A/N: Though I got the rough draft of this chapter written very quickly, it took a lot of rewording and changing to get it where I wanted it. I am very happy with it and I hope you all enjoy it.
Also I made a note of this in my profile, but with some of the names and spelling of the characters have been changed chapter to chapter. This is my fault because I never kept a list or track of it, but now I have and when I have spare time I will be going back to old chapters so all the names and spellings are consistent.
With a sigh of relief, James Potter sank into the closest couch to the entrance of the common room. So far it had been a perfect day. His flying had been close to perfect during Quidditch tryouts. Now it was about two hours after tryouts and he was contemplating which of the 16 players presented real competition. Certainly Darien Robertson, his flying partner and the seventh year girl with pigtails; Andrianna as well though more for her potential than her skill at the present moment and there were the two sixth year boys who were friends with Robert McCoy.
Peter joined him shortly, taking the seat next to him on the couch. He had his History of Magic homework unfinished in his lap. "I'm bored," he said looking at James hopefully for distraction.
"I'm too tired to do anything," James said, "Anyway you need to finish those questions."
Peter grumbled to himself, but he turned his attention at least away from James. At the present moment all James wanted to do was imagine helping Gryffindor bring home the House Cup this year and by his seventh year being hounded by Professional Quidditch agents.
"Maybe Remus will help me when he gets back…" Peter murmured jolting James out of his daydream.
"Hmmm…they have been gone a long time, haven't they?"
Peter muttered something along the lines of an affirmative answer. A half an hour later, Remus and Sirius stumbled into the common room. Without a word, Sirius nudged Peter out of the seat next to James. Because all the other seats were taken, Peter was forced to sit on the floor next to Remus, who also looked tired and beaten.
"Took you long enough," James exclaimed, "Did you clean every room in the castle?"
"Seemed like it. Remus got off easy."
"I don't know about that," Remus answered quickly.
"All you had to do was write an essay!" Sirius scoffed.
"You're kidding," James responded, "An essay?"
"She kept making me rewrite it," Remus explained and James noticed that he was careful not to look any of them in the eye.
"An essay on what?" Peter asked glad to join in any conversation that could distract him from his homework.
"Werewolves," Sirius responded for Remus, "I on the other hand had to clean a mountain of crusted jars that Adair retrieved from a closet that probably hasn't been opened since Salazar Slytherin was here. Who knows what was in those jars…" After a moment of contemplation Sirius added, "Why did she keep making you rewrite it, Remus?"
"I didn't make the werewolves seem blood thirsty enough." There was an odd expression on Remus's face.
"And that's hard to do?" Peter looked skeptical.
Sirius yawned, "Why would that matter anyway?"
"I don't know," Remus said shortly his gaze now even with Sirius's, "Ask Professor Adair."
Thwarting a retaliating remark from Sirius, James proclaimed, "I think you both got off easy. An essay? Cleaning some jars? It doesn't make sense. You all saw how livid Adair was in class, yet she went soft on both of you."
Sirius shrugged, "Maybe her bark is worse than her bite."
"Do you at least have detention tomorrow?" James pressed.
"No…well she didn't mention it if we did." Remus turned to Sirius for conformation.
"She didn't mention it to me either."
Though he didn't further express his concern to his friends, James still felt uneasy after hearing their detentions. Adair had only days ago hit James for speaking out of turn. Usually teachers only docked points for that offense and if it occurred repeatedly, a detention might be assigned. Remus and Sirius had cheated, which was a lot worse than speaking out of turn. Plus Adair enjoyed punishing her students, James was sure of it. It would be awhile before he could forget that intent gleeful glint in Adair's eyes.
With some persuasion, Peter convinced Remus to help him with his homework and they both left for the library. As usual Peter promised he would keep on top of it after this, but they all knew he would not. Peter was becoming famous for his procrastination and he had become very talented in persuading his friends to help him. Remus told them he had to look something up in the library anyway…or so he said.
By then the common room was getting crowded, so James asked Sirius if he wanted to take a walk outside before it became too dark. They stopped when they reached the edge of the lake and James picked up a rock to skid across the lake.
"Remember last year when we were looking for the Stone?"
There was a long silence – the waves of water lapped softly along the bank.
"I remember," Sirius answered his body tensing slightly. James squinted at something in the distance. Was it the legendary Giant Squid? Their escapade into the Forbidden Forest last year in search for the Stone of Het Lot was rarely talked about. They had only discussed it once after and it had somehow become a taboo subject. None of them ever mentioned it or referenced to it, but over the summer James had dreamed about it again. He never remembered any of the dreams, only remembering they had something to do with the Stone. And now the water droplets in the grass, the smell of the air, and the way the sun's rays were peaking through a mixture of clouds and trees; all this was bringing him back to that day. The Stone had originally called out to him and maybe that was why he was still sensitive to its existence.
