Five of Sirius Black’s Happiest Moments

Sirius Black didn’t have the easiest life. As revealed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, we learn that he spent so much of his life in Azkaban for the murder of innocent humans – a crime he didn’t commit. Plus, this was shortly after he realized one of his closest friends betrayed his best friend, leading to the deaths of James and Lily Potter. Despite all this pain and hardship, he managed to find some moments of light and joy. Today, in honor of his birthday, we look at five of Sirius’s happiest moments.

 

Christmas at Grimmauld Place

 

 

Sirius’s delight at having the house full again, and especially at having Harry back, was infectious. He was no longer their sullen host of the summer; now he seemed determined that everyone should enjoy themselves as much, if not more, than they would have done at Hogwarts, and he worked tirelessly in the run-up to Christmas Day, cleaning and decorating with their help, so that by the time they all went to bed on Christmas Eve the house was barely recognizable.” (OotP 501)

Due to Arthur’s injury at the Ministry, Harry, the Weasleys, and Hermione ended up spending Christmas at Grimmauld Place that year. This is probably one of the highlights in Sirius’s post-Azkaban life since he was able to host some of his loved ones during this festive season.

 

Harry’s Desire to Move In

 

 

‘Yeah, I mean it!’ said Harry.
Black’s gaunt face broke into the first true smile Harry had seen upon it. The difference it made was startling, as though a person ten years younger were shining through the starved mask; for a moment, he was recognizable as the man who had laughed at Harry’s parents’ wedding. “ (PoA 379)

Sirius has just reunited with Lupin, met Harry, and explained his truth to people who accept it. For a few minutes, it looks like he would have his freedom back, and Harry’s positive response gives him a moment of joy before everything falls apart.

 

Duel at the Ministry

 

 

Harry saw Sirius duck Bellatrix’s jet of red light: He was laughing at her. ‘Come on, you can do better than that!’ he yelled, his voice echoing around the cavernous room.
The second jet of light hit him squarely on the chest.
The laughter had not quite died from his face, but his eyes widened in shock.” (OotP 805)

After being cooped up in Grimmauld Place, this final duel gave Sirius the chance to do something useful by protecting Harry and his friends from the Death Eaters. Before Bellatrix’s curse hit him, he had a moment of fun.

 

Being Part of the Marauders

 

 

‘Now, my three friends could hardly fail to notice that I disappeared once a month. I made up all sorts of stories. I told them my mother was ill, and that I had to go home to see her . . . .  I was terrified they would desert me the moment they found out what I was. But of course, they, like you, Hermione, worked out the truth. . . .’
‘And they didn’t desert me at all. Instead, they did something for me that would make my transformations not only bearable, but the best times of my life. They became Animagi.’” (PoA 354)

The Marauders had some great times at school. Although they were hardly rule followers, their rule-breaking led to some of the best moments in their lives – especially for Lupin, who no longer had to face his werewolf transformations alone.

 

James and Sirius’s Motorcycle Adventure

 

 

In 2008, J.K. Rowling released a short prequel story about teenage James and Sirius having a run-in with some Muggle policemen. Although it was brief, we got a glimpse of the mischievous and fun adventures they used to have.

 

Which Sirius moment is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!