The Gryffindor common room was dimly lit, the fire casting flickering shadows on the walls. Most students had retired for the night, but two figures remained by the hearth. Sirius Black lounged in an armchair, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he grinned lazily at Remus Lupin, who sat cross-legged on the rug, a book balanced on his knee.
"You know, Moony," Sirius drawled, tossing a small ball of parchment into the flames, "you study way too much."
Remus hummed, his eyes skimming over the text before finally looking up. "And you don’t study enough."
Sirius gasped dramatically. "How dare you! I’ll have you know I’m quite the scholar—of pranks, Quidditch strategies, and, of course, charming my way out of detentions."
Remus rolled his eyes, but his lips quirked in amusement. "If only those counted for N.E.W.T.s."
Sirius stretched, draping his arms over the sides of his chair. "So, full moon’s coming up. You alright?" His voice was softer now, his teasing demeanor momentarily replaced with genuine concern.
Remus hesitated. It was always the same—every month, the transformation took its toll, leaving him exhausted and aching. But it was easier now, knowing he didn’t have to face it alone. "I’ll be fine," he said, offering a small smile. "Thanks to you lot."
Sirius smirked, but there was warmth in his expression. "Of course, what kind of best friends would we be if we didn’t keep you company? James is working on some new Animagus trick to make you laugh, and Peter—well, he tries."
Remus chuckled. "You’re all mad, you know that?"
Sirius leaned forward, his grey eyes bright with mischief. "Madly brilliant, you mean. And speaking of brilliant—"
A loud bang echoed through the room as the portrait hole burst open. James Potter skidded inside, breathless and grinning. "Oi, you two! I’ve just nicked something spectacular from Filch’s office. Get your cloaks, we’re going on an adventure."
Remus groaned. "James, it’s nearly midnight."
Sirius leapt to his feet, grabbing Remus’s book and tossing it onto the chair. "Come on, Moony, where’s your sense of adventure?"
Remus sighed, but he was already standing. With these three, trouble was inevitable. But he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
After all, moonlight and mischief were always better when shared.