onto her head, the two conversed.

After a minute, the hat brim opened and screamed, “HUFFLEPUFF!”

The students at the table with yellow ties burst into cheers, the hall echoing with applause as Maxie hurried to join her new house, visibly relieved.

"Sirius Black!"

Sirius stepped forward, his usual confidence faltering just a little as he approached the stool. The hat sat on his head for longer than expected, muttering things that made Sirius clench his teeth and bounce his leg nervously. Finally, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

A stunned silence fell over the hall. The Gryffindor table clapped, but it was hesitant, disordered, while Sirius's face lost all colour. He cast a glance at the Slytherin table, where icy stares followed him. Slowly, he stood and shuffled to the Gryffindor table, his shoulders heavy with unspoken tension. Professor McGonagall gave him a small smile of reassurance, but it did little to ease the storm that was clearly brewing inside him. As Sirius took his seat, his head sank onto the table, and Bruno couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him.

The next student to be called up was a girl named Lily Evans. Lily Evans’s red hair blew through the crowd as she excitedly approached the stool, smiling at all her peers below.

The hat barely touched her head before it declared, “GRYFFINDOR!” She practically skipped to join her new house, the cheers and applause bouncing off the walls of the Great Hall once again.

As more students were called up, Bruno was starting to lose focus. Remus nudged him, trying to point out things to make him appear interested. The two counted the number of people in the Great Hall; they didn't make it past a hundred.

They waited again. The Sorting was still going on, the four of them getting reckless. Remus was soon called up; he was sorted into Gryffindor as well. Remus looked pleased. He sat next to Sirius, who still had his head down.

Then, again, they were waiting. James, Peter, and Bruno were getting tired. It seemed like a whole hour passed until the P's were announced.

Peter went first, his anxious face almost hidden under the hat. After a brief whispering with the hat, it called out “GRYFFINDOR!” to Peter’s visible relief.

James was next. James patted Bruno’s shoulder and confidently walked up to the stool. The Hat didn't hesitate. Once the Hat was on his head, it yelled, “GRYFFINDOR!”

Bruno was beginning to feel a bit queasy, the anticipation swirling in his stomach. His friends had all been sorted into Gryffindor, and he desperately wanted to join them; they were the very friends he had wished for just a few months ago. He glanced over to Remus, Peter, and James, faces beaming from their seats, mouthing cheerful phrases of “Good luck!” Sirius sat a few seats away, sulking in his own world, his dark hair falling over his face like a curtain, obscuring his expression.

“Marianna Solace!” Professor McGonagall read, and a girl with curly hair brushed past him.

Bruno’s focus was on her now. She bit her lip, and Bruno noticed her hand shaking.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The claps and cheers were ringing through Bruno’s ears now. He needed to be sorted in Gryffindor. Bruno’s name was finally announced as the sea of first years quickly disbursed. He was the last first-year to be sorted. Everyone's eyes were on him. The weakness came back as he stepped up to the stool. The old hat was placed on his head, and Bruno felt his hands twitch with anxiety. His thoughts whirled so fast he couldn’t grab onto one.

“Ah... tricky…” the hat muttered in his ear. “You could do well in any of the Houses... but where to place you?”

Bruno’s heart pounded as the hat paused, its musings only making him more anxious.

“GRYFFINDOR!”

Bruno let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding, a wave of relief washing over him. Professor McGonagall removed the Sorting Hat from his head and offered him a small, encouraging smile. The applause that erupted around him was almost deafening, an unison of cheers and clapping echoing through the Great Hall. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Peter, Remus, and James springing out of their seats, their faces alight with excitement as they called out to him, “Bruno!” beckoning him to join.

James, Peter, and Remus waved him over, their faces alight with joy. Even Sirius raised his head slightly, casting a glance in Bruno's direction. Heat rushed to Bruno’s cheeks as he hurried to the Gryffindor table, slipping into the seat beside his new friends.

Marianna, seated a few spots away, grinned at him, her smile toothy and warm. Bruno smiled back.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marianna Solace was born on a Friday at sunrise, in Westminster Hospital in Central London, England. The moment she arrived, her cries filled the room as the nurse cleaned her up and placed her on her mother’s chest. Catalina, her mother, cooed softly through tears of joy, while her husband Christian stood beside them, holding their eldest son, Sebastian.

Christian kneeled, creating a seat with his leg so Sebastian could see his new baby sister up close. “Meet your sister, Sebastian,” he whispered. “Promise me you’ll be the best big brother ever?”

Sebastian smiled, his small lips curling as he nodded. “I’ll be the best big brother ever,” he said, watching as his sister dozed peacefully in their mother’s arms.

“Now you’ll have someone to play with,” Catalina hummed, running her fingers through the baby’s fine hair. “No more being lonely.”

Loneliness, however, was never an issue in the Solace family. With an extensive bloodline stretching across the globe, it was hard to ever feel alone. Catalina was born and raised in America, surrounded by relatives from Italy and Puerto Rico. Christian, on the other hand, grew up in England, his family rooted deep in every borough of Central England.

At just 19, Christian inherited his great-great-grandmother’s grand manor, a stately home filled with history. He was just starting his career at the British Ministry of Magic, quickly making a name for himself when he met Catalina at an International Conference of Wizards. Their connection was immediate, transcending borders and cultures. Soon after, they were married, uniting their diverse backgrounds.

When they brought their newborn daughter home, the house was alive with celebration. Relatives gathered at the door, food piled high, filling the air with mouth-watering aromas. Gifts for the infant seemed unnecessary at her age, but they poured in, tokens of affection from all over the family.

The Solace family knew how to celebrate. Each event was a feast for the senses—soft music playing, laughter echoing through the halls, the warmth of love enveloping everyone. It was the perfect environment for any baby to grow up in, surrounded by joy and connection.

Marianna was only a few months old when her magic first surfaced, though no one was surprised. Her older brother, Sebastian, had shown his own magical abilities not long after his first solid meal.

One afternoon, as Sebastian played beside her with building blocks, Marianna let out a tiny burp, catching her brother’s attention. “Oh, Mari, you’re so unladylike!” he teased, stacking another block with a chuckle. When she burped again, his laughter grew, amused by the sounds coming from his baby sister. She cooed, her babbles softening as she watched him. Another burp escaped her, sparking another round of giggles from her brother.

But then something strange happened. The block she had been holding in her tiny hand began to grow, expanding until it engulfed her hand entirely.

Sebastian’s laughter turned into a scream as he frantically scooped her into his palms, shrinking smaller and smaller until she was barely the size of a bug, wriggling and giggling in his hands, unaware of what she had done.

“Mum! Dad!” he shrieked, his voice trembling. Their parents rushed into the parlour, drawn by his terrified cries. They found him wide-eyed and shaking, holding his tiny sister in his cupped hands.

“Mari!” Sebastian cried, his voice shaking with fear.

Their parents gasped, but not in shock—more in relief.

“Oh, we were wondering when she’d start showing off her magic!” their father, Christian, said, laughing as the tension lifted. “Seb, at least you were here to see this. If she had been by herself, we might’ve squashed her to bits!”

“You’re not mad?” Sebastian asked, his voice still quivering as he stared down at Marianna, who was now waving her tiny arms at the sight of their parents.

“Of course not,” their mother smiled warmly, bending down to scoop Marianna up as she began to grow back to her normal size. “We knew it would happen eventually.”

Sebastian let out a shaky breath, wiping his forehead. “That was terrifying,” he confessed, burying his head in his hands as the adrenaline drained from his small frame.

Their mother chuckled, kissing Marianna’s round apple cheeks. “You did just fine, big brother.”

As time passed, the Solace family continued to grow. Every other year, a new sibling arrived. It went like this: Sebastian was born in 1958, followed by Marianna in 1960, Dominic in 1961, twins Isabel and Rose in 1962, then a brief pause before Daniela in 1964, Antonio in 1965, and finally Viviana in 1966.

The eight Solace children all possessed magical abilities, and every year, the family gathered to celebrate the newest arrival, their legacy growing with each new addition. Gifts, food, and laughter filled their home, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

On Marianna’s eleventh birthday, May 13th, 1971, a letter from an owl perched on her window.

Marianna was startled awake by a pecking of the window. With one loud huff, she slid off her bed, her feet hitting the creaky wooden floorboards as she made her way there. She pulled the curtain aside, the sun blinding instantly. She grumbled, rubbing her eyes as the pecking grew more persistent.

“Hold on, you dang owl…” She muttered, instantly catching herself. “Er, sorry owl.” She unlatched the window, surprised to see an unfamiliar owl waiting impatiently. The bird flexed its claws, revealing a letter tied with a red ribbon. Gently, she untied the ribbon and took the letter.

"Thank you," she yawned, offering a sleepy smile as the owl flapped its wings and took off into the sky.

She shuffled out of her room, each floorboard creaking beneath her. She peered across the hall, her sister’s doors were wide open. As she leaned back to glance if any of them were still tucked into bed, she noticed a pattern of emptiness inside. They must’ve woken up before her. She trudged down the cold marble staircase with her bare feet, chilling each step into the dining room.

“Mum?” she grumbled, she still was so tired. “You there?”

The morning summer chill seeped through the dining room windows, despite the sunlight streaming in. There was a faint echo of chatter, Marianna searched the dining room, looking for the source of the sound.

Her mother emerged from the kitchen holding a poorly decorated cake with two flickering candles placed on top. Her siblings crawled out from under the kitchen table, their faces glinting in the candlelight to take their places at the kitchen island. “ Tanti auguri a te, ” Mum sang softly, carrying the cake carefully.

“ Tanti auguri a te,” Dad’s voice followed the raspy voices of her siblings, he too, emerged from the kitchen and stole the cake from Mum’s hands.

“Tanti auguri a Marianna~” Their voices blended into a joyful, off-tuned chorus. She took a seat at the head of the kitchen island, absorbing the happiness that filled the kitchen.

Her father placed the cake softly in front of her face, she glanced down at the uneven lettering that read, ‘Happy Birthday, Marianna’. The candles’ warm glow danced across her face.

“ Tanti auguri a teeeeeee~”

She closed her eyes, wishing that this moment would last forever . When she opened her eyes, she took a deep breath and blew out the candles, setting off a wave of claps and cheers that reverberated around her. She smiled from ear to ear.

“Who wants cake for breakfast then?” Mum giggles. All of her siblings exchange gasps of excitement, “Me!”

Dad came from around the island, dipping a finger into the icing and plopping it onto Marianna’s nose. “Happy Birthday, Mari.” The siblings erupted into a chorus of infectious giggles, their childish laughter ringing out like a sweet melody, echoing with pure, unrestrained joy.

“Mari, you know we all decorated the cake for you? Does it look good?” Viviana, the youngest sibling, asked eagerly, leaning her tiny frame over the island.

“Oh, really?” She gasped, staring at the faces before her, all with genuine smiles painted on their faces. “I think it looks amazing!”

“I can’t wait to eat it,” Sebastian muttered, head down on the kitchen island.

Mum lifted his head, rustling his messy bedhead. She began to cut the cake, giving the birthday girl the first one. She gently placed it in front of Marianna, planting a kiss on her forehead. With a warm smile spreading across her face from her children’s delight, she passed out the remainder of the cake.

As they sat around and ate in the sheltered darkness, Marianna gasped suddenly and pulled a crinkled letter from her pyjama pocket. “Oh, I totally forgot- I’ve got this letter!”

“Hm, recognise the owl?” Dad said, shovelling frosted cake into his mouth.

“Well no, but it’s addressed to me,” She said, raising an eyebrow. Her father’s eyes naturally drifted to the wax seal, nearly choking on his cake.

Without missing a beat, her mum gave his back a quick smack, helping him swallow. “Open it!” he urged immediately.

Her fork clattered against the plate as her fingers fumbled with the wax seal. A foot-long scroll unfurled before her eyes, and her siblings exchanged murmurs of surprise, their gazes flickering between the scroll and her.

“Read it out loud!” Dad commanded, glancing at his daughter.

Taking a moment to read, Marianna's eyes widened in realisation, and she bounced out of her seat. The stool scraped against the floor and toppled behind her.

“Dear Miss Solace, We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July. Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress.” She read hurriedly, her voice rising with every word. A high-pitched squeal escaped her as the thrill surged within her.

“Sebastian! We’ll be going to school together!” She dashed around the island, rousing her older brother, who had been blissfully unaware.

“What? You’re coming to Hogwarts?” His eyes widened, sparkling with shared excitement. “Wicked, Mari!”

She threw her arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly. “It’ll be just the two of us again!”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marianna’s mother had told her to get dressed—it was no surprise, really. After all, like every single occasion, the entire family would be coming over. It was her eleventh birthday, a day of gifts to unwrap, endless hugs to be shared, and the usual disruption that came with it. Naturally, her sisters were already scattered around her room, lounging on her bed and the floor, each one pleading for her to do their hair as if it was their special day too.

“Mari, please! You know how to do the plaits that I love,” Daniela squeaked, appearing next to Marianna in the mirror. She tugged at her sister's sleeve, practically bouncing on her toes with impatience.

“Oh, Mari, you look beautiful!” Isabel coos behind her, softly pressing her chin against her shoulder blade. “Will you help me brush my hair?” She asks, already nudging a brush into Marianna’s free hand.

Marianna huffed, sending her fringe fluttering upwards before it settled against her temples. “You’re lucky you were gifted with Da’s straight hair,” she grumbled playfully, glancing at Isabel. “Makes it so much quicker to deal with than mine.” She gave her curls one last fluff, as if in defiance of their unruliness, then sighed and picked up her brush, turning toward Daniela. “Alright, let’s start,” she said, already parting her sister’s hair with practised hands.

Marianna gently ran the brush through her younger sister’s silky, straight hair, working out a few tangles with care. With a practised hand, she parted it neatly down the middle, then began sectioning off each piece to form matching pigtail plaits. Daniela hummed quietly to herself, twirling the hem of her new dress robes between her fingers, her feet lazily spread out to touch the mirror.

“Stop pulling that string, Dani,” She muttered, wrapping a scrunchie around the first plait. “Don’t want to ruin your new robes now, do you?”

“Hmph!” Daniela grunted, pulling the carpet in front of her defiantly.

As Marianna finished styling Daniela’s hair, Isabel eagerly jumped into the seat where Daniela had just been, transforming the moment into an impromptu hair salon. Marianna picked up her brush and began to gently run it through Isabel’s short hair. Doing her sisters’ hair was never a hassle; it filled her with a sense of purpose and connection. As she parted Isabel’s hair, she carefully applied some pomade to define the natural waves, feeling a rush of satisfaction as Isabel squealed with delight. “Thank you!” Isabel exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

“Vivi, Rosie, come here!” Marianna called out, a smile spreading across her face as Rose settled beside her, eager for a little pampering. “Can you do two small plaits in the front of my hair?” Rose requested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Marianna happily obliged, weaving the plaits with care, and once finished, Rose scampered off to paint her nails with her older sister’s favourite nail polish.

Meanwhile, Viviana, the youngest of the bunch, approached with a shy whisper. “I want my hair like yours, Mari.” Her wide eyes mirrored the curls that framed Marianna’s face, the only other sibling blessed with such bouncy locks.

“Okay, sweetie, let’s figure this out,” Marianna replied, her heart swelling with affection. She began to fluff out Viviana's hair, and the playful action sent Viviana into fits of laughter, her giggles ringing through the room. Marianna scooped a generous amount of pomade and set to work defining her sister's curls. The transformation thrilled Viviana so much that, in her excitement, she planted a fat, wet kiss on Marianna’s cheek, leaving a trail of love and joy behind.

“Girls! Grandma and Grandpa are here!” Mum called from the bottom floor.

At the sound, Isabel, Rose, and Daniela dashed out of the room, their thumping footsteps echoing down the hallway as they hurried to greet their grandparents.

“Come on,” Marianna said, rising from her spot in the cosy room. She smoothed down her lavender dress, the soft fabric swaying gently around her as she adjusted the fitted bodice. With a gentle tug, she pulled Viviana up from her seat, her heart fluttering with excitement. “Let’s off.”

Viviana tightened her grip around Marianna’s hand, her small fingers wrapping securely as they made their way down the grand staircase together. The rich wood beneath their feet creaked softly, a familiar sound that felt like home. As they descended, the cheerful chatter of countless voices filled the air, mingling different accents and tones. The sound swaddled them, creating an atmosphere alive with laughter and conversation, each voice blending into a vibrant symphony of family and love.

“Oh! My babies!” Grandma’s voice rang through the manor, high-pitched and brimming with joy as she spotted her grandchildren. “My Baby and my birthday girl!”

With gleeful shrieks, Marianna and Viviana rushed toward their grandmother, enveloping her in their arms. Grandma squeezed them so tightly that they could barely breathe, her warmth and affection washing over them like a comforting wave. The three of them laughed, the sound mingling with the echoes of family chatter that filled the grand space.

As Marianna made her way down the last few steps into the bustling dining hall, her eyes widened in disbelief at the sheer abundance of food laid out before her. The long table was laden with mouthwatering dishes that seemed to stretch on forever, each one more tantalising than the last. She caught sight of spaghetti bolognese, its rich sauce glistening under the soft, golden lighting, and roasted chicken, golden brown and crisp, its skin crackling enticingly. The fragrant aroma of arroz con gandules wafted through the air, mingling with the savoury scent of empanadas, each bite promising a burst of flavour. A colourful bandeja paisa was artfully arranged nearby, its vibrant hues inviting her closer. The crispy tostones glimmered under the lights, and a shepherd's pie bubbled enticingly in a rustic dish, its crust golden and flaky. Layers of cheesy lasagna, rich and decadent, made her stomach growl in anticipation, each dish a reminder of family traditions and shared memories.

On the counter, rows of bottles filled with liquor sparkled like jewels under the light, their labels adorned with intricate designs. Marianna’s grandmother quickly scooted her away from the tempting display. “Not for you, dear!” she chuckled as she guided Marianna toward the fridge instead.

Inside, a treasure trove of desserts awaited: cannolis piled high with sweet ricotta filling, tiramisu that seemed to beckon with its creamy layers and dusting of cocoa, and the rich scent of tres leches cake that enveloped her senses like a warm hug. Bowls of arroz con leche stood ready for the taking, eclairs dusted with powdered sugar glistening enticingly, and toffee pudding sat alongside even more delightful treats that Marianna couldn't even name, each one promising a moment of bliss.

“Dinner first, then desserts,” Mum said, closing the fridge with a satisfied smile before ushering Marianna around the hall to greet the guests. Her heart raced with joy as she hugged each familiar face, the warmth of family wrapping around her like a cosy blanket. With each “thank you,” she received heartfelt wishes and gifts wrapped in bright paper, filling her with a sense of belonging that only family could provide.

Marianna’s eleventh birthday was shaping up to be a day she would never forget. Among the gifts, she found a lively kneazle that purred softly in her arms, its fur warm and comforting. New robes shimmered in the light, promising adventure ahead, and a phonograph that promised to fill her room with enchanting music awaited her eager hands. An exquisite enchanted music box, gifted by Grandpa, played a sweet melody whenever it was wound, its notes dancing through the air like whispers. She also received a sturdy blue rucksack, stylish new shoes that sparkled with each step, and a myriad of other treasures that made her heart swell with gratitude.

Feeling warm and satisfied, Marianna savoured the taste of every sweet she managed to eat, letting the flavours linger on her tongue, each bite a burst of happiness. Once the festivities settled, she retreated to her room, the gentle glow of twilight spilling through her window, casting a golden hue over her cherished space. She laid across her bed, a contented smile playing on her lips, and closed her eyes, letting the memories of this perfect day wash over her like a gentle tide, a soothing balm for her heart.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When the day of her official first day at Hogwarts finally arrived, Marianna was a bundle of nerves. She bit her freshly painted nails, a habit she couldn’t shake despite her mother’s repeated efforts to fix them each time she noticed they were chipped. She tugged her heavy trunk down the marble staircase, huffing and puffing in the Muggle clothes her mother had carefully picked out for her, the fabric scratching against her skin, feeling more out of place than ever.

“Oh, my little mush,” her mother cooed, leaning down to squeeze Marianna’s cheek affectionately, her touch warm against the chill of the morning. She set the kneazle’s cage gently on the polished floor. “Come on, Pastina,” she encouraged, as the little cat responded with a soft purr entering her cosy confines.

“Sebastian, come on now! We can’t afford to be late!” her mother called up the stairs, hands firmly planted on her hips as she glanced back at her daughter. Marianna forced a smile, but her stomach twisted with unease. Her mother squatted down to her level, gently taking Marianna’s hands in her own and squeezing them reassuringly as she locked eyes with her.

“When you go to school, some people may act as though they’re above others because of their pure magical blood,” she said, her voice firm yet warm. “But don’t listen to those weak-minded individuals. Remember, everyone is equal. Just try your hardest, sweetheart. I know you can do it. You’re as bright as the sun.” Her mother’s encouraging words provided a comfort that only Mums can give. “You’ll be okay, and you’ll have the best time, surrounded by children of all ages who can’t wait to get to know you. So don’t fret, my darling. Mummy knows best.” With a final squeeze of her tiny wrists, her mother pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, a soft gesture that eased Marianna, if only a little.

Her mum got up and turned to check if Sebastian had finally come down, but she was met with silence. “DO NOT MAKE ME COME UP THERE!” she shouted, frustration ringing through the manor. She ran her fingers through her hair, scowling. “Boys.”

A heavy sigh escaped Marianna’s lips as anxiety settled in her chest, a leaden weight that threatened to crush her spirit. The thought of leaving home weighed heavily on her, filling her with a sense of dread that coiled tightly around her heart. Leaving her siblings behind, leaving them to fend for themselves without their eldest sister to guide them, felt unbearable. It was as if a piece of her was being ripped away, and the emptiness left in its wake.

Who would help them jam their toast just right? Who would tie their shoes when they were too rushed or distracted? The idea of abandoning her six younger siblings while she went away for months clawed at her heart, making it feel heavy and sore. They had always looked to her for guidance and support, and the thought of them navigating the challenges of daily life without her presence filled her with guilt. What if they needed her? What if someone got hurt, or they faced a problem they couldn’t solve? Would they feel lost without her, just as she feared feeling without them? Every thought spiralled into a cascade of worries—images of their tiny hands reaching out for her, eyes wide with confusion and longing. The weight of her responsibility pressed down on her. With each passing second, the farewell came closer, and the ache in her chest deepened. How could she step into this new world when her heart was so firmly rooted at home? The love she felt for her siblings was both a source of strength and a tether that pulled her back, and she fought to steady her trembling hands.

Her father was already dressed and ready, corralling the younger siblings, all decked out in their Sunday best—shiny shoes and bright dresses that twirled as they moved. Her mother was dressed too, but Marianna could see from the furrowed brow and absent-minded fidgeting that Mum wasn’t quite ready, emotionally or otherwise.

Just then, Sebastian whined as he trudged down the stairs, struggling under the weight of his trunk, broom, and owl. “It’s too early…” he muttered, thick with fatigue.

“Oh no, dear, it’s half past ten. We should get going,” Dad said as he gathered the younger siblings around him. “Come on, let’s take the Floo.”

Marianna watched as her father ushered everyone toward the fireplace, the frantic energy swirling around her like a storm. A knot tightened in her stomach. Would she be able to keep her siblings safe from afar? With one last glance at her childhood home, she steeled herself, feeling the familiar creaks of the floorboards beneath her feet. All squished together, the Solace family was whisked through the fireplace, the familiar warmth of home replaced by the bustling energy of King’s Cross Station. The clamour of voices and the rhythmic chugging of trains filled the air as they navigated the crowd, excitement and anxiety blending into a whirlwind of emotions.

Christian led the family with purpose, holding tightly to Viviana and Antonio as they approached the hidden entrance to Platform 9¾. With a swift yet gentle push, he guided them through the brick wall between platforms 9 and 10.

Mum followed closely behind, her hands firmly gripping Daniela, Isabel, and Rose, her eyes sparkling. The children giggled, the thrill of adventure momentarily overshadowing the bittersweetness of the moment.

Sebastian took hold of both Dominic and Marianna's hands, his grip reassuring as he led them through the wall. The world shifted, the bustling station fading into the enchanting sights of Hogwarts Express. They emerged right before their parents, who were already gazing at the train, a mix of excitement and melancholy stamped across their faces.

Families surrounded them, some laughing, others tearful, as parents hugged their children tightly for one last farewell. The scene was filled with the raw emotions of parting, and Marianna felt a heaviness in her chest, an ache that threatened to pull her under. She turned to Sebastian, who mirrored her apprehension, both of them caught in the swirling emotions of leaving home. The vibrant colours and sounds of the station faded, leaving only the painful reality of separation.

“I don’t want to leave,” she whispered, her voice barely above a tremor, thick with emotion. The warmth of their family bond clung to her, and in that moment, the bustling world around them faded away.

“We will miss you so much!” Antonio and Viviana exclaimed, rushing toward Sebastian and Marianna, their small arms wrapping around them tightly as if trying to anchor them to the moment.

“I’m going to miss you too. We’ll see you for Christmas,” Marianna replied gently, returning the embrace with equal warmth.

The twins, Isabel and Rose, squeezed in next, their dainty arms wrapping around both siblings. Tears streamed down their cheeks, glistening like tiny pearls as they said, “I don’t want you guys to go…”

“No, no, we’ll be back soon,” Sebastian reassured them, his own heart aching as he wiped away their tears with his thumb. Goodbyes always felt the hardest, like a weight pressing down on their chests. Marianna leaned down, pressing soft kisses on their foreheads.

Then it was Daniela’s turn, bursting into the circle to squeeze them both tightly. “I love you, see you soon.”

“I love you, see you soon,” the two echoed back.

