Author's note: I typed 508 words of chapter 14, decided I didn't like the chapter, and started over. Because of this there will be 15 chapters, not 16.
Chapter 14: Family is Forever
June 17th, 1996
Something's different about today. I don't actually know what's different about it, but I feel as if my days are numbered. My life is full of danger. I'm a convicted murderer in the eyes of the Ministry, yet most Death Eaters would jump at the chance to kill me. Each day that goes by could very well be my last.
I've been thinking a lot about the definition of "family". According some of the definitions found in the muggle dictionary I'm holding in my hands at this very moment family means, 1.) "a group of persons of common ancestry" or 2.) "a basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents raising their children". I disagree with these definitions. Family, in my mind, does not necessary mean your relatives. My definition of family is "people in one's life whom they are close to and may or may not be related to." Even though I am related to my parents, my brother, Bellatrix, and Narcissa, they are not my family.
You are my family. James, Remus, and Lily are my family. The Order is my family. The Blacks are not. I was never close to them, and I never will be. The same goes for you and the Dursleys. All though you are related to the Dursley by blood, they treated you as if you were worse than a rat or a snake. They are not you family.
I hope you understand what I am saying. The Dursleys and the Blacks are only people we have to live with for a short time, and then we can forget them if we wish. Family, however, is forever. You can never get rid of your true family, nor would you want to. Your family will always be there, no matter what the circumstances, even after death. Always remember that, Harry. Always remember.
*** Harry looked up from Sirius's letter. The date of the entry he last read was June 17th, the day before Sirius's death. Knowing Sirius would die after the next entry, Harry was hesitant to read on, but he knew he must. Before he did so, however, Harry noticed Sirius's handwriting in the last entry was very messy, as if he were in a hurry when he wrote it. Taking a deep breath, Harry resumed reading.
June 18th, 1996
If I live though today – which I seriously doubt – I am going to kill that dirty, wretched house elf known as Kreacher. He betrayed us to Bellatrix and Narcissa, and they now know where I am, and how to get to me. Voldemort has used Legilimency to convince you and your friends that I am currently being tortured in the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic. You wanted to be sure, so you checked my fireplace. Unfortunately Kreacher saw you before I did, and he told you I was "out". Then, just a minute ago, the Order arrived with the terrible news that you have gone to "save me" even though I don't really need saving at all. Now, they are standing behind me, urging me to hurry. I know I need to move quickly, but this needs to be said.
I know that if I leave the safety of Number Twelve and go to the Department of Mysteries, I will most likely be killed. But, I also know that if I don't, you will die. To me the choice is easy.
Before I put this away in my bedroom for you to find, you must know that I love you like a son. I will always love you, and we will find each other again soon. (But not too soon, mind you.) Take care of yourself, Harry. And remember: Family is Forever.
Love always, your godfather,
Sirius Black
Author's Note: Sorry for such a short chapter. If you recognize the phrase "Family is Forever" it's from "A Dolphin Tale", a very good movie based on a true story of a dolphin that gets a prosthetic tale.