A/N Wow, I don't know where this came from. I've always wanted to write a Harry Potter (especially Marauders Era fic), but never got around to it. Then, all of a sudden inspiration hit and I couldn't get the idea of Sirius and a Slytherin character out of my head. I have big plans for this story (lots of angst and equal fluff!) and I can't wait to write more. I hope you enjoy and apologies if it's rubbish as I'm a little bit rusty.
Chapter 1: Back to Hogwarts
"It is impossible to live in the past, difficult to live in the present and a waste to live in the future." – Frank Herbert
Ava Burke inhaled deeply, allowing herself a moment of calm appreciation as she took in the scene before her. The excited buzzing as students rushed to stow their luggage, the fussing of parents as they said their goodbyes, the warm steam billowing out of the familiar scarlet train…it was time to return to Hogwarts.
She'd waved her parents off a moment before, ignoring their protests as she insisted that she'd be more than capable of seeing herself onto the train. After all, she'd probably receive an owl from her mum tomorrow enquiring about how everything was going.
A gasp of surprise escaped her lips as a body suddenly came barrelling out of nowhere, flinging themselves into her arms.
"I've missed you."
Ava laughed softly, slightly taken aback as she returned the friendly gesture. She had never been an overly affectionate person. A fact which had always amused her best friend and prompted him to hug her at every opportunity that presented itself. After all, Benjy Fenwick was a true Hufflepuff through and through.
"I've missed you too Benjy. Did you have a good summer?" She asked brightly, pulling away to examine her friend.
"The best!" He exclaimed, wrapping an arm around her as he guided them towards the train. "Dad took me to my first football game – the World Cup no less."
Ava grinned as she noticed the wide smile on his face, his eyes twinkling as he continued to babble with excitement. True, she might not be able to fully appreciate the wonders of the muggle sport (or the 'beauty' of the winning goal), but she loved seeing how happy it made her friend.
Speaking of friends, her eyes drifted down the platform to the familiar group of Slytherins gathered together. A small smile flitted across her face as she raised a hand in greeting, her heart fluttering nervously as a few returned her smile and nodded at her in recognition.
With the war continuing to intensify, things had become rather tense in Slytherin House towards the end of fourth year. Even culminating in a confrontation between Ava and one of the more outspoken pureblood-sympathisers as she attempted to thwart their attempt to bully a muggleborn first year.
She would have been lying to say she hadn't been nervous about returning to Hogwarts…and the potential cold shoulder she may receive from her housemates. Fortunately, it seemed like the summer had healed old conflicts as Regulus Black shot her a smirk, subtly sneaking a glance at his mother and father who stood proudly behind him.
A sigh escaped Ava's lips as she followed his gaze, quickly realising that it would be wise to keep her distance. Despite technically being 'pureblood', it was no secret that families like the Blacks despised ones like hers for what they deemed 'sick fraternisation' with muggles. Ava was sure she'd even heard the term 'blood traitor' whispered behind her back last year. Given Walburga's infamous temper, it would be best to give Reg space and just catch up with him later when they were in the safety of the castle.
"What's the long face for?" Benjy asked quizzically, his brown furrowing as he picked up on the air of sadness surrounding his friend.
Ava quickly shook her head and forced a bright smile as she pulled on Benjy's jumper, urging him to follow her as she climbed up the train steps. "Never mind. Let's see if we can find Dorcas."
All she could hope for is that things wouldn't change too much this year.
"Are you sure I can't tempt you to stay?" Benjy mumbled, cramming yet another chocolate frog into his mouth as he gestured at the huge pile of sweets beside him.
"With poor manners like that?" Dorcas shot him a look of dismay as he unwittingly smeared chocolate across his mouth, frowning as she placed down the book she'd been engrossed in for the past half-hour. "Probably not." She quipped good-humouredly. But, make sure to save us some for when we get back."
