MINOR EDITS IN PROGRESS - The Forgotten Heir | Sirius Black (Marauders Era)

Chapter 1: A new Beginning

Velora Wool sat quietly in an empty compartment of the Hogwarts Express, staring out the window as the train prepared to leave Platform 9 ¾. The letter from Albus Dumbledore, which she had read and reread countless times, lay neatly folded in her lap. She had decided to accept his offer, reasoning that Hogwarts couldn't be any worse than Wool's Orphanage.

As she watched the bustling platform, she observed families hugging, laughing, and saying their goodbyes. Parents fussed over their children's robes, siblings jostled playfully, and friends reunited with joyous cries. The scene was a stark contrast to the emptiness she felt inside. Velora had never yearned for parents; she had long since given up on that fantasy. What she truly longed for was a sense of belonging, a place where she felt understood and accepted.

The weather outside was typical for September in England—dull and overcast, with a gentle drizzle misting the air. Velora, eleven years old and about to leave behind the only home she had ever known, felt a mix of apprehension and hope. She wouldn't miss Mrs. Cole, the orphanage's caretaker, who had given her more scars than kindness. The beatings had left both physical and emotional marks, all because Velora was different in ways she couldn't control or explain. Strange and peculiar things always seemed to happen around her, and now she understood why: she was a witch.

The whistle blew, signaling the final boarding call, and the train lurched into motion. Velora watched as parents waved their children off, a wave of melancholy washing over her. She sat in her compartment, dressed in her old, worn black dress and stockings. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her threadbare black coat was draped over her lap. She had never owned anything new, but now, for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope for a different future.

As the train picked up speed, Velora's compartment door slid open with a bang. Four boys burst in, their energy filling the small space. Startled, Velora looked up to see a boy with messy black hair and round glasses, his hazel eyes sparkling with mischief, leading the group.

"Hello there!" he said brightly. "I'm James Potter. This is Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew."

Sirius Black, with long dark hair and a confident, rebellious air, gave her a nod. Remus Lupin, pale and reserved, offered a small, kind smile, while Peter Pettigrew, small and nervous-looking, hovered at the back, his eyes darting around the compartment.

Velora only nodded, unsure of how to respond to the sudden invasion of her space.

"What's your name?" James asked, plopping down opposite her, clearly oblivious to her hesitation.

"Velora Wool," she replied quietly, almost wishing the conversation would end there.

"Wool, like the orphanage?" Sirius asked, his tone more curious than judging.

She paused, glancing away, then nodded stiffly. "Yes."

But instead of prying, James only grinned. "So, what house do you think you'll be in?"

"I don't know," she said, giving a slight shrug. "I don't know much about... all of this yet."

Remus, noticing her discomfort, spoke gently, "Are you nervous?"

Velora hesitated, considering her words. "A bit. Everything is new to me."

The boys continued to pepper her with questions, mostly led by James and Sirius, while Remus watched with quiet interest. Velora kept her answers short, guarded, unwilling to reveal much. She couldn't help but notice that Sirius's gaze lingered on her, as if he saw something the others did not, though he held back any probing questions.

"Do you know any magic?" Peter blurted, his curiosity clearly outweighing his sense of caution.

"Not really," Velora said, looking down at her hands. "I only just found out I was... different."