"Well, he's ... expected to come over in another week or so," James says slowly, looking thoughtful.

(And don't think he hasn't noticed that she called him 'Sirius' instead of addressing him by his surname, the way she used to address him.

And the way he addressed her, too.

Blimey, that'd been ages ago.)

"I think he's been holding off as long as humanly possible, considering.

"I can't say I'm particularly fussed about it. It's been weird. Nothing really feels resolved, though he's been quietly trying not to be his usual annoying self."