Disclaimer: This is JK Rowling's world, and her characters. This is not a true Harry Potter™ story.

AN: I know, I know. I deserve to be decapitated. Hung, drawn and quartered. Fed to manticores. Whatever you choose. I was going to give up writing fanfiction – I lost my writer's block in terms of original fiction. Then, I started feeling guilty.

I'm gonna try and write a load of chapters over the weekend, then put them up gradually. When my exams are over, hopefully I'll have time to do both original work and fanfiction. I hope.

Review Responses:

Cecelle: I never thought of that, but you're right. I'm glad you thought the ending worked well! Thank you for reviewing.

Mssparrington: Thank you for reviewing! Yes, you're right; it is fascinating.

Allacaya: Lol, I don't think anyone would call her that to her face. I'm glad you liked them! And I'm glad my Snape sounded realistic – I'm always worried they don't sound real. Thank you for reviewing – it was so long!

PleaseExcuseTheOrneryPenguins: Thank you for reviewing – I'm glad you liked it!

Sorting Warriors
Chapter Three: The Sorting of Sirius Black

A tall, black-haired boy walked casually towards the stool, an arrogant smirk on his face as he sat down and placed the battered hat on his head.

"Mr. Black. You seem very self-assured," a voice noted.

He smirked. Of course. I'm going to be a Slytherin; what else would I be?

"You are sure of that?"

Of course. I'm a Black.

"I think you are confused. Perhaps you should have listened to my song closer?"

Sirius started. What do you mean? I'm a Slytherin, not some Muggle-lover! I –"

"Please stop that. It's rather annoying, and I don't want to take all day."

He remained silent, his breathing hitched. He had to be sorted into Slytherin. He was the Black heir!

"Thank you. Slytherin chose his pupils for their cunning and ambition. Although he hated those whose blood was impure, he did not care about his students' beliefs, just their abilities. Slytherin is cunning and ambitious – they do not necessarily hate Muggles, or wish for purity. They are not richer. And while you have a small – very small – measure of cunning…"

This cannot be possible! Sirius interrupted. His eyes were wide under the dark canopy of the Hat and he ignored the sensation of pain in his hands from his tight grip on the seat of the stool.

"Mr. Black! Do not interrupt me – my decision will be made whether you think it is wise or not. You have cunning, but little. You are loyal, intelligent –"

Ravenclaw?

"– And immensely brave."

Not Gryffindor! I cannot be a Gryffindor. I refuse to be.

"A Slytherin would try to deceive or convince those who have power over them. Notice how you decided to argue with me. Not very Slytherin-like, is it? But a Gryffindor might do that, mightn't he?"

He fell silent, not knowing what to say: he couldn't think of how to deceive or manipulate the Hat. His mother… she would kill him. He gulped, remembering her talks on blood traitors.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

He heard mutters and gasps, and cringed. Then, he decided. "I refuse – this cannot be right. I will be a Slytherin."

There were more gasps and disapproving mutters. He thought he heard some of the Gryffindors saying they didn't want him either, but he ignored that.

"Mr. Black," an old, male voice came from behind him. "I'm afraid you have no choice. You are a Gryffindor; you can no more change that than you can your beliefs. It takes time and a will to change – and even then, it is often impossible. Please, take a seat at your table."

"No, I refuse."

"Mr. Black, I'm afraid if you do not, I will have to punish you for this."

Sirius opened his mouth to say he didn't care, but was interrupted. "And I think this isn't really a Slytherin quality. A Gryffindor might argue with the Hat and Headmaster, but a Slytherin would use his cunning to find another way. Please, take your seat."

Blushing, he stood up and walked over to the table, ignoring the glares. He looked for his cousin, Bella, at the Slytherin table, but she ignored him. Suddenly, he felt sick. What will Mother and Father do?

AN:

Also, this is my interpretation of Sirius at eleven: I believe Hogwarts made him the way he was as an adult. You're free to tell me I'm wrong – as long as you can justify it.

Anyway, thank you for reading! Please review – tell me whether you like it, or not, and anyway you think I can improve it.

Tania xx