The summer of 1975 was one full of good times, nervous energy, heartbreak and legal battles. Everything started out well. James and I were glad to be home with his parents. Mrs. Potter fussed over us both and Mr. Potter spent several nights having long talks with both of us. We talked about how we thought our O.W.L.s had gone and what jobs we were considering. He told us about his N.E.W.T.s and how we should be able to start apparation lessons in the spring.
The end of July our carefree summer was gone. We had been waiting to hear from Sirius and Peter to try and meet up with them at some point. Peter sent word that he was out of the country with his mother. We didn't hear from Sirius until the night of July 30.
We were enjoying our dinner and telling the folks we were concerned about Sirius. A few minutes into our desert, Sirius hobbled into the kitchen from the den. James saw him first and exclaimed, "Holy shit!" We all turned to see a battered Sirius.
"Mr. Potter, can I stay here till school starts?" he asked.
"What happened Sirius?"
"Not long after we got back, maybe a couple of days, my brother confronted me about the prank we pulled on Snivellus after our Defense O.W.L. We argued and my dad heard us. He asked Reg what had happened. Honestly, I don't think Reg meant that to happen. He doesn't like our father anymore than I do. Anyway, Reg told him and he slugged me.
'That's what happens when you associate with blood-traitors, mudbloods, and half-breeds,' he yelled at me. 'You lose sight of the people that matter.'
Apparently the look on my face told him part of what he said had gotten to me because he sneered at me and said, 'I know all about your furry friend. He'll get what he deserves soon enough if he doesn't join us.' He was threatening Remus. I lost it. I yelled back at him, 'He is a much better man than you'll ever be.'
I heard him yell 'Crucio' and he tortured me until I passed out. When I woke up, I was in the dungeon chanined to the wall. Reg was sent down to check on me every night. Tonight, he unchained me so I could eat the food he had brought down and went to leave. He paused and said, 'they wont be home for about 2 hours and then left. I escaped the dungeon and came here."
"Of course you can stay here," Mrs. Potter answered.
Mr. Potter contacted Professor Dumbledore who soon appeared. He examined Sirius' wounds and then contacted the Magical Law Enforcement Department. Within half an hour a couple of people were standing at the front door. Mrs. Potter let them in. An auror and a healer entered the den. After examining Sirius they left the room with the Potters and Pro. Dumbledore. I told James to stay with Sirius while I tried to hear what was going on.
"...you say this isn't the first time this has happened?"
"Sirius has been in and out over here since the summer after their first year. Many times during breaks he would arrive with bruises, black eyes or favoring an arm or what have you. We have looked after him but it was all stuff that could be easily explained away."
"So you've never actually seen Orion strike his son?"
"No, I can't prove anything."
"Then I'm afraid..."
I had heard enough. I stepped into Mr. Potter's office and said, "I have."
"Remus?"
"You have seen Orion Black strike his son?"
"Yes sir. More than once."
"Explain."
"The day I went to be fitted for uniforms at Madame Malkins before first year. They were in the shop as well. I noticed Sirius looked to be about my age and was getting Hogwarts uniforms as well so I waved. He waved back slightly and smiled at me. Mr. Black saw him and looked to see who he was smiling at. He then smacked Sirius."
