Gryffindor Tower

Sirius shrugged. "James insisted on trying a new prank spell and turned the boy in front of him's schoolbag into a frog. The frog even had the schoolbag's pattern on it. It was pretty funny."

Lucretia couldn't help laughing. "That does sound worth losing points over."

The atmosphere relaxed a little, and Sirius took the opportunity to change the subject. "How have your classes been lately? Survived Transfiguration?"

Lucretia sighed, then her expression suddenly brightened. "Barely. Professor McGonagall gives me extra tutoring every Wednesday after class. But after class today, Professor Sheffield kept Sophia and me behind and invited us to join a special defense training session on Thursday."

Sirius raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "Sheffield's special training? That doesn't happen often. What did she teach today?"

Lucretia smiled at him, speaking a little faster than usual. "Tactical Environment Assessment. And how to quickly identify and use the surroundings in dangerous situations. She said my... perceptive ability might have special applications."

Sirius's expression softened. "You like Defense Against the Dark Arts Class?"

Lucretia nodded. "Very much! It doesn't... conflict with me the way Transfiguration does. And Professor Sheffield's teaching methods are very practical. Her classes aren't just theory and memorization."

There was a hint of pride in Sirius's voice. "I'm pretty good at Defense. Sixth-year classes are more focused on practical combat, with lots of dueling."

Lucretia's eyes lit up. "Really? I still have some problems with the basic Shield Charm and some protective spells... Maybe, if you have time someday, could you explain them to me?"

"Of course."

Sirius answered immediately, then cleared his throat, trying to make himself sound less eager.

"You're welcome anytime, whenever you need me."

Just then, the castle clock struck seven, its chimes echoing through the corridor.

Lucretia gave a soft cry. "Oh, it's already seven! Barty must be waiting in the library. He's very punctual and doesn't like it when I'm late."

Sirius nodded and raised the box in his hand. "Go on. I'll give this to Evans."

Lucretia smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Sirius. Say hello to Lily for me, and tell her I put in extra apples especially for her. I remember she likes that flavor."

Sirius answered shortly, his expression already a little dark. "I will."

Lucretia took a step toward the stairs. "Then good night, Sirius."

Sirius replied softly, his eyes following her. "Good night, Lucretia."

He did not leave right away, watching Lucretia's back disappear around the corner.

The box in his hand was light, yet it felt heavier than an A History of Magic textbook.

The scent of cinnamon apple tart drifted from the box, the sweet smell making him think of her carefully cooking in the kitchen.

Cooking for someone else.

Sirius turned and strode toward Gryffindor Tower, his footsteps especially clear in the empty corridor.

The title Brother Regulus echoed in his mind, making him more irritated than usual.

"Barty doesn't like things that are too sweet."

She remembered even such tiny details perfectly.

She knew Lily liked thick apple slices, and she knew Little Barty's taste preferences.

But she did not know what he liked.

The corner of Sirius's mouth twitched, more like he was mocking himself.

It had taken him so long just to get her to call him by his name, while Regulus and Crouch always got custom-made desserts from her so effortlessly.

He gripped his wand tightly in one hand and carefully supported the box with the other, as if it were some precious yet mocking trophy.

A dessert meant for someone else.

The Fat Lady asked, "Password?"

Sirius sounded impatient. "The courage of lions."

The portrait hole opened, and the warmth and noise of the Gryffindor Common Room rushed over him.

Firelight flickered in the hearth, and laughter rose and fell around the room.

Sirius stood at the entrance, holding the box of cinnamon apple tart as he looked over the room.

Now he had to hand this damned dessert to Lily and pretend he was happy to do it.

James and Lupin sat on a sofa in the corner, books and parchment scattered across the table between them.

He looked toward the window.

Lily sat there with several friends, the girls chatting and laughing.

They all seemed to be in a good mood, judging by their expressions, which annoyed him even more.

Sirius drew a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he strode over.

Every step felt like carrying out some unpleasant duty.

"Evans."

His voice came out harsher than he had intended, and several girls nearby looked up at him.

The lively little group quieted somewhat.

Lily raised her head, irritation in her green eyes. "What is it, Black?"

Sirius placed the box in front of her, moving as if he were carrying out a military assignment. "This. Lucretia made it. Cinnamon apple tart. She said she added extra apples for you."

He pronounced every word clearly, but it sounded as though he were reciting lines he did not want to say.

Lily's expression changed at once, a smile appearing on her face.

She carefully opened the box, and the fragrance immediately spread through the air.

"Lucretia made this? That's wonderful! She always knows what I like!"

The girls around her all leaned in to look.

Sirius stood there, listening to everyone praise Lucretia's cooking. Every sentence felt like a needle piercing his heart.

Yes, she always knew what everyone else liked.

Except him.

Lily suddenly remembered something and looked up at Sirius. "Hurry and tell her I'm so grateful! Oh, is she still nearby? I'll go find her and chat for a while!"

With his hands in his pockets, Sirius said coldly, "We won't be seeing her again. She's going to the library to meet Crouch."

"What did you say?"

Lily frowned at his attitude, but the dessert quickly distracted her.

She cut off a small piece and tasted it, closing her eyes in satisfaction.

"It's so good! She's always so thoughtful... Oh, who wants some?"

Soon, the dessert was shared among her friends, and the girls' laughter rose one after another.

James's voice came from the sofa area. "Sirius! Come look at this!"

Sirius forced himself to adjust his expression and walked over to his friend.

He dropped heavily into the armchair beside James, casually tossing his wand onto the table.

James deliberately raised an eyebrow as he played with a Niffler ball in his hand. "Why do you look like you're about to eat someone? Lily turned down going to Hogsmeade with me again, but I still look happier than you. You know, your face looks as foul as if you drank an entire bottle of skunk juice."

Lupin looked up and closed the book in his hands. "What happened? I saw you give something to Evans."

Sirius forced the word out through clenched teeth. "Dessert. Not mine."

James laughed and dramatically craned his neck toward Lily. "We all saw it was dessert. Dear Lily's face lit up like she'd won the grand prize. So whose masterpiece was it?"

"Lucretia."

Sirius answered more loudly than he had intended, drawing curious looks from several younger students before he immediately lowered his voice.

"I ran into her on my way to Gryffindor Tower, and she asked me to pass it on to Evans."

"Aha."

James's eyes lit up. He set down the Niffler ball and put on an enlightened expression.

He dramatically slapped his thigh. "So it was our unicorn princess's work? No wonder he looks like he swallowed a slug. Moony, shouldn't we get a notebook and write this down? The Black family heir sulking over dessert—this courtship progress is far too important."

James even pretended to take out a quill and make notes.

"First entry: Sirius turns into an angry Padfoot when he doesn't receive dessert."

Sirius kept his voice low, but it was dangerous. "Shut up, Prongs."

But the threat had no effect at all.

Instead of restraining himself, James laughed even harder.

He even winked at Lupin. "See that? Even his threats aren't convincing anymore. It's adorable."

Sirius's fingers tapped against the armrest, the rhythm betraying the turmoil in his heart.