Please let me know in my feedback thread which can be found here: Dog Star Feedback, or by PM if I have any details wrong or if you have any constructive criticism about my writing which I look forward to hearing. Do NOT post here please. Also, do not be a filch. Be original. I will try and update daily but this may not always be possible.

This story follows the life of Sirius Black III, from age eleven, on Thursday 5th of August 1971. Sirius Black III is the same Sirius as in the Harry Potter series, godfather to Harry and fellow Marauder of James, Remus and Peter.








'It's about time, you ungrateful brat!' Walburga Black bellowed across the living-room. The small boy grabbed the envelope from his mother and tore it open.
'Sirius Black III, I did not name you after your noble ancestors for you to flounce off to school with the wrong ideas of the world! I simply cannot bear the thought of what they will say! I will be a laughing stock!' the fat woman shrieked. Sirius was too engrossed in his Hogwarts letter to care about what 'they' would say.
'Mother, I need to go to Diagon Alley, when can we go? Tomorrow? Or Saturday?' The young boy gave his mother a quizzical look. He knew there was only one way he would be allowed to go with his parents.
'We can buy my Slytherin things in advance, can't we? I mean my tie and things ...' Sirius let his voice trail off in the hope of stirring up some proud emotion within his mother's cold heart.

He stared at the ground, waiting for a sign from the woman. At last it came in the form of a loud sniff.
'My boy, there is hope for you after all. Accept your heritage and be a son I can be proud of.' Walburga attempted a smile which didn't quite work. Sirius grinned from ear to ear and ran from the room. In the hallway he ran into a smaller boy who could have been his double had he not sported a slightly longer nose and sickly look about him.
'Regulus, look, I've got my letter! Mummy says we're going to Diagon Alley tomorrow! I'm getting a wand!' Sirius rushed off to his room on the floor above and slammed the door behind him.

A four-post bed stood in one corner opposite a large wardrobe. On the walls were pictures of broomsticks that Sirius himself had drawn, next to each one was a small scrap of parchment carrying the details of each of Sirius's broomstick inventions. Dotted around these were bright posters of wizarding music groups and of various Quidditch teams. One poster showed a young man with bright purple hair striking various poses as a portrait of a grumpy old man on the opposite wall eyed him angrily.
Sirius, whatever he had feigned for his mother, had no intention of going into Slytherin house. Pulling a dusty cloak out of the musty wardrobe he stood himself in front of a tall mirror imagining himself in his school uniform. He couldn't care less if he was put into Hufflepuff, that house he had heard was for the 'leftovers' just as long as it wasn't Slytherin. He would even beg the headmaster if it came to that. Pulling the cloak round his small shoulders, he considered his appearance for a moment. His glossy black hair lay neatly framing his good looking slim face, his bright grey eyes sparkling with the warmth of his smile. Sirius was definitely the better looking of the Black children. He had, mercifully, failed to inherit the pudgy toad face of his mother and the wart covered beak of a nose from his father. His body was slight and he moved with graceful ease, like a dancer whose stage was the world.

Pulling the cloak back off himself, the excitable boy swung himself onto his bed and peered out of the window. The grubby windows only allowed for thin rays of summer sunshine to pass into the dreary room. Sirius considered his reflection once more in the blackened window pane before the sound of a door slamming brought him back to his bedroom within twelve Grimmauld Place, unseen by muggle eyes.

It was the first Friday of August, a hot, stuffy day. A small boy emerged from what seemed to be a solid brick wall between numbers eleven and thirteen closely followed by a large fat woman and a thin greying man. It was as if they had emerged, not only from a brick wall, but from a black and white photograph. The trio wore black outfits which would not have been out of place in a late Victorian era town. Mr and Mrs Black were as pale as vampires; their unhealthy complexion was the only familiar thing about them on Sirius. Orion Black had smacked his youngest son, Regulus, for daring to ask to come with them to Diagon Alley. The boys were never allowed out unaccompanied and Sirius could empathise with his brother's wish to see something other than the dank walls of number twelve. But where he would normally have argued this case he had kept his mouth shut in fear of jeopardising his own chance to smell fresh air and buy his school things.

There had been no one to witness them emerge except the dried, dead crop of grass opposite the row of houses. Sirius shook some dust from his cloak and thought bitterly that it was 1971, not 1871 as he watched a group of boys round the corner wearing bright shorts and t-shirts. London rose around them, dirty and grey, as the Black family wound their way through the busy streets and alleys. Finally they arrived at a busy cross roads and turned off Shaftsbury Avenue onto Charing Cross Road. Muggles brushed past the anachronistic family in their hurries to goodness knows where causing Walburga to wince and curse under her breath. 'Muggle filth ... dirty vermin ...' she held her bulbous nose high in the air as if the sight of the muggles would turn her to stone.

Orion stopped suddenly outside a tall dark door, its thick black coats of paint cracked and peeling in the scorching August sun. Sirius withdrew his cloak a little as he pushed his way through the door after his mother. The barman hailed them across the rowdy tavern, Orion raising a hand in reply. Walburga shot her husband a mistrustful glare as if wondering how he came to be on such friendly terms with the barman. Orion turned to his wife and muttered something into her ear before heading in the direction of the bar. She immediately seized Sirius's hand and dragged him through the crowded room and out into an unremarkable yard sporting some dustbins and a high brick wall. The Black boys had only been here on two other occasions but Sirius waited with bated breath as his mother tapped a brick at random which began to wiggle and wriggle and its fellows began to do the same. An archway had formed, tall and wide and Walburga now squeezed her way through it, adjusting her bulk on the other side.

Diagon Alley was better, much better than Sirius remembered it.
'Mother, are we going to Gringotts?' Sirius asked his mother breathlessly as he hurried to keep up with her wide gait. He had heard of the creatures which owned and guarded the wizard bank. Goblins were said to be very clever but mistrustful and not without cunning.
'Hold your tongue, boy. Your father was there yesterday.' she replied giving her handbag a shake.

First stop for Sirius was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Steered through the door by his mother, Sirius had barely time to register the short little witch who led him to a footstool onto which he was subsequently hauled by his mother.
'I heard from my dear cousin Araminta that your robes are the best,' Walburga struck up conversation with Madam Malkin.
'Oh, how very kind of her to say, madam. You know, this is only my third year in the boutique.' the kindly witch rejoindered whilst pinning a length of dark material around Sirius. Mrs Black leaned in closer to Madam Malkin and lowered her voice somewhat.
'I know it is not normally policy but I would be willing to apply a, ah, generous bonus to your fee were you to throw in a full set of Slytherin House robes in advance.'
'But madam, your son may not be sorted into Slytherin,' Madam Malkin spluttered.
'Oh yes he will, good woman. He will not disgrace the noble and most ancient house of Black by becoming anything other than a Slytherin!' Walburga barked. The small witch squeaked in fright and resumed her pinning.
'Well if the good lady is insistent then I am sure we can come to an arrangement.' madam Malkin mumbled.

Mrs Black waddled over to view the Slytherin accessories. Perhaps the short little witch had noticed Sirius's disheartened mien because she whispered quickly to him.
'Which house would you like to go into, young man?'
'Anything but Slytherin ... but I'd love to go into Gryffindor,' Sirius replied with a quick glance at his mother.
'Well, take this and may you hope that it brings you luck.' Madam Malkin smiled at him and stuffed a Gryffindor scarf into his hands which he stuffed into his pocket, his face lighting up with joy. He uttered his thanks before his mother returned. Madam Malkin packed the finished robes up neatly with Walburga's choice of Slytherin adornments and bowed them from the shop, Sirius smiling round at the little witch one last time.

As the August days grew steadily hotter, Sirius grew ever more restless. He was counting the days until September first - twenty one days, fifteen days, eleven days, seven days, until final there were but two days left. Regulus, on the other hand, had taken to only emerging at meal times. Sirius suspected he was jealous that he would not be the one escaping Grimmauld Place in two days' time. Regulus was much more Orion and Walburga's son than Sirius but he too found the monotony of stuffed elf heads and sniffing portraits quite wearing.

On the evening of the thirty-first of August, Kreacher sidled into Sirius's room to relay a summons from his mother. Throwing his parchment and quill to one side, Sirius abandoned his latest dream broomstick and followed the house elf downstairs, a mad urge to kick the snivelling creature restrained only by their arrival in the living-room.
‘'Sit,' Walburga barked. Obeying, Sirius glanced over to his father who was reading the Evening Prophet.
‘'You are off to Hogwarts the day after tomorrow. You must be excited.' she continued. Sirius nodded.
‘'While you are there, and I mean the full seven years, you will honour this family and our ancestry. You will go into Slytherin house and you will uphold our family values. You are to have nothing to do with any mudbloods or blood traitors. You are only to befriend those of worthy blood status. And you are to stay away from girls! Do I make myself clear?' Walburga glared at Sirius.
‘'Yes mother,' the boy replied listlessly.
‘'Don't take that tone with your mother,' Orion growled from behind the newspaper. Sirius turned away from his mother, pulling an unseen face at his father.
‘'Yes, dearest mother,' he trilled in an obviously false cheery voice. Walburga missed the sarcasm and called Kreacher over to clear away her tea cup. Sirius made his escape while his mother was occupied and returned to his room where he opened the wardrobe and pulled out a small battered wireless. Setting it down on the floor, he tapped it with his new wand, ebony and brass with unicorn hair core, fourteen inches, nice and supple.

Mr Ollivander had been very kind to Sirius. He had seen how Walburga had slapped her son in the street for returning the smile of a girl with deep red hair. Luckily his mother had decided to hasten to Flourish and Blotts while Sirius chose a wand. So she hadn't heard Mr Ollivander telling her son that the girl was a muggle-born who would be starting at Hogwarts with him.

Pulling his new school books towards him, Sirius tapped the wireless again and the old thing sputtered into life. An upbeat song was playing, the kind that you couldn't help but tap your feet to. Selecting his transfiguration book, Sirius opened it at random and found a spell to turn grass into roses. He knew he would not be allowed to use magic away from school once he had started there. But deciding to make the most of this golden opportunity, Sirius called out clearly 'Kreacher,' and there came a loud crack as the filthy house elf appeared before him.
‘'Young Master Sirius called Kreacher?' the house elf bowed low, his long bat-like ears flopping forward causing Sirius to laugh loudly.
‘'Kreacher, go out into the yard and fetch me some grass,' he said. Kreacher disappeared, leaving a cloud of dust behind.

Sirius rummaged in the pile of books and extracted a thick volume entitled 'Charms for Novices'. He let it fall open at the index and ran his finger down the list of page numbers. Flicking a few pages back, Sirius found the incantation accompanied by a short description on wand movement. Reading over the captions, he practised a sweeping sequence of twirls and flicks. Then he said the incantation aloud, finally pointing his wand at the filthy window, and said in a clear voice 'excolo'. A cloud of dust flew suddenly into the air followed by a loud crack.

Sirius edged over to the window and coughed slightly as he inhaled some dust. The window certainly was cleaner and it would have been possible to see through it had a long crack not appeared in the glass, running diagonally across the pane. Running back over to the book, he flicked back to the index, hastily looking for a spell to mend the damage. At last he found it and practised the movement before turning his wand back on the window. 'Reparo' he said and slowly the crack disappeared as if someone was running over it with an eraser.
There was a loud crack behind Sirius who jumped as he heard the house elf speak.
‘'Kreacher has brought Master Sirius his request, yes,' Sirius turned and took a tray piled high with fresh green blades of grass and set it down on the floor.
‘'That's all, leave me alone now.' Paying the elf no further attention, he turned to the transfiguration book once again. 'Atrox forma' Sirius muttered, aiming his wand into the heart of the heaped grass. There was a small puff of blue smoke and where the grass had been now lay a bouquet of deep red roses. Picking one up, he thought of the friendly girl he had met in Diagon Alley. He would see her again in two days. Maybe they would even be sorted into the same House.

The final day of August passed in a blur and before Sirius knew it, Kreacher was shaking him awake. Checking the list which had arrived with his Hogwarts letter, he peered into his trunk, making sure there was no way he had missed anything. They would be walking to the station. King's Cross, it had said on his ticket. He found he did not feel he could stomach anything and annoyed his mother by bobbing up and down in his chair while the rest of the family ate breakfast in grim silence. It seemed as though Walburga did not trust her eldest son not to besmirch the family honour. She sat staring at him through narrowed eyes, slurping her revolting tea which Kreacher poured from a silver teapot bearing the Black family coat of arms and wearing a simpering expression of utmost adoration. Sirius responded by flapping his hands at the sides of his head in a rather good impersonation of the elf. Regulus kicked out at his brother under the table which resulted in a noiseless kicking match unseen by their parents. At one point Sirius missed Regulus and his foot connected, instead, with Kreacher's leg. The elf leapt back from the table, howling, as the teapot flew high into the air. Sirius lunged across the table and caught it just above his mother's crumpets. A single drop of putrid brown liquid dripped from the spout and landed in Mrs Black's tea cup, sending out ripples. Walburga's dark eyes met the fearful grey ones.

All in all, Sirius was not sad to arrive on Platform nine and three quarters, gaping at the scarlet steam engine puffing white clouds of smoke out of its shining funnel. He hurried through the crowds as quick as he could towards the end of the train where he hauled his trunk onboard, stowing it in an empty compartment. Walburga waddled along and called out to her son who emerged seconds later sporting several throbbing fingers which he had squashed under his trunk. Mrs Black, despite walloping Sirius black and blue at Grimmauld place, pulled him into a tight hug and sniffed as she declared herself proud to see her first child off to Hogwarts at last. She repeated her lecture of two days ago and added that were Sirius to dishonour his family, he would find himself back at Grimmauld place quicker than he could say mudblood.

Ten minutes later the Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station and gathered speed towards a new life for Sirius.

-CHAPTER THREE-

A blazing sun looked into the compartment where the solitary boy sat, his sleek midnight hair covering his eyes, a stark contrast to the smooth pale skin and hint of red of his pleasant mouth. Reaching up into his trunk he pulled out his robes which, by Walburga's command, were adorned with the Slytherin badge and lined in deep green. He changed out of his muggle clothes and peered into the small mirror above the seats opposite. A small, nervous boy gazed back.
There came a knock on the door, barely audible above the roar of the train. Sirius flung himself back into his seat and folded his arms across his chest to cover up the Slytherin badge. The door slid open and a girl entered. Sirius recognised her at once.
'Oh, hello, I saw you in Diagon Alley a few weeks ago, I don't know if you remember,' the red-headed girl smiled at him. She closed the door again and sat opposite Sirius who smiled back nervously.
'Of course I remember, you smiled at me,' he replied. The girl held out her hand which Sirius shook, without taking his eyes off her.
'I'm Lily Evans, the first witch in my family as far as I know.'
'Congratulations, I mean it's lovely that you got a letter too,' Sirius stuttered. Lily giggled and squinted her eyes slightly against the bright sun.
'I'm Sirius, er, Sirius Black. My whole family are magical.' He pushed himself somewhat more upright in his seat and the Slytherin embroidery on his chest glinted in the flickering sunlight.
'How can you know what house you'll be in? You haven't even been sorted.' Lily gasped slightly as she saw his robes. Sirius hastily folded his arms back over his chest and turned a glowing shade of scarlet. He turned and looked out of the window.
'I don't want to be in Slytherin ... it's what my mother wants ... whole family always ... Slytherin ...' he mumbled to the window pane. Lily leaned forward and took his hand.
'I've heard quite a lot of things about Slytherin but I'm sure they aren't all bad,' she mused.
'You should meet my family before you say that,' Sirius retorted. Lily opened her mouth to reply but at that moment the door opened again and a sallow-faced boy with badly cut greasy hair entered.
'I've been looking everywhere for you,' he sat down next to Lily.
'Leave me alone Sev, it's all your fault. Come on, Sirius, why don't we find somewhere else?' and with a final glare at the other boy, she pulled Sirius from the compartment and slammed the door behind her. Together they trailed up and down the train looking for somewhere quiet. One compartment was full of a group of girls giggling over a glossy magazine. Another was occupied by a group of older looking boys, all wearing Slytherin robes. One of them looked up as Sirius passed. He strode to the door and flung it open, tossing his head, his long white-blond hair shimmering in the sunlight.
'Why are you wearing Slytherin robes, you haven't even been sorted yet,' the boy sneered, towering over him. Sirius muttered something about 'my mother wants'.
'Boys, look who we have here, a new recruit. You're a Black, aren't you?' he said, throwing out his chest so his shining prefect badge could not be missed. Sirius gulped nervously. Lily grabbed his hand, throwing the blond boy a scathing look as she marched past him and pulled Sirius into a compartment a few meters along.
A lone first-year sat in here, his back to the door. He jerked round as he heard Lily slam the door. Sirius and Lily took seats near the window as the boy eyed them with interest.
'Hello, I was beginning to think I was the only first-year,' he said. Lily ignored him and stared out the window. She pulled out her wand and began tapping it against the window. Sirius sat staring at his feet, still trying to conceal the Slytherin emblem on his robes. The boy stared from one to the other, ruffling his messy dark hair.
'Lost your voice?' he said to Sirius.
'No he hasn't, he's just nervous like most of us,' Lily snapped.
'Let's not get off on the wrong foot here, just trying to make conversation,' the boy looked taken aback. Lily's expression softened somewhat and she introduced herself and Sirius.
'Black, eh? Aren't they all a bunch of pureblood maniacs? And there, look he's already wearing Slytherin robes, thought there was a funny smell.' the boy sneered. Sirius felt himself shrink into his seat.
'For your information he isn't a pureblood maniac at all and he doesn't even want to be in Slytherin. He's only wearing that because his mother made him!' Lily stormed. Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out the scarf Madam Malkin had given him.
'That's where I'd like to be,' he said quietly, staring at the Gryffindor colours. The boy held out his hand to Sirius.
'James Potter's the name.' Sirius hesitated, then shook the boy's hand. Lily now sat with her face pressed against the glass of the window, curled up in her seat. Sirius stole another look at James, trying to work out whether he liked him or not. James had black hair like him, but unlike Sirius, his hair stuck up at the back and seemed to lie in a natural mess over his head. He wore round glasses and his eyes were a warm hazel colour. James was slight but it was not an unhealthy thinness; on the contrary, it suited him. Feeling more confident, Sirius decided to fetch his trunk and practice a few spells. James offered to help and ten minutes later they had resumed their seats, Sirius's trunk now stowed above him in the luggage rack. Lily had not moved. Sirius thought he heard a sniff come from her corner.

Lunchtime came and with it, a plump little witch calling out to the students 'anything from the trolley'. Sirius and James both returned to their seats with bottles of pumpkin juice and stacks of cauldron cakes. James had also bought some chocolate frogs.
'My mother never lets me have chocolate frogs,' Sirius told James. 'She says they're made by blood-traitors to brainwash children into loving muggles because they put wizards like Dumbledore on there.'
'What an old toad, I'd hate to live with her. Here, have one, who cares about what she says? She's not here now.' James thrust a couple of chocolate frogs into Sirius’s lap. Deciding that he liked James after all, Sirius tore open a frog and out fell a card. The frog, however, jumped away and Sirius scrambled after it. James burst out laughing. Emerging from under a seat with the frog gripped in his hand, Sirius began to laugh too. They ate their way through some of the sweets and stowed the rest in their trunks for later.

As the afternoon progressed, the landscape visible through the window changed considerably. What had been rolling green hills and ripe yellow pastures transformed into high mountains sparse crops of heather and a wood here and there. Sirius had spent the last few hours feeling better than he had done in all his eleven years. He finally had someone he could call a friend, someone who didn’t care about his blood status and someone who had a very similar sense of humour as him.
They were just discussing Quidditch teams when the door opened and the sallow faced boy who had spoken to Lily earlier entered. James and Sirius resumed their conversation, Sirius laying along two seats, shuffling wizard cards.
James turned suddenly.
'Slytherin?' he stared at the greasy haired boy. 'Who wants to be in Slytherin? I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?' he asked Sirius who was no longer smiling.
'My whole family have been in Slytherin,' he replied.
'Blimey, and I thought you seemed alright!' James teased. Sirius grinned.
'Maybe I'll break the tradition. Where are you heading if you've got the choice?' he said. James made a movement like swinging a sword.
‘'Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!' Like my dad.’ The skinny boy next to Lily snorted.
'Got a problem with that?' James rounded on him. He smirked and replied, lacing his words with a derisive sneer.
'No, if you'd rather be brawny than brainy-'
'Where're you hoping to go, seeing as you're neither?' Sirius cut across the boy's words. James roared with laughter as Lily sprang to her feet.
'Come on, Severus, let's find another compartment.' She walked to the door amid James and Sirius's jeers.
'See ya, Snivellus!' James shouted after the boy as he exited. It took the two boys a few minutes to stop laughing.
'Imagine wanting to be in Slytherin!'Sirius snickered.

By the time the sky had faded from a blazing sun into a blanket of twinkling stars, the Hogwarts Express had slowed and finally came to a halt in Hogsmeade Station. There was a buzz of excitement amongst the first years as they disembarked. They would be seeing Hogwarts Castle in a few minutes' time.



NOTE: The scene involving James, Sirius, Lily and Severus is adapted from the original version in Deathly Hallows but uses the original dialog as written by JK Rowling.
(pp.538-539, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, British first edition)

My next chapter is rather longer than normal since I would have had to break the scenario in half here and that would have made little sense. Please bear with me, my writing has suffered today due to a number of issues I have had to contend with outwith the wonderful pages of Veritaserum. As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated because it really is a great way for me to improve the stories and I love hearing what you have to say. Many thanks for your patience. Please leave feedback in the specific feedback thread which can be found here:
Dog Star Feedback







'Firs' years, over here,' a loud voice rang out over the crowds. Sirius turned to see a man at least twice as tall as most of the surrounding students. A lantern swung in his hand as he waved the first years over to him. James gaped at the man.
'Firs' years? All here?'
'Excuse me, but who are you?' James asked him.
'I'm Rubeus Hagrid, gamekeeper. I'll be takin' yeh all up ter the castle.' he replied, his little black eyes glittering warmly down at them.
The gaggle of first-years followed Hagrid down a narrow lane lined with tall hedges on either side as he called 'keep yer eyes peeled fer Hogwarts now'. Sirius gasped as they rounded a corner; silhouetted there, atop its rocky throne sat Hogwarts Castle separated from them by a vast stretch of opaque black water. Its many glassy eyes glittering in a haze of summery night-time heat as the turrets thrust up to converse with the stars high above. Hagrid smiled to himself as he saw the looks of awe on the small faces around him.
'Right, no more 'n four to a boat. In yeh get,' he called to the small crowd. Sirius and James made for a boat, followed into it by a boy with mousy brown hair and a rotund girl with dirty blonde hair. She smiled and held out her hand to James who seemed to recognise her.
'Alright, Kyla?' he turned to her. But the boats started to move and James turned back to the front. Hagrid sailed ahead of them, the boats seeming to follow him instinctively. Sirius gazed up at the castle.
The boats bumped up against a rocky shore above which half a cavern seemed to form. Climbing out, James jumped nimbly onto land. Sirius's legs shook somewhat as he stood up. Hagrid strode over and lifted him under the armpits onto the shore where he staggered for a moment. A few minutes later they had reached the massive oak doors of Hogwarts Castle. Hagrid rapped five times and a shaft of light fell upon them as a tall, stern witch answered Hagrid's knock.
'The firs' years, Professor,' he said to her. He stood aside as they trooped through the door into a marble-bedecked hall, so vast that Sirius estimated it would be able to house most of Diagon Alley. The tall witch led them to a chamber off the main hall where she shut the door behind them and faced them.
'Welcome to Hogwarts School. You will shortly be sorted into one of the four houses: Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Your house will be your home and its inhabitants something of a family while you are here. You may honour your house by earning house points for achievements and triumphs but they can also be deducted for rule-breaking and other such activities. You will please wait here a moment longer.' she said and turned back through the door.
'How are we sorted?' James turned to the girl who had shared their boat.
'I think we have to take a test or something, I’m not really sure. My brother never told me that part.' she replied. A general babble broke out as they waited but then silence fell as the witch returned and instructed them to form an orderly line.
James winked at Sirius as they formed the head of the queue behind the witch. She led them to a pair of great doors at the other side of the hall, waving them open with a flick of her wand.

It was something Sirius could not even have dreamed of. Hundreds of flickering candles floated high above five long tables, one raised and positioned horizontally at the far end of the Great Hall. There the teachers sat, some gazing at the sky above, for there was no ceiling, rather, where the walls seemed to fade away so high above, the sky was there to meet the cold stone. Sirius nudged James who looked up.
'It's not real, granny told me it's just made to look like the sky by magic.' he whispered as he strode up the aisle between the middle two tables. A sea of students stared at the first-years as they passed. The witch leading them finally stopped in front of the high table and told the new students to line up in front of it.
Sirius noticed that his robes were drawing looks from one of the tables which he assumed must be Slytherin. He could see the blonde boy from the train whispering to one of his friends, grinning. Then he turned to watch as the witch took a scroll from her robes and addressed them.
'When I call your name, you will sit on the stool and try on the hat to be sorted into your houses.' she indicated to a three-legged stool directly in front of them bearing the patchiest, scruffiest old hat Sirius had ever seen. The witch called out 'Appleby, Gregor' who timidly stepped forward and tried on the hat. 'Ravenclaw!' it roared. The boy jumped up looking relieved and ran over to join the Ravenclaw table.
'Black, Sirius' the witch called. Sirius was overcome with a sudden fear. What if he was sorted into Slytherin? He didn't care what his family would say if he ended up anywhere else. Reaching a trembling hand inside his robes, he felt the Gryffindor scarf which seemed to bolster his courage. Sirius sat down as the witch placed the hat on his head.
'Ah, another Black I see,' a small voice said. 'Well there's only one place for you - SLYTHERIN!' it shouted the last word to the rest of the hall. The blonde prefect led the tumultuous applause that rang from the Slytherin table. Sirius simply sat there, his eyes staring blankly ahead. No, the hat must have it wrong, he couldn't, just couldn't go into Slytherin. He looked up at the tall witch wanting to plead with her, wanting her to know there had been a mistake but she simply gave him a little nudge. He jumped up and thrust the hat aside.
'NO! I'M NOT A SLYTHERIN!' he shouted at it. The hat lay still. There was a sudden scraping of a chair and the man who occupied the centre-most seat at the high table rose. Sirius froze. He was sure to be expelled now. The man's long, shining white beard twitched and he smiled. Leaning forward over the table, he said quietly to the boy 'You know, sometimes I think we sort too soon' and turned to the tall witch with the scroll who wore an expression of utter bewilderment.
'Professor McGonagall, I believe we just had reached Mr Black, here,' he smiled at her and settled back into his throne-like chair. Professor McGonagall composed herself and called out again 'Black, Sirius'. Slowly, Sirius picked up the hat and placed it back on his head, sitting down.
'You don't trust my judgement, eh? Well I'll certainly learn a little lesson from this. It's not many that would have made such a show in front of the whole school, indeed you are the first.' the little voice goaded him once more. Sirius closed his eyes tightly, his hand on the Gryffindor scarf concealed in his robes.
'GRYFFINDOR!' the hat roared. A trembling Sirius stood up as Professor McGonagall removed the hat. The silver-bearded wizard applauded him politely with a little smile playing on his lips. He made his way over to the Gryffindor table amid loud booing from the Slytherins. Weakly, he pulled the scarf from his robes and draped it around his shoulders as he sat down. Beside him sat a fifth-year girl who shook his hand with mingled pleasure and confusion.
The red headed girl Lily joined the Gryffindor table a few minutes later as did James who was clearly lapping up the attention from those already at the table. He slid in beside Sirius and patted him on the back.
'That was some show, good on you!' he grinned. Sirius returned his smile only half-heartedly. Professor McGonagall called out 'Snape, Severus' and the greasy haired boy from the train tried the hat on. After a moment the hat declared him a Slytherin and he looked over to Lily at the Gryffindor table, the disappointment clear in his thin face. 'Wallace, Holly' was sorted into Hufflepuff and 'Zafire, Alya' was made a Ravenclaw. Professor McGonagall carried the stool and hat out of the hall and the tall wizard who had granted Sirius a re-sorting rose to his feet.
'I am greatly honoured to welcome back our old pupils and bid our newcomers welcome. But before I bore you with an old man's waffling, let us all eat until we cannot possibly eat anymore!' he smiled round at them.
At once there appeared dishes of all kinds of food, here a jug of pumpkin juice, there a deep bowl of roast potatoes. Gravy boats appeared along the table, accompanied by tureens of vegetables, platters of this and that which Sirius had never seen before. James seized the nearest bowl of potatoes as Sirius reached for a slice of quiche.
'Congratulations on making Gryffindor,' the older girl beside him turned. 'But why are you wearing Slytherin robes?'
'My mother made me. She's ... um ...' but Lily, who was sitting on the girl's other side, spared him the humiliation.
'Well it's really lovely to have ended up in Gryffindor. I heard it's by far the best house.' The girl nodded.
'Headmaster Dumbledore, himself, was a Gryffindor,' she replied. 'I'm Bertha, by the way, just been made a prefect.' She beamed and pointed to a shiny badge pinned to her robes.
'So if you ever need any help around Hogwarts let me know.'

