A/N: For the Pocket Morty Competition (Green Shirt Morty: green)
Sirius can hardly believe his eyes when he finds the little package waiting for him. His parents have never cared for him enough to give him gifts without occasion, and his birthday is still months away.
He unwraps it, curiosity getting the best of him.
Beneath the brown paper is a tie. Green and silver silk, though he hasn't even been Sorted yet. Sirius throws it onto the bed with a scowl.
Green and silver walls. Green and silver tie. Green and silver everything. From the moment he had been born, all he'd only ever really seen those two colors. His family's House pride borders on unhealthy.
"I see you found your gift," his father says without bothering to knock before entering.
"Yes, Father."
His father smiles and places his hand on Sirius' shoulder. The realization that this is the most affection his father has ever shown him feels like a knife in Sirius' chest.
"You'll wear it with honor, boy."
Sirius glances at his feet. He wonders if other children fear telling their parents that they don't want to be Sorted in the House their ancestors have graced for generations. Surely someone with Gryffindor parents could easily say that they would rather be a Ravenclaw.
The grip on his shoulder tightens, and Sirius bites his lip to keep from crying. "I said you'll wear it with honor, Sirius," his father repeats, a heavy note of warning in his voice.
"Y- Yes, sir," Sirius manages, still keeping his gaze pointedly fixed on the floor.
"Good boy. It's not every day your eldest son prepares to leave for Hogwarts. You'll understand one day when you've found yourself a good pureblood." His father pats him on the shoulder. "The elf has prepared a special meal for you to celebrate your last night home. I expect you down in exactly half an hour."
"Yes, Father."
When he's gone, Sirius feels as though a weight has been lifted. He breathes a sigh of relief before grabbing the tie from the bed and holding it against his neck in the mirror.
Green and silver. It feels as though it his destiny to wear these colors. And he supposes they don't look too terrible on him.
Still, as he ties the tie around his neck - his last attempt at pleasing his family before he leaves - Sirius wonders if maybe he's more suited for red.