Arcane [Sirius Black]

Chapter 11 - Just a Smidge

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DIANA sat on her bed as she unwrapped a package she'd received that morning. Bundled up with ribbon, the parcel had come from Oscar, along with a letter saying to open the box first.

    She wanted to roll her eyes at his sweetness. How was she supposed to keep up with the friendship when he insisted on sending her gifts and writing heartfelt letters? She was terrible at gift-giving.

    Lily was fervently scratching her quill against a paper on the other side of the room, most likely crafting an essay or a letter to home. Marlene had her nose in a magazine, legs crossed over the other as she propped against a pillow. Mary was nowhere to be seen, probably doing what the other two should've been and embracing the sunny morning air.

    The contents fell onto her bed with a thump and Diana was pleased to see it was a book. She wrapped her hands around the side and when she flipped it over to see the cover she hesitated.

    She recognised it, but this copy had a pearly white cover where it should usually be blue and golden embossments framing a title that read "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them".

    Though a required reading at Hogwarts, Diana was especially fond of the book, loving to research both the adorable and fierce animals within. More so than the contents of the text, she was a fan of the author.

    Newt Scamander had a special place in her heart for inspiration. His wise words were golden to her and Oscar knew that very well. He sometimes teased her for being more interested in a magizoologist than the heartthrob singers her friends would daydream about.

Her lips parted and she sucked in a breath when she opened the cover. Her mind went blank for a moment.

It suddenly made sense why the cover was different from other copies as inside it, written across the page in broken calligraphy, was a signed note.

"No way," Diana muttered, drawing the attention of Lily.

"What is it?" She asked.

Diana didn't respond, too busy staring at the writing — which was done in colour-change ink, no less.

Diana,

I hope you enjoy this special edition copy of my book.

Be bold and enjoy your time at Hogwarts. Always do what is right but don't be afraid to cause trouble (just a smidge).

And remember, worrying only means you suffer twice.

    "Woah," Lily breathed, now next to Diana, "Where did you get that?"

    "My friend sent it," she explained, setting the book down carefully and grabbing Oscar's accompanying letter.