Disclaimer: I own nothing; the characters and such all belong to J.K Rowling. I'm merely borrowing them for a hobby. This is a non-profitable story.
Author's note: I am well aware that the events in this fan fiction are far from the events that actually occurred. It's called fan-fiction for a reason. Also – excuse the longevity of this chapter... I got a little carried away.
Know Where Your Loyalties Lie.
Chapter One.
He slipped his index finger underneath the fold of the envelope. Tugging upwards, he set free the red wax that had once sealed the slightly yellow-stained container. Of course, Sirius Black from Number 12 Grimmauld Place knew who the letter was from and what is what going to say. The slight give-a-way was the logo that was placed above the red wax. It was that of the logo for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He released the neatly folded piece of parchment and smiled. As he unfolded it, walking into the sitting room of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, he put aside the now useless envelope and read aloud what it said. His voice mature, adding to the air of casual elegance that surrounded him.
"Dear Mr. Black, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st. Yours sincerely, Minerva McGonagall".
He beamed. Half-chucking and half-placing the letter on the table in the middle of the sitting room, for his parents and his little brother to see. "Congratulations, son." Orion Black, Sirius' father was never one to be too enthusiastic about anything. He was the type to give his son a pat on the back for exceeding in something, rather than fussing over him. In some ways, Sirius was grateful for this. His mother – Walburga Black, did enough of that for the both of them.
"Oh, well done Sirius. We always knew you'd get in. Your name was on the register from the day you were born. You're going to make the Black family name incredibly proud. A true pure-blood Slytherin!" Walburga gushed. Her eyes glistening with visions of her son excelling in the Dark Arts to become the Death Eater she'd always wanted him to be.
"Pfft. I know, Mother. So, when should we go to Diagon Alley to get my supplies?" Sirius questioned. Diagon Alley was where practically all Wizards and Witches bought their supplies. It had all the shops they needed, not to mention Gringotts bank.
"Oh no! We needn't go there. Your father and I have already bought you, your things. Besides, it's probably overrun with Mudbloods, Squibs and Blood Traitors". She spat. Just the thought of being in the same place as anything less than pure-blood set her teeth on edge, made her toes curl and her skin crawl. She shuddered at the thought, trying to force it from her mind. She smiled down at Sirius who was now raising an eyebrow at her reaction, unable to view her thoughts.
Walburga graciously shuffled over to the over-sized cupboard that was in the hallway and opened the door. Revealing to Sirius his robes, books, equipment and even an owl. He gasped, looking at the pitch black bird. Placing a finger into the cage in an attempt to stroke the lush feathers. The black bird reached down, nuzzling Sirius' finger with his beak. He smiled as he thought. "Think I'll call you Midnight". He finally muttered. The bird seemed to respond pleasantly to the sound of the name.
Picking up the cage carefully, Sirius moved it into his bedroom. Placing it atop of his dresser, near his window. He set himself down on the bed, swinging his feet onto the mattress. As he leant against the wall, his eyes shut and his mind wandered to the ever-near date of September 1st.
"Wow". He shook his head wildly, automatically sorting his hair into that messy yet charming style he loved. Placing his brand new broomstick up against the wall of his house. He rushed inside, trying to find his parents. They were sat in the kitchen, around the dining table. His father was indulged in a copy of 'The Daily Prophet', his mother was busy knitting herself a scarf. He smiled at his elderly parents before sitting down at the table, grabbing an apple from the centre piece and sinking his teeth into it. Juices from the tasty apple spat everywhere. "Thank you, by the way... For the broom. It's awesome! Faster than I've ever seen one go!". James enthused, apple chunks still prominent in his mouth. His father looked up from the newspaper and smiled. His mother, set aside her knitting and stood up. She left the room for what seemed like only a minute before returning with the post.
"You have a letter, James". She moved over to him, setting the letter in front of him before going to stand beside her husband. Mr. Potter, closed the newspaper and placed it down, watching his son intently. James turned the letter over, looking at the back of it. His eyes widened at the logo.
"It's from Hogwarts..." His voice shaky, not with nervs, but with excitement. He didn't hesitate in ripping the letter free from it's enclosure. Unfolding it rapidly and skimming all the unnecessary details. He looked up at his parents. His hazel eyes showing a sign of shock, happiness and gratitude. "I've been accepted!" He beamed, running over to his parents, the letter now crushed in his hand as he threw his arms around his parents in a large hug. The elderly couple welcomed their son into their arms and chuckled at his reaction.
"Guess it's time to take a trip to ol' Diagon Alley" Mr. Potter eagerly added. It had been a fair few years since he was in James' spot, buying his supplies for his first year at Hogwarts. Mr. Potter was an auror and was therefore in and out of Diagon Alley quite a lot. Mrs. Potter, however, normally stayed at home with her son. Either teaching him muggle-ish things or making sure he was up-to-date on his magic.
