“James! It’s time to go.”
“Coming!”
James forced himself down the stairs as he looked at the pictures his mum had hung up during the last seventeen years of his life. Pictures of James as a chubby baby. James in first grade doing the classic I-am-just-casually-holding-a-pencil-and-book-and-the-photographer-totally-didn’t-stage-this-pose. The most recent picture was of James on graduation day. There were pictures of him at every important moment of his life. And now ... well it was certainly an important moment, but James still dreaded it.
When he got downstairs, his mother Euphemia was already wearing her coat.
“There you are! Took you long enough. Your father has already brought your bags out to the car.”
James mumbled an answer and was just about to begin the search for his shoes, when his mum pulled him in for a hug.
“Don’t worry, my precious boy. Moving out is scary for everyone, especially boarding school. But I called the principal yesterday, and your roommate might not be as bad as his reputation.”
Yeah, right. I’ll sit on his lap while we braid each other’s hair, and he reads me bedtime stories. It’s not like he’s from the worst family in London or anything.
“Mum, I really don’t think so. The Black family is wealthy and powerful, sure, but they are notorious for their corruption, their awful political views, the list goes on. They are like the mafia. And also, like, really racist. I’ve heard that their fortune stems from owning plantations in the 1800s.”
What were they even thinking when they made those roommate charts? James’ entire family was Anglo-Indian, so making him sleep in a room with someone obsessed with blood purity seemed … slightly unsafe.
His mother adjusted his round glasses and combed her fingers through his always unruly brown hair. “You will do good things at that school, James. And remember, an open mind leads to open doors.”
I could get better life advice from a fortune cookie or a magic 8 ball.
“… right. Sure, mum. We better get going then.”
An open mind leads to an open door? What was that supposed to mean? Mothers and their cryptic messages. It seems they can never just say what they mean.
James was silent during most of the drive. His parents talked about everything (yet simultaneously, nothing), but he realized that if he just said “yeah”, “ok”, or “I don’t know” when they asked him a question, they wouldn’t really notice that he wasn’t paying attention.
An hour later, their car was parked in front of the iron gates of Hogwarts Academy, James’ new school. Hogwarts, despite the silly name, was a strict private school containing about 250 students. It wasn’t James’ first choice. In fact, he would rather be anywhere in the world but here, but it was the best way for him to get into Durham University, the school of his dreams. This could actually open a few doors for him. “An open mind leads to open doors.” James still hadn’t decoded that message, but his mind certainly didn’t feel very open.
In the courtyard, other families were gathering, saying goodbye to their sons and daughters. A red-haired girl smiled at James while talking to her family. She was pretty. James smiled back and suddenly felt significantly less worried.
Maybe this place will open my mind after all.
That is when he noticed the Black family at the gate. A tall, stern-looking woman with a long black dress, a formal man with a moustache, and two sons. All of them had the same raven hair and pale skin. Unlike the others, they weren’t hugging, laughing or crying. All four remained completely emotionless as they spoke. James inched closer to listen to what they were saying.
“Now, Sirius. You will be better this year. Honestly, think about what kind of example you are setting for your brother. Regulus cannot afford to have his reputation tainted by your reckless behaviour. You are pathetic. A stain on the family name.”
“Yes, mother. I will be better.”
“Obviously. Or you shall be banished from our family.”
The oldest son, Sirius Black, had dark hair down to his shoulders. He was gazing down at his shoes, clearly bothered. He was James’ new roommate. His brother, Regulus, was silently crying, though James doubted anyone but him noticed.
Finally, it was time for the parents to leave, and for the students to go to their rooms. His parents went back to the car, and James sent them his best please-don’t-leave-me-this-place-is-terrifying look, but to no use. They said goodbye, and he went up to his room. A certain raven-haired boy was already there.
“Hi,” the boy said.
“Hi,” said James.
They went on to pack out in dead silence. Even though James was still slightly terrified, he did have a bit of sympathy for his roommate after overhearing that unpleasant conversation with his mother.
“Is your name really Sirius Black?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering. It’s … unique.”
“… thanks, I guess. And you’re James Potter, right?”
“Yeah. So, do all your family members have that name?”
“What, Sirius? No. Black, yes.”
“No, I meant ... wait." James knew it probably wasn't a good idea to make some stupid pun about his new maybe racist roommate, but he just couldn't help himself. "Sirius? Seriously?”
To James' surpise, the other boy chuckled. James was surprised to see he even had the ability to feel joy.
“Yeah. It’s an ancient tradition,” Sirius said while rolling his eyes. It was clear this tradition had no significance to him. “Everyone has celestial names. My name is Sirius, that's a star, and my brother’s name is Regulus. My father's name is Orion, which is a constellation.”
“What is your mother's name?”
“Well, she's a Black by marriage, so she doesn't actually share that tradition. Her name is Walburga.” He looked over at James. “You can laugh. It’s ridiculous.”
James couldn't deny that, so he just nodded.
“So, what would happen if you called your child something like George? Or Dave?”
Sirius laughed. “I would probably be disowned.” But soon, his smile dropped, and his gaze hardened. “Then again, I’ll probably get disowned anyway at this rate. I mean, you heard my dear, sweet mother out there.”
“Oh yes, isn’t she a ray of sunshine?”
“Sweet as honey, that woman. …this is the third time this month she has threatened to banish me.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s … for the best. I honestly can’t stand them. I only stay for my brother. I can’t leave him alone with those psychopaths.”
James walked up to him. He lifted his arms, and Sirius flinched. But James pulled him in and hugged him tightly. Sirius resisted at first but gave in.
“Why did you do that?” He asked.
“I just felt like you needed it.” James responded.
Sirius smiled, but it was clear that physical affection wasn’t common in the Black family. Shocker.
James wouldn’t judge Sirius anymore; of that he was certain. He would protect this boy. After all, you don’t choose your family.
An open mind leads to open doors.
Maybe these two could open a few doors for each other.