"Are you regretting being eternally bound to Remus, Peter and I?" Sirius asked sarcastically.
James turned, "No, exactly the opposite. Just think, between your parents plan to make us all distrust you and my cousin's attempt with the letter he wrote to you, what chance did our friendship have in surviving over the summer? A very slim chance and yet here we are."
"And if we hadn't visited the Stone, you think right now I'd be having a nice long chat with Bellatrix instead of you?"
"I don't know…maybe…we'll never know for sure…"
"You must remember, James, the Stone binds people, but I think it is their choice to take it from there. Being bound can mean a slew of things, it could mean being mortal enemies or always running into someone no matter how you try to avoid them…or who knows maybe Peter will become a healer and save your son's life…"
James kicked the sand beneath his feet feeling silly for even mentioning it at all.
"Or…" Sirius said slowly, "Friends for life."
Slowly taking a seat letting Sirius's float away into the darkening sky, James said, "I guess we'll just have to wait a seat."
"Did you have any idea which Slytherin snitched on Remus and you?" James asked breaking the comfortable silence that had enfolded.
"The last person Remus saw before Adair was Snapelous."
"He did seem particularly pleased with himself during class."
"I think he would be regardless…and I'm not exactly popular in Slytherin. It could have been anyone really."
"Snapelous has the most motive and who else would have the gall to be such a tattle tale."
"He is a sniveling coward," Sirius admitted standing up a moment and proceeded to skid a rock farther than either of them had, "Ha beat that!"
Glad to take up the challenge, James was disappointed to see that his next rock hadn't skidded very far, "Sniveling Snapelous…say that five times fast!"
"Snivellus!" Sirius rolled the name around with his tongue, "Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? We need to have a chat with him though."
James didn't really feel there was a need to actually talk with Snape. A well placed hex could easily do all the talking for them. Snape needed a quick lesson in the unspoken Hogwarts rules of conduct. Snitching on fellow students, your enemies especially, being one of the top things to avoid doing at all costs. Getting at them with a teacher was low and cowardly, though James could hardly expect anything less from a Slytherin. It would be a waste of time to approach Snape, there was no way he would admit it to them anyway.
"Does Remus believe it was Snape?"
If Remus believed it was Snape that was all the conformation James needed.
"He was very evasive. You know he doesn't like to stir up trouble."
Sirius sat back down again tracking an S with his finger into the sandy gravel, "If you are really itching to get back at him, I know a way…well I know something about Snape…"
"Spill it already," James said impatiently.
"He's a half-blood."
"What-?" His head snapped up.
"Snivellus is a half-blood. The Prince's daughter, who happens to be his mother, married a Muggle."
James searched for something to say. His muscles tensed in response to his uneasiness. As if nature were responding to his thoughts, the wind picked up suddenly and violently. The waves from the lake crashed loudly at their feet, but James barely noticed that his feet were becoming wet.
It was a subject James wished they could avoid. A subject best left for the adults to handle. Though the avoidance of that particular subject was not stopping it from coming up between them. Blood was a subject that had ailed wizards and witches ever since their first integration into the Muggle world.
James was tempted to change the subject. He was worried. Who knew what lies the Black's had fed their heir? Who knew how much of that Sirius believed? If it came up what evidence did James even have to counter the lies Sirius was taught with?
James reminded himself forcefully that the only reason he wasn't agreeing with Sirius was because he had decent parents. His parents had told him to be proud of his pure lineage, but at the same time realize it had shallow importance. It was his choices and decisions that really mattered.
Getting Sirius to understand that blood was meaningless would be the easy part. James was sure that Sirius already realized that. The hard part would be for him to go against everything generations of Black's believed in.
"You see," Sirius continued unaware of the inner argument going inside James's head, "Practically everyone in Slytherin is pureblood…and I know for a fact the Slytherins believe he is one too. If we let it slip…"
"Let it slip?" James had wanted to handle the subject delicately but he could hear the anger in his voice and so could Sirius.
"Is there a problem?" The worst part was Sirius's confusion was genuine.
"Remus is a half-blood," James explained tiredly. He didn't want to discuss this, but at the same time he couldn't leave it at that.
"I'm aware he is…but…but this has nothing to do with him."
"Yes it does! First of all he's our friend! What is he going to think if he finds out we are harassing Snape for being a half-blood!"
"We won't be harassing Snape. The Slytherins will. The Slytherins are the ones who care. He's been lying, pretending to be one of them. Taken into their secret circles, they'll be outraged. His reputation will be ruined."
"And you still claim you don't care that Snape's a half-blood?" James prodded watching Sirius's reaction as much as listening to his words.
