A/N: These short stories are based on my fanfiction series that can be found here: &board=Book&so=a , and of course on the wonderful work of J.K. Rowling. Thank you to all who reviewed earlier chapters, I appreciate your support. Please continue to review and give me any suggestions, or tell me what I did wrong!

The Saga of Sirius

Sirius Black was sitting on his couch next to an attractive young witch, whispering softly into her ear. As she giggled and snuggled closer, a loud pop caused Sirius to draw away from her. He turned to his fireplace and was not surprised to see James' head floating in it, though it was obvious his companion was.

"April," he said soothingly, "Why don't you go get us some drinks?"

April nodded and got up from the couch, flipping her long black hair behind her shoulder, as if to remind Sirius of what would be in store for him when she got back. He couldn't resist smiling back, though something told him he wouldn't be able to stay at home much longer.

"What is it James?" Sirius asked as soon as April was out of earshot.

"We need your help, Padfoot," the grave voice from the fireplace said. "Voldemort is coming after Harry, and we would like you to be our Secret- Keeper."

Sirius nodded just as gravely. "Anything for the three of you, Prongs." After a moment, he added, "What exactly is a Secret-Keeper, though?"

"Oh, right," James said with a weak smile, "I forget how recently I myself did not know. Lily knows a charm that will preserve a secret inside a living soul. No one would be able to find out that fact, no matter how hard they tried, unless the Secret-Keeper told someone. Once the secret has been told, the fact can be found out by anyone."

Sirius nodded again. "So I'll keep the secret of where you guys and Harry are? I'll have to go into hiding, too, to keep from being found." He trailed off. "I knew you all were in some danger, but I had no idea it would go this far."

James shook his head. "Neither did we, Padfoot. But we must act quickly now that it has. Can you meet us now?"

He quickly explained where their hideout was and Sirius agreed to be there in a moment, not giving April a thought at all. As James prepared to close the line of communication, the young witch reappeared, carrying two bottles of pumpkin juice. Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, Sirius said, "I have to go, can't explain, see you as soon as I can." Without another word he disapparated and joined Lily, James and Harry in their rundown shack. Without a word, he rushed to James and embraced him.

"Well hello, Padfoot," James said with a laugh, surprised by the gesture, perhaps, but not ungrateful for it.

"Hello, Prongs," Sirius replied, tears glistening in his eyes. He turned to Lily and embraced her as well. Almost subconsciously, he ruffled his little godson's already messy black hair and then a determined look appeared on his face. As soon as James had asked him this favor, something had been bothering him and he finally found words to voice his uneasiness.

"You know I would do anything for the three of you," Sirius began. "And I would be honored to be your Secret-Keeper, but that may not be the safest course of action."

James interrupted. "Sirius, we have made our decision. We trust you more than anyone else."

Bowing his head, Sirius replied, "I am honored by that James, but don't you see that everyone knows that?"

"What do you mean?" Lily asked, sounding a bit confused.

Feeling very anxious to explain, the words spilled out quickly, "I mean everyone will know that it is me who holds your secret. I think it would be better if you picked someone else who you trust just as much. That way they will be safe from Voldemort as well," Sirius explained, nervously awaiting his friends' reaction.

Immediately, James started to protest again, but Lily calmly interrupted. "James, he has a point. Stop and think about it for a moment."

Sirius was grateful that someone had understood his point, and even more grateful when James shut his mouth and began pacing. Soon he called Lily to his side, where she quickly joined him. Sirius busied himself by playing with Harry, trying hard not to eavesdrop. He only hoped they could make a decision quickly, for their lives depended upon it.

Then James motioned Sirius over. He eagerly acquiesced, and asked, "Will you take my advice?"

Sirius' dear friends nodded, and spoke, at once. If not for the seriousness of the situation, Sirius would have laughed at them for being so used to each other. "Yes, we will-" Lily stopped and laughed, an alien sound, considering the surroundings, "Go ahead, darling," she said, pushing the hair back from James' eyes.

"We have decided to ask Peter to be our Secret-Keeper," James said seriously. "Will you go and ask him if he will do it? If he doesn't, we will depend on you."

"Of course, Prongs, old friend," Sirius replied, trying to look cheerful. "That is an excellent decision, I must say. Shall I have him meet you here?"

Lily nodded. "Yes, as soon as possible. I've already sent him a letter, telling him we were going into hiding, I didn't expect to contact him again."

"I'll explain it all," Sirius replied. "But he'll need a bit of time to get his things in order, if he's going into hiding."

"Twenty-four hours," James said, with an unmistakable air of finality. Since this worked for Sirius' plans as well, he only nodded.

