"You will be expected to take the mark in two weeks," announced Orion Black

"What?" spluttered Sirius; he had thought that his father had just dragged him in here for yet another talk about The Family Name and Not Being a Disgrace anything but this. He really should've paid some attention to his father's lecture.

"No bloody way!" He yelled, stomping his foot and looking completely outraged.

"Crucio" hissed Orion, "Do not talk to me like that and yes you will to uphold the Family Honour that you have let slip."

"Just blame me for everything," Sirius muttered and then said aloud, "I thought I was a blood traitor why would Voldemort want me?"

Orion glared at his son, "You will go to your room now and I do not want to see you until you take the mark. Go."

For a minute it looked like Sirius wasn't going to obey but he thought better of it and flounced out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

"Sirius Black! You have already brought dishonour on this family . . .!" screamed Walburga

Sirius ignored her and flung himself into his room. Great, now what was he going to do? Sirius could not possibly see a way out of this. He couldn't very well go up to Voldemort and say "Sorry I'm not joining your band of Merry Killers." He'd be killed! Well, he'd probably be killed by his family if he doesn't join. What could he do?

Two days later and Sirius was still in his room with no idea what to do. He wished he'd gone with Andromeda when he was in first year but it was a bit too late now. It's not like he could've lived with her and Ted anyway. What would his friends say if he decided to leave?

Sirius could hear Remus lecture him right now, "Before you run make sure you have a plan. Do not just run out of your house and hope for the best. You'll get caught. My door's always open but my dad's a Muggle so we don't have the best enchantments around the house."

Yes, Remus would lecture him and then say that he's always there but give warnings. Very careful his werewolf brother was.

Peter would just look really amazed and say, "My parents don't like anyone round" so he couldn't go to Peter. He wouldn't be much help anyway.

James would be all for it but would worry over him once he arrived and would make him sit down and relax. "My door's always open when you need it, Pads."

The next day Sirius had made up his mind, he was leaving. He just couldn't stand it anymore. There was no way he could take the Dark Mark and he hadn't gone with his family beliefs since he was eight. But when to leave? Under the cover of nightfall would be best. He'd packed all he needed so now he just had to leave. Should he leave a letter? For Regulus, he was his brother no matter what.

That night Sirius opened his window as wide as it could and mounted his broom. He was going to be free at last and go to James' and if they couldn't keep him for too long he had enough money to rent a flat. His trunk was bewitched to be feather light and was dangling from his broom.

Three, two, one and he was off without glancing back.