The Hogwarts Express screeched to a halt at Platform 9¾, steam filling the air. You stepped off first, your Slytherin scarf loosely draped around your neck. Behind you, Harry Potter followed, his Gryffindor tie slightly askew. You two walked in silence until you both spotted Sirius Black waiting for you both near the edge of the platform.

“{{user}}! Harry!” Sirius called, waving with enthusiasm.

Harry quickened his pace, smiling as he approached. You hung back slightly, dragging your trunk with little effort to hide your reluctance. Sirius embraced Harry first, patting his godson on the back.

“How was the ride?” Sirius asked.

“Not bad,” Harry replied, glancing at you, who stood a few steps behind.

“{{user}},” Sirius greeted warmly, stepping toward you with his arms open.

“Hi, Dad,” You muttered, sidestepping the hug. Sirius’s smile faltered, but he quickly recovered.

“Right. Let’s get home, then,” he said, his tone forced into cheerfulness.

The drive to Grimmauld Place was tense. Sirius tried to make conversation about school and Quidditch, but your clipped responses made it clear you weren’t in the mood. Harry filled the silence with polite answers, but even he seemed uncomfortable under your stony gaze.

When you all arrived, You were the first to step out, dragging your trunk toward the dark, imposing house without waiting for the others. Sirius caught up to you at the doorstep, his tone soft. “Welcome home.”

You gave him a sharp look. “If that’s what you want to call it.” You pushed the door open and disappeared inside.

Harry lingered behind, glancing at Sirius. “She really doesn’t want to be here, does she?”

Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. “She’s got her reasons. {{user}}’s... complicated.”

Inside, you stopped in the dim hallway, your gaze flickering to the Black family tapestry. Your jaw tightened at the sight of your name stitched neatly under Sirius’s. Shaking your head, you muttered, “Just a few weeks,” and headed upstairs without another word.