November came and went; the trees now completely bare of any sign that they once held luscious green leaves. In that time James and Sirius had made a few additions to their duo, and now had the luxury of a more level-headed member in the form of Remus Lupin. The three had steadily spent more time with each other over the past few weeks, after an incident in potions in which Remus' quick thinking had saved James and Sirius from another weekend of detentions.
"If we don't get the billywig wings today, we won't have time to make the potion before the Christmas feast" Sirius whispered to his partner as he focused on the potion in front of them. Slughorn had been keeping a close eye on the pair since last lessons mishap.
"Well, what do you suggest?" James asked, eyes flicking up to the usually jovial professor, "he won't take his eyes off us" he continued in a quiet mutter.
Sirius' eyes flicked around the classroom, though the other students were occupied with their own potions and every head was bent down towards the desk. "One of us has to stage a distraction" Sirius advised, "blow up the potion or something".
Before his friend could finish the suggestion, James muttered a quiet incendio and barely registered the scorching smoke filling the room before he made a dash to the potions store. Slipping behind the wooden door, he took in the shelves of ingredients. Slughorn usually ordered alphabetically, so James quickly scanned the Bs before soon landing on the billywig wings. Snatching a bottle off the shelf, he again tried to quietly slip back from behind the wooden door.
"Mr Potter" Professor Slughorn immediately greeted him, James noticing that the classroom had been put to right and that every pair of eyes was now fixated on him. "Missing an ingredient?" the professor inquired, though with a tone that held no doubt that James was not looking for any classroom-related ingredients.
James stood there, dumbfounded for a moment. It was enough time for Professor Slughorn to come over to him and take the small bottle of ingredients James had clutched in his right hand. "Billywig wings?" the professor asked in confusion, "whatever could you want those for?".
Sirius almost brokein laughter at the look of surprise on his friends face. They had only wanted to make a laughing potion and spike the food before it left the kitchens. They'd thought it would have made a good send off to the Christmas break, but watching his friend up there, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, he thought of how stupid their plan had been. "Billywig wings?" a voice from behind him saved them both, "I told you we needed Billywig sting slime" the voice continued in an appraising tone.
"Mr Lupin, what need did you have for a healing potion?" professor Slughorn asked, distracted for the moment from the issue at hand.
"Madame Pomfrey was talking about needing more for the hospital wing" Remus began explaining, "we thought we could help by making some extra" he added, nodding at his own lie.
Sirius beamed back at the boy, trust Remus to know exactly what to say.
"While that is most considerate Mr Lupin, I must ask that any brewing outside of your potions classes takes place with adequate supervision" the man advised, "in other words, no brewing in bathrooms" he added with a chuckle.
The potions incident had left Sirius and James impressed by Remus' quick thinking. They'd quickly invited him to join them at lunch, and they'd not had a lunch apart since. Well, except when Remus was away.
"So we're agreed?" Sirius asked, the three boys stood on the bridge, looking out over the grounds that were covered in a thin white frost.
"Wednesday, breakfast" James confirmed with a smile, looking over at Remus expectantly.
Remus, however, remained quiet and focussed on the grounds. He wouldn't be here on Wednesday, and the secret he held was beginning to make him feel like a dishonest friend. He was sure the two boys would eventually tire of him constantly needing to be away. They'd find someone more reliable, who would be around when they needed.
"Remus?" Sirius asked, as the boy continued to avoid the question.
"Sorry guys, I've got to go home for a few days next week" Remus spoke, gathering up his bag "and I've just remembered I have that essay to write for potions" he added, with a quick goodbye before he made his way back towards the castle.
James glanced at Sirius, "What was up with him?" he asked rhetorically, "think we're taking this one too far?". Remus had shown himself to be a bit tamer than James and Sirius were when it came to plotting pranks.
"Na" Sirius reassured him, "you know Remus, he's probably stressing because he got an E in his herbology essay instead of an O". Both boys laughed good naturedly at this, knowing that Remus was likely to go over and over the essay until their professor made it an O instead.
"Where's Remus?" a mousy haired boy moved over to stand by James and Sirius as they played a game of chess in the common room.
"Not sure, maybe in the library" Sirius muttered, his eyes still focussed on the chess board, and paying the mousy haired boy no mind at all.
James, in return, studied Sirius' move. He'd quickly learnt that his own parents had been very forgiving in their chess games, pretty much allowing him to win most of the time. James was, however, fairly certain that the Blacks had not afforded Sirius the same confidence as a child, and that Sirius' talents on the board were likely the result of some harsh family competitions. As such, he needed to try a lot harder to beat Sirius during their occasional evening games.
