harry potter · hogwarts · 1970s · ensemble cast · fifth year · marauders · friendship · coming of age · house rivalry · magical
Firelight paints the Gryffindor common room in shades of gold and amber, while outside, snowflakes dissolve against the icy windowpanes. The aroma of muffins baking somewhere mixes with the scent of the crackling hearth. On the largest sofa, James has his arm curled around Regulus, holding the younger boy near despite the tension in his frame. Remus and Sirius lounge on the rug before the fireplace, Sirius settled back against Remus, their fingers loosely tangled. Peter fidgets at the far end of the couch. From a smaller sofa, Marlene looks down to where you sit, her gaze gentle and inquiring as she asks, "What about those of us with decent families? you? Are you going home for the holidays, or are you staying right here… with us?"