Regulus and I stood side by side at the front gates of Hallows Academy after Bill waved us goodbye and good luck. The gates were large, thick and reminiscent of a cage. In the middle of the wrought iron was the symbol of the Hallow's woven delicately and embossed in silver. I peered through the gates at the looming castle that was to be pur school. All ancient, crumbling stones and stained glass windows. In the centre of the courtyard, between the gates and the huge front doors, was a large fountain spouting icy water. The centre were three men, one holding a wand, one holding a stone and one holding a cloak, all looking grim. These were the namesakes of the school. The Pevrell brothers built the school from nothing in the late 1400's and it still stands to this day, in 1976, and the school upheld their values. "Looks like a church." I mutter, glancing at Regulus.
"Good because you need an exorcism." He replied shortly. I smirked a little and looked away from my brother back to the gates. "You think we should go in?" I ask, already knowing his reply. "The acceptance letters told us to wait by the gates for someone to come and pick us up. Wait." I said sharply. I rolled my eyes but said nothing, knowing that he was right and I didn't want to make a bad impression on my first ever day of real school. Just as I was changing my mind about waiting patiently by the gates and starting exploring, the double oak doors flew open and out stepped five people. In the middle was an elderly woman, with sharp brown eyes and many wrinkles creasing her pale cheeks. Her charcoal hair was twisted into a neat bun low on her head and she wore thin spectacles perched on her nose. She wore a floor length, emerald green skirt and a white blouse, with a thick green blazer and clothes.
On one side of her, I recognised two people, a tired looking Remus Lupin and his redheaded friend, I racked my brain for her name. I focused on her blazing hair and focused eyes and mess of freckles; Lily.
On the other side of the old woman was a girl that I didn't recognise. She was tall, with the darkest skin I'd ever seen. Her doe eyes were even darker than her skin was and she was styled in the most intricate beautiful style that I was sure that even my artist baby brother couldn't comprehend. Then my eyes shifted to the boy next to her, with his sallow skin and greasy hair and ugly scowl. Snape. I instantly stiffened in defence mode. I was happy to see that there was a purple bruise on his chin and a bouncy ball sized bump on his forehead, partially covered by his lanky hair.
Regulus must have felt me stiffen because from my peripheral vision, I caught him glancing at me, his light blue eyes sliding to my face, then quickly back to the rapidly approaching group.
When they were through the gates, Remus idled up to me, he was faster than the others and Lily had to trot to keep in step with him. I noticed a small instant camera swinging off of LIly's hip, it swung rapidly, matching the pace of which she walked. When they were about a metre away, Remus stopped and gave me a courteous nod. I grinned at her, "Is that how you would greet an old friend?" I snarked. Remus raised an eyebrow,
"What gave you the impression that I like you?" He asked casually.
"Remus!" lily shrieked, reaching up to bat his head, but she was grinning an adorable smile, much different to how she seemed in the pub only a few nights before.
"I have a niggling feeling you adore me." I grinned at Remus and he returned the smile. That wiped the smile off of my face.
Remus Lupin had an alarming smile. A half smirk really, that made my heart thump rapidly. I wondered how it must feel to be so intimidating. "What's the matter Black?" Remus asked, raising his golden brown brow again. I shrugged but didn't glance back at him in case he was smiling. Instead I turned to RegulusI preparing to introduce the two, but he had successfully separated himself from us completely, standing off to the side, his black earmuffs blocking his face from my view. I frowned but said nothing as the elderly lady began to speak. "Good Morning to you both, Mr Blacks." She said curtly, I'd normally be inclined to despise any adult who held authority over me, but I didn't feel that way inclined with this women, similarly to Andromeda, Mrs Potter and Bill. I smiled politely at the women, trying to remember the name that my mother had been trying to drill into my head, but for the life of me I couldn't. "Good morning, Headmistress Mcgonagall. It's a pleasure to be here." My brother said, bowing his head a little. I rolled my eyes and watched as James suppressed a giggle. The headmistress clearly didn't find the gesture off putting in any way, or if it did, she didn't comment on it. Headmistress Mcgonagall smiled at us kindly with her thin lips, "I'd like you to meet your heads of houses. Sirius, for you it's Remus Lupin and Lily Evans, though it seems that you're already acquainted." She turned to Regulus. "And for you Regulus, it's Severus Snape and Dorcas Meadows. " Snivillus gave a stiff nod, but made no inclination to introduce himself to my brother and for some reason I was offended. On the other hand, Dorcas Meadows, strode over to Regulus and casually held out her hand, a warm small playing on her perfectly round lips. Regulus hesitated a second before gripping her hand and shaking it, offering her a small smile.
