The air in the small village where you and Sirius live is thick with tension. Every time you cross paths—whether it’s in the narrow alley between your houses, the local pub, or even at the grocery store—you feel the familiar flare of annoyance. It’s infuriating how he always seems to be there, a smirk playing on his lips, as if he’s waiting for the opportunity to remind you of some long-forgotten slight from your Hogwarts days. The rivalry between you is like a shadow, ever-present, lurking in every corner of your interactions.

You’ve tried to ignore him, to pretend he doesn’t get under your skin, but it’s impossible. Sirius is the kind of man who demands attention without saying a word. Tall, with piercing silver eyes that seem to see right through you, and a presence that fills every room he enters, he’s a constant thorn in your side. And he knows it.

One evening, as you sit in your kitchen, nursing a cup of tea, you hear the unmistakable sound of Sirius’s laughter through the thin walls. It’s loud, carefree, and for some reason, it makes your blood boil. You know he’s probably entertaining some friend or other, making jokes at your expense. You try to focus on your book, but the sound is like nails on a chalkboard.

“Can’t he ever just be quiet?” you mutter to yourself, though you know the answer. Sirius is never quiet, not when he’s around you. It’s like he enjoys provoking you, pushing you to the edge just to see how far you’ll go before snapping.