"Sure." Benjy grinned wickedly. "Just to clarify, is that an order from my new prefects?" He saluted teasingly as Dorcas walked past him.
"No, it's an order from your two best friends which is even more important." Ava replied, playfully rolling her eyes as rose from her seat. "We'll see you after the meeting."
Of course, she and Dorcas had been expecting teasing from him about their new roles. Indeed, it had only taken Benjy five minutes to jokingly offer to polish their 'shiny new badges'. Ava smiled softly at Dorcas as she walked beside her, the two of them falling into casual conversation as they made their way towards the end of the train.
The two girls had been friends ever since first year when Dorcas had come to her rescue during a Flying Class. It had always been Ava's worst subject, but thanks to the Ravenclaw's extensive knowledge of broomology and best techniques, she'd just about managed to survive the year. Four years later and she still relied upon her friend's talents and good nature to get her through the more challenging times at school.
"I'm really excited about this year." Dorcas exclaimed, raking a hand through her dark hair. "I can't wait for my appointment with Professor Flitwick. I mean there's just so many possibilities for future study and, with the two of us being prefects as well-" She gently nudged Ava. "I think it's going to be a great year."
Ava grinned at her friend's enthusiasm, silently praying that Dorcas was right. She herself felt thrilled by the same prospects, but a small part of her was nervous at the thought of exams and what the future could hold.
However, her thoughts were rudely interrupted as a loud crash echoed around the corridor. Then, utter chaos was unleashed.
Screams pierced their air as students were knocked harshly to the ground. The culprits were two trunks which came hurtling towards them at full speed, their contents spilling out and littering the train with garments.
Dorcas shrieked as she threw herself to the side to avoid being hit. However, Ava used the split second available to draw her wand and quickly stop the trunks in their tracks, sending them crashing down with a thud.
"I'M TELLING YOU I'M GOING TO WIN!"
"IN YOUR DREAMS JAMES, I-"
Ava internally groaned as the boys came racing towards her, knowing full well the identity of the two students stupid enough to think that this stunt was funny.
"Potter. Black." She replied coolly. "Why am I not surprised?"
The two of them stopped in their tracks, their mouths falling open in shock as they glanced down at the battered cases on the floor. Clearly, they hadn't anticipated their prank being foiled this early.
It was just Ava's luck to run into the troublesome duo on their first day back. She'd thankfully had little to do with their group due to them being in Gryffindor, yet their James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew had a knack for rule-breaking mischief-making that made them famous across the entire school.
In Ava's opinion, they were completely unworthy of such glory considering the poor victims of their pranks ended up caught in the crossfire.
"You know, if you want to avoid detention this year, I'd suggest keeping your antics further away from the prefect compartment." She told them coolly, folding her arms across her chest.
"Is she giving us tips Sirius?" James replied cheekily, smirking at the flutter of annoyance on Ava's face.
"Who would have guessed it?" Sirius chuckled, flicking his hair casually as he took a step forward. "Besides, I thought most girls loved having our antics near them." He flashed Ava a devilish smirk as she flushed at his insinuation. James roared with laughter behind him.
"It's astonishing that your neck manages to keep that MASSIVE head of yours upright Black." She snapped, flicking her wand so that the trunk hit Sirius's foot. "Now pick up your stuff and get back to your compartment."
The pair of boys exchanged devious grins. "Well, it's not really our stuff." James explained, holding his chin in mock thoughtfulness as Sirius snorted.
"Then whose is it?" Dorcas asked, rolling her eyes at their childish behaviour. The two really did have a reputation at Hogwarts for being the biggest troublemakers and it was clear that they'd be a big source of grief for the new prefects this year.
"Potter!" The angry shout seemed to echo down the corridor as a girl strode towards them, her red hair flying behind her. "How dare you do that to Severus's things!"
"Alright Evans? Have a good summer?"
If looks could have killed, James Potter would have been dead on the spot.
