This story was intended to be a series of chapters, each describing the very first day of life at Hogwarts for various chaters of the Harry Potter series. I began the first chapter with one of my favourite characters, Sirius Black. However, I never got around to completing it, and the writing below ends abrubptly - as abruptly as my motivation to keep writing, apparently.
Endings apart, I did enjoy, and am quite fond of, how much I did write. I hope you like it too!
“And remember to keep away from all those filthy mudbloods. You are a Black and it wouldn’t do well for you to forget it,” Walugbra Black coldly told her son, Sirius Black. Little Sirius’ father, Orion Black, did not utter a word, but looked down at his son with no emotion in his eyes; just a mere glimmer of hope that his son would not be lost to the foolhardiness he currently pursued.
“Yes mother,” replied Sirius, without the slightest intention to abide by his mother’s words. Sirius was used to such treatment from his parents, and he was almost immune to it by now.
Sirius’ younger brother, nine year old Regulus, caught Sirius’ eye and gave him a reassuring smile. Sirius gave him a little smile in return. Regulus was a part of the select few who didn’t look at him with some sort of contempt. Perhaps that was a major contributing factor as to why Regulus was so dear to him.
“We must hurry. It wouldn’t do well for a Black to miss the Hogwarts Express,” said Mrs. Black. She had quite a lot on the list of things that ‘wouldn’t do well for the Blacks’. “I do wish the Ministry would be sensible and wouldn’t surround us with these pathetic Muggles,” she sniffed.
Sirius Black was going to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the very first time. He was brimming with pleasure and excitement just like every other first year. Of course, his reason for such joy was rather different. While others were finally going to a school they had longed to attend since they could remember, or were entering a brand new, fascinating world, Sirius was merely glad to be leaving his family.
The family of four ploughed on through the crowd until the barrier, also known as the entrance to ‘Platform Nine and Three Quarters’, came into view. A sudden thrill of excitement coursed through Sirius’ veins, making him run right through the barrier, leaving his family behind. However, his entrance to the platform was marred as he accidentally crashed into someone.
“Sirius! I know you’re excited, but please do watch where you’re going,” said Andromeda Black from her position on the ground. Sirius apologized and helped her up.
Andromeda Black was a seventh-year Ravenclaw, and Sirius’ favourite cousin. Andromeda could be called a ‘white sheep’ in the House of Black as she, like Sirius, did not agree with the crazed ideals of the old pure-blood family. Andromeda was Head Girl now, Sirius noted with some pride, as he saw the badge glistening on her school robes, into which she had already changed.
“Its alright, but do be careful next time,” said Andromeda, dusting her robes. “Anyway, where are your parents and Regulus? I’m sure you didn’t come here alone.”
“I did actually,” said Sirius grinning mischievously. “In a manner of speaking, at least. They’re still battling the crowd, trying to get through the barrier. I was too excited to wait though. They should be here any moment.”
“I’d better get going then. I’d rather not have your parents dishing off their wonderful criticism at me today,” she said grinning. “Well, I hope you enjoy the ride. See you at Hogwarts!” She turned away and had just disappeared into the crowd when Sirius’ family found him.
“There you are, you little brat! What a disgraceful thing for a Black to do, running off like that without a shred of dignity. Just like some commonplace wizard! Merlin help us if the next thing we hear is that you haven’t been sorted into Slytherin!” said Mrs. Black dramatically.
Sirius did not reply. He suddenly felt rather cold. He hated Slytherin, and would loath to join that house which resembled his family so much. But what if the Sorting Hat didn’t agree? Would he land up being a crazed pure-blood fanatic, just like the rest of his family?
Pushing this terrible thought out of his mind with great difficulty, Sirius focused on the platform and its occupants.
The Hogwarts Express had arrived. It was a wonderful, great, red and black steam engine with wisps of steam emanating from the chimney. The platform beside it was packed with people of all ages: Young first years looking as lost as Sirius was soon wont to be, parents giving their children tearful farewells, restless pets waiting to be released from their cages, all surrounded by a thick wall of din.
“Now behave yourself. And remember to owl us as soon as you reach the Slytherin common room.” At this Sirius squirmed uncomfortably. “You must ensure that you do not mar the name of our family in any way whatsoever,” said Mrs. Black. Mr. Black gave his son a brief farewell before turning away with his wife.
Regulus waited until his parents were out of earshot before he ran to his brother. “Don’t let them get you down. Enjoy yourself at Hogwarts. Good luck for the Sorting,” he said urgently. “Promise you’ll write to me every week.”
