Dog Star

Sirius woke up in a pool of sunlight, his mind instantly recalling that today was at last here. He sprang from his bed and pulled on his best robes - the house-elf had apparently pressed them last night and he looked quite as presentable as his mother would wish.

"So, off to Hogwarts, young Sirius?" He whirled and saw his great-great-grandfather, Phineas Nigellus, had stopped by his portrait for a visit. Sirius scowled. He didn't care for Phineas and was glad that the old man spent most time at his Hogwarts portrait.

"Yeah, that's right," he said, looking at his mirror. He decided his hair was neat enough and turned around, checking for anything he might have left in his room. Nothing. He slammed shut his trunk and tried to carry it out of the room, but it was too heavy for him to pick up. He'd never get it down the stairs dragging it. Leaving it behind, he left his room and slid down the banister into the hall. Most unfortunately, his father and mother were both waiting. His father frowned at him.

"A bit more dignity, perhaps, Sirius," he said coldly.

"Sorry, sir," Sirius muttered, looking away.

"You need to remember who you are, my boy. At Hogwarts, you must reflect well upon our family." His father still looked stern, though he no longer frowned. "Unfortunately there will be those at Hogwarts who are simply not of the same quality as our family. Lesser breeds, you see... halfbloods and Mudbloods. Fortunately Mudbloods almost never enter Slytherin, but you will have to associate with them often enough."

Sirius looked at his father, hoping the irritation he felt didn't show in his face. He'd heard enough about Mudbloods to last one lifetime already. Procyon Black continued.

"Your mother and I expect you to do well, of course. Most of our family has achieved the position of Head Boy at the end of their time at school. You would do well not to spend much time obsessing with Quidditch. In your time..." Sirius's thoughts wandered as his father droned on and on. Had there ever been an occasion when his father had not made a speech? He tried to stand still. There was little Procyon hated more than Sirius not paying attention to one of his lectures.

"Where is your trunk, Sirius?" His mother was looking about. Apparently Father was done talking for now.

"Oh, it's too heavy for me. I left it in my room."

"We'll have the house-elf fetch it," she said firmly. "Where is the creature? And where is your brother?"

The answer to both questions came hurtling around the corner. Regulus was shooting little red sparks at the house-elf, chasing it down the hall. It clattered to a halt in front of Mrs. Black. Regulus yelled, "Tarantallegra!" and the elf's feet started moving about wildly. The boy clutched his stomach in laughter, bent double. The elf had a frantic look on its face as it tried to stay upright. It wasn't making any noises at all. Sirius suspected Regulus had put some sort of silencing charm on it as well.

"Hey!" Sirius shouted. "That's my wand!" He grabbed it from his brother. "How dare you?"

"Enough," Procyon said coldly. "Finite incantatum." The elf's legs stopped moving, and it dropped to its knees. "Fetch Sirius' trunk from upstairs," he ordered. The elf bowed and turned to mount the stairs. Since Sirius was no longer the subject of scrutiny, he descended to the kitchen for some breakfast.

Mrs. Wood, their cook, turned as he came down the stairs and gave him a warm smile. "I've got eggs and sausage here all ready for you," she told him. "Sit down and eat - unless your father wishes you to eat in the dining room?" She looked momentarily hesitant as she held out the plate.

"No," Sirius told her, taking the food and sitting. "He's waiting for my cousins to get here."

"Ah." Mrs. Wood didn't say anything else. Sirius knew that she didn't care for his relatives, but she knew better than to make her opinion known, even to Sirius. "Today's the day, then," she said at last. "You're off to Hogwarts." She sighed. "My son went years ago."

"You have a son?" Sirius asked. He'd never known that. Mrs. Wood had always been their cook, and her husband had always been the butler, but he did not remember them having a son.

"Oh, yes, he's ten years older than you are. Works for the Ministry now," she said with a touch of pride. "He was just as nervous going off as you are."

"I'm not nervous."

"Of course not." There was a smile in her voice. "I know you better than that." She rumpled his hair fondly. "Don't worry, I would never mention it in front of your parents. After all, I haven't told them about any of the times you've come home, filthy and starving, after a hard day's play."

"Why is it," Sirius asked, "that we have you to cook for us, but most of the other families, uh, like the Malfoys, just have their house-elf do everything?"

"The Blacks have always had human servants. It's a point of pride for your father, I think, not to mention a sign of prestige." She smiled at him. "Besides, house-elfs are devoted and hard-working, but I do not think your mother would have trusted her children to them."

