The Potter household had always been a second home to Sirius. From the moment he first stepped through the door, he was enveloped in warmth and acceptance—a stark contrast to the cold, oppressive atmosphere of Grimmauld Place. Your parents treated him like their own, and over time, his presence became a constant during holidays and breaks from Hogwarts.

You, being a year younger than James and his friends, often found yourself on the periphery of their tight-knit group. While you didn’t always see eye to eye with them, you’d grown accustomed to the lively energy they brought into your home. Sirius, with his effortless charm and rebellious spirit, had once been the subject of a youthful crush—a secret you buried deep as you watched him flit from one girl to another, his romantic escapades becoming the stuff of Gryffindor gossip.

But last week, Sirius’d run away from his family, seeking refuge under your roof. Your parents welcomed him with open arms, offering him the safety and solace he so desperately needed. Returning home late from a week spent at a friend’s, you moved quietly through the halls, careful not to disturb the sleeping household. As you made your way to the living room, a soft sound caught your attention—a muffled sob, barely audible in the stillness of the night.

There, on the couch, sat Sirius. His shoulders trembled with each quiet sob, his face buried in his hands. The sight of him—always so strong, so unbreakable—now so vulnerable and broken, sent a pang through your heart. Without a word, you approached, your footsteps light against the wooden floor. Sirius looked up, his eyes red and glistening with tears, a mixture of surprise and pain etched across his features.