Chapter Three

Sirius's POV

I wake to the sound of wings - an owl. Doubtlessly here to deliver my godson's Hogwarts' letter.

I can't believe how fast ten years have gone by. I still can't help but see that big eyed, black haired, baby boy every time I look at Harry. But he's eleven now, and soon he'll be leaving home for his first year of school.

It's even harder to believe that ten years ago, I lost my best friend. Every morning without fail, I wake and forget that James and Lily are gone. And then I have to go through the grief and mourning all over again - I do my best to hide it from Harry, but he sees through the entire act. Harry may have James's look, but he got his brains from Lily.

I take a deep breath, get out of bed, and put on my robe. I stop at Harry's door and press my ear against it. All is quiet - he's still asleep. I smile because it is a very rare occasion indeed when Harry sleeps soundly. Most nights he can't fall asleep because of all the thoughts running around his head, or he wakes screaming and terrified from a nightmare. My poor boy.

I tip-toe down the stairs and into the kitchen. A large, tawny owl is sitting on the table, clucking impatiently. Her massive amber eyes blink several times at the sight of me. I take the letter from her beak and turn to get her some treats and water, but she's already out the window - flying from sight.

The bright red Hogwarts seal stands out against the cream envelope. I desperately want to rip it open and read the letter for myself, but I would never take this moment from Harry. He's been waiting for it since I told him about a school for people like us. I remember when he was six, every time we would receive a letter, Harry would jump up and down and ask if it was the letter.

I chuckle and grab a serving tray from the cupboard. I snap my fingers and Kreacher appears before me with a sour expression on his ugly face.

"How can Kreacher serve you, Master?"

I roll my eyes. Merlin, I hate him.

"I want you to make breakfast for Harry. Since it's his birthday, make all of her favorites - French toast, that berry crumble thing. And be quiet about it. He's sleeping in and I want everything to be perfect."

Kreacher looks at me with pure loathing in his eyes.

"And what can I do for you, Master?" He sneers.

"Nothing." I maneuver around him, back up the stairs, to dress for the day.

By the time I am ready, Kreacher has finished cooking and is begrudgingly plating Harry's breakfast on a serving tray, along with a vase of dead flowers. The stupid elf looks at me and smiles, obviously pleased with his little joke. I glare at him, remove the vase, and replace it with Harry's letter.

I pick up the tray and carry it upstairs with as much balance as I can muster. Once I reach Harry's door, I knock on it lightly before turning the knob. Harry is sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes, and yawning.

"Happy Birthday, Harry!" I shout, almost spilling the tray in my excitement.

Harry reaches for his glasses on the nightstand and puts them on.

"Huh?" he says, groggy and confused. "Whas goin' on?"

"It's your birthday, you little git!"

Harry's face lights up with his smile. I sit down on the edge of his bed and place the tray of food in his lap. He licks his lips, picks up his utensils, and digs in like a savage. He doesn't even notice the letter.

"How does it feel to be eleven, young man?" I inquire as I ruffle his messy black hair.

Harry shrugs with a laugh and takes another huge bite of French toast.

I look at him and wonder why he really hasn't caught on yet.

"Nothing special, hmmm?" I pat my fingers against the envelope.

Harry looks at me curiously and follows my eye line down to the letter. Upon seeing it, he gasps and rips it out from under my hand.

Harry runs his hands all over the envelope and traces the seal, before looking at me. I nod at him and he rips open the envelope and reads the letter at lightning speed.

"I got in! Sirius, I got in!" he shouts.

"Well of course you bloody got in! You are the son of Lily and James Potter, the nephew of Remus Lupin, and the godson of Sirius Black! Was there ever a chance you wouldn't?"

Harry moves the tray so he can jump out bed. He looks around the room with such excitement and joy, I don't think he knows what to do with himself. I laugh as he jumps into my arms, and hug him with all my strength.

"You do know what we have to do today, don't you?"

Harry shakes his head with a smile, obviously up for anything.

"Well," I begin, "you have a massive stack of birthday presents that need opening. Most are from myself, but what does that matter? And then, we have to go school shopping!"

Harry all but screams in delight before pulling at his pajamas, trying to get ready. Before he can strip completely, I pull him into a massive hug and kiss the top of his head.

Harry pulls away from the hug and jumps up and down.

"Hurry up, love. I can't wait to see your face!"

Harry whoops and I leave the room to let him change.

Apparently he can dress at lightning speed as he almost beats me down the stairs. I laugh as he launches himself at the mountain of wrapped gifts by the fireplace. Sure, I know I go a bit overboard when it comes to birthdays and holidays, but I've got money to burn and there are very few things I enjoy as much as spoiling my boy.