"I'll go at once then," he said. "I don't suppose I'll see you three again until this is all over, so I guess this is 'au revior' for awhile." He didn't want to think about how he would no longer be able to help Albus Dumbledore work against Voldemort, like he had been doing for the past year. Shoving the thought from his mind, he gave Lily and James quick hugs, and stooped to give Harry a kiss on the forehead before disappearing.

He could not, however, bring himself to go straight to Peter's house. He wanted to make sure Peter had gotten Lily's letter first and to be sure that no one had followed him. Besides these good reasons, Sirius also just felt like he needed some time alone. Not only did he have a lot on his mind, but also it was the last chance he would have to be out in the world for an indeterminate amount of time. The time he spent flying high above the clouds on his motorcycle that day was well spent.

A few hours later, he knocked at Peter's door. He stood anxiously on the stoop before bursting in, barely noticing his hair flying behind. "What's up, Padfoot?" Peter yawned.

"We need your help," Sirius said gravely, grabbing Peter's shoulder. "Lily, James, Harry and I."

Peter nodded, a look of concern crossing his face. "Sure, anything you guys need. But sit down before you collapse, Padfoot."

Sirius shook his head, knowing there wasn't time for that. "I can't, I have to get going. But I need to ask you a favor." He looked searchingly into Peter's watery blue eyes. "Will you be James and Lily's Secret- Keeper?"

There was silence for a moment, in which Sirius was worried that Peter would say no, but he said, "Of course, Sirius, you know I'd be glad to. F- Forgive my surprise, but I assumed you would be their Secret-Keeper, if it came to that."

"And I was going to be, until I thought about how easy it would be for Voldemort"- Sirius noticed Peter shuddering, but didn't pause-"to figure it out as well. So I convinced the others that they should use you. You are a friend who is just as devoted and loyal as I, but with a bit less risk," Sirius replied honestly. "So you'll do it?"

Peter smiled at his old friend. "Padfoot, you know I am honored by this request. J-Just tell me when and where to be for the performance of the spell and I'll be there."

Sirius, very relieved, answered, "Tomorrow, at this time, you'll receive an owl directing you where to go. After the spell, you'll have to hide out. I'll check up on you there in about a week." He smiled, so happy to be ensuring the safety of his best friend and his family. "Thank you, Wormtail, you are.the best friend a man can have." Giving Peter a quick embrace, he saluted and disappeared.

He reappeared by his bike and sent his great horned owl to let James and Lily know that Peter would be coming tomorrow. He knew he had a lot to do to be able to go into hiding for awhile, so he directed his motorcycle towards home. It was with a hopeful heart he prepared for his departure, packing a few necessary possessions into a knapsack when he realized that if he left too soon, it would rouse suspicions. So he set his luggage down and collapsed on the couch, where only a few hours prior he had been cuddling with April. For a few minutes he stared at the wall. Then he got up and turned the radio on to the Wizarding Wireless Network.

After a few mindless pop songs, a news report came on. "This just in," the DW said gravely. "From our station in Bristol comes the report of several Muggle deaths at the hands of the so-called Death Eaters, and their leader, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Stay with WWN for further details as they become available."

Sirius closed his eyes and sighed, not wanting to believe it. Before the next segment of the show came on, he turned off the radio and sat, head in hands, wondering what the world was coming to. He spent the next few hours pacing around his house, sometimes stopping to read a page of a book or magazine before growing restless again. After awhile, he sat down, rubbing his temples in an effort to clear his head. Before he knew it, the sun was streaming through his front windows and he had an awful crick in his neck from falling asleep on the couch.

He stood up, stretching his cramped limbs and appreciating the sun on his face. Then the reason he'd been sleeping on the couch hit him like a Mack truck. "Lily and James!" he exclaimed, slapping himself on the forehead. As he did, there was a rapping at the window. Cautiously he approached it, only to find his owl, Gerald, outside.

"Sorry, Gerald," Sirius said, opening the window. "I've been a bit pre- occupied." The tawny owl hooted sympathetically and dropped the letter he carried into Sirius' hands before seeking his perch.

Quickly examining the piece of parchment, Sirius found only the words, "Thank you." He smiled at the Potters' gesture and thoughtfully tucked the slip of paper into his knapsack. He judged he had an hour or so to spend before he could safely leave his house, so he decided he had better find something to do. The photo album on his bookshelf seemed to grab his attention as he went by, so he removed it from the shelf and sat down to leaf through it.

As Sirius turned the pages, he realized how long it had been since he had looked through the album. Most of the pictures were from his time at Hogwarts, though there were a good number of him with baby Harry. His eyes misted over as he watched James, Lily, Remus and Peter waving to him from the pages, so happy and carefree. Why couldn't it still be that way?

