Author's Note: I had come up with the premise for this story idea while re-reading OotP. It hit me when Sirius said to Harry that he had run away from home when he was only sixteen years old and went to stay with James's family. There was definitely a story hidden inside this information, so I have taken it upon myself to tell Sirius Black's story of running away and living with the Potter's and how he left a year later with the sizable gold his Uncle Alphard left him. Also I've decided to explore the exploits of all the Marauders and Lily and an OC I created especially for this story. P.S. This is a revised version of this story that was posted a few months ago. For those who read it before it's different, some parts will be the same, but others have been added, so please read and review.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth …
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
"The Road Not Taken"
Robert Frost

Chapter I – The Sudden Flight of Sirius Black

July 1975 – 12 Grimmauld Place

"Sirius Orion Black you are such a disgrace to this family!" Mrs. Black screamed while holding a piece of parchment in her hand while glaring up at her son.

"But, Mum it's what I want…" Sirius said trying to get a word in edge wise.

"I don't care what you want, what about your family? Have you ever given them any thought at all? No of course you haven't. For Merlin's sake you were sorted into Gryffindor, which might I add no other Black in history has ever managed to do. Then you fraternize with those dreadful half-bloods and who knows what else at school. And now this?" she screamed again shaking the parchment furiously.

"Mum being an Auror is quite an accomplishment, I would have to go to school for three more years. They just don't let anyone become one you know." Sirius said proudly, but knew deep down this would not persuade her view of the situation.

"Your father is whirling in his grave right now boy! Why can't you be more like your brother Regulus, he's very interested in practicing the Dark Arts, unlike you who wants to fight them." Mrs. Black stated looking fondly over at her younger son who was remaining quiet during this tirade.

"But, Mum I'm not my brother or like anyone else in this family, why can't you accept that? I want to become an Auror." Sirius stated matter-of-factly.

"Over my dead body you will! No son of mine will become a Dark Wizard Catcher, do you understand?" Mrs. Black screamed her grey eyes narrowing, her nostrils flaring.

Sirius had never heard or seen his mother this angry since he was eleven years old and had sent an owl home telling her he had been sorted into Gryffindor. That's when she decided to send him a Howler that screamed her disgust at his not being placed in Slytherin.

"I'm doing it and I don't care what you say or think about it. It's my future and I'll do what the hell I please!" Sirius shouted back.

"Oh, is that so boy? Well, while you live under this roof you live by my rules and I say you are not going to study to be an Auror!" She shouted with her hands on her hips figuring that this would settle the matter once and for all.

Though to her utter surprise her son stared her down with his eyes blazing in arrogant defiance and said, "Fine then, I guess I'll be packing my things."

"What…" was all Mrs. Black could get out almost inaudibly.

"I'll leave, it's that simple. You're the one who said that I could do what I want if I didn't live here, correct?" Sirius questioned nearing the staircase.

"But you've only just turned sixteen last month. How do you plan on living?" Mrs. Black asked curiously.

"Not to worry I can take care of myself, I always have." Sirius said as he stormed up the staircase to his room.

Mrs. Black just stared up at the now empty stairs in complete shock at what just transpired.

"Mum do you want me to stop him?" asked Regulus.

"No dear, it's all right he's just bluffing." She said flatly.

Sirius had heard what his mother had said, he had been standing up on the landing out of sight. Bluffing, I'll show her what bluffing is…she'll have a right old shock when she actually sees me leaving this house for the very last time, Sirius thought to himself.

That boy will be the ruin of this family! Does he not understand the importance of blood purity, family bonds and the noble cause of the dark arts?

Lyra Black walked into her private sitting room off the main hall. She sat herself down at her rosewood writing desk and began to rub her pounding temples slowly.

Lyra sighed loudly and went into the desk's middle drawer and withdrew a silver picture frame. She looked at the couple in the old black and white photograph, they were smiling happily and waving cheekily into the camera.