Sirius snorted. "I'm sure she's always been terribly concerned for my welfare."

"Sirius," Mrs. Wood rebuked. "Don't speak of your mother that way. You'll find you miss her when she's not there."

Sirius shook his head. "I'll miss you."

"No, you won't. You'll find friends at last, your own sort - not Muggle children you sneak off to visit. But I will always have nice fresh biscuits waiting for you in the kitchen when you're home, don't you worry."

Sirius finished his breakfast and stood up. "Thank you," he said softly to her. Her eyes showed understanding.

"Be happy, Sirius," she told him quietly. He nodded, not knowing what more to say, and left the kitchen. His parents still waited in the hall. No doubt they had been speaking of him; there was a frosty silence as he came into earshot.

There was a knock at the door. The butler opened it, and Sirius saw his three cousins walk in. Narcissa and Andromeda he had expected. They would be going to Hogwarts, too, Narcissa being three years old than him and Andromeda six years. But Bellatrix was eight years older. She wouldn't be attending Hogwarts any more. Thankfully. Sirius stared at her with hatred.

"Good day, Uncle Procyon, Aunt Charybdis," Bellatrix said politely. "I hope you don't mind my stopping by, Aunt, but I had hoped you could give me some advice."

"Of course not, Bellatrix," Sirius's mother replied. "Is it time to leave for the station already, Sirius? You'd better go," she told her husband. "Well, Sirius, make the family proud." She turned and ushered Bellatrix into the parlor. Sirius watched her go. She had never been an affectionate woman but for a moment he had harbored a hope that she would embrace him, or try to at least. Watching her walk away from him, he felt somehow smaller.

"Come, Sirius," his father said, striding toward the door. Narcissa walked properly a step behind him. Andromeda, however, fell into stride next to Sirius. She grinned at him and winked.

"Don't worry," she said in a low voice. "You'll love Hogwarts."

Sirius returned her smile. Andromeda was the only cousin he felt truly fond of, but she was worth more than the rest of the lot together.

"Goodbye, Regulus," he called back cheerfully as he walked down the steps. "Try not to kill the house-elves or you'll be making your own bed!"

The cousins had arrived in a long silver car, with the Black family crest on all the doors, gleaming in the sunlight. Sirius got in next to Andromeda. Neither his father nor hers cared at all for Muggle inventions, like cars, but the brothers did enjoy ostentatious luxury. And they would never permit their children to arrive at King's Cross as though they were a common family.

Sirius followed his father and cousins through the crowd of Muggles. Procyon simply strode along, ignoring them. They moved out of his way without seeming to notice him, or the three oddly dressed children with him. Sirius knew his father was using a spell to avoid Muggle eyes. For once, he didn't mind.

They stopped in front of the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Procyon looked around. "Where is the porter with the luggage?" he asked. Sirius shrugged. "Very well. Go on through, Sirius."

Sirius looked at the wall. He couldn't see the spells that would make him able to walk through it, but he knew they were there; he leaned forward and walked into it quickly. Instantly, the Muggles were gone and he stood on a platform in front of a scarlet train.

There was more activity on the platform than there would have been at home before a dinner party. Children ran up and down, shouting to friends or calling goodbyes to parents. Owls hooted, cats yowled, someone let off a colored explosion ten feet down... Sirius looked up to see his father, scowling disapproval, step through the barrier.

"You see, Sirius? Many of these are not suitable companions for you." His father looked around. "Stay with Narcissa. She will introduce you to the other Slytherins."

Narcissa and Andromeda had come through a moment before. Andromeda hurried away from her sister and boarded the train at once. Narcissa, however, looked down at Sirius.

"Several of my friends will be bringing relatives along," she said. "It will be a good chance for you to make acquaintances, Sirius. First impressions are important." And she hurried off to the train, getting on three cars down from where her sister had boarded.

"Remember, Sirius," Procyon said, laying a hand on his shoulder. "The Black family motto. 'Toujours Pur'."

"Yes, Father," Sirius said obediently. His thoughts would not have pleased Procyon, though. He kept wondering when his father would stop being an arrogant bore and just let him leave. Narcissa stuck her head out of a window and called to them.

"Third compartment on the left, Sirius." She pulled her head inside and closed the window.

"I'd better go," Sirius said. "Is my trunk here?"

"Yes, I saw it being loaded." Procyon glanced around. "I see it is almost time for the train to leave, so I will be off. I have a meeting at the Ministry in half an hour." He Apparated off with a crack, and without further farewell to Sirius.