I didn't realise that I was holding my breath til it whistled past my lips once Regulus finally decided to take Dorcas' hand.
"Now the sorting into houses is completely random and unfortunately sometimes siblings are split up and that is the case with you two. Sirius you are in Ignotus house, the house of the cloak and Regulus you are in Antioch House, the house of the wand. Your mother has already done all of the paperwork and you have everything you'll need in your common rooms and lockers. I'll leave it to your heads of houses to give you a tour and get you settled before the welcome assembly. Oh and if you boys need absolutely anything, my office is always open" Mcgonagall said briskly (though the last part she sounded slightly more soft) before turning on her heel and striding back into the castle. For a moment there was silence. Then Lily took the lead, swinging her orange curls over her shoulder and standing before the group. She smiled brightly at us each in turn. "Hiya guys it's great to meet you!". Her eyes flickered to Snivillus who grunted then back to the group as a whole. As she began to talk again, she led us into the castle. The entrance hall was very old fashioned, lit by a large chandelier, with brown stone walls and storytelling tapestries lining the walls, beside candle brackets. She led us through to the main hall that was filled with rows and rows of seats, and at the head there was a podium and a few larger chairs, lined in a row behind it. "This is where we have our assemblies and the main place for eating." Dorcas comments as we passed through. We were led through a small courtyard with wooden benches dedicated with shiny golden plaques, and a few dwindly trees scattered around. We went through to the sections filled with large classrooms all modern, in complete juxtaposition of the showed us the lockers, mine was between Lily's and Mary's. As we walked, Lily chattered consistently with Remus or Dorcas chipping in occasionally.
The last place that we were introduced to before our dorms, at the top of an eastern tower was an ancient library. Lily and Remus' eyes immediately lit up as they walked us through the different compartments and introduced us to the equally ancient librarian, Madam Pince.
I couldn't help but observe how comfortable and happy Remus seemed as soon as his feet touched the thin, grey carpeting of the cool room. His eyes wandered as Lily spoke and he occasionally stretched out to stroke a book as we passed through rows of shelves. The group had spread out a bit to explore the library. Dorcas had dragged a terrified looking Regulus to a dark academia section that I knew he'd love while Lily went to talk to Madam Pince at her desk in the front of the library, Snape following quietly after her. Remus watched them go with a small frown but didn't comment, instead, he drifted deeper into the library and I hopped after him. Watching how he moved around the books, how he gently pulled one from its place on the shelves and read the blurb.
"This is your favourite room then?" I blurted out (I spoke quietly because last time I spoke above a whisper, Madam Pince threatened to boil me alive and feed it to first years. As someone who didn't take threats from adults lightly, I was quick to shut up making Regulus and Remus snicker). Remus looked up at me, with a small smile on his face. The lighting of the library seemed to make his skin glow, or perhaps it was his small smile that made him shine, the scar on his nose became one with his face. "Yes, it's my favourite. And I take it, it's not yours." It wasn;t a question but I replied anyway. "Not really. Don't get me wrong, I can tolerate reading but it's not exactly thrilling here is it." I said, rocking back and forth on my heels. Remus seemed to watch my movements very carefully and I tried my hardest not to blush. I padded my fingers on my thigh with one hand and twirled my finger around a lock of hair on the other. Finally he spoke, "I beg to differ, I think that it's very exciting here." I raised my eyebrows and motioned to the near silent room, to the tables that were completely empty. Regulus, Dorcas, Lily and Snivillus nowhere to be seen. "Don't you find peace in tranquillity?". I barked out a laugh and Remus raised a question eyebrow.
