MINOR EDITS IN PROGRESS - The Forgotten Heir | Sirius Black (Marauders Era)

Chapter 13: Fractured Bonds, Fading Strength and The Weight of Secrets

Sirius Black lay on the stiff bed in the hospital wing, staring at the ceiling as the events of the past few days played over and over in his mind. The usually boisterous and mischievous Gryffindor felt a weight pressing down on him, a gnawing anxiety that wouldn't go away no matter how hard he tried to push it aside. The scene in the Forbidden Forest haunted him—the surge of power from Lamia, the look of fear in her eyes, and the way it had all spiralled out of control.

Madam Pomfrey bustled around him, her usual efficient self, but Sirius could tell she was keeping a close eye on him. She hadn't believed his story about eating something he shouldn't have—how could she? The bruises and exhaustion weren't the result of a simple stomach-ache. But Sirius had dodged her questions as best he could, knowing that the truth was something far more complicated and dangerous than he could ever explain.

As he lay there, lost in thought, he heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. Moments later, James Potter appeared at his bedside, his usual grin tempered with concern.

"Hey, mate," James said, pulling up a chair beside the bed. "What the hell happened to you?"

Sirius forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Just got into a bit of trouble, that's all. You know me."

James raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Trouble, huh? This wouldn't have anything to do with that Slytherin girl, would it? Lamia?"

Sirius tensed at the mention of her name, but he quickly covered it with a shrug. "I don't know what you're talking about, James. I just... I wasn't feeling well, that's all."

James leaned back in his chair, studying his friend closely. "Come on, Padfoot. You can't fool me. Something's up, and you've been acting weird ever since you got here. What's going on?"

Sirius turned his head away, staring at the wall as he tried to come up with a response. How could he explain what had happened in the forest? How could he tell James about the power Lamia had unleashed, about the fear he had seen in her eyes, and about the guilt that now gnawed at him every waking moment?

"It's nothing," Sirius finally said, his voice flat. "Just... dealing with some stuff."

James sighed, clearly frustrated. "You know you can talk to me, right? Whatever it is, we can figure it out together. But I can't help you if you won't let me in."

Sirius closed his eyes, the weight of his secrets pressing down on him like a physical burden. He wanted to tell James, to unload the fear and confusion he felt, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Lamia's secret wasn't his to share, and besides, what good would it do? It wasn't like James could fix this.

"I appreciate it, Prongs," Sirius said quietly. "But I just need to figure this out on my own."

James frowned, but he didn't press further. He knew Sirius well enough to know when to back off, even if it didn't sit well with him. "Alright, mate. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Before Sirius could respond, Madam Pomfrey appeared at his bedside, her hands on her hips. "Mr. Black, I think you've had enough rest for now. You're well enough to return to your dormitory, but I don't want to hear about you getting into any more trouble, understood?"

Sirius nodded, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and standing up. He felt a little unsteady, but he managed to stay on his feet. "Thanks, Madam Pomfrey. I'll be careful."

"See that you do," she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And if you start feeling unwell again, you come straight back here. No more nonsense."

Sirius gave her a quick smile before heading out of the hospital wing with James by his side. But even as they walked through the corridors, Sirius couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to him. He wasn't his usual cheerful self—he couldn't be, not with everything that had happened.