Magic

15: The Beginning of a Friendship

Sirius Black felt all of the stares. He pretended not to, because he knew that it would only be worse if they affected him. But he still couldn't ignore the fact that he knew why they were staring. He was, after all, a Black, and the Blacks were one of the families who hated Muggleborns and supported Lord Voldemort's views. Sirius began to hear people whispering.

"Do you see him?"

"His surname is Black."

"I heard they're all obsessed with blood purity."

"I wonder how he'll treat Bianca, she sort of fancies him, but she's Muggleborn."

It took all of his willpower not to scream at them all that he wasn't like the rest of them, not like Bellatrix, or Narcissa, or his own parents. But they already thought bad of him. He didn't need it to get worse, especially on his first day at Hogwarts.

James Potter stared at Sirius Black, and immediately felt sorry for him. It wasn't fair that he'd lived his whole life happy, while there were other people like Sirius who'd grown up miserable.

After saying goodbye to his parents, he walked toward Sirius. Sirius looked at him, confused.

"Hi, I'm James Potter," James said, sticking out his hand. Sirius froze.

"You're supposed to shake my hand and tell me your name." James said, rolling his eyes.

"I know, but...you're talking to me. Willingly."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"People tend to...avoid me, because I'm a Black, and my family's big on blood purity."

"Well, I don't like to judge people just by looking at them. And I think we can be great friends." James said, smiling. Sirius sighed and shook his hand.

"Sirius Black."

"Come on, smile. There's only one life, Sirius. Enjoy every moment."

Sirius smiled for the first time that day.

"Alright, James. I'll take your advice."

James grinned. Together, they walked towards the train.

"So, do you like pranking?" James asked hopefully. Sirius's eyes widened.

"I love it!"

James grinned.

"Good. I have a lot of things planned. We can take over Hogwarts together."

Sirius smiled. James had said 'we.' For once, Sirius forgot about the stares and whispers. None of it mattered anymore. He stopped caring about what people thought of him. After all, if he had his friend with him, none of it mattered. Because he knew from then on he'd always have someone on his side.