Next came Dominic, charging forward and swallowing them in a bear hug that made it hard to breathe. “Next year I’ll be with you both, and I cannot wait!”

“Me too,” Sebastian replied, playfully rustling Dominic’s hair. The promise brought a small smile to his face.

“I love you, Dom,” Marianna said, squeezing him one last time.

“I love you too, Mari,” Dominic beamed, his bright eyes shining. Finally, their parents stepped forward, both kneeling to give the pair heartfelt kisses on their cheeks, their eyes luminous with unshed tears. “I love you. I’ll miss you. Don’t forget to write,” their father said, his voice heavy.

“Have the best time, make good choices,” their mother added, her grip firm yet tender as she pulled them in for one last squeeze.

At that moment, surrounded by their family, Marianna felt a swell of love that warmed her from the inside out, a fierce light in the face of her fears. The Hogwarts Express let out a final, echoing honk, its sound slicing through the air like a knife, reminding them that time was slipping away. With hearts racing, Marianna and Sebastian dashed toward the train, their eyes scanning for an empty compartment.

“Oi, Solace!” a boy's voice rang out, his head popping through the door of a compartment two doors down. His eyes landed on Marianna, “Got your ickle sister too?”

Sebastian’s face broke into a broad smile, and he quickly grabbed Marianna’s hand, pulling her along as he navigated through the bustling aisles. The boy who had called out for them held the door open, a welcoming gesture. They stepped inside, Marianna's heart raced even faster. The compartment was filled with four other kids who beamed at her brother. She felt a wave of unease wash over her, her stomach twisting as she realised she didn’t know a single person.

“Mari, scoot down, will you? I’ll put your stuff up, hand it over,” Sebastian instructed, as he noticed her stiffness. With a grunt, he began hoisting his trunk into the overhead compartment. Marianna obediently handed him her bags one by one, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched her kneazle, Pastina, tightly against her chest. The three others in the compartment gave small smiles as Sebastian settled back into his seat right next to his sister.

“This is Edgar Bones,” Sebastian introduced, nodding towards the boy who had called out to them. Edgar wore a friendly grin, he was blonde and had a small dimple on his left cheek. He glanced to his right, “My little sister is here too. Amelia, say hi.” A blonde-haired girl sitting beside him shifted in her seat, offering a timid wave. She looked about Marianna’s age, her expression filled with nervousness that mirrored Marianna’s own.

The train began to chug forward, and Marianna took a deep breath, her heart still racing, directly in her ears.

“This is Lucy Evermore,” Sebastian said, gesturing to the girl with a trendy haircut who waved enthusiastically. “And this is Grayson Macmillan.” Grayson waved, showing off his braces.

Sebastian wrapped his arm around Marianna’s shoulders, giving her a gentle squeeze. “And this is Marianna, she’s absolutely terrified.”

Marianna shot him a playful glare, flicking his arm in protest. “Am not!”

“Hey, don’t worry about it!” Lucy chimed in, her voice light and comforting as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Don’t let any of them fool you. We were all scared stiff on the first day.”

“Oi, Lucy!” Grayson interjected, feigning shock. “Don’t go spilling all our trade secrets! Where’s the mystery?”

Lucy rolled her eyes dramatically, leaning back in her seat. “Oh, please. Like anyone’s buying your tough act, Grayson. We all remember how you almost fainted when that Sorting Hat touched your head.”

Grayson’s eyebrows shot up, his mouth dropping open in exaggerated offence. “I did no such thing! I was… uh, deep in thought. Big decisions, you know?”

“Right, deep in thought,” Lucy echoed with a smirk. “You looked more like you were about to faint.”

Sebastian laughed, joining the banter. “I thought you were going to make a break for it, mate. I was ready to chase after you.”

“Oi, enough of that!” Grayson crossed his arms, though the smile on his face was impossible to miss. “You lot keep talking and I’ll make sure you’re the ones carrying my shite up to the castle.”

Edgar chuckled from his spot. “Wouldn’t be the first time, mate. But, seriously, Seb—remember how you kept asking if the Sorting Hat could be wrong?”

“I just wanted to make sure it got me right!” Sebastian retorted with a mock serious look. “I’m thorough.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, grinning at Edgar. “See, Marianna? It’s all nonsense with this lot. You’ll be fine.”

Marianna nodded, half-listening to their attempts to ease her nerves, their words becoming a distant hum drowned out by the pounding in her ears. She felt like she was in a bubble, detached from the lively chatter around her. To combat the rising tide of anxiety, she forced herself to focus on her surroundings, searching for anything to ground her in this unfamiliar space.

Her gaze drifted towards the others’ robes, each adorned with different coloured ties and linings that represented their Houses. Grayson sported a vibrant yellow tie that matched the bold accents of his robe. Beside him, Lucy wore a striking blue tie, its deep hue complementing the lively pattern of her robe. Edgar Bones mirrored Lucy’s style with his own blue tie. Sebastian’s bold red tie stood out, the crimson fabric and matching lining a stark contrast to the pastel shades of the rest.

Sebastian, Grayson, and Edgar leaned in close, their laughter boisterous as Lucy animatedly recounted an exaggerated tale of the wild gigs she’d attended over the summer. Her hands danced through the air, punctuating her words with flair, as she mimicked the band’s antics and the atmosphere of the concerts. Their laughter filled the compartment, a warm, inviting sound that echoed against the train’s rhythmic clattering. Yet, despite the jovial energy, Marianna’s heart continued to pound against her ears, the noise in her mind still screaming worries she couldn't quite articulate.

Just then, Amelia Bones stood up abruptly and declared, “I’m switching seats!” With surprising agility, she manoeuvred around the boys, then settled beside Marianna, her bright energy instantly filling the small space between them.

“Hey,” Amelia said warmly, flashing a reassuring smile. “I’ll sit with you—we’ll make it less scary together, alright?”

Marianna gave a small, grateful nod. She noticed Amelia's eyes light up as they landed on her kneazle. “Nice cat you’ve got there!” Amelia said.

“This is Pastina,” Marianna replied, smiling as she gently stroked her kneazle’s soft fur. The creature purred in contentment on her lap. “She’s been with me since she was a kitten.”

“What an adorable name,” Amelia cooed, leaning in closer to get a better look at Pastina. “I’ve got a rat!” She reached into her bag and pulled out a small, scruffy brown rat, holding it up proudly. The rat squeaked in response, and Marianna couldn’t help but giggle.

“His name is Bert.”

Marianna grinned. “I like his name. Very sophisticated.”

Amelia laughed, her eyes twinkling. “He’s a bit of a nutter, but he’s my best friend.”Her expression suddenly changed, her eyes widening as if she realised what she’d just said. “Er—not that I don’t have other friends!”

Marianna shook her head quickly, smiling as she felt an instant connection. “Pastina’s my best mate too.”

Amelia's face softened, a wave of relief washing over her. She gently stroked Bert’s fur as he snuggled into her palm. “Okay, good. I was starting to worry I mucked up my first friendship here.”

Just then, the train came to a jarring stop, jolting them from their chatter. A wave of anxiety washing over Marianna again, her stomach fluttering as uncertainty crept back in. She watched as Sebastian and his friends sprang into action, unloading the two younger girls’ trunks with effortless ease, their laughter mingling with the bustling sounds of the station outside. As the compartment door swung open, bright light flooded in, illuminating the path ahead.

“Now, Mari,” Sebastian said, his expression a mix of encouragement and concern, “you’ll be crossing the lake with the other first-years. At least you’ll have Amelia with you.”

Marianna’s heart raced, a knot tightening in her stomach. “Okay,” she whispered, the sound barely escaping her lips. Beside her, Amelia instinctively gripped her hand, her small fingers wrapping around Marianna’s like a lifeline.

“Don’t worry,” Edgar chimed in, offering a reassuring smile as he handed Amelia’s trunk back to her. “Whatever house you get sorted into, you’ll always have someone older keeping an eye on you.”

“Exactly,” Lucy added, her cheerful demeanour a stark contrast to the tension in the air. “We’ll see you inside. Just think of all the incredible things you’ll experience!”

Marianna nodded, clutching her belongings tightly as she and Amelia joined the throng of first-years moving toward the Black Lake. The air hummed with anticipation, a mix of excitement and anxiety in the crowd. She could feel the energy radiating off those around her, their restless movements echoing her own apprehension. Some were sharing excited whispers, while others remained quiet, lost in their swirling thoughts.

“Firs’ years! Over here!” a booming voice called out, cutting through the chatter. A giant figure waved his massive arms, directing the group toward a row of boats bobbing gently in the water.

As Marianna stepped onto the dock, she felt the uneven planks beneath her feet, each step echoing her rising nerves. She was directed into a boat alongside Amelia and two others: a redhead with bright eyes who seemed to bounce on her toes, and the other, a quiet boy with dark hair who stared intently at the water, his fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of his robe.

“Hi! I didn’t see you on the train. What’s your name?” the redhead asked, chewing her lip as she glanced at Marianna.

“I’m Marianna Solace. And you?” Marianna replied, her voice steadying as she met the girl’s eager gaze.

“Lily. Lily Evans. Nice to meet you,” she said, extending her hand with a friendly smile that eased some of Marianna’s anxiety.

Marianna took it, feeling a spark of connection as they shook hands. “This is Amelia Bones,” she introduced, noticing Amelia leaning over the side of the boat, her complexion pale as she peered anxiously into the dark waters below.

“Hi,” Amelia managed to whisper, her focus still drifting toward the rippling depths.

“And this is Severus Snape,” Lily continued, nodding toward the boy beside her. He sat quietly, his gaze averted, as if he was lost in thought.

“Nice to meet you, Severus,” Marianna said warmly, trying to draw him into the conversation. He glanced at her, the corners of his lips twitching upward in a faint acknowledgement.

“Likewise,” he replied, his voice low and hesitant, as if each word required a great effort.

As the boat glided across the lake, Marianna watched the outline of Hogwarts inching closer, its silhouette illuminated by the flickering lights within, casting shimmering reflections on the water’s surface.

Once they disembarked, Marianna, Amelia, Lily, and Severus followed the stream of first-years into the grand castle. The stone walls towered around them, rich with history and echoing with the footsteps of generations past.

In the Great Hall, a stern-looking lady awaited them—Professor McGonagall. She stood beside a small stool that held an ancient, tattered hat, a relic filled with whispers of stories long forgotten.

As Marianna looked around, she spotted familiar faces—Lucy and Edgar flashed wide smiles, Grayson gave her a thumbs-up, and Sebastian waved enthusiastically from across the hall.

All eyes in the room focused on the first years, the air thick with anticipation as they awaited their turn to be sorted into their houses. The hat perched on the stool began to sing, its voice ringing out clear and melodic, causing some students to scoff while others watched with intrigue and excitement. Marianna felt her heart race, her palms sweaty as she wondered what house would welcome her.

The first student approached the stool with a mix of excitement and nerves—Maxie Agnes. The hat opened its brim wide, and its voice boomed through the hall, “HUFFLEPUFF!” Instantly, cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table, the sound echoing against the enchanted ceiling, filling the vast room with energy.

Next in line was a boy with long black hair that obscured his eyes. His name was Sirius Black, he stepped cautiously up to the stool, his demeanour almost timid. As the hat settled onto his head, it opened again, declaring, “GRYFFINDOR!” Marianna turned to glance at her brother Sebastian, who looked startled. His slow clap seemed more hesitant than enthusiastic as the boy called Sirius Black lowered his head and made his way to the end of the Gryffindor table, the dull applause ringing through the hall.

“Amelia Bones!” Professor McGonagall called, scanning the scroll in her hand.

“Good luck,” Marianna whispered encouragingly as Amelia brushed her hand for reassurance before stepping forward.

The hat barely touched her head when it bellowed, “RAVENCLAW!” The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers, welcoming their newest member with open arms. Edgar Bones wrapped his arms around his sister in a warm embrace, gently guiding her to sit beside him.

“Lily Evans!”

Lily smiled brightly, squeezing Severus Snape’s hand for support before taking her place on the stool. The hat sang out, “GRYFFINDOR!” Unlike the previous Gryffindor’s subdued welcome, the table erupted in cheers, celebrating Lily’s arrival with exuberance.

Marianna stood in line, twisting a lock of hair around her finger, her anxiety mounting as she awaited her name. Around her, familiar names floated through the air, ones she recognised from her father's work gatherings: Lupin, Goyle, Potter, Meadowes, and many others. Each name sparked a flicker of recognition, but in that moment, she struggled to focus on anything but her own apprehension about what was to come.

As if time had collapsed, there were only a few students left waiting to be sorted.

“Marianna Solace!” Professor McGonagall called, her voice warm and inviting as she navigated through the small cluster of kids. Heart racing, Marianna carefully ascended the stairs, stealing glances at the encouraging smiles from her peers.

The hat brushed against her ears, its voice a low hum. “Hmm… just like your brother, aren’t you?”

She bit her lip, hands trembling with anticipation. “Ah yes, another Solace to… GRYFFINDOR!”

A wide smile spread across her face as she nodded at Professor McGonagall, who returned the gesture with a proud smile of her own. Marianna hurried to join Lily Evans at the Gryffindor table. From behind, her brother Sebastian clapped her on both shoulders, exclaiming, “Yes, little sis! Yes!”

Beaming with joy, Marianna watched the remaining students make their way to their respective tables until only one was left.

“At last, Bruno Vixen!” McGonagall announced, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she placed the hat on his head. The hall buzzed with excitement, everyone on edge, waiting for the outcome.

Bruno grinned nervously, and as the hat settled over his ears, it shouted, “GRYFFINDOR!

Cheers erupted throughout the hall, a collective wave of excitement crashing over them. The three boys at the end of the Gryffindor table welcomed Bruno with open arms, chanting, “Bruno! Bruno!” He joined them, his face lighting up with the biggest smile as he embraced his new housemates.

Marianna turned to glance at him, smiling at him, and he smiled back.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Mum, Dad, Dominic, Daniela, Isabel, Rose, Antonio, and Viviana,

I’m a Gryffindor! I met a few new people now, and they all seem quite alright. I’m settling in just fine right now, I met Sebastian’s friends and it’s nice to know he's got people to lean on.

I share a dormitory with four other girls, they seem nice. Hopefully, we get along swimmingly. We start classes tomorrow, I’ll let you know how that comes to be. I’m honestly really excited.

It’s only been a day and I miss you all so much already.

I wish I could be in two places at once.

Love,

Marianna.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Mum and Dad,

I have four new friends! Their names are Remus, James, Sirius and Peter. We met on the train and we were all in the same House. (Hogwarts is divided into four Houses, I’m in the red House with all my new friends! Our house means courage and bravery.) We haven’t stopped laughing since the moment we got into the dormitory. This is such a change from Lambeth.

Tomorrow we get our schedules and I’m praying that classes go well… I’m happy I got all of my supplies ready though. I feel ready for whatever happens. And I’m really excited to have friends. It’s so nice to have friends here.

I miss you both a lot. I hope Christmas comes quickly!

With love,
Bruno.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marianna was the first to wake, the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains. She stretched and padded her way to the bathroom, her heart racing with anticipation for the day ahead. She doused her hair in hair spray, pinning her front pieces back and smiled at herself in the mirror. She felt ready, and that was the best feeling she could muster right now.

Returning to her bedroom, she settled back onto her bed, gently stroking Pastina, who purred contentedly beside her. The warmth of the moment soon disrupted by the stirrings of her dormmates.

The girls were all waking up now, Lily got up, put on her school robes and brushed her hair hurriedly. Marlene put her hair in a high pony with a ribbon attached and went to put on her robes. Mary woke up, went to the bathroom to fix her hair and came out with her full uniform on and her curls bouncy. Dorcas put her braids up in a pony as well, putting on her robes.

“All ready?” Mary declared to the group, turning around with an eager smile. “I’m excited!”

“Chipper in the morning, are you?” Dorcas groaned, her voice thick with sleep as she moved to hold the door open for the others. “How is anyone alive at this hour?”

“Good days are guaranteed with good mornings,” Mary chirped, striding confidently out of the room, her curls bouncing with each step.

Dorcas smirked, shaking her head. “I can't argue with that reasoning.” She glanced back to make sure everyone was out before shutting the door behind them.

The five of them made their way through the common room, passing by a few other sleepy-eyed Gryffindors who were just starting to shuffle around. Marianna kept to the back of the group, her eyes darting around the room, still adjusting to the grandeur of it all—the high ceilings, the tapestries depicting heroic figures, and the warm flicker of the dying embers in the fireplace. It felt surreal, and her stomach churned.

They reached the portrait hole and filed out, descending the massive staircase that led toward the Great Hall. Marlene, chatting animatedly with Mary, suddenly stumbled as her foot caught the infamous trick step. With a startled yelp, she began to fall forward, but Marianna reacted quickly, grabbing her arm just in time to pull her back.

“Thank you! I’m really clumsy,” Marlene muttered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she steadied herself.

“No worries, I’m sure plenty of people have missed that step before,” Marianna reassured her with a warm grin, feeling a bit proud that she’d been quick enough to help.

“Probably,” Marlene said, laughing softly as they resumed walking. “But I’m beginning to think I have a personal vendetta against it.”

Their laughter mingled as they continued down the staircase, their voices bouncing off the stone walls as the castle seemed to come alive with the sounds of hundreds of students descending for breakfast. They finally reached the Great Hall, where the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread, sausages, and eggs wafted through the air. The long tables were filled with students already chattering away, their laughter and conversation blending into a symphony of youthful energy. The enchanted ceiling above reflected the pale morning sky, clouds drifting lazily across a canvas of soft blues and pinks.

The group made their way to the Gryffindor table, joining the other first years who were already digging into plates of food. Marianna slid into a seat between Lily and Marlene, feeling the comforting weight of familiarity in the bustling room, though her nerves still buzzed beneath the surface.

Across the table, the first year boys were laughing into their toasts, muttering about whatever they simply could find funny at seven in the morning. Lily scoffed at them, unamused by their liveliness this early morning.

“Schedules!” Professor McGonagall announced from the front of the hall, her voice cutting through the noise as prefects began to circulate, handing out the brightly coloured schedules to each house.

Marianna placed two pieces of toast on her plate, carefully buttering them up before spreading a generous layer of jam. Just as she took her first bite, a parchment fluttered onto the table in front of her.

“Ooh!” Marlene says, eyes wide scanning the Monday Column, “Herbology in the Greenhouses first!”

“That doesn't sound half bad,” Lily says through the steam wafting off her cup of tea. “Transfiguration after, then lunch…”

“After lunch, history of magic… defence against the dark arts, and that’s it.” Marianna mused, her mouth full of toast.

“We’ll be with the Hufflepuffs today,” Dorcas says, chewing on her pancakes.

“They’re the lot with yellow, right?” Mary asked, turning her head to look toward the Hufflepuff table, where students were already animatedly chatting among themselves.

“Yeah, hopefully, they’re kind,” Marlene replied, her gaze lingering on the Hufflepuffs. “I’ve heard they’re supposed to be.”

After breakfast, the five trudged down the steps to the Greenhouses, the earthy scent of damp soil mingling with the fresh aromas of blooming plants. The path was lined with lively flowers and lush greenery, and the sun filtered through the glass panes. The first years stepped into the greenhouse to be met with rows of wooden tables stretched across the room, each adorned with planters of varying sizes, teeming with greenery. The sunlight filtered through the glass panes above, casting a warm glow over the students, making the colours of the plants pop.

The girls sat in a row at the front of the classroom, their eyes darting between the greenery and the boys across from them. They could see the Gryffindor boys huddled together, whispering and snickering under their breaths. The specky boy had a playful glint in his eye as he threatened to toss a handful of dirt at his friend, the one who had his head down at the Sorting ceremony, Sirius Black, feigning horror.

A plump, tiny lady entered the greenhouse, her tartan hat perched jauntily on her head. The rim of her hat was coated with green vines, making it look as if the plants had taken a liking to her. She paced up and down the rows of students, her keen eyes observing everyone as they settled into their seats. As the last student ran to the only empty seat, she stood tall at the head of the greenhouse.

“Welcome, welcome!” she greeted, her voice lively and full of warmth. “I’m Professor Pomona Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff House and your Herbology teacher. I’m absolutely delighted to see so many eager faces today!”

The specky boy remained stoic, staring mindlessly at the untouched planter in front of him. The blonde one poked him to snap him out of his daze, eliciting a surprised yelp that drew the attention of their classmates.

Mary, Marlene, and Dorcas stifled their laughter. Each eruption of giggles sent ripples of mirth through their row. Lily, who was clearly not amused by any of it, remained steadfast in her effort to maintain her composure. She crossed her arms, tapping her foot in annoyance.

“Herbology is all about understanding the magical plants and fungi that inhabit our world,” her fingers snapping her gloves as she emphasised her points. The sharp sound echoed through the greenhouse, cutting through the chatter. “I assure you, you’re in for a treat.” She gestured toward a nearby table draped with a green cloth. “Today, we’ll be dealing with the lovely Flitterbloom,” she announced, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Professor Sprout walked over to the table and lifted one of the many pots that allowed the tentacles to dance gently in the warm air, the tentacles swirling in shades of green.

“Flitterblooms are magical plants that neither bloom nor flit,” Professor Sprout explained, cradling a pot in her hands. “These enchanting plants can help relieve stress and promote happiness, but do be cautious! They have a playful spirit, much like a cheeky crup, and will respond if provoked. Otherwise, they are very harmless, merely for decoration.”

“Ughhhh…..” Sirius Black groaned dramatically.

“Now, let’s split into pairs,” Professor Sprout continued. “Each pair will choose a Flitterbloom and practice potting it correctly. Remember to don your dragonhide gloves and be gentle! They can be quite sensitive to any sudden movement.”

As the first years shuffled to their feet, a wave of excitement rippled through the greenhouse. They looked around, awkwardly gesturing to one another in hopes of finding partners. Lily turned her head and caught Marianna's eye, her expression lighting up. “Partners, then?” she asked.

“Sure!” Marianna replied, her grin wide and bright. The two of them joined Professor Sprout at the green cloth table, where an array of Flitterblooms stood, their different shades of green swaying gently as if they were aware of the attention they were receiving.

“Now, ladies,” Professor Sprout said, gesturing toward the pots, “choose your Flitterbloom wisely! They can be quite temperamental, but once you earn their trust, they’re a joy to work with.”

“Which one do you reckon?” Lily asks, her eyes darting between the various unique sizes.

Marianna watched the vines sway gently, some a little more extravagant than others. Her gaze fell upon a pale green Flitterbloom that looked a bit overgrown. “This one,” she decided, carefully cradling the pot in her hands. The pale green Flitterbloom seemed to shimmer under the greenhouse’s light, its vines twitching slightly.

She brings it over to the planter in the middle of her and Lily’s seats, the plant curling and twirling its vines, almost playfully. The two grabbed their dragonhide gloves, securing them tightly around their wrists. “Alright, what’s first?” Lily asks.

“Let’s loosen the soil first,” Marianna says, stepping on her tiptoes to grab a trowel in a crate in the middle of the row of tables. “It looks like it's trapped in this tiny pot.”

“It truly does,” Lily says, beginning to work the edges of the pot to carefully remove the Flitterbloom from the pot. As it seemed to gather some more room to breathe, it gently curled its vines around Lily’s glove.

“I think it likes you!” Marianna chuckled, as Lily grazed the vine with a gentle finger.

“I guess I’m just a plant whisperer,” she giggles with delight as the vines dance around her glove as if they were hugging her.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t get too attached,” Marianna teased, “we wouldn’t want it following you all around the Greenhouse now, would we?”

“Imagine that! A Flitterbloom as my loyal companion. Only one could wish,” Lily joked, pushing a bit harder to extract the roots of the plant from the cramped pot. The earthy scent of the soil filled the air, mingling with the warm, humid atmosphere of the greenhouse. As Lily focused on derooting the Flitterbloom, Marianna knelt beside her, digging a deep enough hole in their larger planter for the little plant.

“You need to be gentle with it, James,” the tall boy with a large scar travelling across his face, sighed, watching his Flitterbloom curl affectionately around his fingers, its tentacles playfully dancing. “Look at mine, it’s practically in love with me.” He smiled, clearly proud of the bond he was forming with the plant.

“Remus, be careful now, or you’ll wind up with a Flitterbloom around your pillow tonight,” Bruno teased, the boy beside him, a playful smirk gracing his lips. His hair fell into his eyes as he laughed, drawing Marianna’s attention. She remembered his warm smile from the Great Hall.

“Bugger off now,” Remus nudged Bruno with a mock-serious expression, but both boys couldn’t suppress their smiles.

Marianna’s trowel dug into the soil as she and Lily worked in sync, the rhythm of their actions a testament to their partnership. Carefully, Marianna removed the Flitterbloom from its tiny pot, cradling it gently as she transitioned it into the larger planter. The Flitterbloom nestled into the hole they had prepared, its tentacles unfurling as if testing its new surroundings.

To their surprise, the Flitterbloom wrapped both of its tendrils around Lily and Marianna’s wrists, almost as if it were expressing gratitude for their kindness. “Look at that!” Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. “I think we’ve gained its trust!”

Marianna couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with pride. She reached out, grazing the soft tentacle with her fingers, feeling the plant’s gentle warmth. “You’re so sweet,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, as if speaking too loudly might break the fragile connection. “We’ll take good care of you, I promise.”

The Flitterbloom swayed lightly, its movements reminiscent of a playful dance.

Lily beamed at her, clearly sharing the same sense of joy. “I think we’ve made a friend for life,” she said, her voice filled with quiet excitement.

Marianna nodded, still softly stroking the Flitterbloom’s tendril. It was such a small, gentle creature, yet at this moment, it felt like it had given her a small gift—a reminder that, despite her nerves and uncertainties, she had the capacity to nurture, care, and connect.

