Hogwarts was quiet. Despite it being October the30th, the night before Halloween, not a single student was out of their dorm. This month was always a tiring one, and after settling back into school, it seemed to everyone as if they'd never left

- and both students and teachers could do with a break. Albus sat alone in his office, stroking Fawkes absently. He was exhausted, as one should expect, because being headmaster is of course very tiring. His to-do list was uncountable - he had to
/review the teachers and their classes, he had to monitor Hagrid as gamekeeper, he had to ensure the Prefects were doing their jobs, he had meetings every other hour for one reason or another, and so much more. It really was wearing him out. But despite
/all these things crammed into his mind, Albus could only think about one thing at the moment - and that was Sirius.

After his conversation with young Mr Black a few days previously, the headmaster couldn't shake the feeling there was more to the story - and he was worried. The boy - who had been unusually quiet during their meeting - had mentioned some slightly odd
/things happening at home. Although he hadn't straight up told Albus that things weren't right, the observant headmaster had picked up some things. Sirius had hesitated several times before answering any questions, and had been strangely solemn when
/mentioning Regulus, his brother. Albus could understand that the boys might have been a little shocked at being placed in the two houses with the most rivalry in the school, but... It was extremely puzzling the brothers hadn't spoken for two whole
/months.

Dumbledore had met Walburga and Orion Black twice, many years ago. Both occassions had been at important Ministry meetings, and straight away Albus had gathered that they were seen as a very upper class family. In truth, they had seemed rather rude and
/ungrateful, although he hadn't really had time to speak with them.

He wondered how the family had responded to Sirius' placing in Gryffindor. They were a very... traditional family, with views about muggles and muggleborns that Albus disagreed with with, but that wasn't to say they were unpleasant towards Gryffindors...
/was it? Surely they wouldn't discriminate against a son with different qualities to them?

In order to find out more about Sirius' home life - which he felt he must do - Albus took out his wand and summoned some parchment and a quill. He wrote:

Minerva,

Could you find time to speak with me tomorrow at 9:00 am? If I am correct in thinking you would be teaching a 6th year class, I'm sure Prefect Miss Wilkinson will be able to keep an eye on your students. Please come to my office.

Sincerly, and thanking you,

Albus

Folding the note up, he got up and handed the parchment to Fawkes, who took it before promptly taking off through the window to deliver. Albus, suddenly aware of the time, headed up the spiral stairs before collapsing into bed. It would be a long day
/tomorrow.


Sirius woke up to a large spider dangling just centimeters above his nose, and the sound of James laughing. "Come on, Padfoot! Get up, you lazy flobberworm!"

"Coming, coming," replied Sirius. "Why are you so excited, huh? It's normally me dragging you out of bed."

There was a sigh from across the room. It was Remus, who was pulling on his robes. "Come on, Sirius... it's October 31st! James, calm down will you," said the mousy haired boy, "we've still got lessons all day."

"Yeah, it's not till tonight the fun actually starts." Called Peter, sticking his head through the door of the bathroom. "I can't wait for the feast!"

Sirius laughed. Of course. Halloween.

"You got any pranks up your sleeve, James?" He asked.

"Why do you ask such a question?!" Gasped James, acting offended. "Surely you don't think I would ever commit the scandalous crime of pranking anybody! After all, when would I get to learn?"

The others laughed. "You sound like Rem!" Grinned Peter, before ducking as a pillow was chucked his direction.

"Shut up, Peter," yawned Remus. "I may have an interest in passing my OWLs,but at least I don't sing like a dying cat in the shower." He quipped.

Grinning, the four boys made their way down to breakfast. There weren't any decorations up in the Great Hall yet, but the excited atmosphere among the students showed they couldn't wait for the evening.

After helping himself to some cornflakes and orange juice, Sirius looked up after a nudge from Remus. "Why's McGonagall staring at you?" Murmured Remus. And he was right; the middle-aged witch was watching Sirius closely. When noticing the boys looking
/back at her, she quickly turned her head, speaking with Dumbledore.

"Hey, Sirius, you never told us what Dumbledore wanted with you. What was it?" Asked James from the other side of the Gryffindor table. Sirius swallowed. He wanted to trust his friends, and he did, but he just didn't feel like speaking to anyone about
/his meeting with the headmaster. It wasn't a big deal, anyway, the boy told himself.

"Oh, um.. You know, he wast just.. Just checking up on me. He wanted to ask about my parents." Sirius replied, deciding to share part of the truth.

James' eyes narrowed before softening. "Your parents... Sirius, is everything ok? You know, with your parents?" The other boys were watching him expectantly. They knew Sirius had a bit of a difficult relationship with his family, but they didn't know
/the whole story... They barely knew half of it all.

"Oh yeah, it's cool," Sirius continued. "Nothing - nothing bad. Just something to do with the Ministry, I think."

Peter visibly relaxed, clearly buying Sirius' story. Remus and James, however, were still watching him. "Uh... Everything ok?" Asked Sirius nervously, uncomfortable with the attention.

"Yeah, yeah," Replied Remus, focusing back on his cereal - but Sirius noticed him share a puzzled glance with James first.

God, he hoped they wouldn't pry any further.


A/N: Hey again! I've tried to make this chappie a little longer and more detailed - hopefully there won't be as many mistakes as I've been able to type this on a computer, unlike my previous chapters. Please please review as I'd love to make this the best story I can write for you guys :)

-Number12GrimauldPlace x