"He wasn't here this morning either" the mousy haired boy spoke again, leaning against the side of the chair James was sat on, and looking at the chess board.
James glanced up at the boy, "missing him, are you?" he asked teasingly, before returning his eyes to the board once again. The mousy-haired boy, Peter, was another of their dorm mates. James hadn't interacted much with him, though he appreciated that the boy could always be counted on to laugh at his jokes and pranks.
"No" Peter muttered defensively, "just wondering, since you guys are usually together" he added. Peter also studied the board, silently noting that Sirius was markedly further ahead than James was.
Sirius moved his knight into position "check" he declared, with a brief smile towards James. "Say, Peter" he began, as James studied the board looking for a way out. "Have you ever been to Hogsmeade before?".
"No, we aren't allowed to go until our third year" the boy answered, taking a seat on the sofa adjacent to the two boys. "Have you?" he asked eagerly, glancing between the two.
"Nah, we were supposed to go for my birthday, but James chickened out" he laughed, shooting his friend a teasing look.
"I did not!" James denied, moving a piece in frustration, without really thinking about the move.
Sirius quickly moved his knight again, satisfied that the distraction had secured his win, "and checkmate".
"You cheating bugger!" James shouted in amusement as he jumped up off the couch and began tackling the boy. It had been a decidedly Slytherin move on Sirius' account, and James was quite impressed that the small distraction had worked so easily on him.
The pair rolled around for a brief minute before laughing breathlessly from where they had collapsed on the floor. "Chess is all about concentration mate" Sirius jibbed, standing and holding a hand out to his friend who promptly pulled him back down to the floor.
"Are you coming down for dinner?" Peter eventually asked, standing and watching the two as they rough housed.
The food that evening was as glorious and full of choice as every other night had been since they arrived at the school. Piling their plates high with chicken, roast vegetables, potatoes, and stuffing, the boys engaged in easy chit chat.
"What are you boys doing for Christmas this year?" one of the third years asked conversationally.
"I'll be going back home I think, spend the holiday at the Manor" James answered, quickly swallowing a mouthful of peas in order to do so.
"That close by?" the third year asked.
"Yeah not far, Caithness" he added "but Mum and Dad will probably pick me up from London". James glanced over at Sirius as he answered, hoping the third year wouldn't press him on his plans. James had already offered Sirius to go and spend Christmas at the Potter's, but Sirius had explained that if he did so, he'd be severing ties with his family for good. James hadn't understood why Sirius wouldn't sever ties for good, and Sirius couldn't really explain it very well either.
"How about you Sirius?" the third-year asked, oblivious to the boy's discomfort with the topic.
"Parents are down in London" Sirius smiled, "we'll likely be there for the holidays". He hoped that he sounded as nonchalant as he intended to and was thankful when the influx of owls carrying the afternoon's post began to arrive, and provided sufficient distraction.
"You know the offers still open" James muttered to his friend in a hushed tone, before glancing up as his own owl dropped a letter a little too close to his gravy.
"Cheers James" Sirius answered with sincerity, "maybe next year" he smiled, surprised to see a letter land just beside his plate. His stomach tightened as he noticed the Black family crest, the wax seal of the letter bearing the blackest ink one could imagine.
James glanced over, meeting Sirius' eyes as he too noticed the crest. "Want me to just burn it now?" he asked jokingly, gesturing for the letter and pretending to throw it into the fire.
Sirius laughed in response before opening the letter, eyebrows rising in surprise as he noted who had written it.
Dear Siri,
It's been a while since you last came to visit, I guess quidditch season is keeping you busy. Things have been boring here. Father's always at the ministry or having meetings, and Mother's been in France visiting Uncle Cygnus, so I've been spending most of my time alone. Professor Rowle said I should write to you to practice my quill control; do you think it's gotten better?
Remember last year when it snowed around this time? You snuck over to Claremont Square to have a snowball fight with those muggle kids? I wish we could do that again; I swear I'm brave enough to go with you this time! Mother says you don't want to come back here because you denounced us all. Did you denounce me too because I hope you didn't?
Anyway, I know you're probably busy with Hogwarts classes, but I hope you come back home soon. I can't wait to see you at Christmas.
Regulus Black
Sirius smiled as he read the letter again, only wincing at the sincerity with which his brother asked if he had denounced them.
"Its from Regulus" Sirius informed James, sliding the letter over to his friend to read.
"What's a snowball fight?" James asked, his interest peaked at the idea of Sirius sneaking out to meet muggle kids.