Sirius did not answer the question directly, "What's important is I don't care that Remus is a half-blood."
"If you care that Snape's a half-blood, than you also care that Remus is one," James objected coldly. There was no middle ground or second standards with things like that. The only explanation that fit was that it mattered to Sirius whether he was willing to admit it or not.
James could fail to notice the look of outrage on Sirius's face and the betrayal in his cool grey eyes. Had he gone too far? James could only hope in his anger Sirius would sort out what he believed instead of ignoring it all, stowing those ideas in the back of his mind so that he did not have to deal with them. In the end ignoring those feelings and ideas would only backfire.
"If that's true, then why am I friends with Peter and you and most especially Remus?" Sirius spat hotly.
James met Sirius's eyes with a icy gaze and taking a daring plunge, "Well won't that make Mummy and Daddy mad…befriending a blood-traitor, a half-blood, and well I don't know what Peter is, but he's obviously not important enough to make the Black radar."
Sirius was stunned. He opened his mouth to retort angrily, but instead his posture slumped.
"You're right. I am angry at my parents."
The words hung in the air.
"Happy, James? I even hate them at times. The worst part is I'm not rebelling for any honorable reason," Sirius paused in attempt to get his breathing under control, "I'll even admit to wanting to make them mad. I hate their rules. I hate all the formalities at home. I hate them for locking me up all summer. I hate their disappointment most of all. But that was never the reason I became friends with you and that includes half-blood Lupin and Peter. You best never suggest something like that again!"
James exclaimed with exasperation, "Then why can't you see that telling everyone about Snape's parentage is the same or worse than actually doing the harassment yourself. How could we ever condemn the Slytherin's for not treating everyone equally when at the same time giving them ammunition to do that very thing?"
Sirius shook his head, but James continued needing to make his point.
"It's the same thing when the Gryffindors, when I treated you differently because you were a Black. You didn't get sorted into Slytherin and that should have been enough for everyone. It was completely unfair to you. The importance of family name is the same as the importance of blood, completely worthless when judging someone."
"I never lied about being a Black…"
"Let him lie. Let Snivellus pretend what he wants. What do you care what those stuck-up purebloods think?"
"How can I not care? Bella is my cousin! I'm sick of hearing her praising Snape, if only she knew…"
James was finally beginning to understand. Sirius didn't really care about blood one way or the other. Though he wasn't siding with the purists claiming only purebloods were superior, he wasn't on the other side rallying for equal opportunity for everyone.
Sirius cared about what his family thought of him and that was still preventing him from embracing the complete truth. Each small step Sirius made was easily counteracted by a glare across the hall by his cousin, a letter from his father or a surprise visit from his mother.
Feeling he may have been harsher than necessary given the circumstances James said quietly, "Look if you still want to tell the Slytherins about Snape, I won't stop you. I won't be a part of it, but I won't stop you."
"You've taken all the fun of it now."
James shrugged his shoulders in apology, but Sirius jumped in, "But I needed that. Who else would tell me I was out of line?"
In an attempt to lighten the mood, James said, "Now if you happened to know if Snivellus still sucks his thumb that would be worthy enough to spread…"
Sirius laughed and the tension dissipated. The sun was setting – the light of dusk descending upon the two boys standing along the lake's bank. The wind ruffled their hair and James didn't need any magical red and gold light coming from any magical Stone of Fate to feel the comradery between them. They settled into a comfortable conversation about classes, Quidditch and pranks.
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The next morning after a breakfast fit for the royal family, Sirius convinced Remus and Peter to accompany James on a jaunt around the castle. Feigning he was tired, Sirius headed in the opposite direction of his friends. The conversation he had with James last night was still fresh in his mind. Sirius needed silence and time to wallow. Neither would be possible with James around with his infectious nervous energy. In a few hours James would learn if he had made the Quidditch team.
His mind swirled around thoughts about blood, family, and responsibility. His train of thought wandered to his first Muggle interaction. He was about seven or eight and visiting a distant relative who lived in a Muggle neighborhood, which was one of the many reasons, his parents disapproved of this relative.
Down the street from where Sirius and Regulus were playing, two girls were throwing a red ball back and forth between them. Sirius watched them with a pang of loneliness. Playing only with Regulus could get boring easily and he wished he could join them. Regulus was never much fun in the days still ruled by make-believe games. His brother didn't have a great imagination. He took things as face value seeing a makeshift fort for what it was – a pile of cardboard boxes.
His brother was never curious about Muggles either. Sirius wondered many things about them such as what they looked liked and what they ate. Not that Sirius at the time knew these girls were Muggles. Sirius had never actually seen a Muggle so he was forced to use his imagination in that department. He imagined them to be human-like but with hideous deformations, horns coming out of their heads, yellow rotting teeth, and claws instead of fingernails.