At last the ice cream bowls and cake plates which had replaced the main course disappeared and the Headmaster got to his feet once more.
'And now I will ask for your attention for just a few more moments. The Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all students. Mr Filch asks me to remind you that magic is forbidden in corridors between classes and also that yowling yo-yos have been added to the list of banned items which can be viewed in Mr Filch's office. Also, those wishing to try out for their house Quidditch team should speak to their head of house. That is all and may I wish you all a very good night, to bed we go!'
The end of his speech was met by the scraping of chairs and benches as everyone rose. Bertha the prefect gathered the first-years to her and led them from the hall. She explained to them that their route was the quickest way to Gryffindor tower but Sirius managed to miss this information by yawning all the way upstairs. At last they arrived in front of a portrait which was home to an incredibly fat woman in a pink dress.
'Password?' she asked Bertha who replied.
'Spattergroit.'
'And may you hope you never get it!' the fat lady told the first years as her portrait swung open to reveal a hole.
Climbing past the picture, Sirius smiled as he saw a fire blazing in a fireplace.
'This is the Gryffindor common room,' Bertha was saying. She pointed the boys up some stairs and through a door at the end of the room. James pushed in front of a small, weedy boy who ended up splat against the wall. They entered a dormitory with five beds, each adorned with deep red curtains studded with gold stars. Sirius saw his trunk at the foot of the bed nearest the window.
He was overcome with exhaustion by the time he slipped between the cool sheets, his head resting on a soft, fluffy pillow. Closing his eyes, he barely had time to register James's cry of delight at an owl soaring through the window before he fell soundly into a deep, comfortable sleep.

Apologies for the delay in posting the next chapter, I had some problems with my internet over the last day. I hope you enjoy this installment and please leave feedback here: Dog Star Feedback . Many thanks and happy reading!





Dawn broke with the first rain for months. A light drizzle pattered down over the school, the sun peeping between the grey clouds.
Sirius awoke quite early. He was sure it had all been a dream. He hadn't really been sorted into Gryffindor, he would open his eyes to find himself in the Slytherin first-years' boys dormitory. But when he did sit up, James lay sleeping in the bed across from him.
When the sun had finally risen fully, the other boys stirred. James rubbed his eyes and looked around.
'Morning, Sirius,' he yawned.
'Sleep well?' Sirius replied. He was already sitting fully dressed at the end of his bed. A pile of books lay scattered across his covers; he had been trying to look up a spell to change his robes from Slytherin to Gryffindor colours.
'M-morning everyone,' a boy stifled a yawn as he sat up. Sirius had been too sleepy to notice him the night before.
'Are there only four of us, then?' he pointed to the fifth, empty bed.
'Seems so,' James said, casting a glance over the other beds.'‘I suppose another house will have an extra student to compensate.'
'I'm Remus, nice to meet you,' the other boy strode over to James and Sirius, holding out his hand. They each shook it and then busied themselves with packing their school bags.
'That must have taken some guts, what you did yesterday,' Remus said to Sirius who blushed.
'I suppose no one'll let me forget that too soon.' he gazed down at the Slytherin embroidery.
James was staring over at the fourth bed, its occupant still snoring quietly. A cheeky grin spread over his face as he tiptoed over and digging his fingers into the boy's sides, he roared. The boy jumped up and squealed loudly. Sirius fell about laughing hard and even Remus couldn't suppress a chuckle.
'Up you get, Peter,' James nudged him out of bed.

It took them a good half an hour to find their way down to the Great Hall. It didn't help that the Fat Lady had questioned them on what a Slytherin was doing in Gryffindor Tower or that they made the acquaintance of Peeves, a malicious poltergeist who told them all to throw themselves down the stairs or he'd do it for them. Dodging past, they managed to find a stream of Ravenclaw first-years who were just as lost as they were. Together, they managed to locate Professor McGonagall's office who pointed them in the right direction.

The ceiling of the Great Hall cast a feeble light over the students as they ate their breakfast, chatting to their friends or to their heads of house who made their way along the tables giving out timetables.
James grinned as he saw the schedule for that day.
'Yes! Double potions with the Slytherins, I'll be able to get back at Snivelly.' he muttered to himself. Sirius, however, could not feel pleased at this. Upon entering the Great Hall he had attracted cat-calls and rude gestures from the Slytherin table. Even people from the other three tables had stared. But, as Sirius mused, this was to be expected when you threw a tantrum in front of the whole school on your first day.
There came a sudden rush of wings as owls poured into the Great Hall, the first-years jumping in shock. The owls swooped amongst the students, dropping letters and parcels into their laps, some landing in front of their addressee with a newspaper, awaiting payment. Sirius looked up with apprehension. He expected nothing less than a Howler from his mother after ending up in Gryffindor but nothing came his way except stern-faced Professor McGonagall.
'Mr Black, you will have to do something about the state of your robes. I am sorry but I will simply not allow a member of my house to wear anything other than Gryffindor colours.' she eyed him over her spectacles. He nodded numbly in reply.
Silence fell as a sudden crash and a shriek echoed in from the entrance hall.
'No, I will not be calm!' a high-pitched screech rang through the air. The students rushed to the doors to find the source of the shouting. Sirius and James pushed to the front of the crowd and Sirius felt himself being yanked suddenly forwards, something heavy grazing the side of his face. Several girls screamed.
Walburga Black stood towering above her terrified son, her handbag swinging wildly. Sirius looked up into her huge red face and she landed him another blow round the head which sent him sprawling to the ground.
'Abomination of my flesh! Traitor to our kind! How dare you shame us all!' she screamed at him. Swiping at him with her clawed hands, her screams grew evermore unintelligible.
James rushed forward and tried to pull Sirius out of Walburga’s grip but at that moment the crowd parted and between them strode Professor McGonagall.
'How dare you?' she shrieked at Mrs Black.
'Do not interfere in my family affairs!' Walburga screamed, dragging Sirius to his feet.
'This is the house of our family!' she jabbed him hard in the chest where the Slytherin badge glinted on his robes.
'That's enough, you do not hurt children!' Professor McGonagall pulled Sirius out of Walburga's reach. Bertha the prefect put an arm around his small shoulders and made to lead him up the stairs. A jet of blue light soared over his head and he ducked out of the way of his mother’s curses.
Madam Pomfrey, the school matron, was not at all pleased to have a student in her hospital wing on the first day of lessons.
'Been fighting, have you?' she muttered as she dabbed Sirius's cuts with a purple liquid which stung. Bertha explained to Madam Pomfrey what had happened. They all stood silent for a moment and could still hear Mrs Black's screams echoing up from the entrance hall.
'Hitting children…' Madam Pomfrey muttered under her breath the kind of things she would like to say to such people.

Sirius spent the rest of the morning in the hospital wing at Madam Pomfrey's command. James came in to see him at break, carrying his school bag on one shoulder.
'Here, you left this at breakfast. You alright?' he handed Sirius the rucksack.
'I hate her,' Sirius said bitterly.
'I don't blame you,' James replied quietly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a chocolate frog.
'Here,' he grinned, pushing it into Sirius's hands. The latter gave a feeble smile.
'How was Transfiguration?' Sirius looked up at James, munching on the frog.
'It was alright. Professor McGonagall was late though, too busy shouting at your mum. I told her where you were and she said it was alright. We were supposed to have Herbology after break but the teacher's fighting a giant venomous tentacula in the greenhouses so it's not safe to go in. So we've got a double free period.'
'That'll be good.' Sirius stuffed the rest of the frog into his mouth and followed James out of the hospital wing.

They made their way back up to Gryffindor tower and James led Sirius up to the dormitory.
'Here, you can wear these 'till you get your own,' he flung a set of Gryffindor robes onto Sirius's bed which Sirius seized at once.
'Thanks so much, James!' he said as he pulled off his Slytherin robes and the Gryffindor ones on. They were a bit short around the ankles as Sirius was slightly taller than James but he did not care; anything was better than his Slytherin robes.
'Well I'll send my Slytherin things to my little brother, he starts the year after next. I bet anything he gets put into Slytherin.' Sirius told James, rolling up his Slytherin robes and throwing them to the bottom of his trunk. James turned as the dormitory door opened. Remus entered wearing an expression of utmost concern.
'Are you ok?' he sat down on the edge of Sirius's bed.
'I'm better now, thanks,' he replied.
'Oh, Professor McGonagall told me to give you this,' Remus handed him some neatly folded parchment. Sirius took it and read the precise, neat writing upon it.

'Mr Black,
After the episode with your mother, you may have gathered that she is unwilling to fund your continued education at Hogwarts. I have spoken to the headmaster who quite agrees that you qualify for the school emergency fund. You will receive appropriate attire for your house within the next week and I will speak to you before your second year about receiving the emergency fund.
Your mother has agreed to take you back to the family home over the summer holidays but with the wish that you stay at Hogwarts over Christmas.
- Professor M. McGonagall'

Sirius sighed with relief at these words. He'd get through the summer somehow. A smile lit up his handsome features as he looked round at James and Remus, thinking that for the first time in his life he finally had friends and in Hogwarts a real home.

NOTE: certain names and spells which you do not recognise from the Harry Potter series have been invented by me based on the latin language.






Over the next few days, the first-years discovered how things really were at Hogwarts. They learned that it was best not to let homework pile up. Some some teachers like tiny Professor Flitwick, the charms teacher, who was a jovial soul, seemed to think it would be quite unkind to expect too much of them in their first week. Stern Professor McGonagall, however, took a very different view and seemed to think that if they did not put in serious effort right away, they would have no chance of passing the first-year exam. Sirius and James both racked up a generous supply of house points from Professor McGonagall for being the first pair to successfully transfigure their matchsticks into needles but subsequently lost half of them for trying to curse the Slytherin boy Severus at lunchtime that same day.
James laughed about the whole incident as soon as they had reached Gryffindor tower.
'Did you see Snivelly's face when my curse chipped that statue beside him?' James fell into an armchair by the fire, tears of laughter streaming from his eyes. Sirius laughed too but his mirth was tainted by a sudden bout of guilt. He hadn't wanted Gryffindor to suffer for his wrongdoings but as James had said, there was no pleasure without pain.
The Slytherins had taken to calling Sirius the 'fake Gryffindor'. Bertha had twice told off the blond Slytherin prefect, Lucius Malfoy for taunting Sirius in the corridors. Lucius had resorted to throwing Sirius dirty looks whenever they met as Bertha had threatened to report him if he kept up his bullying.

Finally the weekend came and with it, Sirius's new robes. He gave his borrowed ones back to James and also received a note from his younger brother, thanking him for the Slytherin robes.
'Pompous little git, Regulus' Sirius said as James recited Regulus's letter in an overly posh accent.
They were sitting out in the grounds, enjoying what would probably be the last of the hot summer weather. Remus sat with them; the three of them got on very well together. Remus didn't approve of their Snape-baiting as James called it but he didn't tell on them either. The other Gryffindor boy, Peter, was like an annoying fly in Sirius's opinion. Peter followed James and Sirius wherever they went so that they had learned to lose him via the many wondrous secret shortcuts of the school passages. James often remarked how brainless Peter was. But even so, they tolerated him from time to time.

Sirius pulled a scrap of parchment out of his bag and resumed work on a potions essay set by the affable Professor Slughorn.
'So, how did you find Charms yesterday?' Remus asked James who yawned in reply.
'It was really fascinating!' piped up Peter.
'Shut up, Peter, you'd agree to anything,' James said. Sirius laughed. Peter, however, didn't take offence. He merely continued to stare at them with glassy-eyed awe.
'Don't look now, Sirius, here comes a dirty Slytherin,' James muttered. Sirius raised his head in time to see Severus disappear behind a clump of bushes a short distance away. He stuffed his essay back in his bag and he and James slunk after Severus.
The Slytherin was not alone. James let out a cry of disgust as he saw Lily sitting next to him on the soft grass.
'What are you doing with that piece of scum?' he demanded.
'Since when was that your business?' Lily retorted. Severus sniggered as James appeared to have no reply. Sirius drew his wand.
'But he's a Slytherin!' James spluttered.
'And a great deal better than you!' Lily shouted, angry red patches appearing on her cheeks. She got up and marched off without another word.
Sirius turned his wand on Severus.
'Mitis Turpis!' Sirius exclaimed. James turned to see Severus fall to the ground, his skin turning various shades of grey and green as foul-smelling mould sprang up over his face.
'I practiced that on my mother's house elf.' Sirius told James who was rolling on the ground with laughter. Remus and Peter appeared, Remus looking aghast but not saying a word, Peter merely wheezing and panting, having run a short distance which proved too much for his rotund physique.
'Sluggy's coming!' Remus hissed to the others. Sirius pulled James off the ground and they fled round the corner and out of sight.
'That was seriously brilliant!' James said to Sirius as they sat down in the Great Hall for lunch.
'Snivelly'll have told Sluggy it was us.' Sirius stabbed at his salad. He wasn't at all bothered about cursing Severus but he wasn't comfortable with being seen as a rule-breaker. Getting into trouble didn't seem to matter to James; guilt seemed to slide off him like water off a duck's back.
'But if Remus and I say it wasn't you then he has to believe us,' Peter squeaked. 'There are four of us and only one Snivelly, after all.' James turned to him.
'Peter, is this you planning to lie to a teacher?' he teased. Peter grinned nervously.
'Ok then, if Sluggy asks, we didn't do a thing. Evans didn't see you hex him so she can't say it was us.' James turned to Sirius who nodded. He began to feel better. He felt happy to think that his friends would help him stay out of trouble with the teachers, even if it meant lying.
Professor Slughorn did indeed summon Sirius and James to his office later that day but it was not for reasons they had expected. Severus and Lily sat on stools which had been placed in a semi-circle facing the Professor's seat, along with five other first years, three of whom Sirius recognised as Ravenclaws, the other two, Hufflepuffs.
'My dear boys, so lovely to see you!' Slughorn pointed them to two unoccupied stools beside the Ravenclaws. Severus and Lily did not look so pleased at their arrival.
Sirius sat at the end, nearest the plump little teacher whose feet were resting on a velvet footstool. He regaled in his throne-like armchair, smiling round at them all.
'So, Mr Black, let us begin with you,' Sirius gulped nervously as all eyes turned on him. 'Professor McGonagall tells me you and Mr Potter are already turning teapots into tortoises. I also need hardly mention your impressive first attempt at a Vitamax potion - it was nearly as good as young Mr Snape's here!' Slughorn chuckled. Clearly he thought he was passing the boy a generous compliment. Sirius saw it as anything but. Being second to Snape was not his idea of praise. Snape, however, looked very smug at this news.
'Disappointed though I was to witness your little, er, outburst at the Sorting, Slytherin being my house you know, I was quite impressed at the courage you showed.' Sirius stared at his feet.
'And Mr Potter here, such talent you and Black share in Transfiguration. I can see a good future for the both of you.'

There was a knock at the door and a Slytherin sixth-year peeped into the room.
'Oh, begging your pardon, Professor,' the boy made to leave but Slughorn called him back.
'Everyone, this is Callidus Rosier, a fine student of mine and in his second year of prefecting. Come, join us,' Slughorn conjured a stool out of thin air which landed with a clunk next to Sirius. The sixth-year closed the door and swept over to his seat. He was a good-looking boy of around sixteen, exuding arrogance and superiority. He pulled a small box from his robes and handed it to Slughorn who chuckled with pleasure.
'Oho! How very thoughtful, Rosier,' He tore the wrapper off the packet to reveal a layer of candied fruits. Selecting what appeared to be a sugared orange slice, he passed the box around, Sirius refusing the offer with a polite 'no thank you, sir'.
'I have high hopes for you, my dear boy, head boy next year, and after that, who knows? Head of Magical Law Enforcement by your thirties I'd say, if you have the right contacts.' The handsome boy smiled.
'Of course I am on first name terms with old Barty Crouch, no doubt you will be eager to meet him if that is your preferred career path.'
James mimed a yawn next to Sirius who snorted. Slughorn looked at him. So did the sixth-year. Sirius then pretended to sneeze, to cover up his disrespect, which turned into a choking session as he tried to stifle his laughter. James whacked him hard on the back, causing him to fall off his stool, clutching his throat.
'Um, Professor, perhaps he should go to the hospital wing,' James said, pulling Sirius up and dragging him out the room before Slughorn could reply.

They didn't go to the hosptial wing, but detoured straight to Gryffindor Tower. Remus was sitting on his own, working on a piece of homework when Sirius and James arrived back in the common room.
''Alright, Remus? Sluggy only wanted to see us because we'd gotten good marks in Transfiguration. I thought Snivelly had gone running to him.' James sat next to Remus. Sirius, however, frowned and bent forwards to get a closer look at Remus.
'Are you ok, you look really pale?' he asked. Remus shrugged and resumed work on his essay.

Ok please don't stone me for making Sirius's birthday the 19th of September, I'm just uncommonly fond of that day *was born on that day...* Yes, I know that's Hermione's birthday but it's my birthday too not to mention International Talk Like a Pirate Day (seriously). September 19th 1971 was a Sunday as mentioned in this chapter, I am trying to be historically accurate here. Also, there is a scene in this chapter which may seem out of place or confusing. If it is, please let me know but just to tell you, it is very significant.
Please remember to leave feedback in the feedback thread: Dog Star Feedback





Near the end of their third week at Hogwarts James discovered that Sirius would be turning twelve years old that very weekend.
'Kept that one quiet, eh?' He was sharing a table with Remus and Sirius in the Herbology greenhouse. They were pruning a flutterby bush which giggled every time they touched it.
'Yeah, well, no big deal.' Sirius shovelled some clippings into a large bucket which Professor Sprout had told them would later be stewed and used in Madam Pomfrey's highly effective wart-remover solution.
'Of course it's a big deal! It's your birthday!' James replied.
The bell rang for break and they gathered their things, leaving the flutterby bush drooping in sadness at having no one left to tickle it.
Remus led the way over to their favourite spot by the lake and they flopped down onto the warm grass. Summer seemed reluctant to recede for the autumn but the students weren't complaining. As this was only the beginning of term, they didn't have too much work to do and so could enjoy the last of the sunshine.
The first-years had Friday afternoons off, so after Defence Against the Dark Arts they would be free from lessons until Monday. Remus pulled a packet of Bertie Bott's from his pocket and offered them round. James accepted a couple as did Sirius who received a suspicious looking beige bean and a bright blue one. James put a green one in his mouth and immediately spat it back out.
'Urgh, ivy flavour!' he exclaimed and put a pink bean in his mouth.
'How do you know what ivy tastes like?' Remus asked him as Sirius chewed the beige one which turned out to be coffee-cream.
'Well, it tastes how ivy smells. My parents' house is covered in the stuff.' James replied.
'Fair enough,' Remus shrugged. Sirius gasped suddenly.
'Sorry, I have to ... um ... bathroom ...' he stuttered, getting to his feet. He tore back inside and into an empty classroom on the fourth floor where he fell to the ground.

His vision was swimming and his head pounding in the heat. Eyes tightly closed, Sirius concentrated on the scene before him. A chandelier was unscrewing slowly above a woman who did not notice. Another woman was screaming and shrieking as a ghostly grey figure drifted towards her in the dimly lit room. Suddenly the chandelier fell. The woman underneath didn't even have time to look up as the heavy iron and burning wax plummeted downwards. There was a sudden flash in his vision and he caught sight of a street sign which said Hunter Square. And then he was back in the classroom.

James threw Sirius concerned glances as they sat in Defence Against the Dark Arts, but had no opportunity to ask Sirius what the matter was as Professor Decertos had them working in silence. Remus was concentrating on a passage in the textbook about Prudentia Porta, a legendary vidi visum who had lived several centuries before. James took particular delight in reading the paragraph about her brutal execution at the hands of wizards who had slain her without magic. Decertos called to the students to pack up their belongings and collected in their essays. She was a stern but kind witch, a renowned auror, who had been injured badly in a duel so that she had not been able to continue her career.
Peter kept grinning at Remus and James who didn't notice as they followed Sirius to the Great Hall for lunch.
'Why'd you run off like that, Sirius?' Remus asked him. Sirius didn't answer. He just wanted to forget about it.
'How about that Porta woman, eh? Must be amazing to have that kind ability,' James hastily changed the subject seeing the look on Sirius's face.
'Not really, imagine having that kind of responsibility.' Peter said in his wheezy voice. He sometimes surprised the others with random bouts of intelligence.
Sirius had found the class less than enjoyable, reading about vidi visum had somehow ruined his appetite.

The morning of Sunday the nineteenth dawned bright and sunny. Sirius woke early to find a small heap of presents and cards at the foot of his bed. He was twelve years old. It felt strange to think that he had slept through the first six hours of being twelve and cogitated with a slight grin that he would have difficulty getting used to this new number. Gathering the packages onto his bed, he opened a black funeral envelope bearing the Black coat of arms and pulled out a card from his family. 'Happy returns, Mother, Father and Regulus.' it read. Quite frankly, Sirius was surprised that Walburga had deemed his birthday worthy of a piece of parchment. Another card was signed by Remus, James and Peter. Tearing open the nearest package upon which his name was scrawled in James's untidy writing, Sirius let out a small cry of delight as his eyes fell on a set of magical inks with a handsome deep red quill included. James often admired Sirius's broomstick designs and a note on the wrappings said 'so you can design my broomstick when I'm playing for England'.

Sirius's Uncle Alphard, an anomaly in the Black family just like his nephew, had sent a singing card of Sirius's favourite wizarding soloist, whose poster hung in his room at Grimmauld Place. 'Dear Sirius, a very happy birthday to you and congratulations on making Gryffindor, regards, your old Uncle Alphie'. His uncle had also sent a package containing a generous supply of Dungbombs, a fanged-Frisbee and a bag of Hiccup sweets. Sirius chuckled as he laid his uncle's gifts beside the inks. Alphard had always helped him execute some rather spectacular pranks every time he had visited Grimmauld Place which, sadly, was no more since Walburga had banned him for defending muggles in a debate with Orion.
Remus had supplied Sirius with a stack of chocolate frogs and cauldron cakes and Peter's present consisted of a book about undetectable hexes and curses. Sirius looked at the pile of gifts, smiling at the warmth and kindness of his friends. Never had he felt so happy, so at home.
But the fun didn't stop there. James and Peter accompanied Sirius to breakfast where they sang 'happy birthday' to him in loud voices for everyone to hear, at which the other Gryffindors joined in too. Sirius blushed furiously, grinning despite himself. After a satisfying bowl of cornflakes, the three boys returned to the dormitory where Remus had been busy decorating the room in scarlet and gold banners reading 'Happy Birthday Sirius' and 'twelve today!' in big bold letters which flashed different colours, all of Remus's own creation.
James had managed to discover the location of the kitchens, which he had visited the night before, and the four friends were too full by lunchtime to want to eat any more. Sirius had never had such an enjoyable birthday and he doubted he would forget today anytime soon.
He was right. He wouldn't.

As the day progressed, Sirius felt he could do with some fresh air. The others were too busy practising hexes from Sirius’s new book to be interested in a walk so he made his way down to the grounds on his own. The sun smiled pleasantly down over the castle, sparkling diamonds dancing on the surface of the lake. An owl surfed the gentle breeze overhead as students languished in the heat. Sirius meandered around the lake, his pace easy and relaxed. He walked further round than he had been before and came to a dense clump of bushes where the shadows crawled over the grass, expelling the summer heat. Shivering slightly, Sirius quickened his step.
'Petrificus Totalus!' a voice echoed suddenly through the copse and Sirius felt his body stiffen as he fell backwards onto the cold grass. He could not move, only stare at the sky through wide, frozen eyes. A face appeared above his own and Severus leered down at him before kicking Sirius over into the lake. Sirius felt himself sinking fast but he could not move, he could not kick out to propel himself back up to the surface which grew faniter, the deeper he went. His brain was begging for oxygen. And then the world slid out of focus ...

Dog Star Feedback






A dark shadow moved somewhere high above. Sirius coughed and choked as someone rolled him onto his side. Water gushed from his mouth and nose as he blinked and tried to sit up.
'Easy now, easy, boy,' a voice said somewhere close by. Someone propped him up and draped a blanket round him. Vision clearing, Sirius managed to distinguish the outlines of three people round him. Professor McGonagall stood near as did Hagrid, both of their faces whiter than chalk. Professor Decertos was kneeling by his side wearing an expression of grave concern. A little way beyond Hagrid's unmistakable form were gathered a small crowd of curious students.
'Are you alright now? Can you hear me?' she asked him. He nodded, coughing again.
'Mr Hagrid found you, the squid threw you out of the lake. You had a body-bind curse on you.' Decertos told him. Sirius was trembling, not only as a result of his sopping wet robes, but also with anger.
'Did you see who did this to you?' McGonagall had come forward. Sirius bit his lip. Then he shook his head.

James rushed over as Sirius climbed through the portrait hole. Some of the other Gryffindors stared as water dripped from Sirius’s robes. He was shivering and headed straight for a cosy chair by the fire. Refusing all teachers' requests to go to the hospital wing, he had just wanted to be alone.
'What happened? Someone was saying you'd fallen in the lake!' he shot his friend a searching look. Sirius shook his head, his hands clenched so tight that his knuckles were white.
'I didn't fall,' he said quietly as he stared into the fire. James gasped.
'Someone … pushed you?' he asked.
Sirius nodded.
'Who?' But Sirius didn't answer. Instead, he got up from his armchair and marched off to the dormitory. Mercifully it was empty. Pulling off his drenched garments, he flung them to one side and dug around in his trunk for some dry clothes. An owl hooted somewhere outside the window as Sirius flopped onto his bed. He stared at the canvas above him and began plotting all the horrible things he wanted to do to Snape. He couldn't blame Snape for wanting revenge, it was what he would do. But Snape had nearly killed him. If it hadn't been for the squid ...
Sighing, he rolled onto his side, staring at Remus's bed without really seeing it. A moment later he gave a start as Remus himself entered. Sitting up, Sirius blinked and averted his gaze. Remus sat down next to Sirius.
'James told me what happened. You have to report it.' he said gently.
'I'm not reporting anything, I'll pay him back myself.' Sirius replied, his words marked with bitter ire.
'No, don't do anything stupid!' his friend pleaded. But Sirius dug his nails into his bedclothes.
'He tried to kill me!' he turned to Remus who sighed heavily.
'But that doesn't mean you should bring yourself down to his level.' Sirius turned away again and Remus stood up and walked over to his trunk.
'You haven't seen my copy of History of Magic, have you?' he asked Sirius, tossing items onto his bed from his trunk. Sirius shook his head in reply. A piece of parchment drifted off Remus's bed and landed at Sirius's feet. He bent to pick it up as Remus hadn't noticed it when a string of words caught his eye '... and will be escorted to an isolated location before the full moon each month.' Sirius clapped a hand to his mouth in shock.
'You're ... a ...' but he couldn't complete the sentence. Remus turned, confused but understood as soon as he saw the letter in Sirius's hand. He snatched it back and thrust it into his trunk.
'Why didn't you say?' Sirius asked him, his expression a blend of pity and shock. Remus didn't reply. Now it was Sirius's turn to go over and sit beside his friend.
'Don't tell anyone, not even James.' Remus frowned, his eyes filling with tears.
'But he'd want to help!' Sirius glanced at Remus who wiped his eyes on his sleeve.
'Don't tell anyone. Please.' Sirius nodded.

