Cleaved

"Black, Sirius."

The name was called, echoing through the Great Hall. Any chatting amongst the students who knew the name ceased, interested in the Black heir. Those who didn't know, hardly dared to speak, confused but interested looks upon their faces.

Puffing out his chest, feigning confidence, Sirius made his way to the stool. Dropping into the seat, the hat was placed upon his head. Everyone around the hall seemed to hold their breaths. The moment the hat called out "Gryffindor" whispers spread through the hall like wildfire. Sirius made his way over to the table, a smug grin on his face as the occupants of the house exploded into cheers.

"Lupin, Remus."

The name caught Sirius's attention, having remembered it as one of the boys he had sat with on the train. He was tall, nothing but skin and bone. Scars littered his body, or at least what bit of it Sirius managed to see. Despite his height, he swam in the robes he wore, nearly tripping on them as he moved in front of the crowd of people all waiting to eat.

"Ravenclaw!" The hat called, sending Sirius's stomach plummeting. Disappointment nibbling at his insides.

"Pettigrew, Peter," distracted him from the dismay of Remus not being in Gryffindor. If Sirius had it his way, him and the three boys he had met on the train would all be in the same house. They seemed like fine lads, ones Sirius could definitely see himself getting into trouble with.

"Hufflepuff!" The hat cried, which didn't surprise Sirius all that much. The boy didn't seem like he had the make for any other house. But still, he had hoped.

"Potter, James." Sirius perked up again as soon as he heard the name, hope entering his system.

There was no hesitation in the brown haired boy. He was so sure where he was to be placed, and Sirius was sure that in moments he would be occupying the place next to him. He had made sure no one sat there, saving it for James after all. Yet to both of their horror that hat called out,

"Slytherin!"