"Alex."

"Remus-I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" she asked.

"No," he answered. "None of us are."

Harry and Tonks looked like they'd been crying, Ron looked uncomfortable, and Hermione looked frightened. Lily's eyes were slightly red and Remus's were sad. Dumbledore looked extremely calm-as usual. James, however, had a bright gleam in his eyes.

"James-do you know something we don't?" Alex asked, peering at him.

"I might have a plan," he said carefully.

"What is it?" Harry asked before anyone else.

"We're going to break him out."

"Mr. Potter-it's impossible, isn't it? No one can break out of Azkaban," Hermione pointed out.

"But we're breaking in," James pressed. "And besides-"

"It doesn't matter. There's no way in," Alex said.

"But we'll make a plan. I'll use the entire auror division if I have to. We're breaking Sirius out-point closed," James said. Alex noticed him glancing side-long at Dumbledore, who didn't object.

"I agree," he said. "But be wary, James. This could easily be a trap. Plan carefully, and don't let your emotions rush you into action."

"He'll keep Sirius alive," Alex said. "Until he gives him the information he wants, or agrees to turn spy. I understand that both of these options are highly unlikely but we have to be careful. And…he won't be patient for long. If he realizes by no way Sirius is going to give him information…he'll kill him."

"And how long does his patience run?" Ronald squeaked.

"It all depends…but few people who would be more useful dead to the public would last more than a few months."

"How come you were there for so long then?" Harry asked.

Alex smiled bitterly. "I was more useful to him alive."