James and Peter asked a lot of questions when Remus did not appear in the dormitory on the fourth of October. He missed that day's lessons. Even though James suspected Sirius was withholding something he did not connect that night's full moon to Remus's absence. But he had been commenting on his friend's increasingly poorly appearance.
'Oh go on, just tell me,' James niggled Sirius in History of Magic that afternoon. Professor Binns had dozed off, not for the first time, so the class were making the most of his lethargy.
'I told you I don't know,' Sirius retorted grumpily.
'You do know! I don't see why you can't tell me,' James wheedled, unwilling to relent.
'Just drop it, ok?' Sirius almost shouted in his irritation. James reluctantly shut his mouth and turned to talk to Peter who had been listening beside them. At last the bell rang and Sirius darted out of the room before anyone could accost him.
Severus had become increasingly smug lately. Lily Evans had almost gone to Professor McGonagall one day, as she happened across Sirius and Snape fighting without wands in a secret passage. She had believed Severus's version of the event which had Sirius attacking him first, just for fun. This was only half true. Sirius had come face to face with Snape in the passageway and had not bothered to exercise control of his fists. But far from it being for fun, Sirius remembered the pressing darkness of the Black Lake with every blow he dealt. He didn't care what that high and mighty Evans girl thought, he just didn't want her running off to squeal on him to a teacher. After what Snape had done, Sirius felt it his right to exact his revenge and anyone who stood in his way was just as unfair as Snape's sly attack had been.
In a bid to trump Severus at potions, Sirius had immersed himself in his studies and had taken great pleasure in Slughorn's announcement that he had been the only one to receive full marks for his 'highly accurate concoction of murtlap essence' which had annoyed Lily as much as it did Snape. James and Sirius had received almost-weekly invites to Slughorn's suppers with other gifted students from the years above. The Potions Professor had been just as surprised as Sirius, James and Remus to discover Peter's aptitude at potion brewing. James had made Slughorn the butt of many jokes which were picked up by students in all houses, such was James's talent for cheek.

Sirius and James also earned themselves a few more detentions for playing pranks on Slytherins, the most notable of which was, in James's opinion, the one involving Lucius Malfoy and the exploding ink bottle.

The end of October brought with it a vicious onslaught of rain and gales. Most break-times were now spent in empty classrooms much to the relief of the first-years. On the final day of the month, a grim, blustery Sunday, the students awoke to the delicious smells of freshly baked cakes wafting up from the kitchens. It was a particular comfort to stick to the cosy confines of the Gryffindor common room as James, Sirius, Remus and Peter agreed in the snugness of their fireside armchairs. Most of the older students were spending the day in Hogsmeade, the first and second-years not sorry to stay behind.
At dinner-time, the four friends made their way down to the Great Hall for the Halloween feast. Pumpkins bewitched to glow eerily floated in place of the candles which usually lit the Hall, orange and black streamers lining the walls.
This feast was even more magnificent than the start of term feast. Casseroles and dumplings stood in glass dishes alongside some exotic cuisine the like of which Sirius had never heard of before. Desert was equally as impressive, toffee-apples strewn with hundreds-and-thousands, pumpkin cakes, sticky treacle tarts.
Sirius was just about to bite into a particularly appetising slice of cream cake when the doors of the Great Hall thundered open. Something silver shot up to the high table and disappeared a moment after it had reached Dumbledore. The headmaster stood suddenly.
'Prefects will immediately escort students back to their house.' his voice echoed round the hall, all heads turned his way.
'We are in very great danger.'

Apologies for the delay in posting, somehow my imagination is not wanting to cooperate with me. So if this chapter turns out to be a disappointing mess feel free to stone me.





Everyone rose and Bertha called to the Gryffindors as the hall erupted in a fearful clamour. Students cast anxious glances up at the high table but Dumbledore was already striding out of the Great Hall ahead of them, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick in tow.
Remus wondered allowed what had the Headmaster in such a flurry. He wasn't the only one. All along the hall, students were murmuring their speculations to one another. Bertha marched her house out of the hall at military pace, up the stairs, through a tapestry, past the portrait of the intoxicated monks and through the portrait hole.

The Gryffindors were packed into the common room, a loud hubbub of conjecture buzzing on the air. Suddenly the portrait hole opened and the silence that fell was intense.
Professor McGonagall stood before them, her cheeks flushed, he mouth a tight, impassive contour on her stern face.
'The Headmaster has asked me to inform you that there is a highly dangerous Dark Wizard on the loose.'
'Why hasn't it been in the Prophet?' someone called.
'Because this wizard has blackmailed and bullied his way to a position of power. Madam Althara's chandelier did not unscrew itself as was reported in the prophet. And her maid did not scratch her own eyes out.' Professor McGonagall sniffed.
'Who is the dark wizard?'
'He goes by the name of Lord Voldemort.'

The sinister Lord Voldemort remained the sole topic of conversation over the next few weeks. More gruesome tidings serenaded the students in the Daily Prophet each day but never once did it mention who was behind them.
It hadn't been easy for Sirius to hear about the unpleasant happenings outside the walls of Hogwarts. He had begun to see horrible things happening like that time back in September when he had witnessed the death by chandelier. James and Remus looked at him each time with increasing concern but Sirius told them nothing. Professor Decertos's lesson on vidi visum still fresh in his brain, he didn't think he could stomach that kind of prejudice. But what he couldn't work out was that each time, there was a ghostly grey figure in the vision. What could such a thing be?
Sirius felt permanently cold these days but it wasn't just his pale skin that was like ice. His heart was heavy and the coming evil seemed to drag his soul down to the deep black abyss of dread. This Lord Voldemort had no reason to come after him, though. From what people were saying, Voldemort was a pure blood elitist. Well, he was pure blood so what was the problem?

November saw in the first game of the Hogwarts Quidditch season, Gryffindor against Slytherin. It had been a tense match, the referee's whistle constantly to be heard over the wild rushing of the winter wind. James had sat in the stands with an expression of utmost longing on his face. Sirius could tell he wanted to be up there, one of the scarlet clad blurs darting between the opposition. In the end, Gryffindor won by one hundred and eighty points to one hundred and forty. The Slytherin seeker had been knocked out by a bludger which had given the Gryffindor seeker free reign on chasing the snitch.
That night, the Gryffindors celebrated the first win of the season with a raucous party in the common room. Even Sirius managed to forget his misery. James said he was looking forward to rubbing it in Severus's face and Remus and Peter were playing exploding snap. Sirius sat by the fire, his mind wandering in a blur of lassitude. Eventually he fell into a dreamless sleep and when he awoke the common room was empty but for the remains of the celebrations. Embers glowed in the fireplace, a small heat still kindled within the ashes. Sirius had no desire to go to bed so he got to his feet and wandered out of the portrait hole.

Students were not permitted to be out of bed after hours but Sirius didn't particularly care right now; he wanted to be on his own, he needed a distraction. The fat lady was not in her picture as Sirius emerged from Gryffindor Tower. He turned and headed down the passage, the moonlight glittering though the windows and illuminating the ancient stone walls.
A sudden triumphant rebellion welled up inside Sirius as he began to run down the corridor. Coming to a halt a few minutes later, he did not recognise where he was. This didn't bother him though. He had arrived in a particularly bare hallway, the walls devoid of pictures, no creaking suits of armour turning their helmets to watch him go by. It was deathly still. Sirius began to walk slowly, more aware of his footsteps than before. He froze abruptly as a silver light danced a little way ahead of him. It was approaching him. The light had a form which Sirius could not quite place and it spoke suddenly.
'He knows ...' It hissed the words and then disappeared into nothingness. Sirius stood rooted to the spot. The silver form was somehow familiar. Yes, now he remembered. He had seen something similar rush up to Dumbledore on Halloween. A message. But from who? And what did it mean?
Back in the dormitory Sirius clambered into bed still fully clothed, turning the words over in his mind.

He woke late the next morning, a grim, grey Sunday and by the time he arrived downstairs the breakfast plates had already disappeared.
'Morning,' James greeted him as he sat down at the Gryffindor table. 'You alright? You were tossing and turning a lot in bed.'
'Yeah fine, just couldn’t get comfy,' Sirius lied. 'Oh damn, I missed breakfast.'
'Only if you're content to sit here all day moaning about it. Come with me.' James pulled Sirius to his feet and strode from the Great Hall. Instead of turning up the stairs or going out of the doors to the grounds, they turned down a corridor just off the entrance hall. Sirius stopped suddenly.
'Oh no, if you've found a way into Snivelly's dormitory you can get expelled without me,' he said warily. James simply laughed and pulled him on. They arrived a moment later in front of a large painting of a fruit bowl. James extended a finger and tickled a large green pear which giggled and then the portrait slid aside to reveal a doorway.

'Breakfast time,' James said simply. At once, dozens of house elves rushed up to greet them, some sharing the wait of large silver platters, others still drying dishes on old dishtowels.
'Hello, how's things this morning? Excellent marmalade by the way,' James said to the beaming house elves. 'Sirius hasn't had anything yet, could you rustle something up?'
Sirius simply stared as he allowed himself to be swept over to a padded bench at the far end of the cavernous kitchen. James grinned at him. A few moments later a small crowd of elves approached, each carrying a tray of something different, and set them down on the table in front of the boys. Sirius immediately helped himself to some hot toast, his insides knotting together in hunger. James accepted a plate of bourbon creams from an elf and tucked in.
'Seriously good service,' he said thickly through his third biscuit. Sirius gulped some pumpkin juice as he nodded in reply.

An hour later Remus found them in the library, Sirius scribbling down all he could about switching spells for McGonagall's essay. Madam Pince stalked between the bookshelves, apparently under the impression that the boys were up to no good. Remus said he couldn't blame her since James had been caught about a month ago planting a dungbomb in her desk. James had said the detention had been worth it just to see Madam Pince's face when she opened her desk drawer. Peter caught up with them as they left the library, his rasping breath echoing along the corridor.
'Where've you been, Peter?' Remus asked him.
'Snivelly cursed me so I had to go to the hospital wing.' he wheezed in reply. Sirius thought he could make out a few pale purple patches on Peter's face.
'What curse did he use?' James asked. Peter shrugged and said he didn't know the spell.

Severus wasn't happy when they caught up with him later that day. His hair had reached floor length and his head swelled to pumpkin size by the time the four Gryffindors abandoned him in a broom cupboard. James could hardly breath for laughing as Peter praised Sirius on his well-applied egresco curse. Remus remained silent all the way back to the tower. Sirius noticed this but said nothing; It was the thirtieth of November. Full moon would be upon them in two days' time.

Sirius jerked awake. He could still hear it. That meant it hadn't been a dream. Getting swiftly out of bed, he went over to the window and peered out. The howling was a distant echo on the air but it sounded so wretched, so pitiful. Pulling on his clothes, Sirius grabbed his wand and crept out of the dormitory.

The great oak front doors hadn't been locked. Sirius pushed them open and made his way across the grounds. What was it Remus had said to him? Something about been led under a violent tree. Well there was a tree like that which had been planted just a couple of months before they had started at Hogwarts. Sirius knew why.
He had to help Remus, he couldn't bear to hear his friend screaming, hurting himself, all alone.

The tree was known as the Whomping Willow. Not for nothing, Sirius thought grimly as he approached it. A sliver of moonlight lay across a small hole at the base of the tree. Well, it was now or never. Gripping his wand tightly, Sirius darted forwards to the hole. A second later he was lying a few feet away from where he had started, a large gash oozing on his cheek. Sirius got to his feet and took a deep breath. He could feel the sharp vines of the tree twisting around his ankle as he tumbled down the hole.
'Incendio!' he cried, pointing his wand at the branches and they released him instantly, a puff of smoke engulfing them. Sirius lit his wand and look ahead. The passage was dark, his wand light reaching only so far. But the screams and howls were louder, echoing up the passage.
Finally the tunnel seemed to turn upwards and Sirius came to an opening. He peered out into a dark room. Extinguishing his wand, he climbed up into the room which had been wrecked, a chair leg here, a table top there, windows boarded up.
Something troubled Sirius about this place. It was quiet. There was no howling and no dreadful screaming. Turning slowly round, Sirius came face to face with a creature he had only ever seen in a book. The werewolf was unrecognisable as Remus but for the many scars and scratches covering his body. Apparently he had taken the beast by surprise but a moment later it lunged forwards and knocked Sirius backwards, the sharp, gleaming fangs missing his arm by mere millimetres. The wand fell from Sirius's hand in a shower of sparks, some of which flew in the werewolf's face. The beast howled in pain and Sirius scrambled backwards. He could not picture this grotesque monster as his friend.
It pounced at him, its claws tearing at Sirius's skin, and threw him across the room in its fury. Little stars danced before his eyes as he pushed himself up. Groping on the dusty floor, Sirius's hand fell upon his wand. He turned to the werewolf and shouted 'petrificus totalus!' but the spell seemed not to affect the creature.
With a final look at Remus, Sirius threw himself back down the hole and did not stop running till he was back in his dormitory.
'Sirius! What happened?' James was sitting on his bed, a candle flickering on the cabinet next to him. Peter sat next to him. Sirius fell onto his own bed and the other two came over, the candle shaking slightly in Peter's hands. James gasped as the candlelight illuminated the laceration on Sirius's face but that was nothing to the expression of utmost fear and shock he wore.
'Remus ... he's ...' Sirius muttered, trying to find the words. 'Werewolf.' James and Peter stared.

Sirius could not look at Remus when he returned to the common room, tired-looking but relieved that full moon was over till the next month. He couldn't understand what was wrong with his friends, what had happened in the time he had been gone. But none of them knew what to say.
'Sirius, what happened to your face?' Remus asked him at dinner. Sirius didn't reply. James and Peter exchanged dark looks.
'What's up with you all?' Remus was starting to get annoyed. Sirius got up from the table and marched out of the Great Hall. Remus had nothing to be annoyed about, Sirius thought bitterly, the wound on his cheek stinging unbearably. He didn't dare go to Madam Pomfrey because he knew she would be able to tell exactly how he had been injured.

Flicking through Which Broomstick? on his bed, Sirius looked up as the door opened and the others came in. He hastily turned his back on the door and resumed his reading. Remus sat down next to him.
'Why did you come?' he said quietly. Sirius closed his eyes and sighed. James and Peter stood close by. Sirius sat in silence, his head buried in his lap. Remus gave him a small nudge. Sirius turned slowly and looked at him.
'I couldn't just leave you,' he replied, his voice almost a whisper. He looked quickly away again.

The next few days were awkward, most especially because Severus suddenly became very interested to know how Sirius had been injured. He lurked near the four friends whenever he could, concealed behind bushes in the grounds or behind statues in the corridors. James lamented the fact that they could not do anything about this as there was almost always someone else nearby to tell on them if they did. Peter surprised them all, one afternoon, by managing to hex Severus through a gap in some books in the library. Madam Pince came scurrying over as Severus crashed into a bookcase in agony. The four friends barely managed to keep straight faces in front of the irate librarian. Fortunately many people had chosen that day for a spot of study so Madam Pince could not point the finger at them although they knew she would dearly have loved to do so.
James had taken to visiting the library increasingly often of late and had managed to go a whole week without cursing Severus at which Remus suggested James had secret ambitions to become a prefect in fifth year. What was most shocking was that James didn't deny anything, his concentration focused on the heavy tomes in front of him. Sirius knew better than to believe in something as absurd as an innocent James Potter but even he couldn't bring his friend to divulge the mystery of his frenzied studying.

In the last week of November, Slughorn sent out his little violet-ribboned supper invites again. James and Sirius arrived at his office and barely had James raised a fist to the door than it was flung wide and Slughorn ushered them inside. It was stifling in the small room, a haze of perfumed air winding its way into Sirius's throat. There were quite a few students here from across the years. But today, they were the only first years.
'Come, come boys, have a seat,' Slughorn pointed them over to two comfortable chairs near his own sumptuous lounger. Once again, Sirius found himself next to Slughorn. There was a knock at the door and Rosier, the sixth year prefect entered. James snorted. He hated the way this boy was always late just to have all eyes on him when he arrived. But it never seemed to bother Slughorn. Rosier strode over to a seat next to James who moved closer to Sirius.
'So, how is everyone today?' Slughorn beamed round at them all.
'Professor, I must thank you for writing to Madam Laffia, she has agreed to take me on over the summer.' A pretty seventh year Slytherin held a scroll of parchment out to Slughorn who read it through with a smile.
'Well I hardly need remind her that you won the International Spell Invention of the Year prize - gold, might I add,' Slughorn handed back the parchment to the girl who smirked. Sirius noticed they were the only Gryffindors in the room. There were no Ravenclaws and no Hufflepuffs today.
'Mr Potter, may I commend you on your wonderful Draught of Peace, it's something I wouldn't have expected from my sixth years,' Slughorn chuckled. It was James's turn to smirk.
'Where did you learn to be so creative?' Slughorn considered him for a moment before recounting a very long and very boring story of his first encounter with the wizard who invented the potion.

Sirius felt himself dozing off in the hot, scented air, sinking into his armchair. His eyes drooped and finally Slughorn’s voice became a distant blur somewhere at the back of his brain.
It was cold, so cold. There was a man lying on the floor, an old, dusty floor, candles surrounding his wounded body, the blood shining on his bare chest. He screamed as a woman bore down upon him. She laughed and cackled. The cries of agony died suddenly as a silver blade pierced the man's heart. A ruby river ran down the beaten flesh, snaking its way across the floor, the dust parting in its path. Sirius gasped and his eyes met those of the woman's. Lighting her features was a twisted smile. He screamed as the man had done, cried out and fell once more to darkness.

Wow this one took a lot of research. There are a lot of facts in here pertaining to the ancient muggle world, as in our world. This chapter is the biggest foundation stone for the rest of the story thus far. As to the seemingly out of place Astronomy lesson, it was the very first scene I wrote for this story so I wanted to include it somewhere^^.








Sirius snapped awake as James prodded him.
'Fell asleep m'boy? Not to worry,' Slughorn chuckled. Sirius looked up and saw James grinning. Apparently his cries hadn't left the confines of his dreams.
'I'm ... uh, sorry Professor, just the heat ...' Sirius mumbled.
'So as I was saying, Delta then had the document transferred to Egypt under heavy guard in a tomb.' Slughorn spoke, peering round at the students. Rosier made a sudden movement.
'"It is I who hinder the sand from choking the secret chamber. I am for the protection of the deceased."' he recited. Slughorn nodded. '"And I will kill all those who cross this threshold into the sacred precincts of the Royal King who lives forever."'
Slughorn nodded again, apparently impressed.
'So he's still there ... ' Rosier muttered to himself. Slughorn didn’t seem to hear this as he poured himself another glass of firewhiskey.

'And so the twisted remains of poor Delta were found but a week later, strewn amongst the bodies in the sand. His family, the notable Baron and Lady Canis refused to confirm that the body in question was that of their son. Very tragic, very tragic.'
'But why was the document so important, Professor? Surely Delta wanted it to be seen if it held the key to proving his case that astronomy could be used to rule over the world.' the Slytherin seventh year asked.
'Oh no, dear girl, you misunderstand me, Delta didn't want to rule over the world. He saw it as his duty to protect the world from the evil of the scroll set down by Cornelius Agrippa who in his brilliance did not realise the nature of his discovery.' Slughorn looked suddenly grave. 'An ancient muggle philosopher wrote about it, such was the fear of the thing: he rises late in the dark, liquid sky, on summer nights, star of stars, er ... the next bit was something like ... something, something they call it, brightest of all, but an evil portent, bringing heat and fevers to suffering humanity. This was written before Agrippa's time. The ancient Roman muggle civilisation in particular feared this unknown evil and it is rumoured that Agrippa was fascinated to the point of obsession by the idea.'
'"And at the brightest day shall be born the brightest star amongst the humble of the universe but he will not burn as the sun."' Rosier said quietly. 'The brightest star ...' His eyes widened.

'If he keeps that up, I might just start skipping his suppers,' James grumbled as they left Slughorn's office an hour later. Most of the students had dozed off at some point or other during what had to be Slughorn's most boring supper yet. Well, boring for most.
'Hey, I wonder why Evans wasn't there, or Snivelly,' James yawned as they made their way back upstairs.
'I heard Snivelly isn't as popular with Sluggy since you beat him at the last few lessons.' Sirius replied. 'And he thinks Evans planted the sneezing doughnut. The icing is still stuck to his best quill, the one he's always reminding us he got "from the Minister for Magic himself".' James snorted.
'Serves her right, always sticking up for Snivellus,' he tittered.

The velveteen sky was studded with twinkling, glittering stars, each with its own name upon Sirius's astronomy chart. He put his eye to his telescope once again and peered into the heavens so far above. Beside him, there came a small cry of pain as Peter had jabbed himself in the eye. Sirius couldn't help sniggering quietly. Peter turned to him wearing a hurt expression on his house elf-like face. This just made Sirius want to laugh all the more.
'Peter don't be a baby,' he whispered to the other boy. Turning back to his worksheet he uncorked his ink and dipped the glossy eagle feather quill into the deep red liquid. He had always loved this ink the best, much to the chagrin of his younger brother who saw it as the Black family honour to do all calligraphic works in green, the 'official' family house colour. But Sirius had broken tradition which he regarded as his biggest achievement to date. As he was putting the final touches to a star listed as fifth nearest to the earth, Professor Groombridge called to them to back up their things.

Back in the common room the four first year boys dropped into seats.
'Holidays in a couple of weeks, I can’t wait.' James reclined in his chair. Sirius would be alone for the holidays, there was no way he would go back to Grimmauld place unless he really had to.
'I'm staying at Hogwarts this Christmas,' Remus said.
'Why's that?' Peter asked.
'My parents are taking part in the International Alchemy Conference in Kuusamo this year so they'll be away.'
'Well that's good, you can keep Sirius company then.' James remarked. Remus nodded in reply. Sirius and Remus had acted normally around one another but there was still a nervous distance between them. True, Sirius's wounds of that moonlit night had healed but he felt he had let his friend down and he couldn't quite forget the beast's claws tearing at him.
James seemed to realise Sirius's anxiety because he changed the subject quickly.
'Anyway, we should get to bed, classes tomorrow,' Remus got to his feet. The others followed him up to the dormitory and ten minutes later Sirius was sleeping soundly.

At breakfast the next morning Sirius took his place at the Gryffindor table with the others. The table was quite busy so they sat near the doors, a cold draught chilling them as they ate. A large tawny owl swooped down to James, bringing him his usual letter from his parents. Sirius finished his second piece of toast and took a sip of pumpkin juice as he waited for the others to finish. Looking up at the ceiling, he groaned. The sky was a grim, charcoal grey and heavy hailstones fell from the depressing clouds. They had a double Care of Magical Creatures lesson today. Professor Kettleburn had told them they would be checking on their project of puffskeins. But Sirius was holding out hope that the lesson would be cancelled. And he was in luck. Professor McGonagall had sent Bertha to tell the Gryffindors that all outdoor classes would not be held until further notice. So instead of making their way outdoors, they trooped up to the library as James insisted he needed to study.

Sirius sat flicking rolled up pieces of paper at the wall as James poured over the usual heavy volumes. Remus was going through a Charms essay and Peter stared at Sirius through misty eyes. Sirius was fidgety, he didn't want to sit still.
'I'm going to the bathroom, back in a bit,' he said to the others and left the library without a backward glance.

Walking along the frigid passages, Sirius swung his back to and fro in his hand. Rounding a corner, he walked headlong into someone who was taller than him.
'Oh, sorry I ...' Sirius looked up to see Rosier, the sixth-year prefect whose triumphant smile was quite disconcerting.
'Not to worry, Mr Black, easy enough to do,' Rosier's smile broadened. Sirius took a step backwards.
'In fact, it is a funny coincidence that we should meet here.' Rosier walked closer to Sirius. 'You see, I have been seeking an opportunity to speak to you. Alone.'
'What ... what about?' Sirius backed into the wall.
'Meet me at Agrippa's statue at two o'clock after lights out and tell no one where you are going. Be there, otherwise I shall be forced to resort to ... er ... desperate measures.' Rosier smiled and turned on his heel leaving Sirius stricken and alone.

Not a sound could be heard within the castle. The shadows concealed night-time torments as the moonlight struck the harsh silver of the armour into an unnatural gleam. It was a clear night, and cold too, Sirius noted. He had climbed out of bed, his three friends sleeping happily in the cosy precincts of their familiar beds.
The castle was a whole new world at night, no matter how well you knew it by day. The little creatures from nightmares seemed to awaken, prowling the cold stone hallways, feeding on the dark, sleeping in the day.
Sirius shivered as he hurried along the passages. Perhaps Rosier had only said this to get him out of bed and into trouble. But if not, well Sirius had to go, he knew Rosier was capable of causing him big trouble. A frosty breeze snapped at his robes, snow fluttering through an open window here, a crack in the window admitting a rivulet of icy water there. Cautiously approaching the statue of Agrippa, Sirius peered around and saw only Rosier there. He stepped into the moonlight and Rosier turned to him
'Black, I am glad you came,' Rosier's voice was not above a whisper. 'Come.' He beckoned to Sirius who followed. They wound their way through the school until they arrived at a blank stretch of wall. Rosier walked back and forth three times and on his third trip past, the wall became a wall no more. A magnificent door stood set in the stone, remarkable, only, because it had appeared so abruptly. Rosier pulled Sirius inside.

'The Room of Requirement,' Rosier did not trouble to lower his voice. They stood within a small but welcoming room, a fire blazing merrily at one side of the room in front of which were two squashy armchairs not unlike those from the Gryffindor common room. Rosier turned a key in the door and led Sirius over to the fire.
'We must not be overheard,' he said, sitting down. Sirius sank into the second seat and turned to Rosier.
'These are dangerous times, Black. There is unspeakable evil at large which threatens to destroy our world forever.'
'Voldemort ...' Sirius murmured. Rosier nodded.
'By rights we shouldn't even know of his existence. But Dumbledore is always one step ahead. Through his efforts the evil may have been halted. If he hadn't discovered… well that is why I am here with you now.' Rosier looked pale and worried in the firelight. He gripped at his hair and stared ahead.
'There is a reason I am a Slytherin. The same reason that the hat sorted you into my house. Because of blood bonds, because of family.' His tone was bitter.'‘But it may not be wasted. This way I can seek to destroy the coming evil. I am well placed as a spy. But that is not the path I choose.'
'What is?' Sirius's fear had long since vanished; his curiosity had gotten the better of him. Rosier sighed and closed his eyes.
'You heard Slughorn. The Star Scroll, it wields the power to control the earth whether for good or for evil. It is not unlike the Deathly Hallows, I trust you have heard the story? The Hallows are said to be three very real objects, hunted by many who sought the glory of their immortality. But unlike the Hallows, there are few indeed who have heard of the Star Scroll.'

Rosier sat in silence, staring into the sweltering flare of the flames. Sirius frowned.
'You still haven't said where I come into this,' he said. Rosier started, as if returning from some deep recess of his mind.
'True, my apologies. Delta Canis happens to have been the last known owner of the Star Scroll. The Canis family died out the very year Delta's body was found. His parents were found a mere month after the events in Egypt, their bodies identifiable only by half a face on each corpse. No one knows who cursed the family but cursed they are. With the death of the last Canis heirs came the death in the legend. People believed that it was nothing more than a myth. So they stopped searching.'
'But it isn't a myth, is it?' Sirius asked quietly. He still could not tell where this was leading. Rosier shook his head and drew breath.
'No. It is as real as you and I. Agrippa's words as set down on that scroll are not the threads of prophecy. There is a grand difference. Prophecies are not set in stone. They are mere speculations of what may come to pass. The scroll, on the other hand, is the fabric of our future. One way or the other, it will be as recorded on that parchment.'
'And what part do I play?' Sirius was growing impatient.
'You are connected to Delta Canis by blood. He remains your uncle even in death. You may then ask why it is you and not your family I seek the aid of. Quite aside form the fact that, please forgive my words, your family are in support of Voldemort and his cause and would not help me, I recently discovered a document containing Delta's last will and testament. He details you as his sole heir.'
Sirius stared. He had never seen the Canis family on his mother's tapestry at Grimmauld place. Nor had he ever heard of Delta Canis before Slughorn's supper.
'When did he die?'
'Nineteenth of September, 1929.' Sirius gasped.
'I didn’t even exist then! How could he have written me into his will?' he stuttered. Rosier turned to him.
'For the same reason you fell asleep in Slughorn's office. He was a vidi visum. They are rare and to hear of two in one century is hardly a coincidence. But mark my words, you are lucky, that in a room full of Slytherins poised to join the forces of Voldemort's evil, I was only one to recognise your gift.' Rosier tapped his fingers on the side of the chair, staring back into the fire. So Sirius had been right. His speculations of Decertos's lesson near the start of term had been confirmed.
'What is the difference between a seer and a vidi visum?' Sirius suddenly craved knowledge.
'The seer's revelations are comparably trivial next to the wisdom of the vidi visum. While the former has the power to see what may become of the future, that is all they can do. Why do you think Dumbledore does not allow it to be taught? Because it is a false art. The vidi visum has the power to intervene and act on what his visions bring. Also, those with your gift feel the pain of those they see. They also hold within themselves a great power that cannot be broken even in death. There is never more than one alive at a time, sometimes a gap of hundreds of years can separate them. It is a great burden to bear but borne it must be.

