CHAPTER ELEVEN
(chapter title – The Confrontation)

Sirius didn't hear him enter the room, he was still in shock that Penny passed away so suddenly.

"Black, at last, we see each other plain!
Good Sir Lockhart, you'll wear a different chain!" Severus' cold voice greeted Sirius' ears. He looked over at the Inspector and got up from his spot next to Penny.

"Before you say another word, Severus
Before you chain me up like a slave again
Listen to me, there is something I must do!
This woman leaves behind a suffering child
In mercy's name, three days are all I need
Then I'll return, I pledge my word
Then I'll return!" Sirius pleaded. His eyes widened in horror as Severus drew his sword.

"You must think me mad!
I've hunted you across the years!
Men like me can never change
A man, such as you!
Men like me can never change
Men like you can never change
No, 24601
My duty's to the law
You have no rights
Come with me 24601
Now the wheel has turned around
Sirius Black is nothing now!
Dare you talk to me of crime
And the price you have to pay
Every man is born in sin
Every man must choose his way
You know nothing of Severus
I was born inside a jail
I was born with scum like you
I am from the gutter, too!" Severus sang in counterpoint with Sirius, jabbing at him with his sword like a snake.

"Believe of me what you will
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
You know nothing of my life
All I did was steal some bread
You know nothing of the world
You would rather see me dead
But not before I see this justice done!
I am warning you Severus
I'm a stronger man by far
There is power in me yet
My race is not yet run!
I am warning you Severus
There is nothing I won't dare
If I have to kill you hear
I'll do what must be done." Sirius sang in counterpoint with Severus, dancing out of the way of Severus' sword. He then turned to Penny. "And I swear to you tonight."

"There is no place for you to hide!" Severus warned, putting his sword away.

"Your child will live within my care." Sirius told Penny, kissing her hand.

"Wherever you may hide away." Severus said, glaring at the thief.

"And I will raise her to the light." Sirius said.

"I swear to you – I will be there!" both of them told the other one. Sirius then knocked out Severus with a 2x4 he had found, tied the Inspector to a chair and fled the room.