Open Wounds (Sirius Black)

Holiday Break Begins

The Hogwarts Express stood resplendent on Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, puffing steam into the chilly December air as students bustled around, preparing to board the train for the Christmas break. Amidst the excitement and farewells, I found myself standing next to Lily, our breaths forming small clouds in the frigid air.

"Lily, promise me you'll owl me over the break," I said, a touch of sadness tingeing my voice as the moment of departure drew near.

Lily smiled warmly, her emerald eyes reflecting the holiday spirit. "Of course, I will. We'll catch up, and share stories."

We both laughed, finding comfort in the promise of keeping in touch during the break. As the train's whistle echoed through the station, we shared a quick hug before she boarded the Hogwarts Express. It was a bittersweet farewell, the anticipation of the holiday season tinged with the nostalgia of leaving behind the magical world of Hogwarts for a few weeks.

I made my way onto the Hogwarts Express, the familiar sights and sounds of the train greeting me like an old friend. However, as I stepped inside, I noticed Lily had ended up sitting with Snape, a sight that left me feeling uneasy. Not wanting to intrude, I sought refuge with James and his friends.

As I settled into a seat with James and the others, the boys couldn't resist a teasing grin. "So, I heard you sat with Kas on the way here," Sirius remarked with a knowing look.

I rolled my eyes, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "It's not like that," I insisted, trying to brush off their playful ribbing. However, their mischievous laughter suggested they weren't about to let me off the hook that easily, and the train's rhythmic motion carried us away from Hogwarts, setting the stage for an eventful journey back home for the Christmas break.

As the train rumbled along the tracks, I couldn't help but ponder the events of the previous night and the unspoken connection that had flickered between Sirius and me. There was a part of me that wondered whether Sirius had felt it too, the unspoken attraction that had hung in the air like a magnetic force.

But then, his teasing about Kas on the train had left me perplexed. Had it all been a game to him, a way to deflect from what had transpired in the common room? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I couldn't help but question whether Sirius was simply masking his true feelings behind playful banter.

As the journey continued, I found myself caught between the enigmatic pull of our connection and the mystery of Sirius's intentions. It was a puzzle I was determined to solve, but for now, I had the Christmas break and the warmth of home to look forward to, a temporary reprieve from the complexities of life at Hogwarts.

"Do you ever put the book down?" Sirius snatched Remus' book. Remus was use to his books being snatched by either James or Sirius to get his attention. Remus rested his hands on his knees and looked at Sirius.

"We are trying to make plans for Holiday break, my house is a no go... James has offered his house."

I looked out the window at the passing scenery, listening to every word of their conversation.

James, ever enthusiastic, suggested, "We could go ice skating at the village pond. It's always a lot of fun."

Remus nodded in agreement. "And there's the annual Christmas market in Hogsmeade. It's magical this time of year."

Peter, eager to contribute, chimed in, "We could also spend a day sledding in the hills near my house. I've got some great sleds."

Their plans sounded delightful, and I couldn't resist joining the conversation. "Those all sound amazing! I'm in," I said with a smile.

As I spoke, I noticed Sirius subtly glancing in my direction, a flicker of something unspoken passing between us. It was a fleeting moment, but it left me intrigued, wondering what lay behind those mysterious glances.