“Pads another box for you!” James yelled to Sirius who was in the bathroom, showering.
He was on his bed reading a Quidditch magazine when the Black family owl had flown in and left a package on Sirius's bed. The third one since the term started and it was only November.
“What is it this time, Prongs?” Says Sirius with no excitement whatsoever in his voice. James usually thought that was weird, that Sirius was never happy whenever he was sent a gift or letter from home.
James parents also spoiled him and he loved them but he was sometimes jealous of Sirius
It looked like his family spoiled him absolutely rotten. Expensive gifts coming every few weeks, sometimes it was new clothes or school supplies or a new broom (James had been very very jealous). But Sirius paid them no mind. Don't mind him, The Potter's are also very well off but well let's just say their “can buy a broomstick every summer along other things” rich not “can send multiple expensive Gifts to two children” rich like the Blacks.
“I don't know mate. Haven't opened it.” James says.
“Well let's open it together then shall we?” Sirius says, wiggling his eyebrows. He tears the package open, a letter falls out along with a brand new set of school supplies - Quills, rolls of new parchment and some other stuff.
James looks at the stuff as Sirius picks up the letter that fell.
“Why all this?’ James asks.
“Maybe because we have O.W.L.S this year” Sirius shrugs. Reading the letter, James sees as his expression goes from neutral to a look that he can't read to a neutral expression again.
Weird.
“What does it say?”
“Nothing”
“Cmon, give me that” James snatched the letter from Sirius, it was written in perfect cursive french handwriting.
Cher Sirius,
Il semblerait que vous ayez pris sur vous de devenir la honte de la famille, n’est-ce pas ? Vos pitreries ne sont pas seulement embarrassantes ; ils se moquent de tout ce que notre famille représente. Vous avez tourné le dos aux valeurs qu’on vous a inculquées, et franchement, c’est pathétique.
Je ne peux m’empêcher de me demander ce que vous pensez accomplir en agissant comme un imbécile. Croyez-vous vraiment que votre comportement imprudent vous vaudra le respect ? C'est risible. Vous avez choisi la voie du chaos et cela ne fera que conduire à votre chute.
Si vous pensez un instant que je tolérerai ces absurdités, vous vous trompez lourdement. Vous devez décider si vous voulez être un Noir ou une cause perdue. Le choix vous appartient, mais sachez que je n’attendrai pas pour nettoyer vos dégâts.
Considérez ceci comme votre dernier avertissement
Love,
Your mother.
“Give it back!” Sirius snatches away the piece of paper. His face panicked before seemingly realizing something. “ You don't speak French. Right?”
“Nope. What does it say? I only understood your mother giving you her love” James says teasingly. Making kissy faces.
“Nothing. Just you know the usual ‘How are you, How's your brother. Blah blah”
“But-”
Before he could finish he was cut off by Remus entering the dorm. He had been in the library, studying away.
“What are you guys doing?” He asks and doesn't wait for an answer as he goes to hug and kiss Sirius on the lips.
James turns away, nose scrunching. Merlin, he had enough of their overly public affection.
~~~~~~~~
During Christmas break, James sees a photo in the daily Prophet of the Black family. One of Sirius and all his cousins -Narcissa, Bellatrix, Andromeda and his brother Regulus. And one of the entire family, he sees a woman who looks surprisingly like Sirius and can only guess it's his mother- Walburga Black.
She looks gorgeous, She and Sirius share the same gray eyes, high cheekbones, along with the same nose. Heck they even share the same thick, long black hair. He can also see Sirius with a elderly man, he guesss to be his uncle Alphard. Sirius's expression is timid In all of the photos, he's wearing those itchy Pureblood robes that he hates. Underneath a paragraph says:
In a striking image that has captured the attention of the wizarding world, the Black family poses together,
showcasing a blend of pride and tension. Dressed in their finest robes, the family members stand rigidly,
their expressions a mix of stern tradition and hidden emotions. The backdrop, adorned with the family crest,
hints at the weight of their legacy. While the photograph radiates an air of elegance, it also serves as a reminder
of the complex dynamics at play within this renowned family, as whispers of rebellion and loyalty swirl around
Their storied lineage.
James feels a pang of envy. Although he has the best parents he could ask for he doesn't have a big family or any cousins at all. Both of his parents being only childs and his grandparents being long dead. He wishes he had Padfoot's family. The events they had every christmas. He imagined them to be happy, filled with games and jokes. Maybe some gossiping too.
Man he wishes he had something like that
~~~~~~~~~~
A few days after Christmas break,they're sitting in the common room, it's warm and cozy with fire crackling in the back. He's sitting with Padfoot and Moony, talking their usual nonsense.
“You know Padfoot I am so jealous of your little family events, they must be so much fun. Got a shit bunch of cousins too. I wish I had some of that. M'so lonely. Your family is rich as fuck too must be fun having a family like that Na?”
James says pouting as he leans back against the couch.
Sirius smiles but something like pain washes over his gray eyes. “ Yeah mate it's…. certainly something”
There is obviously a tension which James can't seem to sense but Remus - who'd been silently watching their conversation- does.
"It’s not all about the glitz and glam, James. Sometimes, it’s what’s behind closed doors that counts.”
James laughs "Come on, how bad can it be? You’ve got that big house and all those relatives. Sounds like a dream!”
Sirius looks away, his voice barely a whisper when he says "Dreams can be nightmares too, you know.
James as oblivious as ever blurts out "Nah, you’re just being dramatic! You should be proud of your family. I’d trade places with you in a heartbeat!”
Sirius stares at him for a bit, but decides to say nothing.
