CLOSE TO YOU • jp + sb [1]

01.10 | HEARTBREAK

CHAPTER TEN

'How could it all go so wrong, so quick?'

Selyna clung to James, her sobs wracking her body as he held her tightly. Her tears soaked his shirt, each cry a jagged reminder of the pain Sirius had caused. James' heart ached for her, but beneath that pain roared a storm of fury. He clenched his jaw, his mind racing through memories of Sirius' betrayal. James' thoughts churned with anger and disbelief, his loyalty torn between the woman he loved and the man who had once been his closest confidant.

SELYNA Diggory and Sirius Black nestled in the warmth of the Gryffindor Common Room, their bodies illuminated by the flickering light of the fire. Selyna was comfortably settled on Sirius's lap, his arms wrapped securely around her waist as they relaxed on one of the large, overstuffed armchairs. The room buzzed softly with the energy of a typical Gryffindor evening, but their focus was solely on the discussion at hand.

"So, are you excited for tonight's party?" Sirius's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I'm thinking it's going to be legendary. We'll finally get to let loose. And I'm definitely going to have a few drinks. It's James's birthday, after all!"

Selyna offered a distracted smile. Her gaze was fixed on the flames dancing in the hearth, her fingers absently tracing patterns on Sirius's chest. "Yeah, it should be a good time. I've just been thinking..."

Sirius's brow furrowed slightly as he studied her expression. "What have you got going on in that pretty head of yours, darling?"

Selyna sighed softly, her eyes still on the fire. "It's James. Don't you think he's been a bit distant lately? I mean, he's my best friend, and he's been more withdrawn these past few weeks. I can't help but worry."

Sirius tilted his head, considering her words. "Nah, he's just sulking about Lily again. You know how he gets when he thinks he's screwed things up with her."

"But that's just it," Selyna insisted, turning her head to look at Sirius with concern in her eyes. "He's not just sulking. He's been distant with all of us, not just Lily. I know he's been spending more time alone and skipping out on things we usually do together."

Sirius gave a dismissive wave of his hand, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't worry about it so much. I'll find him a pretty girl tonight. That always cheers him up. Besides, it's his birthday. He'll get over whatever he's sulking about once he's had a few drinks and danced with someone."

Selyna wasn't entirely convinced, but she managed a small smile at his attempt to cheer her up. "I hope you're right. I just don't want him to feel like we're all abandoning him. He means a lot to me."

Sirius squeezed her gently, trying to reassure her. "James will be fine. And if he's not, we'll be there to make sure he is. For now, let's focus on having a great time tonight. It's his birthday, after all."

Selyna nodded, reluctantly letting go of her worries for the moment. She leaned into Sirius, allowing herself to be drawn back into the warmth of their conversation and the anticipation of the evening ahead.

THE Gryffindor Common Room was a riot of colors, laughter, and music. James Potter's birthday party was in full swing, but if one were to judge by the level of commotion and exuberance, it might have seemed like Sirius Black was the true center of attention. Sirius was at the heart of the dance floor, wildly spinning and shouting with a crowd of friends cheering him on. His inebriation was obvious, each exaggerated movement and loud burst of laughter drawing everyone's eyes.