Once he had bravely asked his mother how you could tell if a stranger was a Muggle or a wizard. She had looked so severely annoyed at the question that Sirius almost backed down on getting an answer. So only after pestering her, she told him dismissively that it would be obvious and he would just know. Simple as that. As if Sirius had been born with an inner Muggle sensor that would go off when a Muggle neared.
One of the girls approached them asking if they would like to join in. Regulus balked and backed away; he was very shy in those days. The girls weren't wearing robes, but they wore dresses and Sirius had seen his cousins wearing similar garments. The girls giggled at Regulus who watched from the sidewalk gaping openly. Sirius laughed along bragging that he had hit his brother with a Confundus charm (even though Sirius obviously hadn't). This caused the girls to laugh even more and then proceeded to tell him in whispers they also had a secret language with secret words. Sirius wasn't to sure what they were talking about since Confundus charms did exist, but he was too happy to be with other children to worry about that any further.
Later that night when their father had asked them about their day's activities, something they did every night to practice speaking in a formal manner, Regulus had spilled about the girls
"You forgot to ask their surname?" his father demanded, "Do you ever listen to a word I say?"
"Sorry, sir. They lived in the neighborhood…"
"A Muggle neighbor!" his father was outraged, "Were they muggles?"
Concealing the horror he was feeling inside, Sirius realized with trepidation that they had been Muggles. It explained why they hadn't known what a Confundus charm was. "I don't know, sir."
This answer wasn't much better than an affirmative one, but hopefully his parents would be a little less harsh with the punishment that was sure to follow. He was sent to his room that night without supper with only Kreacher to watch over him. At the time Sirius couldn't imagine anything any worse than having the evil creature watching him getting ready for bed.
After that Sirius was careful to only speak to children his parents had properly introduced him to. Well he had followed that rule until he had arrived at Hogwarts. One important thing had never left his mind, he had been very wrong about Muggles.
Lost in thought, Sirius forgot that he was walking alone and exposed at Hogwarts where a quarter of the population would want to curse him on sight. He paid for his inattention. Turning into a dim hallway, he was disarmed before he realized he was no longer alone. He stopped in his tracks, senses alert.
It was Bellatrix. She walked toward him and around scrutinizing every inch. Though he couldn't see into the darkened shadows encompassing the hallway, Sirius knew she had brought her followers along. And unable to see who they were, where they were, and how many put him in a grave disadvantage.
"You look well," she mused still looking him over, "Doesn't look like you are losing any sleep over betraying the family."
"Amazing the difference three meals a day makes," he quipped dryly.
Bella chuckled and gave him a look you would give a misbehaving toddler. His defiance amused her.
"How is Potter?"
Sirius was startled by the mention of James.
"I suggest you warn him to watch his back. I'd say after you he's the least liked student at Hogwarts – if you ask any Slytherin that is." This was something James would be proud of Sirius thought wryly.
"I suppose you have a message for me?" Sirius wanted the conversation to be over as quickly as possible.
"No message I'm afraid. I'm here because we are blood. And at the end of the day, that's all that really matters. I hear you had a run-in with Professor Adair."
"News sure travels fast."
"Only some news," Bella reported lazily, "So you haven't tired of being disobedient? The stench of mudbloods hasn't driven you crazy yet?"
"I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself. I don't want to hear them."
"Oh, wow," Bella laughed looking surprised but not concerned.
"Blood doesn't matter." Sirius was vaguely aware of how much he sounded like Potter. Maybe the lad was finally rubbing off on him.
"Lies those less worthy spin," she said swatting Sirius's words away as if they were an annoying insect.
"Or lies you spin to convince others of their worthlessness."
"My, my, I see Potter has been busy! Such cunning for a Gryffindor. Imagine what a trophy that would be for Potter's side, tricking the heir of Black into joining the so-called light."
"We aren't at war, Bella. And don't waste your breath on me."
"There's always a battle over blood. He's been trying to make you feel bad, hasn't he Sirius? Make you think you are a horrible person for believing the simple truth that purebloods are superior."
How did she know that? And how did she know how doubtful he was about it? Bella was hooking herself into his doubt securely and slowly but steadily bringing him back to the side of the Black family. The side he was starting to wonder if he wanted any part in. It wasn't that simple of course. Nothing like that ever was.
When it came to the Black's, family was all that mattered. Keeping it pure and keeping it in the family. Stand by your blood through everything: marriage, death, thievery, adultery, and murder. Protect your blood above all, even yourself. Cut your ties with your family and you were nothing.
The fact that Bellatrix looked so satisfied meant she had accomplished whatever she had meant to do. "Nice chatting with you, but I'm afraid we have to cut our visit short."