He leaves after ten minutes, mumbling something about being tired.
it's just Remus and himself afterwards, Remus too stays for a little while. And before he leaves he says, gently, "Not everything that sparkles is gold, James.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Sirius and James decided to pull off a prank during a Quidditch match. They charmed a bunch of enchanted bludgers to chase after Snape, causing absolute chaos in the stands. While everyone was laughing, the bludgers started knocking over Slytherins and even some Gryffindors, leading to a complete uproar.
After the match, McGonagall stormed into the locker room, furious, and dragged them both to Dumbledore’s office. Their parents are called too.
So here they are, sitting in absolute silence, waiting for their parents to come.
James’ about to say something when there is a sound from the fireplace and suddenly Walburga Black comes out. James's parents come 5 minutes later.
“Ah, Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, thank you for coming in. It appears that your sons have once again found themselves in a bit of a situation. While I appreciate their creativity and the spirit of camaraderie they exhibit, I must remind you that their actions have consequences.
I encourage you to consider this a teaching moment. Perhaps we can discuss how to channel their exuberance into more constructive endeavors? After all, mischief managed can lead to great things, but it must be tempered with responsibility.”
“James! Why in Merlin’s name would you do that?! People got seriously hurt!” James's -Euphemia- Yells as soon as they leave the office. While she yells more and talks to his father-Felamont- he looks at Sirius and his mother.
“Sirius Orion, I am deeply disappointed, while your father couldn't come today I am sure he is too.” Then she leans in close to his ears, mutters something that makes Sirius go tense. Grabs his arm and drags him off.
“You are going to be in a lot of trouble, young man!” Euphemia says before taking a deep breath. “Remember to study a lot for your O.W.L.S okay?” James nods and they floo back home.
James feels a big pang of jealousy. He's probably going to have his broom taken for the summer because of this. And Sirius, a few words is all he gets?
~~~~~~~~~~
It was a chilly evening when James Potter opened the door to his house, the familiar warmth of home contrasting sharply with the cold air outside. He was expecting to see nothing but the quiet street, perhaps a few lingering leaves from autumn, but instead, he found Sirius Black crumpled on the doorstep, his face pale and smeared with blood.
“Sirius!” James exclaimed, rushing to his side. Panic surged through him as he knelt beside his best friend. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Sirius looked up, his eyes wide with fear and exhaustion. “I had to get out, James. I couldn’t stay there anymore.” His voice was shaky, and he winced as he tried to sit up, revealing a cut on his cheek that was still oozing crimson.
James's heart raced. “What did they do to you?” He glanced around, half-expecting to see the shadows of someone lurking nearby, ready to drag Sirius back.
Sirius shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. “It doesn’t matter. My family they’re just... they’re just not what you think they are.” His voice trembled, and for a moment, the bravado faded, revealing the vulnerability beneath.
James frowned, confusion etched on his face. “What do you mean? I thought the Blacks were all about family and pride.”
“Pride?” Sirius scoffed, his expression darkening. “It’s all a facade, James. They don’t care about me—only about the name. I’m just a pawn in their game.” He glanced down at his hands, trembling slightly. “I thought I could handle it, but...”
James felt a wave of anger wash over him, not just for Sirius but for the family that had raised him. “You don’t have to go back, you know that, right? You can stay here. You’re safe with us.”
Sirius looked up, hope flickering in his eyes. “Really? You’d let me?”
“Of course! You’re my best mate. We’ll figure this out together.” James helped Sirius to his feet, supporting him as they walked inside. The warmth of the Potter home enveloped them, a stark contrast to the cold reality Sirius had just escaped.
As they settled into the living room, James couldn’t shake the feeling that the perfect image of Sirius’s family was shattered forever. The truth was out, and he realized that behind the Black family’s polished exterior lay a world of pain and conflict, one that his best friend had bravely faced alone.
Later when Sirius is all patched up and clean he asks “I really thought you had the perfect family” He says chuckling, guilt deep in his guts. “All the presents and letters, all those perfect looking photos and events. The way I've never heard your mother yelling at you because of pranks. Merlin, I was jealous! I am so sorry Padfoot”
“What are you apologizing for? Everyone thinks we're perfect, that's how Blacks are. We pretend to be perfect. Those letters were filled with cruel words of how much of a fucking disappointment I am. You have no idea what happens during those family gatherings which you think are fun.” He laughs.
“A few minutes after that photo was taken, My cousin Andromeda’s blood was all over our table because she told uncle Cygnus-her father- that she was going to marry a muggleborn. And the yelling, Prongs, after our parents got called. My mother dragged me to an empty classroom and used Sectumsempra on me.
As the moonlight filtered through the large windows of James' room. James sat across from Sirius, the weight of the night pressing down on them.
James’s heart ached for his friend. “Sirius, I had no idea. You should’ve told me.”
“I didn’t want you to worry,” Sirius replied, his voice trembling. “They’re so good at pretending. At family gatherings, they smile and laugh, but it’s all a lie. I’m just the black sheep, the one who doesn’t fit into their perfect little picture.”
James leaned closer, determination in his eyes. “You’re not alone in this. We can figure it out together. You don’t have to keep it bottled up.”
Sirius looked at him, a flicker of hope breaking through the despair. “You really mean that?”
“Of course I do,” James said firmly. “You’re my best mate. We’ll find a way to deal with them. You deserve to be free from their control.”
As they sat together in the warmth of The Potter Manor, the bond between them deepened, a silent promise that no matter how dark the path ahead, they would face it together. The facade of perfection that surrounded Sirius’s family couldn’t touch the strength of their friendship, and for the first time in a long while, Sirius felt a glimmer of hope.
---