The next morning all four boys fell quickly back into the rhythm of things. They started off their day with a rousing pillow fight, that made a tousle-haired Frank Longbottom sigh in disgust. Sirius, who got ready in the shortest amount of time and still always looked better-dressed, waited by the door while the other three boys got ready for breakfast. They may have been slightly hindered by the fact that he kept levitating their belongings. Professor Flitwick had just gone over the spell which came rather naturally to Sirius.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
"Sirius! We are never going to get breakfast if I can't reach my shirt!" A half-dressed Remus complained while he continued to jump for the garment.
Sirius just grinned and flicked his wand with another "Wingardium Leviosa" and Remus flew into the air level with his still levitating shirt.
The boys did not make it to breakfast early, and Remus was still grumbling about how that wasn't what he meant! They went to sit down, and noticed that the mail had already come. A large tufted owl that was pristinely groomed sat glaring in wait for them. Sirius paled when he saw it. It perched on top of a large package wrapped in emerald and silver paper.
"Haha, maybe they just didn't get the memo yet mate" James said, valiantly trying to laugh off the situation. Sirius sat down and quietly opened the package which contained a letter written in an elegant scrawl on top of what looked like more green and silver items. The other boys noticed that Sirius paled further with each line of the letter.
Dear Sirius Orion Black,
I know all about your treachery in choosing Gryffindor. Our family does not associate with such mudbloods and blood-traitors. While you carry the Black family name, it is unacceptable for you to make a mockery of our values. I have written the headmaster, and you have an appointment with him today at 2 o'clock to discuss arrangements for your resorting into Slytherin. I expect you to wear the enclosed appropriate garments. Sources tell me that you have been fraternizing with the blood traitor, Potter, and two other boys with dubious parentage. You are not to have any further contact with them.
Your Mother,
Walburga Black
James quietly pulled the letter out of Sirius' frozen hands. He read it quickly and then passed it to Remus and Peter with a murderous look. They all set uncertainly, staring at the boy who was shaking before them.
"Mate, do what you have to do, but you will always be one of us." James finally said, slinging an arm around Sirius' shoulder. Sirius pushed himself free of James' embrace and grabbed the letter back from Sirius. He quickly shredded it and tossed it in the bin along with the emerald contents of the package. James applauded, but Remus and Peter looked concerned.
"I just don't want you to get in trouble over us." Remus muttered quietly. Sirius returned to the table waving his Gryffindor scarf in circles over his head.
"I could never be one of them." He spat with disgust at the farthest table. The boys enjoyed what was left of their breakfast time and merrily made their way to class. As the day went on, however, Sirius began to look more and more concerned. He knew that he couldn't just skive off a meeting with Professor Dumbledore, so at 1:45 he told the others goodbye and went off in search of the headmaster. Luckily, he ran into Professor Flitwick, who was happy to show him the way.
"You really are quite a hand at charms, my boy. I think you will enjoy what we are getting to next. It is going to be a fun year!" Flitwick squeaked, filling the air with an endless stream of chatter. Sirius was glad for the distraction. It slowed the trepidation that was building in his chest. He knew how powerful his parents were. If they wanted him to be in Slytherin, he should probably pack his bags.
He thanked Professor Flitwick, who showed him how to get past a large stone gargoyle, and knocked quietly on the large oak door.
"Come in" Professor Dumbledore's voice called back quickly. He pushed the door open to find himself alone with the headmaster. He thought it would be a little longer in his first year before he found himself facing the headmaster, or at least, because of something he had done.
"Good evening, Mr. Black, sit down and have a lemon drop." Professor Dumbledore said and offered up a tin of the sweets. Sirius took one gingerly. The headmaster seemed to be drinking in every aspect of the boy. He stared so long that Sirius began to wipe at his face thinking he must have something on it.
"You do not wish to leave Gryffindor." It was not stated as a question. Sirius looked up at the Professor in surprise.
"No sir." He said with a strength and finality that surprised himself.
"Good, good. I thought not, by your display of house pride at the breakfast table" the headmaster said, still surveying him over those half-moon glasses. "Of course, the hat's decision is final, and I will be happy to communicate that to your parents. I thought we should take the opportunity to talk though. The magical world is dividing at taking sides around us. You have chosen differently from your family. I can only imagine what a hard path this will be for you to take, but I am here if you need to talk." Dumbledore finished a bit sadly.
"I will be fine, Professor. The Gryffindors are my family now sir." Professor Dumbledore looked delighted at his response.
"That was a very brave, a very Gryffindor thing to say. I think you will do well there. Now if you will excuse me, I do believe I have some mail to write to one Walburga Black" Dumbledore clapped him on the shoulder and then showed him the door.
Sirius nearly skipped back to his common room. He couldn't wait to tell James, Peter, and Remus that he would be staying. Sirius knew that he would panic if he thought about the reception that he would receive when he returned home for the holidays, but that was so far away. He stopped in the doorway of the common room and took in the warm scene around him before being pulled away to join his three friends. They demanded the details of his meeting and were jumping in excitement when he told them he was officially staying.
"So this means you know how to get into the headmaster's office?" James said with a mischievous smile before they all burst into laughter.
