Disclaimer: I own nothing, JK Rowling owns everything, even if she broke my heart.

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Chapter 2

When Sirius awoke, the sound of voices was the first thing he noticed.

"So that's Sirius Black? Blimey, he's had it rough. Do you think he'll take the other option?" The voice was unfamiliar, young, and male. For the life of him, Sirius, couldn't place it.

"I think he will. The stubborn git won't accept that it isn't his fault we died, and he is Harry's Godfather. Much as it pains me, I don't think he will leave him alone back there." That voice he knew. James, without a doubt.

"If he does, do you think he'd take a message for me? To Harry? I can't stand how guilty he feels about me. I mean, it really wasn't his fault, it all happened so very fast, there was nothing he could do." the younger voice fretted.

'Diggory,' Sirius thought. He opened his eyes and said, "Cedric, if you want me to, I'll tell him, but I can tell you, it isn't that easy."

"Awake then Padfoot? I guess I don't have to introduce Mr. Diggory then," James said with amusement.

"No, you don't. I really do appreciate the sentiment, Cedric, and Harry will too, but guilt for a death you think you caused is very hard to let go of." Sirius sighed and stroked back his hair, looking around. He saw a small house, with big open doorways and light airy windows. All the furniture was old and comfortable, like the couch he was lying on. "So, Prongs old friend, do I get answers now? Or at least a few questions?"

"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to let you know a few things. Fairly soon, an, examiner I guess you'd call him, will be by to give you options and hear your choice. Most people take one of three options. Option one, go into the Light, go to Heaven. Option two, wait here for your loved ones. Option three, be reborn on Earth. Then you get the tricky options." James looked away at this last statement, and Sirius was surprised to see the sheen of tears in his eyes. "When the examiner came to us, he told us about Harry's wand, about Prioi Incantatum, and the rebirth of Voldemort. If we had done anything but wait here, Harry would have been alone that night, and without us he might not have escaped. They tell you everything they know, before you are allowed to choose Padfoot, and I suggest you listen carefully."

"So, what's the other option?" Sirius demanded. "I understand your decision, and I respect it, but if there's another way-" he trailed off.

"There is." Lily said. "It's different for many, but the usual choice is to go back as a bonded spirit guide. You would take the form of Harry's potential Animagus form, but you could never tell him who you are, though you might be able to get dispensation to tell Moony."

"Yeah, if you beg hard enough, it's amazing what they let you get away with!" James enthused. He looked slyly at Sirius and smirked, "Bet you were surprised to see me when those Dementors attacked and Harry unveiled his Patronus."

"That was you!?!? Really you?!?!" Sirius boggled.

"Yes, really me. When Harry started working on his Patronus, I went to them and begged. Lily was just mad that she couldn't go too- OW! Lils what was that for!" James whined.

"Gloating! Now, back to the subject at hand, You would be Earthbound for the remainder of Harry's life, and you would be stuck in animal form for the most part. You would be able to move from place to place at the speed of thought, and you would be immune to most magic. Only magic specifically designed for spirits and ghosts would effect you. You also could speak to Harry in his dreams, again, with dispensation Remus as well. This would be useful in that you could guard his dreams too, protect him from Voldemort." Lily finished.

"Thank you Mrs. Potter, you always make the explanations phase of my discussion so much simpler," a dry amused female voice said.

"Examiner! We weren't expecting you so soon! Please, come in, sit down!" Lily bustled about, making the newcomer welcome as Sirius studied her. She looked like a kindly old grandmother, with long white hair, a simple white robe, and a silver necklace with a triple moon symbol he well remembered. It was the same symbol that James's mother wore, the sigil of the threefold Goddess.

"So, the pagans were right?" Sirius asked wryly.

"Oh no, well, sort of. You see, no one mind can encompass the vastness of Deity, so once you're here, before you go to the Light and encounter Deity directly, we use references you are familiar with." she explained gently. "However, getting back to the purpose for my visit, yes, you have the choices Lily outlined. However, there are some things you should know. If you go, you may communicate with Remus Lupin, that will be your choice and your prerogative. However, in your case, you have a split assignment. If you choose to return, in penance for the way you treated him as a boy, you will also Guide and protect Severus Snape. No," she raised a hand forestalling his objection, " take it or leave it. James would have had the same deal. Immaturity is no defense, as your own Godson acknowledged. If you go, you cannot prank, joke, taunt or tease Severus Snape in any way. One slipup, and back here you come. Permanently. No progressing, rebirth as an option if you're truly contrite in about a hundred years. You can remain here, you can choose rebirth, or join the Light. To be perfectly honest, we have no reasons for you to take these options. Any decision you make is your own. So what say you, Sirius Black? What do you choose?"

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