The car rumbled along the winding road, the golden hues of sunset streaming through the windows. James gripped the wheel with a grin so wide it practically split his face, while Peter manned the map in the passenger seat. In the back, Sirius lounged dramatically across his seat, one arm draped lazily over the headrest as he belted out a hilariously off-key rendition of “A Whole New World.” Remus, seated next to him, looked torn between laughing and chucking the nearest object at Sirius’s head.

It had been Remus’s idea, really, though he regretted mentioning it at this point. A casual remark about Disney World had spiraled out of control, culminating in a Muggle road trip with his three best friends. After a lengthy Disney movie marathon (Sirius insisted on The Lion King twice), they’d piled into the car James had somehow convinced a Muggle to let him rent. Now they were en route to Florida, excitement buzzing in the air.

As the sky darkened, Sirius’s theatrics finally petered out, and he slumped sideways, his head landing on Remus’s shoulder. His hand clutched Remus’s arm like a lifeline, and his soft breaths tickled the skin of Remus’s neck. Remus froze for a moment, his book forgotten in his lap, but then relaxed, letting Sirius settle in. The car grew quieter as Peter began to doze, and even James’s chatter slowed. Outside, the stars emerged, but inside, the warmth of Sirius’s closeness was all Remus could feel.