Chapter 34

James Potter was glaring at the piece of paper laid in front of him. Then, a pair of beautiful hazel eyes turned to the black feathered owl which had brought the paper to him. Large, fine feathers were black and beautiful, its golden eyes piercing and intelligent. His hands clenched into fists and he started re-reading the letter. Every word written in that piece of paper made his frown deeper. No matter how hard he stared at it, none of the words changed into something different.

It said, simply put, Sirius cannot join the Order of Phoenix.

And what made things worse is that he wouldn't give him a reason for his decision. James Potter was furious. He felt cheated and betrayed. He was sorely disappointed that his old friend, whom he thought he could count on his back for anything, should abandon their goal to defeat the Dark side, all the while, keeping secrets from him.

That is the worse part of all this. Sirius, keeping secrets from him.

He tried to understand Sirius, Merlin knows he did. But how was he supposed to let things unraveled on its own when people are dying outside every day. Innocent people. And to see them suffering, the only thing James could think of is how he should be out there fighting for those people.

But he cannot do this alone. He needed help. He needed help from someone he can trust. And Sirius Black is the one James can count on his back.

Or so he thought.

Sirius said he couldn't possibly join the Order for now because he has this mysterious reason holding him back for a while. Whatever that reason is, James could no longer wait for it to be solved on its own.

He's going to help Sirius to resolve whatever the fuck is holding him back.

The bespectacled boy rummaged through his desk and pulled out a sheet of parchment which he started to scribble something upon.

He will do whatever it takes to do.

…...…...…...…...…...…...….…

"Are you sure about this, Prongs?" Peter muttered uncertainly.

James simply thrust Omnioculars into his hand, nodding. "Make sure to record every single thing, Peter. It will work just as it does for Quidditch games, got it?"

Peter nodded, though he still looked very unsure about the idea of stalking Sirius Black while in his rat form, all the while carrying a pair of large brass apparatus to record everything.

"Are you sure Padfoot's with Snape? I don't think this is a good-"

"I told you, that snake is up to something and we are going to find out what exactly going on between them. This is important, Peter. Very important. The safety of your friend and mine is in your hands. You understand?"

James solemnly swore the boy's life and the safety of the continuation of the Black family's lineage as well as the safety of the entire wizarding society is held upon Wormtail's little hands, -or paws. After hearing his swear, Peter grew more unsure and at unease. He did not voice it, but James could hear the chubby boy's protest and doubt out loud.

He snorted inwardly.

It was really ridiculous to have Wormtail of all people to spy on Sirius. But he knows no other than him who could turn into a small animal that could crawl around the earth to check up on someone without getting caught. Being an Animagus is a hard job, after all.

Besides, he knew Remus wouldn't back him on this particular project. Mr. Let's Play It by the Rules would never approve his plan to sneak up on their best mate.

But he has to know. He really needs to know why Sirius is refusing to take on the great cause to save numerous lives. Innocent lives.

James was not comfortable with this idea either, but he couldn't just wait till Sirius to come out of whatever shit he put himself into. People are dying every day and every moment is a stifling fear that consumes them. He has to do something. But he can't do anything without his best mate.

And besides, it is so unlike Sirius not to show up for a very long time without any real explanation.

James was worried.

Successfully justifying his own action, James Potter nudged Peter towards the alley where he knew Sirius shows up time to time.

…...…...…...…...…...…...…...…

"Fucking Severus Snape", James spat out almost unconsciously.

The footage he found in the Omnioculars proved once again Snivelly is the pesky vermin deterring his noble plan. In it, he saw Sirius coming out of a building with the pale Slytherin boy, uncharacteristically besotted.

What could possibly make his dear old friend appear so if not the Snape boy's wickedness?

Breathing through his nose, James glanced up from the apparatus.

"Is this all you've got? Has there been anything more suspicious?"

Upon asked, Peter flushed. James raised an eyebrow.

"What it is?" James prodded.

"Well…", Peter opened his mouth uncertainly. He looked agitated as if worried he might get scolded again.

"Well what?"

"Well… It just that I… I couldn't follow him into their house like there was some-"

"-Spells to repel you, I'm sure. They are not idiots. But what are you trying to say?" James cocked his head arrogantly.

Peter gulped, embracing for the other boy's retort. "Well, I heard a baby's cry."

A moment passed with James frozen in his seat until the bespectacled boy burst into a fit of laughter. Peter flushed, ducking his head low in embarrassment. When James managed to compose himself somewhat, still giggling, he questioned the boy's integrity.

"Are you sure you went to the right spot? I told you there were lots of buildings look similar." James, not even bothering to hide his condescending smirk, snickered.

Peter frowned, balling his fists.

"Well, I would recognize a wizard's place when I see it. I just told you, I couldn't enter the place because of the repellent spell."

"If you couldn't get in, then how the hell were you able to hear it?" James pointed out.

Peter blushed, "well, I- I don't know, but-", stammering.

"Did you really follow Sirius into the building he always disappear, right? You couldn't possibly miss it, not even you."

"I-I did!" Peter said, solemnly. "I did follow Sirius to the place you've told me to follow. I just heard something weird. There was a baby's babbling and then a cry, Sirius disappeared too quickly that I couldn't catch him, but I am sure of what I saw." Wormtail balled his fists indignantly.

James eyed on the boy's chubby hands curled into fists for a moment before he looked up to meet the watery blues. It was clear that Wormtail knew what he was saying. He wasn't just making things up.

James rest his face on his palm, placing his elbow onto the desk.

Why would a baby be in that house? The house in which Sirius might be held captive by an evil Slytherin.

After a moment of silence past, James stood up suddenly, scaring the chubby boy.

"Where are you going?" Peter asked.

The other boy looked down at him, his face neutral but the hard line in his lips gave away the contempt.

"Go back home, Wormtail. I'll send you an owl later."

"Prongs?" Taken aback, Wormtail hurriedly got up. But James left without further words, leaving the chubby boy stare at the spot where the other boy Disapparated.

Expression changed into more bitter, but a crooked smile appeared on the round face. It was always like this. But never had he gotten used to being left out. Thin lips curled inside as Wormtail tried to oppress the bubbling anger inside. When he finally managed not to lash out on the spot, a small round object flew near him. It was a very small owl with a pair of very large eyes. It landed on the table Peter was sitting before with James.

Peter Pettigrew knew what it wanted. He hurriedly searched inside his jacket and pulled out a piece of parchment rolled into a tiny scroll. The owl extended his leg. Peter took out the message tied in its leg and dexterously tied his own.

"There you go."

But the owl wouldn't leave.

Peter frowned and looked down at the plate full of biscuits.

"He didn't even pay that", mumbled the grumpy boy before picking one to handed it the owl. The owl took it happily and flew off.

Things will change from now on, thought Peter as he paid the waiter for the snack. It has to be.

And when it does…

The boy left the facility with a determined look.