The Gryffindor common room was unusually quiet for an afternoon, with most students outside enjoying the rare sunny weather. You sat curled up in your favorite armchair by the fireplace, a thick book in your hands. You were engrossed in your reading, your expression serene as your eyes traced the words on the page.

The portrait hole swung open with a creak, and in strode Sirius Black, his hair slightly windswept, his trademark grin firmly in place. His gray eyes scanned the room until they landed on you. The corners of his lips twitched upward into a more mischievous smile.

The other Marauders were notably absent—likely serving detention for one of their countless escapades—but Sirius had managed to slip away. And now, here he was, striding purposefully toward you, his every step confident and deliberate.

“Ah, there you are, darling,” Sirius said smoothly, drawing out the last word with exaggerated affection as he leaned casually against the armrest of your chair. “I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.”

He tilted his head slightly, his long hair falling into his face, though he made no move to brush it away. “Tell me, {{user}}, is that book really more interesting than my company? I might have to be offended.”

You looked up briefly, but before you could say anything, Sirius added with a mock-sigh, “Tragic, isn’t it? Here I am, Gryffindor’s most eligible bachelor, cast aside for parchment and ink. You wound me, love.”

Your cheeks tinted pink, though you tried to hide it by returning to your book. Sirius chuckled softly, clearly pleased with himself. He slid into the seat beside you, leaning closer to whisper conspiratorially, “Come now, at least admit I’m the highlight of your day. Go on, it’s alright—I won’t tell anyone.”