“Maybe plants are more intuitive than we give them credit for,” she mused aloud, the thought half-serious, half in jest. Marianna couldn’t help but laugh, her earlier tension melting away. The air around her, once thick with nervousness, now felt lighter, warmer.

“Don’t forget to water it,” Professor Sprout called out, pausing as she passed by Marianna and Lily’s planter. She gave an approving nod at their careful work. “A little bit of kindness goes a long way in Herbology. Just like you’ve done here!”

Marianna smiled back at the professor, feeling a small surge of pride at the compliment. But then her eyes wandered over to James, who was furiously poking at his Flitterbloom with far less grace. The poor plant recoiled each time his fingers neared it, its tendrils curling defensively, clearly unimpressed with his approach.

“Hey, James,” Marianna called out, her heart aching at the sight of the poor flitterbloom. “Maybe try being a little gentle?” She shot him a grin, watching as he froze mid-poke and turned toward her with an exaggerated sigh.

“Oh, right, because I’m not being gentle enough . Is that it then?” he quipped, dramatically placing a hand on his chest as if she had deeply wounded him. “I’ll just woo it with my charm, then.”

Lily rolled her eyes at him beside her. “Your charm seems to be working wonders.”

“Well,” James began, straightening up as if preparing for a grand performance. “Maybe if I sing to it, that’ll do the trick!” He cleared his throat with an over-the-top flourish, winking at Marianna before belting out in a dramatically high-pitched voice, “ Flitterbloom, oh Flitterbloom, dance for me and banish gloom! ”

The entire greenhouse seemed to pause as James’ voice echoed through the air, drawing snickers and chuckles from the other students. Even Professor Sprout raised an amused eyebrow but said nothing, watching to see where this would go.

“And if that doesn’t work,” James continued with a twinkle in his eyes, “ Flitterbloom, Flitterbloom, don’t be shy, wave your vines and poke Sirius in the eye! ”

Sirius, who had been silently observing James, immediately shot a glare at him, though the smirk pulling at his lips gave him away. He folded his arms across his chest in mock seriousness.

“Oi, no need to blind anyone!” Sirius exclaimed, stepping forward and striking a grand, dramatic pose. “I’m merely endeavouring to preserve my exquisite visage .” His hands flared up in a theatrical gesture, as if to shield his face from an impending attack.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bruno and the rest of the Gryffindor boys exited the greenhouses, still guffawing at James’ song.

“What we’ve got next, then?” James says, playfully kicking a pebble down the dirt path that meandered back to the castle.

“Transfiguration, with Professor McGonagall,” Remus replied, tucking his schedule neatly into his pocket. “Located on the ground floor in the Astronomy wing.”

“Lead the way then,” Bruno says.

One by one the boys followed Remus, their laughter and chatter meshing into the harsh wind in the castle square. The Gryffindor girls were behind them as well, whispering and sharing giggles.

The grand doors of the castle opened before them, the silent stone halls welcoming them back inside. The towering walls of Hogwarts were painted with enchanted portraits that observed the students with mild curiosity. The sound of their footsteps echoed off the cold stone tiles. They walked through a dimly lit corridor, where the stone walls gave way to an open courtyard. The soft morning light cast a gentle glow over the ground, illuminating it with a muted warmth.

As they stepped onto the grass, a quiet rustling could be heard. Several cats, each one emerging gracefully from the shadows. Cats of all colours—tabby, ginger, black, and white—wove in and out of the damp grass, their tails swishing as they purred and wound around the ankles of the first years.

“Awe!” One of the girls behind them cooed, as the latter of them surrounded the cat.

“Blimey,” James muttered, staring at the clowder of cats. “You reckon McGonagall conjured them?”

“Probably her spies,” Sirius says, his eyes lingering warily towards a tense tabby fixed on his every movement. He hissed at the cat, who stared back unamused.

Another girl with curly short hair, Bruno recognised her as the one who smiled at him in the Great hall, crouched down to pat a fluffy ginger cat nuzzling her knee. “You’re too cute! Can I take you inside?” she whispers. Nearby, two other girls were playing with a cat sprawled lazily on the grass, its belly exposed as they fondly stroked its fur.

Remus chuckled, careful enough to not step on any of their paws. “Let’s just hope they’re not here to write us up for being late.”

“C’mon,” James called for the girls, “it’s almost time for class.”

The ten Gryffindor first years filled the Transfiguration classroom, the ceiling stretched high above them, giving the room a grand, airy feel, while tall, wide windows flooded the space with natural light. Desks were arranged in perfect parallel rows, four across, each positioned with precision. Along the walls, bookcases crammed with dusty volumes stood beside cages, some empty and others holding creatures they’d surely learn about soon. The air was thick with the smell of parchment, ink, and perfume to mask the musk of the creatures.

Professor McGonagall sat with perfect posture at the front of the room, her sharp eyes observing the students as they lingered, choosing seats next to their friends. Bruno took a seat in the middle row, with James dropping into the chair beside him. The seats beside them, Remus and Sirius slid into their spots, exchanging glances with Bruno and James.

Peter sat beside Marianna, leaning in and whispering eagerly, doing his best to make conversation with whatever came to mind. She smiled politely, only half-listening as her attention wandered between him and the Professor sitting ahead.

She cleared her throat, rising from her seat. Her long velvet robes trailed behind her and her heels clanked as she walked. Her gaze softened slightly as she leaned against her desk. “My name is Professor Minvera McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House, sole teacher in the art of Transfiguration.” She announced, her voice cutting through the silent classroom.

“Today will not be a practical lesson,” she continued, addressing the murmurs of anticipation. A few quiet groans came from behind Bruno. “Before we dive into transformation, conjuring, and the many other branches of Transfiguration, we must first understand its theoretical foundations.”

As her words lingered in the air for a moment longer, the chalk on the blackboard behind her began to neatly scribe lines and symbols. To Bruno, they seemed like a jumble of strange markings. “What you see before you is the Transfiguration alphabet. Each symbol corresponds to a letter in the English alphabet. For your first assignment, I want you to copy this guide and write a sentence using these symbols. Then, exchange it with your partner to see if they can translate it.”

James’ lips curled into a smirk. “Maybe we could find a way out of this?” he muttered.

As if she had heard him, Professor McGonagall abruptly announced, “I will be collecting these at the end of class. Any sentences deemed inappropriate will result in a failing grade.”

James groaned, “This is cruel. So cruel.” He dropped his head onto the desk and closed his eyes. “Maybe this is some kind of indignant nightmare.”

“Come off it,” Bruno sighed, nudging him with his elbow. “We both don’t want to receive failing marks on our first assignment. Our mums will have our heads.”

“She’ll have mine on a stick as a reminder of my bad behaviour,” James huffed, lifting his head from the table. He opened his ink bottle and dipped his quill into it.

Bruno glanced from his parchment to the blackboard, diligently copying each symbol and its corresponding letter as neatly as he could manage. Writing with a quill proved more challenging than its Muggle equivalent; the ink was prone to smudging. As he drew a straight line beneath the alphabet, he began to contemplate a sentence that would strike a balance—one not too difficult to translate, but with just enough complexity to keep them occupied for the entire class period.

His chosen sentence was, “After all my classes, I will sleep in the deepest slumber I can drift into.” With that sentence banning across his head, he began to translate it into the Transfiguration alphabet. With extreme focus and concentration, he carefully created each symbol with his quill, ensuring they were of perfect quality as he continued on. He transformed these once familiar words into a series of strange and discrete symbols, the unfamiliar curves and shapes lining together to form a sentence.

“You finished, Bruno?” James murmured, a twinge of boredom evident on his face.

“Mhm,” he hummed. The two swapped notebooks, each examining the unfamiliar scrawl between the parchment lines. James’s sentence was short and sweet. Bruno carefully and precisely wrote the translated sentence beneath the line of symbols, snickering at what his notes contained.

“I would appreciate it if we could transform an animal in the next class.”

“Subtle,” Bruno raised his eyebrows, unable to hide his amusement as he glanced at James, who merely shrugged with a nonchalant grin. “Mum always told me that the truth is better than lies,” James replied.

“I bet the moment your head hits the pillow, you’ll be out cold,” James teased, sliding Bruno’s parchment back toward him and collecting his own.

Bruno groaned, propping his head up on his elbow as he glanced over at Professor McGonagall, who was filing papers at her desk. “I’m starving…”

“I need meat. Chicken, beef, turkey, lamb—anything!” James muttered dramatically, slamming his hands over his face. “I’m wasting away here.”

The bell rang, cutting through the classroom and prompting an excited buzz from the students as they leapt from their seats.

“Parchments, please,” Professor McGonagall called, holding a crate and glancing pointedly at it.

James and Bruno darted from their seats, quickly dropping off their assignments.

“See you next time, Professor!” James shouted over his shoulder as they sprinted out of the classroom and into the bright courtyard. Sirius, Remus, and Peter joined them, all wearing the same tired expressions that mirrored James and Bruno's fatigue.

“I need food,” Sirius muttered, his eyelids drooping as though they weighed a ton. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to do this every day…”

“Well,” Remus sighed, adjusting his rucksack as it dangled lazily over his shoulder, “if you ate more at breakfast, you wouldn’t be dragging yourself around like a slug.”

“An alluring slug, you forgot to add.” Sirius bore a wide grin, earning a playful shove from Remus.

“You’re more like a peacock pretending to be tired,” Remus teased, though the tired smile on his face betrayed his own exhaustion. “Always showing off.”

Sirius chuckled, swiping a hand across his face. “I’m not used to eating three meals a day. At home, we ate six small meals every day.”

James raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Sirius with an expression of utter disbelief. “Six meals? What are you, part hobbit?”

“No joke,” Sirius responded, his grin widening as he spoke. He stretched his arms above his head, looking suddenly energised by the mere thought of food. “We had breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. It’s an art form, really.”

Peter, walking alongside them, perked up at the mention of so many meals. “Isn’t that straight out of The Hobbit ?” he asked, his voice tired but curious. His stomach rumbled loudly, as if in agreement with the idea.

Sirius shot him a smug grin. “Close, but no. The Black family is far more sophisticated than hobbits, I assure you.” He puffed his chest out dramatically, adopting an air of mock nobility.

Remus rolled his eyes, shaking his head with a smile. “Right, sophisticated slugs with bottomless stomachs. I can see the resemblance.”

They walked through the grassy courtyard, shielding their eyes from the blinding sun, the dirt of the miry path clinging to the hems of their robes. They entered the stone archway, the warmth radiating from the walls contrasted with the cool air outside as they approached the Great Hall. Before they could step into the corridor that led to the Great Hall, a voice thick with malice met their warm laughter.

“Sirius.” The cold voice reverberated through the hall.

A tall boy with straight blonde hair, sneered at them, his gaze settling on Sirius with disdain. "Look at you, draped in red as though your blood has been tainted with filth."

Sirius halted, eyes narrowing at Lucius. “Mind your nose, Lucius,” he growled.

“I'm sure your parents are thrilled with your choices,” Lucius retorted, his thin lips curling into a sinister smile, each word laced with venom. “But what’s coming to you will be far worse than anything I could do.” With a vicious laugh, he shoved Sirius against the stone wall.

The impact reverberated through Sirius's body, but before he could react, James sprang into action. A blur of movement, and in an instant, his fist connected with Lucius's jaw. The sound of flesh hitting bone echoed through the corridor, and Lucius staggered backwards, clutching his face in shock. James stood tall, his chest heaving, eyes blazing with a righteous fury. For a moment, the world seemed to be still, the only sound was the harsh, rapid breathing of the two boys. Then, with quick reflexes, the rest of the group grabbed Sirius, pulling him away before the situation could escalate further.

Without looking back, they bolted into the Great Hall, exuberant laughter trailing softly behind them as they collapsed into the empty gap at the Gryffindor table, their breaths hurried and short.

“You must be out of your mind!” Sirius gaped at James, his eyes wide with admiration as if he saw him for the first time. Like the boy beside him was the most perfect thing that he ever laid his eyes on.

James rubbed his knuckles, flashing them proudly. “Not even a mark,” he said with a grin, extending his hand for the others to see. The boys exchanged glances before breaking into quiet, surreptitious laughter.

James placed both hands on Sirius’s shoulders, giving them a firm shake. “No one disrespects my mates without facing the consequences,” he declared. His voice holding a weight that made them all pause. He turned to the rest of the group, his expression serious and unwavering. “And I’d do that for any of you.”

They stared at James as if he had just handed them the world, offering it to them with open hands, no questions, no conditions. The warmth in his words, the fire in his stance, it was as though the sun itself stood before them, fierce and unyielding.

As they returned to their lunches, the boys were quieter than usual. Each one stole glances at James, still absorbing what he’d done, the pride swelling inside them. An unspoken connection blossomed between them—a bond deepened by the loyalty James had just displayed. The warmth of his heroic act lingered like a comforting presence, filling them with a quiet pride that radiated deep within their hearts.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The end of the first day dawned on them finally, The boys slumped around the common room fire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across their tired faces. They had barely spoken a word, content in the comforting silence.

Out of nowhere, the Gryffindor girls appeared, descending the staircase like spectres of energy compared to the drowsy boys.

“Hullo!” Mary called, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice. “Dinner’s in a few!”

The boys’ heads shot up in unison, their sleepy expressions marked with a mix of dread and reluctance as if Mary had suggested something utterly unbearable.

“Right,” Remus sighed, standing up with a stretch that cracked his back. He gestured to the others. “Come on, lads.”

“Thanks for coming to wake us up” he added with a small, tired smile, his eyes still bloodshot from the day’s exhaustion. “We might’ve actually slept through it.”

“And I would’ve been more than happy with that!” Sirius groaned, peeling himself off the lounge chair where he’d been half-dozing.

“Don’t mind him,” Remus teased, as Sirius half-heartedly whacked him with a pillow. “He’s had a tough day.”

James, Peter, and Bruno dragged themselves off the couch, all sharing the same groggy look, still shaking off the fatigue that clung to them.

As they moved toward the exit, Marlene leaned into Mary’s ear and muttered, “I’m starved, Mare. You’d think they’d drop the theatrics for once today.”

“I’m not sure if we all know each other yet,” James said with a yawn, his bleary eyes flitting between his mates and the girls. “I’m James Potter. Nice to meet you all.”

“Mary Macdonald,” Mary beamed, her smile brightening the room.

“Marlene McKinnon,” Marlene introduced herself with a playful curtsy, her eyes sparkling.

“Dorcas Meadowes,” Dorcas added, offering a warm smile that lingered as she glanced over her shoulder.

“Marianna Solace,” Marianna said, returning their smiles with warmth.

“Lily Evans,” Lily chimed in, giving a friendly grin that lit up her face.

“I’m Sirius Black,” Sirius announced, stretching lazily against the bannister.

“Remus Lupin,” Remus nodded, his demeanour more reserved yet friendly.

“Peter Pettigrew,” Peter mumbled shyly, his cheeks tinged pink as he offered a small smile.

“And I’m Bruno Vixen,” Bruno added, matching the smiles of his friends.

“I’m glad we got that out of the way,” Sirius said with a cheeky grin, nudging his friends. “I was getting tired of calling them Bird 1 and Bird 2 —”

“That's charming to know those were the nicknames you resorted to,” Lily shot back, turning to glare at him.

“And they say chivalry is dead,” Bruno mocked as the boys erupted into hearty laughter beside him.

The group descended the stairs, the tumultuous sound of their footsteps echoing through the staircase. Upon reaching the bottom, they entered the corridor leading to the Great Hall and pressed through the grand oak doors, taking their unassigned seats at the edge of the Gryffindor table.

The Great Hall radiated warmth and a sense of belonging, each student happily enjoying their dinner, as if vibrating with the electric atmosphere of the room. Marianna sat between Marlene and Mary, serving them both roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Marlene regarded her with wide eyes as if Marianna had touched her heart. Feeling her cheeks flush, Marianna pressed her hands against her face. “I’m sorry, it’s just a force of habit. Did I muck everything up?”

Marlene’s wide eyes softened, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. “No, not at all,” she said, her tone warm and reassuring. “I just… didn’t expect it, that’s all. But it’s sweet, really.” She reached over to touch Marianna’s arm, her gesture sincere.

Mary chimed in with a playful grin. “Yeah, don’t apologise for being nice, Marianna. I mean, who else is going to keep us from starving at this table?”

Marianna’s cheeks flushed deeper as she chuckled softly, lowering her hands from her face. “Force of habit, I guess. My siblings always needed a lot of looking after.”

“Well, consider us looked after,” Marlene added, nudging Marianna gently. “We’re grateful.”

“And you can serve me anytime you’d like, ‘Mummy,’” Mary teased, she giggled, causing Marianna to chuckle despite herself.

“I’ve got six younger siblings, so taking care of others is just in my nature,” Marianna explained, her voice steady despite the warm flutter in her stomach.

“Goodness gracious, you have how many siblings?” Lily exclaimed, her eyes widening as she turned to face Marianna, fork poised mid-air, ready to dive into a piece of roast beef.

“Eight, including me,” Marianna said, her eyes sparkling as she gestured with her chin, scanning the bustling hall until she spotted Sebastian’s distinctive curly locks. “My older brother, Sebastian, is just over there.” She pointed him out, her gaze softening as it lingered on his familiar figure.

“Six younger siblings,” Dorcas echoed in disbelief, her brow arched in genuine astonishment. “And they can all do magic too?”

Marianna nodded, a proud smile breaking across her face, illuminating her features. “Yep. All eight of us were blessed with it.” The thought of her siblings filled her with warmth.

“Wow,” Dorcas replied, shaking her head as if trying to grasp the enormity of it. “I applaud your parents.” The girls shared a collective giggle, the sound bubbling up like a shared secret.

“Do any of you have siblings?” Marianna asked, curiosity piquing as she scooped a piece of pudding into her mouth, savouring the sweet warmth.

“I’ve got an older sister,” Lily said, a soft smile curling her lips, her gaze drifting momentarily as if lost in a fond memory.

“Two younger siblings, but they’re both non-magical,” Mary added with a small shrug, a hint of protectiveness in her voice as if she had come to terms with the unusual family dynamic.

“I have one older brother,” Dorcas chimed in, her expression brightening with pride. “He works at the British Ministry of Magic.”

“Same here!” Marlene burst out enthusiastically, her cheeks flushing slightly. “My older brother plays for the Falmouth Falcons. He’s their Seeker.”

As the boys, who had just dropped into their seats with raucous laughter, turned their attention to Marlene, stunned silence enveloped them for a moment, their eyes wide with admiration and surprise.

“Your brother plays for a famous Quidditch team?” James exclaimed, his fork clattering onto his plate. “Have you been to any of his matches?”

“Quite a few,” Marlene replied, a smug grin tugging at her lips.

Immediately, Sirius, Peter, and James bombarded Marlene with questions, their excitement evident. They circled her, forming a loose huddle, practically guiding her into the centre of their enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Remus and Bruno exchanged amused glances before sliding down the bench, joining the girls’ conversation.

“Isn’t this Yorkshire pudding simply to die for , Remus?” Bruno quipped, adopting an exaggerated, sophisticated accent as he took a dainty bite, lifting his pinky for full effect.

“Absolutely divine ,” Remus played along, mimicking Bruno’s posh tone with a theatrical flourish, as if they were at an extravagant high-society ball.

The girls burst into giggles, watching the two boys pretend to be refined businessmen dining at a luxurious banquet, surrounded by equally posh, imaginary companions.

As the laughter died down, Lily shook her head, smirking. “If you two keep this up, you’ll need a monocle and start sipping your tea with your pinkies up.”

Bruno perfected his posture, lifting his cup, “Tea, my good man?” He mockingly bowed to Remus.

Remus responded with equal seriousness, raising his cup and pretending to inspect it. “Only if it’s Earl Grey. Anything less would be barbaric .”

“Now you both need silk robes and a top hat to complete the look,” Dorcas giggled.

“And don’t forget an extremely heavy cane,” Mary added with a teasing coo.

“The newest aristocrats to grace our presence,” Marianna chimed in, giggling along.

Bruno, clearly pleased with himself, clinked his teacup against Remus’s. The two shared a triumphant look before breaking into a fit of laughter, their exaggerated act causing the whole group to chuckle in unison.

Bruno leaned back, a grin still lingering on his face. He glanced around the Great Hall, the warmth of newfound friendships and the ease of laughter hit him—this was nothing like life back in Lambeth. The need to be quiet and not make a scene, the constant fear that someone was going to knock their next punch on him, and the need to always be on alert.—those things seemed so distant now. Hogwarts, with its enchanted ceilings, buzzing chatter, and the feel of belonging, was a world apart. Here, he could let his guard down, something he hadn’t often been able to do back home.

The friendships he was forming were easy and natural, a stark difference from the guarded connections he had before. As Bruno raised his cup again, clinking it with Remus, he realised how much relief it was not to have to carry the world on his shoulders, at least for a little while.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A week into Hogwarts left Marianna and her friends feeling utterly exhausted. Five straight days of classes had transformed them into groaning, sleep-deprived zombies. Finally, the weekend had arrived. Seizing the rare moment of respite, Marianna decided to explore the grounds on her own, determined to familiarise herself with this new place that had felt so overwhelming.

Her dormmates were all snoozing peacefully, the gentle rise and fall of their breaths creating a soothing background hum. Marianna took a deep breath, letting the tranquillity wash over her as she slipped off her bed, smoothed her hair into a ponytail, and changed into a comfortable pair of jeans. Pulling on one of the jumpers her Uncle Martinez had knitted for her, she felt the soft fabric wrap around her, a small comfort against the uncertainty she had faced all week. Lacing up her trainers, she gently opened the door and quickly went through, closing it with the utmost care.

She made her way through the deserted common room, the stillness of the common room was an eerie change to the usual packedness that it held. With a scrutinised glance, she continued through the portrait hole. She scurried along the grand staircase, half-listening to the portraits all murmuring about, and down through the great oak doors.

Marianna stepped off the stone staircase and made her way toward the Black Lake. The sun had just risen, its early morning rays reflecting off the lake, casting a shimmering glow across the water. Birds flew lazily above, occasionally dipping down for a quick swim before continuing their flight, disappearing into the golden horizon. She glanced toward the Boathouse, making a mental note of its location as she continued her stroll.

As she neared the Great Lake, she noticed The Giant Squid sluggishly bobbing its head above the surface, as though it, too, was enjoying the tranquillity of the sunrise. She gave it a small wave, not expecting it to wave back. Startled but amused, she giggled softly before continuing her walk, her eyes wandering around for anything else of interest.

Her eyes fell on a tall tree, its branches draping down like a weeping willow. Beneath its shade, a blurry figure sat, feet dipped in the lake, a book in hand. As she moved closer, the figure came into focus and it was Remus Lupin.

Realising how close she was to him, Marianna quickly shuffled behind the tree, not wanting to intrude on his peaceful moment. But Remus, ever observant, snapped his head back, scanning for the source of the noise.

“Marianna, up so early too?” he chuckled, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“Ah, yeah,” she replied, giggling awkwardly as she emerged from behind the tree. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Honestly, you’re the last person who’d disturb me. Now, if you were James or Sirius, then maybe.” He nodded toward the grass beside him. “You’re welcome to join me, if you’d like?”

Her smile brightened at the invitation, and she settled down beside him on the rough patch of grass, the blades tickling her skin. “The lake isn’t cold?” she asked, peering at the shimmering water.

“Not at all,” he reassured her with a gentle smile that put her at ease. “Give it a try.”

With a nervous flutter in her stomach, Marianna unlaced her trainers, stuffed her socks inside them, and rolled up her jeans. She cautiously dipped one toe into the water, gasping at the unexpected chill as a shiver raced up her spine. Remus stifled a laugh, the sound light and infectious, making her giggle in response.

“It gets better once you get used to it,” he said, his eyes sparkling as they reflected the lake before them. She noticed the way his hair fell slightly over his forehead, catching the sunlight.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and lowered both feet in. The cool water enveloped her skin, sending a wave of shock through her, but soon it transformed into a soothing embrace. The lake was still, a perfect mirror reflecting the azure sky, and the warmth of the sun on her face calmed her racing heart.

“May I ask what brought you out so early?” Remus asked softly, closing his book and setting it beside his shoes, his curiosity genuine. “Just curious, really. My dormmates are all sleeping in, so I didn’t expect anyone else to be up.”

Marianna hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “I just needed some time to think,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “It feels nice to just breathe for a bit.”

Remus nodded, his expression empathetic. “I get that. The lake has a way of calming the mind.”

"Mine are still sleeping too," Marianna replied, her eyes drifting toward the lake. "I wanted to explore. Everything here is so new, and I like to know things."

"Hm," he mused with a thoughtful nod. "I like to know things too."

She dipped her toes a little further into the lake, her posture softening as she let out a quiet sigh.

“It’s sort of overwhelming, don’t you think? The castle, the people, learning to control our magic.” Her voice was quiet, her eyes fixed on the water.

“It can be,” Remus nodded, his gaze following the soft ripples. “Especially when you’re still finding your place. It’s a lot to take in.”

“It is.” She glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “You seem to fit right in though. You seem… comfortable.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Not at all. I guess appearances can be deceiving. There are definitely things that make it harder, even here.”

She glanced at him, curious. “Like what?”

For a moment, something flickered in his eye, it vanished as quickly as it came. His smile returned, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nothing that’s all that interesting,” he deflected, turning the conversation back to her. “You said you like to know things. Did your exploration lead to any discoveries this morning?”

She laughed, leaning back on her hands. “I guess I just wanted to get a feel for this place. It’s so different from anything I’ve ever known.”

“Different can be good,” he said quietly, his gaze softening as he stared at the lake. “Sometimes it’s exactly what we need.”

She studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, different can be good. I think that’s why I’m here. I just hope I don’t get lost in it all.”

Remus smiled at her. “We all feel that way at first, but you won’t get lost. You’ve got a good heart, and that’ll always guide you.”

Her smile widened at his words. “How about you?” she asked softly, pulling her feet from the water and resting them on the grass. “Do you ever feel like you might get lost?”

His brows knitted together, and for a moment, he seemed to retreat into himself. The silence stretched, filled only by the soft sounds of the lake. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Sometimes.” His eyes remained fixed on the water. “But I’ve learned to manage it.”

She sensed the shift in his demeanour and knew there was more than he was letting on. But instead of pushing, she nudged him lightly, her smile warm. “Well, if you ever start wandering too far, just remember you’ve got me. I’ll drag you back.”

His eyes met hers, and slowly, his stoic expression crumbled and a genuine chuckle escaped him, and his cheeks flushed slightly. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, his tone lighter, a smile now painted on his face.

They sat together in peaceful silence, the stillness settling comfortably between them. Remus eventually lay back on the grass, while Marianna remained by the lake, watching the ripples as the occasional bird dipped in to wet its wings. The soft breeze swayed the branches of the weeping willow, its dark green leaves rustling gently in the air.

After a while, Remus sat up and glanced at Marianna. “We should get going, if we’re late to breakfast, who knows what our mates will say.”

She chuckled, nodding. She and Remus both slipped on their socks, laced up their trainers and began the stroll back up to Hogwarts Castle. The two of them walked side by side, the castle above them didn’t seem so overwhelming.

As they reached the castle steps, Remus paused, turning to her with a soft smile. “Thanks for this. Sometimes it’s really nice to just talk.”

“Anytime,” she grinned back. “Maybe next time we bring snacks?”

“Deal.” He laughed, holding the door open for her as they headed inside.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James sat on his bed, lazily tossing paper balls at the ceiling, watching them drift back down before incinerating them with a flick of his wand. There was something soothing about the control he had over the flames, watching the fire spark and fizzle out exactly where he directed it. It was certainly more exciting than working on the two-page essay about unicorn hair for Potions class.

Sirius lounged beside him, using his wand to lazily flick the burnt remains of the paper balls into the bin. He wasn’t interested in doing his own essay either. Being with James was infinitely more appealing; James was warm, he was like hot chocolate on a snow day. Ever since James had thrown a left hook onto his cousin’s betrothed, Sirius has been at his side, glued to his hip. James didn’t mind, not one bit, in fact, he actually loved having someone beside him at every waking moment.

James finds it heartwarming that Sirius wants to spend all his time with him. James, an only child, never had anyone that was just his. Sure, he had cousins or he had his parents but they always had someone else that was theirs. James never had this before and now, with Sirius, James finally had someone all his own, and he would do anything to protect that.

“Sirius?” James said suddenly, the paper ball in his hand falling to the floor.

“Yes, Jamesy?” Sirius glanced at him, scooping up the ball and tossing it into the bin.

“Why did Lucius Malfoy say your parents were going to do worse to you?” James’ voice dropped, his warm expression turning to stone.

“Oh.” Sirius’ lively demeanour faded as he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, eyes darting to his feet. “They’re not exactly thrilled that I’m in Gryffindor. But you knew that already.”

James did know. James knows how harsh Sirius’ family truly is. He notices how truly they are when he watches Sirius when he isn’t looking. He notices the way Sirius never shared stories about his family when the others would reminisce about home. He notices the absence of letters when owls drop mail for everyone else at the breakfast table. And he notices how, despite being only eleven, Sirius had walls up stronger than anyone James had ever known. All James wants to do is to tear those walls down and embrace him with all his love.

“Yeah,” James stares at him, a fake smile tugging on his lips. He doesn’t know if he should pry anymore, Sirius doesn’t look like he wants to speak anymore. But James is a pusher, he pushes. If he is going to take Sirius under his wing and shower him with all his love, he needs to at least know what is truly going on. “Have they sent you any letters?”

Sirius shakes his head, beginning to tug at the hem of James’ shoe. “Nothing yet. I’m preparing for the worst.”

James nods and watches Sirius again, his nervous tugs not going unnoticed. He tugs at James’ robes, tug, tug, tug. Without hesitation, he stood and wrapped his arms around Sirius, pulling him close. “Whatever it is, I’ll be right here,” James murmured, his hand resting gently in Sirius’ hair.

Sirius is still. He doesn’t move, he is stiff.

“I don’t know… how to do this correctly.”

James feels his heart breaking. He’ll teach him. He will teach him how to hug if no one else ever has. “Just wrap your arms around me.”

Hesitantly, Sirius did as he was told, awkwardly wrapping his arms around James’ torso. James ruffled his hair, and Sirius began to relax, sighing into James’ shoulder. James couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. He loved being needed, and Sirius needed him. He needed his support, his love. And James would give it, no questions asked.

Suddenly, a grin lit up James’ face. “Hey!” he exclaimed, an idea flickering in his mind like a light bulb. “Wanna go for a round of chess?”

Sirius, with a shrug sighs, “But you suck at it”

“If it’ll make you happy, I’ll do it.”

“Alright then,” Sirius’s reckless brashness returned to his face as he threw his arm around James’ shoulder and they left their dormitory at once.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bruno Vixen stood tall, his posture impeccable as he recited the incantation for the Knockback Jinx.

“Very well,” Professor Flitwick gleamed, clearly delighted that at least one student in his class was paying attention.

Just behind him, Sirius and James were laughing silently to themselves as if it was the funniest thing in the world.

“Oh, Mister Vixen, you really know your stuff!” Sirius teased, ruffling Bruno’s hair. He then produced a crumpled piece of parchment, fashioning it into a makeshift badge, and dramatically placed it on Bruno’s shoulder. “Order of Merlin, First Class, for the best student to ever grace these hallowed halls!”

James doubled over, his laughter echoing through the room as he banged his head against his arms, desperately trying, and failing, to feign innocence.

Bruno laughed, even though he couldn’t see James acting like a total pillock behind him.

Remus plucked the parchment badge from Bruno’s shoulder and muttered something under his breath. He stuck the badge onto Bruno’s robes and a smirk spread to his cheeks. “Aw, you look adorable.”

Bruno couldn’t suppress the laughter bubbling up, turning to see Sirius and James already crafting more ridiculous badges, their eyes gleaming with mischief.

Remus quietly gathered the badges James and Sirius had made, muttering a spell under his breath. With a flick of his wand, he stuck the badges onto both of their robes. He took another one, doing the same for himself and proudly brandished the badge, his smirk widening.

James and Sirius, now suddenly adopting exaggerated posh airs, flaunted their makeshift badges with pride. Bruno, catching on to the theatrics, sat up straight and flashed his badge as well, playing along with their absurd display.

James, still revelling in the mock ceremony, turned around and waved one of the badges at Peter. But Peter, completely absorbed in a conversation with Mary Macdonald, didn’t even notice.

“Oi, Petey!” James hissed, holding the badge aloft like a grand prize.

Startled, he turned to the four of them, his eyes widening as he noticed their absurd theatrics and burst into a fit of laughter so loud that everyone in the room noticed the four of them. Some of the other kids in their class joined Peter but with much quieter chuckles.

Professor Flitwick was not as amused as the others. He stood up pointedly from his desk, his smile fading into a grimace so deep that Bruno thought he was going to grit his teeth.

“Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black,” His sharp tone cut through the laughter, as he crossed his arms displeased. “I do hope you remember we’re here to learn and not perform our comedic routines.” He scoffed, returning to his seat.

Bruno turned to the three boys behind him, smirking at them, with a lifted finger as to shush them. Remus muttered softly, “Not worth a detention.”

James was fighting to stop his laughter, clapping his hand over his mouth and exaggeratedly nodded. Sirius rolled his eyes, tucking his crumpled parchment into his rucksack to hide the evidence.

Professor Flitwick eyed them suspiciously, checking to see if the boys settled down now, and shook his head. He muttered something under his breath and gave a low chuckle. He turned back down to his papers, and the four boys glanced at each other with slight grins.

The bell rang sharply, and Professor Flitwick stood up once again. "One page on how we can use the Knockback Jinx to protect ourselves," he announced, earning a mix of nods and groans from the class. As the students began to gather their things and leave, he raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks. “I’d like to speak to Mister Potter, Mister Black, Mister Lupin, Mister Pettigrew and Mister Vixen. The rest of you may leave. I’ll see you all next lesson.”

The room filled with murmurs and curious glances as the remaining students filed out, leaving the six of them in silence. The four boys, still proudly wearing their makeshift badges, walked to Professor Flitwick's desk, with Peter trailing behind. Remus, ever committed, reattached his badge to his robe as they approached.

“We’re sorry-” Peter began to say at once but Professor Flitwick shook his head.

“Sticking charm, Mister Lupin?” He says proudly, his eyes peeing over his rectangular glasses.

Remus flushed, nodding as he swallowed nervously. "Yes, Professor. I read ahead in the textbook... sorry."

Professor Flitwick waved a hand dismissively. “Splendid work, charming really.” He cleared his throat, turning his gaze at the others now. “I appreciate your enthusiasm in my classroom but please keep it to a minimum, boys. Now, off you go.”

Once they were out of earshot, Sirius immediately threw his arms around Remus’ neck, his voice dripping with mock admiration. “Oh, Mister Lupin! Splendid work today! Reading ahead in the textbook?” He guffawed loudly, his grin wide. “You are such a good chap!” He clapped Remus affectionately on the cheek.

Remus scoffed, rolling his eyes as he swatted Sirius' hand away. “Oh, bugger off ,” he muttered, though the corners of his lips betrayed a faint smile.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James groaned as he and Sirius gently dropped their last slices of Foxglove into their Pompion Potion. They began to stir it clockwise, following Professor Slughorn’s instructions, their fingers wrapped lazily around their wands as they swirled the mixture. Suddenly, their potion transformed into a vibrant orange, the colour brightening as if it were smiling at their accomplishment.

Neither James nor Sirius had much interest in Potions; it felt tedious to them, just like many of their other classes. Although they were constantly lacking the attentiveness in their classes, they were certainly not lacking in intelligence. If they had the motivation to invest a little more effort into their assignments, they might have discovered some excitement in their lessons. But seriously, James wouldn’t do that because he had Sirius beside him and everything was always better with Sirius at his side.

He leaned over the open space at his desk and gently poked Remus’s shoulder. Remus turned immediately, his gaze shifting to their cauldron. “Good on you for making a perfect potion.”

James’s cheeks broke into a wide grin; he always appreciated a compliment. “It wasn’t too complicated.”

Bruno, sitting beside Remus, turned as well, raising his eyebrows in surprise at the cauldron's contents. “Wow.”

“Right?” James leaned into peer between them, eager to see their progress. “You finished, too?”

Remus nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. “Bruno is like a prodigy at Potions.”

James beamed at Bruno, clearly impressed.

“Well, I try.”

Lily Evans and the long-haired boy she always sat beside exchanged glances, their whispers barely concealing their amusement. James, eager to know what was so entertaining, leaned forward and called out through the gap between Remus and Bruno, “Lily, what’s so funny?”

The two turned sharply, the long-haired boy's practised scowl deepening as his gaze locked onto James. “Nothing you would understand, Potter.”

James felt a surge of heat rush through him, his blood boiling in response to the boy’s scornful remark. It was a feeling he detested, a prickling anger that ignited every nerve ending in his body. A protective instinct surging to the front of his mind.

“If you’ve got anything to laugh about then it should be your lack of hygiene. Otherwise, I wouldn’t think about laughing at anyone else.” He spat, his words dripping with venom.

“Severus, don’t engage with their childish behaviour,” Lily interjected, her face flushing with anger.

“Mind your tongue, Potter,” Severus retorted, his voice low and vicious. “Just because you’ve been raised like a prince by your Mummy and Daddy doesn’t mean you can treat others like they’re beneath you.”

“Don’t talk about my family,” James shot back, fury igniting in his chest. “You know nothing about them. Don’t you dare speak a cruel word about my parents.” His voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt, each word laced with intensity. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, as his body began to vibrate with rage. It wasn’t just about him, it was about defending everything he held dear.

Severus smirked, his dark eyes glinting with malice. “Oh, I’m sorry, Potter. I forgot that your privileged upbringing has shielded you from the harsh realities of life. Not everyone has a fancy house and a doting family to hide behind, you know. Some of us actually live in the real world.”

“Severus!” Lily hissed, tugging at the sleeve of his robes in an attempt to rein him in. “Why are you continuing with this?”

“ Snivellus obviously wants the kind of attention he so desperately lacks at home,” Sirius chimed in, his eyes narrowing to match Severus’s dark gaze.

Severus shot Sirius a glare, his jaw tightening as he bit his lip. He opened his mouth to say something but Lily seized his hand, her grip firm. “Don’t,” she hissed, her voice low but urgent. “Don’t say a word.”

He stared at the four boys in front of him, muttering something under his breath. He turned swiftly, his long hair whipping behind him like a dark curtain.

“Snivellus?” James whispered to Sirius, a smirk creeping across his face. “Nice one, Sirius.” The corner of his mouth twitched upward.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

With an exasperated huff, Marlene tugged at her hair from the corner of her bed, glaring at the way her bangs had grown out. Her frustration had reached the point where she was seriously considering shaving it all off. Maybe there’s a charm to regrow hair, she thought, letting out another huff before collapsing face-first into her pillow, a muffled scream escaping into the fabric.

Mary poked her head through the curtains, her expression curious as she chewed her lip. “What’s going on?”

“My hair!” Marlene groaned into the pillow, her fists pounding the mattress in frustration.

“Lemme see.” Mary cooed, climbing onto the bed and pulling Marlene upright to get a better look. Marlene’s bangs had nearly covered her eyes... Mary hummed thoughtfully before darting out of the curtains. She returned a moment later, a determined look on her face, armed with a mirror and a pair of scissors.

“I’m going to try and help, alright?” Mary said, her hands steady as she lifted Marlene’s bangs to add some volume before snipping off a few inches. Marlene's blonde locks tumbled into her lap, and she quickly grabbed the mirror to see her reflection.

“You’re a bloody goddess!” she squealed, running her fingers through her freshly cut bangs that now framed her face perfectly.

“No, you ninny,” Mary giggled, plopping down beside her on the bed. “Mum used to cut my hair all the time, so I figured I could help you out.”

“Oh yes, thank goodness for Mary Macdonald, the next beautician at Hogwarts.” Marlene teased, her smile beaming.

Mary rolled her eyes playfully, shaking Marlene's hair into a messy style. Sticking her tongue out, she gathered her tools and slipped out of the curtains to put them away in her nightstand drawer.

Marlene emerged from her four-poster and trapped Mary in a big hug. “Thank you for fixing my hair.”

“Anytime, dear,” Mary replied warmly, wrapping her arms around Marlene and giving her a tight squeeze.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

September faded, taking its warm glow with it, as October swept in with brisk air, transforming the atmosphere. The days grew shorter, ushering in earlier nights and later sunrises, entirely changing the Hogwarts castle overnight.

Sirius Black had not heard from his parents yet. He was sceptical of course, his parents have yet to say a word to him. His cousins Narcissa and Bella haven’t looked at him since the Sorting and it all twisted in his mind like prickled vines curled in a ball. He joined his friends in the Great Hall as all of them beckoned for him to join.

“Took you long enough!” James scolds, ladling warm oatmeal into Sirius’s golden bowl. “Make sure you eat, I can’t bear to hear any grumbling about your belly in Double Potions.”

“Thanks, Mum,” he yawned, as he sprinkled a light dusting of cinnamon over his oatmeal. It was his favourite way to eat it—cinnamon always seemed to make his troubles melt away, if only for a moment. But the second he swallowed, they all came rushing back to the front of his mind.

Just then, the owls came swooping into the hall, bearing letters and boxes for their recipients. Owls dropped boxes for James, Marianna and Dorcas. Letters fluttered onto Peter, Remus, Bruno, Lily, Marlene and Mary and they swiftly flew away at once. This was a weekly ritual that left Sirius in a twinge of jealousy. He watched all the birds flitting about, their wings casting shadows along the hall and…

Just then a large owl whose whole body was as dark as the Black Lake swooped in front of Sirius, bearing a dark green letter with the crest of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and Sirius’ heart sank. He could've done well off without hearing anything from his parents for at least a little bit longer but of course with everything that The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black does is calculated and filled with utter despicableness.

Sirius gulped, carefully unlacing the black ribbon around the menacing owl’s leg. The bird swooped up gracefully, casting a fleeting shadow over the table as it took flight, leaving an echo of its presence behind. The boys around him glanced over, their expressions devoid of emotion as they abruptly paused in opening their parcels.

He wanted to wait, to read the letter under the last glimmer of light, to absorb the unnerving words his mother had surely penned. But, being Sirius and Sirius can’t let anything cloud his mind for more than a minute, he untied the ribbon and slid a folded parchment out.

Sirius skimmed the words, his heart deep into his stomach, pushing further and further down as his eyes scanned the words before him.

Sirius Orion Black. You knew better than to refrain from writing to us as we are so revolted in your behaviour, a Black in the Gryffindor house? I suspected you were rebelling, believing your actions were a cry for help, for attention, for love.

Not only did you get sorted into Gryffindor, but you did not question whether there was a mistake or miscalculation. You did not seek to switch houses, knowing your ancestors have worn green since the beginning of time. How could you do this to me? My precious boy, the star of our life, our Heir… Do you know how sick your Father is? He cannot stomach any food due to your rebellion. THE DISMAY YOU HAVE CAUSED US SINCE THIS NEWS, OUR HEARTS ARE TREMBLING WITH DESPAIR AS YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE WE HAVE SWORE AGAINST.

If you continue with such treason, you will be shunned not only by me and your father but by every single one of your family members and you will be exiled from the family. Watch yourself, now Sirius Orion Black. If you choose to lead this life you so dare to live, then we will not hesitate to turn our back on you.

He folded the letter back into its dark green envelope and tossed it into his rucksack. His ears were ringing, his heart pounding, and he glanced back up to the boys, who had all paused, watching him. He shrugged softly, trying to swallow the twinge of pain in his throat.

Once again, he was reminded that, no matter how much he resisted, he would always be a Black. His blood ran the same course as his cousins', tethering him to them, and no matter how far he tried to pull away, they would always reel him back in with their cold, grasping fingers. He wasn’t afraid to fight it, but he wished, more than anything, that he didn’t have to.

“I bet she said some real kind words in there.” James offered a smile, his warm atmosphere eating away at Sirius’ cold chill.

As if it were a leap of fate, a smile played on his lips. His sense of belonging flowed deeply within James Potter, despite all else.

“Oh, yeah. Real kind ones,” Sirius drawled, poking the centre of his chest in mock pain, his face pulling into a sullen expression. “The kind that hit you right here.”

James could read him like a book, his face growing soft at the sign of Sirius’s forced grin, his hand wrapping up lovingly in Sirius’ and he gave a firm nod.

“I’m here for you, mate.”

Sirius felt at ease, James was seriously a gift. He was everything that he needed if he were to truly feel at ease in this world. James Potter, the arrogant dork who had a heart of pure gold, was a treasure to this world. And Sirius would do anything to uphold its sacredness.

“You numpty,” Sirius nudged his arm lightly, breaking the moment as James let out a sigh of relief.

“Want some juice?” James grinned, immediately lightening the mood. “I’d squeeze it from the source for you, but alas, we have to settle for the pitcher. Will that do?”

Sirius chuckled, raising his glass. “Mhm, sure. Thanks, you old chap.”

Sirius Black would do anything for James Potter, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remus Lupin, a boy of only eleven, believed he was far more mature than most his age. He would usually sit with a book his mum had sent him from her collection, carefully chosen during her travels around the world. Humming softly to himself, Remus would try to absorb every intricate detail the author had so elegantly woven into the pages. He was constantly answering questions in class, while his mates, James and Sirius, found ways to add a bit of "spice" to the otherwise mundane lessons. Whether it was purposefully dropping the wrong ingredient into a cauldron and playing it off as an "accident," turning Bruno's muggle pen into a feathered monstrosity as part of a botched Transfiguration experiment, or bursting into fits of laughter that earned them disapproving glances from their classmates, they seemed to find amusement in all things. Recently, they’d taken inspiration from Marianna’s older brother, Sebastian Solace, and started addressing the professors by their first names—a cheeky little rebellion that, to their delight, only added fuel to their mischievous ways.

He likes to think he's a bit more mature than they are, but he doesn't mind it much. In fact, he finds it rather satisfying to scold them when they land themselves in detention or point out how they would have achieved something greater if they'd just put in a little more effort. He feels that it gives a sense of balance this way.

It’s in these moments that Remus realises just how mischievous he and the other four boys in his dorm really are. He wonders if it's simply his creativity finding a different outlet, or perhaps maybe he’s just rather full of himself.

He realises the full extent of their antics when they witness a Slytherin boy, about the same age as them, surrounded by his group of friends. The boy deliberately hexes a Hufflepuff girl, making her teeth grow comically large, while his group erupts in laughter.

Before Remus can fully process his anger, James, quick as ever, pulls his wand from his pocket and mutters, “ Locomotor Wibbly .”

The boy who had cast the hex on the Hufflepuff girl's teeth suddenly found his own legs buckling beneath him, wobbling uncontrollably. His mouth gaped open as he attempted to take a step forward, but instead, he collapsed onto the cold stone floor like a sack of bricks.

The five of them burst into laughter, the echo of it filling the corridor as the Hufflepuff girl, still shocked, darted away toward the Hospital Wing.

Remus hissed, “We should get the rest of the lot too.”

Sirius didn’t hesitate. With a swift flick of his wand, orange sparks shot across the hallway, hitting each of the other Slytherin boys. They all toppled over in unison, like dominoes, crashing to the floor with surprised yelps.

The five boys bolted down the corridor, their laughter echoing just as loudly as it had when James made the first move. The sound of their footsteps reverberated through the stone halls as they raced toward the Gryffindor tower, adrenaline still coursing through their veins.

When they finally reached the Gryffindor common room, they collapsed into the worn lounge chairs in a secluded corner, their breaths still coming in quick bursts as though the race had taken the wind out of them. Laughter still lingered on their faces, the thrill of their mischievous stunt keeping their spirits high.

“Revenge is sweet.” James hissed, running a hand through his hair.

It was at this moment, as he sat catching his breath, that Remus began to question himself. Perhaps he wasn’t as mature as he once thought. Maybe, just maybe, he had enjoyed it more than he’d care to admit. And though he might have nudged things along, there was no denying that, with his mates by his side, it felt all the more intoxicating.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Marianna opened a few envelopes, her chipped nail-polished fingers tracing the uneven letters that left deep impressions on the parchment. As she read the messy handwriting of her younger siblings, a wave of warmth washed over her, quickly followed by a knot of sadness tightening in her chest. Tears welled in her eyes as she yearned for home, to see her family—the silly gestures they always made, the constant chatter, the playful bickering that erupted over the smallest things.

She could almost hear their laughter echoing in her mind, the way they’d lounge around on the living room floor, sprawled out on top of each other as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It felt suffocating yet comforting, a testament to their closeness. She missed everything—their constant pestering when they needed something, their dependency on her for silly little things, the way they’d curl up together for sleepovers, sharing secrets and dreams beneath a pile of blankets.

The envelopes were filled with drawings and notes, each one a reminder of the life she had left behind. Vivianna had drawn a picture of the family outside, all holding hands and smiling. A scribbled message from Antonio read, “ Miss you! Come home and play hide-and-seek !” and Marianna felt a sharp pang of longing for the familiar game that always ended in giggles and playful shoves.

Closing her eyes, she could almost picture their living room, the mismatched cushions, the faint smell of cookies wafting into their noses, and the warmth of her siblings’ presence surrounding her. She would do anything, anything to have them here with her. To hear their voices, to feel their presence, their warmth.

Marianna wiped her tears with the back of her hand, desperately trying to hold onto the memories even as they threatened to pull her under. She knew she had to find a way to carry them with her, to weave their laughter and love into her new life.

As she held the letters in her palms, she clutched them tightly, the edges crinkling under her grip. The harsh tears streamed down her cheeks, unwavering and unbearable, each drop a reminder of what she was missing. The letters, now slightly damp, felt like a lifeline—fragile yet potent, anchoring her to the familiar love that awaited her at home.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The morning of the full moon always left Remus more on edge than usual. He woke up with painful surges pulsing through his body, muffling his groans into the pillow as he tried to stifle the discomfort. His limbs felt stiff, his knees locking painfully—just as they always did before the transformation. He forced himself out of bed, and shuffled towards the common room, hoping that stretching his legs might dull the constant ache. Unbeknownst to him, Bruno had quietly followed behind, his hair a tousled mess and still in his pyjamas.

"Hey, Remus," Bruno whispered, rubbing his eyes and squinting at him. "You alright?"

Remus huffed, resisting the urge to snap. He wanted to be rude—he didn't know why, but an anger simmered inside him, pushing him to take it out on Bruno, though he didn’t deserve it. Bruno was a good mate, always checking in, and always making sure Remus was smiling. Remus liked Bruno, truly. So why did he feel so angry? He swallowed the bitterness, suppressing the voice in his head that urged him to lash out, and instead took a deep breath.

"Yeah, just... ya know," Remus shrugged, forcing a casual tone, his left hand rocking slightly. "Mum's having a bad episode right now. I’ve got to go see her."

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry.” He scratched his neck, pursing his lips solemnly. “Want me to walk you down? You shouldn’t be alone.”