The photograph had been taken on her honeymoon to Egypt. Ophiuchus, her new husband had always wanted to go to Egypt to see the pyramids and the Sphinx, but also wanted to go for all its treasured magic, namely its curses. Like everyone in the Black family, Ophiuchus, had an interest in the dark arts and knew their importance in the wizarding world. Lyra had not been thrilled about going, as she could not stand the heat nor the sand, but as a dutiful Black, she bore her burden happily.

She stroked the picture fondly remembering a time when she was actually happy. Though sadly that feeling escaped her now. For at least the past eight years now, happiness was nothing more than a distant memory. Eight years ago, her husband died, ironically in Egypt from a cursed tomb.

At the thought of this memory Lyra threw down the frame and crossed her arms angrily, realizing how similar Sirius and his father looked. The same clear grey eyes, same dimples when they smiled, and the same black floppy hair. To be sure, both were handsome and both were arrogant prats, as far as she was concerned, though the only difference being Sirius's ridiculous desire to stop dark wizards.

Where have I gone wrong with him? I could really use Ophiuchus now. After all a boy will always listen to his father, but no my daft husband had to run off to Egypt and end getting cursed to death. What a worthless bastard, leaving me to raise two boys on my own. Both him and Sirius always were trouble, but at least my husband knew what being a Black meant.

If Sirius decides to leave the family when he's of age it will ruin the match he was destined for a few years ago. How will I tell my brother-in-law, Cepheus that Sirius left the family? He's apt to hex me for ruining his dreams of Bellatrix marrying Sirius.

"Argh! This boy is going to be the damnation of this family," Lyra Black said as she again rubbed her throbbing temples.

Sirius opened the door to his room and went right over to his oak writing desk and pulled out some parchment. Then he dipped his eagle feather into a crystal inkwell and began to write quickly.

Oy Prongs,

I've had it with this place. My mum got a letter from Hogwarts today about my future career choice as an Auror; needless to say she wasn't pleased. Let's just say the row we just had almost rivaled the Howler from first year. She told me that I couldn't live under this roof anymore so I'm leaving my family and was hoping you wouldn't mind me staying with your family for the summer. I just have to get a few things sorted out and I should arrive in Godric's Hollow by night fall.

See you soon,

Padfoot

P.S. Tell the other Marauders, after all we need to celebrate my new found freedom properly.

Sirius scanned the letter quickly and went over to the cage on his wardrobe, where a tawny screech owl now fluttered excitedly anticipating a delivery.

"All right girl you have to go to Prong's house quick. He should be in Godric's Hollow." Sirius said as he popped the cage open and tied the parchment to her outstretched leg.

The owl began to hoot softly and nipped Sirius gently on his finger as he brought her over to the open window.

"Off you go Portia, good luck." He said as she flew off his arm and out the window into the bleak grayness of the afternoon.

Sirius's next mission was to pack all the things which he needed, which wasn't much other than school books, clothes, and robes. He figured he didn't really need much considering there was nothing of any sentimental value in his room other than some photographs of his friends Moony, Prongs and Wormtail. Oh and he couldn't forget his secret stash of dungbombs, stinkpellets and the like that he had hidden under a loose floorboard right next to his bed.

Regulus had carefully went up the stairs after his mother had left the room, he wanted to talk Sirius out of leaving. He couldn't bear to be the only person left behind with mother and Kreacher.

Regulus was presently listening at his brother's door. Clearly from the sounds that came from within, Sirius was definitely packing up his things and running away.

I can't believe he's going to leave. Mother is going to be furious. Where does he think he can go? He's just a teenager…what about school…bloody hell, what about Bellatrix?

Regulus knocked softly waiting to be told to come in, but heard nothing, he knocked louder a second time and Sirius ripped open the door, with a wild look in his eyes.

"If mum sent you up here to stop me, tell her she can shove her wand up her arse!" Sirius shouted and turned on his heels and went back to packing up his trunk.

Regulus was taken back a bit, but finally managed to speak, "Er…no, but I don't think you should leave."

"There's a surprise, golden boy. Don't want to rock the broomstick, do we?" Sirius said sarcastically.