Sirius felt very alone on the platform. Ahead of him, a man and woman were hugging their son, who was trying to protest that they were embarrassing him. A little girl wailed farewell as her older sister climbed aboard. There was no-one here for him...

"Sirius!" a voice called merrily. "Thought I'd missed you."

He turned. "Uncle Alphard!" he said, and suddenly felt much better. "I haven't seen you in years!"

"Yes, well, I'm not exactly your father's favorite brother." Alphard smiled at Sirius. "I was afraid you'd be on the train before he left."

"I'm glad you came," Sirius said honestly.

"Brought you something." Alphard gave him a brown-wrapped parcel. "Now, don't open these where a prefect might see," he said in a conspiratorial whisper. "And, Sirius - don't worry what your father will say. Procyon and Deneb have always been far too - well, never mind." He smiled, his tone light. "Don't take this Black family nonsense too seriously, though. And try to have some fun."

"Thank you, Uncle." The train gave a whistle. Sirius jumped. "I'd better get on!" He held out a hand to his uncle, who shook it and then, surprisingly, gave him a brief hug.

"Get along, Sirius."

He looked back once, after he got on the train. Alphard raised his hat, briefly. Sirius stepped into the corridor and looked to the right. Narcissa was that way... determinedly he turned left and strode along the compartments. About twelve compartments off, he saw Andromeda open a door and go in. Grinning, he sped up and hurried in after her.

To his shock, his cousin was wrapped tightly in the embrace of a tall, brown-haired boy. She jumped in surprise as he came in. "Sirius!" she cried. Her face flushed. The boy looked away. "Ah, Sirius..."

He grinned. "You want to be alone, then?"

"Sirius, listen," she said, and there was an odd note of desperation in her voice. "Please, please don't tell Narcissa."

"What? Why would I do that?" Sirius asked indignantly. "I wouldn't!"

"No, Sirius, this is important. Ted... Ted's a Muggle-born." She glanced anxiously from Sirius to the boy, then back. "You know what will happen if my father, or yours, find out."

"All right," Sirius said. "I won't. Wouldn't do that to you, Andromeda." He thought for a moment. "Good thing you're in Ravenclaw. She'll probably never find out."

"Yes," Andromeda said, flushing. "Just another reason I'm glad... oh, Sirius, whatever House you're in, don't let your father make you feel guilty. I know they all expect Slytherin..."

"I'll just be going," Sirius said uncomfortably. "Maybe find somewhere that isn't taken."

"You're welcome to sit with us," Ted the Muggle-born said unconvincingly.

"No, no, that's fine." Sirius backed out of the compartment and started up the train again, glancing in compartments as he passed. Most were full of laughing students. The eighth, though, contained only one boy, who looked to be about Sirius's age, with messy dark hair and glasses.

Sirius pushed open the door. "Is anyone else sitting here?" he asked. The boy shook his head, glanced Sirius up and down, and stood.

"First year?" he asked. Sirius nodded. "Me too. My name's James, James Potter." The surname seemed familiar to Sirius, but not too familiar, so at least this boy wasn't from one of his parents' friends' families.

"Sirius Black," he said, grinning and holding out a hand. James looked down at it, doubt suddenly on his face.

"Black?" he asked. "Like Deneb Black?"

"My uncle. My father's Procyon, the oldest." A sudden suspicion crossed his mind. "Hang on - your dad's-"

"Head of Magical Law Enforcement, yeah." A distinct chill had crept into the boy's tone. "He failed to convict your uncle of using certain illegal charms last month."

"Ah." Sirius nodded. "Too bad. No, I mean it," he said at once. "Uncle Deneb beat me last Christmas for stealing Narcissa's broom and going for a ride."

James's face was still skeptical, but a bit less harsh. He opened his mouth, but before he said anything, the door opened again.

"There you are, Sirius," said Narcissa scornfully. "I told you third on the right, idiot boy." He turned around. His cousin was flanked by three boys, two about her age and one who looked to be his own. This boy had greasy hair and a hooked nose; he looked past Sirius and his eyes narrowed.

"Come along," Narcissa continued imperiously. "You and Snape can get to know each other."

"What if I don't want to come?" he asked. He had no interest whatsoever to spend time with Narcissa or her friends.

"Don't be foolish. Your father-"

"Isn't here," he said, sitting down on a seat. "And I'm not leaving."

"Pick your friends carefully, Black," Snape said suddenly, his eyes on James.

"Watch what you're saying, Severus," James shot at him. Sirius glanced at James and saw disgust in the boy's eyes.

"Or what?" Snape had his wand in his hand.

