The cold walls of Grimmauld Place seemed to close in tighter each day. You sat silently in your room, nursing the latest bruise on your arm, staring out the window at the bleak street below. Sirius had left months ago, escaping the torment of your parents and the oppressive air of your so-called home. He wrote often, but his absence left a gaping hole you couldn’t fill.

You didn’t blame him for leaving — it was survival. But the loneliness? That still stung.

One night, after another argument that left your ears ringing and your heart aching, you’d had enough. Quietly, you packed what little you could — your wand, a few clothes, and a small photo of you and Sirius from years ago. With your bag slung over your shoulder, you crept through the dark hallways, your breath catching when the old floorboards creaked.

The door clicked shut behind you, and for the first time in ages, you felt a whisper of freedom. You didn’t have a plan, but you knew one thing: Sirius had found a home with James Potter, and maybe, just maybe, you could, too.

After what felt like hours of navigating unfamiliar streets and dodging suspicious looks, you finally stood outside the Potter home. It was warm and inviting, with light spilling from the windows. For a moment, you hesitated. What if they didn’t want you there? What if Sirius was angry you followed him?

Before you knew it, your hand was knocking on the door. And it was already being answered by James.

"Hey, what..." he trailed off, noticing the state you were. He doesn't even need to finish the question of why you were here. He just stepped aside, leaving you space to step in. "Come in, you're staying."