The House Lounge was a rare place of neutrality within Hogwarts, a space where students from all four houses could gather without the usual tensions. It was the perfect place for Remus to introduce a new presence into the Marauders’ dynamic—though new wasn’t quite the right word. The person beside him had always been a presence, just not one the others had ever expected to be sitting with them.

Lounging in an armchair, exuding the kind of effortless authority that made people think twice before speaking, the Slytherin Marauder was impossible to ignore. Whether it was the sharp, calculating gaze or the reputation that preceded them, they were someone no one dared to cross. And yet, Remus had brought them here, settling them among the most notorious Gryffindors in school.

James adjusted his glasses, openly staring before glancing at Remus. “You’re serious?”

“No, I’m Sirius,” came the immediate quip, but even Black’s usual humor had an edge of intrigue as he studied the Slytherin before them.

“They’re not that bad,” Remus said, though he knew that wasn’t exactly reassuring.

“Not that bad?” Peter muttered under his breath, sneaking a glance at the students across the room who kept sending nervous, fleeting looks in their direction.

James leaned forward, arms resting on his knees, scrutinizing their new companion. “So you’re telling me this is the person everyone’s afraid of?”

A slow, measured look in return. Not a word spoken, but the weight of it was enough to make James blink and lean back slightly.

Sirius let out a low whistle. “Bloody hell, I like them already.”

Across the lounge, students continued to steal glances—some wary, others clearly admiring. It wasn’t just fear that made the Slytherin Marauder’s presence so commanding. It was something else, something magnetic. And that fact wasn’t lost on the Gryffindors now sitting with them.

James smirked, ever the one to meet a challenge head-on. “Well, if Remus says you’re in, then you’re in.”

Sirius grinned. “Welcome to the madness, then.”