Chapter 2:

Sirius Black

'Sit down, Mr. Black,' Minerva McGonagall spoke, her eyes trained on the parchment spread out in front of her. Her instructions went unnoticed as Sirius Black had already lounged on the chair facing the professor, even before her command.

Finally professor McGonagall tore her eyes away from the parchment to study the grinning face of her young pupil, Sirius Black.

She frowned in disapproval; the scarlet and golden tie hanging loosely around his neck, his shirt untucked and unkept without the final coating of his school robes, a carefree grin stretching on his face and his fingers drumming on the armrest of his plush chair.

'Might I remind you, Mr. Black that you have appeared for your career consultancy session and not to showcase your vocal talent.' McGonagall snapped to drown out the voice of Sirius as he hummed a sweet melody, grinning stupidly.

'Oh, no need for a reminder professor,' He began, 'you've written me a letter five times this week, reminding me the exact date and time for this session.'

'Naturally, considering you often fail to show up even at detentions.'

'Or maybe you were really looking forward to my charming talks.' Sirius suggested.

He flashed a grin as McGonagall sniffed angrily.

'Let us not fool around, Mr. Black. I have a long list of students to attend to, including your friend Remus Lupin, in a short span of time,' She cleared her throat as Sirius opened his mouth to interrupt her again.

'Normally, I would start by suggesting possible career schemes for the students based on their performances. But it seems that no matter how incompetent with the school rules you might be, you've still managed to scrape at least the minimal standards set by the professors to allow you to take their NEWTS. This, and your exceptional performances in your Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts clear your path for a lot of interesting choices.'

Sirius' eyes gleamed with excitement and pride.

'I want to become an Auror.' He exclaimed.

McGonagall frowned, 'There are other screening processes that you will be judged on.'

'I am sure they would be no trouble for James and I.' He waved it off.

'Sirius, have you thought about it before? Or is it just an irrational decision bec-because of the recent events regarding You-know-who?'

'Yes!' He said, 'it's the perfect time to help out the Ministry contain them; to fight for the Light! The perfect time to.. to prove to them that I am no Bellatrix!'

McGonagall frowned sadly, 'I don't think you have the right reasons for pursuing this career, Black.'

Sirius winced, 'You dont want me to..?'

McGonagall raised her eyebrows, 'It is not for me to want anything, Bla-'

Sirius stood up, 'So that's what it is. Always, 'Black' and never Sirius. That's what I am, a Black; and that is how I am supposed to end. No place for me in the Light because the name Black is a shade too dark.'

'Siri-'

'I'll prove it to you, and the rest of the world, professor - I am more than just an old name.' He declared, his voice low, as he trudged slowly out of her office, his shoulders slumped.