Dearest Aunt Walburga

I write to you concerning the Sorting of our dear Sirius, my beloved cousin and your cherished firstborn son, as you instructed me to. It gives me pain to have to inform you that Sirius was not, despite all our efforts, Sorted into Slytherin. He was, unfortunately, put in Gryffindor. I fear that the Sorting Hat may have made some grave mistake. It is inconceivable, dear Aunt, that a Black should not be in the noble house of Slytherin, the house into which the Dark Lord himself was Sorted. I also fear that Sirius will end up mingling with Mudblood filth, now that he is in Gryffindor. However, do not despair! I will do all I can to help Sirius become one of the greatest wizards in history. You have my word. Sirius shall not disgrace the most noble and ancient name of Black. Meanwhile, we have yet to discover which house Regulus will be in. Let us hope that he is in Slytherin!

Your niece, Narcissa Black