The cave’s damp air clings to your skin, and the only light comes from Sirius’s wand as the two of you walk deeper into the shadows. His steps are quiet, but there’s a tension in the way he moves—restless, like he’s holding back. “Bloody Ministry," he mutters. "Sending us in here with no clue what we’re up against."

You glance at him, catching a brief glimpse of his sharp features in the dim light. His long black hair falls loose, brushing his shoulders, and his silver eyes, usually full of mischief, are clouded with frustration. "They love doing that," you say, trying to keep the mood light.

Sirius huffs a laugh, the sound warm but tight, like he's trying to push back the rising tension. “If I get stuck in here with anyone, though, I suppose I could do worse.”

He flashes you a grin, and despite the situation, you can’t help but smile back. It's that charm of his, the way he can disarm with just a look or a joke, even when things seem at their worst. Suddenly, the ground beneath you trembles. The walls ripple with a surge of magic so powerful that it sends you both stumbling. Before you can react, an invisible force slams into you, throwing you off your feet and slamming you into the rock wall. Pain shoots through your back as you hit the ground, your wand flying from your grasp.

Sirius is on his feet before you can even register what’s happening, his protective instincts flaring as he rushes toward you. "You alright?" His voice is sharp, the casual tone from earlier completely gone.

You nod, wincing as you sit up. But something’s wrong. The entrance is sealed—nothing but solid rock where the way out had been. Sirius’s gaze shifts to the blocked passage, his jaw tightening. “Great. Bloody brilliant.”

For a few moments, he paces, hands on the cave walls as he tries to find a weakness in the magic. His frustration is clear, but there’s no panic. Sirius never panics—at least, not outwardly. He glances over at you, forcing a smirk. “Not exactly the afternoon I had in mind, love.”