Disclaimer: I own nothing

R&R

I grab the mirror and call out "James Potter"

Nothing, I curse and try again, slightly more panicked this time "James Potter".

Still nothing, I shout out "James Potter get your lazy arse over here!"

I wait a moment before the face of my best friend appears in the mirror. "What is it Padfoot, I was sle…" but he gets no further as he takes in my appearance, the bruise that I'm sure has developed across my face, the tears I've run out of crying.

"What happened?" It comes out as barely more than a whisper as he studies my awful appearance.

I grimace before saying "I ran away", in the same strangely calm voice I used with my mother.

Whatever James was expecting it wasn't that. "You what!" He shouted after a few seconds pause, "when, what happened, where are you?"

"I don't know", I say, the tears starting to fall again, "I don't know, I just, I couldn't take it anymore, so, I-I left".

He stares at me for a moment, trying to process what has just happened, "do you have anywhere to go?"

I look at him, there is no laughter in his face, no teasing, just concern, concern for a best mate who has no where to go. "No", I mutter! looking away! feeling a faint tint of pink creep up my cheeks. No, stop it, Blacks don't blush, but I'm not a Black anymore.

"Come to my place", James says after a while, pulling me back to the present.

"What?" I exclaim, staring at him, "no! I can't, I'll find something, I'll just get in the way".

"Sirius, you don't have a choice mate, your coming here, I'm gunna tell my parents and if your not here soon then I'll drag you, kicking and screaming if I have to".

I stare at him for another minute and can tell from his expression that he's not kidding, I contemplate arguing but figure it would be easier just to do it. I nod slowly and get up off the ground.

"See ya soon Paddy". He says, the mischievous grin that I've grown up with back in place.

"See ya Prongs".

I stuff the mirror back in my pocket, stand up and look around for a landmark. After (finally) figuring out where I am I grab my broom and head up through the clouds to ride to the Potters.

I dip beneath the clouds every now and then until eventually the familiarity of Godric's Hallow comes into view. I sweep down through the trees onto the doorstep and knock on the door, ready to start my new life.