AMONG THE FALLEN STARS
"One wrong move, Peter," said Lupin threateningly ahead. His wand was still pointed sideways at Pettigrew's chest.
Silently they tramped through the grounds, the castle lights growing slowly larger. Snape was still drifting weirdly ahead of Black, his chin bumping on his chest.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" Black commented. Harry looked at him inquiringly. "The stars, I mean. I haven't been able to just…. look at them for ages."
Harry turned his head up towards the sky. The stars were quite bright tonight. One in particular which Sirius pointed out.
"You see that star there? The one shining above all the others? That's the star Sirius. It's part of a constellation forming a dog. Don't ask me which one; it's been so long, and Azkaban has a way of making you forget the happy times…"
Black suddenly grew serious and started to speak again. "When we were…. choosing animals to change into, James," For some reason, Sirius handled this word very precautious, like Harry's father would jump out of a bush somewhere. "he--he, er ….. suggested I go with a dog. Thought it'd be witty, and useful, you know with the, er….. You do look remarkably like your father, Harry."
"Yeah, so I've heard," said Harry, wondering what the meaning of this conversation was.
"Yes, well… Listen Harry, if, for whatever reason, we get separated, I want you to look up at that star and know…. I am there for you. You can talk to it if it makes you feel any better, but just-just remember, whether you see the star or not, I'm always there. Always."
Always… The word rung in the air like a beautiful Christmas bell.
Black was now almost on the verge of tears as he said this, and Harry knew he was speaking the truth.
Finally, Harry had someone of his own who loved and cared for him. Someone who could take him away from the Dursleys forever. Harry was so overwhelmed with emotion he couldn't say a word.
Black seemed to notice this and, with his free arm, embraced Harry.
And then-
A cloud shifted.