James rushed over to their hollowed out fireplace, grabbing a handful of the dust-like stuff known as Floo Powder. He smiled at his parents who were now infront of the fireplace. "Diagon Alley!". His body was replaced by green flames as he travelled from his home in Godrics Hollow to the highstreet of his supplies. He waited momentarily for his parents to follow.
"Where to first?" James' normally composed self was gone and had been replaced by a child who couldn't stand still for more than 10 seconds. It was like Christmas had come early this year. He walked down the cobble-street, awing in windows at all the magical equipment his parents were about to spoil him with.
Being the only-child of two wealthy parents has its advantages. James was never short of attention and his parents never failed to buy him the latest things for his birthday or for Christmas. James was well-aware of the fact that his parents were a little on the older side, but that didn't seem to bother him. He loved them unconditionally and they were the same toward him.
James found himself wandering into a shop labelled "Quality Quidditch Supplies". He didn't say anything, his eyes did all the talking. He could spend all day in this shop. He loved quidditch and everything about it. He'd already confessed to his parents he planned on making the Gryffindor team. However, before long his father pulled him out of the shop.
"You can go back next year, you know first years aren't allowed on the quidditch team. You're not even allowed to take your broom with you, this year." These words caused a series of moans and grumbles, but James couldn't argue. He knew the rules.
The three made their way to Madam Malkins. James instantly began trying on robes of all sizes until he found the perfect fit. He smiled in awe at himself in the mirror. Arrogantly striking a pose; "It was like I was born to wear these!". He chuckled whilst his mother simply rolled her eyes. After stripping back down to his regular clothes he caught sight of something. It was red and gold. It was a Gryffindor scarf.
"I'll buy it you for Christmas if you make it in the house". His father interrupted his deep thought. "But I'm gonna be in Gryffindor! It's obvious isn't it?" Mr. Potter chuckled his old friendly laugh whilst his mother paid for his new robes.
"Come on.. we'd better get your wand next". Mr. Potter looked down at his son, ushering him out of the shop and down the street where they were to buy more of his supplies, checking them off of his list as they went.
"Peter, darling, wake up. Your father and I have news". Mrs. Pettigrew graciously called upstairs. Peter grumbled, waking up from his exhausted state. He reached up and rubbed his tired eyes. Clambering out of bed, his stomach made an unmistakeable sound of hunger. He dressed himself in a navy-blue gown and wandered down the stairs of their house until he entered the kitchen.
His mother and father were standing up, leaning against the kitchen counter, drinking what seemed to look like muggle tea, but it wasn't. It was most likely butterbeer or pumpkin juice. Once Peter had taken a seat at the oak table, Mrs. Pettigrew placed a number of concoctions onto a plate. Sliding them over to him. His eyes widened at the delicious smell of bacon, sausage, egg, beans and a still-warm muffin. He devoured the plate in less than five minutes. Leaving nothing but bean juice left.
"Wh-what was the news?" Peter squeaked as he leant back, his rounded belly now full to the brim. He looked at his parents curiously as they slid over a piece of parchment. Before Peter could pick it up to read it, his father spoke out.
"You've been accepted at Hogwarts, son." A slight gasp escaped Peter's mouth. His mother wandered off to deal with her own business whilst the two males talked. Mr. Pettigrew wandered over and took a seat next to his son. He looked at him, his eyebrows creasing together in worry. "You don't have to go you know...". The look that crossed Peter's face, shocked the father.
"No. I want to go. It'd be nice. I can make some friends." He said proudly. He hadn't got any friends here. Everyone avoided him because of his looks. He was rather short yet quite fat. His hair was straw-like and he had evil, watery-looking eyes. He hated how he looked, but he knew that almost everyone at Hogwarts would be like him – unique, abnormal. So it didn't matter.
"Hm, well alright then. Your mother and I will be going to Diagon Alley to collect your things. Would you like to come with us?" Peter nodded. As there was only a few weeks before September 1st, he wanted to get a look at all the children that would possibly be in his year at Hogwarts. "Okay, we'll be leaving once your mother gets back".
Peter nodded once, excusing himself from the table and wandering upstairs. He sat on his small bed and reflected. He was unsure about how to feel about going to Hogwarts. He wanted to go – to make friends and improve his magical abilities. But he was scared, scared of what others might think of him, scared of bullies.
"If I was in Gryffindor... That means I'm brave, so I could stand up for myself. But but but, if I was in Hufflepuff then I'd be loyal so maybe my friends could stand up for me? Hm. But if I got sorted into Ravenclaw... No, that's not going to happen. I'm not intelligent enough for Ravenclaw. Ah, what about Slytherin... People in there would never let me fall... Oh I don't know. I'm useless all the same!" Peter exclaimed, sighing as he fell back onto his bed. Unable to comprehend ever being able to make friends.
"I just don't think it's practical. What if someone found out about his … state? The whole school would be notified. He'll be an outcast!" Mr. Lupin tried to argue to Albus Dumbledore. However, he wasn't having any of it. Dumbledore assured him that certain measures would be put in place to ensure Remus' safety and secrecy in the school.