"Muggle thing" Sirius answered, a reminiscent smile on his face, "they smush snow into balls and just sort of launch them at each other".
"Wicked" James smiled at the idea. After a pause of contemplation, James turned to Sirius and said "we're going to meet up over Christmas, right?".
"Course we are" Sirius confirmed, "the Manor's connected to the floo yeah?"
"Yeah, just say Potter Manor" James answered, "our floo is always open".
The journey back to London was some of the most fun Sirius and James had ever had. Remus had been able to join them and was likewise heading home for the Christmas period. The three had spent the journey playing card games, challenging each other to dares, and forming their plan to meet up for the New Year. They'd agreed that the best place to meet would be in London, so that they could go to Diagon Alley and use the public floo network to get home again.
"James!" a woman's voice called out in excitement before the boy had placed his foot on the platform as the three stepped off the train. "Oh how I've missed you" she gushed as she came running over, enveloping him in a hug. Sirius stood and smiled at the man stood behind her, who gave him a small smile in return.
"Mum" James muttered in embarrassment as she grabbed his face between her hands and kissed both cheeks.
Releasing her son, Euphemia took a step back and glanced at the two boys who had left the train with him. "And who do we have here?" she asked with a motherly smile at both boys.
"Mum" James dragged out, an apologetic look towards his two friends. "This is Sirius" he gestured to the boys, "and this is Remus" he gestured to the other, "and we're all – "
"Oh yes, I've heard such good things about you both!" she exclaimed, pulling each of them in for a hug and surprising Sirius beyond belief.
"Euphemia" a deeper voice cut in, "I am sure both boys would like to go and say hello to their own parents too" he added softly, with a smile at the two boys who had been unceremoniously grabbed by his wife.
"Of course dears, well we better be off" she replied, looking over at James, "are you ready to say goodbye to your friends?" she asked.
"I'll see you guys in the New Year" James looked at them both, and they both understood the hidden meaning and confirmation of their earlier plans.
Remus glanced around through the crowd, eventually spotting his parents who were stood off to the side patiently waiting for him. He turned back to Sirius "spotted yours yet?" he asked, wanting to make sure that Sirius found his parents before he left with his own.
Sirius faked disinterest "oh yeah sure, you go on, I see them just by the exit" he lied.
"You sure?" Remus asked frowning, he looked towards the exit and couldn't see anyone that looked like they could be Sirius' parents.
Sirius nodded, "yeah, just over there" he waved vaguely in one direction. "Hey, have a good Christmas" he said, before walking in the opposite direction from the one he had gestured towards. Remus stood for a moment and watched as Sirius left the station alone.
Stupid, no-good, useless parents Sirius thought as he tugged his trunk along the pavement. He wasn't sure why he had expected them to show up and couldn't help but think about the enthusiastic hug he had received from Mrs Potter when his own parents hadn't even come to collect him. The journey from Kings Cross to Islington hadn't been too bad. He'd managed to walk it in just over 20 minutes, and likely could have done so faster if he could remember the charm to make his trunk a bit lighter. As he approached number 12 Grimmauld Place, Sirius felt as though a pound of cement had been dumped into his stomach. He took a deep breath before beginning his assent up the short staircase that led to the front door and pushing open the door that had recognised him by his magical signature.
"Sirius!" a childish voice greeted him, a curly-haired boy rushing down from the first floor and into the hallway to meet him.
Sirius smiled at his younger brother, "slow down" he joked as the child ran up to him, "you'll outgrow me soon" he added, noticing his brother's growth spurt whilst he had been away.
"Nope" Regulus shook his head in response, "every time I try and grow taller, you end up growing too". The boy then grabbed Sirius' hand, pulling him through the house and towards the staircase, "quick, I want to show you what me and Kreacher have been doing".
Sirius rolled his eyes as he let himself be dragged through to his brother's bedroom. "What's this?" he asked, as he took in the sight of the bedroom. A cauldron sat smoking in a corner, and a book lay open next to it. Various bottles that once contained ingredients seemed to be littered across the floor.
"Don't be mad" Regulus started, turning away from the cauldron to look at his older brother. "But I've been brewing a potion that'll make you a Slytherin" he explained.
Sirius didn't know whether to be appreciative or annoyed, and instead raised a small eyebrow at his brother as he asked, "and why would you do that?".
