Sirius and Harry feel a kinship not only because Harry’s father, James Potter, appointed Sirius as Harry’s godfather, but also because they are often subject to same kinds of frustrating restrictions. Every summer, Harry must stay with his wretched Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and cousin Dudley. Even though they are technically his family, he feels isolated and repressed in their home, and they do not treat him with any kindness or compassion. Still, Dumbledore insists that Harry remain there for his own safety. Likewise, Sirius must remain in his family’s home, Twelve Grimmauld Place, because he cannot risk being spotted by Ministry of Magic officials and being sent back to Azkaban. Even though Sirius is desperate to help the Order of the Phoenix destroy Lord Voldemort, Dumbledore demands that Sirius remain inside, cleaning his home and staying out of trouble. Sirius’s banishment is especially painful considering the unpleasant memories he associates with Twelve Grimmauld Place—the Black family were once followers of Voldemort, and Sirius betrayed them out of loyalty to Dumbledore.

Despite all of these external similarities, Harry and Sirius are still very different Wizards. Sirius often admonishes Harry for not being more of a risk-taker, reminding Harry that his father, James, thrived on risk. When Harry sneaks into Snape’s Pensieve and witnesses Snape’s Hogwarts memories, he sees Sirius and James cruelly taunting Snape for no apparent reason. Harry would never be so needlessly mean—he treats most students with compassion and respect. Even though they have very different temperaments and social habits, Sirius and Harry are very close, and their mutual trust is a powerful force.