To Have A Home

Chapter 14

     With Quidditch and O.W.L.s both finished, the term was winding to a close. The usual sense of dread filled Sirius while worry filled his friends – although this worry had increased dramatically in light of recent events. Early in the morning, just before the Hogwarts Express would take the students back to Platform 9¾, James pulled Sirius aside to talk.
      "Sirius, I know we've been through this a lot of times, but please just stay with me this summer. I know you've got reasons not to, but it's just not safe for you to be at home."
     "Listen, I know I should probably go with you but... I couldn't do that to Regulus. If I leave him, I've failed as an older brother." James tried to protest, but Sirius shook his head and exited the room.
     Several hours later and Sirius was back at 12 Grimmauld Place. As a welcome home gift, his parents didn't torture him that night, instead choosing to scream at him for being a disappointment to the family (it was a nice change in pace). However, his parents brief "kindness" did not last long. Unable to use the Cruciatus Curse too consistently (it would be a family embarrassment if their son went insane), the Blacks utilized various methods to punish Sirius – stinging jinxes being one of their personal favorites.
     One particular evening in early July, the Black family was sat in the dining room eating dinner. To break the silence, Orion stated,
     "A friend of mine at the Ministry tells me that they're about to introduce legislation to reduce the rights of halfbreeds, with a particular focus on werewolves."
     "Oh that's excellent news, darling," replied Walburga cheerfully. Sirius gritted his teeth and glared angrily at the table.
     "Something wrong, son?" asked Orion threateningly, his tone clearly indicating that there better not be anything wrong. But Sirius did not care – he had had enough. He was going to get plenty of punishments anyway, he may as well earn them.
     "Yeah, I've got a problem," Sirius said, his voice quivering with anger. "My problem is that you fucking bigots drive me up the wall with your backwards, awful beliefs. 'Oh look at us, we're Purebloods, we're so much better than everyone else.' Well guess what? You aren't better than anyone. You are the WORST people I could ever imagine. God, I HATE YOU TWO."
     Everything was quiet for a moment, and then all hell broke loose.
     "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO US LIKE THAT YOU UTTER DISGRACE. You are NO SON OF MINE," shrieked Walburga. She and Orion began shooting jinx after jinx at Sirius, who was becoming extremely bruised and bloody.
     "You know what son, I think it's been too long since you've gotten a taste of true pain," said Orion sinisterly. He raised his wand and said the incantation, his wand pointed at Sirius while Regulus watched in horror. Moments later, two screams filled the air: one of pain, and one of rage.