"Um…Sirius, please don't leave. You're all I have left. Dad's been gone for ages and I…I just can't stand it being just me and mum," Regulus pleaded.

Sirius stopped in front of his open trunk and dropped some letters into it and studied his brother's hooded weepy eyes and pathetic look.

"You know I almost feel sorry for you, but you chose to be the perfect obedient son, and now you have to live with it," Sirius said coolly.

"What was I supposed to do? Be like you and get in trouble every other week and disgrace my family? I respect Dad's memory, unlike you," Regulus said nervously.

"Then why are you afraid of being here alone with mum? Because you're just like me deep down, but you don't have the courage to stand up for yourself. Why don't you grow-up and be your own person and stop being mum's arse-wipe!" Sirius shouted.

Regulus was shocked his older brother would be so mean to him. Granted, they never really got along anymore, but still they were brothers. They had only drifted apart once Sirius started Hogwarts.

Before that Sirius had been almost the perfect older (minus some pranks he pulled on him from time to time) to little Regulus. When their father died, he was only six years old, he had been so scared at night and it was Sirius, not their mother, who comforted Regulus. Sirius who wiped his tears away, who told him that everything would be all right.

Regulus remembered the dark and lonely days and nights after Sirius left for school. Spending everyday with just his bitter mother and that peculiar house-elf scared him so much then and he dreaded, even now at fourteen to go back to that existence. Sirius just couldn't abandon him, after all they were blood.

"I'm not afraid, I just respect my family's wishes," Regulus replied.

"Bully for you, then stay here and be the obliging wonderful precious son. I feel no allegiance for any of them, " Sirius said as he looked under his bed and found an old pair of trainers and threw them in his trunk.

"Sirius, where are you going to go? You've no money and no other family who will take you in," Regulus said in an effort to reason with Sirius.

"Not that it's any of your affair, but James'll take me in," Sirius said.

James, of course, the wonderful and popular James Potter, pureblood and Muggle-lover extraordinaire. Merlin, how I despise James for stealing my brother away. Since the day those two pranksters met they had been inseparable. They were in Gryffindor together, played Quidditch together, had the same classes and shared all the same friends and enemies. They should be sewn at the hip at any rate with all their togetherness, Regulus thought sourly.

"Naturally, hope his mum and dad don't chuck you out for being a bad influence on their son," Regulus said.

"Jealous little brother?" Sirius asked.

"Never, he can have you," Regulus lied.

"Really? Then why are you so upset?" Sirius asked suspiciously.

"I don't want to be here alone with mum, plus you belong with your blood," Regulus said.

"Blood alone doesn't make family," Sirius said as he did one last check around his room before closing his trunk.

"Fine, you want to be an outcast like Uncle Alphard, then do it, but one day you'll need us, we're your family. People always need their family," Regulus said.

"Pish, I'll never need mum or any of you for anything. My friends may not be blood, but I consider them my family because we all care about each other and can be ourselves and be accepted regardless. With this lot, no one cares about anything, but holding up the family name. And you certainly can't be yourself with mum and you know it," Sirius said as he buckled his trunk up.

"You're really leaving then?" Regulus asked tenuously, eyeing Sirius.

"Yeah I am. Guess I'll see you at school then," Sirius said looking at his brother, who oddly enough was on the verge of tears.

"Fine, be careful then," Regulus sniffed softly.

"Bleeding Christ, Regulus," Sirius said looking at his near broken down brother with concern.

What's his problem? He's that afraid of being alone with mum or would he really miss me that much? It's not like we have anything in common anymore. Poor bugger, he's scared to death of mum and Kreacher, can't blame him really.

"I'm fine, if you're going to go, leave already!" Regulus said a bit louder than he intended.

"Aw, Regulus, stiff-upper lip it, will you. Mum won't hex you, after all you have to carry on the family name now. You'll be her little prince," Sirius said trying to boost Regulus's self-esteem.

"That's not the point, it was always you and me, now it'll be just me," Regulus said sadly.

