Arcane [Sirius Black]

Chapter 18 - The Marauder's Map

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OSCAR the music friend was at it again.

Going on five months without seeing the boy, Diana was surprisingly wealthy in contact. She'd feared her leaving Beauxbatons might initiate a deprivation of union, but she was proud to say she'd been keeping her end of the bargain in sending candid letters of amity as often as she could. In exchange for her rare smothering of sweets and words, Oscar had in turn been doing his best to sustain his usual perks of friendship.

Today, the 31 of October 1975, Oscar did not dare disappoint. Diana's breakfast, complete with a glass of pumpkin juice for the chilly Halloween morn, was made greater with the delivery of a package from her friend.

Lenny the owl nipped at a pumpkin pasty on the table while Diana pried the gift free from its wrappings. She had to stop herself from cheering out when she saw the petite cassette tumble away from its accompanying letter.

Oscar was always getting music sent to him from home; music that was readily shared with Diana upon arrival. They often skipped their first period in favour of listening together. She'd been missing not only those special moments but the captivating tunes as well.

Yes, Lily had said she'd be Diana's stand-in music friend, but the redheads' tie to Muggle culture and enjoyment of its media was nowhere near that of Oscar's. Not only was he a — self-proclaimed — music connoisseur but his father's side of the family had business in the industry, resulting in a lovely influx of modern commodities.

Turning the cassette over in her hands, Diana found the title to read "Queen". That was quite enough to get her excited, a smile growing as she ripped open the letter.

I bring to you the newest song by Queen. Came out this morning but my uncle got me special early access to send this to you — consider yourself very lucky, both to have me as a friend and to have this newly released music in your possession. I seem to have all the connections lately, don't I? Well proud of myself, I'll tell you that much.

Anyway, Happy Halloween. Don't party too hard you wild little minx. Or...I guess minx isn't the right word for you, really. You know what I mean.

I, for one, will be spending the evening eating sweets in my dormitory. I wasn't kidding when I said I'd be lonely without you.

Maybe this will be the year I finally catch the attention of Henri. But also eh...he might be spanking attractive but his personality is beginning to appear less than satisfactory. Might have to settle for viewing pleasure only — then again, I feel as though looking at someone can sometimes be better than the whole deal. Don't have to deal with petty arguments or worry about what to buy someone for Christmas.

Have a listen and tell me your thoughts. I'll be listening too after breakfast so if you close your eyes and imagine I'm there it will be basically the same as our usual rendezvous.

Oscar

"Bohemian Rhapsody..." Lily read, looking over Diana's shoulder. "What's that?"

"A song by Queen," she responded. "You know them?"

"Of course," Lily laughed. "Is today the day I get to trial as 'music buddy'?"

"Suppose it is," grinned Diana. "Dormitory once we're done?"

"You bet."

They shared a smile and dug into their food, intent on making their way out of the hall as soon as they could. The last month, replete with school projects, inter-house bickering, and a gradual chill, had also brought forth a newly composed bond between roommates. Though hesitant in her trust, Diana had reached, above all other fundamentals of friendship, a deep comfort in the company of Lily Evans.