Chapter 1: Chapter I. Childhood
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Sirius Orion Black was a peculiar child. As a first-born male child of a heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, he was living by high expectations from the moment he was born. However that never seem to concern him. Sometimes he exceed them by far, but other times he was such disapointment for his family. It had gotten even worse when his brother was born. Regulus Arcturus Black as the second-born, mere spare, was only expected to be polite wizard and, when the time comes, to marry pureblood witch and bring at least two more children into family.
Only with every disapointment his older brother brought, their parents expected Regulus to do much better. When Sirius, only seven years old, had accidentaly set ablaze to a dress robes of his uncle Alphard, Regulus was firmly reminded never to use accidental magic in company. When Sirius made fun of his cousin Narcissa's hair, Regulus was the one who was reprimanded by their mother. And so on.
The worst came when Sirius was going to Hogwarts for the first time. The whole family was looking forward to the young heir taking his rightful position in Slytherin. But that's not what happened. Sirius met on the train group of young boys and they all ended up in Gryffindor. The whole family looked for some precedens or reason to get him resorted, but before they accepted that there wasn't one, Sirius already took their aversion to his House as a rejection of him as whole. And unfortunately that opinion was only strengthen during the Christmas hollydays that year. Every family member talked only about what a shame it was that he didn't get to Slytherin. It was displeasantly influencing. Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black is less acceptable when he's wearing red and gold neck-tie.
"Really, Sirius, if it was Ravenclaw, none of us would bat an eye. But Gryffindor? Darling, even Hufflepuff would be better than that," Walburga was fussing over her eldest son hair. "It's such a shame. Tonight there will be Slughorn, why won't you talk with him? Your cousins love his guidance, perhaps you will too."
It was almost as if she didn't know her son at all. Every word against Gryffindor made Sirius prioritize his house and friends.
And that's how it went on. Sirius felt as if he was being alienated by his family, while they only tried to explain their position. Especially with the rise of Tom Riddle. It was almost like slow-working poison. Any pure-bloods and even most half-bloods were wispering about Voldemort.
That's exactly what led to that warm early morning of summer of '75, when Sirius packed his things and climbed out of his window.
Chapter 2: Chapter II. Weeks with Potters
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Sirius didn't expected such loving welcome that he received from Potters. To be honest, he wasn't planning to staying with them for longer than few days, but mrs. Potter was absolutely resresolved that Sirius is part of their family and they will take care of him. It was so different than anything that the Blacks would tell him. Prongs didn't know what he had in them.
After a week, reality caught up with him. James's grandmother came to talk with her grandnephew.
"So my son and his wife are taking good care of you?" Dorea Black Potter was sipping her tea after she exchanged plesantries with her family and now she turned to Sirius with whole intensity of her aquamarine eyes.
"Uhm- yes? They've been very kind? For letting me stay with them?" Sirius was nervously fidgeting while answering her question.
Mrs. Black Potter smiled at him. "I'm glad to hear that. It's comforting to know that this unfortunate situation happened within the family."
"What?"
"Well, Jamie, it's obvious. Our dear Sirius must've felt overhelmed by all expectations our family put on him. So he snapped and seeked santuary with you. Which is completely understandle," she turned back at her grandnephew. "But you can't stay away for ever. You have obligations to our family. None of us blame you for this... adventure. But really, dear, you don't belong here. Your place is at Grimmauld's. Right beside your father. And that's where you should return. I'm not saying tonight. Or even tommorow. That's up to you."
"But, grammy, Sirius is staying," James looked for confirmation to his parents. "He won't be returning. Right?"
It was Fleamont who resolutely agreed with his son. "James is right, mother. Sirius is always welcome in our home."
"That's ridiculous!" she slammed her cup to its saucer. "No heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black ever left his family. That's impossible! Right, Sirius? When do you intend to return home? For the tea with Bones, at least."
"No, I won't come back. It was just question of time before they threw me out. I just speed up the process. So you can just tell them to go on and make Reg the heir. I don't care," the young man find courage to look at his grandaunt with confidence. "Even if I end up on street, I won't come back. Never."
Mrs. Black Potter took a deep breath through her mouth. "Don't say that. You're just overwhelmed. Take the rest of the time before the Bones's visit. Don't decide anything yet."
"I already thought it through. This wasn't just decision on a whim. I won't return. Ever."
"But-"
"Dorea, you heard him. He's decided," mrs. Potter rose from her seat. "I think, you should leave if you can't accept that."
She gave her daughter-in-law stranded smile and returned to small talk about their summer plans. After that she said her goodbyes and left.
That seemed as the end of that matter. The House of Black spend their messenger and now they have their answers. Regulus will probably end up crowned or something before the summer ends. And back at Hogwarts, Slytherins will double their efforts to beat the maradeurs and Gryffindors as whole. But that was price both James and Sirius were willing to pay.