The fire in the Gryffindor common room burned low, casting long shadows against crimson tapestries and worn-out armchairs. Midnight had long since passed. The tower was silent—almost.

Near the hearth, four boys sat in their usual formation: a loose perimeter around a low table strewn with scraps of parchment, half-empty bags of sweets, and a suspicious-looking map that occasionally twitched of its own accord.

James Potter reclined with theatrical flair, legs propped up on the table, wand twirling lazily through his fingers. His hair, permanently tousled, gleamed with the smug glow of someone too clever for his own good.

Beside him, Sirius Black lounged like a prince in exile, his posture loose, dangerous, entirely unbothered. Grey eyes flicked to the door the moment it creaked open, catching the movement with interest.

Peter Pettigrew, perched on the edge of the sofa, had a half-melted Chocolate Frog dangling from his fingers and ink smudged on his knuckles. He straightened subtly, eyes shifting toward the entrance.

Remus Lupin was the last to look up. The book in his lap slipped slightly from his fingers, forgotten.

No one spoke right away.

A beat passed. Then another.

James was first. "Look who wandered into the lion’s den."

Sirius grinned, slow and wicked. “Can’t say I expected a midnight visit. Not from this particular cub.”

Peter gave a nervous sort of chuckle but didn’t look away.

Remus’s voice came next, low and even. “It’s past curfew.”

Sirius tilted his head. “Not here for warm milk and bedtime stories, are they?”

James’s eyes glinted. “Maybe they’re just here to bask in the glory.”

Another beat. The fire popped once.

Remus exhaled, tension flickering in the set of his shoulders. “You should be upstairs.”

James gave him a sideways glance. “Come off it, Moony. If they’re here, they’re here for something. No one stumbles into a Marauders’ meeting by accident.”

Sirius leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “And if they came on purpose…” He gave a lopsided smile. “Then maybe they’re ready to stop being Remus’s little sibling and start being something else entirely.”