An unlikely pair

5

The sprawling grounds of Hogwarts glistened in the autumn sun, the grass cool and soft beneath us as we sprawled out to finish our homework. The rare tranquility of the afternoon felt almost sacred, the usual chaos of James and Sirius blessedly absent thanks to a well-deserved detention.

They both are serving detention for failing to pull a good prank on a Slytherin boy. Severus Snape, or as they liked to call him Snivellus.

I told them how they should've done it in the first place but they just did it their way and failed(which I knew would happen). That's how they got an hour of detention with Slughorn.

Remus, Regulus, and I exchanged contented glances as we stowed away our books and quills, savoring the peace.

“I still can’t believe I’m officially a Marauder,” I murmured, more to myself than to them. It had been a month since I’d started at Hogwarts, and the adjustment still felt surreal. “It’s not that big of a deal,” I added quickly, brushing off my own emotions. “But for someone like me…fitting in has always been tricky.”

Regulus turned to me, his soft features curious but kind. Remus didn’t press either, though I could tell by his attentive expression he wanted to understand.

“Even when I was at the royal balls, dressed up like a proper princess, I never felt like one,” I admitted, my fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns in the grass. “Mother would pester me to find a husband. I was ten years old, and she was already saying, ‘It’s never too early to secure a good match.’” I rolled my eyes at the memory, and Remus chuckled softly.

“At Hogwarts, it’s different but not always easier. Some people avoid me altogether. Not because they think I’m evil—at least, I hope not—but because they’ve never seen royalty up close before. Then there are the ones who don’t even believe I’m a princess.” I shrugged. “Honestly? I couldn’t care less about their opinions.”

Regulus snorted. “That’s the spirit.”

“But then there’s Bellatrix,” I continued, and his amusement faltered.

“Ah, Bella,” he sighed, leaning back on his hands.

“How do I even begin to describe her?” I mused aloud. “She acts tough when there’s an audience, always trying to intimidate me. Sometimes I play along, just so I don’t ruin her reputation.”

“And when it’s just the two of you?” Remus asked.

“She’s quiet. Barely says a word.” I hesitated, my voice softening. “It doesn’t bother me, really. Or…maybe it does. Just a little.”

Regulus raised an eyebrow but didn’t press.

I sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “To be fair, I might’ve scared her on my first day. How was I supposed to know wandless, nonverbal disarming charms were uncommon? I forgot not everyone starts dueling at four.”

That earned a laugh from both of them, lightening the mood.

“At least Narcissa and Andromeda are friendly,” I added. “We get along pretty well. Narcissa’s dating Lucius Malfoy—”

“The fake blond?” Regulus interjected, smirking.

“—and Andromeda is with Ted Tonks.”

Remus’s eyebrows shot up. “A Muggle-born?”

“Yep,” I confirmed. “A Hufflepuff prefect, no less. Don’t worry, I’ve sworn not to tell Bella. Not that I would, anyway.”

We fell into a comfortable silence after that, soaking in the serenity. The occasional rustle of leaves and distant chatter from the castle were the only sounds—until a piercing shriek shattered the peace.

We sat up abruptly, scanning the grounds.

“James and Sirius?” Regulus guessed.

“Can’t be,” Remus said. “They’re still in detention.”

The shriek came again, and my eyes darted skyward. A sleek falcon soared overhead, its powerful wings cutting through the crisp air. My heart skipped a beat.

“It’s Hunter,” I breathed.

“Hunter?” Regulus asked, watching as the bird descended.

“My father’s falcon.”

Hunter landed gracefully beside me, his sharp talons barely grazing the grass. He regarded Remus and Regulus with piercing eyes before nuzzling against my shoulder.

“He likes me better,” Regulus said smugly.

“Dream on,” Remus retorted.

Ignoring their bickering, I untied the letter from Hunter’s leg, the familiar handwriting making my chest tighten with a mix of fondness and homesickness.

Dear Daughter,

I’m writing to you, not about royal matters (no, I’m not your mother). I just wanted to check on you. How are you? How’s Hogwarts? Do you like your classes? Have you made friends? Perhaps a boyfriend or girlfriend? You know I wouldn’t judge. I hope you don’t regret your decision to go there.

With love, Father.

I smiled, tracing the elegant script.

“What’s it say?” Regulus asked, craning his neck to peek.

“Just my dad checking in,” I said, pulling out a quill and parchment to reply.

Before I could begin, another scream rang out. This one was unmistakable.

“We missed you!”

James and Sirius came barreling toward us like human whirlwinds, tackling Remus and Regulus into bear hugs.

“And we didn’t miss you,” the two grumbled in unison, but they didn’t resist the affection.

Peter appeared moments later, hesitating as he spotted Hunter perched beside me.

“Relax, Wormy,” I said with a laugh. “Hunter won’t eat you.”

Reassured, Peter plopped down beside me, resting his head on my shoulder as I tied my reply to Hunter’s leg. The falcon chirped softly, rubbing his beak against my cheek before taking flight.

The boys resumed their playful banter, their energy infectious.

“Moony,” I said, cutting through the noise. “You were about to ask me something?”

“Oh, right.” Remus fidgeted with his sleeve, his cheeks coloring slightly. “We never asked…your, uh, your sexuality. Not that it’s important! I was just…curious.”

I smiled, appreciating his nervous honesty. “I’m bisexual,” I said simply.

Before anyone could respond, Sirius burst into laughter, his eyes darting to Regulus, who quickly joined in.

“Blacks,” Remus muttered, shaking his head in exasperation.

The rest of us echoed the sentiment, laughter ringing out across the lawn as the golden afternoon melted into a perfect memory.