"Sorry but you speak like you're eighty fucking years old!" I cackled, "And no. I definitely don't find "Peace in tranquillity" I prefer noise and lot's of it!". Remus smiled softly and my heart did that awful fluttering movement again. "Yeah well, I didn't think you could read at all anyway,"
"You git!" I half yelled, half whispered. My voice cracked a little and we both doubled over in silent laughter.
We wandered the books for a little while longer.
"Why'd you defend me the other night?" He asked suddenly, setting down the book that he was examining and turning to face me, staring directly into my blue eyes with his deep hazel ones. I flinched from the eye contact and looked a little to the left, focusing on a lock of his curly, bronze hair that was slightly poking out. "I already said. What that dick Snivillus said wasn't nice." Remus snorted as if it was nothing new. "And you didn't even question what he said… about me?"
"Not even for a moment Remus! It's ridiculous." I said forcefully, meeting his eyes for a moment then looking quickly away. "Would you care if it was true?" He asked quietly. I didn't even need to think about it. "No I wouldn't care if you were… if you were, you know. Or if anybody else was." I bit my lip nervously, ashamed that I couldn't bring myself to say the word. For a moment we were silent, then Remus burst out laughing. I stared at him wide eyed as he leaned against the shelf cackling like a mad man. I took a nervous step back and bumped into something soft and warm. I quickly jumped away upon realising that it was a person and I knocked over a pile of books. They clatter to the ground. Remus was still snickering when I saw myself surrounded.
Lily was the person I bumped into, hands on hips staring up at me with a scornful look. Snivillus was behind her, smiling through his oily curtains meanly. Regulus and Dorcas had appeared down another aisle and were staring at the pile of books on the floor, the tall, gangly idiot laughing behind me and the thin angry women standing just a hair's breadth away from me. She was extremely tall, something I didn't notice when she was sitting at her desk. She even towered over Remus who easily cleared six feet.
"M-madam Pince!" I choked, looking around wildly for help.
"Get out." she hissed, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
"Miss?"
GET OUT!" She bellowed, "ALL OF YOU!"
I wouldn't need telling a third time.I sprinted out of the library, knocking a few more books down as I breezed past. My footsteps were silent, but I heard a faint rumbling behind me telling me that the rest of them had followed my lead. I ran until my legs ached and all of a sudden I tripped over nothing. I felt a warm hand grip my wrist and I somehow knew it was Remus. He couldn't stop my fall though, instead he toppled on top of me. I groaned under the weight of him and desperately ignored that funny feeling yet again. Then there was a gasp, a thud and a wail and I felt more weight on top of me, whooshing the air completely out of my lungs. I must have made some kind of indication of my pain because there was a high pitched "Oh my god i'm so sorry!" and then some of the weight was shifted off. I opened my eyes slightly dazed and found Remu Lupin's brown eyes staring back at mine, just a few inches away. I thought of the shade of brown that seemed to tint my vision before I fell asleep the night I went to the pub. I pushed the dangerous feeling away and for now the thought seemed to evaporate in thin air.
My heart beak quickened-because of his weight on top of mine surely- and I subconsciously glanced down to his lips which were set in a smirk. "Don't worry Black, I won't try and kiss you." and then he was laughing again, his stomach surging from his laughter over my body. I frantically looked away and began edging myself into a sitting position. Finally, he rolled off of me and I could breathe again.
