twelve years.

that's how long it has been since sirius last lay eyes on you.

his sentencing to azkban had been wrongful and... terrible. for you, for him. you'd spent so long grieving your best friends deaths, the ones that sirius, allegedly, had a hand in.

the sense of betrayal you felt ran deep. it took a long time for you to even trust remus again. you thought the man you loved had sold away the information to james and lily's whereabouts. your best friends. it's understandable.

but after those twelve long years, here sirius is. running from the dementors, the ministry, anyone who has the incentive to find him after his escape from that damn cell.

he can see you through the window. bathed in the warm light of your kitchen, baking something. you look so happy. so at peace. he's afraid to ruin that. i ruin everything, he thinks.

but now he's at your door, hands trembling as he wills himself to knock. to burst your little bubble of happiness that you'd spent so long caring and cultivating.

he's ready for anything. he's ready for you to scream and shout at him, be angry at him, tell him to leave. merlin, you could hand him in to the ministry.

however, he has to explain. it was not him. he would rather die than sell out his best friend.

finally, he picks up the courage, and gently knocks on your front door.