Disclaimer : My timeline is way off that of the book and the actual storyline, so bear with me. This is simply an idea I've had for a long while and love, so it's almost like an AU Sirius Black but without changing his fate, a whole big portion of his life is casually incorporated.

Thanks for reading and comments are always welcome!

"Come on, Padfoot! Get a move on!" James pushed his friend from behind as they raced across the slick, rain-watered field. "She's waiting for us! We've got it all set."

The two were never apart it seemed, even after their final year of school. Hogwarts was another home for the both of them, and for Sirius, the only real home he'd ever known; aside from the Potter's, of course. There, he knew he'd always be welcome.

But maybe this wasn't such a good plan. A lot had changed since last summer…

Before he could overthink it any more, however, there it was. The little house, set back a ways from the road; the little house that had become the home he never had. It was a place where parents who were not his loved him; where things he did not own belonged to him; where nothing in the world could harm him.

"Are you even listening to me, Padfoot?" James shook Sirius's shoulders and laughed lightheartedly.

"Er- yeah, sure," he said.

"I said, you are going to stay here and there's nothing else to discuss! It's going to be just like it's always been." James didn't wait for his friend to agree before pulling him towards the house. "Now come on!"

Sirius shook his head in defeat. There was no conceivable way of talking James out of this one; he'd simply have to do what he knew he must and stick to his guns.

Inside, the old house seemed unchanged.

The curtains still hung the same as they had last summer, the mahogany table in the kitchen was as oversized as ever for the three Potter's, and Bartholomew the tabby was still sulking in his dark corners as always.

Everything was the same, but nothing was the same.

Now, a small portrait that was never there before hung in the entryway, welcoming visitors to this humble abode, much as its likeness had done many a time during his life. But Mr. Potter would not be welcoming any more visitors into his house.

This Sirius knew, and he made it a point to say nothing on the matter. It'd only upset things, and the life in this house was too precious indeed.

"James?" a timid voice called from the upstairs, only to be followed by rapid footfalls on hardwood. "James, love, is that you?"

"Yes, Mum, we're home," James called up to her as he made his way casually into the kitchen ahead. "I'm starved; you?" he asked Sirius before throwing open the pantry to inspect its contents.

He stared blankly into the all but empty space, a few boxes of crackers and cookies thrown haphazardly around the shelves. Sighing deeply, he turned and closed the heavy door. He noticed Sirius still hunched in the doorway, patiently watching his friend.

"What?" James asked innocently, not wanting the attention. Sirius could think what he'd like, but the last thing James wanted was for him to start voicing his worries. So he smiled and knocked his companion on the shoulder before meeting his mother on the stairs.

"My boy, oh just look at you!" Mrs. Potter embraced her son tightly and only released him from her grasp when what seemed like hours had passed. Only then did she notice the other boy on the kitchen threshold. "Oh, and of course - Sirius!"

She wrapped her thin arms around the young man's shoulders, happy to see the both of them. Sirius smiled awkwardly and did his best to return her sincerity.

"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Potter," he said softly. Why on earth was he not yet used to this?

He'd lived with the Potter's for at least one summer now, not to mention holidays, so why could he simply not grow accustomed to the warmth with which they embraced him?

But oh well, that mattered little now. He'd be gone soon enough.

With the money left by his uncle Alphard - well now. That'd certainly be enough to get started somewhere; buy a house maybe. He'd get a job and that'd be that.

Now it was only a question of convincing James.

No.

He was going to do it with or without James' approval.

This was not his friend's decision, after all. It was Sirius's and his alone. He couldn't rely on his friends forever, no matter how much he liked the idea. It was settled, but he would tell the Potter's later. Now was not the time.

James' mother had corralled the two into the kitchen once more and had them sit down at the table. Sirius had been here so often, and every time had he felt a little more at home.

But something in the back of his mind had gnawed at his conscience and refused to be budged.

All those years, and only then, in his sixth year too, had he had the nerve to stand up to his family. Only then had he left. And what did that say of him? That he was a coward?

Maybe he was just like the rest of them after all. And now, sitting in the hard, high-backed chair, the same feeling ate at him still.

Maybe he really didn't belong here. Maybe his leaving was for the best.

But for the moment, he was home. He made himself believe that. He was too tired to contemplate his future tonight. Best save such heavy topics for the morning over a cup of too-strong coffee with which to clear his head.

Mrs. Potter sat quietly beside the two, simply taking in their faces. Her son held his father's likeness so exactly. His friend simply looked like someone fighting to stay afloat. My goodness, there was simply too much sadness in this house.

"Would anyone like some tea? I think we need some tea. I'll put on the kettle."