Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 21 - The Return to Hogwarts

The morning sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of the bedroom Eliza shared with Sirius at Grimmauld Place. It was the day before they were set to return to Hogwarts, and while Sirius bustled about, packing his trunk with characteristic energy, Eliza sat on the edge of her bed, unusually quiet.

Sirius glanced over at his twin, a crease forming between his brows. He knew the signs well—the distant look in her eyes, the fidgeting of her fingers in her lap. He sighed softly, setting down a stack of books he had been packing.

"Hey, Liz," he began gently, crossing the room to sit beside her. "You alright?"

Eliza shrugged, her gaze fixed on her hands clasped in her lap. "I don't know... Just... thinking about going back."

Sirius nodded, his expression sympathetic. He understood the weight that Hogwarts had come to represent—a place of freedom and acceptance compared to the oppressive atmosphere of Grimmauld Place.

"It'll be alright," Sirius reassured her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll be back with our friends, away from all this."

Eliza managed a small smile, grateful for his understanding. "Yeah, you're right."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the only sounds in the room the faint rustling of parchment and the occasional creak of floorboards from downstairs. Despite her apprehension, Eliza felt a flicker of excitement building within her. Hogwarts was their sanctuary, a place where they could truly be themselves.

Sirius broke the silence, his voice brightening with enthusiasm. "You know, I heard McGonagall's adding some new spells to the curriculum this year. It's gonna be interesting!"

Eliza nodded, feeling a surge of anticipation despite her lingering worries. "Yeah, I heard about that too. I'm looking forward to Charms—I heard Flitwick's got some surprises planned."

As they continued to chat about their upcoming classes and the adventures they hoped to have, Eliza's spirits lifted. The prospect of reuniting with the Marauders, of late-night discussions in the Gryffindor common room and exploring the castle's hidden corners, buoyed her mood.

Later that evening, as they gathered in the dimly lit dining room for dinner with their parents, Eliza kept Sirius's words close to her heart. She focused on the future, on the promise of Hogwarts waiting just beyond the horizon.

Throughout the meal, Walburga and Orion Black exchanged terse remarks about proper conduct and family expectations, but Eliza let their words wash over her. She knew their disapproval would never change, but for now, she had Hogwarts to look forward to—a place where she could find solace and strength in the company of friends who understood.

After dinner, Eliza and Sirius retreated to their room once more, where they finalized their packing and made plans for the journey ahead. Sirius hummed softly under his breath as he folded clothes and arranged textbooks in his trunk, while Eliza meticulously organized her school supplies, her mind already wandering to the bustling corridors and familiar faces that awaited them.

"We'll make the most of it, Liz," Sirius said with determination as he closed his trunk, meeting his twin's gaze.

Eliza nodded, a small but genuine smile gracing her lips. "Absolutely."

With their trunks packed and their hearts filled with anticipation, Eliza and Sirius fell asleep that night with the comforting knowledge that Hogwarts awaited them—a place where they could leave behind the shadows of Grimmauld Place and embrace the magic of a new term filled with endless possibilities.