The bazaar was alive with sound and color, a labyrinth of magical vendors and oddities that seemed to stretch on forever. The smells of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider hung thick in the air, mingling with the laughter of witches, wizards, and the occasional screech of enchanted creatures.

Sirius had dragged you here under the pretense of needing “a real day out,” though you strongly suspected it was just an excuse to cause trouble. He was already a few stalls ahead, spinning a story about needing a new dragonhide jacket while the shopkeeper looked thoroughly unimpressed. You’d barely had time to roll your eyes when he turned and spotted you watching.

“Oh, come on, don’t just stand there,” Sirius called, his voice cutting through the crowd like a knife. “You’re supposed to be my partner in crime!”

The moment you reluctantly joined him, Sirius grinned, slinging an arm around your shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world. He smelled faintly of leather and smoke, a heady combination that only added to the absurd magnetism he seemed to carry.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself,” you muttered, trying not to focus on how close he was.

“And you look like you’re pretending not to,” he shot back, dropping his voice as he leaned closer. “I know that little smile. You missed me.”

Before you could retort, he pulled you toward another stall, his hand brushing yours in a way that felt entirely too intentional. The weight of his touch sent an involuntary shiver down your spine, but you pushed the feeling aside, determined not to give him the satisfaction.

“You’re ridiculous, Black.”

“Ridiculously charming, you mean,” he quipped, flashing you a wink. “Now, let’s find something completely irresponsible to buy.”