The Grievances of Youth

Chapter One

The whistle of the train cut through the air, a warning to the passengers that departure was imminent. Sirius Black sat alone in his compartment, the light casting swirling shadows across his skin as it trickled in through the soot encrusted windows. The young Black was lost in thought, wondering what his upcoming year would be like away from his family. He knew he was lucky to be escaping his family this early and going to Hogwarts this year, as he was only eight. For the first time in the school's history, Hogwarts had accepted a pupil early.

Although he was not yet eleven the school had permitted his entry due to the Ministry of Magic deeming him unsafe to continue living without magical training. His father was extremely pleased when he has heard this news. For the first time in Sirius' short life his father had been proud of him and it was something for which he had no control over. Since his letter from Hogwarts had arrived informing him of his early admittance, his parents had crowed to all their relatives that Sirius was at last demonstrating the characteristics of a true pure blood; powerful and that they were subjected to a different set of guidelines from the rest of society.

Sirius was not sure whether to be pleased with his father's new found pride in him. Although he was happy, as any small child would be, that his father had praised him, he was also confused. Until this moment in time, Sirius had been nothing but a disappointment to his parents, something that was frowned upon when mentioned in conversation and looked upon with distaste. This was due to him being an intelligent child; full of questions and full of his own answers. This inquisitorial nature, however, had not gone down well with his parents. Sirius' parents were of "noble prestige", pure bloods through and through and as such did not like being questioned on their ideological beliefs and findings. They viewed him as an unruly child, one that needed to be disciplined. This discipline had been extended from as far as being sent to his room without supper, to a good hard thrashing with his father's best cane. Therefore although Sirius was glad that these punishments were over –for the moment- he was not glad to be used by his father as an example of his philosophies and standards.

Sirius was also worrying over how he should deal with his youth and whether he should let it be known throughout the student body or kept a secret. He did not want to be singled out and revealing his age would do this. However, through family parties and gatherings many of the Slytherin pure-blooded families knew his true age and reveal it anyway.

Before he could come to a conclusion, however, the door to the compartment suddenly swung open and crashed into the wall. Startled out of his thoughts by this unexpected intrusion, Sirius lifted his eyes to the door.

Two boys most likely first years like himself, judging by their appearances, were standing in the door way. The first boy, a mess of dark unkempt hair and crooked glasses spoke.

"Would it be okay if we sat in here? It's just, the other cabins are full and we really don't want to be stuck in the hallway."

Sirius considered the two boys; neither looked to be from his sort of upbringing, the first too wild and carefree and the second too meek and mild (judging by his hunched over stature). These two would be food to test his acting skills on, see if they could tell his true age or if he was significantly younger than them.

"Sure, come on in" he replied.

James Potter and Remus Lupin had known each other for years, their parents both being involved in the ministry. Although they had never been particularly close, after running into each other on the station platform, they decided to stick together. Having embarked on the train when the whistle had sounded, the two boys shuffled down the carriages looking for an empty space but they were all occupied with rowdy older students. Finally, coming close to the end of the train, they spotted a compartment with only a small boy sitting in it.

Now although Remus had always been small and scrawny for his age due to a certain monthly affliction, this boy was tiny even compared to him. He looked astoundingly short and frighteningly thin for one their age. In Remus' opinion, the boy looked too young to be on the train, so childlike was his appearance. In fact in comparison to James, who was taller than himself by at least a foot, he doubted the boy would come to any further than his chest if measured against him. However, the little boy seemed friendly enough and invited the two to enter.

"What are your names?" He asked. Remus noted the clipped vowel sounds which sounded as he spoke; he must have been of distinguished inheritance.

James ever the confident one to Remus' shy nature, answered, "James Potter and Remus Lupin at your service and yourself?"

"Sirius", came the boy's short retort, if anyone found the lack of a surname odd, it was not voiced.

"So looking forward to your first year at Hogwarts, Sirius? Do you know what to expect? Know what house you want to be sorted into?"

Sirius laughed; a loud throaty bark that reminded Remus of a dog.

"Slow it down their, I don't know if I caught all of that. Okay, I am looking forward to be going to Hogwarts and I think it will be amazing to learn proper magic. I know some of what to expect as I have cousins that go there already. Although being the beastly lot they are they may have been trying to trick me. In fact I think one of them told me it was an initiation right that all the older Slytherin students got to beat up the first years to test their dedication to the school. I'm really hoping that one isn't true. What about you?"

James launched in, "Well, my Mum and Dad have told me some of what to expect, about the sorting hat and that it decides which house you get put in. I'm really hoping that I get sorted into Gryffindor like my Dad was but if not Ravenclaw would be my second choice. Gryffindor sounds great though it's meant to be for the strong and brave, not like that Slytherin house which is full of pretentious…"

"Well, as nice as that thought seemed Potter, I'm sorry I'm going to have to interrupt. Sirius here, is going to have to come with us, his mother did warn him of consorting with filth like you. Come along now Sirius, you don't want me to have to owl your mother of your chosen company, do you?"

The cold voice cut through the friendly chatter of the boys as a tall blond boy entered the compartment, a gaggle of boys and girls crowded around him.

"Resorting to blackmail now are we Malfoy?" growled Sirius. "I see that you felt the need to bring my lovely cousins along with you, hello Bellatrix, Narcissa. Are you not strong enough to deal with a little first year like me on your own, Malfoy?"

Harsh laughter came from a robust black-haired girl, who had a mad look drawn across her features.

"Oh Sirius darling, your mummy just wanted to make sure you didn't stray into danger. Wouldn't want you destroying the noble Black name would we? Come with us and sit where you belong."

A shocked gasp was heard in the cabin, as both Remus and James looked at Sirius in horror.

"Oh, Sirius did you not tell your little friends of your family, did you not inform them of your superiority? Shame, you could have had them begging at your feet. Instead you insist on remaining anonymous. Sirius you should know that a Black does not remain in the shadows for long, we are after all meant for leadership."

"Get out, Bellatrix. I've had enough of listening to that rubbish at home and I certainly do not have to deal with it now. This is my life and it can not be controlled by you or my parents."

"Oh Honey, I would hex you for speaking to me like that on any other occasion but I do not wish for the Black's to show weakness to others even when it's a traitor like you. I'll see you later Sirius, you can not always have the company of others."

With that the intruders swept out of the compartment and down the hall. Sirius breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to the others. He may be unnaturally talented but that does not mean he can take on educated 5th years, such as his cousins.

However when he turned back he was faced with shocked looks and scorn.

"A Black… you're a Black, ugh…I thought you seemed alright." James muttered.

"I am "alright", thank you very much Potter. Although I may be a Black that doesn't automatically make me evil. I acknowledge that it is my family that is known for judging people by their traits but it seems to be you that is upholding that standard now." Black calmly stated. He stood up and left the compartment, leaving in the opposite direction to his cousins.

A.N. Thank you to anyone who reads this, I know it is not the best of work but I'm still trying to get to grips with writing. I hope that anyone who does read this finds it interesting and know that if you do find it so, I am planning on posting the next chapter soon. Sorry for any mistakes anyone notices, if you do find anything wrong it would be really helpful if you left a note in the comments so that I can rectify it. I know that Sirius may seem a little older than his years here, especially as I have made him three years younger than the usual first years age , but I was trying to take into account the lessons his parents would have forced him to take on how to act distinguished around others. Thank you x