To Be Told... (One Shots)

An Evening with Sirius and James

The Jackson family's cosy home was filled with the aroma of brewing potions as Isadora Jackson, huddled over her cauldron, deep in concentration. The afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room.

Suddenly, the sound of laughter and noisy chatter echoed through the house, signalling the arrival of two familiar faces – Sirius Black and James Potter. The dynamic duo had come to join their friend for a Potions study session, or so they claimed.

Sirius walked into the room, his dark hair tousled and his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, well, well, what do we have here? The esteemed Potions prodigy herself."

Isadora rolled her eyes at Sirius's dramatic entrance, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Oh, look, James brought his loyal lapdog along."

James grinned, unfazed by Isadora's teasing. "Always happy to bring Sirius on my quest for knowledge. Besides, someone has to keep an eye on him before he blows up the cauldron."

Sirius mock-scowled at James before turning his attention to Isadora. "So, Isadora, heard you've been spending quite a bit of time with my dear brother, Regulus."

Isadora's cheeks flushed slightly at the mention of Regulus Black, her new romantic interest. "Yes, we've been studying together. He's quite talented in Potions, you know."

Sirius raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Oh, I'm sure he's very talented in many ways."

James nudged Sirius with his elbow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Careful, mate, don't want to make Isadora blush too much. She might melt the cauldron with her radiant charm."

Isadora chuckled, shaking her head at James and Sirius's antics. "Honestly, you two are incorrigible. Now, if you're done distracting us, we have a Potions assignment to complete."

Sirius feigned offence, placing a hand over his heart. "Us? Distracting? Perish the thought!"

As the afternoon wore on, the group delved into their Potions assignment, discussing ingredients, brewing techniques, and the intricacies of magical theory. Despite the occasional teasing and banter, they worked together seamlessly, their shared passion for magic binding them together.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, Isadora glanced up from her cauldron, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. "I think we've done it. This potion should be perfect."

James and Sirius exchanged proud looks.

Sirius grinned, clapping Isadora on the shoulder. "Well done, Isadora. Looks like you've earned yourself an 'Outstanding' in Potions."

Isadora beamed at Sirius's praise, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. "Thanks, Sirius. I couldn't have done it without you two... That's a sentence I thought I'd never said."

As the group finished cleaning up their workstations and prepared to leave, James Potter lingered behind, clearing his throat nervously. Isadora noticed his hesitation and turned to face him, a curious expression on her face.

"Is there something on your mind, James?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

James shuffled his feet awkwardly before mustering up the courage to speak. "Um, Isadora, I was just wondering... has Lily ever mentioned me when you two are together?"

Isadora couldn't help but suppress a mischievous grin at James's question. She knew all too well about his longstanding crush on her best friend, Lily Evans, and she couldn't resist teasing him a bit.

"Oh, James," she said with faux sympathy, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You know, I think she mentioned you once or twice... in passing."

James's eyes lit up with hope, and he leaned in eagerly. "Really? What did she say?"

Isadora pretended to ponder for a moment, her lips twitching with amusement. "Oh, you know, just the usual. 'James Potter is such a prat,' 'James Potter needs to stop hexing innocent students,' 'James Potter is completely insufferable.'"

James's face fell at Isadora's teasing, but he couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. "Ha ha, very funny, Isadora. But seriously, has she said anything about me at all?"

Isadora relented, unable to keep up the charade any longer. "Alright, alright, I'll give you a hint. Let's just say she might have mentioned something about a certain messy-haired Gryffindor who's always causing trouble but has a heart of gold."

James's eyes widened in surprise, a hopeful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "She said that about me?"

Isadora nodded, unable to suppress her own grin. "Yes, James, she did. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a best friend to tease mercilessly about her undying crush on you."

As Sirius and James bid farewell to Isadora's parents, Isadora waited for them at the entrance of her house, a warm smile on her face. Sirius, ever the playful troublemaker, couldn't resist teasing her about her relationship with her brother.

"Hey, Isadora," Sirius began with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "So you and my brother.... Are like official now? What are you been doin' "

Isadora rolled her eyes at Sirius's teasing, though a playful smirk danced on her lips. "Oh, you know, just discussing Potions and Quidditch strategies. Nothing too scandalous, I assure you."

James stepped in, gently pushing Sirius away with a grin. "Alright, Sirius, that's enough. Leave poor Isadora alone."

Sirius feigned offence, placing a hand over his heart in mock indignation. "But James, I'm just looking out for my dear friend's best interests. Can't have her falling for a troublemaker like Regulus, now can we?"

Isadora couldn't help but laugh at Sirius's antics, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all. "Oh, please, Sirius. Regulus is a perfect gentleman, unlike some people I know."

James chuckled, giving Sirius a playful shove. "Yeah, yeah, we all know who the real troublemaker is here. Come on, Sirius, let's leave Isadora in peace before she decides to hex us."

With one last round of goodbyes and laughter, Sirius and James departed from Isadora's house, leaving her standing there with a fond smile on her face. As she watched them disappear into the night, she couldn't help but feel grateful for their friendship and the laughter they brought into her life.

As she turned to head back inside, the warmth of friendship and the promise of new adventures filled her heart, reminding her that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would always have her friends by her side.