Whispers floated through the echoing corridors of the castle like wildfire. Twisting through doorways and into the common rooms and dorms. Most students had just gotten back from the Halloween feast when they heard them. The story changed depending on who you asked but one fact stayed the same. Sirius Black was here, in the castle.

Saiph herself had heard the news from a frightened first-year who had somehow made her way into the third-year's dorms. Her dormmates still hadn't reached the room due to the chaos downstairs. The young girl had just finished her panicking rant and was now sobbing in the corner, She would deal with that later. To be completely honest Saiph had forgotten that Sirius would attempt to break into the Gryffindor common room today and therefore had her guard down. She let out a sigh, knowing full well what would come next, and resigned herself to the whole school sleepover that would be arranged soon. Hopefully, no one snored too loudly.

Half an hour later the whole student body had filed into the great hall after their heads of houses and were starting to settle down. It was almost midnight, special feasts always managed to run late, half the students were asleep on their feet by now and the other half were gossiping. The Gryffindors were the most talkative seeing that it was their house that was attacked, understandable but that didn't make it any less annoying. Saiph just wanted to go back to sleep; she didn't care where.

Finally, Dumbledore stepped up to the podium and began to speak, his voice immediately silencing the hall.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle," Professor Dumbledore told them as Professors McGonagall and Flitwick closed all doors into the Hall. "I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here. I want the Prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the Hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. Any disturbance should be reported to me immediately," he added to Percy, who was looking immensely proud and important. "Send word with one of the ghosts."

Professor Dumbledore paused, about to leave the Hall, and said, "Oh, yes, you'll be needing..."

One casual wave of his wand and the long tables flew to the edges of the Hall and stood themselves against the walls; another wave, and the floor was covered with hundreds of squashy purple sleeping bags. They looked comfortable enough.

"Sleep well," said Dumbledore, closing the door behind him.

The Hall immediately began to buzz with noise once more; Saiph could already tell she wouldn't be getting much sleep that night, not with everyone so restless. Around the hall, prefects were calling for their houses to settle down. For some stupid reason, the Gryffindors had been placed right next to the Slytherins, meaning by the time Saiph managed to grab a sleeping bag for herself, the only spots that weren't taken were next to The Golden trio or next to Draco.

Since she still wasn't on speaking terms with one of the options…

"What are you doing?" Ron asked her incredulously as she dragged her own purple sleeping bag next to them.

"What does it look like I'm doing dingus, I'm going to sleep," Saiph got mean when she was tired, it didn't help that she didn't like Ron in the first place either.

Ron backed off somewhat, continuing his conversation with the other Gryffindors, but still sent her weird looks every now and then. The lights turned off ten minutes after that, just as Saiph was drifting into her first stage of sleep. Throughout the night, while tossing and turning, she faintly heard teachers heading in and out of the hall and wondered if they ever slept. Probably not. Magic caffeine had to give a better kick than the muggle version. The raven-haired girl only slightly stirred when Percy and Dumbledore had a conversation only metres away from her, she already knew the gist of what they were saying so she found more interest in falling back asleep however.

The following few days went by in a flash as the next Hogsmeade weekend rolled around. Sure, between Halloween and that was Harry's nearly deadly quidditch match with the Hufflepuffs but Saiph had been drowning in unfinished homework that day. Not that she would have gone if she wasn't. Saiph had never been particularly into quidditch much to her father's horror. Regulus had been a chaser for the Slytherin team when he was in school and often liked to brag about how much better Slytherin was when compared to Gryffindor.

Before that, was the DADA lesson with Snape filling in for Lupin. No one had enjoyed that lesson, not even the Slytherins. Saiph did learn some cool new facts about Werewolves though.

Saiph was on the way to her afternoon potions class when she heard a loud bang coming from the empty classroom next to her. Seeing as she still had 5 minutes before she really needed to get to class, Saiph decided to check it out, 'what could go wrong' She thought.

Turns out many things could go wrong, at the very least she had finally found out what the Weasleys were up to. Saiph now grumpily trekked to her dorms covered in glitter and Slime, glaring at anyone who dared to look at her. It was a good thing she was already in the dungeons otherwise her walk of shame would have been even more embarrassing.

