The night was cold, the Forbidden Forest stretched in eerie silence beyond the Whomping Willow. Sirius leaned against the stone wall near the entrance to the tunnel, a mischievous smirk on his lips. "Come on, it’s just a little fun," he had said earlier, whispering the plan into Snape’s ear with feigned sincerity. "If you’re so curious about where he disappears every month, go on, take a look."

Now, he waited, heart beating faster than he wanted to admit. The idea of Snape sneaking into the tunnel, inching closer and closer to the shack, amused him. He imagined the look on Snape’s face when he finally realized—perfect. Just a lesson, nothing more. A prank for someone who couldn’t keep his nose out of other people’s business.

Then, a voice broke through his thoughts. "What have you done?" James stood before him, eyes sharp with anger.

Sirius pushed off the wall, folding his arms. "Relax. He wanted to know so badly—"

"You could’ve gotten him hurt!" James shot back, already moving toward the tunnel. Sirius’ smirk faded, replaced by the first flicker of unease.

He didn’t sleep well that night, waiting for word that things hadn’t gone too far. By morning, he found James in the common room, sitting stiffly by the fire.

"Did he—" Sirius started, but James cut him off.

"He’s fine. I got there in time." A pause hung heavy in the air. Then James spoke again, quieter this time. "Don’t ever try something like that again."

Sirius didn’t reply. For the first time, the weight of his prank pressed down on him. At least until someone else entered the scene… (you).