Chapter 3

The train pulled into the station in Hogsmeade slowly. The students on the train began to gather up their items and look out the windows. First years wandered around aimlessly in confusion, following the older students.

In their compartment, James, Remus, and Peter all stood up and began to leave the train. All around them people were pushing impatiently and somewhat angrily. James rolled his eyes and managed to get off of the train, standing by while he waited for Remus and Peter to join him. As he stood there, he watched as Black got off a little bit ahead of him, accompanied by Lucius Malfoy, Severus Snape, and the Black sisters, Bellatrix and Narcissa. James sneered at them from his position before turning his attention to his friends who finally managed to get over to him.

Remus, who had followed James's gaze over to the Slytherins, frowned slightly. "You know," he muttered in James's ear, "he might not be that bad."

James, in return, turned to scowl at his friend. "That one has Slytherin written all over his future. I honestly would think that the sorting hat was broken should he be sorted anywhere else."

Peter furrowed his eyebrows and looked at James as if he had lost his mind. "That would mean that any of us could have been sorted wrong. I mean, a lot of people think I should be in Hufflepuff."

James looked at Peter and had to bite his tongue to stop a smart retort. It was conceivable that Peter had been mis-sorted, but to say so would just be…well, mean. But Sirius Black was simply born for Slytherin. His entire family had been in Slytherin, with a few exceptions who were considered blood-traitors. James shuddered slightly at the thought and led them to find a carriage.

Meanwhile, Sirius was looking around, getting lost in the huge crowd and wrapped up in the excited atmosphere. This was totally unlike Durmstrang. At Durmstrang, there was organization and if there wasn't, then there was discipline. Sirius shuddered slightly at the different forms of "discipline" before following Snape over to a carriage. As they searched for an empty carriage, Sirius couldn't help but notice the strange creatures that were pulling the carriages. He cocked his head, examining them, but decided to not say anything.

They came to one that was empty and piled inside, Snape sitting next to Sirius and Bellatrix sitting next to Malfoy, who had Narcissa sitting on his lap. Sirius watched them for a moment as they teased each other, Malfoy occasionally tickling her and Narcissa randomly kissing his cheek. Sirius turned away in mild disgust. Well, it was what she had been born for. It was always planned for her to become a witch trained in the dark arts and to be married to a wealthy pureblood wizard trained in the dark arts.

Sirius turned towards the window and found himself praying that he would not be in Slytherin. Sure he loved his cousins and if he had to, he could most likely get along with Malfoy and Snape for a little bit, but it wasn't his preference. Who would really want to be friends with these selfish money seekers? Not Sirius Black.

In his own carriage, Remus talked to James about their newest goal. James desired to become an Animagus in order to help Remus during his full moon transformations. For the past three years, James had researched, studied, and attempted to become an animagi. Unfortunately, it was more difficult than James had thought that it would be and even though he was the brightest student in their year, he was still having difficulty transforming. Which mean that it was virtually impossible for Peter at all.

"You do realize that it's ok," Remus said softly, staring out the window for a moment before turning his gaze to his friend.

James shrugged. "I know, but I still really want to be there for you. It's not right that you have to go through your transformations without any help."

Peter nodded enthusiastically. "I agree," he said softly. "After all, what good are friends if they don't try their best to make life experiences easier?"

Remus smiled slightly. "I know, but you guys, this is my trial. Someday I'll have to face it alone. Don't beat yourselves up over your…difficulty."

Sighing, James rolled his eyes. "Then maybe I just want to become an Animagus simply because it sounds like a good way to terrorize people."

At that, Remus laughed and shook his head. "Then have fun terrorizing people. I just hope you aren't planning any pranks involving an Animagus for a long time. It's still gonna take you a while."

James chuckled and nodded. "I know, but I can dream. Stop bursting my happy bubble!"

Remus rolled his eyes and smiled when he saw the great castle that was Hogwarts looming ahead of them. "Welcome home, guys," he muttered softly. Both James and Peter turned and smiled at him, all eagerly watching the approaching castle.

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"Welcome to your new home," Malfoy said, a smile on his pale face as he flourished his hands towards the window. There, Sirius could clearly see the huge castle. The huge castle that was his new home.

Home. It was a foreign word to Sirius's mind. After fifteen years, he was beginning to wonder if he had a true home. After all, he hated his parents' house too much for it to be his home, and Durmstrang was too cold and strict to be anything but a prison. And staring up at the huge castle, Sirius had a vague feeling that this would be just another cruel form of a prison. Especially if he was sorted into Slytherin.

Oh wait, Sirius reminded himself, I want to be in Slytherin.

Oh yeah, that's really what you want. That way you can please everyone around you and end up hating your life more.

Hey, what side are you on? An evil voice was chuckling in his head.

Your side, of course. There is no other side for a mind to be on.

Then stop corrupting my Slytherin oriented mind!

Stop lying to yourself…

Sirius shook his head to stop his thoughts, causing the other Slytherins to look at him in mild concern. Concern for my money…

SHUT UP!

"Is everything alright Sirius?" asked Bellatrix politely.

"Is it a headache?"

"I know a potion to help headaches."

"That might give him a worse headache, Snape. You could always go see the nurse immediately."

"Or maybe he's fine and just completely overwhelmed by your constant nagging."

"You guys," Sirius broke in, looking at the four Slytherins as if they had lost their minds. "I'm fine. I just need to go to bed. The sooner the better."

"Of course," a smooth Malfoy said. "There's absolutely no need for a potion."

"Or a nurse," added Narcissa.

Sirius rolled his eyes and sprang up out of his seat as soon as the carriage came to a halt. The strange animals were still standing there patiently. Sirius gave them a quick glance before he started climbing up the stairs to the castle. Behind him, he could hear Bellatrix, Narcissa, Malfoy, and Snape scrambling to catch up with him.

The joys of being the Black heir.

At least you get the fortune…

Shut up.

It's simply the upside to your sad excuse of a life.

At least I have a life…

Ah, but are you really who you want to be?

A.N. It's hot. Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. I wasn't sure how to proceed. I think this is good. I kinda thought showing how torn Sirius was would be kinda cool. You'll probably end up seeing more of his counter personality. Either way, I hope you enjoyed his chapter. Please review and thanks for reading.