She should've known that the Weasleys would pull a prank like this, they had been avoiding her since they met on the first day of school even though Saiph thought they had gotten along well. She'd originally chalked the avoidance up to not wanting to associate with a Slytherin. Now she knew better, and despite everything, her heart was a little lighter. The Weasleys had always been her favourite pair of pranking brothers, the stolls from Percy Jackson coming in a close second.

The prank itself 'The Iniciacion prank' as they called it,(not that she had stuck around long enough to hear them out) was a pretty simple one that involved a door, two buckets, glitter, and slime. To be completely honest Saiph was a little disappointed with the simplicity of the prank, she expected something with more, well… Magic. They must have been going easy on her.

Saiph had always been rather fond of pranks but she drew the line at glitter. Glitter was like torture, it always gave you some sort of PTSD. Maybe that was taking it too far but Saiph hated glitter with a passion and hated washing it out of her hair for months on end even more.

The symphony of wet socks squelching in shoes and leaking to the floor every now and then followed Saiph for another ten metres before she was confronted by running footsteps echoing behind her.

"Wait!" Two voices shouted behind her, Saiph was feeling petty after the prank though, they could talk to her while she walked.

"You have until I reach the common room to explain why you thought it was a good idea to assault me with glitter, of all things," Saiph huffed.

"So we have this thing," one twin started, she didn't bother to check which, "Where we prank our friends and-" The other twin was cut off by Saiph stopping in her tracks.

"We're… Friends?" She smiled turning to them, then dropping her features in a mock glare she said, "Don't think you're off the hook but I'm glad to know you consider me a friend. So, what are you going to do to make it up to me." The Weasley twins smiled at each other mischievously "We have the perfect thing"

"Most convenient"

"We were planning to give it to Harry ourselves but"

"May as well let you play around with it for a while"

Twins… were weird. Was Saiph's first thought as her brain processed their little party trick. Then, she saw it. Nestled in who she thought was George's hand was an old yellowed parchment. No way.

"This," Fred began, "Is a little something we found back in first year, the Marauders Map." He then held out the parchment and tapped it twice with his wand. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." He chanted, Saiph nearly fangirled at that but managed to compose herself. The yellowed paper immediately started filling itself with words in blood-red ink and Saiph wondered if it really was blood. Obviously, this aspect of the world had been taken from the movies as the ink in the books was an emerald green colour. It was never really explained in the books or movies how the Marauder's map was created, just that Remus had done most of the work. It was entirely possible that blood magic may have been used to make such a thing. Saiph herself wasn't well versed in blood magic at all but she did know it was very versatile when used the right way.

The ink travelled up and down in a way that reminded Saiph of the Game of Thrones opening. Finally, it read;

Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers

Are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP

Wow, Saiph never thought she would actually see the map in this world. In the books, it was given straight to Harry and then passed around to a lot of people Saiph wasn't particularly friendly with before finally getting back to Harry. This was like a dream come true and before she knew it she had barreled into Fred and George and was now giving them a very Slimy glittery hug, making sure to avoid the map of course. She didn't feel guilty though, after all, actions have consequences.

"Hold on," they protested, "we haven't even told you what it does yet, you can't be getting excited until the explanations are over." Saiph sobered at that and backed off, kneeling on the floor, she almost felt sorry for Filch after seeing the mess she made, almost.

"So what does it do," she asked keeping up her clueless facade, maybe one day she would just use her prior knowledge to be some sort of wizarding prodigy and seer, but that day was not today. Fred unfolded the map and placed it on the floor in front of him. The twins began to explain the details as Saiph nodded along. "From what I can see it shows the whole castle and the exact location of everyone in it, correct?" George nodded in confirmation. "What do you want me to do with it exactly?" Saiph asked.

"Well, a little birdie told us that Harry couldn't get permission to go to Hogsmeade so we were going to give it to him. Since you're in the same year though, it would be easier if you gave it to him." Fred said. Saiph raised an eyebrow at this. What made them think Harry was going to trust her enough to accept this 'all too good to be true' gift?

"What if he thinks it's some sort of mean joke, he has no reason to think I'm just being nice for seemingly no reason. I mean, if you haven't noticed we don't exactly get along." Fred simply put a finger on her lips and hushed her.

"Trust us," he whispered. Saiph rolled her eyes, fine, what's the worst that could happen? Saiph's dismissiveness of situations like this would really kick her in the butt one day. At last, the twins handed over the map, only after Saiph had remembered a cleaning charm of course, and she tucked it safely into her robes.