I got him all the basic things eleven year old boys go mad for: Zonko's joke items, a few dozen chocolate frogs (Harry's favorite), and some muggle toys that caught my eye last time I was shopping in London.

Dumbledore sent him a few trinkets I'll hold onto until Harry's a bit older, Minnie McGonagall sent a Gryffindor scarf as well as strict instructions not to give it to Harry until he's officially sorted - it made me laugh to see that even McGonagall think's he'll be a Gryffindor! Remus, bless him, sent a stack of books covering an assortment of subjects nearly as tall as the birthday boy (I scoffed at them, but Harry was undeniably pleased) and a framed photo of Lily and James I'd never seen before. I think this is Harry's favorite present as he sat staring at it for a good ten minutes, holding it close to his heart.

I rub his back tenderly.

"Are you ready to go shopping?" I ask, and he nods with a soft smile and watery eyes.

I grab a handful of floo powder and toss it into the fireplace.

"Good Morning Weasleys!" I shout, "Harry and I are ready whenever you are!"

As green flames erupt from the brick, I jump back, nearly singed. Arthur, Molly, and Ron step out one after the other, smiling as they brush the soot from their robes.

Harry screeches in surprise.

"Happy Birthday Harry!" They yell in unison and Harry turns bright red.

Harry rushes at Ron and the two embrace like brothers. Molly, Arthur, and I smile at the young boys. I love that Harry has such a great friend in Ron. From the moment they met as babies, the two of them have been inseparable.

...

When Harry was about 20 months old, he had a terrible case of colic. I tried everything to soothe him, and Remus tried as well, but it was pointless. I had never seen Harry in such a fuss, and I was positive I would have to take him into Mungos ... Merlin, it tore at my heart to hear him cry so. Then in a moment of desperate panic, I remembered the Weasley's invitation to call on them at any time. I figured if anyone knew how to deal with a screaming baby it was Molly Weasley. It only took a matter of seconds for her to floo to Grimmauld with baby Ron in tow. Though she hadn't seen either of us in months, she embraced Remus and I fiercely, snatched Harry from my arms, and had him peacefully asleep within a quarter hour. Afterward, she lay Ron down beside Harry and cooked supper for all of us.

When Harry woke several hours later, he was fascinated to see someone like him. The boys reached out with chubby, clumsy arms and gurgled at each other. It was plain to see they loved each other from that day, and as the boys grew older, the Weasley's and I made a point to let them visit at least once a week.

...

"Are we ready to go?" I ask and receive a collective nod.

One by one we floo to Diagon Alley. As we enter the crowded, busy street, Harry and Ron look as though they're going to keel over from excitement. I've taken Harry here a few times, but only for short visits so I know today is a real treat for him.

I realize there is no point in trying to reign in the young boys, so I turn to Molly and Arthur.

"If it's alright with you, of course, how about we let these young lads explore a bit? We can pick up the rest of their supplies and meet up with them in about ... half an hour to get their robes from Madam Malkins."

Ron and Harry look at Molly and Arthur with begging expressions, and race off as soon as Arthur nods with a smile.

"Slow down and be careful!" Molly shouts after them and Arthur and I laugh.

"Well," I turn to my friends, "I've got to run to Flourish and Blotts for Harry's books, and then Hagrid left a surprise for Harry at the pet store. I'll meet up with you at Malkins?"

"Absolutely." says Molly as she and Arthur head off in the opposite direction to the used books store. I feel a pang of guilt for bringing up Flourish and Blotts, knowing they can't afford it. With eight children, and six of them in school - money runs tight in the Weasley household. In the past, I have offered them money for things like school supplies, but I've been turned down each time. I understand their reasoning, but it'll never stop me from trying to help.

As I enter the book store, I am greeted by several witches and wizards, some who I know and some who I don't. I greet everyone politely before I hand Harry's book list to Gideon Flourish. He reads the list quickly before going to the back and retrieving an armful of texts. He sets them on the counter with a slam and looks at me.

"That'll be 40 galleons, please."

I take out my bag and set out the appropriate change.

"This lot is for Harry Potter, huh?" He inquires,

I nod quickly. I expected this, but it doesn't mean I welcome it. I know that Harry is famous among all of our kind, but I refuse to allow him to be exploited.

"Too bad about his parents. James and Lily were good people."

My throat tightens as I grab the books off the counter and abruptly leave the store. I make a conscious decision to make to finish my shopping and find Harry and quickly as possible - I'll never forgive myself if his special day is ruined by some dumbass with the gall to approach him.

