The dormitory was still, grey morning light filtering through the curtains. The four-poster bed creaked as Sirius eased himself onto the edge, his hand hovering over the lump of blankets without quite touching.

The lump shifted. A soft groan escaped from somewhere deep under the covers.

James rummaged through his things, emerging with a small vial of pale blue liquid. He uncorked it, the sharp scent of dittany and something sweeter cutting through the air.