That evening Saiph was looking over the map in her dorms. It was quite late so all her roommates were asleep. It's a good thing that they were as well. Everything seemed normal at first, most of the students were in bed with the occasional Hufflepuff going to the kitchens for a midnight snack. Teachers roamed the halls on their usual petrol and the castle was at peace.

That was until Sirius Black arrived of course.

It was now past curfew, if she was caught she would lose house points and gain detention with Snape. If she wasn't, however, she could fulfil her curiosity and meet her uncle, Sirius Black. Saiph debated this decision for not even 30 seconds before she gave in to her curiosity. As the saying goes curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back.

The halls were cold and dark making Saiph wish she had brought a coat along on her adventure. There was something about being in school hallways at night that just felt unnatural and creepy, even if this was a boarding school. Her wand was glowing with the faintest lumos she could conjure, the less attention she brings to herself the better.

In times like this Saiph really regretted not being friends with Harry and having access to the invisibility cloak. It would make life just that much easier. She was now approaching the courtyard near Hagrid's cottage where she had previously seen Sirius's name. A cold wind gusts past making Saiph shiver again and looked down at the map in her icy hands. Much to her surprise she saw that Sirius' name was still in the same place it was when she checked last, give or take a few meters. Well, that certainly made it easier.

This courtyard was by far the largest in the school, fondly named the Quad. Tall trees lined the perimeter and few were scattered throughout the grassy lawn. A large fountain sat in the centre surrounded by rose bushes with their thorns charmed off. Stone picnic tables sat in the corners of the yard making this place a favourite for studying 5th, 6th, and 7th years. In the daytime, it was full of life and chatter but at night it was peaceful and calm.

According to the map, Sirius was on the north side of the Quad while Saiph was on the South-east side. If she walked around the fountain she would see him. Saiph paused, hesitation creeping into her previously solid resolve. If he really was there, what would she say? Would he attack her? No, she shook her head. He was innocent, Saiph knew that but didn't stop the unsureness.

Saiph crept forward slowly map clutched tightly in one hand, wand in the other. Around the fountain, around the tall trees and was now standing in front of some bushes, the map telling her he was just behind them.

"What are you doing out of bed?" came the grating voice of none other than Professor Snape. Damn, She had been caught.

"Sleep-walking," was Saiph's lame excuse, she took a glance at the map before hiding it in her pocket and to her disappointment and relief Sirius was gone. Saiph quickly turned to face the professor and opened her mouth before she was cut off.

"I don't need to hear it, ten points from Slytherin and detention on weekends until the end of term for your cheek. Now get back to bed and do not let me catch you out after curfew again." Snape drawled flatly. The punishment was completely unfair, he only gave her detention because he didn't like her, otherwise, Snape would have let her off the hook like with every other Slytherin.

Saiph said nothing and rolled her eyes before trudging back towards the dungeons.

It was now Hogsmeade weekend and Saiph may or may not have dodged the detention she was given in favour of visiting Honeydukes. If she remembered correctly, today was the day Harry would be finding out about Sirius Black and his parents. Probably not the best time to be dumping the marauders' map on him but Saiph had no more real use for it. Despite how cool the map was it gets boring after hours of watching little footsteps and names travelling around. Sure, she had seen some things she probably shouldn't have cough* Daphne and Theo suspiciously in a broom closet for an extended period of time cough* but most of the time it was just people going about their daily lives.

Sirius hadn't appeared again on the map since the day she got detention and that was almost a month ago. The black-haired girl practically floated around the aisles of the lollies shop avoiding cockroach clusters and Burty bots jelly beans in favour of the sugar quills and chocolate frogs. She even found an all-year-sucker lollipop that reformed every time it was finished for a year. Gods she loved magic. With at least three bags of sweets around her wrist she exited the shop and made her way to The Three Broomsticks where hopefully Harry still was.

There was a notice on the door of The Three Broomsticks that read:

BY ORDER OF THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

Customers are reminded that until further notice, Dementors will be patrolling the street of Hogsmeade every night after sundown. This measure has been put into place for the safety of Hogsmeade residents and will be lifted upon the recapture of Sirius Black. It is therefore advisable that you complete your shopping well before nightfall.

Merry Christmas!

Saiph ignored the sign (the same one had been on the door of Honeydukes) disgusted by the rashness of the ministry. When it really came down to it, what would stop a dementor from attacking an innocent resident of Hogsmeade? It was not like they could be controlled by anything but a Patronus, even then many witches and wizards couldn't perform that spell successfully.