Remus knew if he took that offer, he would see him for what he truly was. He would scream in terror and run away and tell all the other boys who would look at him like he was not worthy of being their friend anymore. The thought of them abandoning him because of that truth was unbearable. The idea haunted him, gnawing at the back of his mind every time the moon drew near. He didn’t need them to know he was a monster, cursed to become something vile and uncontrollable. This was his secret, his secret he would push deeper and deeper as every full moon came and unleashed the beast.

Deep in his heart, Remus was terrified of losing them. They were the first real friends he’d ever had. They made him feel normal, made him laugh, and reminded him that maybe, just maybe, he could live a life beyond the curse. But he knew, he surely knew that if they ever found out, all of it would be taken away. His friends: James, Sirius, Peter, Bruno, they were everything to him, never would he admit that though. If they looked at him with fear, if they turned their backs on him like so many others would, he didn’t know how he’d survive it.

The thought of their rejection twisted like a knife in his chest. He could already picture it—the horror on their faces, the way they'd back away, and how every single memory they shared would shatter in an instant. They’d never see him the same way again. To them, he’d no longer be Remus Lupin. He’d be a monster, a beast.

The idea made him feel sick. So, he clung to the lie, repeated it as if saying it enough times would make it true. He was willing to carry that burden alone if it meant keeping their friendship intact. Because without them the sense of belonging they gave him, he would shatter into glass shards, swirling down a murky sink.

“Thanks a lot, Bruno.” Remus forced a smile, though his head was throbbing with a familiar ache. “Da’s waiting for me, so I won’t be alone.”

Bruno’s face fell just a bit. “Alright… I’ll see you soon, then. Hope everything’s okay with your mum!”

Remus mustered a more genuine smile, hoping to ease his friend’s concern. “Yeah, thanks.” With a slight limp, he made his way through the common room, forcing himself to keep moving as his body protested. He descended the staircase slowly, every step jarring the pain that was becoming harder to ignore. Once in the corridor, he moved with more purpose, heading straight toward the one place that offered him some semblance of relief: Madam Pomfrey’s hospital wing.

The door creaked softly as he pushed it open, and Madam Pomfrey turned to greet him with her usual warmth. “Hiya, Remus.” Her smile was kind, her eyes soft with understanding. “You can come rest before the moon rises.”

Her voice, so gentle, almost broke him. It was the one thing that he looked forward to in these terrible cycles. He nodded silently, the weight of the lie he’d told Bruno still heavy on his mind as he limped to the bed he always used. He dropped his rucksack at the chair beside his bed, and he settled in the bed as its freshly washed scent made Remus all the more happy.

“I’ve got batches of Skele-Gro, Wound-Cleaning Potions, Essence of Dittany, Potion for Dreamless Sleep, Calming Draught, Blood Replenishing Potion and,” Her chipped nail polish hands grazed against the crates in her cabinets, “Hm. Seems to be all we’ll need.” She turned to him, hands on her hips.

“So, what you’ve got to entertain yourself for the next few hours then?”

He gazed at his rucksack, his voice thick from exhaustion. “Books that Mum gave.”

“Ickle Herodotus, you are.” She chuckled, bringing one potion to the table beside his bed, “Not that you need it.”

Remus drifted into such a deep sleep that, for a short while, the weight of everything faded away. He forgot where he was, forgot the pain looming just beneath the surface. But when Madam Pomfrey gently shook him awake, reality crashed back in with a familiar, unbearable intensity. The pain was already creeping through his body—the ache in his joints, the tightening in his muscles, and the maddening feeling of his knuckles shifting preparing for the inevitable transformation. It filled him with frustration, anger he couldn’t quite suppress.

Sitting up, Remus glanced at his rucksack by the bed, his voice coming out rougher than he intended. “You’ll keep this safe for me?”

Madam Pomfrey offered her usual comforting grin, nodding at once. “Of course.” She scooped up his bag and placed it securely in her office, locking the door behind her, as if to assure him that his belongings were in good hands.

“Well, we should be off then,” she said softly, moving back to his bed to help him. Remus slid off the bed, his knees locking instantly. She quickly grabbed him, balancing him as he leaned on her as they began the slow, painful walk to the Whomping Willow. Each step sent fresh waves of pain through his body, and though he tried to hide it, a wince escaped with every movement. Madam Pomfrey didn’t say a word, simply walking beside him with the kind of quiet strength that made Remus happier than he could annunciate right now.

Madam Pomfrey froze the Whomping Willow with a steady arm and glanced at Remus, her face filled with such sorrow that he wished she would look away. The weight of her concern, so plain on her face, made him feel even more exposed.

“I’ll be back in the morning to retrieve you,” she said, her voice firm, as if she were trying to command herself to stay composed. “Be careful now...”

She turned sharply on her heel, walking back toward the castle. But she couldn’t resist looking back a few times, watching him disappear into the small, gnarled opening of the tree. Remus trudged through the dark tunnel, the earthy smell of the dirt beneath his feet barely registering in his heightened state of agitation. The path led to the Shack—his prison, his sanctuary—where Dumbledore had arranged for him to endure the full moons in secrecy. This was only his second full moon at Hogwarts, but the fear hadn’t lessened. If anything, it had only grown.

The Shack felt colder tonight. The dusty furniture, the empty space, the silence—it all pressed in on him. He made his way to the worn-out couch, abandoned by whoever once lived here, and sat down. The chill seeped into his bones, but the cold was nothing compared to what was coming. His limbs already ached, his skin itched, and his bones felt as though they were trying to rearrange themselves.

As he sat alone, Remus silently wished for the painful transformation to end quickly. But he knew it wouldn’t. He braced himself, staring at the cracked ceiling, praying to whatever God there may be for this night to be over at once.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

October ended as quickly as it arrived, leaving behind its sharp cold breeze and rustling piles of leaves. The castle was now bathed in the glow of bobbing dark purple and orange lights, with autumn garlands adorned with bats and skeletons dancing across the walls. Jack-o'lanterns lined the corridors, casting eerie shadows, and the seventh years of all houses made it their mission to scare the younger students out of their wits.

But Sirius Black and his mates had bigger plans. Sirius, James, Remus, Peter, and Bruno rummaged through their spell books, searching for any charms and jinxes to make the night unforgettable, to truly feel like a day for the books.

The five of them began to test the spells in their dormitory, sending each other into fits of uncontrollable dancing, tickled by invisible hands, and summoning swarms of tiny spiders. More than once, they awoke with a start, twitching and shaking off imagined insects that had invaded their dreams.

On the night of the Hallowe’en feast, Sirius Black whispered “ Tarantallegra!” to the armoured knights standing at the ends of every corridor near the Great Hall. At once, the rigid knights began to relevé, stretching their stiff legs. Sirius fought hard to stifle his laughter as the once imposing, menacing figures transformed into dainty, posh ballerinas. Their metal limbs clinked and clattered as they pirouetted gracefully through the halls, completely unconcerned with who they might cross.

Footsteps approached quickly, and Sirius tumbled behind an old tapestry, choking on the dust it stirred up. He tried desperately to hold in a sneeze, his eyes watering. From the small gap in the tapestry, he watched as Marianna Solace and Lily Evans passed by, bursting into laughter at the sight of the knights twirling elegantly down the corridor.

As they disappeared into the Middle Yard Corridor, Sirius emerged from his hiding spot, finally succumbing to a sneezing fit that echoed down the hallway. Remus and Peter came hurrying down the corridor, their bodies still trembling with adrenaline. “Nice touch,” Remus began to laugh again, his lanky torso falling forward on his knees to balance himself.

“Bruno’s already inside. He enchanted the goblets so that anyone who drinks from them will have their hair change to match the colour of their beverage. Orange for pumpkin juice, purple for grape… you get the idea.”

Remus grinned. “That’s brilliant. What about James?”

“He’s busy charming the pumpkins,” Sirius continued. “They’re charmed to mimic the students’ movements. So if someone begins to laugh, the pumpkin will do the same. We’re going to have an entire hall of copycat gourds.”

Peter snickered. “I can’t wait.’

“And for the grand finale, as everyone begins to make their way to their respective towers, the garlands will transfigure into paper bats and pumpkins. A delightful touch to ensure even the most timid of students can find a reason to chuckle.”

“Sirius Black, you’ve got a soft side?” Remus teased, raising an eyebrow. “What sparked its arrival?”

“I had initially envisioned a mysterious fog and bats swooping down to elicit shrieks of terror, but James deemed it ‘traumatic,’ so we’ve settled for this rather juvenile prank to leave everyone in high spirits.”

Bruno and James came sprinting out of the Great Hall, their snickers full of debonair as they met up with the three boys. They leaned against the stone wall cooling their heat rushed faces, and took deep breaths.

"It's finished," James exhaled, his face slowly returning to its usual light brown hue. "We managed to do it just before Dumbledore and McGonagall showed up."

“It’s almost time for the festivities.” A cluster of silvery ghosts emerged through the wall between James and Bruno. “I hope you’re ready for what we’ve got planned,” they added with a wink before floating through the Great Hall doors.

Peter chuckled as the five boys stood innocently beside a rather hideous tapestry. “Yeah, wait till they see what we’ve done.”

From every corridor leading to the Great Hall, they could hear the echoing laughter of students. Marianna and Lily reappeared, their faces flushed with laughter, turning towards the boys who all did their best to appear innocent.

“The knights are dancing like ballerinas around the castle!” Marianna blurted out, her curls bouncing around her face. “Have you seen them?”

Bruno bit down on a grin, trying to keep his composure. “Not yet, no. We just got down here.”

“You’ve got to see it, seriously,” Lily sputtered, leaning into Marianna as if she were intoxicated by the fit of laughter. “And who knows what else they’ve got planned for the feast. Want to walk in with us?”

"Alright," Remus agreed, giving Bruno a slight nudge, as if warning him not to laugh.

The boys trailed behind the girls, doing their best to remain quiet. One wrong move and they knew they'd all burst into laughter, which would draw far too much attention. The attention needed to be on the feast, not on them. It would be far too suspicious.

“I can’t wait to dig into the treats.” Marianna sighed dreamily. “Seb said there are pillars of sweets, all different sizes and flavours. I’m going straight to the table and eating whatever I can grab first.”

“I’m looking forward to the pumpkin-flavoured ones,” Lily added thoughtfully. “Dad used to take us pumpkin picking, and we’d make all sorts of dishes out of them.”

When they reached the Great Hall doors, James rushed ahead to open them with a sweeping gesture. “Ladies first.”

Lily scoffed, but Marianna smiled as they stepped inside, greeted by an animated scene. Jack-o’-lanterns floated above, mimicking the movements of students beneath them. Heads popped with bright shades of orange and purple. Even some of the professors weren’t spared.

Professor Dumbledore who sat in the centre of it all, looking properly pleased. As he sipped his goblet, his hair transformed into red.

The group joined the rest of the Gryffindor table, eyes widening at the extravagant spread of sweets arranged down the long rows. Pumpkin-glazed doughnuts and apple-cinnamon doughnuts were piled high, while mountains of pies filled the air with a tempting aroma that made Sirius's stomach rumble on cue. Pumpkin and apple tarts were scattered around the golden dishes. Large cauldrons brimming with oversized lollies sat nearby, and smaller ones held neatly wrapped chocolates in every shape and size.

They sat down at the edge of the table, the enchanted knights twirling elegantly just within their peripheral vision. Bruno and Remus, completely unbothered by etiquette, were already devouring doughnuts like they'd been starved for days.

“Real classy, the both of you,” Sirius teased, unable to hide his grin as he watched James furiously gnaw at a caramel-glazed apple. “Real classy.”

“Eat some!” James whispered urgently, his voice muffled as he wrestled with the sticky treat.

Sirius rolled his eyes, grabbing an apple cinnamon doughnut as the jack-o-lantern above him mimicked his every move. It chewed, wrinkled its nose, and suddenly let out a loud burp, much to the boys' amusement.

James took a long sip of apple cider, his hair instantly shifting to a dull ginger, causing the group to burst into laughter at his new look.

He turned toward Lily Evans with a wide grin. “Looks like we’ve got the same hair colour now.”

Lily, unimpressed, stared right through him, her expression deadpan. “Ha. Ha.” She rolled her eyes and turned back to face the girls.

“That was pretty rough, mate,” Sirius smirked, rubbing James’ back in consolation.

Unbothered, James simply shrugged, still nibbling at his apple, his cheeks now sticky from the caramel coating. "Worth it," he mumbled through a mouthful, clearly pleased with himself despite the cold reception.

Professors sat at the head table with hair dyed in various shades of purple, red, and orange, all unaware of their new appearances. The enchanted knights were an instant hit, spinning and prancing around their posts, much to the delight of the students. Laughter echoed through the Hall as everyone found their dance moves hilarious.

However, the Jack-o-Lanterns hovering above brought a few moments of concern. Some students noticed them mimicking a strange blend of actions from different people at once, which led to puzzled expressions as the pumpkins tilted their heads, scratched their chins, or blinked in sync with others around the Hall.

As soon as Professor Dumbledore stood up to announce the end of the Hallowe'en Feast, the garlands lining the walls erupted with a loud pop. The ceiling was instantly showered with paper bats and skeleton confetti, swirling down, clouding the empty tables. The Great Hall burst into cheers and laughter. Students tossed confetti at one another, their joy infectious, as the five boys quickly got infected, balling up the paper bats and skeletons and launching them at each other. Laughter erupted from their corner of the hall, each throw was met with louder giggles, the five of them completely encapsulated in the same inviting atmosphere the Great Hall always seems to leak.

The ghosts floating above looked rather unamused, watching the professors at the Head Table frantically sift through the rows of laughing students below. Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat, his reddish-purple dyed hair twisting between his fingers, and the Hall fell silent at once. A blanket of quiet spread over the room, allowing only Dumbledore’s soft cough to echo off the stone walls.

“I trust we've all had a splendid time with some rather... unique Hallowe’en festivities,” Dumbledore began, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles. “I’d say we've had enough amusement for one night. That is all. Students, please return to your common rooms, and I wish you all a pleasant remainder of Hallowe’en.”

He gave a small nod, signalling the end of the evening, and the hall slowly began to empty as students gathered their things, and made their way to the exit at once. The boys slowly made their leave, all trying to keep their heads down to not make a single connection with any of the Professors. They continued off, leaving the Hall at once. As soon as the doors had closed behind them, they exploded with amusement all soaking in their joint effort to scheme.

“That was amazing,” Bruno whispered, his grin wide as they all leaned closer, huddling together like co-conspirators as they walked.

"Yes, it really was," Remus agreed, his voice buzzing with the same adrenaline. "It was... really thrilling."

“I reckon we ought to do this more often,” James declared, his eyes gleaming with the same thrill.

Sirius flashed a crooked grin and nudged James with his elbow. “We’d be remembered for it,” he says. “Not just remembered—immortalised.”

Remus raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. “Immortalised for getting ourselves into detention every other week,” he quipped, a slight curve of his lips appearing.

“Exactly,” James shot back, his grin widening, undeterred by the sarcasm. “What’s life at Hogwarts without pushing a few boundaries? Without turning things on their head? The place practically begs for it.”

Bruno chuckled, his shoulders shaking as he shook his head in amusement. “I have to admit, it does make everything a lot more interesting.”

“Then it’s settled,” James said, as though their fate had been sealed with those words. “More of this—more pranks, more fun, more of everything.” His eyes darted to Sirius, who nodded in agreement, a gleam of excitement mirroring his own.

Remus sighed, but the gleam in his own eyes betrayed him. “I suppose someone has to keep you lot from getting expelled. So I guess I’m in.”

Sirius leaned back, his arms folded behind his head as he strutted alongside James, his grin practically splitting his face. "Oh, you know I’m in, Jamie. Besides, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what we could get away with.”

Peter chimed in with a nervous laugh. “Yeah, I mean, it’s brilliant, isn’t it? The way everyone looked—like they couldn’t believe what was happening.”

Bruno, who was still trying to suppress his grin, shrugged. “Why not? We’ve already done it once,” His voice carried a hint of mischief, though there was always a sense of groundedness about him. “Plus, I like seeing what you two can come up with. You both have a... certain flair for the dramatic.” He glanced between Sirius and James, his eyes twinkling.

Sirius shot Bruno a wink. “Flair? More like genius, mate.”

Peter nodded along, still chuckling. “As long as we don’t get caught... too often.”

The boys exchanged glances, the shared understanding passing between them in silence.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lily Evans was certain that James Potter was an awful, ignorant, full of himself jerk. He strutted around the castle with his friends, acting as if they owned the place. They were annoyingly boisterous, typical boys in every sense. If she dared to voice her feelings to her friends, they would undoubtedly disagree. Oh, stop it, Lil. You know they just like to poke a bit of fun. They aren’t harsh, they are brash which could be a bit confusing. It’s harmless. She didn’t buy that at all, sure they meant well sometimes . Sure, she has spoken to the other boys that James spends all his time with, they’ve all been pretty neutral as she suspects all prepubescent boys were. But James—he was the worst. She could count on one hand the number of times he wasn’t acting like a complete prat, basking in the limelight. And what fueled her fire even more was his ongoing feud with Severus Snape.

Severus and Lily had been friends since the day he made her feel like she wasn’t alone when she performed her first accidental swirl of magic. Back then, he was so kind, warm and a steady light in the midst of an everlasting storm. He’d helped her see how she wasn’t strange or a freak like her older sister Petunia claimed she was, he helped her know how extraordinary she was. His presence was and still is a comfort that Lily treasures so deeply. He was her safe haven in this unknown world.

And for James Potter to try to disturb this peace that she has with the one person who understands her, the one person who truly, truly gets her. She would never, ever, give him the light of day. There was no way she'd ever give him the satisfaction of her attention.

She ought to know that the girls would take issue with her stance. After all, they spent nearly every waking moment together—whether it was in class, during meals, or lounging in the common room. And lately, the boys and girls had grown noticeably friendlier since the start of term. Her tolerance for Remus, Peter, and Bruno varied, but James and Sirius? They were simply unbearable.

She could vividly picture how her friends would react if she dared to engage in a bickering match with the two idiots during one of their laid-back afternoons. Marianna would likely throw her hands up in exasperation, insisting it wasn’t worth the trouble. “ They’re just harmless, Lil! You know they don’t mean any real harm, ” she’d argue, her voice as calm as ever. But harmlessness was a luxury Lily couldn’t afford when it came to James and Sirius. Their jests often masked a deeper sting, one that felt all too familiar when it was aimed at Severus.

She could picture Mary rolling her eyes, her typical response to Lily’s grievances. “ You’re just being sensitive ,” she would chime in, dismissing her concerns as overreactions. Yet Lily couldn't shake the feeling that her sensitivity was precisely what kept her aware of the boys’ true intentions.

Marlene, on the other hand, would offer her own brand of logic, shrugging as if it were all just a passing cloud. “ You’re thinking too much into it, Lily, ” she’d say with that casual nonchalance that frustrated Lily more than it comforted her. It was easy for Marlene to brush it off; she rarely found herself in the line of fire.

And then there was Dorcas, who would simply scowl at the whole situation. She hated when anyone disrupted the fragile peace they’d managed to create in their corner of the Gryffindor common room. Her glare was enough to send a shiver down Lily's spine, a reminder of how important it was to maintain harmony among their group.

Yes, her friends all meant well; they genuinely wanted the Gryffindor first years to stick together as a cohesive group. It was natural to feel that way, especially when the bonds they formed in their early days at Hogwarts felt so fragile yet significant.

Deep down, Lily genuinely desired to get along with everyone. Yet, day after day, she felt like an outsider, merely basking in the joy of those around her. It was as if she were watching a movie unfold before her—characters chatting amicably, building memories together, while she remained on the sidelines. Perhaps a part of her truly longed to join in, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so; it felt like an injustice to her best friend.

So Lily is in a bind. She wanted to connect with both the boys and Severus, to bridge the divide that had formed between them. She wished for the three of them to make amends, to mend the rift that separated her worlds, so she wouldn’t have to bear the weight of their ongoing conflict.

But that was nothing more than wishful thinking. There was no conceivable way that James, whose ego loomed as vast and unfathomable as the ocean itself, would ever lower himself to apologise to Severus, a boy as unyielding and steadfast as a mountain.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was yet another dreary day, with Potions looming on the schedule right after lunch. There was nothing quite as delightful as the thought of slicing through dead animal parts to help digest a meal. Marianna braced herself as she descended into the dimly lit dungeons, her fingers trailing along the cool, rough stone walls. She slipped into the classroom, making her way to a seat beside Dorcas.

She settled her belongings on the back of her chair, eyes flicking to the door as the rest of her classmates began filtering in. At the front of the room, Professor Slughorn stood with a curious expression, his round belly barely concealed by the billowing robes as he observed the scene.

It wasn’t long before the boys arrived, as usual, making an entrance that drew everyone’s attention. James was vigorously rubbing his knuckles against Bruno’s head, and Sirius’s laughter echoed so loudly that the entire class turned to watch the spectacle.

Professor Slughorn cleared his throat, his gaze settling on the trio with a mixture of amusement and sternness. Immediately, the boys removed themselves from one another and scrambled to their seats at the back of the room, where Remus and Peter trudged behind.

Marianna rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair with a dramatic sigh. Beside her, Dorcas sat slouched, chin resting in her hands, looking utterly unenthused.

“I truly hope whatever we do today doesn’t involve any blood or the gruesome removal of animal intestines,” Dorcas groaned, her voice thick with dread.

Marianna nodded in agreement, her tone equally resigned. “I’d like to think we’ve suffered enough already,” she replied, letting out a deep sigh of her own.

The last straggling student shuffled into the classroom, and with a heavy creak, Professor Slughorn closed the door behind them, signalling the official start of the lesson. He returned to the front of the classroom, his eyes twinkling as he scanned the students. Taking a piece of white chalk in hand, he began writing the words "Boil Cure" on the board. Immediately, the chalk took on a life of its own, swiftly listing the necessary ingredients beneath the title as he spoke.

"Since we don't have a double period today," Slughorn announced, "we'll start with a simple potion that doesn't require too many ingredients. Please gather your supplies quickly and return to your desks."

Marianna and Dorcas stood up in unison, exchanging glances as they made their way to the supply cupboard. The faint scraping sound of cauldrons being set up echoed in the classroom as their classmates rushed to collect their own ingredients.

The chalk continued to scribble down a list of the necessary items: snake fangs, dried nettles, porcupine quills ...

“Boil Cure. Couldn’t he come up with something a bit more exciting?” Marianna muttered under her breath as she reached for the jars on the shelf.

Dorcas shrugged, carefully placing a small vial of horned slugs into her basket. “At least it's not intestines this time,” she quipped with a wry smile.

By the time they made it back to their seats, Professor Slughorn had already begun instructing the class. His booming voice filled the dungeon, "Now, follow the steps carefully, and remember—Boil Cure should be taken off the fire for at least five minutes before adding the porcupine quills. One mistake, and you’ll end up with a face full of boils, rather than curing them.”

Marianna stifled a laugh. "Well, that's encouraging.”

She grabbed her snake fangs, carefully placing them into her mortar, and began crushing them with the pestle, applying enough force to reduce them to a fine white powder. Once satisfied with the texture, she measured out four scoops and added them to her simmering potion. Heating it to precisely 250 degrees for 10 seconds, she waved her wand, watching as the mixture reacted. Now, all that was left was to wait ten minutes before adding the porcupine quills.

Turning around, she saw Marlene and Mary still hard at work, pounding their snake fangs into powder with determined, almost brutal, force. Behind them, two Slytherin boys stood snickering, clearly amused by their efforts.

She glanced over at James and Sirius, who were also keeping an eye on their potion, waiting for it to simmer for the next ten minutes. They leaned closer together, whispering conspiratorially with Remus and Bruno, who were seated in front of them. Their heads bobbing slightly as they exchanged words.

Then her gaze shifted to Severus and Lily, who were engaged in an animated conversation. Severus watched her intently, his expression a blend of curiosity and admiration, as Lily spoke with a fiery passion that seemed to captivate him.

She sank back into her seat, leaning against the cool stone wall and letting out a soft groan. “Dorcas, I’m so tired.”

“Join the club.” She giggled, “We’ll be back in our tower soon.”

As she glanced down at her watch, she mentally counted the minutes until it reached ten. Once the time had elapsed, she swiftly uncorked the vial of horned slugs and carefully dropped four of them into the simmering mixture. After allowing it to bubble for another five minutes, she turned off the heat and prepared to add the porcupine quills to the concoction.

She fervently hoped that she wouldn't end up with unsightly boils covering her face. The mere thought of it sent a shiver of dread down her spine, conjuring images of her running away in embarrassment and vowing never to show her face in public again.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she cautiously dropped the quills into the cauldron one by one. As she watched each quill sink into the bubbling potion, a wave of relief washed over her when she noted there was no immediate adverse reaction. Grateful for the calm demeanour of this particular cauldron, she began to stir the mixture in a clockwise direction five times, humming softly to herself as she worked. After completing the five precise stirs, she swiftly waved her wand over the cauldron, invoking a flicker of magic. In response, a delightful cloud of pink smoke billowed from the cauldron, swirling upward and filling the air with a soft, enchanting aroma.

Professor Slughorn rushed over, his face alight with enthusiasm, a wide smile stretching from ear to ear. “Ah, Miss Solace! Splendid work, indeed!” His eyes twinkled with delight as he surveyed the enchanting pink smoke billowing from her cauldron.

Just then, as if the universe were perfectly in sync, Dorcas’s potion also erupted in a swirl of vibrant pink smoke, prompting Slughorn to let out a hearty chuckle. “Miss Meadowes! Wonderful work as well! Truly impressive! Very well done, both of you!”

As the rest of the class’s potions began to emit their own plumes of pink smoke, Professor Slughorn, utterly beside himself with joy, dashed from desk to desk. He lavished praise on each student, his voice ringing with enthusiasm as he commended their efforts. “Marvellous! Simply marvellous!” he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with pride. “Look at the lovely results you’ve all achieved!”