"Or I'll throw you out of this compartment," James said with a grin, his own wand out.

"Really?" Snape sneered. Sirius stood up.

"Yeah, really," he said, striding to James' side. "Narcissa, if I want to come along I know where you are. Why don't you take your friends back?"

"Don't be stupid, Sirius," she said, but she turned. "Come on," she told her escort. Snape stood for a moment, then spat at their feet.

"I'll give you another chance, because of your family," he told Sirius. "But you'd better watch it, Potter."

"Oh, I shall," James said coolly. "Now leave or I'll hex you." He grinned as Snape left the compartment. Sirius looked after him. Snape strode angrily down the corridor, then fired a spell, seemingly randomly, at two other boys walking past him. One ducked, but the other, a short boy with mousy-colored hair, suddenly held a hand to his nose. The taller boy looked at him in concern. Sirius opened the door.

"Bring him in," he suggested. The small boy's nose was bleeding rather badly. The other boy had brown hair and a tired look around his eyes. His eyes made him look older than eleven, but Sirius was sure he was a first year. There was an air of slight confusion about him that seemed to accompany all the new students.

"Snape," James muttered. "He would take it out on someone else." He shook his head.

"So what's Snape got against you?" Sirius asked.

"Oh." James smiled bitterly. "My dad sent his to Azkaban." The other boys looked at him, startled. "Only for six months, mind, but Snape seems to blame me. Don't know why. His father's a real jerk." With a shrug, James sat down. "So who are you?" he asked the two newcomers.

"Remus Lupin," the brown-haired boy said quietly. "I was just helping Peter here look for a place to sit. Most of the compartments are full."

"Peter Pettigrew," his bloody-nosed companion said weakly. "Can I stay here? For a little, anyway?"

"Sure," James said easily. "I'm James Potter. This is Sirius Black." Remus's eyes narrowed as he looked Sirius over. "Don't worry, I'll vouch for him for now," James laughed. "You should have seen him tell his cousin off."

"You're sure you won't mind associating with riff-raff, Black?" Remus asked. There was a challenging tone in his voice. Sirius grinned.

"I like riff-raff much better than I like my family. So if the riff-raff'll have me, I'll stay." He wasn't really sure why he was doing this. His family would make him pay for this defiance sooner or later. They always did. But now, the train ride ahead of him, he did not want to be around Narcissa, or her arrogant boyfriend Lucius Malfoy, or her friends and acquaintances. He did not want to think about his father frowning down at him, or what his father would say if he could see Sirius's traveling companions. Not that I've ever really cared what he says, anyway, he thought.

"Good," said James. "That's enough for Four-Hand Snap."

Peter Pettigrew was a very bad card player. He ended up having to buy Chocolate Frogs for the three other boys when the cart came by. After that he refused to play any more. "What House do you think you'll be in?" he asked them all. James shrugged his shoulders.

"Oh, Gryffindor," he said in a confidently bored tone of voice. "Our family's always Gryffindor. Well, Grandmother was a Ravenclaw... certainly not Slytherin," he said with scorn in his voice. "I know most of them are mixed up in Dark Arts already. Their families are... ah. Present company excepted, Sirius."

"That's all right," Sirius replied. "I don't know any Dark Arts. Well, I know how to put a couple hexes on my brother, but believe you me, if Regulus was your brother, you'd curse him too. The brat," he said darkly. "Stole my wand this morning to torment the house-elf."

"You've a house-elf?" Peter asked enviously.

"A couple, actually." Sirius shrugged as if this was no big deal. "You need them, at my parents' house. It's a ghastly old place."

"I know, Dad's mentioned it," James said. "He came by once on a raid, years ago, looking for unicorn blood..."

"That's stupid," Sirius said scornfully. "If my father were mixed up in something like that he'd at least have the intelligence not to keep it at home. I don't think anyone's ever called my father a fool."

"And no-one calls my father stupid, either," James said, sitting up and going a bit red.

"Hold on," Remus said. "Nobody's calling your father an idiot, James. Right?" He looked at Sirius, who relaxed and grinned.

"Sorry. My father probably would peddle unicorn blood. No, he wouldn't; that's too low-class... he'd boss the men who do sell it. But not out of our house. My mother would never permit it." He shook his head. "They think I'm a disappointment," he added conversationally. "Regulus is a much better son already. Father thinks I'm too soft, and Mother's worried I've spent too much time with Andromeda. That's my cousin. The one I like," he clarified. "The family was so angry when she went into Ravenclaw. Everyone in my family's a Slytherin," he added gloomily. "So I suppose this time tomorrow I'll be playing cards with that Snape fellow. Too bad."