The wind was fierce and Saiph's hands were freezing from the 5-minute walk between shops. The inn was extremely crowded, noisy, warm and smokey. A curvy sort of woman with a pretty face was sitting at a table with Professors McGonagall and Flitwick, Hagrid, and the Minister of Magic. Madame Rosmerta.

There was a chance that at least Professor McGonagall knew about her detention so it was best to avoid her. Saiph walked quickly to the bar with her head down. "One butterbeer please," she told the bartender. She could see the Christmas tree hiding the golden trio, a good sign they were still there. Saiph supposed the Weasley twins must have told Harry a way out as he did not have the map yet. As soon as she had her drink Saiph headed over to the hidden table, the hood of her cloak over her head, just in time to hear the end of the conversation.

"...I daresay that is his – er – eventual plan. But we hope to catch Black long before that. I must say, You-Know-Who alone and friendless is one thing … but give him back his most devoted servant, and I shudder to think how quickly he'll rise again …" Fudge said somberly.

"And what of his daughter, McGonagall, do you think she would have let him into the castle? Is she loyal to You-Know-Who too?" Asked Madame Rosmerta. This wasn't right. The conversation was supposed to end there.

"Yer know…" Spoke Hagrid, "we didn' know he had a child before she came ter Hogwarts. He never even mentioned her… But no she's a good one, could never imagine her on the side o' that filthy bastard."

"Hagrid, do mind your language," Reminded Professor McGonagall.

"Perhaps he never knew, he was known as quite the lady killer back when he was in Hogwarts." Replied Madame Rosmerta. Saiph almost wanted to laugh at how wrong they were. Though Hagrid defending her warmed her heart. As much as she was afraid of the giant, he was a sweet man.

Harry had left the inn about 20 minutes ago, Hermione and Ron chasing after him. Saiph had taken over their table to drink her butterbeer and listen in on the conversation. Much to her disappointment though, the topic had moved on from Sirius Black and was now focused on more menial things such as family and hobbies.

Saiph knew where Harry would be so there was no rush. Fred and George had told her to trust them but if this simple conversation was going to turn into a yelling match she would throw the map at his feet and book in out of there. Deciding it was time to go, Saiph left the inn and made her way to the shrieking shack, may as well visit Scruffy to lift her mood. She hadn't seen him in a while due to her detentions.

Food was her first stop, there was a local pet emporium close by so she would get him enough dog food and treats to last him through the holidays. Maybe even a steak or two if she could find them.

It was now getting late and day was quickly turning to night making it colder, so Saiph had picked up a blanket on the way as well and was now standing in front of the shrieking shack. "Scruffy!" she called, no answer, she was about to try again before a bark echoed behind her. "There you are boy, you look better already. Look what I brought you, some food and a blanket 'cause I know it gets cold out here." Saiph said in a baby voice.

The large black dog barked in appreciation and ran up to her. "I can't stay for long because it's getting dark but enjoy this and ration it okay? I might be able to see you again for a while." Saiph said softly. She knew telling a dog to ration would usually be useless, especially one as hungry as Scruffy, but she had a feeling he would understand.

"Here," Saiph said to Harry after dinner, extending the map to him. Harry didn't take it and just stared dumbly at her. Saiph sighed before saying, "Take it, dummy."

"What is it?" Harry asked, obviously still brain-dead from all the important information he had received today.

"It's a map, go to Fred and George for more information. I'm too tired to explain things right now," and with that, Saiph turned and started to walk towards the dungeons.

"Wait, Wait!" Harry called after her, running to catch up. Saiph tried to ignore his thundering footsteps as they were giving her a headache, she had to be coming down with something after staying out in the cold for so long. "Did you know?" Now that caught her attention.

Saiph stopped but didn't turn to face him "Know what, scarface." Okay, maybe that was a little mean.

"About our dads, about how they were friends. How he betrayed my parents" Harry asked desperately.

"And if I did?"

"Why didn't you tell me!" Saiph could tell he was getting angry now, best to end this quickly and keep a cool head while doing so.

"Why would I? Look, Harry, we are not friends and I don't even know Sirius Black personally, so I'm not obliged to tell you anything but since I'm feeling nice I'll tell you this." Saiph took a breath. "Sirius Black is innocent."