The bell rang, slicing through the lively chatter in the classroom. Professor Slughorn beamed at his students, his face alight with enthusiasm. “I’m pleased to announce,” he declared, his voice rich with approval, “that there will be no homework tonight, thanks to your collective efforts in perfecting the Boil Cure potion! Seriously splendid work, everyone!”

As the class began to disperse from the Potions classroom, the Gryffindor boys and girls merged together, making their way toward the dungeon staircase.

“Miss Solace! You’ve done an amazing job,” Sirius exclaimed, leaning in so closely that his chin rested on her shoulder. “You know what? You need to be one of my best pupils. I’ll be keeping my eye on you now.”

As they rounded a corner, the cheerful atmosphere was punctuated by the murmurs of a few students gathered on the opposite side of the corridor. Their whispers hung heavy in the air.

“Yeah, full of Mudbloods. Seriously,” one voice sneered, dripping with disdain.

The group froze, their laughter fading as they stared at the cluster of students whispering with malicious intent.

“You’ve got nothing better to do than stare?” a tall Ravenclaw sneered, casually leaning against the stone wall with a smirk plastered on his face. “I guess that’s all your kind know how to do anyway.”

“ My kind ?” James shot back, stepping forward with a glare that could have burned through steel. The rest of the group instinctively fell in behind him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Mudbloods and blood traitors,” the Slytherin boy spat, his words dripping with contempt. “You’ve got two right there with you—Mary and Lily. It’s a Mudblood parade with you lot.”

The air around them shifted suddenly as a cold wave of tension washed over the group. Their faces drained of colour, their expressions frozen in shock.

Before anyone could respond, Remus stepped forward, his expression resolute. With a flick of his wand, he cast a spell with a determined grace that left no room for hesitation. Almost instantly, the two boys who had been taunting them began to sprout pimples, grotesquely swelling as pus oozing from their faces, leaving them both in a state of shock and horror.

“Let’s get out of here before they retaliate,” he urged, his voice steady. The group exchanged worried glances, hearts racing in unison as they turned to leave, their pulse quickening with each hurried step.

They dashed through the castle, their footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls, the once vibrant atmosphere now tainted with tension. The grand staircase loomed ahead, and they raced up, desperate to put distance between themselves and the confrontation. Breathless, they reached the Fat Lady’s portrait and shouted the password in unison, their voices ringing out in the dimly lit corridor.

The Fat Lady shrieked in surprise, her eyes widening as she swung the portrait open to let them in. “Well, honestly! Must you always barge in like that?” she huffed, though her annoyance quickly faded as she took in their anxious faces.

Once inside the cosy Gryffindor common room, they collapsed onto the plush armchairs in front of the fire, the warmth instantly enveloping them like a comforting embrace. The crackling flames danced in the hearth, casting flickering shadows around the room, illuminating the wide-eyed expressions of the group.

Marlene and Mary nestled snugly in one armchair, their heads leaning against one another, drawing strength from their shared warmth. Mary broke the silence first, her voice thick with frustration. “I wish I could’ve said something. I felt so helpless,” she admitted, biting her lip as distress creased her brow.

“Me too. I just stood there like an idiot,” Marlene sighed, her tone heavy with regret as she replayed the moment in her mind, her fingers nervously toying with the hem of her sleeve.

Lily, still seething with indignation, added, “He’s lucky I didn’t break his shin.” The firelight flickered across her face, illuminating her fierce expression, the anger simmering just below the surface.

Bruno, who had been quietly observing the scene unfold, rose from his seat with a heavy sigh. His rucksack hung from his shoulder, without uttering a word, he trudged up the stone staircases.

The crackling of the fire was the only sound that filled the room, a soft reminder of the sanctuary they had found within these walls, even as the echoes of their earlier confrontation lingered in the air like a dark cloud.

The girls exchanged worried glances, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. “I feel bad for him,” Mary sighed, her expression softening.

Marianna huffed in frustration, her cheeks flushed with indignation. "Such imbeciles! Honestly, what kind of puny brains do they possess? They’re nothing but insufferable dickheads!" She shook her head vehemently, her hair swaying with the motion. The very thought of their sneering faces filled her with a mix of anger and disbelief. “I truly hope they both cry to their mummies tonight about how they’ve got pus leaking out of their pores.”

James rose from his seat with a sense of urgency, his fingers gripping the strap of his rucksack tightly, knuckles whitening with tension. “I’m going to check on Bruno,” he declared. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy, but his resolve cut through it like a beacon. He turned to Mary and Lily, his expression softening as he added, “I’m sorry again, Mary, Lily. Don’t pay any mind to what those arseholes say. They don’t know anything about you or the strength you carry.” His tone was firm, yet warm, a reassuring anchor amid their swirling emotions. Without waiting for a response, he dashed up the stone steps.

As he disappeared from view, Marianna rose from her seat and settled between the four girls, instinctively reaching for them as they huddled close together. They leaned into each other, finding comfort in their proximity as silence swallowed them whole, each heartbeat resonating softly in the quiet room.

“You’re more than a label,” Marianna whispered, cutting through the stillness. She darted her gaze between her friends, her heart swelling with determination to uplift them in their moment of vulnerability. “You’re all so much more than what they say.”

Mary looked up, her expression shifting, while Lily nodded slowly, absorbing Marianna's words. Dorcas, nestled close, gave a small, appreciative smile, her usual confidence bolstered by the warmth of their friendship.

Marlene took a deep breath as if Marianna's words had sparked something within her. “We’re here for each other, no matter what.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bruno trudged up the stone staircase, his rucksack heavy on his shoulders and his mind even heavier with unshakable anxiety. He couldn’t pinpoint why, but his heart raced, and his thoughts spiralled. He made his way up the steps into the dormitory. It was empty. His friends were still sitting around the common room. He dropped his belongings onto the desk with a thud and collapsed onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The stillness around him offered little relief. His mind replayed the events from earlier that day, a bitter taste forming in his mouth as he recalled the group of boys mocking Mary and Lily for being Muggle-borns. His fists clenched involuntarily at the thought. The cruelty in this world made him sick, how people could look down on others just because their families lacked magical blood, was just preposterous.

Bruno had never been targeted himself, but the question gnawed at him like a rabbit relentlessly chewing on hay, or a runaway train hurtling down tracks without brakes. He pondered whether it was simply because he was always surrounded by his friends, or perhaps, deep down, the other students recognised the consequences of crossing him. The thought churned uneasily in his stomach, a constant reminder of the unspoken rules that governed their interactions. He felt like a spinning top, twirling frantically, not quite ready to fall but teetering on the edge of imbalance. Covering his face with his hands, he let out a frustrated breath. The magical world had its ugly side, prejudice as cruel as anything he’d encountered before. Maybe even worse.

“Hey.” A soft voice spoke, nearing the end of Bruno’s bed. “You alright?”

He uncovered his hands and saw James Potter standing there, his face etched with concern.

“‘M fine.” Bruno sighed, lifting himself by his elbows. “Got anxiety.”

James sat beside him, his hand resting gently on Bruno’s leg. "I get like that too." He bit his lip, clearly debating whether or not to speak. After a pause, the words spilt out of him: "Does it have to do with what happened today after Potions?"

Bruno’s face fell, and James’ expression shifted instantly. He knew.

Bruno blew a raspberry, and he nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Reminds me of bad memories."

James’ eyes softened, his head tilting slightly as if everything Bruno had to say was going to be received with care and understanding. "Bad memories?" he prompted, his voice quiet but encouraging.

Bruno shook his head, the weight of the memory pressing on his chest. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to just let it out. His voice was quieter now, tinged with something raw. "Back in primary school... I was bullied."

James’ brows furrowed in concern, but he didn’t interrupt. Bruno continued, his gaze fixed on a spot on the floor as if he were watching a film reel of his past play out before him. “It wasn’t like here. No magic, no wands or spells to get them off my back. It was just me. Small, quiet, and easy to pick on me.”

He clenched his fists, remembering the way he used to walk home with his shoulders hunched, trying to make himself invisible. "They'd push me, call me names, take my stuff. Made me feel like I was nothing.”

Without hesitation, James reached out and clasped Bruno’s hand, his grip firm but comforting. His face shifted, his eyes glistening as though on the verge of tears. "Mate… I had no idea," he whispered, his voice thick with sincerity.

“It’s not something I talk about,” Bruno admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “But seeing what happened today with Mary and Lily… it brought it all back. That same feeling of helplessness.” He bit his lip, glancing up at James, the frustration evident in his eyes. “Seeing that just makes me want to shove it into their brains and tell them to bugger off,” Bruno whispered, sitting up straighter as he glanced at James. “We’re all the same.”

James nodded, his eyes dark with understanding, the weight of Bruno’s words settling heavily in the air between them. “We are all the same. Some people are just too ignorant to see it. Others… well, it’s all they’ve been taught, their twisted beliefs.” He paused, studying Bruno’s face, searching for the right words to offer reassurance. “But we’re not defined by their cruelty, mate. We’ve got each other, and that’s what matters.”

“Avery,” Bruno muttered, shaking his head in frustration. “I want to teach him a lesson.”

A spark lit behind James’ eyes, his lips curled into a mischievous grin. “Once everyone’s here, let’s make a plan.”

James’ face softened, though the fire behind his eyes remained, burning with fierce loyalty. “You’re not alone now, Bruno. Not like back then. You’re never getting rid of me, mate.” Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Bruno’s shoulder, pulling him into a firm hug.

Bruno felt the warmth of James’ embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against his own. It was reassuring, grounding him in a way words couldn’t. For a moment, the anxiety that had been gnawing at him all day seemed to fade, replaced by a quiet strength he didn’t know he needed.

“Thanks, James,” Bruno muttered, his voice a little muffled against James’ shoulder.

James gave him a small, playful squeeze before letting go, his usual grin starting to reappear.

The five boys were sprawled across the room, heads buried deep in spellbooks they'd borrowed from Madam Pince, determined to find the perfect hex for Avery. They wanted something that would not only humiliate him but give everyone else around a good laugh at his expense.

“Oh!” Peter suddenly exclaimed, tracing his finger along a page. “Pimple jinx! Causes boils, pimples, and could even induce acne!”

Sirius snorted, waving his hand dismissively. “Please, Pete. Everyone’s a bloody teenager, pimples are basically a birthright. Plus Remus already attacked the blokes with it.”

Remus chuckled softly, flipping through another book as the pages fluttered under his fingers. “How about the Insect Jinx? Makes the victim crawl like a bug and strips them of speech.”

They all paused for a second, imagining Avery scuttling around like a cockroach. It was tempting, but James shook his head.

“What about this one?” James piped up, grinning as his eyes scanned a particularly mischievous spell. “It’s a transfiguration jinx. Turns the victim into a chicken.” He smirked, locking eyes with the others. “ Pullus is the incantation.”

Remus shut his book with a smirk, satisfied. "Perfect."

“We’ve got it!” James declared triumphantly, springing up from his seat and waving his wand in the air with exaggerated flair. “Turn Avery into the cowardly chicken he already is!”

Peter, though clearly hesitant, couldn’t help but smile. “So, we’re really doing this?” he sighed. “Who here is actually good at Transfiguration?”

"Jamesy, of course!" Sirius chimed in, his grin wide as he clapped James on the shoulder. "He’ll handle the jinx, and we’ll all get front-row seats to the show.”

Remus tossed a crumpled paper ball toward James. "At least try casting it on this first before you embarrass yourself. We can’t have a misfire in the middle of the Hall.”

James steeled himself, rolling his shoulders a few times as if preparing for a grand performance. He aimed his wand at the paper ball and chanted, “Pullus!”

The ball jolted into the air with a small reverberation, hovered for a second, then floated down like a feather, completely unchanged.

Peter groaned. “Brilliant, mate. Truly.”

Sirius snapped, a hint of impatience in his voice. “No need for negativity, Peter. Maybe it only works on living things?”

“Could be,” James muttered, sitting back down and flipping through the pages of his spellbook. “Let’s keep looking then.”

“Ugh.” Peter groaned again, sinking lower into his chair.

Bruno, who had remained quietly observant, hummed thoughtfully as he scanned through his own book, flipping to potential hexes with calm precision.

As the boys continued their planning, the clamour of students heading to dinner drifted through the common room. By the time they realised it, nearly everyone had already made their way to the Great Hall. With a shout, the five of them scrambled to their feet and sprinted down the staircase, racing to join the rest of the school for dinner, their latest scheme still buzzing in the air.

Turning the corner toward the Great Hall, they skidded to a halt. There stood Avery, a sneer plastered on his face as he gripped the collar of a younger Slytherin’s shirt, his teeth bared in a predatory snarl. The first year trembled under the weight of Avery's gaze, his eyes wide with fear.

Sirius shook his head slowly, his expression filled with disdain as he muttered under his breath, “Goodness, Avery, why must you always be such a despicable dickhead?”

Avery’s attention snapped toward Sirius, his eyes narrowing dangerously. He spat out his retort, dripping with venom, “What’s it to you, Black? Traitor.” His wand flicked upward, now pointed squarely at Sirius. “You’ve got no business sticking your nose into what I’m doing.”

With a dry laugh, Sirius shrugged as if the insult rolled right off his back. “Well,” he began with an amused smirk curling on his lips, “you may have a point there, Avery.” He cocked his head slightly, the mischievous glint in his eyes growing sharper. “So, we’re in agreement then? You admit you’re a dickhead?”

Avery’s face contorted with rage, his fists clenching as his anger reached its boiling point. “Oi, shut it and piss off, Black! You’re nothing but a filthy blood traitor. I couldn’t care less about anything that comes out of your worthless mouth.”

Sirius’s smirk widened, completely unbothered by Avery’s outburst. “Good. I didn’t want to see your filthy teeth flashing at me any longer anyway. They’re an offence to my eyes.”

As Sirius continued to taunt Avery, James, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. His eyes hardened, his tone turning cold and cutting as he spoke, “You’re nothing but a coward, Avery.”

Avery’s lip curled with disgust, his eyes flicking over the group with contempt. “I couldn’t care less what you lot think,” he sneered. His voice dropped to a low, venomous hiss, “You’re all the same—blood traitors and Mudbloods.”

Bruno, who had been silently observing until now, felt his heart race, anger flaring hot in his chest. Without a second thought, he surged forward, his fist crashing against Avery’s jaw with a sharp crack. “How does it feel to get hit by a Mudblood, you disgusting creature?” Bruno spat, his voice trembling with fury.

It didn’t matter that he had never been the type to fight back. Avery’s cruel taunts had unleashed a torrent of pent-up anger, and he wasn’t about to let it simmer down again. The thrill of defiance coursed through him as he took a stand, the realisation dawning that he was no longer that scared boy from primary school.

The impact seemed to freeze time for a moment, Bruno’s vision grew blurry as he couldn’t believe what he had done. Wands flashed into the air in unison. James and Sirius had theirs drawn in an instant, both of them pointing directly at Avery, who now had his wand trained on Bruno, eyes alight with rage.

Avery made a wild attempt to strike back, swinging his fist toward Bruno. But before he could land the blow, Sirius’s voice rang out, “Locomotor Wibbly!” A jet of light shot from Sirius’s wand, and suddenly Avery’s legs gave way beneath him, wobbling uncontrollably as if he were standing on jelly. He staggered, barely keeping his balance, his face twisting in frustration.

Amidst the scuffle, Avery flicked his wand wildly, sending a bright flash of light darting toward them. It struck Peter squarely on the foot, sending him squealing in shock as the heat seared through his shoelace, though luckily it left him otherwise unharmed.

Sirius, spotting the damage, erupted into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. “Peter, your shoe’s on fire!” he howled, doubling over as tears of amusement welled in his eyes. Peter hopped on one foot, frantically trying to stomp out the smoking shoelace.

Avery, his face flushed an angry red, attempted to cast another hex, but James, quicker on the draw, was ready. “Pullus!” he shouted, his wand sparking with energy.

There was a sudden shimmer in the air, the magic bouncing erratically around the room. It ricocheted off the walls, and before anyone could react, it struck Sirius exactly. To everyone's surprise, his feet were instantly stuck to the floor, as if cemented in place.

But before the boys could even process what had happened, a loud, unmistakable “Bawk!” echoed through the corridor. They whipped around, eyes wide, and spotted a tiny chicken, feathers ruffled, flapping its wings wildly as it ran in frantic circles around the room, squawking at the top of its tiny lungs.

For a moment, they all stood frozen in disbelief. And one by one, they crumpled into fits of uncontrollable laughter. The tension from the heated confrontation dissolved in an instant.

Even Avery, who moments ago had been the target of their anger, was momentarily forgotten in their amusement. The entire room was filled with howls of laughter, echoing off the stone walls, as the chicken continued its panicked circuit around the dungeon.

“James, you’ve done it!” Sirius exclaimed, straining to move his feet, but they remained stubbornly glued to the floor tiles.

Just then, the girls arrived behind the ruckus, their eyes wide with surprise as they took what they walked into— a chicken flapping its wings wildly and the boys laughing uncontrollably.

“What’s going on?” Mary asked, her eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of the frantic chicken. “Is that really a chicken? Or did you—”

“We’ve hexed the dickhead who hurled slurs at you,” James interrupted, his voice brimming with pride. “And Bruno gave him a real nice punch to his face!”

“James turned him into a chicken!” Sirius added, practically bursting with laughter.

“Oh my God!” Marlene gasped, doubling over with laughter as she watched the chicken squirm and flap around the room, its beady little eyes darting between them in a comical frenzy.

“You’re all absolutely brilliant!” Marianna chimed in, her laughter ringing through the stone halls. “That’s what you get, you imbecile!” she shouted playfully at the hapless chicken.

Lily fixed her gaze on James, her expression a mixture of amusement and feigned disapproval. “Good one, I suppose,” she said, making a valiant effort to suppress the smile threatening to break free.

“Uh oh,” Dorcas suddenly said, her eyes widening as the unmistakable sound of footsteps clamouring toward the oak doors filled the air. With a swift motion, Professor McGonagall pushed the doors open, her face tense and radiating anger. “Why are none of you at dinner?” Her gaze quickly fell on the frantic chicken flapping its wings in the corner. “Did you bring this beast into the castle?”

“No, Ma’am.” James struggled to bite his lip, fighting against the grin that threatened to spread across his face. “That’s Avery from Slytherin,” he replied, his grin betraying his desperate attempts at seriousness.

Professor McGonagall gulped, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the chicken, a mix of disbelief and irritation flickering across her features. “And why is Sirius Black frozen in place?”

“He hexed me, Minnie! He got me…” Sirius said, feigning innocence as he stood rigid, his eyes wide and exaggeratedly terrified.

“Why did this occur in the first place? Roughhousing? Using Transfiguration to hex? Duelling?” She shook her head in disbelief, the lines on her forehead deepening with concern.

“He called the lot of us Mudbloods and blood traitors, Professor,” Bruno spoke up, biting his lip as he dared to meet her stern gaze.

“Now, Mister Avery,” Professor McGonagall began, her voice firm and unwavering, “I’m afraid I will have to consult with your Head of House regarding your punishment for employing such vile language and for engaging in duelling during mealtimes.” With a flick of her wand, she added, “ Finite Incantatem. ” In an instant, Avery reverted to his usual self, sputtering and shaking in confusion, clearly disoriented from his recent transformation.

“Off you go now, boy! I assure you, your Head of House will not be pleased with your behaviour!” she commanded as Avery scrambled out of the room and hastily made his way into the Great Hall.

Turning her piercing gaze to the five girls, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, her expression shifting to one of scrutiny. “I trust that Miss Solace, Miss Evans, Miss Meadowes, Miss Macdonald, and Miss McKinnon had absolutely nothing to do with this unruly duel. Am I correct in that assumption?”

“Yes, it was all us. They just came down,” James interjected, eager to deflect any blame away from the girls.

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow at James's interruption, her expression stern yet somewhat understanding. “Since Mister Potter here insists on taking full responsibility—and given my awareness of just how hurtful and damaging such derogatory terms can be— I will kindly permit you five young ladies to leave and enjoy your dinner. However, you five boys will accompany me to my office at once.”

“Thank you, Professor,” Marlene said gratefully, her voice bright and cheerful. A wide smile spread across her face, and the other girls nodded fervently, their expressions reflecting their silent gratitude. Each of them cast quick glances of appreciation at Professor McGonagall, all muttering on about ‘ Professor McGonagall is truly the best.’

“ Finite Incantatem. ” With a swift flick of her wand, Professor McGonagall dispelled the hex that had ensnared Sirius, releasing him from his sticky predicament. He leapt with joy, relief evident in his bright grin.

“Now, my office—immediately,” she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Her robes billowed gracefully behind her as she strode purposefully toward the door, and the boys hastily fell into step behind her. The five boys exchanged glances as they travelled through the corridors, into The Transfiguration classroom, up a spiral staircase and into a large office.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The office revealed her neatly organised office filled with shelves of books and various magical trinkets. A large window overlooked the grounds, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink, casting a warm glow on the scene, a fireplace on the other side of the room cracking.

She magicked three more cushioned seats in front of her desk. “Take a seat,” she instructed, her tone softening just slightly as she gestured to the chairs in front of her desk. The boys complied, settling into their seats, their earlier bravado replaced by a more subdued demeanour.

“Now, let’s discuss what transpired today,” she began, her piercing gaze sweeping over each of them. “I understand that you were provoked, but that does not excuse your use of magic in the manner you did, especially in the presence of other students.”

“It was all James, Sirius, and Bruno, Professor McGonagall!” Peter squeaked, his voice trembling with urgency. The beads of sweat on his forehead glistened in the dim light of the office.

The three boys turned to Peter, their expressions a mix of disbelief and irritation. “Erm,” Peter stammered, shifting uneasily under the weight of their gazes. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, her eyes narrowing as she peered over the rims of her glasses. “Mister Pettigrew, that certainly isn’t necessary. I had expected more responsibility from you. Trying to deflect the blame will not serve you well here,” she continued, her voice steady yet firm, conveying a sense of disappointment that hung heavy in the air.

She cleared her throat again, her gaze sweeping across the group of boys fidgeting in her office, clearly unsettled by the tense atmosphere. “I will hear you out,” she stated, her voice unwavering. “However, I must admit, I am quite perplexed as to why you believed that duelling in front of a packed Great Hall would be the most suitable course of action.”

“We just got out of Potions, and it was all of us—the Gryffindor first years,” James began, his voice slightly shaky but determined. He glanced at Bruno, who was biting his lip nervously, and pressed on. “We went to settle down before dinner and overheard Avery and some Ravenclaw bloke saying—”

“Who said Mudbloods and blood traitors,” Bruno interjected, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of red as he tried to quell his jitteriness.

“Er—yes,” James continued, forcing a grin as he nervously bit his lip. He shook off his anxiety, adopting a tone of bravado. “So I said something to them, and that was it. As we were making our way to dinner—something I was absolutely looking forward to—we saw Avery poking his wand into another Slytherin’s chest, so I decided to step in.”

“Then he called me a Mudblood again,” Bruno added, his embarrassment evident. “And then I gently tapped—”

“Then I cast the first hex!” Sirius exclaimed loudly, interrupting Bruno. The latter shot him a confused look, but Sirius just gave a subtle shake of his head, as if to signal him to stay quiet. “Avery attempted to hex again, and in the process, poor Peter’s shoe got burned. After that, James hexed him, and Avery retaliated by hexing me.”

The boys exchanged anxious glances, each one trying to gauge Professor McGonagall’s reaction.

Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses and fixed her gaze on the boys with a blend of disappointment and concern. “I see,” she began, her tone steady. “So did Mister Lupin and Mister Pettigrew have anything to do with this encounter?”

Remus looked up, his face paling as he shifted uncomfortably, his shoes scuffling against the tiles beneath him. Peter, on the other hand, appeared to be sweating profusely, his face flushed with anxiety.

“No, Ma’am. Remus explicitly instructed us not to engage. We should’ve listened to him,” Sirius sighed, he glanced at Remus, who appeared grateful for the support.

“Yes, he did nothing. Nor did Peter. They were merely bystanders,” James insisted, trying to protect his friends from any fallout.

“Well, Lupin and Pettigrew, you may leave my office,” she stated, her tone softening slightly as she recognised their innocence in the situation.

“Have a good night then, Professor McGonagall,” Remus said, glancing toward her with a small smile that seemed to plead for acknowledgement. “Cheers, lads.” He turned to the other boys, the relief washing over him, visibly brightening his complexion.

“Thank you, Professor,” Peter whinged, avoiding eye contact with the three as he shuffled out of the office, trailing behind Remus toward the corridors.

Professor McGonagall watched them leave, a faint smile gracing her lips. “I’m sure Bruno will be pleased to know he has two protectors here at Hogwarts,” she remarked, her tone softening as she regarded the remaining boys.

“What’s right is right, Minnie. You know that better than anyone!” Sirius said slyly, leaning back in the cushioned chair with a casual grin that belied the tension in the room.

“Now, I understand that Mister Bruno here had nothing to do with this incident either,” Professor McGonagall replied, adjusting her glasses and levelling her gaze at the boys. “However, since this situation practically involves him and the derogatory terms being used against him, I felt it necessary for him to be present.”

“For each hex, I shall assign you two detentions with me. For the first half of your detentions, you shall report to the Transfiguration classroom to help me clean up the unruly messes. For the remaining half, you are to report here to complete all of your homework for the upcoming week,” she declared firmly, her expression unyielding as she opened a cabinet in her desk and retrieved two detention slips.

Sirius and James shared a knowing glance, their smirks apparent.

“Fantastic, Professor! Nothing like a little quality time in Transfiguration to bring us closer together,” Sirius quipped.

