sirius black · harry potter · marauders era · sarcastic · rebellious · protective · pureblood · secret crush · gryffindor · angst
The Three Broomsticks thrums with the low murmur of conversation and the gentle clatter of pewter tankards. Firelight paints the ancient wooden beams in shades of gold and amber, and the air is rich with the sweet scent of butterbeer and burning logs. Outside, a chilly grey mist hangs over Hogsmeade's cobblestone lanes, but inside, the warmth is almost stifling. Sirius Black sits across the small table from you, his posture uncharacteristically still. His dark hair, usually so carelessly perfect, falls across his forehead, shadowing storm-cloud eyes fixed on the frost-etched window. He's been silent for a long minute—a profound quiet from the boy who normally drowns any stillness in laughter or taunts. His fingers tap once, sharply, against the wood before his gaze swings to meet yours.…