Before he knew it, it was time to go. He hastily shoved the album into the front pocket of his knapsack and straddled his motorcycle. It wasn't the most convenient form of wizard transportation, but Sirius found he often didn't want to be at his next destination immediately. Plus, any neighbors watching would see him leave, which would be impossible with disapparation or floo powder. In two hours he had reached his secret hideaway, a rustic cottage near a large forest. He carefully hid the motorcycle in the shed and entered his new home.

It was small, and Sirius thought it might be hard to keep himself cooped up inside it, but of course this was of the utmost importance. Shortly after arrival, he became aware that he no longer knew where James, Lily and Harry lived. This made him smile, for he knew the plan was going according to schedule. He settled himself in front of a cozy fire and soon fell asleep.

After a week, Sirius had adjusted pretty well to life at his secluded cottage. He hoped his stay wouldn't be long- he had faith that Dumbledore and the Ministry would bring Voldemort to justice any day now. He decided to check on Peter Halloween night without the faintest notion that anything was going wrong- that his life was about to be drastically changed.

Astride his trusty motorcycle, Sirius flew to Peter's hideout and landed quietly in the backyard. He knocked softly on the back door and waited. After a moment of silence, he knocked again, louder this time. There was no response and Sirius began to get worried. He tried the doorknob, and to his surprise, it opened easily. Cautiously, he stepped over the threshold.

"Peter?" he called softly. Every second that passed added to his apprehension. Loudly he called, "Peter!" There was no response.

Sirius made a quick, but thorough search of the house, but found no sign of Peter, or a struggle. He didn't know what to make of this discovery and stood for several minutes in the doorway, perfectly still. Terror gripped his inner organs as his mind raced, trying to come to a conclusion. Suddenly, he ran out the door and to his bike, his mind made up to check on the Potters.

It felt like hours before Sirius arrived in Godric's Hollow, his mind filled with the panic that had all but paralyzed the rest of his body. It was only when he landed and saw the rubble that remained of the Potters' home that he realized he shouldn't have known where they lived. He should not have known, unless Peter had told.

That thought knocked the breath out of him, that and the sight of Lily and James' bodies beneath the wreckage. He sank to the ground and buried his head in his hands. This was Peter's fault.Peter's fault and his own fault.

"Is tha' you, Black?"

Startled, Sirius sat up quickly, drawing his wand. Then he saw the large hand that was outstretched and sighed. "Hagrid."

"Who'd yeh think it was?" Hagrid said seriously.

Sirius couldn't answer, for his throat tightened and his eyes felt like they were burning. "Harry?" he managed to say.

Hagrid stepped closer to Sirius, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. Sirius could see that Hagrid held a small bundle close to his chest and hope blossomed in his heart.

"Ah've got Harry right here, now," Hagrid said. "He's gonna be jus' fine."

Sirius couldn't hold back the tears any longer, nor did he try to. The hot rivers ran down his face for several minutes before either of the men spoke again. Sirius just couldn't believe this had happened. He was still crying when Hagrid spoke again, hesitantly.

"Are yeh gonna be ok? Cuz Ah've got to take Harry now. Dumbledore's orders."

The mention of Harry brought Sirius back to the harsh reality he was facing. "I'll take him Hagrid," he said forcefully.

"Ah don't know, Dumbledore gave me strict orders," Hagrid said, looking unsure.

"I'm Harry's godfather, his guardian. I was supposed to look after him if something happened to L-" Sirius' voice gave out- he couldn't bring himself to say their names.

Hagrid shook his head, apparently making up his mind. "Ah can't, Sirius. Ah've got to take him to Dumbledore now, but Ah'm sure you'll get him back soon."

Rage bubbled up within Sirius, but he realized it would be useless to argue in the open street. Dumbledore would make sure Harry was taken care of. The only thing to do was to help Hagrid get Harry to safety as quickly as possible.

"I understand, Hagrid. Can I see him first, though?"

Hagrid clumsily moved the blanket from the baby's face, revealing the messy hair Sirius had grown to love. Beneath that hair was an unusual cut, still fresh. To Sirius, it looked like a lightning bolt, but he knew there was no time for questions.

"Take my motorcycle, I won't need it anymore."

Hagrid looked at him questioningly. "Yeh sure you're gonna be alright?"

Trying to look confident, Sirius nodded and shook Hagrid's hand. Seconds later, Hagrid and Harry were flying off into the night. Sirius stood looking at the wreck of a house, knowing that it was his fault that it lay smoldering as it did. The tears began again, hotter more forceful tears of rage and grief. One thought was ingrained on his mind: He had to find Peter.

