Shakespeare ❆ Sirius Black [1]

Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen

It was surreal. None wanted to believe it, but it was happening nonetheless. They were sitting on the Hogwarts Express, making their way to King's Cross and Platform 9 ¾ one last time. The castle, Hogwarts, their home, left long behind them. The group of eight friends sat together in one compartment, finding comfort in each other as one chapter of their lives ended.

"I don't want to leave it behind. I don't think I'm ready." Lily said in a sad voice, her head leaning on James' shoulder as she looked around the compartment at the faces of all her friends. They all bore the same sad and sympathetic looks.

"I already miss it." Marlene mumbled as she looked out the window at the rolling woods as they rushed past them. After so many train rides, they knew the Platform was closer and closer with every second that passed.

"I can't believe it's over. These two years, they passed by so quickly." Nadia commented thoughtfully. Sirius squeezed her shoulder in comfort as she leaned against him. He too couldn't believe that their time in Hogwarts was done.

Nadia felt like so little time had passed since she first sat on this train at the start of their sixth year; the first time she had met Sirius, James, Remus and Peter. And yet so much has happened since then.

"You guys I want to thank you." Camille spoke up, making all their eyes turn to her. "When seventh year started I was expecting to spend it on my own, and I was fine with it, but then you lot came into my life and made it the best year I could have ever asked for. So thank you, so much." Camille said, tears starting threaten to spill from her eyes but she quickly blinked them away.

"You don't need to thank us. We're happy you became a part of our group." Marlene said honestly, sending Camille a warm smile as she spoke.

Camille's words of gratitude made Remus start thinking about his own time in Hogwarts and what all he had been through. When he first started his education he was a fearful child scared of the burden of his secret. But in the last seven years he had not only discovered that not everyone would judge him for it, but those around him even did whatever they could to help him. He had friends who spent every full moon with him so he wouldn't be lonely. He had friends who knew but never said anything and instead kept and protected his secrets without any hesitation. He was surrounded by people that loved him and he didn't have to hide who he truly was around them. And he loved them too.

"Camille's right. You guys are some of the best friends I could have ever asked for, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you." He finally said making people turn to him with teary eyes.

"We feel the same way about you mate, you're the best friend anyone could ask for." James said with a fond look on his face.

"I don't." Sirius suddenly said, making everyone turn to him with a confused look. "I don't consider any of you my friends. You guys know where I come from, you know what the Blacks are like. I don't consider you my friends; you guys are my family and I have no idea what would have become of me without all of you. You're my family, my real family and I couldn't be prouder about that." He explained and this time many of their tears did flow. Even James found himself wiping at his cheek as he looked at the boy he too considered to be his brother.

"I couldn't have asked for a better brother." The Potter said openly, unafraid to show the emotions he was feeling because of Sirius' words.

"Me neither." Remus added on.

"Neither could have I." Peter too agreed.

"Family is the foundation upon which we stand; there to support us and love us even though the darkest of times. And all those blessed to have one should cherish it for eternity." Nadia said while a single tear slid down her cheek after watching the moment between the four boys unfold before her eyes.

"Who said that one?" Marlene asked with a teary chuckle.

"I did." Nadia admitted. It wasn't a quote she remembered from some book or play. It was her own thoughts and feelings; thoughts on this group and the people in it. "Because we are a family." She turned her head to look at Sirius, sending him a small smile after which he gave her a short but still loving kiss.

"And family sticks together. Always." James added on confidently.

"Always." They all repeated after him, all in agreement that whatever comes next... They would face it together.

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I'm a mess right now...
- 24th September, 2019