The Heartbreak Prince || Sirius Black

1. Trouble on the Hogwarts Express

"We're going to be late!"

The train ride to Hogwarts was one of the most exciting parts of the wizarding world for young witches and wizards. It was a transport to freedom from the strict households and governmental laws that prohibit underage magic.

However, boarding it was another story.

As Andrew Knight hurriedly ran to board the train, he could see the happiness in his fellow classmates' eyes as they entered their carriages and hugged their friends, their chatter rising with every word.

Beads of sweat fell down his face as he ran through the station, hoping that nothing would fall from his cart. He swerved around a family and nearly crashed into the station's columns.

"Coming through!"

He pushed through a crowd of annoyed students with a quick apology.

He arrived at the train door with gasps of relief, quickly casting a levitation spell on his bags before entering the train.

After passing multiple compartments, he found an empty one near the end of the train and halfheartedly placed his baggage into the overhead compartment.

"Okay, Ambroise," Andrew said, lifting the carrier to see his cat. "I guess you're joining me today."

The Bengal cat stared lazily at him before settling down for a nap.

"Love you too, buddy," he muttered, setting him next to his luggage.

The sixth-year waited patiently as he heard more students board the train, staring at the platform to pass the time. A wave of lethargy seeped in his thoughts, causing his vision to blur. 

That's the last time I wait to pack, he thought—images began to form as he approached deep sleep. Shouldn't have delayed it so much.

He closed his eyes as he prepared himself to join his feline companion in dreamland when he heard a small knock.

"Hey, how was your trip?"

Andrew lifted his head from the window glass, seeing a redheaded girl standing at the door. Her green eyes sparkled with amusement at the tired boy. "We had to cancel it unfortunately. How was yours, Lily?"

Lily Evans brightened at the question. "Oh, Spain was amazing! We visited Madrid and everything was gorgeous. Buen Retiro Park, the Prado Museum. You should join us some day."

"I'd rather not," he said. "The only Spanish I want to hear is from Latino America. No me meto con los españoles." [I don't mess with the Spanish.]

Knowing his thoughts on the country, Lily rolled her eyes and looked at him closely. "Do you have silver streaks in your hair now?"

Andrew pushed his hair back, feeling a little self-conscious. "Finally hit Veela puberty this summer. Apparently, my genes are fighting each other for dominance. I've only managed to get better control of the charm a week ago. "

He recalled the first time he saw the white strands appear. It had appeared halfway through the summer, and he had awakened with an odd sense that morning. It wasn't until he had entered his bathroom where he saw the frightening sight in his mirror.

His mother, disgruntled to be woken up so early, had groggily explained that it was normal for half-blooded Veelas to experience physical and magical changes through their teen years—similar to that of wizard and muggle puberty.

He still hadn't worked through the sense of meekness to his new appearance.

A voice suddenly emerged from the door.