"Give them back to him now." She hissed, her cheeks flaring with heat as she glared at him. Every inch of her features was covered with immense dislike. It seemed unusual for girl who seemed to be popular and so well-liked amongst most students.
Then again, Potter and his friends did have a way of attracting animosity…and not just from Slytherins either.
"Sure thing. If you'd just go out with me, I'll-"
Lily snorted loudly. "I'd sooner die than go out with you Potter." She grimaced as if the mere thought was enough to make her shudder. "Now give Severus-"
"Snivellus."
Lily's green eyes danced furiously at Sirius's interruption, but before she could open her mouth to respond a new arrival to the group arrived.
"Time for the prefect meeting?" Remus Lupin asked quietly, shooting his friends a disappointed look as he glanced down at the dishevelled trunks. "I'm afraid we'll end up missing the start if we don't head in now."
The calmness in his tone made Ava's lips turn upwards into a smile. It wasn't surprising at all that Dumbledore had granted Lupin the prefect badge. His talent for appeasement would be wonderfully suited to the role…hopefully including when it came to reigning in his friends' mischief.
Lily slowly nodded before pointing her wand at James. "If these haven't been returned to Severus by the time we get out…" Her threat didn't need finishing as the look in her eyes manage to convey it perfectly.
She and Remus made their way into the compartment, politely holding the door open for Dorcas and Ava to follow.
So much for a peaceful school year…
"I can't believe you two have detention already." Peter whispered, his small watery eyes wide with shock and evident admiration as he surveyed his two friends. "That has to be a new record."
Sirius shot him a reproachful look. "Well, it was hardly part of our plan Pete. We have plenty of better things to be doing this year than spending our evenings polishing trophies." He muttered darkly, his dark hair sweeping across his face as he lowered his head.
Usually Sirius would have been proud of an 'achievement' like this, but knowing that it would hinder their plans to discover a way to help accompany Remus on his monthly 'excursions' put him in a sour mood. After all, they'd spent all summer discussing the topic in back-and-forth owls and plotting their plan of action…which was now in jeopardy on the first day back.
If there was one thing Sirius Black hated it was not being able to be there for his friends.
James too looked a little downtrodden by the news, frowning as he briefly glanced up at the sorting taking place. It felt as if an eternity had passed since its beginning and they were only halfway through the students.
"Gilderoy Lockhart?"
"I wonder who snitched?" James hissed, leaning closer to Sirius. "It must have been one of the prefects."
"Ravenclaw!"
Sirius clapped half-heartedly as the small blonde boy strode confidentially over to his new house table. "Must have been." He agreed grimly, however a small smirk crept onto his face as a moment passed. "Maybe it was Remus?" He quipped, biting back a chuckle at the amused look on his friend's face.
"I can assure you it wasn't."
The group sat in a comfortable silence (prompted by Professor McGonagall's icy glare) as the remainder of the students were called up to the sorting hat. However, as Albus Dumbledore slowly rose to his feet, Sirius sat up a little bit straighter.
"This should be interesting." He murmured to James who nodded in agreement. Given everything that was happening outside the walls of Hogwarts, the Headmaster's speech was rather more anticipated than usual.
"Before we begin our banquet, I would like to firstly welcome you all back to Hogwarts." Dumbledore said, looking around at them all. "Secondly, Mr Filch has asked me to reiterate that students should stay clear of our new Whomping Willow. Evidently, even after four years of its existence, some of us are still…daring to test out its aggression."
All four boys bit back grins at the notice, knowing full-well the reason behind the tree's existence. Remus instinctively ducked his head down and stared at his plate to avoid his friends' knowing glances.
"Lastly, I would like to wish you a fantastic year ahead – regardless of the challenges you may face along the way." Dumbledore's smile faded slightly as he continued. "As we all know, we are facing dark times in our world and it is only with the courage and wisdom of young people such as yourselves that we can ever hope to heal."
Everyone was now quietly listening to him, even the excitable first-years looked solemn as they stared up at their new headmaster.
