Welcome to my first ever (published) fic! (my other one don't count, its a songfic). It's
basically about what happens to the two remaining Marauders after book 3. I know GoF is
out, (I've read it four times!) but you don't find out what happens to Lupin and I had a flash
of inspiration for what happens with Sirius. I called it 'Running Free' 'cos Sirius' physical
entrapment (the fugitive thing) and the discrimination Remus faces (the werewolf thing).
There is some romance (a lot actually!) later on. Oh yeah, and Remus is going to get drunk.
I pretty much have the plot worked out, but it is open to change, so if anyone has any
good ideas please email them to me or put them in a review. Well, that's enough rambling
from me. Enjoy the storee! Wind to thy wings!
Windangel

Author's Note: stuff in are thoughts. ^_^

Running Free

Chapter One: Escape
Sirius
"You are-truly your father's son, Harry..." Sirius managed, his throat sore from disuse. He
met his godson's green-eyed stare ofver his shoulder. He looks so much like James... he
thought, smiling slightly to reassure Harry. Sirius nudged the Hippogriff's sides, putting his
arms tightly around Buckbeak's neck as he lurched into flight. Feeling slightly sick, he tried
to interest himself in the grey plumage of his fellow fugitive, and not in the massive drop
below. Failing there, he turned his mind to his newfound freedoom. He couldn't help
smiling to himself, even though the expression felt odd on his lips. Before tonight, I
haven't smiled since...the last time I saw Lily and James alive. He sighed. But things were
definately looking up. He was out of Azkaban, Harry knew he existed (and that he was
innocent!) and was out of Peter's reach. Sirius frowned. Now that was a familiar
expression.

Peter, Peter, Peter. Slimy bastard not only ruined my life but made sure Lily and James
didn't have a life to ruin. Little weasel even escaped punishment - if you don't count
spending twelve years as a rat...

Fourteen people. Fourteen had died for his worthless existance. Two of them supposed
'best friends'. Why hadn't I realised? It's all my...
No. Stop it there Sirius. Get a hold on yourself.
He quickly wiped his eyes on the back of his hand.

"So," he said out loud to his companion. "They call you Buckbeak, right?"

Buckbeak turned his head around and fixed Sirius with a piercing stare as if to say "Who
wants to know?"
Sirius stared back, not blinking, and when he finally looked away, the Hippogriff looked
satisfied.

"Where are we going?" he asked, trying to keep things friendly. Look at me. I'm asking an
animal where we're going.

They were now far beyond the Hogwarts grounds, and the sun was just beginning to rise,
illuminating the sky with pinkish light.
"I thought we'd go South. Somewhere warm." Even though it was summer here, Sirius was
still freezing cold. He hadn't been properly warm since he'd escaped. Buckbeak seemed to
understand what he wanted and straightened up his course. Content with that, Sirius leant
over, resting his head on Buckbeak's neck, and went to sleep.

***

Sirius woke a few hours later, bright sunlight on his eyelids. He sat up quickly, panic
gripping him. If someone had seen them!? He steeled himself, and looked down, trying not
to feel dizxzy. It was a forest. He breathed again.

"How are ya, Buckbeak?" he stroked the smooth feathers. Buckbeak turned his head around
again, but this time his eyes were half closed, and Sirius noticed with a jolt that his wing
-beats were getting weaker. Alarmed, Sirius directed Buckbeak towards the ground. The
Hippogriff gratefully headed downwards, Sirius clutching him tightly. He screwed his eyes
shut when they entered the trees, but Buckbeak expertly avoided injury, landing roughly,
but safely, on the pine-needles. Sore from the long ride, Sirius slid of the Hippogriff's back
onto the ground, groaning. There are probably farms nearby, he realised, annoyed. and
that means Muggles. We're going to have to find some shelter. He grabbed the exhausted
Hippogriff's rope, and urged him forwards.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Didja like it?? Didja hate it??? It gets more interesting later on, so bare with me. PLEASE
review I really NEED some feedback. (If you're an author I'll read your fic and review it too!
I promise!) Or even email me! (windangel@thespark.com). Thankyou for reviewing! (I
KNOW you did) and until we meet again, I'll leave you with this little question...If you know
the answer, put it in a review!

Who said this: "Percy wouldn't recognise a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing
Dobby's tea cosy."

Disclaimer: I don't own Sirius or Hogwarts or Harry or Buckbeak. Damn.

Claimer: I own the plot. Yay.