"What about my wand?" Sirius hated how childish the question sounded
Bella turned smugly and as if she had been waiting for this question. "You mean the wand you parents bought you? Money that the Blacks acquired through means you wouldn't approve of? This wand is property of the Blacks! You want to turn your back on the family; well we are perfectly capable of turning our backs right back at you. I'm confiscating your wand."
Sirius stared at her in disbelief, but she was perfectly serious. "I need my wand for classes."
"You can have it back Monday morning during breakfast in the Great Hall. Actually…" She beckoned someone in the shadows. "I'm going to entrust your wand to Severus. You can pick it up from him tomorrow morning."
Snape was now visible walking towards them a sneer already in place. This was a typical example of Slytherin's hierarchy of powers. Snape had secured a spot in Bella's group of supporters, a terrible mistake on his part. Snivellus had interfered enough with his life and the fact that he was getting cozy with Sirius's family only gave him more reason to loathe the oddball.
Sirius watched with undisguised disgust as Snape entwined his pale, dirty, bitten-to the nail fingers around his wand. Sirius only barely stopped himself from tackling Snape in the hallway. There wasn't any need though because Bella already had ensured she had the upper hand. Sirius tried to take a step forward before realizing someone else had frozen him to the spot. Bella moved closer to him. Since she was several inches taller than him she had to bend slightly so their eyes were level.
"You've been a bad boy, Sirius," she said condescendingly and Sirius tried to lunge at her but the spell still held. So instead of being able to burst with anger he was forced to internalize the anger. He was forced to swallow the humiliation. He felt his body tremble as he held back the words that would only cause him more trouble.
"Come, Snape," she snapped, "Lestrange!"
Lestrange must have been the one to freeze him. He was one of Bella's many admirers and one of the few that might just be pure and powerful enough to create a pact with the Blacks. As the three Slytherins rounded the corner, the spell was lifted. Sirius tried to restore his balance, but he was unsuccessful and ended up falling to the ground.
As Sirius picked himself up he kicked the nearest thing in frustration. All he could do at the moment he was fume about the injustices of life. Bella didn't have to warn him about not telling another person, he'd be too embarrassed to tell any of his friends.
With nothing else to do and not eager to run into any other Slytherins today, Sirius headed back to the Gryffindor Tower.
The common room was much livelier than it should have been on a Sunday afternoon and Sirius quickly saw the source: the bulletin board was now displaying the new Gryffindor team. He'd barely stepped into the room when James was by his side and by the expression on his face he knew immediately that James had made the team. Sirius was quickly informed that Darien Robertson, the boy who by chance had been James's partner during tryouts, had gotten the other stop. Andrianna Wood had not, but she had made reserve, which generally meant eventually she'd have a spot on the team.
James did not appear to notice that Sirius was in a strange mood. Sirius was saved from pretending to be excited as James when Robert McCoy called him over to where he, Darien and Camille Heron, the Gryffindor seeker sat. James looked at Sirius apologetically, but Sirius said "Go ahead. We'll celebrate tonight. Kitchen raid."
James agreed readily, "Kitchen raid it is."
Though there were many calls of congratulations as James picked his way across the room toward Robert, no one could fail to notice the sullen looks and glares of the 13 players whose names were not on the team charter. As Sirius walked up to the dorm and flopped down in his bed, he was hit with a strange feeling of detachment from the world. He began thinking of ways to retrieve his wand as soon as possible.
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Sirius was starting to loathe being anywhere near the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. A class he had always thought would be his favorite was quickly turning to be his least. Today he was feeling particularly anxious about going to class, even though there wasn't any reason he could figure out. They had all done their homework and they had arrived to class with a solid 5 minutes to spare.
The source of his anxiety could be related to the fact that he was still wandless. Sirius had been unable to face the humiliation of approaching Snape with everyone in the school present. There was no way Snivellus would have just let him have the want without infliction some sort of public embarrassment.
Sirius took a seat next to Remus; James beside Sirius and Peter beside James. Every since they had survived Adair together, Sirius had felt a stronger kinship with Remus, who he noticed was beginning to look sickly again. Those symptoms mysteriously appeared right before he was hauled off to a visit with this sick mother.
Lily and Andrianna entered together discussing the likelihood of going through Professor Adair's class without Gryffindor losing points. Lily taking a seat only a few spaces from them predicted, "Not with Potter and Black!" She looked over at them as if it was their idea of a lark to anger Adair.
"Good morning class," sang out Professor Adair as she entered the class looking more cheerful than they had ever seen her before.
"Good morning, Professor Adair," the class chanted back already used to the custom. Besides Sirius, only James did not move his lips. James was eyeing the teacher with the same degree of suspicion that Sirius felt.