"I implore you all to remember that it is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities."
Sirius felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise as the atmosphere grew even more tense. He felt Peter shift uncomfortably next to him as James's eyes filled with determination. This year truly did feel different already…
"Now enough talk, tuck in!"
Dumbledore's sudden announcement cut through the air like a knife, immediately lifting the tension as food appeared along the tables. Peter moaned in delight as he began piling his plate high, prompting Sirius to roll his eyes at him.
"I bet you it was that Slytherin."
Sirius frowned as he glanced at James who was eagerly tucking into a chicken leg. "What Slytherin?" He had no love for the house that sheltered the darkest wizards or encouraged his family's insane pureblood supremacy. Even the word tasted foul on his mouth.
"That new prefect on the train before. The one who stopped our prank. I bet she's the one who landed us in detention." James explained, nodding as if to congratulate himself on his own wisdom.
"Those gits are always looking to get us in trouble." Sirius agreed, stabbing a roast potato on his plate in an effort to release some of his anger. "Self-serving prats."
James grinned at his insult, before deciding to use the opportunity to speak to his crush. "Oi, Evans!"
Lily scowled in annoyance as she reluctantly turned her head towards James. She was sat further down the table with her group of friends. "What Potter?"
"That Slytherin prefect from before. The girl who's got us detention. How horrible is she?" He asked cheekily, enjoying the chuckles he received from Sirius and Peter.
Lily's green eyes narrowed. "Actually, she's pretty pleasant Potter. Which is more than I can say for you." She sniped, swiftly turning her back on James as she spun back around to her amused friends.
James looked slightly stunned and his ears turned pink as he tried to stammer out a response. However, this only amplified the roaring laughter from his friends as they howled at his misfortune.
It wasn't until the end of the feast that Sirius felt his eyes drift over to the Slytherin table. Perhaps it was Dumbledore's words about 'dark times' and 'choices', but he found his gaze fixed upon his younger brother.
It had been a terrible summer at home with more arguments than ever before between Sirius and his parents. But, unlike all the other years, it had been the first one that Regulus and Sirius hadn't spoken a word to each other at all...which had made it even worse.
It had stung, but Sirius was too proud to be the one to make the first move. Perhaps it the distance growing between them was inevitable. After all, wasn't Regulus the 'perfect son' he could never be? He felt that familiar anger bubbling in his stomach as he watched his brother grin widely.
He was happy.
Then, Sirius's eyes flickered towards the person sat next to Regulus and his brow furrowed in confusion. It was the girl from the train. The Slytherin prefect who had already caused trouble for him. Her long hair fell across her face as she laughed at Regulus's words, her pale skin illuminated by the soft glow of the candles.
The bright smile on her face made his stomach twist uncomfortably.
Then, her hazel eyes met his for a moment. Sirius took a deep breath, the room seeming to freeze as their gaze met.
"Sirius, can you pass the profiteroles please?"
James's sudden question made Sirius jump slightly in surprise, breaking him out of his daze. Unfortunately, James's had already noticed where his gaze had been lingering, his hazel eyes eventually landing on the table lauded with dark green banners.
"I take it that things haven't improved at home during the summer?" His friend murmured quietly, sneaking a glance at Regulus before looking at Sirius in concern.
"No." Sirius muttered, shaking his head as he quickly turned his focus to the huge plate of profiteroles. "Did you want these or not?"
James looked taken aback by his sudden determination to change the subject, but Sirius simply didn't want to take about his summer or his crazy family. He just wanted to focus on being back at Hogwarts with his friends…the place he belonged.
Most importantly, he needed to rid himself of any thoughts associated with the Black family, Slytherin house…or their new prefect.
A/N So, there's the first chapter! I've got most of fifth year planned out, so I'm hoping to make a good start and keep my motivation going. I'm really excited to delve into Sirius's character and also the First Wizarding War. If you have any feedback or comments I'd love to hear from you! :) xx