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Chapter 2: The Best Friend

"I'm bored, Prongs."

It was not an unusual thing to hear from his best mate. In fact, James was fairly certain Sirius had said it at least once a week since they were eleven. Usually, it came moments before he suggested something that involved damage, detention, McGongall’s vein pulsing in her forehead, or all three.

Normally James would’ve suggested something to do, but instead, James raised a brow at him. Sirius was sprawled upside down on the nearest chair. One long leg was hooked over the back, the other dangled over the arm, and his dark hair hung nearly to the floor in a glossy curtain. He stared at James without blinking, grey eyes wide and begging for attention.

James turned another page.

The library was silent around them. The fire crackled low in the grate, throwing orange light over the scattered books, crumpled bits of parchment, and the half-empty mug of tea that James had forgotten to drink despite requesting Sirius to fetch it three hours ago. Outside the tall windows, snow fell steadily against the glass, blurring the grounds beyond into streaks of white.

James tossed his foot across the coffee table and shoved a book towards his brother with the heel of his shoe, rolling his hazel eyes. “If you’re so bored, then help me find out what’s wrong with her.”

Sirius caught the book more out of instinct than interest, his reflexes apparently willing to function. Still upside down, he squinted at the cover, holding it a few inches from his nose.

“Maladies and Injuries: A Practical Guide to Magical Ailments,” he read aloud. His mouth twisted with immediate disgust. “How riveting, James.”