the_debt_of_time

Peter nodded, and Mia felt incredibly satisfied. Her satisfaction did not last long,
however, as the boats surged forward across the lake, and both Sirius and James began
rocking back and forth.
"James Charlus Potter! If I fall in this lake and get eaten by a giant squid, I will haunt
you forever!" Mia screamed, gripping the side of the boat.
James laughed. "Aww Mia, you know we'd save you if you fell in."
Sirius grinned. "Yeah, I'm sure one of us knows how to swim."
"Heads down!"
Everyone ducked obediently, and the little boats carried them through a curtain of
ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They moved along a dark tunnel—which
appeared to be taking them right underneath the castle—until they reached a kind of
underground harbour, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles.
"See? You're fine." James smiled at Mia, who had accepted Remus's hand to
maintain her balance as she climbed out of the boat. If she had not been so annoyed with
her brother and Sirius, she would have taken great pleasure in seeing Remus opening up
so easily to her, taking her hand without hesitation when she reached on instinct for him.
They scrambled up a passageway in the rock following the light of Hagrid's lamp,
coming out at last onto smooth, damp grass. They walked up a flight of stone steps and
crowded around the huge, oak front door.
Hagrid raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door.
Mia took a deep breath as the doors began to open.
It's good to be home.