Chapter 1

I first saw him standing there, looking lost but still haughty. He stood poised, glaring around the platform as if he were better than everyone else but also as if he were looking for someone to just be a friend, despite "social class".

"That's a Black right there," my mum told me, looking over at him through narrowed eyes. It was a little known fact that the Potters and the Blacks never got along. And I just happened to be a Potter. I glanced up at my mother as she continued on. "I had completely forgotten that they have a son your age. Oh well, it hardly matters. He'll be sorted into Slytherin like the rest and you'll be sorted into Gryffindor. As long as you don't go out of your way, you shouldn't have to ever associate with him."

I glanced back over at the boy standing alone, staring at the train. I felt sorry for him. He didn't seem to be evil and mean like the rest of his family. But my parents couldn't be wrong. They were my parents. They knew everything. Right?

So I turned away and walked onto the train, dragging my trunk behind me. It took me a while, but I was finally able to find an empty compartment. I dragged my trunk in and put it up on the rack. It took a lot of effort and as I wrestled with my trunk, a voice from behind me said, "Here, let me help. I'm thinking this trunk's too heavy for you to put of there alone."

Gratefully I accepted the newcomer's help. Once it was up, I turned around and came face to face with Sirius Black. He wore an uncertain smile on his face and his grey eyes were shining with joy. Uncertain as to how to proceed, I just stood there dumbly, looking at him. His smile faltered briefly but he kept it up as he held out his hand.

"I'm Sirius Black, although you probably already knew that, judging by your dumbfounded look," he said amiably. I studied him for a moment, the nervous look in his eyes, the dark hair falling across his face, his demeanor fairly shy. But he was evil and mean, like the rest of his family, right? After all, my parents had told me that several times. But he had helped me…the least I could do was shake his hand and invite him to sit with me on the train, right?

"I'm James Potter. Would you like to sit with me on the way to Hogwarts?" I offered, grabbing his hand as well and shaking it earnestly. A huge smile lit up his face and his eyes seemed to shine with a newfound mischievousness. He must have been delighted at how easily he had been accepted by someone who knew of his family and their involvement in the dark arts.

"Sure, that would be awesome. Um…let me just go get my trunk." With those words, he left, glancing back at me as if to reassure himself that I wasn't just tricking him. I glanced out of the train window and saw my mom talking to some other people. After a brief argument with myself, I left the compartment and went out to give a final farewell to my mom. After all, I wouldn't see her until Christmas time, if then.

"Hey, you all ready to go?" she asked as I walked over to her. I nodded somewhat sheepishly. I always hated intruding on conversations between adults.

"Yeah I am," I answered, quickly leaning in and giving her a tight hug. My mother, slightly surprised by the display of public affection, hugged me back just as tightly.

"It's going to be really quiet around the house without random things exploding. I'm really going to miss you and I'm sure your father will too," she whispered in my ear as she unconsciously tried to smooth down my messy hair.

I looked up and nodded. It was times like that when I felt so lucky to have someone like my mother in my life. I was often accused of being a spoiled rich kid by people in my neighborhood. That would probably be one of the main reasons I don't really have a lot of friends. Living in a mansion is kind of…formidable looking to some people. I didn't have what most kids had though, and that was a dad. My father was almost never home. He was constantly at work or out at some business meeting or dinner. My mom, however, was a steady companion in my life.

"I've got to go get on the train, mum," I said softly, backing up ever so slightly and flashing her a quick grin. She smiled too and ruffled my hair, realizing that it would never be tame.

"Alright then. I'll see you around Christmas then, unless something unexpected happens, which I'm not expecting. I love you."

I turned around and began walking to the train after muttering a quick 'I love you' back. It wasn't cool to tell your mother that you loved her after all. I boarded the train and walked back to my compartment, excitement coursing through me. I was completely oblivious to everything that was happening around me. I had a one track mind and that was Hogwarts.

As I reached my compartment I noticed Sirius Black standing outside, looking confused, lost, and hurt. I suddenly realized that I had abandoned him and he was probably wondering where I had gone. Instantly feeling guilty, I called out, "Hey man. Let me give you a hand with that."

A relived smile crossed his face and he willing obliged. Within minutes we were both seated with our trunks safely resting on the rack. Silence fell between us and I studied him again.

He was staring out the window, a small smile on his face constantly that spoke of his content and hope for a promising Hogwarts career. His eyes drifted over to where I was sitting every now and then, as if trying to assess me without my knowing it. He sat with a straight back as if it had been drilled into his mind since the day he was born. Sirius Black really did seem to fit the classic aristocrat, poised, pale skinned, haughty, and classically good looking, despite the fact that he was only eleven years old.

I rolled my eyes at myself. I could be a psychiatrist the way I was observing the boy sitting across from me. Sirius must have noticed because he turned to look at me with mild confusion in his eyes. I shook my head and burst into laughter. Sirius must have thought that I'm the craziest person on the planet, and perhaps I am. The thing that amazed me, though, was when he burst into laughter with me. Neither of us having a reason but laughing as if the world would end if we didn't.

Sirius had a nice laugh. It was loud and somewhat bark-like, but it was warm and heartfelt. It was a really pleasant sound. I wondered what my laugh sounded like to him. Probably empty and small.

Eventually our laughter faded and we looked at each other, mildly shy smiles on our faces. A few chuckles followed our eyes meeting and then we drifted off into more silence, this one more comfortable.

It was then, I think, that I realized that Sirius Black was different from his family. It was in his laugh.

A.N. hmm…this story is dedicated to my daddy. He died a month ago and I think he would like this one. Lol. so please don't flame it or I think I'll cry. Well…I'd probably laugh, but that's not the point. Anyways, please review.