I sat up quickly and caught Remus eyes, alight with laughter. "For good's sake Remus, what's so funny!" Lily demanded, dusting off her now slightly dusty nylon tights. Remus looked at her and took a deep breath in, "him!" he said, pointing at me with his thumb. Lily glanced at him and I saw her hold back a knowing smile. I crossed my arms defiantly. "What?!" I ask angrily. Remus held up a finger until he was entirely calmed down but it seemed he couldn't help but smirk a little. "Do be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure, you're just funny," he grinned. I raised my eyebrows a little confused and very much convinced that Remus Lupin might be insane. I turned to Lily for help and found her hand enveloping his. I swallowed thickly. "I'm not gay Sirius." Remus said after a short pause. Lily smiled a little at that. I didn't know why, nothing about what he said was funny. In fact, I found myself a little saddened by the news, I wasn't entirely sure why tho. Instead of thinking too much about it I shrugged. "Not really my business, is it mate," Remus blinked and Lily blinked. They seemed to glance at each other and then they were both smiling. "I suppose it isn't." Remus agreed as he got to his feet and dusted off his carefully tailored trousers. "I'm really glad to have you here Sirius!" Lily said brightly and she squeezed my hand. Hers was so soft and warm and very much welcome. She glanced over her shoulder at Remus who was walking closely behind us both and I followed her gaze. "Arent you Remus?" She asked, to me her voice was sweet but Remus' olive skin seemed to flush slightly. He looked me up and down with those thoughtful eyes of his before responding. "He's alright, if you like 'em short tempered, loud but also quiet and just short in general." my face grew hot.
"I'm not short!" I yelled angrily, stopping mid step and pirouetting to face Remus the giant whi almost walked into me. "I'm perfectly average!" I demanded. Lily laughed a bit. "It's okay Sirius, we don't judge on height really!" she giggled.
"Good thing because you're no giraffe unlike lanky over here!" I snarkily said to both of them. Remus and Lily were two peas in a pod because they both rolled their eyes at the same time. Then Lily glanced down at her thin, light brown leather watch. "Oh 8.30 am! We should probably get to the welcome assembly! Mcgonagall has asked me to be one of the prefects to give a speech!" She said hurriedly.
"You coming shortie?" Remus asked me. I didn't deign him with the respect of an answer, instead I folded my arms across my chest defiantly. He chuckled but ignored me, walking away with Lily. I didn't like that. Not one bit.
Without thinking, I ran up behind him and launched myself onto his back. He stumbled and I was scared he was going to go down but he didn't. He managed to steady himself with the help of Lily's round shoulder. She glanced at us and rolled her eyes but didn't comment, unlike Remus. "What the fuck Sirius! Geroff!" Remus yelped. I gripped my arms around his shoulders tighter when he tried to shake me off. "I'm too short to keep up! You have to carry Remus!" I whined.
"Jesus how are you so quiet! I didn't even hear you running towards me! Literally padding down the halls like an old grandma!" Remus grumbled but he'd stopped trying to shake me off at least. He accepted his fate with a sigh. I grinned triumphantly and Lily glanced back and caught my smile. Her eyes flickered to Remus and for some reason, she looked elated. Like me being on the back of her boyfriend didn;t bother her at all, but then again, why would it, I was a boy myself.
She unclicked the camera from the latch on her hip and brought it to her eye, "Say cheese!". I looked up and did the peace sign while Remus shifted my white so he could hold me up with one hand and flipped the camera off. Lily stuck her tongue at him before taking the picture. It took a moment for the picture to process, but when it slid out of the camera ,we all crowded around to look. I saw my own face staring back at me, happier than any pictures I'd seen of myself before, but I barely glanced at myself before I was staring at Remus, his eyes in the middle of rolling, his long middle finger flashing the camera. I hadn't noticed the gold ring that he was wearing on his thumb until that point. I glanced down at Remus' actual hand and saw the thick, golden ring glinting up at me. "It's a cute photo, you know!" Lily said quietly, before tucking it neatly into her blazer's front pocket. "Shuddup Lils," Remus groaned, ruffling her hair and letting his fingers trail through. Lily smiled fondly at him and I gently slid off of his back. Remus glanced at me as I stood beside him and looked back at him, my head tilted to the side slightly. His lashes are really light, I thought to myself.