James chuckled, nudging Sirius playfully. “And I suppose we’ll be your star pupils, won’t we? The best of the best when it comes to cleaning up messes!”

Professor McGonagall’s lips twitched in a barely concealed smile, her stern demeanour softening slightly. “I expect you both to take this seriously. I won’t tolerate any further disruptions. Now, off with you all,” Professor McGonagall continued. “I sincerely hope that Professor Slughorn does not catch wind of this and impose a far harsher punishment on you.”

As the boys exchanged relieved glances, Sirius rose from his chair, his trademark grin returning. “Thanks, Professor. We’re sorry for ruining your dinner and turning Avery into a chicken.”

“Don’t lie to me, Mister Black,” Professor McGonagall retorted, biting her inner cheek as she raised an eyebrow in admonishment.

Sirius, a cheeky glint in his eye, smiled. “I won’t lie to you again, Minnie. We’re not sorry. We loved every minute, every second of his torment.”

Professor McGonagall’s lips twitched, betraying a hint of amusement beneath her stern demeanour. “That’s precisely the attitude I expect from you, Sirius. I urge you to find a better way to respond, one that doesn’t put you in danger.”

“I can’t promise anything of the sort,” James replied with a cheeky grin.

Professor McGonagall placed two fingers at the bridge of her nose, a gesture of both frustration and resignation. “You boys…” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, clearing her throat, she turned her gaze firmly upon them.

“Potter, I assume your exuberant display of transfiguration ought to be rewarded.”

“How’d you know it was me?” James protested playfully. “What if it was Sirius?”

“Potter,” she huffed, her tone both exasperated and fond. “You and I both know you are a prodigy at Transfiguration. That was an extremely advanced spell that you cast. Human transfiguration is notoriously difficult, even for the most skilled witches and wizards. It requires precision, control, and a deep understanding of the nuances of magical transformation.”

A flush of colour creeps into James’ cheeks at her compliment.

“Very well, then. I’ll award you two points for that impressive feat of transfiguration—something that even sixth and seventh years would struggle with. And,” she continued, a small smile breaking through her stern façade, “two points to each of you for standing up against the prejudice and ridicule from other students. It takes courage to defend your friends in the face of such ignorance.”

The boys exchanged glances, shocked at her unexpected praise.

“Thank you, Minnie! Have a splendid weekend then! I’ll see you next week?” Sirius sang, his voice light with cheer as he waved enthusiastically.

Professor McGonagall’s lips quivered at the corners, a reluctant smile breaking through her usual stern façade. “Off with you, three then.”

“Thank you, Professor,” Bruno smiled shyly, his heart swelling from her understanding demeanour. Her acceptance and praise soothed him like an ice cream on a warm day.

“See you Monday, Minnie!” James called, as the three of them waved and stepped out of her office.

Bruno glanced back at McGonagall, her expression softer than usual, and it filled him with a quiet confidence. As the door clicked shut behind them, he realised that for the first time in a while, he felt truly at ease.

“I still cannot believe you turned him into a chicken,” Bruno said, shaking his head in disbelief, a grin creeping onto his face. “The expression he had after he turned back—absolutely priceless!”

James chuckled, slapping Bruno on the back. “And let’s not forget you punched him! You really showed him, mate!”

Sirius joined in with a wide grin. “Honestly, I thought he might’ve fainted when you did that. It was brilliant!”

Remus stood at the end of the corridor, hands buried deep in his pockets, watching his friends with a bemused expression. “Ay, what’d you get then?” he called out.

“Detentions with Minnie,” Sirius shrugged, his nonchalance evident. “Honestly, it’s truly not the worst thing.”

James’s face lit up with pride. “And we’ve got house points too!”

Remus turned his attention to Bruno, curiosity evident in his eyes. “And how are you feeling now, mate?”

Bruno smiled, a genuine spark of joy igniting within him. “I’m better now. Honestly, I think punching him actually made my whole year,” he replied, his confidence growing as he spoke.

“I think that made all our years,” Remus chuckled, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Especially the chicken.”

“Definitely the chicken,” Bruno agreed, his laughter ringing through the corridor.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was freezing on the morning of Sirius’s birthday. The chill clung to the windows of the Gryffindor tower, frosting the panes in delicate patterns as the wind howled outside. Inside, the dormority’s stove roared with warmth, but Sirius remained as cool and unbothered as ever. He didn’t mention his birthday, not a single word about it, nor did he answer any questions about when it was or what he might like. To him, it was just a regular Wednesday, indistinguishable from any other, save for one small detail: he was twelve years old today, instead of eleven yesterday. That, he supposed, was the only notable change.

Sirius sat at the windowsill, cocooned in his blanket, fitting just right in the cutout, he stretched his legs along the cushion seat. He rested his head against the cool burgundy wallpapered stone, staring out over the grounds as the snow fell in a steady hush, layering the cobblestone paths in a pristine sheet of white.

Birthdays with his family were always held in the grand banquet hall, tucked away on the upper floor of his childhood home. His mother insisted on dressing him and his little brother in luxurious, formal robes, their collars stiff and uncomfortable, no trouble to be caused, no complaints to be made—just smiles and polite words. It was a well-rehearsed routine, one where Sirius and Regulus were paraded around like perfectly obedient dolls, a show of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black’s superiority.

In return for this, he was always showered with the most expensive gifts from his parents and relatives. Ornate, elegant things wrapped meticulously in black lace, stacked neatly against the walls of his room like trophies. Though the gestures were hollow, Sirius couldn’t help but appreciate them in his own way—if there was one thing he could look forward to on his birthday, it was the mountain of beautiful, luxurious presents. At least they were something real, something he could hold onto, even if they came with strings attached.

This birthday, however, was unlike any he had ever experienced. No grand gifts piled up at the foot of his bed, no carefully wrapped presents adorned with black lace. In fact, he didn’t receive a single present. Instead, two cards sat idly on his bedside table. One was from his mother. It wasn’t a birthday card—no well wishes or affection scribbled inside, only a cold declaration of punishment. 'You are not allowed to return home for the holiday, as a consequence of your treacherous behaviour.' The words stung, aching as the pain pressured through his body, latching onto his mind, brandishing the words across his brain. He swallowed back a sob.

He wasn’t surprised. Not really. But it still hurt more than he cared to admit.

The other card was scripted with the beautiful, careful penmanship of his little brother. Sirius swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in his throat as he unravelled the delicate ribbon sealing it together. His heart tightened as he read his brother’s familiar, sweet, innocent words.

Dear Sirius,

Happy Birthday! I am writing to you in secret. Mum and Dad are as angry as you may have heard. I hope you have told your new friends about your birthday and that they celebrate you. (I’m sure you have plenty of friends at Hogwarts!)

I miss you! I know we’re not supposed to talk since you're in Gryffindor and all that, but I reckon you’re very brave. Always brave, you were.

Make sure you eat well, and I hope the food is yummy. I would love to see how you look in red, despite the usual green we’ve always worn. I’ll see you in the summer. I wish I could’ve gifted you something, but I don’t know how to do that without getting caught.

With all the love in my heart,
R.A.B.

Sirius could feel the warmth radiating from Regulus’s words, a flicker of comfort on an otherwise lonely day. His little brother, so pure and innocent, was an angel—one Sirius would do anything to protect. He didn’t hate him—not at all. If Regulus, his baby brother, didn’t hate him, then… then it meant that it was all worth it. The constant silence from his family, the rejection—it didn’t matter. As long as Regulus didn’t see him as a failure or a horrid, despicable creature who deserved nothing, it was worth every ounce of their disdain. His defiance was worth the pain. All the ignorant beliefs their parents had tried to instil in him turned to ashes in an instant, as his own truths and beliefs surged to the surface. Every cold shoulder, every punishment, crumbled beneath the weight of one simple truth: Regulus didn’t view him as the monster their parents made him out to be. That, alone, was enough.

He read it over again, tears clogging his vision, and again, his heart fluttering against his chest. Each word felt like a lifeline, pulling him from the depths of loneliness. Regulus's unwavering belief in him pierced through the fog of doubt, a beacon of hope. Knowing what he knew—that their idea of punishment was to purposely ignore Sirius, to make him feel utterly alone—made Regulus's words even more precious. In the face of such deliberate cruelty, his brother's love became a shield, a reminder that he was not entirely lost, not entirely forsaken.

With a small choke escaping his lips, Sirius sniffled as he began to watch the sunrise, its gracious light spilling over the Hogwarts grounds, illuminating everything it touched. The soft shuffle of footsteps broke through his reverie, and he quickly wiped his cheeks with the warm blanket wrapped around him.

Turning to look at the four boys, who had just woken up, he saw them smiling widely, a box in their hands.

“We know you didn’t tell us it was your birthday, but I’ve got my ways,” James said at once, his hair more tousled than usual as he handed the box into Sirius’s hands.

“We figured that since you didn’t mention it, we wouldn’t make a fuss,” Remus added, his smile slightly crooked, his silvery scars glinting in the morning light.

“So we’ve got you a present,” Bruno chimed in, his voice warm and sincere. “Just to show you that we care.”

“But next year, we’re definitely making a big fuss.” Peter grins, his eyes droopy.

“Happy Birthday, Sirius,” James says, wrapping his arms around Sirius’s blanketed body.

Sirius stood there, frozen in time, as if the world around him had come to a standstill. His breath hitched in his throat, caught somewhere between disbelief and overwhelming joy. He didn’t dare move, his face a mask of incredulity as he watched the four boys—his friends—gesturing excitedly toward the present that lay in his hands. At that moment, he realised that he had never experienced such a feeling on his birthday before. Birthdays in his past had always been met with the same cold indifference that permeated his home life, wrapped tightly in the suffocating expectations imposed upon him by his family, like a shroud that stifled any semblance of joy.

But here, in the radiant warmth of his friends, something within him began to shift profoundly. Each beaming smile that lit up their faces was similar to the first light of dawn breaking through a long night, dispelling the shadows that had long lingered in his heart. It was a stark contrast to the lavish yet hollow celebrations he had grown accustomed to, where extravagant gifts were presented with empty smiles and the weight of expectation hung heavily in the air. He had spent years feeling like an outsider in his own family, a mere pawn in their cruel game of appearances, where love and affection were luxuries he could never afford.

Yet now, surrounded by the laughter, joy, and unabashed affection of his friends, he felt something he had almost forgotten existed: he felt seen, truly seen, for the first time. It was a revelation that washed over him, flooding the empty spaces within him that had long been haunted by feelings of worthlessness and isolation. As he reached down to unravel the gift, a powerful rush of gratitude surged through his entire being. They had remembered him and had gone out of their way to celebrate him, and that meant more to him than he could express in words.

This sense of belonging, this feeling of love he had always craved, now swirled around him, filling the empty spaces that had so often defined his life. Birthdays were meant to be joyful occasions, filled with laughter, warmth, and, above all, love—a contrast to the cold, hollow gatherings of his past, where superficial gestures left him feeling more empty than ever.

With the ribbon unravelling between his fingers, Sirius carefully opened the box, revealing a small mechanical device he had never seen before. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he inspected it.

“It’s a camera!” James beamed, pressing his cheek against Sirius’s, unable to contain his excitement. “Muggle invention—an analog camera. It’s not too old, but it’s really nice.”

Sirius blinked, his fingers tracing the edges of the camera, marvelling at the unfamiliar yet fascinating contraption. “Wow, this is truly beautiful.”

"You’re always talking about making memories, so why not capture them on film?" James grinned, nudging Sirius playfully. "We’ll look back on them when we’re old farts and reminisce about all the good times."

Sirius chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on the camera. The idea of preserving their moments, their adventures, felt oddly comforting—something tangible to hold on to, long after the laughter had faded.

“And we could even use a potion to make them move,” Remus added, his voice ringing with excitement.

Sirius turned the camera over in his hands.“That’s brilliant,” he murmured, a grin spreading across his face. "Moving memories... sounds like exactly what we need."

“Thank you,” Sirius muttered, his voice thick with emotion as he glanced between the four boys. “This is the best gift I’ve gotten in a while.”

The warmth in his chest felt overwhelming, the sincerity of the moment pressing into him. He had never expected to feel so seen, so cared for, especially today. Their gift wasn’t just a camera—it was a reminder that he wasn’t alone. He had found a family, not by blood, but by bond, and that meant more than anything his past birthdays could offer.

Sirius’s sadness washed away, like waves retreating from the shore, leaving behind a tide of comfort. The turmoil in his chest, once tangled and heavy, began to unravel. He felt lighter, freer, as if the weight of his past was slowly being lifted. With this new sense of self warming him from the inside, he tossed aside the blanket, standing up with renewed energy.

"Let’s put this to good use then," he grinned, the spark returning to his eyes.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Snow began to fall softly, gently covering the Hogwarts grounds in a pristine blanket of white. Each flake drifted gracefully through the crisp winter air, swirling before settling on the ancient stone walls and stretching across the vast landscape. The familiar grounds of the castle were transformed into a magical winter wonderland, serene and untouched.

Marianna, her hair curling slightly at the ends as it brushed against her shoulders, took a slow sip of her hot chocolate. A warm smile played on her lips as the rich, velvety taste spread through her mouth, its heat chasing away the morning chill. Beside her, her older brother Sebastian sat with his own cup of hot chocolate, lazily stirring it with a candy cane. He had grown taller recently, now towering over the other years, even while seated in the middle of them all.

It was a quiet Saturday morning, and the Gryffindor table was only half-full. Most of the house had chosen to stay in bed, too tired from the week’s lessons or lingering late-night conversations with friends. The few early risers around them were either munching sleepily on toast or nursing cups of tea, their conversations soft and unhurried, as if the morning itself hadn’t quite woken up yet.

Marianna sat next to Sebastian, enjoying the rare moment of peace with him. Ever since he had joined the Gryffindor Quidditch team as a Chaser, his schedule had become busier, and moments like these were few and far between.

“You’ve got practice today, Seb?” Marianna asked through the faint steam rising from her cup.

“Not today,” Sebastian replied, reaching for a stack of fluffy pancakes in front of him. “Yesterday was an early practice, though. It’s the only reason I’m even up at this hour. I knocked out right after dinner.”

Marianna chuckled, biting into a muffin. “That’s new for you,” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, who would’ve thought drills could make you sleepy?” Sebastian gazed at her, lips pursed, a mock seriousness in his expression.

Marianna rolled her eyes, resting her chin on her hand. “You want to do something today?” she asked. “We’ve barely spent any time together lately. A day for some proper brother-sister bonding sounds nice.”

Sebastian paused, mid-bite, before answering, his voice muffled by the mouthful of pancakes. “Yeah, that sounds good.” He swallowed and grinned. “Let’s take a stroll through the grounds. Just bundle up—it’s freezing out there.”

Marianna smiled, excited at the idea of spending time with him. "Deal."

Marianna finished her muffin, crumbs tumbling down her shirt, and took one last gulp of her minty hot chocolate.

The walk to Gryffindor Tower was freezing, the cold biting at their faces. Marianna’s body was shaking with each step from the bitter and harsh air that came and went. Each breath they took formed milky clouds in the frosty air. The chill had started to creep into the castle, settling in places that didn’t have roaring fireplaces.

When they reached the portrait hole, the Fat Lady was deep in gossip with her friend, barely noticing them. Their voices were ever so soft, nodding and cackling as the other animatedly said something.

Sebastian sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes to get her attention. As she and her friend jumped at the sudden unfamiliar noise, their eyes darted to the two in front of them. She whispered something to her friend, their faces both now serious. “Password?” The Fat Lady asked.

“Yorkshire,” he said, and the entrance swung open at once. Their gossiping resumed as they both shared boisterous laughter.

As they climbed through the portrait hole, warmth flooded them immediately. The roaring fireplace was fueling the large room, entirely eliminating any chill that had sneakily crept in. Their cheeks flush from the sudden temperature change. Marianna clapped her hands to her face, trying to warm up faster.

“Alright, I’ll meet you back down here,” Sebastian said, heading toward the boys’ dormitory staircase.

“Alright,” she huffed, trudging up the spiral stairs to the girls’ dormitory.

As she stepped into the room, her dormmates were fast asleep. The cosiness from the dorm hadn’t changed since this morning, the windows were shut, curtains drawn as if the sun wasn’t powerful enough to reach their room. Mary was snoring, face squished against her pillow. Marlene was half out of her blanket, her limbs sprawled in every direction. Dorcas was curled into a ball, snuggling a stuffed animal. And Lily, well—

“Hiya,” Lily smiled, peering over the top of her well-loved book, its yellowed pages between her fingertips. “Did you eat breakfast?”

“Mhm,” Marianna hummed, placing her trainers on the shoe rack. “I was with Seb. We’re going for a stroll.”

“Aww.” Lily chuckled, her eyes drifting back to her novel. “That’s sweet.”

“Yeah,” Marianna agreed, moving toward her corner of the room. “It’ll be nice.”

She opened her wardrobe, pulling out her cosiest jumper and thickest wool trousers, tossing them onto her pillow, which caused her cat, Pastina, to leap off the bed with a hiss before joining Dorcas. Marianna pulled out a pair of thick leggings and a cosy long-sleeved shirt. Her fingers lingered over the fluffy socks her mum had knitted last winter, each stitch a reminder of home. She bundled up in layers, the soft wool scarf wrapping snugly around her neck, like a hug from her mum across the miles. She pulled the sleeves of her wool jacket over her jumper and laced up her boots, opening the door to return back to the common room.

She sat in a cushioned armchair, adjusting her hat as it began to fall over her eyes. She turned her head to watch the boy’s staircase to look out for her brother. In a blink, two bodies slowly emerged from the archway.

James, dressed in a woolly jumper and some baggy jeans, hair wet and glasses askew, was walking behind a bundled up Sebastian. James, closely behind Sebastian, his curiosity evident in the way he prodded, “You’ve been practising a lot, yeah? I reckon that broom of yours barely sees a break.”

“Oh, it’s not the broom that’s tired,” Sebastian chuckled, tossing a glance over his shoulder. “It’s my ears. Mark’s constant nagging might wear them out before the season ends.”

“Well, he’s quite perfect for captain then,” James chuckled. “Captain’s duties are to nag, brag and boss around their team.”

“You’ll see what we deal with next year, James. I’m sure Mark won’t be too easy on you either.” Sebastian laughed, peering over the bannister, his eyes landing on Marianna.

“Ready?” she asked, smiling as she gestured toward the portrait hole. “If I stay here any longer with all these layers, I’m going to melt.”

“Morning, Marianna,” James called, sitting on one of the chairs next to the fire. “Where are you two off to?”

“Morning,” She smiled at him, “We’re just going for a stroll around the grounds.”

“All right,” James said, rubbing his hands together to warm them by the fire. “See you when you get back.”

“G’bye!” They waved, stepping through the portrait hole and into the corridor. The castle felt oddly quiet, with only the soft murmur of portraits gossiping with their neighbours. No one was heading toward the Great Hall, and the usual bustling energy was absent. It was as though the castle was holding its breath.

As they descended the grand staircase, Sebastian broke the comfortable silence. “So, how’s Hogwarts been treating you?”

“It’s been pretty good," Marianna replied, her boots crunching in the fresh snow beneath her feet. "The other first years are way nicer than I thought they'd be. We’ve all become mates, sort of."

“That’s great," he chuckled, nudging her with his elbow. "I was half-expecting you to be all mopey, lurking in corners, and not speaking a word to anyone."

She elbowed him back, her lips quivering into a smile. "For your information, talking to Amelia on the train helped calm my nerves. And then Lily and Severus kind of roped me into introducing myself, so... I didn’t really have a choice.”

“Ah, forced to socialise, meet kids your age... the horror!” He dramatically gasped, clutching his chest in mock fear.

She rolled her eyes. “Shush up. I’m a social butterfly now."

“I’m glad to hear that. It sounds like you’re settling in well," Sebastian said, his tone softening with sincerity.

“Yeah," she nodded, her breath forming small clouds in the chilly air. "I am."

The two walked aimlessly through the once deep-green grounds, now coated with a silky white cushion. The trees were bare, their skeletal branches dusted with powdery snow that glistened in the pale morning light. Snow crunched softly underfoot as they meandered past frost-covered statues, their figures wrapped in delicate layers of ice.

“Oh!” Marianna exclaimed, coming to an abrupt stop. “We should make a snowman! We usually do that at home, but it’s always fun, nonetheless.”

“Yeah,” Sebastian chuckled. “Alright, why not.”

They ventured a little further from the castle square, seeking out a secluded spot perfect for building their snowman. Marianna squatted down, scooping snow into her gloved hands and rolling it between her palms, the coldness seeping through the fabric with each movement. She dropped the snowball onto the ground and gave it a gentle kick to form the bottom of their snowman.

“What?” Sebastian teased, holding a medium-sized ball of snow. “Too cold for your dainty hands?”

Marianna stuck her tongue out at him, giving the growing snowball another nudge with her foot. This was a new technique she hadn’t tried before. As she rolled the snow, it gradually increased in size, and she kicked it softly towards Sebastian, who looked quite pleased with their progress.

“Now, we’ve got the middle,” he said, carefully placing it on top of the bottom section that Marianna had just created. “Now, all we need is the head.”

Marianna balled up more snow, feeling it stick to her woolly gloves as she shaped it. With a delicate touch, she set the final snowball atop the snowman’s body.

“Alright, I’ve got pebbles and branches!” Sebastian announced, his hands filled with the chosen materials for their creation.

Marianna picked up the pebbles and carefully arranged them down the snowman’s middle in a vertical line, creating its buttons. She placed two small pebbles on the head for its eyes and used the remaining stones to form a cheerful smile.

Meanwhile, Sebastian has two sturdy branches, placing them on either side of the snowman to serve as its arms. With a triumphant grin, he picked up the last branch and aimed to lodge it into the top of the snowman’s head. However, as he pressed it down, the entire structure quaked and collapsed, sending snow tumbling in every direction.

“Oops!” Sebastian exclaimed, his eyes wide as he watched their snowman collapse into a heap of white.

“Oops!” Marianna echoed, mockingly sticking out her tongue at him. “My hard work has been utterly ruined by the hands of a beast!”

With a huff of playful indignation, she scooped up the broken remains of her creation and hurled them at her brother’s jacket, snow tumbling down his trousers.

“If that’s how you want to play!” he laughed. He scooped up a handful of snow and flung it back at Marianna, the soft powder exploding around her.

“I’ll get you!” She exclaimed, grabbing more snow and pelleting it at her brother as he ran around in zigzags.

He grabbed another piece, throwing it directly at her but she quickly slid behind a bare tree. “Ha ha!” She annunciated, tossing the piece of snow at his leg.

Marianna bent down to scoop up more snow, peeking around the tree to check her brother's whereabouts. As she turned back, she found Sebastian standing right behind her, a snowball already crumpled in his gloved hands.

She raised her own snowball, her eyes narrowing to sow she’s not afraid to challenge. "Don’t think I’m afraid to use this."

“Payback time,” he grinned, launching the snowball at her shoulder with a light thud before dashing away, laughing as she gasped.

Marianna didn’t waste a second. With a determined smile, she wound up and hurled her snowball at his back, catching him off guard. He fell dramatically onto the snowy ground, clutching his chest as if wounded.

“I see the light,” Sebastian groaned, reaching one hand theatrically toward the sky, closing his eyes.

Marianna’s snow boots crunched against the snow, crouching down to check if he was okay. As she leaned in, Sebastian’s still face had regained a grin, it spread across his face, and before she could react, he smashed a snowball into her hair.

Her shriek of surprise was quickly drowned out by both of their laughter, echoing across the snowy grounds. The two ran around, pelting snow at each other, their clothes covered in icy patches. Despite the cold, Marianna’s heart swelled with warmth—she needed this.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“I seriously cannot fathom why you’re asking me whether or not you should charm the Slytherins to levitate in the corridors,” Lily hissed, her back still turned to Sirius and James. She refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her face. “You two are nothing but bullies.”

“Bullies?” Sirius scoffed, his robes rustling as he stepped closer. “No, we’re providing a public service, you see.”

Lily scoffed in return, her frustration mounting. The arrogance, the sheer ignorance—they seemed completely blind to the harm they were causing. It appalled her. The way they mocked others, took pride in causing humiliation, and thought nothing of it left her cold.

“An act of service?” she retorted, rising from her cushioned seat. “That’s not what I’d call it. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

James’s voice chimed in, full of smug satisfaction. “I’m glad someone around here has such superior morals. Holier than thou, eh, Evans?”

“At least I have morals,” Lily shot back, snapping her head towards them. Her eyes flared with anger as she stared at their unapologetic smirks. They stood there, utterly self-assured, proud of themselves for their petty acts of cruelty.

“We have morals alright.” Sirius lazily shrugs, his smug smirk rising on his cheek. “They’re the ones with no morals. We’re just trying to help them.”

“Help?” Lily’s heart was pumping aggressively in her ears. “What exactly are you helping them with?”

“Helping them stay in check,” James answered, his voice filled with mock sincerity. “One wrong move and they’ll be lighting our whole castle on fire. We wouldn’t want that now, would we, Evans?” His eyes gleaming with amusement.

“You think this is funny,” she muttered, her voice trembling slightly. “You’re just as bad as they are. Worse, because you think you’re justified.”

Her words hung in the air as she turned on her heel, leaving the common room with a heavy thud escaping into the room. Her anger was spilling out of her like an overfilled cup of steaming tea, pouring from the sides.

She searched the corridors until she found him—Severus, sitting on a bench, his dark peacoat swallowing him like a shield. She exhaled sharply, her heart rate slowing just at the sight of him. He always had that effect on her. She let out a small laugh despite herself, amused by how the oversized coat made him look smaller.

Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, burying her face in the scratchy fabric of his coat, seeking comfort. His body stiffened at first, then relaxed, his arms slowly encircling her in response.

