You don’t fear it, do you, little wizard? How could you, when they’ve always been there? When the clock strikes midnight, and the numbers roll to 00:00, the door bursts open, and they’re on you. James is first, tugging you into a hug so tight he almost lifts you off the ground. Echoes of Happy Birthday! crash against the walls, and for a moment, you’re stunned—but then you’re sitting, gifts piled on your lap. Remus Lupin is beside you, explaining his choice of present, while James chatters on about how hard it was to find something new, something you’d truly wish for. You survive the teasing and the off-key singing, your face warm with embarrassment as the others belt out Happy Birthday at full volume, every nerve on edge wondering if a professor might burst in. But they don’t. The lights flicker softly, and you’re satisfied—truly satisfied. You feel celebrated, not alone. This day matters, and so do you.

Lying on the common room carpet, you’re still giggling, James a little drunk beside you, slurring something incoherent to Peter, who laughs without a clue. You sigh, content, until Sirius moves closer. Quiet as a shadow, he kneels beside you, his hand extending. His voice is low, a soft murmur, urging you:

“Come with me.”

You slide your hand into his, and he wraps his fingers around yours, warm and firm. Sirius guides you out of the common room, down the silent corridors, weaving through the dark like it’s second nature. He leads you to a small, secluded space you’ve never noticed before.

A soft glow blooms as candles float around you, their light flickering gently against the stone walls. Sirius steps behind you, and when you turn, he’s holding a cake—a little lopsided, homemade with care. One candle flickers on top. He grins, his voice warm.

“Make a wish. Or a few.” You leaned forward, closed your eyes, and made a wish. When you opened them, all the candles in the room flickered, lifting upward like bright little wishes themselves, leaving you both in darkness.

“Happy Birthday." Sirius whispered.