"Is there anything better than a chilly fall morning? It clears the senses and frees ones mind. I'm sure everyone of you had a much more relaxing weekend than I had. Not only did I have a stack of papers to correct, that only a few of you managed to answer anywhere near coherently, but I had the punishment of two of your fellow classmates to consider," she stopped as if to think for a moment, "I'm sure we are all in agreement that the crime should fit the punishment and one day of detention would hardly deter cheaters from doing it again."
The class had grown completely silent. Their eyes were either on Adair or where Sirius and Remus were sitting.
"Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin please join me in the front of the room. Now is not the time to be shy," she coxed. The tone of her voice was completely opposite of the meaning of her words, which was making Sirius more nervous. Remus was rooted to his seat and only managed to stand when Sirius was halfway to the front of the classroom. He could feel Remus's fear. He could feel the class's fear. It was a mark how wrong the tides had turned when even the Slytherins held their smirks and smiles.
"My choice of punishment: corporal. So that everyone is clear physical punishment will be used at my discretion. And may be used for any misdemeanor, if I feel that is the necessary way to punish the student who committed the crime."
Adair had now taking out a ruler that though looked like an ordinary piece of wood, Sirius wondered if Adair had thought to tamper with it, by making it hit harder than it should.
Adair approached Sirius, tapping the ruler on her hand in a menacing gesture. Sirius fixed his gaze directly at her in silent defiance. He would not show fear; it would only let her win twice. Softly but clearly Adair began to speak, "Do you remember the feeling you had Mr. Black when you thought you had gotten away with copying Mr. Lupin's homework? That wonderful exhilarating feeling of tricking the teacher? Or the smug satisfaction of a cheeky comeback? Next time you have either of those feelings, I hope you remember this moment. I hope you remember everyone's eyes upon you, all your classmates, housemates, and close friends," Adair continued in a softer voice so that only Sirius and perhaps Remus could hear. She breathed in deeply through her nose, "Can you smell it, Mr. Black, the distinctive scent of public mortification? Can you taste the Mr. Lupin's fear beside you? Can you feel the blood rushing to your face? Can you hear your stomach turning in knots?"
Adair cleared her throat and began to speak again in a normal tone. It didn't matter though because Sirius was already thoroughly humiliated and he hadn't even been struck yet. He tried to gather enough anger to counter the heat spreading through his body, to stop the tremble in his legs, and the tightness in his throat.
"Let's get on with it, Mr. Black," she chided acting as if he had been the cause of the delay, "You can go first. Palms out and hands out stretched. Five strokes for the cheating and another five for the unnecessary cheek afterwards."
Adair was very forceful with the ruler and she left enough time between each hit so that Sirius would feel each one individually. The room stayed silent. Some students diverted their eyes and others watched in horrid fascination. For once it felt as if the Gryffindors and Slytherins were on the same side. Students united against a draconian teacher. Anyone of them at any time could be in Sirius's place and subjected to Adair's mercy.
"You can apologize to the class, Mr. Black, for taking up their learning time."
It took Sirius several seconds before his dry mouth would form any words and once he could talk there was still a distinct tremble to his words. While Sirius attempted to piece back his broken confidence, it was Remus's turn. He was only hit with five strokes, but the fact that she hit him with the same force as Sirius was a surprise. Perhaps she had a personal vendetta against Remus as well. Remus held up well though, he flinched but his eyes stayed determined and tear-free. In some ways it was almost harder to watch Remus being hit. Not wanting to embarrass Remus any further though their close proximity made that hard, Sirius kept his eyes on his hands still red and tender with ruler marks. After Remus apologized to the class, Sirius figured the Professor was done with them for the day.
Merlin was he wrong.
She went straight into teaching not allowing either of them to sit down. Though Sirius was sure the class would have liked to forget about the entire ordeal, they were forced to keep thinking about it with them both still standing. Professor Adair began speaking to them about spells used for protection, though Sirius couldn't follow a word she was saying. He still felt dizzy and out of place.
"Mr. Black!" Professor Adair barked and he turned unwillingly to face her cruel smile, "Did you hear me?"
"Sorry – no – ma'am," he stuttered. Out of the corner of his eye Snape and the boy sitting next to him were starting to smirk.
"Get your wand out! I am going to demonstrate a well known way to disarm your opponent."
Sirius gaped at her. His wand? The wand Snape still had in his possession? Adair rarely had them actually use their wands and of all classes Sirius had assumed he'd get away without a wand in this one. Now everyone was staring at him; Remus nudged him slightly to get him to respond.
"I don't have my wand, Professor." He knew his response was as good as a death sentence, but what choice did he have. Declare to the class that Snivellus had gotten the best of him?
"Don't have it?" For the moment Adair was too surprised to be enraged.
