Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(65) Inn The Holiday Mood

She likened it to the moon's dependence on the sun, unable to shine brightly without its celestial counterpart. The feeling was subtle but undeniable, and she knew that even in her excitement for the weekend, her heart still carried a hidden longing.

Without hesitation, in the early morning, Sophie's eyes fluttered open, revealing the bewitched ceiling above her. The colors of dawn gently transitioned across the enchanted sky, casting a soft, ethereal glow in the room. She couldn't help but smile as the mesmerizing display motivated her to begin the day with enthusiasm, determined to make the most of this precious time.

Stepping over to her dresser, she selected a cozy, grey jumper to layer over a crisp, white blouse. The air held a slight chill, signaling the arrival of early fall, and she could feel its cool touch against her skin. It wasn't quite jacket weather yet, but she knew the velvet black skirt she chose to wear, paired with thin black nylons, would provide a stylish yet comfortable ensemble.

Sophie raised her wand, casting a nonverbal spell over her head to transform her tousled hair into a sophisticated, circular bun. With a few loose strands framing her face, she exuded a charming elegance that perfectly complemented her outfit.

Surveying herself in the mirror, she was satisfied with her appearance and ensured everything was packed and ready for when she returned from breakfast.

Navigating her way through the small groups of early risers like herself, she made her way to the Great Hall with just the right amount of time to savor a delightful meal. The aroma of fresh croissants filled the air, and Sophie couldn't resist grabbing one, smearing it with butter. A flick of her wand crisped up the flaky pastry to perfection, making her breakfast even more delectable.

She savored the croissant, savoring each flaky layer as if it were a delicacy, and chased it down with a gulp of orchard apple juice, the cinnamon flavor enriching every drop. She wiped her mouth with her napkin, ensuring not a crumb remained, and checked the time on a nearby clock: 6:55. She was to meet Sirius at The Three Broomsticks at 7:30, and she didn't want to risk being late due to the carriage ride's unpredictable duration.

Navigating her way through the bustling crowd, Sophie made her way back to her room to ensure everything was properly packed before setting off. As she moved through the throngs of students, she couldn't help but notice the lack of familiar faces. Many had already graduated or met unfortunate fates, and the thought weighed heavily on her mind.

With her bag securely by her side, she ascended from the dungeons and headed upstairs to the courtyard to catch a carriage to Hogsmeade. The carriage provided a quicker journey than walking, though it still took a good 10 minutes to reach her destination.

When the carriage came to a stop, she quickly disembarked without waiting for the doorman, and the rich, enticing scents of fall filled her senses. Hints of cinnamon, pumpkin, maple, and the early morning fires permeated the air, creating a warm and comforting ambiance. Sophie had always adored fall, but her heart belonged to winter, with its crisp air and enchanting snowscapes.

As she entered The Three Broomsticks, the familiar wooden interior embraced her like an old friend. She made her way to their regular spot—a cozy corner booth by the window that could comfortably accommodate a group of eight. However, her anticipation turned to surprise when she realized someone was already sitting there.

A man with tousled brown hair, nearly bordering on black, sat with his head resting on his arms, appearing deep in thought. He looked dashing in a maroon-purple jumper layered over a sleek black shirt, with a fuzzy black jacket adding a touch of coziness to his attire.

With a soft, throat-clearing sound, Sophie announced her presence, and as the man lifted his head, his intense gaze softened into a tender smile. There he was—Sirius Black, the man she had invited for a weekend getaway amid a chaotic war, and his mere presence brought a sense of warmth and excitement to her heart.