27 June 1972
Dear James,
I didn't think it could get any worse, but it has. I've only been home for three days and not an hour has gone by that has been free of snide comments, yelling, rows, or beatings. Don't get me wrong, mate, I love Gryffindor, but my life would be easier if I had been placed in Slytherin. My family is taking the mickey out of me, and not in a good way. I wasn't the golden boy before, but now I can't even breathe loudly without getting in trouble.
I also came home to discover our "dear" cousin Bellatrix is staying with us for the summer. You can imagine what a joy that is for me. All she talks about is this Dark Lord bloke that she is going to join up with. From what she says, he's for Pure-Blood dominance and hates Muggles- the Anti-Dumbledore and very Slytherin. And it's just like Bella to bark up that tree. Regulus is very interested in what she has to say, which isn't a good sign (though my parents are quite proud). Needless to say, I've taken to hiding away in my room.
Know I'm going crazy here. Help!
Sirius
PS- hope all's well with you.
a/n- This is right after the Marauder's first year at Hogwarts (which, as it happens, belongs to JKR, not me)