Sirius fell suddenly down what seemed to be an endless black hole. He crashed onto something hard and pushed himself up quickly. There was no light. Cold stone seemed to surround him. His breath reverberated off the unseen walls just like at Hogwarts. There was no air. He grew light headed. Stumbling forwards in the dark, he groped blindly in front of him but his trembling hands fell upon nothing.
A streak of light suddenly blinded him. He flung his hands up in front of his face but nothing touched him. Appearing ahead was a doorway. A shaft of light threw the dark passage into sudden relief. The walls, the ceiling, the floor were all made of a yellow stone, resting harmoniously against one another. Moving forward, Sirius staggered through the gap in the wall. The source of light was not revealed, however, but moved ahead of him. In his haste, Sirius did not notice the crumbling bones under his feet. He coughed, the dust in his lungs and the lack of air making him dizzy. But he felt he must follow the light. All of a sudden he hit stone. Tasting blood, he staggered backwards. The light was gone. He was in darkness once more.

Rosier was on his knees at Sirius's side.
'What did you see?' Rosier could barely contain his excitement. Sirius retched, the dust clearing from his throat.
'I saw ... I saw ...' but Sirius coughed again.
'What did you see?' Rosier's words were more forceful this time.
'I saw ... I saw a tomb ...'

Rosier leaned closer.
'Aten's tomb.' This was not a question, rather a statement. Sirius blinked and looked up at him. Rosier helped him to his feet and he sank back into his armchair.
'How can I trust you?' Sirius asked. Rosier sighed and knotted his hands together.
'You can trust me or you can't trust me. Is there anything I can do that will convince you?' he replied at length.
'There's one thing I don't understand, if I am the only one who can retrieve the scroll then why don't I just do it myself?' Sirius observed.
'Because we both know that you don't want that sort of power,' Rosier looked directly at him. 'And in any case it would perhaps be too late by the time you are ready. I leave Hogwarts the year after next; in three months I come of age. It will be some advantage to be able to legally perform magic away from school.'
Sirius had to admit that Rosier had a good point.
'I'm sorry but I don't know if I can trust you.'
'How can I prove myself?'
'Earn my trust.' Sirius got to his feet. He walked over to the door, unlocked it and exited leaving rosier to his thoughts.

Back in bed, Sirius's head was reeling with all that he had just learned. There was no way he would tell his friends. He trusted them, certainly more than he trusted Rosier but he felt this burden was his and his alone. Besides, Remus had enough to deal with each month with his lycanthropy.

The next morning they awoke to find the grounds waste-deep on snow. The first-years cheered when Professor McGonagall told them that outdoor classes had once again been cancelled. Sirius sat with his three friends at the back of McGonagall's class, discussing new ways of tormenting Severus. James looked up suddenly as McGonagall called his name.
'Potter, I would expect you to pay attention if you are to continue receiving good marks in my class. The same goes for you Black,' she sniffed, eyeing the pair suspiciously. Several girls giggled.
'As I was saying, those of you who wish to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas must sign the list. Miss Evans, if you would like to pass it round,' McGonagall handed Lily a sheet of parchment. As soon as the professor had turned back to face the blackboard the four friends resumed their conversation.
'... and then it makes you puke for hours,' Peter was saying.
'But it's traceable, that's no good,' James replied.
'How about an aegerious curse? Snivelly'll be in the hospital wing for weeks,' Sirius said.
'If you do that I'll make sure Professor McGonagall knows who did it!' Lily was standing in front of his desk with the list.
'Ooh look, it's Snivelly's girlfriend,' James put on a high-pitched voice. Sirius snatched the list from Lily and wrote down his name, then passed it to Remus who signed. Sirius then threw Lily a glare and marched up to McGonagall's desk, handing her the parchment.

'What a moaning little-' James began but Remus silenced him with a warning look. Slughorn had just rounded the corner as they left the Transfiguration classroom.
'Black, Potter! Wonder if I might have a word,' Slughorn caught sight of them. Sirius glanced at James whose expression was one of slight panic; Lily couldn’t have gone running, they hadn't hexed Severus for ages.
'Move along, you two,' Slughorn told Remus and Peter who slouched off to the Great Hall. James and Sirius followed the stout little professor to his office where he directed them into two chairs by his desk.
'Well, m'boys, well,' Slughorn sipped some blue liquid from a tall glass. 'I received a request to select my four brightest students from below fourth year. Regarding your outstanding performances in my class recently I would like to put you both forward for the Young Potioneer of the Year award. It is a competition involving thirty countries from around the world and as the title explains, its purpose is to find the most talented young potion maker.'
Sirius and James exchanged bemused looks.
'It takes place next summer, around the start of August so you still have plenty of time to prepare. It is a very great honour to be chosen for this tournament so I would like to see you both making a real effort to bring glory to Hogwarts. Here are guides as to the rules and formalities.' Slughorn handed them each a thick black booklet emblazoned with gold letters which read 'The Young Potioneer of the Year'.
'You will, of course, receive additional tutoring which shall be conducted by two recent winners.' the jolly professor smiled impressively. 'Both of whom I had the pleasure to teach.'

There came a knock at the door.
'Ah, right on time, in you come,' Slughorn called. The door opened and James gave his usual derisive snort.
'Good morning, Professor,' Sirius recognised the seventh-year Slytherin girl from many of Slughorn's little parties. She was followed by Rosier. Sirius averted his eyes hastily.
'Potter, Sarita Demong will be your mentor, she won gold four years ago.' Sarita didn't look too pleased about this. James didn't even bother to hide his disgust.
'Which leaves Black and Rosier who won gold just four months ago in the over-fifteens competition,' Slughorn chuckled. Sirius sighed. He had resolved to avoid Rosier if he could help it. Rosier, on the other hand, looked positively delighted.
'Who are the other two students taking part, Professor?' James asked.
'To be honest I haven't been able to choose anyone else yet. My most talented pupils happen to be above fourth year. Aside from you two of course.' Slughorn replied, somewhat vexed.
'Professor, have you set any particular potions?' Sarita asked.
'No, this year I thought I would leave it to you to help the boys here pick something out. Come back and see me in a week with a fully structured plan.' He bowed them from his office.

'Of all the horrible little firsties we have to get stuck with you!' Sarita grumbled.
'Oh like we wanted to be!' James flared up. Rosier shook his head in disgust at Sarita and James and told Sirius to follow him. Once out of earshot of the others he stopped and turned to Sirius.
'You didn't look happy about this little arrangement back there,' he said. Sirius gaped at him incredulously.
'Anyway, come on, I need to show you where we will be studying.' They walked along the corridors and up stairs and along more corridors. Sirius was sure he had never been in this part of the school before. There was no one else along here.
They turned and Rosier entered an empty, disused classroom. He swung his bag off his shoulder and took an heavy tome from within its depths, slamming it on a dusty desk. Sirius leaned forward to read its title but found he could not.
'Παρθενών - λαμπερόσ αλήθεια'
'what does it say?' he asked.
'Have you ever been to Attica?' Rosier pulled a chair towards the table and sat down. Sirius shook his head. Rosier pointed him into a chair.
'Slughorn chose me to mentor you because I expressed an interest in doing so. I plan to use our time for more than brewing potions.'
'So what does the writing say?' Sirius repeated.
'Parthenon - Lucent Truth. Our search for the Star Scroll doesn't start in Egypt. Nor does it end there. One of the first mentions of the contents of the scroll was set down by an ancient Greek writer. My belief is that he was one of the first vidi visum which I base on the structure of his passage regarding the scroll. Indeed, his very existence, known also to muggles, is contested.' Rosier slid his fingers under the cover of the musty book and after a moment of contemplation he flicked to somewhere near the middle.
'He has connections to Egypt. Aten, the great king in whose tomb you found yourself last night, had inscribed on his tomb the very words you heard me speak in Slughorn's office at the last gathering. "It is I who hinder the sand from choking the secret chamber. I am for the protection of the deceased. And I will kill all those who cross this threshold into the sacred precincts of the Royal King who lives forever". Aten's tomb was lost and forgotten until nearly fifty years ago when a muggle discovered the steps leading to it.'
'Why is this important?'
'Because they found the passage, the antechamber, the annex, the burial chamber and even the treasury. But they failed to find this.' Rosier pointed to the top of the page nearest Sirius. A large black circle enclosed three symbols, one a star, above it a half-circle and to the right an isosceles triangle. A caption below stated 'Sopet ak Sothied'. Somehow Sirius realised its meaning.




This chapter is dedicated to the wonderful Alkisti for being such a great support to me over my short time on Veritaserum so far. Also, thanks go out to Alicia Jonae for helping me find a name for Sarita - many thanks guys!!!

Feedback thread can be found here: Dog Star Feedback

Rosier began setting items out on the desk in front.
'We are going to have to be seen doing something for that tournament.' he said as he hoisted a bag of potion ingredients onto the desk. But Sirius had no desire to brew potions. He craved to understand this strange mystery into which Rosier had flung him.
'What potion will I be making?' Sirius cast a wary glance over the sinister apparatus.
'Veritaserum.' Rosier replied. 'They will neither expect a first-year to brew it nor to understand its theory.'
'Well they'll be right about that, then, I'm rubbish at potions theory,' Sirius retorted irritably.
'Oh you will when we are finished,' Rosier was now measuring out some octopus powder on a set of scales. Sirius pulled some parchment from his bag and began to copy down the page on Veritaserum in Rosier's textbook.
'Give me your timetable,' Rosier straightened and turned to Sirius who dug around his bag for a moment. As soon as Rosier received it he began tapping the sheet in random places. When he handed it back, Sirius noticed there wasn't an empty space left on the parchment.
'What?! But I don't have any evenings free! Where am I suppose to fit my homework in?' Sirius exclaimed. Rosier tapped at a small space at the end of the sheet.
'That's what your Sunday evenings are for,' he told Sirius in his maddeningly matter-of-fact tone. Sirius stared, his mouth slightly open in argument.
'But ... Bu-'
'No buts, we have a lot to do. I want to be seen doing my job. How do you think past winners have triumphed? By wasting their evenings playing exploding snap by the fire? No, Black, we have serious work to get done, not least that our real purpose is of far greater importance than brewing our way to Potioneer's glory.' Rosier poured a few drops of steaming red liquid into a glass phial. Sirius sighed in submission. These next months were going to be tough.

'Am I going to get any time to myself?' Sirius asked tetchily. Rosier put down the phial of armadillo bile with a sigh and turned to Sirius.
'Look, I'm sorry that Slughorn threw you into this,' he placed a hand on Sirius’s shoulder. 'And I am truly sorry to burden you with my quest.' He kneeled down and looked directly into Sirius's eyes. 'I need you to trust me. Can you do that?'
'I ... I don't know...' Sirius shook his head apologetically. It would take a lot more than an affectionate clap on the shoulder to win him round. But Rosier would have to find his own way.
'I ... understand,' Rosier looked away, biting his lip. 'Well we had best get on, it's already near lunchtime and depriving you of food will not help us.' He smiled resignedly at Sirius before turning back to the items on the table.
'Professor Slughorn has given us permission to keep our project in here and each time we leave I will lock the door. Of our other purpose here I will leave no evidence.' Sirius dipped his quill into the ruby ink and resumed writing.
No more of the Star Scroll was discussed by the time they locked the room and parted for lunch. Sirius would be seeing him later in the evening again.

'That Sarita is a good for nothing banshee!' James complained between mouthfuls of soup. 'She's making me study weekends too!'
'I still can't believe Sluggy picked you two over Evans and Snivelly,' Remus sniggered. This cheered James up considerably.
'What about you, Sirius, what's that evil Rosier making you do?' Peter squeaked. Sirius shrugged. James pulled Sirius's timetable towards him.
'That's even worse than Sarita! You've only got Sunday evenings off!'
'Not even, that's for all my other homework,' Sirius told him.
'But that's rubbish!' James interjected. Remus simply looked quite amused.
'Well I'll be really surprised if you don't win then,' he giggled. James stared at him.
'And what about me? I'd beat him any day!' he retorted.
'Oh come on, I'm not going to fall out with you over this,' Sirius sighed. James simply glared at him. Sirius put down his spoon and got to his feet without another word. Remus grabbed his bag and followed his friend from the hall.
'Don't worry about it, ok?' He called after Sirius who ignored him.

That evening, Rosier greeted Sirius with a smile, a hint of warmth playing on his lips.
'You're early, Black,' he said. Sirius flung himself down on a chair and did not speak.
'I'm afraid that this is a competition and that Potter is your opponent, not your friend, at least until this is over.' Rosier told him sternly. Perhaps he realised how much his words bit into Sirius because he pulled a chair next to his tutee and his tone was gentle this time.
'I'm sorry, ok? But Sarita and I hate each other and you can bet she will be saying a lot worse about you to Potter. She wants to beat me just as badly as Potter wants to beat you. It seems to me that it isn't just the glory of this tournament Potter wants, but the satisfaction of proving himself the superior of his friends. From what I have heard, you are the two most brilliant students in your year.' Rosier drew breath.
'But I know people like Potter and they will cross their friends to achieve their ends, Slytherins are not the only ones who will cheat their way to success, I should know, I'm supposed to be one after all. If it's any consolation, I know how you feel. The same thing happened to my best friend and I.' He placed two fingers under Sirius's chin and lifted his head gently, their eyes meeting. A single tear ran down Sirius's pale face. Rosier smiled sadly at him and ran a finger over the tear.
'Don't cry, Sirius.'
He felt a sudden disturbance in his stomach as Rosier said his name.

The evening went by without another word of James; indeed they really did devote the time to learning the theory of Veritaserum. Rosier had told Sirius that he would not allow him to so much as touch the ingredients until he could fully comprehend the components of the complex elixir. So there they sat, Sirius reciting the functions of the forty-five steps in Veritaserum and it was nearly eleven o'clock before either of them noticed the time.
'Oh crumbs, we'd better get back to our dormitories,' Rosier hastily got to his feet. Sirius left his bag by the table. He would be back here first thing in the morning as the first-years' Herbology class was cancelled. Rosier locked the door as soon as they had left the room and pulled his wand from his robes.
'Just a little extra protection,' he said and began making complicated wand movements. 'Just in case Sarita feels like a little sabotage. And I certainly wouldn't put it past her.'

Hurrying along the corridor, they kept a sharp ear out for any other movements. Sirius was jogging slightly to keep up with Rosier. Suddenly he walked headlong into his mentor who had stopped dead.
'I am shocked at you, Rosier,' Sirius's stomach seemed to digest itself as the horribly familiar voice of Professor McGonagall echoed through the hall.
'Professor, please forgive me but I was on my way to the hospital wing. I went to see Professor Slughorn but he wasn't in his office.' Rosier's voice was faint. Sirius could tell he was acting his way out of this.
'And I met Mr Black on the way up who said he was also on his way.' Rosier moved aside revealing Sirius. McGonagall stared.
'Black! I would have thought you have sat through enough detentions this term already!' she exclaimed.
'Please Professor, he isn't feeling too well, I'm afraid I am to blame, you see I'm not sure if Professor Slughorn has told you but I am to mentor Black in potions-'
'So I heard, Rosier, but what does that have to do with illicit night-time wanderings?' she demanded. Rosier looked at his feet.
'I'm afraid the fumes of the doxy saliva must have gotten to us both,' he said quietly. McGonagall said nothing. Instead, she led them up the stairs to the hospital wing and went to wake Madam Pomfrey.
'Let me do the talking,' Rosier whispered. Sirius nodded.

Five minutes later, both Sirius and Rosier had left the hospital wing after receiving large doses of Doxy Detox. The tasteless green liquid had left Sirius somewhat light-headed so Rosier insisted upon escorting him straight back to Gryffindor tower. Sirius was quite relieved when his head finally hit the soft fluffy pillow, the disturbance still alive in his stomach.



Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

At last there seemed to be only two more days until the Christmas holidays. The first-years lapsed into end-of-term spirits but the teachers conducted themselves as always, except Professor Flitwick who gave up in resigned Christmas cheer. Wednesday dawned frigid but bright; a new, thick layer of snow coated the footprints of the previous day.
Waking early, Sirius yawned and rolled out of bed. James, Peter and Remus had already gone down to breakfast. Pulling on his robes, he glanced at the clock. It was just before nine o'clock. He had almost panicked at the thought of waking too late but then remembered that Care of Magical Creatures had been cancelled. Going over to the window, he peered out over the icy landscape. Opening the window a crack, Sirius breathed in deeply. Hogwarts and Grimmauld Place were worlds apart. A small gust caught in his throat and he coughed slightly. Only, the sound that came out wasn't normal. Sirius coughed again. No, that definitely wasn't right.

Remus waved as Sirius entered the hall.
'Morning, sleepy,' Remus grinned.
'It's been snowing again,' Peter piped up. Sirius stifled a yawn and helped himself to some toast.
'Does anyone want to have a snowball fight?' James asked. His manner had been cool and civil towards Sirius. Having spent his time holed up in a classroom with Rosier, Sirius felt he had been distanced from his friends. There was already a polite wedge in his and Remus's friendship. He didn't want the same to happen to his relationship with James. But it seemed as if it had. Peter giggled as Snivelly entered the hall, James fingering his wand subconsciously.

The four friends trooped out into the waist-deep snow, wrapped in scarves, hats, gloves and warm winter cloaks. Sirius didn't speak at all. It was pretty embarrassing as it was. Well, they would find out soon enough but Sirius thought he would rather face that another time.
Sirius teamed up with Remus and James sided with Peter in a merciless snowball fight. Sirius began building a wall out of snow while Remus flung fistfuls of snow at the others. Wump! Peter caught Sirius squarely on the cheek who responded by pelting snowballs at Peter and he toppled over a moment later. Laughing till his eyes were streaming, Sirius fell over in the snow. He gathered himself a moment later to find Remus staring at him.
'What's wrong with your voice?' he looked curiously at Sirius who shut up at once. James and Peter had come over to see what the fuss was. Sirius closed his mouth quickly and ran back inside, up the flights of stairs and to the classroom where he studied with Rosier. The door was locked so he leaned against a wall, sliding down until he was on the floor.

Why did he have to be the oldest in the year? Sirius had hoped life would get better away from his family. But so far he had almost been killed, someone had thrust a huge burden on him, his friends were deserting him one by one and he was growing up quicker than anyone else in his year.
Footsteps echoed suddenly along the deserted passage. Sirius kept his head bowed, not moving, not caring who approached.
'Sirius, what's wrong?' Rosier crouched down next to him. Sirius didn't look up. He certainly wasn't going to make a fool of himself in front of Rosier.
'Is it your friends?' the sixth-year asked. Sirius shrugged. Rosier got to his feet and unlocked the door, then heaved Sirius up and ushered him through the door. Sirius slumped into a seat.
'Now come on, tell me what the matter is,' Rosier sat in a chair opposite Sirius's. Slowly, Sirius looked up.
'Well ... you can hear what's wrong ...' his voice was croaky, not at all what it had been a day before. Rosier smiled, chuckling.
'Yes I certainly can hear. But why is it a problem?' he asked.
'Because the others will laugh at me ...' Sirius said quietly.
'No they won't. If anything they will be envious that you've beaten them to it.' But Sirius still didn't look convinced.
'Look, it's called growing up and we all do it at our own pace and in our different ways. Who is the oldest of you and your friends?'
'I am.'
'Then it hardly surprises me that your friends haven't gotten that far yet. Don't worry, it'll hit them too and when it does, they won't be laughing.' Rosier smiled and ruffled Sirius's hair. 'Anyway, what are you doing along here, you have a class soon.’
'I just needed to be on my own.'

Peter smiled at Sirius as he took his place next to Remus in Charms. The lesson was spent bewitching paper aeroplanes to fly around the room as an end-of term treat. Professor Flitwick handed round a box of sugar mice and when Sirius croaked his thanks his friends stared at him again. Well they were bound to find out soon. As soon as Flitwick had wandered away again, Sirius turned to his friends.
'Have you got a cold, Sirius?' Peter asked, rather stupidly.
'No, it isn't a cold.'
'Wow cool!' James leaned in. 'You don't sound like a little kid anymore, you're so lucky!'
Sirius smiled weakly. Somehow it didn't feel so bad. At least the others knew. The bell rang for lunch and there was the usual scurry for the door. Professor Flitwick called to Sirius and Remus who told the other two they would meet them in the Great Hall. Lily was also asked to wait behind.
'I'd like you to come to my office at seven o'clock this evening please, I have a very important issue to discuss with you. Oh it's nothing to worry about,' Flitwick saw the looks of apprehension on their faces. 'Well then, best run along to lunch.'

'What did old Flitwick want?' James asked as Remus and Sirius joined him and Peter at the table.
'Dunno,' Sirius shrugged.
'Wants to see us later,' Remus said. 'And Lily too.'
'What's he want to see that telltale Evans for?' James snorted incredulously. Remus shrugged. James sprang to his feet and stormed out of the hall. The others simply stared after him.
'I'm starving,' Sirius said in his croaky voice. Peter stared at him in awe.
'Maybe if you're lucky, Peter, you'll sound like a right prat too, one day,' Sirius laughed. Remus snorted into his pudding.
'Hey have you guys noticed how jealous James gets every time he sees Snivelly with Lily?' Remus asked. The three friends burst out laughing.


Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback


This chapter is dedicated to the wonderful Mama_Doe who makes me laugh and has always supported my love of the arts^^ Hugs Mama!

James held a sulky manner all through Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall took this as a sign that James had finally given up on his mischief making and decided to assert his energies to the 'positive force of studying' as she called it. James made a face as soon as she turned away.
'Now, who can demonstrate the proper use of the Agafumi spell?' McGonagall turned once more to the class. No one put up their hand. 'Let us see then ... ah yes, Pettigrew.'
Peter pointed his wand at the ball of wool in front of him and a moment later a dense cloud of dark grey smoke had engulfed them all.
'I'm afraid that doesn't come under the term 'proper use', Pettigrew,' McGonagall suppressed a small smile as her eyes fell on the four friends.
James's skin had turned purple, Remus had grown a forked snake's tongue and scales to match and Sirius's hair had turned white-blonde. The classroom erupted with laughter, the four semi-transfigured boys laughing hardest of all.

Slughorn was in stitches for nearly ten minutes when his Gryffindor first-year class entered the classroom half an hour later. Somehow everything Professor McGonagall had tried had resulted in a few more features. James now sported a rather spectacular elephant's trunk which he used to smack Peter's now-bald head with. Sirius's hair, far from turning back to its silky midnight colour, had simply become a lighter shade of glossy white-blonde. James said it suited him. He could almost agree after peering at his reflection in the back of a freshly transfigured teaspoon.

By dinner-time the boys still bore the marks Peter's less than satisfactory transfiguration skills. Sirius was attracting a lot of looks from crowds of giggling girls. James seemed to be regretting the elephant's trunk and purple skin in contrast to Sirius's attractive alterations.
'Oh you're such a sap!' Sirius sniggered at James. Peter laughed sycophantically and James gave him another slap with his trunk.
After dinner the friends trooped up to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey tried several different potions and spells on the boys. After a while they resembled themselves again but for a very faint lilac tinge to James and some blonde streaks in Sirius's hair. James had remarked that there was no notable change in Peter. Indeed, when Peter returned to normal, Madam Pomfrey was sure she had missed something.
'Oh don't worry, he always looks like a worm,' James laughed. Madam Pomfrey frowned and then waved them out of the hospital wing.

Seven o'clock came and Remus and Sirius left Gryffindor tower. Lily caught up a moment later.
'I wonder what Professor Flitwick wants,' she said, her long red pigtails swinging in time to her steps. She smiled at Remus and seemed to completely ignore Sirius. Remus returned her smile and they lapsed into a conversation about a potions essay they had handed in earlier that day. Sirius scowled all the way to Flitwick's office. Remus was supposed to be his friend. Lily irritated him immensely, always sticking up for Snivelly, he and James had sat through at least half their detentions thanks to her.
Flitwick ushered them into his office where the were directed into seats by a cosy fireplace.
'I really don't like to have to bring up such a matter so close to the holidays but I'm afraid I need a little help,' Flitwick smiled kindly at the three bewildered Gryffindors. 'You see, there have been reports of bullying and as the apparent victims of this sad issue are of my own house I simply have to investigate. Now I expect you wonder how you can help.'
''Professor, I know who did it,' Lily’s voice was clear and cold.
'You do?' Flitwick was taken aback.
'Yes, it was James Potter.' Sirius and Remus stared.
'I am sad to say I was told as much which is why I wanted to ask you if you know differently, boys,' Flitwick’s expression was sombre.
'It isn't true! James is always with us, or with that Slytherin, practising for the potions tournament,' Remus told him.
'When did it happen?' Sirius’s tone was one of cold fury.
'Last Saturday evening,'
'Well then it definitely wasn't him. He was with us all the time. We were in the common room. You can ask half the other Gryffindors, he was playing chess with Bertha.' Sirius glared at Lily.
'Then what makes you say it was Potter, Miss Evans?' Flitwick looked puzzled.
'I saw him running away! And Flora told me it was James who cursed her and Michael!' Lily exclaimed.
Sirius opened his mouth to argue but suddenly the room swam in front of his eyes.

A neat pool of water made no ripple as Sirius's feet touched its glassy surface. He didn't sink through its unmoving façade but balanced on the fragile calm of its surface. Something glimmered up ahead. Shafts of white sunlight fell upon a magnificent woman at the end of the chamber.
Sirius stared at her. Athena stared back through unseeing marble eyes. An angel stood in her right hand, a shining golden shield propped between her left hand and the marble altar on which she stood. A snake peered out from between the goddess and the shield, its golden eyes staring out at the boy. If Sirius hadn't been seeing this incredible sight with his own eyes he would have sworn it was just a painting.
The goddess was a colossus; Sirius walked closer, his head barely reaching the top of the altar. The air was close but pleasantly serene. Sirius stepped backwards, gazing up at the colossus. With a loud scraping of stone, she lowered her head downward, her mouth opening slightly. Sirius stepped back, onto the edge of the pool, somehow not frightened by the sight before him. Athena suddenly blew gently, a sweet aroma engulfing Sirius whose eyes drooped slowly shut. In a rush of wind and scraping stone he fell backwards into the water, its glassy surface erupting all around him and someone whispered in his ear 'you should not be here'.

Gasping as he opened his eyes, Sirius recognised instantly that he was back in Flitwick's office. Remus and Lily looked pale, Flitwick standing at his head.
'Oh thank goodness,' he squeaked. 'Are you alright?'
Sirius sat up, slightly light-headed and blinked. Remus helped him to his feet.
'Sorry, Professor ... the heat ...' Sirius mumbled. Somehow his mind was on the beautiful colossus. He had known her name, he had made her acquaintance not for the first time. But in all living memory he could not remember ever having set foot in the Cecropia that was her kingdom. Flitwick instructed Lily and Remus to accompany him back up to Gryffindor tower as quickly as possible as curfew drew closer.

Sirius found he could not walk in a straight line. Somehow his vision blurred and doubled with every few steps. Remus grasped his arm and led him along.
'What happened, Sirius, we were so worried,' Lily's voice was higher than normal.
'I ... just passed out, I suppose,' Sirius replied quietly.
'You didn't just pass out. Your heart stopped,' Remus told him. Lily burst into tears.
'It's alright! I'm fine,' Sirius snorted. Girls, overreacting as always.
The Fat Lady smiled down at them as they approached her portrait.
'Crinkly bottom,' Remus said. The portrait swung aside a moment later and he pulled Sirius through the portrait hole. The common room was fairly empty. Sirius staggered straight over to the boys' staircase and minutes later he had flung himself onto his bed, still fully dressed, dropping into a deep sleep.





Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

On the last day of term, Rosier came to find Sirius.
'Black, I want a word,' His face wore no smile.
'Yeah?' Sirius said coolly. Rosier gave him a small wink.
'Sorry, keeping up appearances ...' he whispered. 'I expect you to have an essay ready on the theory when I return after the holidays. I would like to think something got through that thick skull of yours.'
Sirius gave him a small smile and walked back over to the Gryffindor table. He glanced back at Rosier who was now pulling his trunk out of the Great Hall.
'Sarita's going home too, peace at last.' James told his friends. Sirius sighed as he settled into his seat. Apprehensive though he was of Rosier, he was somehow sad to see him go.