“What’s this for?” he whispered, his voice low and a bit surprised, as his arms tightened around her in response.

“Just because,” she replied, a bright smile breaking across her face as she nestled her head against his chest, inhaling the faint scent of laundry soap.

His cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, and he took her hand in his, his grip surprisingly firm. “Ready, Lil?” he asked, a hint of nervousness threading through his tone.

She nodded, her anger mingling with the chilly air around them. “Yes, please. Anything to get away from them.” With that, they began to walk, side by side, hand in hand, as they made their way toward the Clock Tower Courtyard.

“What’s happened now?” Severus sighed, his body stiffening at the thought. “It’s always something with them.”

“They think what they’re doing is justified.” She scoffed, recalling the day’s events. “I don’t understand how the girls can see any value in those two as mates.”

“Well, it’s clear they’ve yet to grasp the meaning of true friendship,” Severus said, his tone thick with disapproval as they crossed toward the third floor. He glanced sideways at her, his dark eyes lingering on her expression. “You can’t seriously believe they have your best interests at heart. You shouldn’t subject yourself to their nonsense, Lily. They’re not good for you.”

Lily stopped abruptly, turning to face him. A cold resolve flickered in her eyes. “No, Severus.” Her voice was calm, but firm. “The girls are good. They are my mates, and they will stay my mates, no matter who else they associate with.”

Severus’s brow furrowed deeper, but her words had not deterred him. “But look at how those idiotic boys behave. They don’t respect you, or anyone who doesn’t fit their limited, arrogant view of the world.”

Lily’s frustration deepened, her voice rising slightly. “I know they can be unbearable, but this isn’t about them, Severus. The girls are different. We actually care about each other. That’s what matters.”

Severus’s words tumbled out with a sense of urgency. “But you must see—they’re not genuine, they’ll only hurt you—”

Her hair whipped over her shoulder as she met his gaze with steely resolve. “You don’t get to decide who my friends are, Severus. I’m not naive.”

He flinched slightly at her sharp tone but pressed on, his voice softer now. “Lily, I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

For a brief moment, her heart softened at his concern, but she knew she needed to stand her ground. “I appreciate that, Severus, I do. But I can handle this. I’m not asking you to fight my battles. I just need you to support me in making my own choices.”

Severus’s expression faltered, but he said nothing. They stood in silence for a beat, the tension eating away before they resumed walking, the chilly air swirling around them once more. His gaze softened, and he sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

“I just worry, Lily,” he muttered, his voice low but sincere. “I don’t trust them, and I hate to see you dragged into their messes. You deserve more than that.”

Lily smiled faintly, appreciating his concern despite the tension. “I know you mean well, Sev. But I’ll be alright. The girls are worth it.”

Severus studied her face for a long moment as if weighing whether to push the issue further. Finally, he nodded, though reluctance clouded his eyes. “Alright. But if they hurt you, I won’t stand by and watch.”

Lily squeezed his hand. “You don’t have to stand by. I just need you to be there.”

His lips quirked ever so slightly, a subtle smile shared between them. They continued their walk, the tension melting away as the path ahead led them toward the wooden bridge that stretched toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The air was crisp, the evening light fading into soft hues of dusk.

Lily’s eyes drifted toward the trees in the distance, her thoughts wandering. “I think I want to pick some snowdrops,” she said softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “They’ve always been my favourite.”

Severus glanced at her, his usual guarded expression easing into something gentler. “Snowdrops? I never knew that.” His voice was quieter now, almost as if he enjoyed these small, shared secrets about her.

“They remind me of home,” Lily admitted, her voice warm with nostalgia. “Simple but strong. They push through the cold, even when everything else has wilted away.”

Severus nodded thoughtfully, understanding in his gaze. “I suppose you’d like that,” he murmured. “It suits you.”

Lily gave him a sidelong glance, her heart lightened by the conversation. They reached the bridge, its wooden planks creaking beneath their feet, and the quiet surroundings allowed their friendship to fill the space between them.

“There,” Lily pointed, her eyes lighting up as she spotted a small cluster of delicate snowdrops standing out against the browning grass like tiny stars scattered across the earth. She hurried over, crouching down, her fingers gently brushing the soft, fragile petals. “They’re just like I remember,” she murmured, a wistful smile tugging at her lips.

The cold breeze ruffled her hair, sending a few loose strands across her face, but she didn’t seem to notice. The flowers held all her attention, their pale, bell-like blossoms swaying slightly with the wind. There was something serene about the moment, a quiet beauty in the simple act of reconnecting with nature.

Severus crouched beside her, watching her with quiet interest before plucking one of the flowers delicately. He twirled it between his fingers, studying it as though it held a secret. “It’s strange,” he said, his voice low, almost thoughtful, “seeing something so fragile survive in a place like this.”

Lily glanced up at him, her green eyes sparkling with fondness. She reached for one of the flowers herself, plucking it gently as if it might crumble in her grasp. “That’s what makes them special,” she replied, turning the blossom between her fingers, admiring the way the pale petals caught the fading light. “They’re not as fragile as they seem.”

Severus’s gaze lingered on her longer than it did on the flower, his dark eyes filled with a depth of thought, something unspoken hovering between them. “Much like you, then,” he said softly, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.

Lily chuckled at the comparison, shaking her head as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Strong-willed, I am,” she said with a teasing glint in her eye, standing up a little straighter. “And don’t you forget it.”

He laughed at her—an easy, warm sound that wasn’t heard often. It was as if, for that moment, the weight of the world fell away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet sanctuary of the Forbidden Forest’s edge. The laughter faded, but the warmth remained, as Severus bent down to pluck a few more snowdrops, his fingers deft and careful, handling the delicate flowers with unexpected tenderness.

As he stood, he extended the handful of blossoms toward her. “Here,” he said simply, his tone softened, almost reverent.

Lily took them, her smile widening as she carefully arranged them with the one she already held. “You’re too kind,” she said, her voice light but sincere, tucking the flowers into the folds of her robe.

“C’mon, Lils. It’s getting late.” He smiled, pulling her up from her crouched position.

The air around them grew cooler, the fading sunlight casting long shadows over the grounds. The soft crunch of leaves beneath their feet was the only sound that filled the space between them, though it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence—just the kind that happens when words aren’t necessary.

The castle loomed larger as they neared, the heavy oak doors waiting to welcome them back into the warmth of the bustling school. Severus slowed his pace, as if reluctant to step back into the noise and commotion that awaited them inside. Lily noticed, her steps faltering for a moment before she turned to face him.

“Thanks for this, Severus,” she said quietly, her eyes meeting his. “For always being there when I need you.”

He looked at her, something unspoken passing between them, before nodding once, his expression unreadable but sincere. “Always, Lily.”

With that, they stepped through the doors of the castle, the world outside fading away as the noise of the Great Hall welcomed them back.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remus was sprawled across Bruno’s bed, his feet resting comfortably over Bruno’s lap, a book from his ever-growing collection of gifts from his mum held in his hands as he enjoyed the quiet that always seemed to accompany the time he and Bruno spent together. The room was a cosy refuge, filled with the faint smell of parchment, freshly washed robes, and the aroma of Remus’s several plants scattered along the windowsill. The warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the boys' empty dormitory, creating a dim light source.

Outside, the biting chill clenched to the air, making the thought of venturing out utterly unappealing. While the rest of the lads opted to make their travels this evening, Remus chose to stay in, finding comfort in the company of Bruno—the one he had taken a liking to, sticking to him like a flea.

Moments spent with Bruno were treasures Remus cherished. He brought a sense of comfort that Remus never realised he quite needed until he found stability in him. For that, Remus clung to him like a moth, basking in his warmth and light as if his life depended on it. Bruno’s ease was subtle, not demanding an audience or a standing ovation; it was a stillness that only he could manage. He was like a steadying presence, the kind that made you want to wallow beside it, allowing your worries and turmoil to unwind, loosening as if they were never meant to be seen again. He was like a well-worn jumper, the one he could return to when things got too complicated—no prying questions, no pressing judgments, just pure comfort and ease. And that would tether Remus along like a small puppy following its owner.

Remus often found himself captivated by the little things Bruno did—like how he swapped his quill for Muggle pens, insisting they were easier to use, or how he effortlessly ensured his friends were always smiling, often through small, unnoticed gestures. Bruno wasn’t one to put on a show; he never sought attention for the way he cared. When silences stretched between them, there was no awkwardness. Instead, those moments felt warmer, as if the quiet was as integral to their friendship as anything else. There was no need to fill the air with empty words because Bruno understood him in a way the others didn’t. For that reason alone, Remus would easily consider Bruno to be his favourite among the lads.

Sure, the other boys were also his best mates – some more than others – but Bruno was the one he liked the most. He was the one he trusted to just be there. He knew it wasn’t entirely fair to rank his friends, but it made sense to him, in his heart. But he would never ever reveal it. He had an image to uphold, an image of a stone cold boy who was merely there, never sharing too much, never allowing his secret to break through the surface, revealing just enough to keep his friends. So, he’ll simply just enjoy the silence that Bruno so generously provides, embracing it with all his might.

“Home’s going to be a lot colder than this,” Bruno sighed, tugging a second jumper over his head. “I think that’s what I’ll miss most during break—the warmth here.” He leaned back against the wall, glancing at the window where dark clouds were beginning to gather, threatening an early evening.

Remus hummed in agreement, letting the book settle lower over his chest, the pages rustling softly. “Cold where you live, then?”

“Sort of,” Bruno shrugged, rubbing his arms for warmth as he settled deeper into the blankets. “My flat’s pretty small, so the cold just kind of stays trapped inside.” He cast a wistful glance around the room.

Remus smirked, a teasing glint in his eye as he met Bruno’s gaze. “Well, just wear more jumpers. Like you’re doing now.”

Bruno rolled his eyes, tugging at a loose thread on his jumper with an exasperated sigh. “Yeah, yeah, that’s the plan, doofus. I’ve forgotten how tiny my place is, being here. Hogwarts feels like a mansion in comparison.”

Remus propped himself up on his elbow, tilting his head to look more closely at his friend. “Yeah, it does make everything back home seem a lot smaller,” he mused, his mind wandering to the familiar corners of his own home, the creaky floorboards, and the faint scent of his mother’s cooking wafting through the air.

“Are you excited to return home?” Bruno asked.

Remus nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he thought of his family. “Yeah... I’ve missed my parents. Mostly Mum, though.” His voice wavering slightly, the thought of being back in his Mum’s embrace, her stinky perfume that Remus hated, but she loved it all the same.

Bruno’s smile grew, more genuine now, lighting up his face. “Yeah, same. I’ve really missed mine.” He leaned back against the headboard, his eyes drifting to the ceiling as if lost in memories.

“It'll be refreshing to see Mum and Dad again, to sleep in my own bed,” Remus added, resuming his reading, the book pressing against his chest once more.

“Yeah, it will be. I miss my bed.” Bruno sighed, yawning widely. “It'll be weird not waking up and seeing everyone, though.”

“That’s true.” Remus flipped the page. “I could go without the yelling for two weeks.”

“I’ll miss everyone. I’ll miss seeing you, Remus.” Bruno sighed, playfully pinching Remus’s arm. “Being without you after being together for three months will be rather weird.”

Remus chuckled, feeling the weight of the world lift just a little. “You’re an absolute sentimental ninny, you know that?” he teased, nudging Bruno with his foot.

“Only for you, mate,” Bruno shot back, a grin spreading across his face.

Bruno was good for that, no prying, just the small gesture to show he was there and he cared. And that was something Remus appreciated more than anything, allowing him to breathe a little easier.

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It was an early night, and the moonlight spilt into the Gryffindor first-year girls' dormitory, the silver beams mixing with the golden glow of their flickering lamps. The five girls were scattered across the room, their focus on the simple ritual of preparing for the upcoming term break.

Marianna sat cross-legged, her hand balanced carefully on her knee as she tried to steady herself, brushing a deep crimson polish onto her nails with precise strokes. The rich red glistened in the dim light, a contrast to her olive fingers. Across from her, Marlene tilted her hands at different angles, squinting as she inspected the evenness of the light blue polish on each nail. A small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips when she found no streaks. Dorcas was muttering under her breath, wiping smudges off her emerald green nails with a q-tip, her lips twisting into a frustrated pout. Lily blew softly on her freshly painted nails, her brow furrowed in concentration. The pale pink polish shimmered under the soft lamplight, and she paused between each breath, carefully inspecting her work for any signs of imperfection. On the other side of the room, Mary sat frowning, still rummaging through the basket of polishes. The collection rattled softly as she sifted through the bottles, her brow furrowing deeper as she struggled to settle on a colour.

“What do half of these nail polish names even mean? Like, why is this bright pink called Bikini Spots ?” Mary huffed, setting a few colours on the nightstand with a roll of her eyes. She picked up another bottle and squinted at the label. “ Seduce Me ,” she snorted, then grabbed another one. “ Tickle My France-y ?” She snorted again, shaking her head in disbelief.

“It's like a play on words,” Lily chimed in, applying another coat of pale pink to each of her nails with careful precision. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she spoke. “But, yeah, some are rather... suggestive.”

“They say sex sells…” Marlene added with a smirk, turning over the bottle in her hand to check its name. “ Mi Casa Es Blue Casa ,” she read aloud, giggling softly.

Dorcas raised an eyebrow, wiping the excess polish from her emerald green nails with a q-tip. “ Rated PeaG ,” she echoed. The name drew a collective laugh from the room.

Marianna chuckled softly, more focused on trying to finish her nails without smudging them. “Some are pretty innuendo, I just focus on the colour, rarely looking at the name of the bloody polish,” she says.

“Maybe it helps people feel glamorous or something,” Lily offered, lifting her nails closer to the light for inspection. The pale pink shimmered softly, and she squinted, checking for any smudges. “Like they’re not just wearing a colour—they’re making a statement.”

“Yeah, look how lucious I am for painting my nails with Tickle My France-y ,” Mary quipped, rolling her eyes again as she held up a metallic silver bottle. “ Silver Stiletto —at least this one makes sense.”

“Oh shut it,” Marlene guffawed, tossing a q-tip at Mary’s back. “When you’d get so picky? Just pick one already.”

“Marley!” Mary huffs, spinning around to face the girls all seated comfortably on the rugged floor. “That was uncalled for!”

“Desperate measures for desperate gals, love.” Marlene teased with a smirk. “Just pick something already, we’re not leaving this spot until you do.”

“Fine,” Mary relented, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress a grin. She grabbed a shimmery white polish and plopped down, the circle now complete.

“So, what’s the name of yours then, picky Mary?” Dorcas grinned, fanning her fingers gently, showing off her emerald nails that glistened under the soft lamp light.

Mary rolled her eyes. “ Glazed Pearl ,” she read, her cheeks warming with a smile. “Not half bad, if I do say so myself.”

“Well, it’s a bloody nail polish,” Lily chuckled, her eyes crinkling with amusement. “They’re not going to have groundbreaking names.”

“That’s true,” Mary giggled, her focus shifting to her nails as she began painting, the shimmery white polish glistening on her fingertips. “If I had the chance, I’d create the fanciest and most captivating colour names—something no one would ever second-guess.”

“So, you’re saying you could do better than Red-Veal Your Truth ?” Marianna teased, raising her brows as she carefully blew on her drying crimson nails. “I don’t think it gets any better than that.”

“Okay, okay,” Mary laughed, the sound light and easy now. “That colour does look good on you, Marianna.”

“Red, for the brave-hearted,” Dorcas cooed, reaching over to gently pat each of Marianna’s fingers, checking if they were dry. “It suits you.”

“Well, I actually picked red for Christmas, but,” Marianna giggled, “I guess it could be Gryffindor pride too.”

“Yeah, I picked green for Christmas too.” Dorcas flashed her nails, a smile tugging on her lips. “I always liked getting my nails painted, it makes me feel pretty.”

“Me as well,” Lily added, her fingers splayed as she inspected them. “Makes me feel confident.”

“Like armour,” Mary chimed in, her gaze fixed on her nails as she painted. “It’s a little pick-me-up, gives you a pep in your step.”

“Mhm,” Marlene murmured in agreement, her shoulder brushing against Mary’s as she shifted closer. “A boost of confidence.”

“That’s why I brought it,” Marianna said, her voice softening. “A little self-care to ease the stress.”

“And I’m eternally grateful for you, Mari.” Mary chuckled, now painting her right hand. “I’ve got to do something here to feel like a proper human being.”

“Here’s something to make you feel human,” Dorcas teased, pinching Mary’s cheek playfully.

Mary swatted her hand away with a laugh, sticking her tongue out. “Oh, bugger off! I’m just saying—”

“We know that, silly,” Marlene said, her smile widening as she leaned closer to Mary. “It’s like we’re trapped here, but not in a Stockholm Syndrome way. We’re cocooned in a bubble, just us.”

“Prisoners,” Lily quipped with a giggle. “Trapped in a tower, sheltered from the outside world, just like Rapunzel.”

“But, unlike Rapunzel at least we’ve got lots of people around us.” Dorcas hummed, glancing at Marianna, who was returning the favour, patting Dorcas’s fingers gently to see if they were dry. “Just trapped and sheltered.”

“Forced to learn, forced to talk.” Mary added, redirecting her eyes to the girls.

“You love to talk.” Dorcas chuckled, crossing her arms. “Especially to us.”

“Well, yeah,” Mary admitted, her smile softening as her eyes swept over her friends. “I do love to talk… Especially if I’m talking to you all. I’d take being Rapunzel any day with you.”

“Aww, Mary’s a sweetpea! You love us!” Marlene cooed, throwing an arm around her shoulders and giving them a gentle squeeze.

Mary shot Marlene a half-hearted glare, playfully pinching her nose in defiance. “I guess so,” she muttered.

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“If you aren’t going to be returning home for Christmas break, please join me in my office so we can prepare for dinner plans,” Professor McGonagall announced, her gaze sweeping across the sea of students. It was two weeks before term break, and her voice cut through the gentle hum of dinnertime conversation. Sirius Black, halfway through his broccoli, looked up and caught her eye.

Her words seemed to pull him from his thoughts, a stark reminder that this year he would be alone for Christmas. The realisation settled into his chest like a weight, cold and immovable. A shiver ran up his spine, despite the warmth of the Great Hall. He set his fork down and took a sip of his tea, his appetite vanishing entirely.

“I’m so ready to go home for break,” Marlene chirped from across the table, blissfully unaware of Sirius’s sinking mood. She sipped her jasmine tea, her eyes bright. “I’ve got loads to tell Mum and Da.”

“I can’t wait to show them how I’ve learned to cast fire,” Mary chimed in. “I reckon they’ll be bewildered by our curriculum.”

“Yeah, tell ‘em how ghosts are real and they’ll lose their tits,” Lily whispered, her cheeks flushing.

“That they will.” Mary laughed, nudging Lily playfully.

As dinner was dismissed, Sirius trailed behind the rest of the Gryffindors, his movements slow and deliberate. He made the familiar trek toward the Tower, showing his face among his housemates for a brief moment, before turning down a quieter corridor that led to McGonagall’s office. His head hung low, waves of dark hair falling over his face as he reached her door. He stood there, waiting to listen for the sound of her heels clicking against the stone floors, dreading the conversation ahead.

“Sirius.”

He froze, instinctively retreating further into himself. “Wrong person,” he muttered, not looking up. His voice was flat, laced with embarrassment—embarrassment for being here, for having nowhere to go, for the idea that others might see this as punishment.

“Don’t be daft. It’s just me.”

Sirius hesitated before peeking through the curtain of his hair. His gaze landed on a pair of untied shoelaces—James’s untied shoelaces. Slowly, he lifted his head.

“I’ve got to tell Minnie I’m staying here for the break,” Sirius mumbled.

“So am I,” James said casually, shrugging as if it were no big deal. “No shame about it.”

“James—”

James waved a hand dismissively. “Mum and Dad sent me a letter this morning. They’ve got some wizarding convention to attend. It’s all the way in Wales, and they won’t make it back in time for Christmas.”

“Oh.” Sirius’s voice was barely above a whisper, his lips pressed into a thin line.

James grinned, his smile easy and infectious. “At least we’re together for Christmas, right?”

Sirius felt the tension in his chest loosen, if only a little. He sighed, his own smile flickering into place. “Yeah. Together for Christmas.”

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Dear Mum and Dad,

I’m sorry to impose this heartbreaking news on you both but… I’ve decided to stay at Hogwarts for the term break.

My best mate, Sirius (the one I’ve mentioned before), is staying here, so I figured I’d stay and keep him company. It just wouldn’t feel right letting him spend Christmas alone. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure we have a great time.

I’ll miss being home with you, but I’ll see you soon enough. Sending you extra hugs and all my love.

With love,
James

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Overnight, the castle had transformed. Pine trees, draped in glittering ornaments, lined the corridors, their twinkling lights casting a warm glow. Tall nutcrackers now stood guard where knights had been stationed just the day before, their painted faces frozen in stiff salutes. Garlands of pinecones and mistletoe spiralled along the walls, their fresh scent filling the air, as the spirit of Christmas swept through the castle, embracing every corner in festive cheer.

Sirius and James were in the Great Hall, half-heartedly poking at their breakfast as students began to make their way to the Hogsmeade station, eager to head home for Christmas. Though still exhausted from the night before, they had dragged themselves down to say goodbye to their friends before everyone left for the holidays.

Peter had been the first to make his way down, his trunk dragging heavily behind him and his scarf swallowing most of his face. He gave the two boys a quick, almost frantic hug before waving at them fervently, muttering about being late for the train. “Bruno and Remus take far too long,” he grumbled under his breath as he hurried off, casting a few anxious glances over his shoulder.

Bruno was dressed for the cold, his heavy wool jacket nearly swallowing him whole, the bulk of it making him look even smaller under the weight of his trunk. He shifted his hands to find a better grip, but it didn’t stop the case from weighing him down, its edges dragging slightly against the stone floor. He hugged both Sirius and James tightly, promising to write whenever he got the chance.

Remus stood beside him, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips, dressed in a deep brown corduroy jacket with a beige knitted hat pulled snug over his ears. As Bruno turned to leave, Remus ruffled the hair of Sirius and James in his usual understated way, offering a wave goodbye. But before he could pull back, the two boys tugged him into a tight hug, leaving no room for restraint. Despite his usual reluctance with affection, the faint glow on his face betrayed that he enjoyed it more than he let on.

“Don’t miss us too much!” Sirius called out with a smirk, blowing an exaggerated kiss toward Bruno and Remus.

“Tell your parents we send our love!” James hollered, waving wildly.

“Take care of yourselves now!” Bruno called out, waving one last time as he and Remus turned towards the grand oak doors, their footsteps echoing in the nearly empty hall. The doors heavy slam reverberating through the hall.

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“I’ll see you soon, okay?” Mary said softly, pulling Marlene into a tight hug. Her arms lingered, squeezing just a bit longer than usual as if to hold onto the moment. “I’ll write to you, and that’s a promise.”

“Pinky promise,” Marlene muttered, her voice thick with emotion as she stuck out her pinky, eyes brimming with tears. Mary linked her own around it, her grip gentle but firm, sealing the promise with meaning.

“Okay, Mare,” Marlene whispered, her breath hitching as she wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. “I’ll see you soon.”

As Mary stepped back, the train gave a soft lurch, a reminder of their departure, but Marlene turned to Marianna, burying her face into her shoulder. Her grip tightened around Marianna’s torso, holding on as if she didn’t want to let go.

“Mari,” she murmured, her voice cracking, “I’ll miss you so much.”

“Marley, we’ll be back in two weeks,” Marianna said gently, though her own voice wavered as she stroked Marlene’s back, trying to soothe her. She pressed a soft kiss to Marlene’s forehead, a simple gesture filled with warmth. “I’ll miss you too. We all will.”

The train’s windows fogged slightly from the cold outside, framing the scene with an ethereal quality. Marlene shifted, her tears soaking into Marianna’s sweater before moving into Dorcas’s embrace. Dorcas rubbed her back in gentle, soothing circles.

“You’re precious,” Dorcas murmured, her voice low and comforting as she wiped Marlene’s tears away with the cuff of her sleeve. “We’ll be back together before you know it.”

“Yes,” Lily added, stepping forward and folding Marlene into her arms as well. The group hug tightened around her. “Don’t worry, we’ll all be back together soon. It’s only a short break.”

The compartment door slid open, letting in a burst of cold air as students began to shuffle out, dragging trunks behind them. Marlene gave a final sniffle, grabbing her trunk from the overhead stash.

“Okay,” she sniffled, her voice small but steady. “I’ll see your darling faces soon.”

They all lingered for a moment, unwilling to fully let go just yet, the reality of parting sinking in. Then, one by one, they stepped into the aisle, following the flow of students towards the train’s exit.

One by one, they followed the crowd off the train. The bustling platform engulfing them in the blur of families and laughter. Mary was the first to be swept up by her parents, their arms tightly wrapped around her as they exchanged kisses on her cheeks. She waved over her mum’s shoulder, mouthing, “I’ll miss you.”

Marlene, still red-eyed, spotted her mum waving from the edge of the crowd. She gave the others one last look before rushing into her arms, burying her face in her mum’s scarf. Dorcas was next, exchanging embraces with her parents before glancing back at her friends with a small smile.

As Marianna stepped off the train, she could see her own parents waiting, her siblings bouncing on their feet in excitement. She hesitated, looking back at the others one last time before giving them a firm nod. The lump in her throat loosened as her brother ran up to her, tugging on her coat.

Lily lingered, watching her friends disappear into the sea of people. A familiar voice called her name, pulling her back to reality as she spotted her family waving from the other side of the platform. With one last look at the train, she hurried towards them, her heart both heavy and light.

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