Something in Regulus’ tone sounded so heartfelt that Sirius did something which would wound the pride of any boy of his age: He hugged his brother. Sirius felt bad about leaving Regulus behind before he recalled that Regulus, unlike Sirius, was treated like a prince and would not need any solace. Still, Sirius knew his brother was going to be lonely without him.
“Don’t worry Reggie. I’m going to play a whole lot of pranks and explore the castle and I’ll tell you all about it in my letters,” said Sirius, ruffling his brother’s hair. “You’d better go before mother and father realise you’re not with them.
Regulus gave his brother a final smile before running off to catch up with his parents. Sirius looked away and took a deep breath.
He couldn’t believe it. He was free! Free at last! No more of his mother scolding him, his father looking down at him coldly, his relatives passing snide remarks about him. No more! With a bright smile adorning his face, Sirius drove his trolley towards the train, with a spring in his step.
After heaving his trunk into the train with some difficulty, he set out to find an empty compartment. He found one quite soon, and he set his trunk in the luggage rack and sat down near the window to look at the platform and search for any potential friend.
As his eyes roamed over numerous faces, he spotted many children he knew but hated. People like Avery, McNair and Mulciber were ones he did not want to associate with, at any cost. Looking around further, Sirius saw a rather small and thin boy with sandy brown hair standing next to his parents looking rather lost. Sirius thought the boy seemed alright, but he wouldn’t quite make a good friend.
After some time, Sirius finally saw someone who truly seemed worthy of his friendship. A black, messy haired boy, no older that Sirius was cheerfully joking and laughing with his parents. Sirius couldn’t help but feel rather envious; The boy certainly had a loving and happy family.
It seemed like the Black family had arrived at the platform quite early because it was a while before the compartments filled up and the train left at last. Sirius’ heart performed a little joyous flip as the fields outside started to speed along.
“Would you mind if I sit here? You look like a first year and I could do with some company of my age.”
Sirius looked around. It was the black haired boy from the platform. He had the same mischievous twinkle in his eyes, which Sirius himself prided in having. Sirius nodded and helped the boy stow his trunk in the luggage rack.
“Thanks. I’m not sure I could have put that trunk up myself. I’m James Potter by the way,” he said holding out his hand for Sirius to shake.
Sirius knew the Potters to be a family the Blacks detested. Thus, he promptly grabbed James’ hand and shook it happily.
“Sirius Black.” The smile abruptly slipped from James’ face. “But don’t worry; I’m nothing like my family. I hate their silly ideals,” said Sirius hastily.
“Well, that’s a relief. I’d hate to sit with a stinky Slytherin-to-be for hours,” said James, though he still looked rather doubtful.
As the hours passed, all traces of doubt were washed from James’ mind. Sirius proved to his new friend, that he was completely sane and nothing like his family.
“So which house do you want to be in? I’m guessing your answer won’t be Slytherin,” said James chewing on a Chocolate Frog he had bought from the lunch trolley an hour ago.
“You’re right about that! Any house except for Slytherin will be fine. Though I’d like to be in Gryffindor. It would upset my parents the most,” said Sirius, not revealing any of his fears about the Sorting.
“Me too. My dad was a Gryffindor and I’d love to be one too. Wouldn’t it be nice if we both land up in Gryffindor? We could explore the castle in the dead of the night together and prank the teachers to death!” said James excitedly.
The remainder of the journey was spent planning all sorts of pranks and discussing a lot of Quidditch. Both boys felt terrible about the rule banning first years from having broomsticks in school and both were planning to try out for the Quidditch team the following year. James, it seemed, favoured the position of Chaser while Sirius had a knack with Bludgers.
When the scenery outside the window had become much wilder and darker than before, the compartment door slid open and Andromeda popped her head in.
“You should change into your robes soon. We’ll be reaching any time now,” she said. Then noticing James, she asked, “Who’s this?”
“James Potter, at your service,” said James, bowing low.
Andromeda chuckled. “Good to see you’ve got yourself a friend, Sirius. A Potter no less! How will your parents react?” she asked with mock dread.
“I honestly couldn’t bring myself to care Andy. But if being friends with Jamie boy here makes my parents upset, I’ll make sure I’m stuck to him for the next seven years at least!” exclaimed Sirius.
“And what if I don’t want you around, eh, Siri boy?” asked James, nettled about the name Sirius came up with for him.
“Then I’ll just have to use a permanent sticking charm,” said Sirius, unaffected. “Don’t worry, I’ll figure out something.”
“You two make quite a pair,” laughed Andromeda. “Anyway, I’d better get going now. See you at the sorting!”