Sirius and Remus followed James and Peter down to the Entrance Hall to see them off for the holidays.
'See you next year,' Sirius laughed as he waved them off. He returned to the common room with Remus who fetched a set of Gobstones and set them down on a table. It seemed as if the two friends were the only Gryffindors left over Christmas. Sirius could honestly say he didn't object to this one bit. After a hectic first term he was looking forward a peaceful Christmas.
'Sirius, I've been wanting to talk to you,' Remus put his Gobstone down. Sirius looked up in time to miss a face-full of putrid green liquid squirted by the Gobstone in his hand.
'What about?' he asked casually although he was sure he knew the answer already.
'About that ... night. We never really talked about it.' Remus leaned back in his chair.
'There isn't anything to talk about,' Sirius snapped.
'There is. Ever since it happened you've been distant with me. I thought we were friends. Well friends don't act like that.' Remus's tone was equally as irritable as Sirius's.
'You attacked me! What d'you expect? That I'd forget about it just like that?' Sirius sprang to his feet, his heart pounding.
'You know fine I couldn't control what I was doing!' Remus shouted.
'Sure and that makes everything alright! I wanted to help you!' Sirius's shouts grew louder with every word.
'Oh yeah, great job you did! I feel so much better knowing that I could have killed one of my friends!' Remus bellowed. Sirius fell back into his chair and banged his fists on the table in frustration. Why couldn't Remus understand how he had felt that night? Hearing his friend shriek and howl ...
'Remus, I'm-' Sirius began but his friend had already exited through the portrait hole. He cursed and swept the Gobstones off the table in his aggravation. A most unpleasant smell rose from the Gobstones; apparently they did not take kindly to being thrown around.

Watching the owl flutter from the window, Sirius hoped he would get a reply soon. The school owl he had borrowed looked healthy and quick. Perhaps he would get a reply before the end of the holidays. Full moon was in just over a week. Maybe he would have a solution by then.
Leaving the owls to hoot in their sleep, Sirius walked back down and made for Gryffindor tower. A sudden thought occurred to him and he took a detour down to the library. It was completely deserted but for hawk-like Madam Pince who eyed him with suspicion. How Sirius wished she would just disappear and leave him free to peruse the Restricted Section.
Waffle-charming, wasps of the Arctic, water, wazzock-baiting, Werebats, Weretrees, Werewolves. Finally Sirius found what he was looking for. Pulling down a dusty book splattered with what looked like dried puffskein vomit, Sirius went over to a table and began to read.
Introduction and Foreword by the author Cessa Sorcia. Sirius yawned. What a load of old rubbish. Chapter one: recognising the werewolf. Yes, yes, he didn't need help recognising the werewolf, oh stupid woman, as if she knew how deep the werewolf scratch could be, Sirius thought, an image of the Shrieking Shack clearly in his mind. Chapter two: how to deal with werewolves. His eyes scanned the page and fell upon the words '... will scald the werewolf permanently which will identify it in human form. Alternatively they may be exterminated using the ...'. Sirius had read enough, the foul woman. Snatching up the heavy book, Sirius rushed out of the library before Madam Pince knew what was happening and ran to the common room. What a sick thing to write! The horrible woman had obviously never met a werewolf if she could say such a thing! There was a person behind the werewolf.
Kneeling down in front of the fire, Sirius began tearing the pages out of the book and thrusting them into the burning flames. He reached for the empty book binding but found it wasn't there. Looking up, he saw Remus holding it in his hands.
'Cessa is my aunt. She wrote it when she found out about me. A pureblood elitist.' Remus hurled the binding into the fire. He then knelt next to Sirius and together they watched the fragments of the book sizzle into ash. Sirius hesitated, then put his arm around Remus.
'I'm sorry for what I said,' he told his friend quietly. Remus nodded.
'Let's just forget it and move on,' he said.

Dinner was a jolly affair that evening. There were but seven students staying over the holidays so the five tables of the Great Hall had been cleared away and a lone table now stood in the centre of the hall. Dumbledore greeted the two friends as they took seats next to a friendly-faced Hufflepuff girl. Remus helped himself to a plate of mushroom bake as Sirius sampled a delicious vegetable stew.
Dumbledore kept them all entertained with a variety of jokes, some of which caused Professor McGonagall to frown as if she thought there was a time and a place for such humour, which certainly wasn't in front of students. Professor Slughorn then embarked on a long and very boring tale of how he had come to possess a cross-species between a mandarin and a puffskein. Elements of the story were amusing but at the mention of puffskein theory Professor Kettleburn joined in and soon the two friends lost interest.

Sirius leaned back in his seat, warm and comfortable, feeling rather a little too full. Remus suggested quietly that they go back to Gryffindor so they excused themselves and left the others to their merry-making. Peeves accosted them on the third floor, deciding that as first-years they should be subjected to some rather nasty pranks.
'Ooh what's the ickle firsties doing all alone here?' he cackled. Sirius and Remus grinned at each other.
'Lemures Macero!'
'Phasmatis Diabolus!'
The two boys shouted loud together, their wands aimed at the poltergeist.
'Waaaaaaarrrggghhhhh!' Peeves shrieked as he clutched his face, zooming away. Doubling up with laughter, Remus and Sirius called after the poltergeist.
'Have fun, Peeves!'
'Good luck with the carbuncles!'

'Oh aren't you two quite the little tricksters?' the Fat Lady chuckled as she saw them. 'Peeves came flying past, threatened to set my canvas on fire when I told him I'd never seen him looking so good.' The two boys burst out laughing again.
'Persnickety Doldrums,' Sirius gasped through his hilarity. The Fat Lady swung forwards.

Falling into two seats by the fire, the two friends eventually calmed themselves.
'Who needs cheering charms when you've got Peeves?' Sirius giggled. Remus lapsed once more into raucous laughter which set off Sirius again.
Friends as loyal as Remus should always be valued, Sirius thought as he laughed. Somehow, through unfortunate circumstances, he had lost his best friends but now hope swelled in his heart; if Remus could forgive him then surely James would.




NOTE: Persnickety for those of you who don't know it is a real word meaning snobby. And it happens to amuse me.


Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Christmas eve was particularly icy. Remus and Sirius spent the morning building an igloo with help from Hagrid whose superior strength was a bonus when lifting heavy ice blocks.
'Had a good term, have yeh?' the gamekeeper asked, heaving another block of ice onto the roof of the igloo.
'It's been really fun,' Remus grinned. 'Lots to do.'
'Tha's a fine boy, keepin' busy,' Hagrid patted him on the shoulder which caused him to sink a foot into the snow.

Frozen and hungry, the two friends said goodbye to Hagrid and thanked him for his help before trooping back inside to dry off in time for lunch. However, when Sirius and Remus arrived in the Great Hall they stopped in their tracks.
'What are you doing here?' Remus exclaimed. James turned and grinned.
'Well I decided Hogwarts would be more fun during the holidays, imagine all the exploring we can get done,' he told them. His friends sat on either side of him and helped themselves to some food.
'Haha you missed a right funny thing yesterday,' Remus said.
'Yeah, we cursed Peeves when he tried to make us jump out of the seventh floor window.' Sirius chortled. James roared with laughter.
'I wondered why his face was covered with tentacles, he tried to dump an ink bottle over me,' he said.
At length they were joined by the staff who greeted the students merrily.
'Oh well, three's company,' James said. The three friends ate their fill and were the last to leave the table, James stuffing teacakes into his pockets for later.
'Hey, did you hear about the inferius that attacked the little girl down in Bristol?' James asked them. Sirius and Remus shook their heads. Neither of them had perused a copy of the Prophet in a while.
'Yeah, well she had a lucky escape. Her dad's an auror so he got rid of it just fine. But she'll be spending Christmas at St Mungo's.' James told them on their way up to the common room. Remus greeted the Fat Lady with a 'glüwein' to which she raised her glass to them and swung forwards, cursing as some wine slopped onto her dress.

Sirius flung himself in front of the roaring fire and closed his eyes. Running around in the snow was very fun but also quite tiring. Remus and James fell into chairs on either side of him and lapsed into conversation about an upcoming Quidditch match featuring the English national side. Sirius dozed slightly in the heat, smiling every now and again at James's amusing commentary of a previous Quidditch match. Remus seemed to be sleepy also, his eyes sliding shut.

As the night drew in Remus bid his friends good night and left for the dormitory. James considered for a moment the game of chess he was playing with Sirius before waving to Remus who grinned and exited. Sirius made his move, taking James's white bishop with his black castle.
'Oh damn, I didn't see that,' James grumbled and concentrated on his next move.
'So why did you really come back?' Sirius asked suddenly. James looked up.
'Well I would have thought that was obvious,' he replied. 'I couldn't just ignore your letter and I can do more when I'm here.'
'Fair enough,' Sirius smiled.
'I see you and Remus have made up then,' James jerked his head at the boys' staircase.
'Yeah, we decided it wasn't worth falling out over,'
'Cheers to that!' James grinned across at his friend.
'But I still don't know what to do about Remus.' Sirius said, his tone disheartened. To his surprise, James grinned all the more broad.
'I do,' he told Sirius. 'But for that we'll need the restricted section.'
'We'll get caught!' Sirius argued.
'Oh no we won't,' James smiled slyly. He instructed Sirius to stay where he was and dashed up to the dormitory.

A few minutes later James returned, something wrapped loosely under his arm.
'My dad's Christmas present to me,' he said, noting the look of confusion on Sirius's face.
'What is it? How's it going to help?' Sirius was utterly bewildered. James unwrapped the package and pulled what looked like liquid air from the crumpled brown paper.
'Now you see me,' James draped the material over his shoulders and disappeared instantly. 'Now you don't.' His voice seemed to come from nowhere. Sirius gasped.
'Wow ...'
'Yeah, I know,' James's head emerged. 'I can't believe dad never told me about it before. But he gave it to me yesterday after I got your letter, he says I can make good use of it to help Remus.'
'Your dad sounds so cool, I wish my parents were like that. The only thing they'd want a werewolf around for is killing muggle-borns and other folk they don’t like.' Sirius said.
'Anyway, let's go,' James held up the cloak and Sirius slipped under. They left the common room, the Fat Lady looking wildly around.

Sirius had imagined his Christmas eve night in bed sleeping but this little adventure had somehow revived him, that familiar sense of mischief welling up inside him. They made their way carefully along the empty corridors, only meeting the Slytherin ghost whose eyes stared right through them. After pausing to let him by without arousing suspicion, the boys tiptoed carefully on.
They reached the library to find it locked. James cursed but Sirius drew his wand, saying very quietly 'alohamora'.
'Useful little spell,' he whispered to James who grinned and pushed the door open. Still on tiptoes, they crept along the long rows, shadows spooking them every few minutes. Finally they stepped over the rope that separated the Restricted Section from the rest of the library. James pulled the cloak off and immediately began searching along the shelves.
'What are we looking for?' Sirius whispered. James didn't answer but continued to peruse the titles on display. Finally he gave a small 'aha!' and pulled a very thick and very dusty book down from a high shelf, having to stand on a ledge to reach it. Another book slipped out and landed with an echoing thump next to James who started and darted back under the cloak with Sirius.
'Who is in here?'
They recognised the voice of Madam Pince instantly. Steeping back out of the restricted section the boys edged back along the rows, towards the door and found the haughty librarian blocking the way.
'I know there is someone here,' she called. Sirius pointed his wand down a row and whispered as quietly as he could 'avoco'. Footsteps suddenly echoed at the far end of the library and Madam Pince moved away to investigate. Seizing their chance, the two boys fled from the library, along the corridors, up the stairs and along more corridors before yelling 'glüwein' at the Fat Lady who swung aside without opening her eyes.

James slammed the book down on a table and slumped into a seat. Sirius glanced at the title. 'Animagus: Know How and How to'.
'What? We're going to learn to be Animagus?' Sirius stared. James reclined in his chair and nodded.
'Yeah, and Peter too, if he wants. I did some research and apparently werewolves can be tamed in the presence of other animals. Unfortunately you don't get to choose what animal you are and it'll take ages to learn but it'll be worth it if Remus never has to spend another full moon alone. Oh, by the way, we shouldn't mention anything just yet.' James looked over at his friend. Sirius nodded. Well, that was quite some task ahead. But it would be worth it for Remus.




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Somehow, while thoroughly daunted by the task ahead, Sirius couldn't help feeling quite excited. James had made it very clear that he hadn't the slightest intention of registering as an Animagus and Sirius had to admit that the thought of keeping the whole affair a secret made it that bit more appealing. They decided they would tell Peter after Christmas; it wasn't worth risking the opportunity by sending a letter although they were itching to get started.
'We can start already,' Sirius argued but it was like arguing with a brick wall.
'Peter's a right prat. He'll need all the help he can get.' James retorted at which Sirius snorted.
'Anyway let's get to bed or we'll spend Christmas day asleep.' he said. Sirius nodded and followed James upstairs.

James tucked the book safely into a pair of pyjamas he never wore and stashed them in the bottom of his trunk, winking to Sirius. Their little secret. No one had trusted Sirius before. He hadn't had anyone to share secrets with. His younger brother Regulus was too much his mother's son to keep something from her so Sirius had never had fun that way. But things were different now. He had patched things up with one of his best friends and he felt that he and James were getting back on track too. Peter was his usual obsequious self but Sirius liked him all the same; he was an entertaining little soul, full of hitherto unsuspected skills such as a grand array of curses and jinxes he was encouraged to display whenever Severus was in the vicinity.

Sinking onto his soft mattress, Sirius savoured the silence of the snow falling outwith the homely confines of Gryffindor Tower. There was that old saying, what was it? Home is where the heart is. Well Sirius felt his heart lay here. With his friends and in a place where people looked at him without a scowl - well except the Slytherins, of course. Ever since his rogue sorting the Slytherins had taken it upon themselves to punish Sirius for snubbing their house. Except that their tactics didn't bother him. It was all very petty, things like trying to trip him up in the corridors or waiting around corners to jinx him. But all that didn't matter, Sirius thought, turning onto his side to get comfortable. He was home.

'WAKE UP!' someone yelled in Sirius's ear. He shot bolt upright and stared around, his eyes adjusting to the morning light. James was standing over him, Remus tearing open a brightly wrapped package. Sirius noticed he had a small pile of presents too but before he could reach them James landed him a hefty blow to the head with his pillow. He responded by grabbing his own pillow and swinging it wildly round, thwacking James squarely in the face.
'Oi, I'll get you for that!' James made another swipe at Sirius who toppled off the bed. He pulled himself back up, laughing till tears streamed down his pale face. James was banging his fists on Sirius's cabinet in his mirth. Even Remus giggled at the sight of his friends.
'Thanks for the sugar quills, Sirius!' Remus exclaimed, tearing open his final present.
Sirius finally dragged up his own pile onto his bed and started on one wrapped in gold.
'From your dear old uncle Alphie, in the hope that you've already used up your birthday supplies, do us a favour, son, give that Filch a bit of a run around, I never could stand the old twat, he were at Hogwarts with me. Merry Chrostmas.' Sirius laughed all the more and held the letter out to James who positively roared when he read it.
'Haha, he is getting on a bit,' Sirius chortled.
'Just watch you don't get caught, and you might want to tell him to check his quill.' Remus grinned.
'It's not the quill, he celebrates Chrostmas as per the Guild of Old Fools.' Sirius replied.
'Oh wow, is your uncle a member? I heard they are really clever and that they invent a lot of stuff for Zonko’s,' James asked wide-eyed. Sirius nodded, unwrapping his uncle's present. A wonderful new set of Dungbombs and a fanged Frisbee fell out of the wrappings. He definitely had an appointment at Filch's office later on.

James had gifted Sirius a book entitled One Hundred Ways to Travel By Magic and from Remus he received a handsome set of glass quills. Peter had sent him Undetectable Curses and Jinxes: Volume Two complete with a bookmark which attacked anyone but the owner. His brother had sent him a Christmas card, written as if he was wishing Sirius a happy death day rather than a Merry Christmas, so sombre was the tone of the writing.

Lunchtime was met by enthusiasm by the three friends whose stomachs were rumbling eagerly, the delicious smells of freshly baked Christmas puddings wafting up through the castle. Leaving the warmth of the common room, the three Gryffindors braved the cold, draughty corridors, making their way as quickly as possible to the Great Hall. Dumbledore sat in his chair in the middle of the single table they were all sharing over the holidays and greeted the boys enthusiastically. Professor Slughorn was chuckling at something McGonagall had told him, her cheeks a little rosy.
'Ah boys, Merry Christmas and bon apetit,' the headmaster smiled. Lunch was a quick affair as Christmas dinner would take place in a few hours.

James led his friends out into the grounds, all three warmly wrapped in all the layers they could find. Hagrid waved to them from in front of his hut where he was wrestling with his boarhound Fang who slobbered all over Remus as they approached.
'Merry Christmas ter yeh,' he grinned. 'I bin sprucin' yer igloo up a bit.' Hagrid pointed to the snow sculpture they had worked on the previous day. Sprucing up was a significant understatement. What had been a neat little round structure was now a miniature ice palace. Sirius beamed and Hagrid and ran inside. Remus followed him a moment later.
Hagrid had transformed the cramped little igloo into a two-storey little house complete with stairs and windows whose glass was made of clear sheets of ice. James opened a window on the upper level and called to Hagrid.
'Wow, how did you do this?' he asked. Hagrid came over, his head reaching the same level as the window.
'I er, used a little magic, 'preciate if yer didn' mention this ter anyone,' he replied awkwardly.
'Of course we won't,' Sirius told him, grinning at the gamekeeper. Hagrid built some furniture from the ice and placed the pieces in the house as easily as if they were doll's house-sized. The three friends spent the next couple of hours playing hide and seek in the little ice house, Hagrid observing cheerily from the windows.

At six o'clock Hagrid escorted the boys back up to the castle for Christmas dinner. Soon everyone was settled and the single table was laden with all Sirius's favourite foods plus many other things to make his mouth water. Professors Slughorn and McGonagall were in particularly good spirits. James remarked he had never seen McGonagall smile so much. Dumbledore took great delight in reading the jokes from the magnificent wizard crackers which exploded ten times louder than the comparably boring muggle ones. A cloud of tiny golden birds flew out of one along with a colourful jester’s hat which Dumbledore placed on his head. Sirius ended up with a new set of Gobstones, a Curl-Your Own-Toenails kit and several chocolate frogs and cauldron cakes.

It was nearly ten o'clock before anyone moved from the table. Everyone had joined in with a Christmas version of the school song and Dumbledore had taken them through some of his own favourite wizard carols. Sirius sank gladly into a seat next to the fire up in the Gryffindor common room, James and Remus flopping into chairs on either side of him. This was a day Sirius would definitely never forget.


Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

This chapter is dedicated to the memory Sir Frankie Crisp: R.I.P wonderful sir and Let It Roll!

Spinning, drifting, dancing towards the cold, glittering ground. Sirius observed the snow flakes as they descended the heavens upon the windless air, each unique and shining white to merge with their fellows below. The other two had left the common room half an hour ago, yawning their way up the staircase and wishing their friend a good night. Sirius sat staring languorsly out of the window, the mottled glass catching the firelight and distorting his face on its uneven surface. Christmas had never been his favourite time of year until he had come to Hogwarts.
What would it be like to live at Hogwarts for the rest of his life? He would never have to return to Grimmauld Place and he would never have to see his family again…

Yeah, dream on, he thought bitterly. Students weren't permitted to stay at Hogwarts over the summer or he would certainly have been the first to put his name down.
But there was something else bothering him. There was something missing but he couldn't quite place it. It felt as though he was missing a part of himself. A desperate longing suddenly took over. Sirius got up and left the common room.

Twenty minutes later he arrived at the classroom where he studied for the potions contest with Rosier. It was locked as he suspected and Alohamora would not dispel the charms sealing the room. Sirius pointed his wand and said quietly 'open' but the door did not budge. He was desperate to get in. Kicking out at the door, Sirius had to stifle a cry. His foot did not make contact with the chipped wood but went straight through. Slowly he stretched out his hand and touched the wood but felt only a strange tingling sensation. Cautiously he walked into the door and straight through it. Sirius turned and examined the door. Could anyone enter or was this part of Rosier’s enchantments?

But that didn't interest Sirius any longer. Rifling through the stack of books next to the potions kit, Sirius extracted the book which Rosier had left behind at the end of the last lesson. He had been keen to read the rest of Parthenon - Lucent Truth since he had first set eyes upon it. Flipping it open, he turned to chapter one.

'Built in honour of the Goddess Athena Pallas, the Parthenon was long in construction. The site had been home to a prior construction burned in an attack by the Persians around 480 BC. Muggles record this as a simple fight for territory. However, the early dark wizard Sohrab sought the power of Athena which he believed would secure his path to world domination. It had long been said that the ruler of the Acropolis would have the strength of an undead army and the gods of Olympia at his command. Sohrab duelled the Athenian witch Delphia who defeated him, forcing his army to retreat. Delphia gave thanks to Athena for saving the civilisation and thus the Athenians began building the Parthenon in her honour. The power which Sohrab had sought was in fact based on a legend involving Zeus and the creation of Pandora but this was unknown to any but the Athenian civilisation.

Construction began in 447BC and continued up until 432BC. What muggles believe to be Pentelic marble is, in reality, the remains of the fallen star Aschere which brought to earth the confirmation followers of the Star Scroll had waited at least a thousand years for. Muggles have conveniently carried the legend that the Parthenon was built to house Athena's statue as created by Pheidias, of gold and ivory. The materials used to build the statue were reason enough to want to shield the statue but concealed behind her brooch of Medusa's head is said to have been the true Pandora's Box (see ch. 20).'

Sirius flicked quickly forwards to chapter twenty.

'Pandora's Box is a legend also known to wizard kind but with variations on the muggle tales. It is said amongst wizards that after Prometheus's theft of the secret of fire, Zeus bade Hephaestus create Pandora as punishment for mankind. Pandora was granted many gifts from Aphrodite, Hermes, Hera, Charites, and Horae. Prometheus warned his brother Epimetheus not to accept any gifts from Zeus, but Epimetheus was entranced by Pandora's charms and married her. Pandora had been given a small box and told by Zeus to keep it closed, she was also made to be curious by nature and inevitably opened it. When she opened it, all of the evils, ills, diseases, and burdensome labour that mankind had not known previously, escaped from the jar, but it is said, that at the very bottom of her box, there lay, not hope as in the muggle version, but an unconquerable power. With Aschere was said to fall a shard of the mighty star which rules its constellation to this very day. According to legend, Zeus came to posses the shard. He called to him the seer Bilius Kiriacis and stabbed his heart with the shard, thus endowing in him with the power of the Great Star. Thereafter, Zeus laid the shard in Pandora's box. This was the beginning of the vidi visum. Kiriacis, however, could not wield the power. As per Agrippa's Star Scroll, it is said the power will one day be controlled by-'

The book snapped shut; Sirius withdrew his fingers just in time.
'How did you get in here?' Rosier pulled Sirius round to face him. Sirius gasped.
'What are-'
‘I asked you a question, Black!’ his voice was quiet, his dark eyes boring into Sirius.
'I ... I don't know, I walked right through it-'
'That's impossible,' Rosier glared at him. Sirius shook his head, trying to find the right words. Rosier looked hard at him for several long minutes, finally taking his eyes off the boy. 'Show me.'
Sirius walked slowly to the door, hesitating and then going straight through as he had done upon entering. Something wasn't right. Sirius ran down the corridor, back towards Gryffindor. He had no desire to spend anymore time in Rosier's company.

The Fat Lady swung aside after Sirius's desperate yells woke her. He hurried inside, turning to make sure there was no way Rosier could follow him into the sanctuary of Gryffindor Tower. Straight up the stairs and into bed, fully clothed. What was Rosier doing here? Sirius had watched him go home for the holidays. James had come back, so why couldn't Rosier have done so? But it seemed odd that he had concealed himself until that moment.
Sirius fell into an uneasy sleep, Athena's statue swimming before him, her gentle face swirling into Rosier's scowl, then into Medusa’s head, her snakes lunging at him.

An eerie semi-darkness fell across the dormitory as Sirius awoke the following day. He squinted across to the other beds. He was alone, the others apparently having gone down to breakfast already. The window was almost completely covered with snow. A blizzard had obviously ensued at some point during the night. He had no desire to go down to the Great Hall and run into Rosier so instead, he rummaged through James's trunk and pulled out the heavy tome on Animagus. Sirius lit his wand and made his way down to the common room. Blazing in the fireplace was a freshly stoked fire, its light radiating across the room. Sirius extinguished his wand and took a seat by the fire. He would make a start even if James wanted to wait for Peter.




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Sirius stashed the book out of sight as he heard the portrait hole open. James and Remus clambered through, waving to Sirius.
'Up at last?' James grinned. Remus sat in the chair next to Sirius's and handed him a stack of toast.
'Thought you might be hungry.' he said. Sirius took the food gratefully as James passed him a flask of pumpkin juice. Remus and James began a game of wizard chess.

As lunchtime neared Remus and James arose, stretching and yawning. Sirius was curled up in his armchair, dozing lightly.
'Are you listening?' James landed Sirius a soft blow to his head. Sirius started and looked up.
'Yeah, uh sorry, what were you saying?'
'It's lunchtime, are you coming down?' James repeated.
'Er, I'm not really hungry, I'll get something later.' Sirius replied, settling back into his stupor. James shrugged and he and Remus left the common room. Sirius looked round to make sure they were gone and pulled the Animagus book back out. Chapter one: Theory. How very ... boring. Chapter two: Theory part-two. Sirius flicked through the pages finally stopping at Chapter thirty-seven: practical lessons. He read his way through the chapter and onto the next one (Practical do's and don'ts). Footsteps echoed suddenly closer and he stuffed the book once more out of sight.

James appeared through the portrait hole a moment later.
'Where's Remus?' Sirius asked.
'Said he had to go to the library,' James flung himself into a chair. 'Oh by the way, Rosier's looking for you, the evil git. Wants to make you study over the holidays I reckon. I thought he'd gone home for the holidays.'
'So did I,' Sirius muttered.
'Anyway, I've decided, we shouldn't wait with the Animagus. Remus is looking really pale again. The sooner we can help him, the better.'
Sirius nodded, pulling the book up from between the armchair cushion and the chair-back.
'I already started,' he handed the book to his friend who laughed.
'Thought you would,' he said, flipping through the book. As James perused the many chapters, Sirius walked over to the window and opened it a crack. The air in the common room was very warm and stuffy.
'I'm going to find Remus, back in a bit.' Sirius said. James merely nodded, his thoughts on the book in his lap.

A blast of icy air met Sirius as he stepped out of the common room. Making for the grounds, Sirius pulled his robes around him. He sincerely wished he had brought a cloak. But he hadn't thought of that in his haste. Peeves accosted him on the third floor. The poltergeist took one look at the first-year and positively fled.
'How did you like the carbuncles?' Sirius called as Peeves shot of in the opposite direction. Grinning all the way down to the entrance hall, he peered into the Great Hall where the last of the students were finishing lunch. Sirius caught sight of Rosier as he stood up, facing away from the entrance hall. Sirius sped up and exited the castle.

Glittering bright snow lay waist deep across the grounds. Shining rays of sun dazzled Sirius and he trudged through the freezing snow, his robes soaked within seconds. The lake was frozen over and a couple of birds skated across its smooth surface. Sirius set off around the lake's edge, thoroughly soaked and chilled.
Deciding that he had been soaked and frozen enough to last him at least until next winter, he turned with moderate difficulty in the deep snow and trailed back up to the castle. Just as he reached the stone steps, the front doors were flung wide. Sirius, in fear of an unexpected encounter with Rosier, flung himself behind a snow-laden evergreen shrub. Breathing a sigh of relief as Hagrid's huge profile strode into view, he waited for the gamekeeper to pass before slipping back inside.

A rumbling sound met Sirius's ears as he pushed the door shut. He started in fright but quickly realised that his stomach was grumbling in protest to having missed lunch. He peered quickly around and darted off down a corridor which led into the cellars. Soon the hungry first-year found himself at the painting of the fruit bowl. He tickled the pear lightly and the picture slid away to reveal the entrance to the kitchens. Climbing through, Sirius greeted the house-elves as they grinned at him, bombarding him with questions as to what he would like to eat. One house-elf led him over to the bench where he had been seated on his first visit to the kitchens. Very soon, a number of house elves rushed up carrying a large silver tray bearing a jug of pumpkin juice and platters of sandwiches with assorted fillings. Sirius beamed round at the elves and thanked them.