"I left it in my room." He refused to look anyone else in the eye besides Adair. He didn't want to see the pity looks from the Gryffindor side anymore than he wanted to see the smirks from the Slytherin side.
"You are unprepared for this class two times in a row. Sit down, Mr. Lupin."
Remus cringed returning to his seat hastily. Would Adair strike him again? Sirius's hands were still sore and the episode still very fresh on his mind and senses, "Outside the classroom, Mr. Black. I will deal with you in a moment."
Sirius frowned, but followed her instructions. The sound of the classroom door banging closed was foreboding. Sirius paced the hallway for a few seconds and then ended up leaning against the wall arms folded which was how he was when Adair came outside.
"Stand up straight!" she shouted sounding identical to his mother, "You are testing my patience. And I was never revered from that characteristic. If I had it my way I'd beat you until you lost consciousness, but your benevolent Headmaster would surely step in. And I don't want to give them any reason to decide the change the rules about physical punishment. But since you cannot participate in class, I am forced to make other arrangements. You will spend the remainder of class in McGonagall's office writing I will not forget m wand over and over. You will come straight to my office afterwards and if you have not written it enough times to satisfy me there will be dire consequences."
Sirius nodded his understanding and Adair had him enter the classroom again while she wrote a note to McGonagall. Not trusting him to deliver it on his own, she asked for a volunteer. Though James's hand shot up instantly, she gave the job to Lily Evans. At least Adair had the sense not to pick a Slytherin.
Lily almost had to run to keep up with his angry long strides.
"Sirius!" she pleaded after him, but he didn't bother to figure out if her tone was filled with concern or condescension.
"I don't want to hear it Evans! If you do not stay quiet I will not be responsible for my actions!"
The curtness in his voice did the trick because though she kept looking at him she remained silent. What he could really do to her without a wand was questionable.
McGonagall greeted him with exasperation and thankfully ushered Evans away before getting into lecture mode. She set him at once to the task of lines agreeing with this mode of punishment, though if she noticed the red marks on his hands Sirius wasn't sure.
"I am going to give you the benefit of doubt that you did not leave your wand in your room for the purpose of further antagonizing Professor Adair." Sirius looked up at her with a benign expression given her neither reason to believe or disbelieve her statement.
She continued, "So I will write a letter to her saying I have watched you over the entire duration of class and that you have worked diligently on your lines."
"Thank you, Professor," Sirius responded dully. The sound of the bell was welcoming and gathering all his things and he headed straight to Adair's office. If he dawdled at all Adair would surely only punish him further. He bumped into James, Remus and Peter though flew by them silencing them with a look. His friends shrugged and followed his semi-frantic pace.
Adair's doorway was open and inside Snape was showing the Professor something in the assigned textbook.
"Come in, Mr. Black," Adair commanded upon seeing him. Not wanting to be in the office any longer than he needed and since it looked as if Snape was not in any hurry to leave, he thrust the papers he had written along with McGonagall's note at the teacher. Adair shuffled through the pages muttering spells to ensure he had been the one to write them without using any magic for help.
"So this is the best you can do?" Adair asked him resting her eyes on his hands.
"Professor McGonagall thought it was enough," Sirius answered tartly. Snape took this moment to leave quietly.
"I'll make my own judgments." Sirius watched as she ripped apart the note and lit it on fire.
"Perhaps a few more strokes will make those fingers quicker…" Professor Adair was already reaching for her ruler when an unlikely person saved him.
"Good morning, Professor Adair. I just wanted to make sure everything was in order. I noticed an awful large group of second years hanging around your office," Slughorn's jovial voice reverberated in the large office, "Ah, Mr. Black just the boy I was looking for. Mind if I steal him away?"
Adair looked torn, but with a strange smile said graciously, "I was just about to dismiss, Mr. Black."
"Excellent. Excellent."
"You can consider your punishment complete," Adair added with finality.
"Boys these days. They'll test your patience, eh? Don't let them get you down."
Slughorn placed his hands on Sirius's shoulders and steered him out of the office to meet not only James, Remus and Peter, but all the second year Gryffindor girls. Sirius allowed Slughorn to continue to lead him away from them
"So tell me young man what did you do to incite the furry of Professor Adair?" There was an unmistakable twinkle in his eye as if they were friends having a good gossip.
"Forgot my wand, sir."
"Ah well happens to the best of us. Did she have you do lines?"
"Something like that, sir."
"I'm having a party, tomorrow evening at 7:30 in my office. It would be excellent if you were in attendance."
"I will see, sir," Sirius said unsure at the gesture.
"You may bring Mr. Potter if you like. Well I need to get ready for my next class."
