The Black Pawn (R.L.)

1 - The Sorting

The sun seemed to rise earlier today, barely visible through the thick velvet drapes that adorned my bedroom window. London seemed to be awake as well. The sound of cars from the street just barely drowned out the bustle of my family. I had spent most of the night tossing and turning in a failed attempt to fall asleep. I haven't quite decided if it is due to excitement or angst.

Today would be my first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I had a benefit that many of the new students didn't—I was a member of the Noble House of Black. Not only would I have the protection of my last name, but my two older cousins promised to show me the ropes. I had always looked up to Narcissa and Andromeda. They were both beautiful, popular, and did well in their studies—as a member of the Black family should. Though following in their example was a task that seemed challenging if not impossible.

"Rise and shine, Opaline!" My twin brother's cheery voice sang before he launched himself onto my bed.

"Sirius!" I gasped, making futile attempts to kick him off of me. "I was already up."

"That's weird. Still looks to me like you're in bed." His long black hair hung into his face as he grinned down at me.

"Look." Once he crawled back off my bed I dramatically sat up with a roll of my eyes. "Awake. Are you happy?"

"Hmm. Not yet." His deep blue eyes twinkled with mischief, a sign I had known to mean trouble. His hand wrapped around my ankle, and before I could protest he jerked my body onto the cold floor in one motion.

He left me groaning on the floor, wisely running out before I could retaliate. I stretched my now likely bruised limbs and stood. He was right about one thing—I did need to get up and be ready before our mother decided we would need to leave. She didn't like for us to be late...and if my father had actually made the time to send us off, he would agree. He was sure to lecture us the night before, sharing with us who we should and shouldn't talk to.

Sirius was lucky that he didn't share the same apprehension I had for our first day. He was eager to go to school and be on our own. To me it meant I was just one step closer to having to live up to our family's name. There were a lot of expectations on our head's, expectations that he seemed blissfully unaware of.

I carefully combed through my dark brown hair, examining myself in the mirror of my vanity. My hair was sleek like my mothers and unfortunately did not have the same curl to it that both of my brother's had. My eyes were much lighter than my family's, in some lights almost golden brown as opposed to the nearly black eyes my mother had. Though it was unmistakable what family I came from. I was thankful that our house-elf, Kreacher, had packed my trunk for me the day before because after ensuring my appearance was perfect I hardly had time to get breakfast.

I trotted into the hall, averting my eyes from the line of previous house-elves that now hung mounted on our walls. It made me sick, but Kreacher himself couldn't wait to join them. It was a tradition of 12 Grimmauld Place—and really of many pureblooded families. When I made it into the kitchen, both of my siblings were already devouring a meal of kippers, eggs, and toast. I grabbed a bowl of porridge for myself, but not before nailing my twin in the arm.

"Opaline, you shouldn't hit it's unladylike." My mother frowned as she joined us in the kitchen. The heels of her boots clicked against the floor in a determinate rhythm. She wore a crisply ironed dress underneath her coat and her makeup was perfectly done as usual.

"But—" I attempted to protest but was quickly cut off by my mother's hand raising in a silent demand of silence. Sirius stuck his tongue out at me and I quickly kicked his shin from underneath the table. He pretended to silently cry before immediately breaking into a wide smile.