Light footsteps were heard coming down the hallway. The parents of Remus John Lupin look toward the hallway in anticipation whilst Dumbledore stood up from the dusty second-hand couch and turned around. He smiled as a sleepy Remus entered the room in his stripy pyjamas. He jumped slightly at the sight of Dumbledore in his home. His shock was replaced by curiosity.
"Wh-what's going on?" Remus questioned, straightening out his light brown hair. He looked to the table where an unfolded piece of parchment lay bent. His eyes glanced at it for a moment before looking at the 3 adults individually for a few seconds before one spoke.
"Remus, you've been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Albus explained, taking charge of the situation. "Now, I understand that you may be a little concerned about going given your condition. However, I can assure you that measures will be put in place to ensure your transformations go smoothly every full-moon. You will not run the risk of harming anyone. Our own school nurse will be able to look at any wounds you may inflict upon yourself and tend to them so that they are unnoticeable. If done correctly, which I believe it will, no one will find out about it. I promise". Dumbledore gave a convincing smile to finalise his statement.
This was all a bit much for Remus to get his head round so early in the morning. His father was not so easily convinced – being a muggle he did not know just how Dumbledore could ensure all of this. Remus' mother, however, put full trust in the man that had once taught her. She was smiling, until a thought crossed her mind that could jeopardise any chance of Remus going.
"But how would we pay for it all?" Remus questioned, which in turn was exactly what Mrs. Lupin was thinking. They could barely support themselves and Remus' condition, let alone buy supplies and robes.
"You needn't worry about that, Hogwarts offers financial help to those who require it. Although your supplies may not be top-of-the-range, they'll work all the same." Dumbledore answered. A concerned look crossed over each of the Lupin's faces. They were grateful for the offer, but they didn't want to be thought of as a charity case. Remus bit his lip in anxiety. A part of him would love to venture out to Hogwarts, but the other part, which was dominating the other part, said that it would be too risky and too complicated.
"I would be honoured if you would take my kindness, Mr and Mrs Lupin. I feel that Hogwarts could benefit your son in more ways that you could ever imagine. Please, just consider it." Dumbledore broke the awkward silence with his words. Moving across the house like a ghost, barely walking at all. He nodded at the Lupins before apparating from the house. The parents looked over to Remus once the headmaster had left.
"I would love to go" Remus said quietly. His parents nodded and sat either side of him, comforting him instantaneously. "Then we'll manage" they said in unison. Remus smiled up at his loving parents with admiration that normal families didn't experience.
She ran out from her little house, her soft, long red hair following her. The same yellow-stained piece of parchment in hand as she ran down the country lane as fast as her 11 year old legs could take her. She could see the familiar dark shape in the distance atop a small hill. She ran up the hill, out of breathe by the time she stopped. Taking a seat on the tyre-swing. "Did... you.. get one?" She held out her hand, showing the letter of acceptance.
"Of course" he smiled back. He ran a hand through the parting of his greasy black curtains, taking bits of hair away from his face. He walked over to the swing, resting his head on the rope that kept it up and looked at Lily Evans lovingly. "Hopefully we'll be put in the same house". Severus said, after a long pause. She nodded and smiled her perfect cute smile, making Severus' heart melt.
"Awh, Sev' it's going to be amazing. We can be friends forever now!" She exclaimed. He chuckled, grabbing the bottom of the tyre and pulling it back. He leant forward and lowered his voice to a whisper. "We were always going to be". He let go. Letting the swing fly forwards, reaching its peak and then plummeting back down. He responded by pushing it back up. She let out giggles that made him smile.
"When are you going to get your supplies?" She questioned, trying to time her question with when she was closest to Severus. He thought for a while before answering. "Probably tomorrow, why?". He carried on pushing. "I'll try and get my parents to let me go with you. That way they don't have to get time off work and Petunia won't get all jealous" She laughed.
Her sister had hated, or rather, envied Lily ever since she found out she was magical. She despised the friendship Lily and Severus had and frequently called them freaks. Severus tried to not let it bother him, but it hurt him when she called Lily a freak. They were meant to be sisters, not enemies. But he didn't mind as she was a muggle. He tended not to mix with muggles as to him, they were like peasants. However, he accepted Lily as a muggle-born, much to her liking.
"Oh okay. I doubt my father will be going. He doesn't particularly like the wizarding world. It'll most likely just be my mother and I". Severus added. He stopped pushing and let the swing slow down a bit before Lily jumped off. He wanted to embrace her there and then in a hug. Tell her how much she meant to him, but he thought against it. Instead just lay with her in the blooming flowers, looking into her green, almond shaped-eyes whilst she looked into the dark tunnels that he possessed.
Lily looked up to the sky, pointing out a cloud that she believed to posses the likeness of a badger. Severus laughed and shook his head. "No way, that looks like a snake!" They both laughed and lay hand-in-hand, like best friends would until it was time for them to part until the next day. Where they would indulge themselves in Diagon Alley.