An unlikely pair

1

The warm September sun bathed the grounds of Hogwarts in golden light, a pleasant breeze rustling the leaves of the large tree where the Marauders and their companions had gathered. The five boys—James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Regulus Black, and Peter Pettigrew—lounged in the shade, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. This tree, affectionately known as the Marauders’ Tree by the students and staff alike, stood tall and proud, its sprawling branches offering refuge from both the heat and the responsibilities of school life.

Sirius lay sprawled out with his head resting in Remus’s lap, his dark hair glinting in the sunlight as Remus absentmindedly stroked it, a thick book balanced on his knee. Beside them, James leaned against the trunk with Regulus tucked into his side, the younger Black’s head resting on James’s shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Peter, as usual, was nibbling on a biscuit he’d pilfered from the kitchens earlier.

Breaking the companionable silence, Peter pointed toward the castle. “Hey, do you know who that is? I haven’t seen her around before,” he said, crumbs spilling as he spoke.

The boys followed his gaze to a tall, blonde girl striding confidently toward the castle entrance. Her long hair shimmered in the sunlight, cascading down her back like molten gold. Her posture was regal, her stride purposeful.

“No,” Remus replied, glancing up briefly before turning back to his book. His tone was indifferent, but his hand continued its gentle rhythm through Sirius’s hair.

James sat up suddenly, causing Regulus to groan in protest as his makeshift pillow shifted away. “Let’s go introduce ourselves, shall we?” he said with an excited grin.

Regulus flopped back against the grass dramatically, crossing his arms. “Must you always move when I’m about to fall asleep?” he muttered, pouting in a way that made James laugh.

“You’re adorable,” James teased, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on Regulus’s cheek before holding out a hand to pull him up.

Regulus smirked, ignoring the offered hand. “You missed.”

James furrowed his brows in confusion, only for Regulus to grab him by the collar and pull him into a kiss. It started off simple, sweet—like countless others they’d shared—but as always, Regulus’s kiss made James feel like it was the first. That feeling quickly ignited something deeper, and James pressed Regulus back against the tree trunk, his hands tangling in the younger boy’s hair.

The moment didn’t last long. “Oi! No PDA in front of me!” Sirius barked, pulling James away with a scowl.

“That’s not fair,” James protested, straightening his glasses. “You and Remus snog all the time in front of us!”

Sirius smirked. “Yeah, but that’s different. I look good doing it.” He turned to Remus, who was still seated, now grinning behind his book. “Rem, a little help here?”

The werewolf shook his head, closing his book with a soft snap. “You’re on your own, love,” he said before heading toward the castle.

“Traitor,” Sirius muttered, but he followed Remus anyway, the others trailing behind him.

As they approached the castle doors, a commotion drew their attention. The blonde girl they’d seen earlier collided with someone—Bellatrix Black. Both witches tumbled to the ground, their belongings scattering across the stone steps.

“Watch where you’re going, Mudblood,” Bellatrix sneered, her dark eyes flashing dangerously.

The blonde, however, wasn’t cowed. She dusted herself off, her piercing gaze locking onto Bellatrix. “I’m no Mudblood,” she retorted, her voice sharp and confident. “Far from it, actually. I’m a pureblood—Valentina Lafenier.” She extended a hand toward Bellatrix, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

Bellatrix hesitated, but then, to everyone’s surprise, she took the offered hand. “My apologies. Bellatrix Black.”

The blonde withdrew her hand gracefully, her confidence unshaken. “Well, it’s been a pleasure, Black. But I must be going. See you around.” She turned, her robes swishing dramatically, and nearly bumped into the group of boys standing behind her.

Her face lit up as she recognized one of them. “Siri! Hi!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Sirius in a warm hug.