I released a heavy sigh perching on a surviving bench. It was a workout to clean without magic, but at least I'm not cold anymore. You'd think that after all these years with Jack I'd learn to buy a jacket. The snow floated gently from the heavens and nested on the window sill, creating a gorgeous powdery line that sparkled in the setting sun. Still. I can't believe I am stuck on cleaning duty on my birthday of all days… I scanned the half dusted empty classroom solemnly.

"Sooooo~" I squeaked at Sirius's sudden appearance "Miss Goody Two Shoes finally landed herself a detention" he snickered knowing full well I had let my guard down.

"No I just feel bad for leaving my mess for Filch to clean up" I pouted at his uninvited presence.

"Oh please. You hate Filch. " he poked "Shame though…"

"What?"

"I'm not here to spend detention with you" he sighed

I rolled my eyes "I think James's playboy attitude is rubbing off on you" I continued to sweep the splinters into a neat pile "Now why are you actually here? You never come by without requests."

"Ahem, as co-owner of the Marauder's Association" he conjured up a folded parchment from an inner robe pocket

"There's an Association now?"

he continued on his frivolous display

"I'd like to update my staff that there has been progress with Project 101 The Marauders Map."

I raised an eyebrow taking note of the scorches on his collar and smudges of ash wiped carelessly away from his cheeks.

"okay ….so we'd like to make some progress. It's just the spell isn't working as planned...BUT after this it'll be completed! We'll know where everyone and everything is at all times in the castle." he grinned mischievously

"isn't that an invasion of privacy?"

"Privacy Shmivacy" he waved "how else are we going to become top notch pranksters?"

I sighed "So what am I supposed to do exactly?"

"just come up with a tracking charm or something cause right now these steps aren't moving, or they just run off the page whenever they want."

"You do know that I'm in detention because my wand malfunctioned right? I'm going to need more time to figure- "

"So you admit this is detention" he wiggled his brow.

"Not the point. I just don't want anything to explode again. I'm almost done sweeping up half the desks" I motioned toward the pile of sawdust.

"Well I can fix that" he whipped out his sleek black wand.

"Wait no what are you-!"

He flicked his wrist and the pile erupted with a loud bang showering the semi cleaned room with wooden chips and dust.

"WHY THE-"

He held out his index finger.

"Wait for iiit."

It was as if I could hear the tower and shelves themselves yell "TIMMMBEEEERRR" a second wave of dust covered the room along with loose sheets and old book covers.

I turned to him with stunned outrage but he was already rolling underneath one of the non destroyed benches. As if on cue the devil himself was summoned with the chaos.

"WHAT'S WITH ALL THE RUCKUS!" His beady eyes scanned the room for the culprit.

"YOU! I thought I told you no magic allowed."

"Sorry Mr Filch" I hung my head dragging the broom's end to block the table and bench gap from the red eyes of his only companion who hissed in retaliation.

"Look at what you've done! You were only supposed to sweep the splinters, how did you manage to wreck even more chaos. I oughta hand you by the ankles for this!" He raged.

"Mr Filch! I thought I advised you to stop threatening the children. You don't want the Headmaster to hear about this do you?" a certain cat eyed woman intervened. Her signature green robes were stunning against the white surroundings and her excellent posture only accentuates her godly appearance in this dire time.

"But she destroyed decade old books and made an even bigger mess than before" he tattled.

"Well those books were due for a renewal in a few months so I'd say she did us a favour by taking them down wouldn't you say?"

He grumbled giving me the stink eye.

"I was only trying to help" I blinked innocently.

"But seeing as you are the one who caused this mess I believe you should also be the one to clean it."

"Of course Professor McGonagall."

"Then I'll be seeing you here for the next two weeks" she gave a nod to the caretaker who swore under his breath before hobbling out "I suggest removing that bench, It'll be easy to sweep without it taking up the floor."

"Yes Professor" I bowed and she was on her way once more.

I let out a noisy exhale sliding down the side of the table

"Wow that went better than I thought" the boy whistled

"Are you kidding me? I got two extra weeks of detention because of you" I pouted curling into a ball

"And you know I hate getting into trouble"

Something soft was laid on my head

"Well, think of it this way. Now you got more time to think of a spell"

I flipped the parcel over "and what's this for? you want me to make deliveries now?" I prepared to chuck it on the ground as mutiny

"What are you going on about? It's your birthday isn't it? So a present is necessary"

….He remembered?

I turned to stare speechless at the poorly wrapped beige paper, tied none too neatly with a twine knot and script which appeared to be smudged on with inky fingers last minute.

"…You know if you don't want it you could just say so" he somewhat pouted.

I pulled the parcel away from his fretful grasp and strung out the soft red gift. Wow he remembered and was thoughtful. I wrapped the woollen scarf around my neck. "I love it" I giggled into the fabric. "Where did you get it from? I thought we weren't allowed to go to Hogsmeade until 5th year."

"Buy it? What are you talking about? I made that masterpiece" He rubbed his fingers at the phantom pain

"You made this?" I examined the tasselled ends that extended far beyond my fingers even having turned three times around my neck

"Of course I did. I'm an artist after all" he huffed with pride

"Oh I see it now" I smiled now noticing that some loops were loose here and there

"Hey what are you implying? I was taught by the best you know"

"Oh and who might that be?"

"My non crazy sis Narcissa, But you can't tell James about this or he'll have a field day" He quickly added "…. wait why are you looking at me like that?"

"No reason~" I chimed. "But why is it so long?"

"Glad you asked" he hopped over and wrapped some of it around his neck "It's for two people of course" he grinned almost nipping my nose.

I reeled back, forgetting our height difference and nearly choked the both of us on our way down. A cloud of white bursted from the ground and fell again like the snow outside and it was on this day that I had been found by the red string of fate.


Comments:

Haha I hope you liked this one I tried my best characterising a young Sirius and really loved writing these scenes.

Let me know how I did I'm always up for some feedback. :)

Next up: The Wingman

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