Regulus was quiet for a moment as he tried to discern Sirius' feelings on the matter. "Well, you know how Mother's been since you got sorted" he started, shuffling his feet, "what with all of that blood traitor stuff" he added. "I just thought, maybe if you could just be resorted into Slytherin then things would be normal again?" he asked more quietly, and with less certainty. "And Kreacher's been helping!".
"Look Reg" Sirius sighed, though he kept his features soft. "I appreciate what you and Kreacher are doing, but things have never been normal here" he explained. "wait" he ordered, as his brother turned his back towards him once more, "just because Mother doesn't like it, it doesn't mean you cant".
Regulus quickly wiped his eyes "Mother's already said" he muttered, refusing to turn back towards his older brother.
"Mother's already said what?" he ground out.
Regulus quickly turned to him, his face now holding an expression of anger, "that if you cant pick us, then we shouldn't pick you" he answered.
"you cant be serious" Sirius laughed at the boy, "you're shunning me for being a Gryffindor too, are you?" he asked with some menace at the end.
Regulus looked at the boy for a moment before pleading with him, "please Sirius, just take the potion that we made for you".
Sirius walked over to the bubbling potion which looked inedible, and glanced back over to his brother, "there's no way I'm putting that anywhere near my mouth, Gryffindor or not" he spoke firmly. "Now, are we going to play a game of exploding snap or are you going to run and tell Mummy dearest that the blood traitor is back for Christmas?" he asked.
Without another word, Regulus stormed out of the bedroom and down the stairs.
Sirius took one last glance at the potion before leaving and heading to his own bedroom. He hadn't missed it much, but promptly threw himself onto the four-poster bed, staring up at the ceiling as he let out a whoosh of breath.
"Home less than an hour and already making your brother cry!" a shrill voice exploded in his ear drums as his bedroom door was thrown open.
Sirius rolled his eyes skyward as he rolled over in bed and turned to look at the woman stood in the doorway. "Hello Mother" he greeted in a monotonous voice, making no move to stand up to deliver the greeting she expected.
"How very Gryffindor of you" she began, casting him a scowl, "to make a small boy cry simply for trying to help you" she added with sarcasm. She stepped into the room, glancing down at his trunk is disdain.
"Sorry" Sirius offered insincerely, "my mistake, I should have made sure I was sorted into Slytherin before making anyone cry" he added, sitting up in bed as his mother stormed over to him.
"You should be ashamed" she hissed at him, barely containing her anger. She grabbed him by his face, her dark and sharpened nails digging into his flesh as she gripped him. Sirius' mind flashed back to the gentle way in which Mrs Potter had held James and kissed him at the station, his mind only being dragged back to the present as one of the nails pierced his skin.
Hissing in pain, Sirius pulled his face away and glared at the woman before him, "I am ashamed" he spat at her, a sense of rage from the injustice bubbling up in him. At her dumbfounded expression, he fought to continue, "ashamed that you're my mother" he ground out, watching as her face twisted in anger.
Sirius was unprepared for the resounding slap that she delivered to his face, and it took a moment for the pain to flare in his left cheek. He forced himself not to react, to maintain his blank expression as he stared back at her. His hand only went to his cheek after he'd watched her storm out, his bedroom door slamming closed behind her.
Standing from his bed, Sirius walked over to the mirror that hung on the inside of his wardrobe, examining the small cut from his mother's nails, as well as the handprint that now marked his cheek. He gently smoothed his hand over both, schooling his expression to a blank stare as he forced himself not to care about his less than savoury welcome-home greeting.
"Where do you think you're going?" Walburga Black demanded of her eldest son as she watched him swing a backpack over his shoulder, heading towards the front door of the house.
Sirius glanced back at her, "none of your business" he answered with a challenging quip of his brow. "Unless you wanted to have a snowball fight with the muggles too?" he asked with feigned sincerity, biting his cheek to stop himself from laughing as her pale features turned an angry shade of red.
"You coming Reg?" Sirius asked the boy that stood next to his mother, glancing between the pair in concern.
"Why would he want to play with such filth?" Walburga answered on Regulus' behalf, sneering at Sirius as she did.
Sirius pointedly ignored their mother as he looked directly at Regulus, "Well?" he asked, "you said you were brave enough to do it this time" he added.
Regulus shook his head quickly, "I don't play with mudbloods" he whispered, giving his mother a small smile as she patted him gently on the head in praise of his answer.
"Suit yourself then" Sirius answered before throwing open the front door and rushing over to the park opposite where he promptly introduced himself to the group of boys and girls who were out playing in the snow. Sirius did not notice, nor did he care, that the small boy simply watched from his window in wonder at the world he would not be permitted to engage with.