Leaning back against the wall behind as he munched his sandwiches, Sirius watched as the house-elves scuttled around, resuming their work. He had to admire the way they relished the very household chores that most witches and wizards could perform an everyday spell for. But with house-elves it was almost all manual work. Around twenty house elves were standing in a row along a long sink, scrubbing brushes clutched in their tiny hands. Immaculate tea towels robed each little elf, a smile on each little face. Other were polishing great silver teapots and platters at least twice their size. Another group of house-elves giggled as they exchanged gossip from throughout the castle over a bucket of soapy water, each scrubbing the floor with a mop.
Sirius sincerely wished he could have these elves for company rather than that disgusting little smarmy Kreacher. They were so happy and pleasant unlike his mother's house-elf who regarded Sirius's every move as traitorous against the family honour.

Placing the plate of sandwiches back on the tray, Sirius reached for the jug of pumpkin juice and poured himself a goblet-full. At that moment there was a disturbance at the entrance to the kitchens. Sirius jumped up and hid behind the bench, gesturing to the house-elves not to give him away. They nodded and scuttled over to greet the new guest. Breathing a sigh of relief, Sirius got up again as his eyes fell upon James and Remus.
'Oh there you are, we've been looking everywhere,' James sat down on the bench.
'Yeah, sorry, I was a bit hungry.' Sirius replied. Remus sat next to James as a group of house-elves swarmed up with a deep box of delicious biscuits. James accepted them gleefully and he tucked into them, Remus helping himself to some of the sandwiches on the platter. Sirius sipped some pumpkin juice.

'So why were you in the library, Remus?' Sirius asked.
'Just some extra research on Sluggy's essay, you know, that one on antidotes.' Remus replied through a mouthful of sandwich.
'Oh yeah, that's a nasty one, took me a week to finish it.' James said. Just then, something occurred to Sirius.
'James, you should know, remember when old Flitwick wanted to talk to Remus and I before the end of term? Well he wanted to ask us about you. Someone said you've been bullying others.' he told his friend. James just about dropped the box of biscuits.
'What?!' James exclaimed. 'I've not been doing anything to anyone, not since we last got Snivelly and it was Peter who cursed him!'
'That's what we told Flitwick, well not that Peter hexed Snivelly but that you couldn't have done it because you've been with us the whole time.' Remus said earnestly. James looked simply furious.
'I know who it is and how they did it.' he growled.



Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

James stood up suddenly and tore out of the kitchen; Remus and Sirius stared at each other in bewilderment. Thanking the house-elves for their good service and wrapping the remainder of sandwiches in napkins to take away with a flask of pumpkin juice, they rose and exited after James.
'What's all that about?' Remus wondered.
'No idea,' Sirius shrugged as the two Gryffindors hurried up to the common room.
But James was not there. Sirius sprinted upstairs to check the dormitory to find it empty. What he did see was the Animagus book lying in full view on James's bed. With a muffled cry, he seized the book and slid it under his pillow just as Remus entered.
'No sign?' he asked. Sirius shook his head. The two boys traipsed back down to the common room and decided they would wait for James to return; a search of the castle would wield little results due to its vastness.

Dinnertime was upon then in next to no time and Sirius reluctantly followed Remus out of Gryffindor tower, the sandwiches long since eaten.
They were the first to arrive in the Great Hall. There was still no sign of James. Or Rosier, thankfully. After a few minutes the teachers appeared, taking their places at random along the single table set out for the holidays.
'Ah, Mr Black, are you feeling better?' Professor Dumbledore smiled as he took his seat.
'They wanted to know why you skipped the last two meals,' Remus whispered.
'Oh, er, yes much better thanks.' Sirius replied. Just then, James entered, accompanied by Flitwick and Rosier. James slid in on Sirius's other side, his face expressionless. Remus opened his mouth to question but James muttered 'not here'. Rosier did not so much as glance at Sirius as he took a seat at the opposite end of the table.

Dinner was a pleasurable affair, the house-elves surpassing themselves with their most ambitious menu to date. A wide variety of dishes bedecked the table; everything from the usual roast potatoes to stews and soups. Sirius thoroughly enjoyed his meal and by the end of it he swore he had never eaten so much in all his life. He waited for the other two to finish their apple pie, emptying his goblet of pumpkin juice.

At last James and Remus had eaten the final crumbs from their plates and rose. Sirius did not spare a glance for Rosier as he left the Great Hall.
'Black, just a moment please,' Flitwick had hurried into the entrance hall after the boys. 'Move along, you pair, I shan't keep him long.'
James and Remus exchanged annoyed looks and set off up the staircase.
'Potter came to me this afternoon to try to clear up the incident I spoke to you and Lupin about before the end of term. Unfortunately the situation has thrown into light a number of students who may be responsible for both the bullying and attempting to pin the blame on Potter.'
'Who are they, Professor?' Sirius asked.
'Well, you could perhaps help to clear one of them. As I understand it, you have spent a great deal of time with Rosier lately as he is your mentor in the potions tournament.'
'It wasn't him,' Sirius said at once. 'I was with him when the bullying took place.' He wasn't sure why he was sticking up for Rosier but it was the truth to say they had been practicing for the tournament each time the bullying reportedly took place.
'Ah, right, thank you for clearing that up for me,' relief showed in Flitwick’s face. The tiny wizard set off up the grand staircase and Sirius made to follow.
'Black,' Sirius turned to see Rosier striding from the Great Hall. 'You've been avoiding me.'
'I ... I ...' Sirius stammered.
'We have work to do,' Rosier grubbed Sirius by the arm and pulled him roughly up the staircase.

Arriving at the classroom where their Veritaserum lay in the brewing, Rosier pushed Sirius through the solid door as he had before. Sirius was overwhelmed with a strange sensation. The room flickered before his eyes. He could feel himself falling but he did not hit the cold stone floor of Hogwarts.

Darkness pressed as Sirius found himself on his back, the air familiarly close and stifling. A bright light appeared some distance ahead, highlighting the sloping yellow walls of the passage. He was ready this time. Slipping through the gap in the wall, he kept his eyes on the light. It turned to the right and Sirius followed. But where the light disappeared through a solid wall, he found he could not follow. The room was thrown into the deepest darkness.
Sirius felt himself being pulled backwards.
He struggled and cried out, plunging his hands into his robes. Pulling his wand out, he struggled against the force which was trying to tear him from the tomb. Lighting his wand, he moved closer to the wall through which the light had disappeared. It was not a wall, however, but a heavy door. It differed from the walls, ceilings and floors of the rest of the tomb by its grey colour and a strange pattern of carvings. There were strange words set in the stone, glimmering gold in the wand light.
You of the silver light shall pass.
Sirius laid a hand on the grey stone in his curiosity. Further words appeared.
A sacrifice shall ...
But before he could read the rest of the words he felt himself hurled suddenly through a very tight space.

Opening his eyes, Sirius found himself back in the classroom at Hogwarts. He lay still for a moment and then sat up to find Rosier staring down at him.
'What did you say?' his voice was the tiniest whisper. Sirius stared.
'I ... I didn't say anything,' he stuttered.
'Something about the silver light.' Rosier stared for a moment longer before drawing back. 'No matter.' He helped Sirius to his feet and into a chair.
Sirius closed his eyes in an attempt to remember what he had seen but somehow the scene blurred. He had been in the tomb, well, he was sure it had been the same one as before but he could not remember what had happened after the light had disappeared. Except that he had used his wand. He said as much to Rosier who leaned suddenly forwards.
'What does that mean?' Sirius, despite his desire to be nowhere near Rosier, could not contain his curiosity.
'It confirms what I have suspected since that moment in Slughorn's office,' Rosier replied. 'That of all the vidi visum, you are the only one who can lift the star scroll from the tomb. Those who came before you shared your abilities only to an extent. They could travel with the mind as you do and even can feel what those in their visions feel, able to intervene and act on what they see. But they can only act outwith the vision.'

They sat in silence for several moments, Sirius shivering as a slight draught passed over him. At length Rosier spoke.
'Your heart stopped. I believe not for the first time. Professor Flitwick asked me to keep a particular eye on you during our lessons after an incident which took place in his office.'
'I'm fine, it was nothing,' Sirius did not feel as though he wanted to discuss the matter.
'Oh, I rather disagree. You are unlike the other vidi visum. While their minds could travel outwith their bodies, it seems your soul, the very fabric of your life, leaves your body, rendering an almost physical entity and that is how you were able to use your wand.' Sirius wasn't sure he quite followed.

'Well, I feel I owe you an apology,' Rosier said suddenly, staring at the ground. 'I regret my rough tone and that I caused you fright and alarm.'
Taken completely aback at this pronouncement, Sirius found he didn’t quite know what to say. He opened his mouth to reply but Rosier cut across him.
'If you feel you could forgive me it would certainly mean a great deal.' he looked up hopefully at Sirius who felt suddenly uncomfortable. Here was a particularly gifted wizard, older and wiser than him, asking his forgiveness and looking up to him. He could truly see remorse in Rosier's warm brown eyes.
'Of ... of course,' Sirius replied eventually. Rosier gave a small smile.
'I suggest you return to your friends, they'll be wondering where you are, I don't doubt. And I believe your friend Potter has some interesting news.' he told Sirius.





Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Sirius smiled gratefully and got to his feet.
'And I don't want to see you back here until term starts again,' Rosier smiled. 'It is the holidays, after all.'
Sirius turned and left the room without bothering to open the door.
'I still don't know how you do that,' Rosier grinned, shutting the door behind him and casting the usual array of enchantments to seal the room. Sirius shrugged, still grinning. They set off along the corridor together and as they reached the point where their paths separated, Rosier put a hand on Sirius's shoulder and look earnestly into his eyes.
'Thank you for telling Flitwick the truth earlier,' he said gently. 'I gave you no reason to help me out but you proved that you have a better heart than most.'
'It was the truth, I wouldn't lie about it,' Sirius replied.
'And ... if you ever need someone, well someone to talk to, someone who can help you where your friends perhaps cannot, well you know where to find me.' Rosier's smile was full of a warmth he had never shown before.

Strolling along to Gryffindor tower, Sirius wondered why Rosier was content to let everyone see him in such a negative light. He was such a different person to who others saw. Still grinning as he reached the portrait hole, the Fat Lady beamed at him, her large, round face red from the bottles of wine she and her friend Violet, a witch from another picture, were sharing.
'Santa squid,' Sirius said.
'I - hick - hope he brought you lots of nice presents,' the Fat Lady giggled, her portrait swinging forwards.

James and Remus had dozed off in their chairs next to the fire. Sirius approached them quietly and squatted down behind James's chair. Whispering quietly, Sirius waved his wand and there was a tremendous bang at which both Remus and James jerked awake.
'Wh-what?' James stared around. Sirius burst out laughing and rolled onto his back, clutching his sides. Remus spotted him and joined in the laughter.
'Sorry, Flitwick held me up. Then Rosier came. He says you have news for me,' Sirius told James as he made himself comfortable in an armchair.
'Oh yeah, well I went to Flitwick and talked to him about the bullying. He couldn't blame me since I've been somewhere else every time it's happened and there's others to prove it. But those kids who were bullied swear they saw me. Well it got me thinking, there's a way to turn into other people, I don't know if either of you have heard of it. Polyjuice potion. Well that's what I've been learning to make for the potions tournament.' James explained.
'But who's been parading around the castle as you?' Remus asked.
'Well I thought it was either that git Rosier to sabotage my chances in the competition or Snivelly. But Flitwick says it can't have been Snivelly because he was in detention both times when the kids got bullied and he doubted it was Rosier because he's 'such a model student'. But we figured it out in the end.' James told his friends.
'Well as much as I dislike Rosier, it couldn't have been him because we were practicing our potion at the time.' Sirius said.
'There was only one person with access to the room where we've been brewing our potion and that was Sarita. Even I don't know what sort of spells she casts on the door. Flitwick will be talking to her when she gets back next term. But I reckon she did it to get me taken out of the tournament so she could tutor a Slytherin instead.' James said, a bitter edge to his tone. 'Oh and I've withdrawn from the tournament so you're the only Hogwarts candidate, Sirius. The deadline for submissions is past so Sluggy can’t get anyone else in.'
'But how did Rosier know you had something to tell me?' Sirius asked.
'When I went to Flitwick, he called Rosier to his office so he heard it all, didn't he?' James replied. Sirius shrugged in a way which said 'fair enough'.

Somewhere within the castle a clock struck ten. The three Gryffindors did not feel tired, however.
'I'm bored,' James flicked a piece of screwed up parchment into the fire and watched as it fizzled and crackled in the flames.
'Any ideas what there is to do at this time of night?' Remus asked half heartedly. Sirius shifted in his armchair, his mind seemed to have turned to mush. James grinned suddenly.
'I've got a great idea,' he said, looking round at his friends. He dashed upstairs and Remus stared after him.
'What's that all about?' he asked.
'No idea,' Sirius replied, his eyes on the fire. His mind was miles away. He had experienced that strange feeling again, like out of control butterflies in his stomach, but he couldn't understand why what was causing him to feel this way.

James came bounding down the staircase. In his hands was the invisibility cloak. Remus stared.
'Remus, have a look at this, but keep it between the three of us,' James said. 'An invisibility cloak. Dad gave it to me, family heirloom.' Remus gasped.
'Anyway, my idea is a party, just the three of us. We'll sneak down to the kitchens for food first of all.' James told them, grinning broadly.
Sirius and Remus stared at each other.
'You're on!' Sirius said, his grin as wide as James's.

The Fat Lady was not in her portrait as they left the tower. The three of them fitted quite well under the cloak, Sirius in the middle as he was the tallest. Creeping along the deserted corridors, the boys did not meet a soul until they came to the entrance hall.
Mrs Norris, Filch's cat, was prowling around. As soon as their feet touched the marble floor of the entrance hall Mrs Norris padded across, inches in front of where they boys were standing. She stared right through them for several moments before Filch's wheezes could be heard echoing down the stairs behind them.
James steered the other two suddenly towards the passage to the kitchens. Luckily all three were wearing slippers and so their feet did not make a sound on the hard floor.
'Where are they, my sweet?' Filch ambled down the stairs. Mrs Norris could not see them but it seemed she was following her nose, rather than her eyes. James pulled them down the corridor and as soon as they arrived at the fruit bowl painting he tickled the pair which giggled as the canvas slid away. James pulled the cloak of and stuffed it into his pocket just before entering the kitchens. The painting slid into place once more and they were safe from Filch for now at least.

A group of house-elves rushed up to greet the boys and James smiled round at them all.
'Say, you couldn't give us some sweets and things could you?' he asked them. They bowed low and hurried away to different corners of the kitchen.
Half an hour later the three friends were hurrying back up to Gryffindor tower carrying a heavy basket between them. James slid the cloak out of sight before they reached the Fat Lady and luckily she had returned to her portrait.
'What are you doing out of bed?' she eyed them suspiciously.
'Santa squid,' Sirius said hurriedly. The picture swung forwards and the boys hurried into the common room.
'Now for some fun!' James laughed as he set the basket down on a nearby table. But at that moment the portrait hole opened again.
Professor McGonagall entered, her hair out of its usual bun.




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Remus hauled the basket off the table and out of sight just in time. McGonagall stared at the boys for a moment.
'Is something the matter, Professor?' James asked in a convincingly innocent voice.
'Peeves had been shouting something about students out of their common room but it obviously wasn't any of you, I am happy to say.' McGonagall told them.
'We were just about to go to bed,' Remus said. Professor McGonagall nodded and turned back out of the portrait hole.

They waited several moments just to make sure she was gone before bringing the basket back out from under the table.
'That was close, maybe we should stay in the dormitory, in case she comes back,' Sirius suggested. The other two nodded and James heaved the bulging basket up the stairs.
Once settled on Sirius's bed, the boys began to unpack their feast.
'How could Peeves have known? We didn't make a sound and he certainly couldn't hear us,' Remus pondered aloud.
'Well I'll be adding a few more carbuncles to his collection when I see him next.' Sirius growled. This made the other two laugh.
'So, who wants a jam tart?' James passed round a plate of little cakes. Remus poured each of them a generous helping of pumpkin juice as Sirius extracted a large bowl of crisps.

Laughing and joking their way through many delicious treats, the boys soon forgot their close escape. Eventually Sirius had to push away a plate of toffee-rolls, their scent making him feel somewhat nauseous. James was the last to roll onto his back, content with his belly-full of pilfered goodies.
'So what now?' he asked the others. Remus shrugged as Sirius yawned.
'Bed for me,' Sirius said, his eyes closing, his head resting on the blissfully soft pillow.
'Oh come on, Sirius, the night's still young,' James protested.
'S'pose, but what d'you want to do then?' Sirius replied sleepily.
'This!' James slammed a pillow over Sirius's face. He sprung up quickly and grabbed his own pillow which connected with the side of James's head knocking his glasses off. Remus joined in and soon the three friends were laughing loudly. Sirius stopped suddenly and shushed the others.
'There's someone coming!' he hissed. The three boys swept the remains of the midnight feast under their beds and flung themselves under the covers, James blowing the candle out.
The dormitory door opened. Sirius risked the most miniscule glance towards the door to see Professor McGonagall staring wildly through the darkness, her hair in a tangle. She turned and shut the door somewhat loudly. But none of the boys dared say another word till morning.

It was very early when Sirius opened his eyes the next day. A swirling thick snow storm blotted out the sun and not a soul, not even hardy Hagrid could be seen braving the sheets of icy cold snow. A howling raging wind rattled the window. Sirius grumbled and picked up his wand.
'Silencio,' he muttered pointing his wand at the window. Now only James's gentle snores filled the room. Sirius turned his wand on his friend and a second later there was silence. Smiling, Sirius turned over and closed his eyes again.
But sleep wouldn't come. He tossed and turned and finally kicked his blankets off. A couple of minutes later a dressed and very grumpy Sirius was sitting in his favourite chair beside the freshly stoked fire in the deserted common room. He stared into the ruby flames, his mind flicking between thoughts like someone tuning a radio. A watch on a nearby table told Sirius that it was five-thirty in the morning. Curling further into his chair, the young Gryffindor sighed.
The flames were mesmerising. Hypnotising. They seemed to draw him in. Sirius felt his mind straying from his relaxed body and drift into the fire. Warm and pleasant, the flames crept out over the hearth and engulfed his body.

A tall man stood before him, a man of breathtaking beauty. His silky midnight hair fell about his face, his smooth pale skin shining in the firelight. Silver armour adorned his slight body with a scarlet sash around his waist, a grey hooded cloak thrown over his shoulders. His left upper arm was covered in deep lacerations. Sirius stood up and walked towards the man who seemed to radiate an awesome superiority, a comforting power. He seemed unaware that a young boy was walking round him, observing him through the flames. Indeed, he seemed not even to be perturbed by the inferno raging ever higher.
Sirius watched as the man kneeled down, reaching for something on the ground and a moment later lifted a chain in both his hands. Like a metal snake the chain glinted ruby, each link tipped with a razor sharp point like a dagger. But the man began to cry out as the chain wrapped itself around his arms and wound its way under his skin. Sirius leaped forward, he was sure if he tried he could help the man. A golden light snaked its way along the man’s arms, spiralling and curling, a beautiful yet evil pattern spreading across his bare torso. Sirius made to grab the chain but at that moment the man fell to his knees and threw back his head and Sirius recognised the grey eyes, he saw himself, not twelve years old but in adulthood. He cried out and stumbled backwards.

Breathing heavily, Sirius lay on his side on the ash-covered carpet in front of the Gryffindor fire. He had seen himself. Witnessed something that would come. But what, why? Voices echoed suddenly from the boys' staircase and Sirius threw himself back into his chair. Turning, he noticed the sun had risen and that its feeble rays highlighted the room.
James and Remus came down the staircase and spotting Sirius, beckoned him to come to breakfast with them.
'Alright?' James asked him. Sirius nodded briefly.
'Let's get some toast or something, my stomach's rumbling,' Remus said pushing the portrait hole open. Sirius glanced at his left arm. There were no marks. Sighing, he followed James and Remus down to the Great Hall.


New year's eve dawned crystal clear and bright but every bit as cold as the previous week. Breakfast was a subdued affair, Remus barely touching him porridge, dreading that night's full moon. James told jokes and generally did everything he could to make Remus laugh but to no avail. Sirius even offered to hex a toad's head onto himself in an effort to lighten the mood. This procured a small smile from Remus but other than that he remained quiet and depressed.
The three friends wandered back up to the common room, James cursing Peeves for Remus's pleasure along the way and Sirius fulfilling his vow to give the poltergeist more carbuncles for giving them away.
'What are you most scared of, James?' Sirius asked as they entered the common room.
'I'm not scared of anything!' James replied indignantly. Sirius snorted.
'Oh what were you calling out in your sleep, then? "Don’t hurt me, please Mr Spider, I didn't mean to walk into your web!"' he goaded James. This was followed by raucous laughter from Remus.
'What about you, Remus, what's your biggest fear?' Sirius turned to him.
'Well that's pretty obvious, I'd have thought,' Remus shrugged.
'I suppose so, Moony,' Sirius said. Remus and James burst out laughing.
'Haha, Moony, I love it!' James's face was stained with tears of laughter.
'And what about you, Sirius?' Remus asked. Sirius considered this question for a moment. In truth he wasn't really too sure what his biggest fear was. But then a golden pattern curled and twisted its way through his mind. Perhaps he was most scared of that which was yet to come.
'Like hell am I going to tell you!' came Sirius's reply.





Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

'Go on, Sirius, tell us,' James poked at a feather sticking out the corner of his pillow. Remus walked over to the window and stuck his head out, a blast of icy air forcing its way into the dormitory. Sirius levitated a book lazily around the room.
'No, I'm not going to tell you, well to be honest I don't really know.' he told his friends. James snorted.
'Don't believe you,' he retorted. Sirius shrugged indifferently. He caught the book he had been levitating and flicked through it.
'I'm bored, let's go bother someone,' James moaned. Sirius snapped the book shut and got to his feet.
'Yeah, come on,' he said as he pulled his cloak over his shoulders. The three boys made their way down to the common room and were surprised to see a girl sitting at a table near the fire.
'Er, hello,' Sirius said, approaching the girl. She looked up and smiled.
'Hello,' she replied.
'Erm, are you new here? Just I've not seen you around before,' Sirius continued. A red tinge heated the girl's face but she continued to stare, almost defiantly at Sirius.
'I'm Clodagh, my full name is Clodagh-Eara Birche, pleased to meet you,'
'Uh, I'm Sirius Black, this is James Potter and Remus Lupin.' Sirius replied shaking Clodagh’s hand. A familiar warm fluttery feeling swooped into his stomach and he let go quickly.
'So why weren't you sorted in September?' James asked.
'Well, I was originally enrolled at the Rosenzauberei Gymnasium in Germany but my stepmother and I moved back here. She prefers Dumbledore's methods.' Clodagh replied. 'I had a small sorting in Dumbledore's office and I ended up in Gryffindor. Professor McGonagall showed me in an hour ago.'
A strange sensation had taken hold of Sirius, in his stomach there seemed to rage a battle between fluttering butterflies and scrambling spiders. He found he was staring at Clodagh who was politely smiling back. Hastily averting his gaze, Sirius retreated and mumbled something indistinct.
'Well, it was uh ... nice meeting you, Clodagh,' Sirius finally managed to string a sentence together.
'Yes, you too, all three of you,' Clodagh smiled, the warmth in Sirius's stomach intensifying. The three boys walked over to the portrait hole, James leading the way. Just as Sirius reached the hole, he turned.
'Clodagh, what year are you in?' he asked.
'First year.'

'You fancy her,'
'Don’t be stupid,'
'Admit it,'
'Shut up,'
James spent the rest of the evening taunting Sirius about his obvious nervousness around the new girl. Even Remus had chuckled over the situation quite a bit. This didn't bother Sirius as the comments ran off him like water off a duck's back but what bothered him was that he had felt the strange but somehow pleasant warmth in his stomach before, he just couldn't place it.
Clodagh had smiled at Sirius over dinner causing him to not pay attention to what he was eating. James had seized the opportunity to place several doxy eggs on Sirius's plate. Not until even Dumbledore's deep chuckles echoed through the hall did Sirius realise what he was eating. He had spent a good couple of hours vomiting. Remus wne tup to the hospital wing an hour after dinner after James and Sirius wished him luck for that night's transformation.
'I'm hungry, James, lend me the cloak, I'll get some stuff from the kitchens.' Sirius said. James nodded and rummaged around in his trunk. They had agreed after the fiasco of Boxing Day night, albeit narrowly avoided fiasco, only one should use the cloak at a time.
James handed the cloak to Sirius who got up. Leaving James, he descended the boys' staircase. As he reached the bottom, his heart seemed to do a back flip and his stomach was suddenly overcome with butterflies.
Clodagh sat by the fire, a book open on her lap. Her long brown hair shone in the firelight, a large rose pink ribbon at the back of her head leaving two long strands framing her petite face.
She turned as Sirius walked into table with a crash.
'Oh, hello,' she smiled. Sirius grinned nervously, trying to stash the cloak out of sight.
'Is something the matter?' Clodagh asked as Sirius found himself lost for words.
'Er ... no uh, yes I mean I don't know ... uh, sorry,' he fell over his words and Clodagh giggled but not unkindly.
'I uh, hospital wing ... don't feel to good,' he mumbled. As he hurried over to the portrait hole he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see Clodagh smiling at him.
'I'll come with you,' she said sweetly.
Crumbs! Sirius thought as he opened his mouth to reply.
'Um, thanks, but well,' Sirius stammered.
'Let me guess, you weren't planning on going to the hospital wing,' Clodagh said, her smile broadening. Sirius stared at her. 'As it happens, I was planning to go down myself, I could do with some pumpkin juice. Why don't we pretend it's a date?' Sirius stared all the more, his mouth frozen in mid-reply.
'Well, sure, yeah, let's go.' Sirius said, making to move forwards. Clodagh put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
'Aren't you forgetting something?' she asked sweetly. Sirius stared. 'You're supposed to ask me for a date, like a gentleman.'
What a strange girl! She was very forward but that was why Sirius - oh how he hated to admit James and Remus were right - fancied her. She was bold and to the point like Sirius liked to be.
'Would you like to go out with me?' Sirius asked, his voice somewhat shaky. 'As friends of course,' he added. Clodagh smiled and took his hand, pulling him out of the portrait hole.

Sneaking along on tiptoe, the two Gryffindors listened for footsteps. Sirius's hand was still in Clodagh's; she seemed to be determined not to let go.
'This is exciting!' Clodagh whispered through the night time gloom. Sirius had to agree. The weirdness of the situation seemed to evaporate and Sirius found himself enjoying this strange new girl's company. They was something bright and cheerful about her which made Sirius feel contented and happy. She seemed to radiate an inner peace.

The Bloody Baron put in an appearance for one heart-stopping moment at which Clodagh pulled Sirius behind a statue. She smiled at him, her face dimly illuminated by a streak of moonlight. Sirius grinned back. At last the Bloody Baron drifted away through a wall and the two Gryffindors emerged once more.
'This way,' Clodagh muttered, pulling Sirius around a corner. She seemed to have an incredibly detailed knowledge of the castle considering she had spent less than a day at Hogwarts. Sirius was about to ask her about this when she stopped dead.

'Sirius, what are you doing out of bed?' a familiar voice whispered through the gloom. Sirius sighed with relief. Rosier stood before them, his face pale and ghostly in the moonlight.
'Erm ... I was going to the kitchens, I wanted to get a drink.' Sirius replied. Rosier nodded to Clodagh.
'Sirius do you mind if I have a word with you? There's something I'd like you to see.' he said. Sirius glanced at Clodagh who smiled and retreated down the stairs without him. Rosier hesitated and set off up the stairs.

Arriving in the room where the veritaserum lay in brewing, Rosier strode over to a table where he lay a box.
'Open it,' he said.
Sirius approached the table and saw a familiar symbol on the lid of the box. Somehow he knew what was inside. Carefully, he lifted the lid, his heart racing, knowing what he would find.
Sirius gasped.