"Jesus, we've been dawdling for 10 minutes! We've got five minutes to get there!" Lily cried. Her green eyes glistened like the sea and for a second I was scared that she'd start crying. "Then we'll have to run!" I declared excitedly as I peered around Remus who didn't look too fond of the idea of running again. Lily seemed to notice his skepticisms two and a grin slowly spread over her freckled cheeks. "I guess we will!" She cheered. He took Remus' hand and he breathed in deeply, and then we took off.
I remembered where the main hall was from our tour around the castle but I still started down the wrong hallway or corridor a couple of times. Just as I was about to turn down a dead end passageway, Remus grabbed my hand and hauled me along after them. In retrospect, I would have been faster than both of them but when Remus' hand enveloped mine, I struggled to catch my breath. They were so warm and so rough. My thumb briefly ran over a scar that ran over the back of his hand. I found myself wondering again how he got so many scars. I also wondered why his hands were so hardened when he was surely rich like the rest of the kids who went here.
After a few minutes we were panting and gasping and spluttering for breath at the back of the assembly hall that was slowly filling. I leaned against Remus' back who leaned on Lily's head as we tried to stop the world from spinning from lack of oxygen to our brains. There were hundreds of kids milling about the halls, greeting friends that they hadn't seen over the summer, kissing boyfriends and girlfriends that they hadn't seen in ages and people who had seen each other throughout the holidays sat quietly in the seats, chatting excitedly to one another. I looked around and spotted Regulus sitting down with Dorcas and another girl with medium brown skin and contrasting startling white curls chatting to him. He looked mildly interested and I was happy for him. Then I saw James, Peter, Marlene and Mary coming towards us.
"Where have you been!" Peter cried, he was panting slightly too. He ran his hands through his light hair and it stuck back a bit from the sweat. He had taken off his blazer and tied it around his thick waist. "Oo the new boy is here!" Mary crowed, batting her long eyelashes at me. Her hair wasn't in an afro today, it was styled into large space buns with stray strands of curls framing her soft features. I grinned at her, "Now that's the kind of welcome I'm talking about," I said, directing at Remus and Lily as I slid my arm around her shoulder. She laughed at that. "I can't imagine what that pair put you through," she giggled.
"Rien que je ne puisse gérer, magnifique," I murmured into Mary's ear. She flashed me a grin before replying, "Je parie que le français marche sur toutes les belles filles". My jaw dropped and my arm slipped off of her shoulder. "What? Not expecting us to have all done french since we were like 5?" James asked. I grinned up at him.
"Bien sûr, mais est-ce que tu es bon?". I asked. James brows furrowed as he tried to piece together what I said. I snorted at his look of concentration. "We're alright but we all dropped it after 4th year. Mary's especially good because she's from Paris." Lily said, nipping the cheek of her beaming friend. "From France eh? What a coincidence, I'm also french!" I say, throwing a wink at mary. I watched as both Remus and Marene rolled their eyes at my shameless flirting. "You be careful, Mary'll eat you alive!" Marlene mused as we edged into an empty row of seats near the back. I turned to Mary and she winked at me and her smile was dazzling, I had a feeling Marlene was right. "And you'll possibly break my heart, lover!" James cried, pretending to faint into his seat. I got down on one knee in front of him, "Please sweet maiden accept my sincerest apologies! I only have eyes for you!" I promised him, brandishing a bouquet of imaginary flowers that James happily accepted before blowing me a dozen kisses which I caught enthusiastically. I was very aware of several onlookers in the sea of students but I didn't care much. It was fun being goofy with James. Lily scooted past us and shot both me and James a dark look. "Will you please sit down?" She ordered,
"Sorry , Evans, you know I only have eyes for you really," James cooed to which Lily rolled her eyes at. I thought it was strange that James was flirting with his friend's girlfriend but maybe there was a dynamic that II was missing out on, besides, Remus didn't seem to care one bit.