A new Identity
Sirius slipped out of the library and into the cold, dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts. He moved quickly but quietly, sticking to the shadows. His mind was racing.
The encounter with the boy in the library had left him on edge. He couldn’t explain it, but there was something about the kid that tugged at the edges of his memory. He shook the thought away—he had more pressing concerns.
He needed somewhere to lay low until he could figure things out. Wandless and wearing robes far too big for his younger frame, Sirius felt exposed in a way he hadn’t since Azkaban. But this time, it wasn’t the Dementors that haunted him—it was the mirror image of his 15-year-old self staring back at him from every reflective surface.
Turning a corner, he found himself near the Transfiguration classroom. It was empty and dark, but the door was unlocked. Sirius slipped inside, letting the door click softly shut behind him.
He leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. The last thing he remembered before waking up in this younger body was that flash of green light and the desperate search for Peter Pettigrew. That rat had ruined everything—James and Lily, Harry, his own life. Sirius clenched his fists. If he could find Peter now, he could end this nightmare once and for all.
But first, he had to figure out how to survive.
The sound of footsteps broke his thoughts. Sirius froze, his heart pounding. The steps were measured and deliberate, the kind of stride he recognized immediately.
A professor.
Before he could react, the door opened, and there she was: Professor McGonagall, her sharp eyes scanning the room like a hawk spotting prey.
“And what, pray tell, are you doing here at this hour?” she demanded, her voice crisp and no-nonsense.
Sirius’s mind raced. He opened his mouth to come up with an excuse, but McGonagall held up a hand.
“Save it,” she said, her tone clipped. “I don’t recall seeing you on my student roster. Who are you, and how did you get into the castle?”
Sirius hesitated. His instincts told him to lie, but McGonagall’s piercing gaze felt like it could see straight through him.
“I…” He faltered. His throat was dry, his usual charm failing him.
McGonagall’s eyes narrowed. “Come with me. Now.”
---
Sirius followed her to her office in silence, his mind working overtime to come up with a plan. He couldn’t risk telling her the truth—not all of it, anyway. But she was sharp, and if he didn’t convince her quickly, she’d drag him straight to Dumbledore.
The door to her office closed behind them with a resounding click. McGonagall turned to face him, her arms crossed.
“Sit,” she said, motioning to the chair across from her desk. Sirius obeyed, watching as she paced in front of him.
“Now,” she began, her tone icy. “Who are you? And what are you doing in my castle?”
Sirius took a deep breath, deciding to start with a partial truth. “It’s… complicated.”
McGonagall raised an eyebrow. “You have five seconds to explain yourself before I summon the headmaster.”
“Wait!” Sirius said, raising his hands. “It’s me. Sirius Black.”
The reaction was immediate. McGonagall froze mid-step, her eyes widening in shock. For a moment, she said nothing, simply staring at him as if he’d grown a second head.
“Impossible,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“It’s true,” Sirius said, leaning forward. “I don’t know how, but I’ve been… cursed. Rejuvenated. I’m not supposed to be like this.”
McGonagall took a step back, her face pale. “If this is some kind of joke, it isn’t funny, Mr.”
“I’m serious!” he said, realizing too late the pun in his own words. “I swear, it’s me. Ask me anything only Sirius Black would know.”
McGonagall’s eyes narrowed, but her voice trembled slightly. “What was the password to the Gryffindor common room in your third year?”
Sirius smirked. “Woolly Jumper. I made fun of it for weeks.”
Her hand went to her mouth, and for a moment, she looked truly frightened. “How is this possible?”
“I don’t know,” Sirius said, his tone softening. “All I remember is that I was chasing someone when this happened. One moment, I was… me. The next, I was this.” He gestured to himself.
McGonagall sank into her chair, looking at him as if she couldn’t decide whether to believe him or hex him. Finally, she spoke. “If what you’re saying is true, we can’t let anyone else know. The Ministry would have you arrested on the spot.”
Sirius nodded. “Agreed. That’s why I’ve been hiding.”
McGonagall’s expression shifted into one of determination. “We’ll need a cover story. A way to explain your presence here.”
Sirius grinned. “I’ve always wanted to be a mysterious transfer student you know.”
McGonagall gave him a sharp look, but the corners of her mouth twitched as if she were suppressing a smile. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Black. This isn’t a game.”
She stood and began pacing again, her sharp mind already at work. “You’ll be a transfer student from Beauxbatons. A fifth-year. That would explain your age and your unfamiliarity with the castle.”
“Fifth year? Bit of a demotion, don’t you think?” Sirius quipped.
McGonagall shot him a withering look. “Would you rather explain your real identity to Albus Dumbledore and half the staff?”
“Fair point,” Sirius muttered.
She grabbed a piece of parchment and began jotting down notes. “You’ll need a name. Something believable.”
Sirius leaned back in his chair, smirking. “How about something dashing? Jean-Claude? Or Étienne?”
McGonagall didn’t bother responding, her quill scratching furiously. Finally, she looked up. “Your name will be ‘Sebastian de la Rue’ You’re a transfer from Beauxbatons, recently relocated to Britain.”
Sirius wrinkled his nose. “Sebastien? Really?”
McGonagall ignored him. “I’ll arrange for your sorting tomorrow. Until then, stay out of sight.”
Sirius stood, stretching his arms. “Thanks, Professor. You always were my favorite.”
McGonagall fixed him with a stern look, but her eyes softened slightly. “If you so much as breathe a word of this to anyone, I’ll turn you into a teacup myself. Do I make myself clear?”
Sirius saluted her with a grin. “Crystal clear.”
As he slipped out of her office, Sirius couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. He didn’t know how long he could keep up this act, but for now, he had a plan.
And if anyone could handle a little chaos, it was Sirius Black..