Sirius went over to his brother and hugged him and said," It'll only be summers and holidays with her, then before you know it, you'll be on your own."

From where I'm standing brother, that's a lifetime away, Regulus thought sadly.

"All right then, good luck," Regulus said with his best fake smile.

"Thanks little brother, I'd hide until I leave in case Mum goes completely mental," Sirius said as he went to grab his trunk.

"Right," Regulus said weakly as he disappeared down the corridor, as both boys knew, confrontation was never one of Regulus's strong points.

Packed and ready to go, Sirius lugged his trunk down the stairs with loud thumping sounds that drew the attention of Kreacher, the Black's house elf.

With a soft pop he suddenly appeared right in front of Sirius, looking at him with wonder and said, "Master Sirius what is you doing? You supposed to call Kreacher when tasks are to be done. Mistress Black won't not like the noise sir."

"Frankly I don't give one bloody bit if the noise does disturb her." Sirius said trying to get around Kreacher who looked completely aghast by what was just said to him.

"How can Master disrespect his mother so?" Kreacher asked with his big watery eyes as wide as saucers.

"Easy, unlike you I don't like being bossed around by her, now either get out of my way or help me get this down the steps." Sirius said getting anxious not wanting to have another row with his mother.

With that simple request Kreacher snapped his fingers and the trunk began to float in midair all the way down the stairs till it landed near the front door.

"Thank you Kreacher and be sure to enjoy your time with my Mum and Regulus." Sirius said as he ambled down the stairs.

"Where do you think you are going?" Mrs. Black asked incredulously.

"I'm leaving, remember you said I had to leave in order to become and Auror, so I'm on my way. Bye." Sirius said as he smirked at his mother and waved.

"I forbid you to leave this house!" she screamed.

Her screaming drew the attention of Regulus who ran into the room with a pumpkin pasty in his mouth.

"You can't forbid me to do anything; I'm not a house-elf." Sirius said indignantly.

"I'm your mother, you are a Black remember your family Sirius!" she screeched shrilly.

"Sirius rethink this, you're going to regret leaving this house one day. You know there will come a time when you'll need us." Regulus pleaded earnestly, still hoping to change his brother's mind.

"I doubt I'll ever need a bunch of insufferable Muggle-haters like you lot!" Sirius screamed as he opened the front door and began to lug his trunk out onto the front steps.

"YOU BLOOD TRAITOR, ABOMINATION, SHAME OF MY FLESH!" Mrs. Black screamed at the top of her lungs.

"You make Mistress mad, bad Sirius." Kreacher said shaking his head.

"You leave this house I'll take you off the family tree, it'll be like you never existed!" she shouted after him into the street.

"Go right ahead I wouldn't want to be on a family tree with a bunch of nutters anyway." Sirius shot back at her as he put up his wand hand.

BANG.

All of sudden out of nowhere a hideously lavender colored triple-decker bus appeared and stopped right in front of where Sirius was standing.

"Knight Bus you flagged us down?" asked a young gentlemen.

"Yes I did, I have one trunk and I'm heading to the north, Godric's Hollow." Sirius said defiantly catching a glimpse of his mother out of the corner of his eye.

"Right-o, hop aboard. That'll be ten sickles and four knuts." The conductor said as he and Sirius heaved his trunk onto the bus.

As the door to the bus closed and Sirius was handing over his coins he saw his mother and brother standing on the steps of 12 Grimmauld place in utter shock.

BANG.

Sirius jerked forward and almost fell over.

"Careful lad, we don't want to have to make a detour to St. Mungo's." the driver said with a smile.

"All right then have a seat anywhere you like and we'll shout out your stop when we get there." The conductor said pleasantly.

Sirius couldn't believe he was running away from home. Clearly that was the very last time he would ever see that awful house again. He would never see his mum again…

Sirius sighed as he slouched into the seat he had taken at the back of the bus. So what if he never saw any of them again. Blood doesn't make you family. He felt closer to James Potter than he ever did to his own brother after all. And after all our families are not just the ones we are born into, but also the families we make along the way on the road of life.