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Staring dumfounded into the box, Sirius's heart dropped a mile. Inside the box was -
'Nothing,' Rosier said plainly, shutting the box. 'Someone has visited Athena sooner than I could get there. It was taken recently so you must be on your guard, Sirius. I cannot say if they will use you to get to the star scroll or if they even know of your existence.'
Sirius was barely listening. He knew that this box had housed the shard of Aschere.
'Where...' Sirius began but found an unreasonable lump swelling in his throat. Somehow the full impact of the situation hit him. It was as if he had been promised the reunification with a long-lost twin but that someone had taken the chance from him. He felt Rosier's hand on his shoulder and stared over the top of the box.
'You don't know who took it?' Sirius asked. Rosier shook his head. A sudden rage filled Sirius. He was overcome with emotion. The room swam before him and he found himself suddenly engulfed in flames.
Sirius cried out but fell silent as he realised that the flames did not hurt him. Reaching his left hand into the flames, he peered around. He was no longer small and slight but matured, strong, powerful. Drawing back his hand, Sirius saw the marks of torture scarring his flesh. And it became agony. He cried out once more, shouting and falling to the ground, twisting in pain, wishing it was over.

'Sirius! Sirius!'
His eyes snapped open. Rosier was kneeling beside him, a sight that was slowly become familiar, a sight which disturbed Sirius. He clutched at his left arm, blood trickling out between his fingers.
'Did you see it?' Sirius demanded. Rosier stared in bewilderment.
'Did you see the flames?' Sirius shouted. He couldn't understand his sudden wrath but he wanted answers, he craved to know what was happening to him. Rosier got to his feet and held out a hand to Sirius who ignored the gesture.
'I want to you to tell me everything.' Sirius stared up at Rosier who sighed, eventually nodding slowly.
'I will,' he said quietly. 'But not tonight.' And without another word, Rosier strode from the room, the door thudding shut behind him.
Sirius released his arm and pulled back his sleeve. Familiar lacerations adorned his pale arm but before his very eyes the wounds knitted together and disappeared into oblivion.

A bleak sun shone feebly over the frozen grounds. James took delight in waking Sirius with a jug of icy water. Sirius awoke with a start and, drenched, leapt from his bed and started pummelling James with his pillow.
'You git!' he yelled. James roared with laughter.
'Serves you right, you lazy sod!' The two friends, locked in their boisterous play fight, rolled onto Sirius's bed, Sirius suddenly seizing his own water jug and catching James full on in the face.
'Arghh!' James yelled. 'That was a dirty trick!'
'Serves you right!' Sirius could hardly string two words together for laughter. The dormitory door opened and Remus entered. His expression was caught between bemusement and confusion.
'Early morning shower?' he chuckled as he threw them a fluffy warm towel from the hearth-stand.
'Shut it, unless you want a bucket full,' James laughed. Sirius spied his half-full glass and flung its contents at Remus.
'Too late!' he roared with laughter. Remus grabbed his own water jug before Sirius could reach it.
'Oh no you don't,' Remus chortled. Sirius contented himself with the towel.

Breakfast was an amusing affair, Professor Dumbledore distracting the students and staff alike with anecdotes from his previous summer holidays. Just as he began a joke about a confounded warlock the doors to the Great Hall burst open.
Rosier raced towards the table, stopping dead opposite the headmaster.
'Professor...' this single word barely escaped Rosier. Dumbledore rose, the smile and warmth leaving his face faster than Rosier had entered. Without a backward glance he strode from the room, Rosier turning to follow.
Those left at the table stared mid-spoonful.
'What was that about?' a third-year whispered to her friend. Professor McGonagall seemed to snap back to her usual composed self and shut her mouth hurriedly. She seemed to be contemplating the best way to distract the students.
She need not have bothered, however, as the post arrived at that moment. Conveniently, Sirius thought, as a dark tawny swooped towards James. He suspected Dumbledore was not as vacant and bumbling as he led others to believe.
His distraction, however, came not in feathery form but was a tingling in his left arm. Quickly he rolled up his sleeve, pulling it back down almost immediately as the lacerations burned brightly once more.

Your destiny is upon you...

Sirius jumped up and left the Hall. Oblivious to the stares of his friends, Sirius's mind began formulating suspicions. The potions tournament was merely an excuse, Rosier acting on orders - Dumbledore's orders. Why had he been so stupid? Rosier seemed to be immune to more rules than any other prefect. And the only person who could grant Rosier this immunity was the headmaster.
Dumbledore.

Mind abroad, feet following themselves, Sirius walked into a wall. The curse perched on the tip of his tongue never made it out of his mouth. Other voices wafted around the corner. Sirius pulled himself quickly into the shadow of a large statue and peered around.
Dumbledore stood with Rosier, both were talking quickly and earnestly with a hooded stranger. Rosier appeared agitated, as if his words had no sway with the others. The stranger leaned close to Dumbledore and whispered something at which the latter turned quickly. Sirius knew he could not be seen but had a fleeting suspicion that his presence had nonetheless detected. With all the haste of a church mouse the boy fled.

Earth spinning round, the sun observing all corners of its unassuming satellite. In the little corner which concealed Hogwarts the sun already receded for the day, relenting to the glistening kingdom of the mighty snow queen, herself the stuff of legend but her legacy living on through each tiny, unique snowflake, every crystalline pearl lining every exposed surface.
Glistening on the window ledge of the tower room in which Sirius waited, the snow had heaped over itself in the hours that the Gryffindor had paced and sat and paced some more. Sirius was certain that Rosier would turn up at some point, he just hoped it was soon.

When at last the door opened, Sirius stood, ready to confront his mentor. But it was not Rosier who entered.
'Ahhh,' it could have been a hiss which escaped the hooded stranger. Sirius stared. The man under the cloak was topped and hunched, one hand concealed in the folds of his cloak, the other gloved and hanging limp by his side.
'Where's Rosier?' Sirius demanded. The stranger cackled a gruesome laugh which sent shivers down Sirius's spine. He suddenly found himself not wanting to be alone with this creature which he was certain could not be human. Edging round the table, Sirius decided to leave as fast as his feet would take him.
'Where's Rosier, he say, where's Rosier...' the stranger repeated. 'Yes, we see, oh we do see it now...'
Unnerved already by the mere presence of this twisted form, the nonsensical mutterings were like a shower of spiders over one's head.
Suddenly the concealed hand moved under the cloak.
'Aschere... et Erichtonios...' the words that escaped the stranger were a fluent hiss. The man beneath the cloak concealed his power well. The hissing grew louder, every word cutting through Sirius like a white-hot blade.
'Amun...'






Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Lying flat on his back, scared grey eyes staring at the ceiling, Sirius breathed fast. The stranger had disappeared quite as swiftly as he had appeared. Losing track of time, Sirius slowly calmed himself. At length, footsteps echoed along the hall beyond the door.
'Sirius?' Rosier burst through the door. Sirius did not reply. He did not try to prevent Rosier from lifting him off the floor or from examining his smoking arm.
'Sirius talk to me,' Rosier stared into Sirius's dulled grey eyes. Still he did not reply but continued to stare ahead of him. Rosier now pulled Sirius into a sitting position, propping the boy against his own body.
Suddenly Sirius felt a barrage of butterflies in his stomach. What was going on? The sudden fidgeting excitement inside him seemed to act as a stimulant. Gasping slightly, he stumbled to his feet. The butterflies were gone quite as soon as they had come. Shaking his head, Sirius didn't look back at Rosier as he hurried from the room.
Could it be possible that he... no, no way. It was just a stupid feeling, after that frightening encounter, anyone would be edgy, Sirius reasoned with himself. Pushing Rosier and the stranger form his mind he sprinted around a corner and ran head first into a tall figure. Looking up, Sirius's stomach seemed to digest itself as he stared into the twinkling blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore. The midnight sky outside reminded Sirius with a jolt that it was past curfew.
'Good evening, Mr Black,' the Headmaster smiled pleasantly as though encountering an old acquaintance rather than a rule-breaking student. Sirius gulped.
'I assume from your look of shock that you had not realised it was so late, or perhaps your watch broke,' Dumbledore continued to smile.
'I... I don't have a watch, Professor,' Sirius stammered.
'Ahhh, then of course you could not have known that it was so late. Let me escort you back to Gryffindor Tower.' Dumbledore turned and gestured Sirius to follow, which he did without hesitation.
'Professor...' Sirius began. He stopped, so many questions on the edge of his tongue. Dumbledore halted, also, and turned to face Sirius. His expression was politely puzzled.
'Yes? What is it you wish to ask?'
Sirius stared. How had Dumbledore known he had questions? Could he read minds? But that was crazy. Sirius opened his mouth, the most burning question formed in his brain -
'I never got a chance to thank you for letting me go into Gryffindor.' Sirius said, simply. He was not sure what had caused him to say this instead of the questions buzzing around his brain. Dumbledore merely smiled pleasantly again, a warm, benign smile and Sirius felt suddenly ashamed that he could have inwardly accused Dumbledore of plotting against him.
They walked onward and Dumbledore noted how clear the stars were that night, each tiny diamond visible in the raven velvet heavens. A movement ahead caused Dumbledore to stop abruptly, Sirius almost walking into him. The Headmaster drew his wand, lighting it, and advanced, Sirius cantering along in his quickened wake. Dumbledore did not lower his wand again until he had deposited Sirius in front of the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. Sirius saw the sparkle of Dumbledore‘s wand light vanish as the portrait slid shut.
'Where have you been?' a voice echoed across the deserted common room. Sirius moved forward and saw James concealed in an armchair facing away towards the fire.
It was now or never, Sirius thought, either trust his friends or shoulder an unknown burden alone. Sirius sighed, then sat in the chair next to James and told him everything from the moment he had first become tangled in this dangerous enigma. James did not once interrupt but sat staring at Sirius, his mouth open in shock. When Sirius finally reached the point where he had hurried out of the classroom an hour earlier (conveniently omitting the part about the butterflies in his stomach), James leaned forward and rolled up Sirius's sleeve to examine the marks. But Sirius's arm was its usual pale self.
'Sirius, don't go near Rosier,' James told his friend earnestly. Sirius did not reply. It was a mark of their friendship that James had believed his every word without proof.
'Look, don't tell the other two,' Sirius's voice was quiet. James nodded.

To be back at lessons was a mercy to Sirius. Now the teachers pressed upon them even more homework and practise so that they had time for little else, including Slytherin baiting as James ruefully remarked. But Sirius found it convenient. He had stopped going to potion mentoring with Rosier and James had very kindly suggested that Sirius wear his invisibility cloak whilst darting between classes and for general use out with Gryffindor Tower. But he needn‘t have gone to so much trouble. Rosier did not seek him out, nor did Professor Slughorn seem to realise Sirius had stopped the classes. Slughorn also seemed to have given up on his little parties. No one Sirius had talked to had received an invite since before Christmas.

One morning a couple of days after lessons resumed, James woke Sirius roughly with a grin.
'Guess what!' James wore a look of manic obsession. Sirius stirred, somewhat annoyed at having been ripped so abruptly from his dreams.
'What?' Sirius blinked at James through puffy eyes.
'It's Snivelly's birthday, imagine all the fun we'll have with him!' James imparted his news gleefully but his face fell when it did not have the expected impact on his friend. Sirius slumped back onto his pillow.
'It's Sunday morning, I'm trying to sleep.' Sirius grumbled.
Falling back into a deep sleep, Sirius did not wake until a couple of hours later when Remus entered the dormitory.
'Morning,' he greeted Sirius who yawned and got out of bed.
'Morning Moony,' Sirius replied. Remus began to dig around in his trunk and Sirius got dressed.
'Where's James? Snivelly-hexing?' Sirius asked. Remus gave a curt nod and exited once more. Sirius stared after his friend. Full moon wasn't until the end of the month. He shrugged and deduced that Remus's distaste must then be directed at the so-called Snape-baiting.
Yeah, I'd like someone to work my anger out on, Sirius thought savagely as he picked up his wand and raced out of the room.

James and Peter were to be found giggling maniacally in the library, their fists stuffed in their mouths to stifle the sounds from Madam Pince. Sirius sat down opposite his fellow Gryffindors.
'What's so funny?' he asked, a slight grin playing on his face. Somehow, he could tell it involved Snape. Peter confirmed his suspicions in excited whispers.
'Snivelly came round the corner after breakfast and James got him right in the face with a Heliating hex!' Tears of silent laughter fell down James's face and Sirius snorted loudly, causing Madam Pince to throw him a dirty glance.
'Ok, now it's my turn to get him back.' A crushing darkness pressed itself on Sirius's mind as his own birthday swam clearly to the forefront of his thoughts.
'Come on,' Sirius got up and strode out of the library.

A lengthy search of all accessible areas of the castle yielded no Severus, however.
'The git must be hiding in his common room!' Sirius stormed along a corridor. 'I wish there was some way to keep tabs on him.'




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

The days seemed to fly past in a flurry of intensified study as the teachers pressed ever-increasing amounts of homework on them.
'Why do we need to study so much?' James wailed one afternoon in mid-February as Professor Decertos set them two essays to complete by the end of the week.
'Because, Mr Potter, you are at school to learn and it is my job to help you pass your end of year Defence Against the Dark Arts examination.' she replied sweetly. James scowled and returned to his textbook. After the class had finished the questions the were supposed to be answering Professor Decertos instructed them to attempt a complicated Firullius counter-curse. James paired up with Sirius at once as Remus was left with Peter.
Sirius dodged James's curse three times before James managed to hit him. But instead of his body turning to jelly as the curse was supposed to work, Sirius felt his mind slip away from the chaos of the classroom.

Opening his eyes, Sirius looked around. The day was blistering hot, the sun scorching the earth to stone. Eyes sparkling in the sunlight, scanning the dry plains he stood, tall and dark, a power radiating from his very body. Sleek, silky black hair fell over the handsome pale face, a smile playing on the red-tinted lips. Sirius shielded the blazing sun with a hand and cast his gaze far.
The Egyptian sun burned the dried-out land, here and there a shrub poking up through the desert but all as lifeless as each arid grain of sand. A distant cloud of dust was gathering momentum to the left of the hill atop which stood Sirius. The dust cloud sped ever faster towards the hill, towards Sirius. But he remained unperturbed, the smile broadening across his face. He slipped his hand into the folds of the dusty cloak around his shoulders and drew out a blood red amulet dangling from a golden chain.

'Sirius! Sirius!' Someone was slapping his face. His eyes snapped open. He was lying on his back in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Decertos stood over him along with James, Remus and Peter.
'How are you feeling, Black?' Decertos asked kindly. Sirius, unable to answer for a moment, hoisted himself up, gripping a nearby desk in support. James hurried forward and helped him up.
'Thanks, I had a black-out,' Sirius told his anxious friends.
'Hurry along you three, I'd just like a quick word with Mr Black.' Decertos chivvied the others out of the room and closed the door tightly.
'Let's cut to the chase,' Decertos turned to face Sirius. 'How long have you been going there?'
'Where?' Sirius blinked.
'Come now, let us not dally. Now, while your physical self may remain in this room, your soul does not. Where is it you go?'
'How do you...' Sirius began but Decertos cut across him.
'Nevermind that! Do you know anything of the danger you are in? Your legend has survived through the ages but never did those of us who believe it, who see its truth, never did we think you would appear in our lifetime, but here you are!'
'Professor what are you talking a-'
'Silence!' Decertos's face suddenly wore a cruel and rutheless expression which Sirius had not thought it capable of.
'Who else knows?'
'Knows what?' Sirius almost shouted in his confusion.
'That you are vidi visum, indeed the only one to have ever existed, your soul and your power moving from body to body whenever your mortal end comes!' Decertos looked quite deranged. Sirius backed away only for Decertos to corner him against a desk. Suddenly he heard words, strange words yet familiar, coming out of his mouth but over which he had no control.
'You didn't disappoint, my friend,'
He could not help the words as they betrayed him. Decertos let out a triumphant yell and the door banged open behind them. Rosier stood on the threshold, staring from Sirius to Decertos.
'Please forgive my intrusion, I was sent by Professor Slughorn to borrow Artes of the Darke Realms,' he spoke cautiously. Sirius had never been happier to see him. Decertos seemed to revert back to her usual, composed self as she hurried to her desk to retrieve the book in question. Sirius seized his chance and ran from the room, tugging his bag off the floor as he went.
Hiding behind the statue of an elderly warlock, Sirius caught his breath and waited. After several minutes he heard familiar footsteps and peered carefully round the warlock's head to see Rosier marching along the corridor, a musty old tome clutched in his hands. Sirius jumped out and Rosier stopped in his tracks.
'Sirius, I've been looking for you for days, we need to talk,' his words were of urgent relief.
'Yes we do, you owe me an explanation!' Sirius replied indignantly. Rosier sighed.
'Ok,' he conceded. 'But not here.'

James sat with Remus and Peter at the Gryffindor table as Sirius approached, hopeful that he would be in time for dinner.
'What happened?' James demanded but Sirius shushed him.
'Keep your voice down, I've got loads to tell you but not here,' he whispered so only his three friends could hear.
He had decided to tell his friends everything; from the long hours holed up with Rosier to the episodes that were something more than mere visions, Sirius had decided his friends had a right to know. So after dinner, the congregated upstairs in the dormitory and Sirius told them everything. James thumped Peter every time he let out an exaggerated gasp and Remus listened without a word.
It was a mark of their friendship that his three friends believed every word without question and that they did not suggest a trip to the hospital wing for a deconfunding draught.
'But why is Decertos interested in you all of a sudden?' James's voice was barely above a whisper. Sirius shrugged and Remus stared beyond him, out of the window.
'But Rosier isn't telling you everything,' Remus said after a moment.
'He said he's going to tell me everything tonight, that's why I have to meet him after curfew, so no one overhears.' Sirius replied.
'Take my cloak then, just don't let Rosier know about it,' James handed over the silvery cloak. Sirius muttered his thanks and pocketed it.
'Anyway, take your mind off it for a bit,' James grinned at Sirius.
'What do you mean?' Sirius asked.
'Snivelly hexing,' Peter winked as James left the room. Sirius and Remus stared before getting up to follow.

Severus sat alone in a corner of the darkened library, closing time being another twenty minutes away. The four Gryffindor first-years stole unnoticed past Severus and hide behind a bookshelf. Peter removed a heavy book which allowed them a handy view of Severus. James nodded at Remus who sighed and walked over to distract Madam Pince as Peter pulled his wand out of his pocket. James signalled to Sirius who pulled the invisibility cloak out of his pocket and threw it over the three of them. Together, the three boys raised their wands and took careful aim. A moment later Severus leapt up, enormous boils erupting over his skin, his hooked nose growing rapidly longer. The three friends shook with laughter under the cloak as Madam Pince hurried over to the source of the commotion. Remus shook his head and stalked out of the library.
Sirius, James and Peter had followed Madam Pince and Severus up to the hospital wing, suppressing their laughter as best they could but were nearly discovered when Peeves turned up and threatened to expose Madam Pince's love affair with Filch. James swore in a whisper to the others that the whole school would know about it by lunch time the next day.

A chilly draught wound its way through the deserted corridors as Sirius made his way up to the classroom where he and Rosier were brewing veritaserum. Pulling off the cloak before turning the final corner, he stuffed the cloak out of sight and made his way into the classroom.
'You came, good,' Rosier sat on a chair by the window, his gaze on Sirius.
'You said you'd tell me everything,' Sirius's words were almost a demand.
'And I mean to keep my word.'




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Rosier looked over at the door, waving his wand swiftly. Sirius shivered slightly in the cool draught which stole through the open window. He wound his way between the tables laden with gently smouldering cauldrons and piled high with books, sitting down farthest from the window. He waited, his gaze on Rosier.
'Where to begin...' Rosier muttered as he swung his own seat in front of Sirius.
'How about from the beginning?' Sirius prompted.
'Always a good idea.' Rosier agreed. He knotted his fingers together nervously, apparently seeking the best words to start with. Sirius shifted in his seat; he was beginning to think Rosier had only agreed to tell him everything to get him to come here.
'You remember Delta of whom Slughorn spoke near the start of term?' Rosier's voice shook slightly. Sirius nodded. 'Delta, as I told you, was a relative of yours who listed you as his only heir. You asked me how he could have done so since he died long before your birth. This is simple. He was vidi visum as are you so I assume he must have seen you, or gathered some trace of you in his own... visions, for want of a better word. Further, long may Delta be dead, but he still walks this earth; at least his physical body does. Perhaps you read a report in the Prophet about Madam Althara whose death was reported as a tragic but gruesome accident? She was murdered by Delta's physical being, he being cursed to walk the earth for eternity as something close to inferius but able to feel physical pain.'
'But how-'
'What you must understand is that he who made the star scroll all those uncountable years ago did not wish to leave it unguarded through the ages. They say the same spirit passes through each vidi visum but the soul is always unique. And he who made the star scroll cursed it so that the soul of each vidi visum would be cursed to guard the scroll as an indestructible undead weapon. No one knows which powers they harbour and while I've no wish to find it is my belief that we will have to deal with it at some point.'
'But what is Delta doing here? Shouldn't he be in Egypt guarding the scroll?' Sirius asked.
'One would assume. But I believe with your emergence in the magical world, that is to say that you are now actively training in magic, Delta was called from his place of duty to aid you in securing the scroll's continued safety.'
'Then it's my fault those people died!'
'No, you could never have known or even prevented it. Besides, I have another theory.' Rosier drew breath and Sirius surveyed him.
'What do you think, then?'
'Does it not seem strange to you that over the course of history this his never happened? That you should be the first guardian of the star scroll who should bring about such a change in this ancient ritual? Yes, we can be certain there is something different about you, that things will change in our lifetime. But I believe someone has visited the tomb of the great king before us. I believe Voldemort has turned the curse against you, no longer will Delta seek to aid you, but seek you he does. I believe Voldemort has cursed Delta to lead him to the current guardian. He does not, however, know who the guardian is.'

Sirius leaned forward, his thoughts in the tomb in Egypt, then with Athena, then within the candle flame which flickered before him.
'What is the star shard?' Sirius looked up into Rosier's dark eyes, determined to see the truth deep within. At that moment an intense excitement twisted and writhed in his stomach as if a great serpent awoke within him. He gasped and started violently, falling sideways out of his chair.
'Sirius, what's wrong?' Rosier lunged forwards and caught Sirius before he hit the floor.
'I don't... don't know...' Sirius mumbled and tore his gaze from Rosier. 'Just... just tell me what I want to know.' Rosier sighed and nodded.
'The shard is said to be a piece of the fallen star Aschere containing the power of the Dog Star-'
But Rosier was cut short as a knock on the door echoed through the room. As he hurried over to the door Sirius threw James's cloak over himself. Rosier turned back to Sirius and gasped at his disappearance but had no time to solve the mystery as the knocking became more frantic. Tapping the door with his wand, Rosier stood aside as Professor Dumbledore strode into the room.
'Ah, I assumed you would be here.' The headmaster took a seat next to the window.
'Professor, what brings you here so late?' Rosier attempted to calm himself, traces of panic breaking the abnormally calm tone.
'Is something the matter, Callidus?' Dumbledore's startling blue eyes seemed to bore through him. Rosier shook his head and pretended to return to a simmering cauldron.
'No sir, you just caught me unawares.' he replied after a moment.
'I have news of Lord Voldemort. But the puzzle is incomplete.' Dumbledore sighed, then turned to Rosier. 'That is where you come in.'
Headmaster and pupil gazed for a long moment. Something in Dumbledore's eyes seemed to trigger Rosier for he took a step back and his expression was one of intense shock and fear.
'No, not that, anything else, I beg you!' Rosier gasped.
'And I bring news that you best hear away from others. His body was found this evening, Voldemort's dark mark set above him. You are all that remains of him now. Make sure he did not die in vain.'
'No...' It wasn't even a whisper which escaped Rosier.
'It is on your shoulders, my friend. Or else all hope shall fail.' Dumbledore's words seemed to hang in the air as the headmaster himself swept around and departed, slamming the door behind him.

Rosier sank to his knees, his head in his hands, and he seemed to shake with silent sobs. Sirius whipped off the cloak and hurried to him.
'What is it? What's wrong?' But Rosier seemed unable to speak. He shook his head violently, his sobs becoming audible. He seemed to mutter a single word over and over again but that Sirius could not distinguish.
'Tell me what's wrong, maybe I can help!' Sirius kneeled before Rosier and placed his hands on the latter's shoulders. He doubted he could help and in any case, Rosier would probably decline his offer.
'No... no no no…' Rosier seemed unaware of Sirius's presence.
'Please, talk to me!' Sirius implored him. Rosier gave a shuddering cry and his weight fell against Sirius.
'Sirius...'
'What is it? Talk to me!'
Rosier lifted his head and stared into Sirius's grey eyes. His dark eyes were bloodshot and damp.
'It's up to us now.' he whispered.
'What is?' Sirius asked, bewildered. Rosier sprang to his feet, tears shining on his pale face.
'To stop Voldemort, to prevent more murders.' His voice shook as he strode over to a pile of teetering books.
'Who was killed?' Sirius demanded. Rosier froze, grief overcoming him once more. He spoke, his eyes still on the books.
'My older brother, the only family I ever had, the only person who ever cared. Now there is only one reason left for me to live. Only one person I care for.'
'Who?' Sirius spoke quietly though he suspected he knew the answer.
'You.'




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

'Why? Because you can use me to rule the world?' Sirius spat. He wasn't sure where this sudden venom came from. Rosier looked round.
'No.'
'Why then?' Sirius continued, a little louder. Rosier did not answer.
'Because...'
'I knew it! It's all to do with power, you want to use me!' Sirius shouted. He jumped up and stormed towards the door.
'No, it's not like that!' Rosier took a step towards him but Sirius shook his head.
'No? Then what is it?' he shot at Rosier. They stood a distance apart. Rosier opened his mouth to reply but Sirius decided he didn't want to hear it. He wrenched the door open, Rosier's desperate attempts to reach him unnoticed, and slammed it hard.

Silent tears rolled off his face; Sirius lay on his side, his pillow damp. He had crept back into the dormitory to find his three friends sleeping in the darkness. A storm raged outside, the stone walls dulling its howls. But somehow he could not get the image of Rosier out of his mind.

By morning the storm had blown itself out. Sirius sat in silence at breakfast, his concerned friends throwing him glances. Rosier was nowhere to be seen and Sirius raised no questions. Dumbledore sat in his chair at the high table perusing a copy of the Daily Prophet. Sirius didn't even bother with the toast on his plate. James opened his mouth to speak but Sirius cut across him.
'Come on, we'll be late for Sluggy,' Sirius threw his bag across his shoulder, his face a picture of thunder, and strode from the hall.

Not talking to anyone, Sirius paid little attention to his work with the result that he managed to fill the room with thick purple smoke. Slughorn cleared it away at once with a wave of his wand and demanded Sirius remain behind after class.
When the bell went, Sirius packed up more slowly, ignoring his friends comments that they would wait for him outside. As soon as only Slughorn and Sirius were left, the professor strode up to his student.
'Mr Black, what is the matter with you today?'
Sirius shrugged as he flung unused potion ingredients back in his bag.
'Come now Mr Black,' Slughorn persisted.
'Professor, I won't be competing for the potions prize in the summer.' Sirius said shortly. Slughorn stuttered and stammered but Sirius was already out of the door.
He talked to no one for the rest of the day. Why did it get him so down? He couldn't understand these feelings. It was as if a part of him was gone, a gaping hole torn inside him and his heart wrenched out. But why did he feel this way?
At dinner Sirius sat in silence, the casserole on his plate untouched. He glanced over to the Slytherin table where Rosier sat surrounded by his usual friends. But Rosier was not eating either, he ignored his friends and did not look up once.
Sirius did not even notice Remus's empty bed come nightfall, nor the demon moon full in the sky leering down over the castle. He pulled on his pyjamas and crawled into bed, ignoring the goodnights of James and Peter.

When the other two were long in dreamland snoring away, Sirius was staring wide-eyed out of the window, silent tears shining on his pale face in the cruel moonlight. If this was loving then he didn't want to love. If this was the purpose of having a heart then he wanted to carve it out and destroy it.