What happened between Godric's Hollow and the Muggle street where Sirius ended up was a complete blur. He had no idea where he had gone or what he had done, all he knew was that Peter was somewhere nearby, and Peter had betrayed them all. He was almost oblivious to the fact that tears still streamed down his face and his unruly hair was flaring out behind him. Suddenly, Peter stepped out of a doorway and into Sirius' path.

"I've been looking for you, Sirius!" he announced loudly.

Sirius' eyes burned with hatred. "You- you-." He was too irate to speak, but not too far-gone to pull out his wand and point it directly at Peter, with the firm intent of blasting him to pieces. "This is for Lily, James and Harry," he said quietly.

But Peter, who was without his wand, pretended to sob, and he yelled loudly, "Lily and James, Sirius! How could you?"

Then, there was a terrific explosion and Sirius was thrown thirty feet in the air, and landed on the hard street. He could see other bodies scattered nearby, and he struggled to get upright. He couldn't let Peter get away, if he still lived. It was easy to see where the explosion had originated from, and Sirius cautiously approached the spot, not even bothering to pick up his wand first. He noticed a finger lying nearby, but before he could do anything else he was seized from behind.
"This is Fudge. I've got Black in my custody in London, but there's been an incident. Please send reinforcements," he heard a man's voice say. There was a crackle of a response before the street was swarming with Ministry personnel. Sirius felt a tug behind his belly button as he was whisked away.
He was thrown into a dark, damp cell. "We know you were the Potters' Secret-Keeper, Black," a man outside his cell said gravely. "And we know you just killed Pettigrew and who knows how many Muggles. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Sirius' mouth went dry. They thought he betrayed Lily and James? He had, of course, been about to kill Peter before the rat had done it himself, but never Lily and James. His voice cracked as he said, "I wasn't their Secret- Keeper. Peter was."

The man, who had a neat mustache, laughed. "That's not what Albus Dumbledore tells us. No one will believe you for an instant. There is some good in this situation, though, namely that your master was destroyed."

"I have no master," Sirius growled.

"Not anymore, you don't. And you can thank little Harry Potter for that," the man said with a proud smile, as if he had personally taken part in Voldemort's fall.

Sirius couldn't hide his surprise. "What? How?"

The dark haired man shrugged. "No one knows, but for some reason when You- Know-Who tried to kill little Harry, the curse bounced off of him and hit You-Know-Who instead."

Looking mystified, Sirius remained silent, wondering how such a miraculous thing could be. His questioner apparently took this for sadness for Voldemort's downfall and said menacingly, "Don't worry about your old master, Black, you'll soon have new masters in the dementors!" With a laugh, he left Sirius' line of sight.

A cold fear swept over Sirius. The dementors meant Azkaban, and every wizard knew that that meant years of confinement until you lost your mind. He stood and rattled the bars of his cell, yelling, "It wasn't me! It was Pettigrew!" His hands grew callused, and his voice rough when he sank to the dirty floor to sleep.

Though the thought of dementors wasn't nice, it didn't occur to Sirius that he would be sent directly to Azkaban until he was roughly awakened mere hours later. Two guards forced him to his feet, and when he asked where they were taking him, they replied, "Azkaban."

Sirius stopped in his tracks and began to struggle against the guards' holds. "I didn't do anything, it wasn't me, I swear! Give me a chance to prove it!"

"You know Mr. Crouch doesn't give trials to Death Eaters, you scum," one guard replied, tightening his grip on Sirius' arm. "And he was convinced after talking to you that you are a follower of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

'So that was Crouch who questioned me. I should have known that with him in charge I'd be shipped off to Azkaban without a trial,' Sirius thought bitterly, knowing that struggling was useless. They all thought he had betrayed some of his best friends and killed another, and he knew in his heart that he was partly responsible. So he cooperated with the guards, and tried to sleep on the journey, which involved a train and a boat before they reached the island.

Two tall figures glided to meet them at the dock. They wore long robes, which covered their faces, supposing they even had faces. Sirius felt cold as they approached. He shrunk away from them, but the guards shoved him towards the dementors as their dead looking hands reached out to grab him, as they had already grabbed all of his happy thoughts. Sirius looked back at the guards to try to appeal to them, but they were wisely looking away.

Sirius was forced into the fortress of Azkaban between the two soul eaters as they walked what seemed like miles and miles of mazes before they tossed him into a cell. Several horrible scenes from his life played before his eyes as he shivered in the corner, Lily and James' bodies in the wreckage of their house, the look on Remus' face when he found out the trick Sirius had played on Snape. Then came another powerful memory, one that didn't quite banish the others, but kept them at a safer distance: He was innocent.