Watching Slughorn leave, Sirius saw he was far enough from his friends to make an escape. He quickly turned the corner. Still fuming from a mixture of anger, humiliation and relief, Sirius sped his pace in the direction he had seen Snape go – toward the Slytherin common room. In his state it probably wasn't the smartest thing to go looking for a fight with Snape. But Sirius didn't feel like listening to his conscience.
"Snape," he called out once the boy was in sight choosing not to use one of the two nicknames.
Snape turned around surveying him with disinterest and delicately said, "Black, what can I do for you today?
"You know why I'm here." Sirius was going to get his wand back and he was ready to use physical force if necessary.
With ease and confidence Sirius had never seen Severus display, he pointed his own wand toward Sirius, "I'm afraid you aren't in any position to make requests."
"Give it to me and I will deal with Bellatrix."
Snape laughed, "I'm not afraid of your cousin." And Sirius felt his face flush once again. How had his life gotten so out of control again? He was sick of being belittled and embarrassed. He was sick of it all. He took two threatening steps toward Snape. If he could just get his hands around the boy's throat…
"Don't come any closer!" The statement was a command and it was clear Snape didn't see him as a threat. Sirius ignored him taking another step when he heard Snape cast a spell that caused Sirius to be suddenly on his knees with a terrible hacking cough. He couldn't stop coughing and he couldn't catch his breath. The curse was lifted and as Sirius tried to breathe normally Snape hissed, "You failed to follow the instructions of your better. If you behave you can have your wand back tonight during dinner. Oh and be prepared to beg for it."
In response Sirius lunged at Snape in surprise, but he wasn't close enough and he was answered with another bought of coughing..
"I suggest you do what he says, Snivellus!" Sirius turned his head in confusion to see his friends all with their wands out and angry looks. Remus helped Sirius up asking him anxiously if he was alright. Brushing himself off, Sirius assured him with annoyance that he was fine. Except for the fact he had no dignity left to speak of.
"You are outnumbered Snape. Give Sirius his wand back and we can all leave unharmed."
Down the hall a tall boy with light brown hair was approaching them, "What is going on here?" A shiny Head boy badge adorned the Slytherin's robes, "Lower your wands everyone! Now!"
Snape lowered his first and Sirius's friends followed reluctantly.
"Your housemate has Sirius's wand," James began, "We were only trying to get it back."
"Is that correct Snape?" the Head boy turned to the boy impatiently.
"I'm only following Bellatrix's orders. Sirius Black is her cousin. This is a family matter, Colfer."
"Yes, we all know how Bella believes she runs the school. Give me Black's wand and then get out of here," Colfer instructed Snape. Snape looked incredulous, but he placed Sirius's wand into the older boy's outstretched hand. With one last glowering look, he turned away.
He now turned to the Gryffindors, "You shouldn't be down here so close to the Slytherin Common Room. People are going to start to suspect you are looking for trouble. Here's your wand, Black, might I suggest you keep better an eye on it."
As Sirius was reunited with his wand, he noted all his friend's reactions. James was staring at Colfer reproachfully. Peter was fidgeting with the two books he was carrying and Remus looked torn between glaring at the Head boy out of loyalty to them and giving the Slytherin the respect his position of power warranted.
Then unexpectedly Colfer ripped out a piece of paper out of his notebook, "Can I have all your names?"
"We didn't do anything wrong!" James cried out indignantly, "Snape was the one who stole Sirius's wand! Snape was the only one who actually used his wand."
Colfer irritated, stated, "As you all know I have every right to put you in detention. If I hadn't stepped in there would have been spells flying all over the place. No magic is allowed in the hallways and as second years you have no excuse for letting that rule slip your mind. Since nothing did happen I am only going to give Professor McGonagall your names and request no further punishment be dealt."
Colfer was correct. As Head boy he could place them all in detention for as many days as he wanted. Though he could only put in a written or verbal request to their Head of House if he felt point deduction was needed.
Peter caved first, so they all grudgingly gave Colfer their names. In retrospect, they were rather lucky that this Slytherin cared more about fairness than rivalry.
As they walked up the stairs toward their next class, James turned to him and inquired, "Well?"
"Well what?" Sirius responded.
"Don't give me that! First you show up to Adair's class without your wand saying you forgot it, then you disappear with Slughorn and we find you begging Snape for your wand."
Sirius turned to Remus who he hoped would tell James to mind his own business. Remus just shrugged looking at him keenly wanting an answer as much as James. So Sirius started from the beginning when Bellatrix had surprised him. He kept out one very important fact, even when James demanded why Sirius hadn't thought to ask his friends for help. The main reason he hadn't gone to them for help was because he was worried for their safety. Now his friends would be on Bellatrix's retaliation list as well and that only complicated matters.
A/N: Thanks for READING and please REVIEW! All those reviewers that did not sign their review, your response to what you wrote is in my profile.