Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(67) Inn Rememberance

All was well inside Sirius' head.

Imagine waking up in the most pleasant way possible, cocooned in the comfort of soft, warm sheets that seemed to cradle one's body with tender care. As the first rays of morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room, Sophie stirred gently. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she stretched and allowed her body to sway into the motions of awakening. No jarring alarm disrupted the peaceful ambiance; instead, the awakening was a natural process, a gentle transition from slumber to consciousness, as if the hours of rest she had enjoyed were somehow magnified, granting her a deeper sense of tranquility.

In this peaceful awakening, she found herself cradling Sirius in her arms, his back nestled against her chest. The warmth between them seemed to intensify as they shared the comfort of each other's presence. She marveled at the intimacy of the moment, the simple act of being close to him filling her heart with a mixture of emotions.

Gently, she extricated her hands from beneath him, careful not to disturb his peaceful slumber. Slipping out of bed with a silent grace, she tiptoed away, hoping that nothing untoward had happened between them during the night. A sense of relief washed over her as she realized she had woken up first, sparing them both from any awkwardness that might have arisen had he found her cradling him like a protective embrace.

Swiftly, she prepared for the day, taking a refreshing shower and dressing herself in cozy attire that offered warmth and comfort. A small, deft charm added a touch of elegance to her hair, transforming her natural waves into soft, caressing curls that framed her face with effortless grace.

When she peered back into the room, she saw that Sirius, too, was already getting ready for the day ahead. His carefree manner contrasted with Severus's more reserved demeanor, yet Sophie couldn't help but notice the striking similarities that lay beneath their surface differences.

As she put the finishing touches on her makeup, she felt a playful jolt of surprise as Sirius appeared by the bathroom door frame, his lively presence catching her off guard. "Ready?" he inquired, his eyes dancing with a spark of excitement for the day's adventures.

"Ready," she replied, her voice a little husky from sleep, but her heart alight with anticipation. As they stepped out together, she couldn't help but feel that this day held the promise of something extraordinary, an unforgettable journey in the company of a kindred spirit.

They descended the creaking stairs of the inn, the soft murmur of their footsteps blending with the distant sounds of the awakening village. As they reached the open waiting area, a sense of disappointment washed over Sophie as she noticed that no breakfast was being served. She tried to conceal her sigh, but her inner hunger was evident when she turned to Sirius and asked, "Where would you like to eat for breakfast? There's a nice tea shop not too far from here, but there's also-"

As she began listing the nearby options, her words seemed to dissolve into the air around them, for Sirius couldn't help but get lost in the entirety of her presence. Her radiant smile, the way her eyes sparkled with excitement, and the softness of her voice seemed to engulf him, casting aside any other thoughts. He felt an overwhelming sense of contentment, knowing he had regained her trust, and that realization filled him with pure happiness. Cutting her off gently, he responded, "Wherever you want to go is fine with me."

Her brow furrowed slightly, and she pouted playfully, confessing, "I am indecisive and need people to not agree with me by agreeing with me, so pick a place." Her endearing expression tugged at Sirius' heartstrings, and he couldn't help but let out a soft scoff before declaring, "Tea sounds lovely."