Thankfully the weekend provided Sirius with a sanctuary away from both Rosier and Slughorn. Remus had returned, fresh scars over his face. James pulled Sirius and Peter aside after Remus had departed for the library.
'We need to get a move on,' James told his two friends in the dormitory. He held up a large book entitled Animagus: Know How and How to. Sirius sighed.
'Yeah your right, let's have a look then.'
'Ok,' James flicked through the pages. 'There's a spell you have to do to find out what animagus you would be. Then you have to study your animal until you know its habits and lifestyle by heart.' James traced his finger under the words as he read.
'Ok what's the spell?' Sirius asked. James turned the book towards the other two but at that moment the door opened. They started as Remus entered and Sirius made to hide the book but it was already gone.
'Forgot my essay,' Remus nodded towards the parchment on his bed. His friends smiled innocently.
'Hey, wait, I'll come with you,' Sirius got off James's bed and bounded after Remus.
They made their way down to the library but before they reached the library corridor Remus pulled Sirius into an empty classroom.
'Spill it,' Remus said simply.
'What?' Sirius stared.
'You know what.' Remus crossed his arms across his chest and tapped his foot expectantly. Sirius sighed and leant back against the wall. He wasn't quite sure himself. But somehow he knew what he wanted. He knew what he felt and he knew it was real.
'You... you wouldn't understand,' he said finally.
'Try me.' Remus did not budge. Sirius opened his mouth several times, trying to get the words out his mouth but somehow he didn't need to.
'Rosier,' Remus said. Sirius looked up; Remus nodded slowly at the look on his friend's face. 'It was kind of obvious, the way you kept looking at him at dinner yesterday.'
'Did the others see?' Sirius asked, his voice hushed.
'No, they were planning to hex Snape.' Remus replied. Sirius exhaled and slid down the wall.
'What are you going to do about it?'
Sirius shrugged. He sighed deeply and put his head in his hands.
'I don't know. I really don't know, Moony.' he replied eventually. 'But don't tell the others. Please.' Remus nodded and Sirius got to his feet.
'I need to think things over.' he said and his friend nodded again.
The two Gryffindors parted just before the library corridor and Sirius made his way along the draughty halls, his mind churning the images of Rosier around and around. Remus was right of course, he had to sort this out but he wasn't really sure what he wanted. Or maybe he was but it wasn't that simple.
Turning a corner into an unknown hallway, Sirius saw the waning moon shining on a window ledge. The light enchanted him, enticed him. How beautiful, he had never noticed before, never appreciated how unique and amazing it was. He stared up at it through the window. Stars twinkled alongside the great orb, their light dim and feeble compared, all except the great bear whose claws stretched out to meet the paws of the dog star. He turned his head to where Virgo cast her lovelorn gaze on the Archer who shot his arrow at the moon. A cloud drifted across the bewitching scene and the spell broke.
Sirius turned his back on the window and made his way up to the common room.



Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Remus, true to his word, had not breathed a word to the others for which Sirius was eternally grateful. He was sure they wouldn't tease him about it and would want to help but Sirius needed time to sort things out for himself.
Breakfast was a cheery affair that morning. Professor McGonagall passed along a notice to the first-years which told them they would be starting flying lessons in two days' time. This excited James immensely. He couldn't stop bringing up the subject to the others, boasting that he was already a fabulous flier and he was not the only one. Indeed, the way most of the first-years told it, half the year had been flying since they could walk.
The subject of flying, exhilarating to most, daunted those of lesser talents, Peter included. He kept fretting about the right way to grip the broom.
'Get a grip, you little worm,' James laughed scornfully.
'Yes but I've never been on a broom before,' Peter snivelled.
'Not like you have one either,' Sirius remarked. Both he and James burst out laughing and Peter, who didn't realise the depth of the snub, joined in.
'You're such a stupid prat, Peter,' James laughed, emerging from his giggles.
'Yeah but to be fair he did a good hex on Snivelly,' Sirius rejoindered.
'Very true,' James conceded seriously. Peter looked positively alight at the praise. Sirius felt as if he could slap Peter for his idiocy. Peter could be incredibly annoying at the best of times. But he was handy to have around.
'Oh look who's going for a walk, let's follow,' James hissed with glee. They all looked up to see Severus leaving the hall. James leapt up at once, Sirius and Peter hot on his heels, Remus somewhat reluctantly.

Severus made for a clump of trees and dense bushes near the west side of the lake. This suited the Gryffindor friends well; it provided seclusion and privacy from the rest of the grounds. James grinned at his friends. Remus shook his head and sat himself down on the cold stone steps which led up to the castle. James frowned but shrugged.
Onward the hunters crept, hot on the trail of their unwary prey, keeping to the shadows, taking care not to make a sound. Cautiously rounding a corner, the three friends came to a halt.
Severus had seated himself down on the grass beside a group of burly Slytherin boys plus a gaggle of Slytherin girls who looked as though they ranged from first- to seventh-year. Sirius noticed that Rosier was not among them and remembered the bitter tone of a late night meeting.
'There is a reason I am a Slytherin. The same reason that the hat sorted you into my house. Because of blood bonds, because of family.' Rosier resented being in Slytherin. Why hadn't he fought back like Sirius had done? Then things might be so much simpler. Then there might be more opportunities, more time.
He was brought back to the present by James who pulled him roughly back around the bush.
'The slimy git!' James cursed. 'Just had to go running to his pals, didn't he?'
'Oh don't be a spoil-sport, James,' Peter wheezed. James stared at him. Peter pointed at the bush and muttered 'Diffindo' which caused a large gap to open up before them. Peter stepped past the leaves and beckoned his friends to follow which they did. James, cottoning on, closed up the hole.
They stood in a clearing in the centre of the large bush. James blasted some leaves aside to view the Slytherins. Sirius's thoughts were elsewhere and did not notice as his friends hurled curses at the knot of Slytherins who leapt up howling as strange things happened to them. James doubled over with laughter and Peter continued sending hexes through the hedge.
'Good one, now how do we get out of here?' Sirius demanded in a whisper.
'Oh lighten up,' James whispered through tremendous efforts to stifle his laughter. He pointed to Peter. 'Look at him go!' Peter gave a tiny squeal and dashed out of the way of the Slytherins who had decided to return fire on the rogue bush. Sirius growled his annoyance and blasted himself a hole in the opposite side of the bush, leaving his friends to defend the leafy fortress.
Remus had disappeared from the steps. Sirius hurried inside, keen to find solitude in which he would be free to peruse the unsettling thoughts in his mind, to closer examine the burden in his heart.

On the fourth floor, Sirius caught sight of Slughorn who obviously meant to stop and chat. Dodging sideways behind a tapestry which concealed a shortcut, Sirius hurried well out of Slughorn's way. This shortcut took him to a choice of a sixth-floor hallway or a secret passage leading to the seventh floor. Sirius paused to ponder the next stage of his route. The secret passage was rather a long-cut but Sirius hastily made up his mind as he remembered the eager face of chubby Professor Slughorn.
Twisting out of sight behind the statue of a stern-looking witch, Sirius slowed his pace once inside the dark stone passage. He came to a halt and leaned against the wall, Rosier's face clear in his mind. He had to make a decision. As much as he cared about Rosier, Sirius wasn't altogether too sure if he could trust him. But the pain in his heart told him this was irrelevant. No. He would ignore the misgivings. The feelings were simply too strong to fight, too imposing to ignore. Turning to exit the passage, Sirius found a wand pointing directly between his eyes.
'Think you're so smart,' Severus goaded as he held his wand steady.
'What are you on about?' Sirius growled.
'You and your friends, you think you're so big taking on a group of Slytherins.' Severus wore and ugly smile. Sirius snorted.
'Shouldn't be such a bunch of prats then, should you?'
Sparks flew from the end of Severus's wand, his arm beginning to shake with anger. Sirius took advantage of Severus's momentary emotional lapse to pull out his wand and shoot a curse. Severus sent a green jet of light at Sirius which missed by inches but blasted chunks of stone out of the wall. Sirius responded with a disarming spell but Severus ducked out of the way.
'So your dirty pals sent you to get revenge, is that it?' Sirius roared. Severus fired off about five curses consecutively.
'Are they too scared to take on a lone first-year?' Sirius accompanied his accusation with a hex.
'Shut up, Black!' Severus yelled.
'Think you'll make someone like you by cursing me? You're a smelly, greasy nobody, no one cares!' Sirius shouted above the racket of the ricocheting spells. He channelled his rage into every hex, every curse he aimed, into the venomous taunts that came out of his mouth.
'Don't you dare!' Severus sent a barrage of curses at Sirius who dodged and ducked.
'Come on, you worthless git! Is that all you've got?' Sirius shouted, scorn marking his every word, a very twisted smile darkening his handsome face.
'Shut your stupid mouth, Black! I'm better than you!'
'Like hell you are, you dirty Slytherin!'
At that moment the two first-years realised they were not alone. They turned to see Rosier standing near the entrance to the passage, his face unreadable. Severus gabbled on at once about how Sirius had started it. Sirius merely stared into Rosier's dark eyes, his gaze returned faithfully. Severus stared between the two of them. Finally, Rosier lifted his wand. Sirius did not move, transfixed by Rosier's presence. Rosier pointed his wand at Sirius's heart.
'Somnus.'
Sirius felt himself sliding down the cold stone wall and the last thing he felt was bitter betrayal before he drifted into deepest darkness.


Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

Strange shapes drifted through the darkness. Dulled blurs of colour speeding by, sometimes moving slower, as if trying to reach out in the darkness, and yet each colour seemed as surreal as if it was not within the known spectrum. But sometimes the image was sharper. Sirius knew by now where he had been sent.

Terrifying was the thought of eternity in this nothingness. Sometimes he thought he could hear familiar voices through the gloom during which he would attempt to shout out, try to tell them he was here, that he could hear them. But no sound came.
Sirius did not feel as a physical entity; his body seemed not to exist. But his mind was present, fully functional. He therefore did not understand how he could see the movement around him, if his mind was apart from his body or hear anything if he was indeed a disembodiment. Sirius also had no concept of time, none at all, and the prospect of eternity stretching ever on induced a tremendous panic within his existence in this place, or non-place as it seemed to be.
Sometimes unknown sounds would drift through the murkiness, almost music yet skewed beyond the familiarity of anything within the human world. And sometimes it felt so familiar, as if he had been there before, perhaps once, perhaps many times. But certainly not within this lifetime. The only circumstance Sirius could liken this dream place to was that muggle-defined outer space. Or perhaps uncountable leagues beneath a forgotten, undiscovered sea in which there was no water but a strange substance which robbed its contents of physicality.
There must be a way out, Sirius thought desperately as panic stole over him once more. He ran through the whole scene in his head once again, how it had happened, but the details were strangely misted. He had been duelling but it had not been his opponent who had sent him here. There had been someone else, someone he thought he could trust, someone he... no. It didn‘t matter now. And such anger coursed through Sirius, he just wanted to see light again, to feel air on his skin, to breath, to be alive! But he could not even remember his name, he could barely remember a thing of his own existence except that he existed. Thoughts drifted around, they might have been memories of his life but he couldn't tell. In fact, he wasn't sure he'd ever been alive at all.
Then, through the gloom echoed a faint voice, clearer than any thus far. It seemed to be calling him, how he knew it was directed at him he wasn't sure. The voice echoed dimly somewhere in the distance. It seemed to hiss, long and drawn out. But then the sound became more discernable. A word being repeated over and over again.

The voice was so familiar yet he knew he had never heard it before. He struggled against the darkness as he heard his name, he knew it was his name, his non-existent form writhing in the gloom, thrashing out in the emptiness. All of a sudden everything began to spin faster and faster, a whirlwind of light growing ever brighter and Sirius cried out as he could feel a chill creeping through the body that wasn't there before.

His eyes shot open; the sound of his cries echoing around him. A million memories, a whole twelve years came crashing back into Sirius's mind in a single moment too quick to ever calculate.
He was lying on his back staring up at a blank white ceiling, the sound of hurried feet echoing all around. Sirius sat up. The walls were white, the floor was white, the door was white, even the bed on which he lay was white. The door was suddenly flung wide and a harried-looking witch in deep purple robes entered.
'But you're awake!' She stopped in her tracks as she stared into Sirius's terrified wide eyes.
'Where am I?' Sirius stammered. He pulled himself up and drew his arms around his knees.
'Why, you are in St Mungo's, dear boy.' the witch smiled kindly. She stuck her head out the door and called along the corridor beyond. After a moment an elderly wizard appeared.
'Ah, good morning,' he muttered as he thumbed through a pile of papers in his arms. The healer fumbled with a few more papers before turning his attention to Sirius.
'Now, how are we feeling?' he asked, peering over his spectacles. Sirius blinked in the bright light.
'I... um...' Sirius shook his head slightly, trying to make sense of it all.
'Quite alright, dear boy,' the healer muttered and scribbled something on another piece of paper. Sirius opened and closed his mouth several times, somehow unable to voice the many questions which buzzed in his brain. The healer muttered something to the witch, apparently a trainee healer, and she hurried out of the room. Sirius was then handed a glass containing a slightly smoking potion.
'Nothing to worry about, just a pepper-up potion, to get you back on your feet,' the healer smiled kindly. Sirius nodded and began to gulp down the potion. There came a knock at the open door and a wizard peered in.
'Healer, could you give us a moment?' he asked as the healer looked up.
'Certainly,' the healer replied and swept from the room, closing the door behind him.
'Good day, Mr Black, I am Frederick Fortuna. I'm a member of the department of Magical Law Enforcement. I have some questions for you.' The wizard conjured a chair out of thin air and took a seat next to the bed.
'You were put under a very strong and dangerous curse, what is the last thing you remember?' Fortuna asked. Sirius closed his eyes for a moment, trying to shake the images of the strange nothingness out of his head.
'I was on my way back to Gryffindor Tower,' Sirius began, his eyes still closed. A cold stone passage. 'I took a shortcut.' Severus's wand pointed in his face. 'Then I stopped because I thought I'd lost my way.' Sirius lied. Two voices shouting, spells rebounding of the walls. 'I heard someone behind me so I...' The twisted expression of glee and malice in Severus's sallow face. '...So I turned.' A furious duel between enemies, foes, bitter opponents. 'I turned and...' Then - betrayal. Rosier's blank face. His wand raised and pointed at Sirius.
Suddenly the words stopped coming. Sirius opened his eyes, his shocked gaze staring beyond the plain white walls before him.
'And who did you see?' Fortuna asked quietly. Sirius hesitated. There had to be a reason for it. Many opportunities had presented themselves for Rosier to curse him. Why then, in front of Severus? A chance for Rosier to play his role accordingly and prove his Slytherin allegiance? But that didn't make sense. Rosier, as a prefect, could have put Sirius on detention, or taken him to his head of house.
'Well?' Fortuna pressed.
'Then everything went black.'


'You're back!'
'How are you?'
'Sirius!'
There was a great deal of noise in the Gryffindor common room that evening as the Gryffindors welcomed Sirius back. He smiled and nodded his way through the crowd. Sirius pushed his way up to the dormitory and opened the door to gleeful cries.
'You're alright!' James leapt of his bed and headed straight for Sirius who smiled feebly back.
'Yeah, they let me out this morning.'
'We were so worried, there were rumours since it happened, and when you didn't come back after two months everyone thought you were... dead.' James finished quietly.
'James, you... sound different...' Sirius stared. James blushed.
'Well we all have to grow up sometime,' he grinned. Sirius felt a rush of relief. He remembered how he himself had felt last winter when it had happened to him and how worried he had been. It was always difficult being the first in anything but someone had to be first.
'Now you can't tease me anymore,' Sirius smiled.
'I'm glad you're back, Sirius.' James gazed earnestly into Sirius's eyes but it was the sound of his own name that caught him like a powerful blow.
Somewhere in the gloom, in that darkest of places, someone had called out to him. Someone had called his name and helped him remember.
'It was you...' Sirius stared at James. 'You saved me.'



Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

James returned Sirius's stare, confused.
'You called out to me, I thought I had forgotten, but it was your voice.' Sirius felt suddenly weak. He made his way around the dormitory and collapsed face first onto his bed.
'Sirius, what are you talking about?' James sat next to him. Sirius turned over onto his back and sighed. Then he began from when he had left his friends in the hedge. But when he came to the point where Severus and Rosier had appeared he told him the same story which he had told the auror, that he had not seen his attacker. But what really riveted James was the eternal limbo in which Sirius's mind had been trapped for the past two months. As Sirius told James, however, it had felt like eternity.
As Sirius reached the part where he had heard James calling out to him a sudden gratitude overwhelmed him and he found he could not continue but James seemed to understand.
'It was a week ago.' James explained. 'I'd been to Dumbledore's office every night since it happened to ask if there was any news but he said there wasn't, same as usual. I got so angry. I wanted to be alone so I went outside and I just started shouting for you to come back. Stupid, I know.' James finished lamely.
But the smile was back on Sirius's face. He turned his head towards James.
'It's not stupid, it saved my life. Thanks.'
The door crashed open as Peter and Remus ran into the dormitory.
'Sirius!' Remus grinned from ear to ear at the sight of his friend. Peter gasped and wheezed as he clutched a stitch in his side.
'Tell us what happened!' Peter rasped. But James silenced him with a look. Sirius was grateful to James; he had barely finished recounting the story for what seemed like the hundredth time, having already been questioned by a number of aurors and also Dumbledore, and didn‘t feel like repeating it again so soon.
'Sorry, I need some fresh air,' Sirius stood up. Remus and Peter nodded sympathetically as Sirius left the room.
Smiles and greetings accompanied him through the noisy as he made his way towards the portrait hole. Once outside, Sirius leaned against the cold stone wall, drinking in the silence. His mind buzzed with the legions of unanswered questions but no one seemed to have an answer. No one except...
'Rosier...' Sirius growled. He flicked his wand out of his pocket and marched along the corridors. Rosier was going to pay. Two months in despair that had seemed like an eternity in a hopeless hell.
He marched along the empty corridors, first checking the room where he and Rosier had spent the supposed potions mentoring. Sirius then looked in the library and the Great Hall but Rosier was nowhere to be found. Sirius deduced he was hiding out in his common room. He wondered if Rosier had learned by now of his return.
Sirius strode through the corridors, peering out of the windows as he passed. It was bizarre to see the trees in full bloom when the last thing he had remembered were threadbare branches and bleak mountains. Now, even the draughts in the corridors had been banished to the winter climes as summer accepted its mantle from the graciously departing spring. May blew warm breezes through the hallways, the sun drawing out the days ever longer.

Footsteps echoed along the corridor; Sirius, keen not to attract too much attention on his first day back, leapt behind a chipped statue. And who should wander by but stinking, slimy Snivelly. Sirius smiled as he stepped silently out behind Severus.
'Petrificus totalus!' Sirius roared. Snape fell forward on his face as Sirius's spell hit him squarely in the back. Sirius walked over to the freshly petrified Slytherin and kicked him over.
'Hello you slimy coward, all alone this time, aren't you?' The grin on Sirius's face was lined with intense hate. He bent down and pressed the tip of his wand between Severus's eyes. Although he was petrified, the fear in Severus's face was all too plain.
'What's wrong? None of your big pals here to curse the nasty Gryffindor?' Sirius crooned sarcastically.
'Snape!'
A voice echoed along the hallway. Sirius straightened and whipped round, then hid once more behind the statue. He knew Severus wouldn't admit who had petrified him; he was afraid that Sirius would reveal his attackers' identities otherwise and Severus would be as much in trouble as Rosier for keeping silent about the incident.
But as it happened, whoever it was turned down another corridor and Sirius was left to pursue his revenge. He stepped back into the hallway, his wand back in his hand. Sirius stood over Severus and looked directly into his fearful dark eyes.
'Want to learn a new spell? You'll really like this one.' Sirius twirled the wand nimbly in his fingers. He considered Severus for a moment.
'I really do owe you, Snivelly,' Sirius loaded this last word will all the menace and anger he felt every time he looked at the pathetic greasy form lying on the floor before him. Severus's wide dark eyes stared unmoving up at Sirius who all of a sudden slashed his wand through the air.
'Sectumsempra!' Sirius roared and gashes appeared over Severus's body. 'Shouldn't have let Peter get me that book for Christmas.' He lowered his wand and bent down next to Severus‘s bleeding form.
'You're so pathetic, you know that?' Sirius laughed cruelly, the sight of Severus‘s blood seeping along the floor not even stirring the slightest emotion within him.
'Do you know what it felt like when you tried to kill me, that time by the lake? I couldn't move, there was no chance that anyone would find me and I really thought I would die. Well I'll give you the same chance you gave me. Fair is fair.' Sirius hissed. 'When your dirty pal cursed me, he sent me to nothingness and if you're lucky, that's where you'll end up, but I guess not because you deserve to go to hell.' He then hoisted Severus behind the statue and cleared the bloody flagstones with a sweep of his wand. He then considered the statue for a moment and smiled that ugly twisted smile as he saw there was no way anyone would find Severus unless they stepped behind the statue themselves.

Back in the common room, a number of students had already gone to bed, leaving free the first-year boys' favourite armchairs by the fire. As James talked about all that had happened in the last two months, Sirius let his mind wander. James had repeated Sirius's ordeal to the other two who did not mention it in front of Sirius. But he found he didn't care.
Sirius found himself hexing Severus all over again in the deepest corners of his mind. He had enjoyed it, tremendously, to see Severus at his mercy but wondered if he had gone too far. Had he ultimately lowered himself to Severus's cowardly level? Yes, he thought, he certainly had.
'James, I need your cloak,' Sirius whispered. James stared and opened his mouth to ask why.
'Please James, quickly,' Sirius pressed. James handed over the cloak which Sirius flung over himself and hurried out of the common room.

Turning corner after corner, pace ever quickening, Sirius found himself at the corridor where he had hidden Severus. Two prefects marched along the hallway unawares, a tall boy from Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff girl, and Sirius seized his chance, sending a trip jinx at one of them. She stumbled and fell sideways into the niche behind the statue and a moment later the corridor rung with her terrified scream.
'Get help! Quick!'
Sirius stayed to watch the two prefects pull Severus out into the hallway, the girl then running for help, but at the sight of the life ebbing out of Severus he found he could bear to watch no longer.




Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback

He needed to be alone; even the company of his own friends was somehow unwelcome.
What have I done? Sirius was horrified, the fine rivers of Severus's blood sickened him, what sickened him all the more was that he had caused it. Severus could die and it would all be his fault! Sirius stopped in his tracks, a sudden lump rising in his throat. Beating his fists against the cold stone wall, he fought back the tears, not tears of self-pity but of remorse and disgust. A clattering echo brought him back to his senses and he hurried on.
Hurrying along the hallways, Sirius's feet took him unconsciously to the room where he and Rosier had discussed the vague mysteries of his life; whether through habit or hope, Sirius could not be sure.
But when he pushed open the door, it was not Rosier who waited for him.
'You!' Sirius breathed, pulling off the cloak as Clodagh turned with a smile from where she had sat studying a heavy book.
'Me,' she replied sweetly. Rising from the chair, she snapped the book shut and placed it on the table. Her bright eyes sparkled in the scant candlelight, a warm smile in place on those petite little lips. Sirius made to speak but Clodagh cut across him.
'I was right about you,' she said calmly.
'What-' Sirius stared, utterly bewildered. But Clodagh held up her hand in silence and somehow Sirius felt himself complying. She moved closer to him, her approaching presence casting over him a bewitching spell.
'You are not here for me, Sirius,' Clodagh's words were barely more than the lightest breath, Sirius's stomach somehow knotting into unbearable chaos.
'What are you?' he replied, clinging to the last of his senses as Clodagh gripped his shoulders with surprising strength.
'The only thing that matters right now is that you must stay away from those who seek to hurt you!'
Sirius laughed scornfully. So Clodagh had noticed from afar the goings-on in the castle.
'That doesn't matter because they'll get what's coming to them.' he replied, his words quietly calm. But Clodagh shook her head.
'Do not become like them!' she told him earnestly. He made to reply but all at once a look of terror stole over Clodagh's sweet face.
'I must not be found here, the cloak, quickly!' she implored and Sirius threw the cloak over her. And who should stride through the door but - Rosier, the very person Sirius had been keenest to see.
'Sirius!' Rosier stopped dead at the sight of him.
'What, have I come back too early?' Sirius's manner was icily cold. Rosier sighed and stared out of the narrow window, mercifully unaware of Clodagh‘s presence.
'I had to,' he said gradually, his gaze still on the window.
'You had to what?'Sirius demanded. 'You had to curse me into whatever nothingness, maybe keep me like that forever if it hadn't been for...' He turned away, the bitterness and anger overcoming him. But he knew he must keep calm until he had the answers.
'I had to...' Rosier repeated.
'No you didn't!' Sirius roared. 'I thought you cared, I thought I could trust you, I nearly did trust you!' Rosier froze, then turned slowly around.
'Why did you never tell me you wanted to trust me?' Rosier's voice shook. Sirius walked over to the window and leaned his arms on the ledge, barely controlling his raging wrath. He choked back the tears but the pain and confusion were something more than Sirius had felt thus far. He pounded the stone with his fists. What was this infernal feeling inside him? A blinding battle seemed to consume his very heart as, on the one hand, there was this handsome stranger who had charmed and mentored him, but full of a sinister mystery; and on the other was the maiden fair who seemed as a spirit of the air, though her mysteries were no less than those of her rival.
'WHO CAN I TRUST?' Sirius roared. Rosier had moved to the window and stood behind Sirius, a hand on his shoulder. Sirius flung it off.
'Explain yourself!' he demanded of Rosier who nodded and pulled out a nearby chair into which he beckoned Sirius before seating himself.
'I had sought you all over the castle that day, then you expect us to converse as friends despite the presence of Severus Snape?' Rosier began.
'You could have just taken his side, given me a detention or taken me to McGonagall,' Sirius cut in. But Rosier shook his head.
'I have a dangerous role to play, on Dumbledore's orders, and every chance I get, to prove myself in this role, is a chance I must seize to my advantage.'
'But -'
'No, listen to me!' Rosier stood up, tall and menacing. 'Of all the people I need to convince, Snape is one of them. He is, to most eyes, merely a first-year, but nonetheless a future ally of the dark forces we seek to destroy. He has proved himself countless times in the Slytherin common room, taking his fair turn at praising the acts of dark wizards and those who would inter muggles or worse, murder them as many pure-blood elitists take great sport in.'

Rosier seemed to hold his breath in anticipation of Sirius's answer, his reception or rejection of this explanation. But Sirius felt he had no words left, the rage ebbed away as he was torn between two mysteries which enthralled him, obsessed him, both of which stood in this room, one a dark force, the other a light force, but at the moment Sirius was unsure which was which.
He now faced the dilemma of getting Clodagh out without giving her or James's cloak away. Sirius turned and looked at Rosier after a while.
'Leave me, I need time to think about it all.' Sirius stared steadily at Rosier who exhaled and nodded, finally turning to go. Then he turned back and looked at Sirius.
'When will I know your answer?' Rosier asked. Sirius shrugged and turned back to the window, giving no further answer. At length, Rosier departed and Sirius turned to where he had last seen Clodagh.
'He's gone.' he said. But Clodagh did not reappear, nor did she make a sound. 'What's up with you?' Sirius stared around. But at that moment footsteps echoed outside in the passage. Sirius flung himself behind a desk at the far end of the room and waited with bated breath. The door opened quietly but Sirius, from his hiding place, could not see who had entered. The newcomer seemed unwilling to come too far into the room as, a second later, the door shut again and retreating footsteps grew dimmer until they faded.
'Come on,' Clodagh waved an arm from under the cloak. Sirius hurried over and they left the room together.

The days drifted by in agony for Sirius and wild speculation for the rest of the school, partly on whether Severus would escape the vicious jaws of death. The attack on Sirius which had landed him in St Mungo's was still very fresh in everyone's minds but it seemed to occur to no one that Sirius had cursed Severus, rather that they had been cursed by the same person.
Sirius had told no one, not even James, Remus or Peter that it had been he who cursed Snape. But he hadn't needed to. James approached him one morning in the dormitory.
'Sirius, look, I know you probably don't want to talk about it,' James began. 'But you cursed Snivelly, didn't you?' His tone wasn't accusatory but there was disappointment. This filled Sirius with incredible shame, that he had let down his best friend in such a way.
'How did you know?' Sirius mumbled, staring at the floor.
'This.'
James held up a heavy tome entitled Undetectable Curses and Hexes. Sirius stared. That hateful book. That sick and twisted book. In an instant Sirius was ready to blame the author of the book, then the publisher for backing it, then Peter for giving it to him. But at the end of the day, he had chosen to use a spell to which there had been no allocated description or instructions. He had only himself to blame.
James tossed the book onto his bed as Sirius sank to his knees, all the strained emotions culminating in a scene of shamed tears.
'What are you going to do?' Sirius asked James quietly.
'Nothing.'



Feedback here thanklies^^:
Dog Star Feedback