The Seriousness of Sirius Potter

Sirius was rushing to the Great Hall for Defence Against the Dark Arts. He had slept through breakfast after being up most of the night doing not only his own homework but Scott's as well. They were having a duelling lesson with Sirius' dad and he was late. This 'arrangement' with Scott had really begun to take its toll on Sirius. While in that grumpy yet decisive mood so many of us are in before we go to sleep, Sirius had decided to confront Scott about it. He wasn't going to take it anymore.

When he finally reached the hall he found the rest of the class had already arrived, including Mike and that bastard Scott.

"Come on Mr. Potter, the rest of us have started!" called Professor Potter from across the hall. It was always so condescending when his dad called him 'Mr. Potter', but Sirius had been assured that it would only be during lessons. Sirius strolled over to where the class was standing. "Alright everyone, you've all been assigned your partners. I don't want to see any sneaky tactics from anyone and when I say anyone I mean you, Mr. Finnigan."

"Don't worry, sir. You won't see me doing anything I shouldn't." The class laughed at Scott's simple joke as they split into their pairs and spread themselves across the hall. Unfortunately for Sirius, he had been paired with Scott.

"Make sure not to hurt me, Queerius," muttered Scott spitefully as they bowed to each other. Although Sirius would have loved nothing more than to see Scott knocked unconscious, he found it hard to concentrate on their duel. He was just too tired. Each time one of Scott's hexes knocked him off his feet, Sirius had to stifle back tears.

"Come on Mr. Potter, you'll need to pay more attention to your opponent." said Professor Potter as he passed the two of them. "Good use of the Shield Charm, Mr. Finnigan."

"Thank you Professor," Scott was enjoying this spectacle immensely. If Sirius wasn't so fatigued from doing Scott's homework, he'd be wiping the floor with him. Scott was cruelly taking advantage of Sirius and enjoying it to no end. After about thirty minutes of non-stop duelling, Professor Potter blew a whistle to signal a break. The class gladly flocked to the side of the hall, where bottles of water eagerly awaited them. Sirius took his own bottle from his bag, only to have it quickly snatched from him. "Cheers Queerius, I'm dead thirsty after beating you so easily. Is it just me or do you suck today?"

"Scott, I'm fed up of this. I've been doing your homework and letting you take anything you fancy. I ...I want it to stop," Sirius was surprised at how confidently he had recited what he had practised in his head for so long. However, it fell on deaf ears. Scott took a defiant swig of water, then backwashed it to really make his point.

"You forget, Puffter, you still don't want your dad to find out what a sick little fuck you are, so we'll have no more of that from you, gayboy." Sirius' head drooped in defeat. There was no reasoning with someone like Scott; there was nothing he could do.

BANG!

The whole class turned sharply to see what had happened. Scott was on the floor, his hand on his face. Michael stood over him, his fist still ready for another blow. Michael had overheard the conversation between Scott and Sirius and had quite justly punched Scott straight in the face.

Although stunned, Scott rose to try and hit back at Michael. His clumsy attack was dodged and countered with ease. Michael continued to pummel Scott's rat-like face, his strength fuelled by both anger and love.

"BOYS!" shouted Professor Potter as he ran over to the brawl. He managed to force them apart. Scott was glad of some protection; he had already received a black eye and several bruises across his face. Michael was red faced and ready to carry on.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO PLAYING AT? YOU ARE SIXTH YEARS! I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOUR FROM YOU! I WANT TO SEE YOU BOTH IN MY OFFICE THIS MINUTE! CLASS DISMISSED!"

It was displays of pure, unrestrained rage from his father that Sirius feared so much. Even though it wasn't him his father had been shouting at, he still felt as if he'd done something wrong. He and Michael exchanged a quick glance. Michael seemed to be trying to tell him something, but it wouldn't be until later that afternoon when they'd get a chance to talk. Michael wasn't in the rest of Sirius' lessons that day. With a heavy heart and a glum expression, Sirius went to his next class.