I enter the pet store apprehensively. I love Hagrid, truly I do, but the gentle giant does not have a grasp on what is an acceptable pet. I really wouldn't be surprised if Hagrid had them set aside a two headed toad or a cat that spontaneously bursts into flames or something. Merlin, why did I tell him it was okay to give Harry a pet?

I walk up to the counter and ring the bell to get the attention of the young clerk.

'Can I help you, sir?"

"Yes, my friend - Rubeus Hagrid - had a pet placed back for me to pick up today."

The clerk nods and looks down at the book in front of him. "Yep, back room. She's in the cage closest to the window on the right."

I follow his instructions, praying as I walk that this 'pet' is in fact a pet. I open the door of the back room and spot a quiet snowy owl looking longingly out the window - that's the one.

I walk up to her cage and put my fingers through the bars to stroke her back gently. She looks at me suspiciously with large, bright eyes before hooting and nipping at my finger affectionately. I smile as I pick her up and carry her though to the front of the store. The clerk tells me she's already paid for, which I appreciate, but I'm certainly going to find a way to pay Hagrid back. She's perfect!

I carry her outside and into the street where she hoots loudly in excitement. I walk down the street until I see Harry and Ron, with their noses pressed up against the glass of a storefront window.

"Hey Harry!" I shout and he turns to me. "Happy Birthday from Hagrid!" I hoist the owl into the air and Harry's face lights up as he runs to me.

"Sirius! She's .. She's beautiful." He says quietly as he reaches inside to stroke her. "She's mine? Hagrid got her for me?"

I nod and Harry gives me a huge hug, telling me to remind him to send Hagrid a thank you letter - my considerate boy. I turn my attention to the object Harry and Ron were so enraptured with. Of course ... a broom. A Nimbus 2000 to be exact.

I get a wicked idea.

"Hey boys. I think Molly and Arthur are already at Madam Malkins, so why don't you go ahead and I'll meet up with you?"

Harry and Ron nod and take off down the street as I sneak into the quidditch shop and walk up to the assistant.

"Excuse me, I'd like to buy that broom." I say as I point to the window

The young man's eyes widen as he grabs the broom and wraps it. I pay quickly and ask them to ship it straight to the house so Harry wouldn't see it.

I walk into Madam Malkins to find Harry on one of her floating pedestals, being fitted for his first robe. I smile before my a lump forms in my throat - James and Lily should be here. Not me.

"What do you think Sirius?" Molly asks me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I nod and put on my most convincing smile as the robes are wrapped and paid for. I notice both Harry and Ron are acting a bit sluggish and smothering the occasional yawn - it really doesn't take too much to tire them out. I wrap my arm around Harry's shoulders as I suggest we all head home to take a nap. Harry and I say our goodbyes to the Weasleys as we floo back to Grimmauld Place.

I place all of Harry's school supplies on the table and order Kreacher to put them away as I lead Harry upstairs to his bedroom. He sighs happily as his head hits the pillow and I smile at his sleepy form. I pull the covers up to his chin as I kiss his forehead.

"Get some rest, sport. When you wake up, we'll dig into your birthday supper. I told Kreacher to start on the roast beef early so it's extra tender - the way you like it. And then maybe we can cook up something sweet to send along with your thank you letter to Hagrid."

Harry's eyes open and blink slowly. "Hey Siri?"

"Yeah kiddo?"

"Thanks .. for everything." he groans out sleepily.

I smile and turn out the light.

"Happy Birthday Harry."


Hi everyone!

I'm so much happier with this chapter! I love writing for Sirius! Thanks to everyone for all the support and positive reviews - they mean the world. I hope you enjoy this chapter!

PLEASE REVIEW

xoxo

I recieved some questions about my favorite things, I know many of you won't care, but it's just easier to do it this way.

What is your favorite movie?

The Harry Potter Movies (DDDUUUUHHHHH), Lengend's of the Fall, Guardians of the Galaxy, Lone Survivor, Lawless, Miracle, Perks of Being A Wallflower, The Sherlock Holmes movies ... ETC.

Favorite TV show?

Outlander (ahdbjssdbhbf I'm so obsessed with this!) / Black Sails - STARZ

Game of Thrones - HBO

Vikings - History Channel

What is your favorite song?

All time favorite song is Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops by the Cocteau Twins.

Favorite Books?

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Looking For Alaska by John Green

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

What is your favorite place to be?

My bed ... seriously.

What is your favorite country?

SCOTLAND!

What is your favorite store?

Barnes and Noble, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works ...

What is your favorite animal?

All Time Favorite: WOLF

Otters, Red Pandas, Fennec Foxes