"Don't be so sure," Remus said, smiling. "I understand families don't always get sent to the same House. You don't seem to have the right temperament for Slytherin," he added.

"Too right you are," Sirius said forcefully. "Father says I'm reckless, not cunning."

"So you don't sneak around?" James said approvingly. "Good. Remus, what about you?"

"Oh, I don't know," Remus said gloomily. "Slytherin. Hufflepuff, maybe. Does anyone ever just get sent away from Hogwarts as unfit?"

Sirius stared at him. "Why on earth would you be unfit?" he asked. "Nothing wrong with you, is there? Haven't been out cursing Muggles since you were three? No? Are you being investigated by James' dad on suspicion of receiving captive mermaids? Well, then, what's to worry about?" They shared a laugh. Outside the windows, the world was growing dark. No doubt they would arrive at Hogwarts soon.

As the train pulled to a halt, the four boys left their compartment together. The corridor was lined with people, all pushing and shoving to get where they wanted to be. Sirius was taller than most of the first years and some of the second years, but twice he was elbowed in the nose. Finally they got off the train. Sirius was amused by the fleet of boats sailing them across the lake. It was a rather elegant way to travel. His father disliked using magic for ordinary things - he said magic was an art, not a tool, and only Mudbloods needed to show off all the time - but surely even Procyon could have admired the boats.

The first-years followed Professor McGonagall a bit nervously into the Great Hall. Long tables stretched the length, filled with happy, clamoring students. McGonagall brought out a stool and a hat. Sirius watched with interest as the hat began to sing. Some of his fellow first-years let out gasps; he marked them as Muggle-borns without realizing he was doing it. The Hat sang briefly about all four Houses - Sirius didn't listen. He was looking out at the tables.

It was easy to tell which was the Slytherin table. There was Narcissa sitting halfway along, looking coolly disdainful, seated beside a boy with sleek blond hair. The Slytherins were eyeing the new students rather intently, more so than the other tables. Sirius was sure they were trying to decide which were purebloods, worthy of Slytherin House.

"Black, Sirius!" McGonagall called, and he lurched forward suddenly. He was the very first student to be Sorted. Unclear exactly what was expected, McGonagall gestured him to sit and placed the Hat on his head.

Ok, he thought, what now? Go ahead, doesn't take long to put me in Slytherin, does it?

Ah, said a tiny voice in his ear, and he almost jumped. But do I put you in Slytherin? Hmm? I don't think you want to be there, and I don't think you really belong there either. Sirius's heart gave a great leap.

Ravenclaw would be fine, he thought diffidently. My cousin...

Yes, I recall her. But I think something else for you, hotheaded young man. I think... "Gryffindor!" The last word was a shout that was obviously audible, for as McGonagall pulled the hat off his eyes, the Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. Some of the students looked a bit confused, but they clapped anyway. As he made his way down to the table, feeling stunned, Sirius glanced over at Narcissa. Her lips were pressed tightly together and she did not return his gaze.

Andromeda was smiling and applauding, though, from the Ravenclaw table. Sirius felt better than he had since leaving the train as he sat down. He sat in a spot with several empty chairs around it. Perhaps James, or Remus, would be sorted to Gryffindor too.

The group of waiting students grew smaller slowly. Sirius's attention wandered. When would they eat? Then he heard "Lupin, Remus" and looked back as Remus crossed the floor and sat. He looked very pale and nervous. The Hat took a long time. Sirius wondered what it was saying. Most of the other students had been sorted quickly. But at last it yelled "Gryffindor!" and Sirius clapped louder than anyone around him. He gestured Remus over to sit by him. Remus was wearing a huge smile.

"My parents will be so proud," he said. "I - I'm very pleased..." There was something behind his words. Sirius would have wondered what, if Remus's mention of his parents had not brought his own father to mind. He groaned. "What's wrong?" Remus asked at once.

"My father," Sirius said. "He won't be pleased at all." He stared over at Narcissa, who still did not look at him. "Well, so what?" he challenged the room at large - but quietly, the Sorting was still going on. Peter Pettigrew came to join them, and then it was James's turn. He sat confidently on his stool, but Sirius thought there was a trace of anxiety in his face. But a moment later he too was pronounced a Gryffindor. He walked over and joined the three waiting for him.

"Well, we all made it," he said, sounding pleased. "Guess you're more than okay if the Sorting Hat vouches for you," he added to Sirius.