Open Wounds (Sirius Black)

Snivellus

May turned into June, and with the arrival of the looming OWLs, the days became filled with anxiety and anticipation. Lily and I were inseparable, devoting most of our time to our books, buried in notes and textbooks as we studied feverishly. The pressure was palpable, and we couldn't help but feel the weight of the upcoming exams bearing down on us. Professor McGonagall's words about excelling in our studies had left a deep impression.

The common room had transformed into a hub of frantic revision. Students occupied every corner, their noses buried in textbooks, parchment scattered like confetti on the tables. Tension was in the air, mingling with the scent of burning candles and ink, the soundtrack of whispered incantations and frantic page-turning creating a cacophony that enveloped us all. We were all in this together, determined to face the OWLs with our heads held high and wands at the ready.

As the days passed, the pressure steadily built. We quizzed each other on spells and theories, occasionally finding solace in the open courtyard, where we could breathe in the fragrant scent of blooming flowers and the gentle touch of the late spring breeze. Yet, even amidst the overwhelming stress, moments of laughter and camaraderie still managed to shine through.

The four boys - James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter - remained close friends and sought solace in one another's company. Their spirits were high, seemingly unfazed by the approaching exams. To us, they were like a steady lighthouse, a reminder that there was still light to be found even in the darkest of storms.

Each evening, we retreated to the library for quiet study sessions, finding comfort in the hushed atmosphere and the rows upon rows of knowledge that surrounded us. It was in those silent hours that I felt closest to my purpose, each page I turned and each note I scribbled drawing me nearer to the mastery I hoped to achieve.

Yet, the sweet hours of nightfall couldn't help but bring thoughts of Sirius. His absence was keenly felt amid this turmoil. Our stolen moments were few and far between, a whispered exchange here, a stolen glance there. The secret relationship we had once had seemed to be disappearing.

It was during those sleepless nights, as the quiet hum of the common room filled my ears and my quill danced across the parchment, that I would often find myself gazing at the window. In the distance, the moon would cast its gentle silver glow over the castle, a silent witness to our collective determination and a source of inspiration that whispered promises of brighter days ahead.

As the final OWL exam concluded, I felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion wash over me. Lily and I exchanged knowing glances, our faces worn but our spirits high. We had given our all in every test, pouring our hearts into the written essays, practical spells, and complex potion-making, hoping that our efforts would yield the results we desired.

Exiting the examination hall felt like stepping out into a new world, unburdened by the weight of textbooks and study schedules. Students around us erupted into cheerful conversations and laughter, celebrating the end of the demanding testing period. The freedom to talk about anything other than study materials was liberating, and we took the opportunity to relish in the simple pleasures of life.

With our remaining energy, we joined the joyful crowd heading back to Gryffindor Tower. The atmosphere was infectious, and our spirits were lifted by the jubilant chatter and laughter that filled the halls. Inside the common room, we found a few familiar faces, each looking just as relieved and pleased as we felt.

Amidst the celebrations, I couldn't help but wonder how my friends from the boys' dormitory had fared in their exams. As the evening progressed, I hoped to find out, to share in their successes or provide comfort and support if the results were not as expected. And, most importantly, with the end of our exams came the anticipation of what the future held, both academically and personally. It was a time of hope and excitement, a moment when the world seemed full of endless possibilities.