I'm so sorry I let you wait this long for the next chapter. And there's still not much action in this one. I know this is starting to suck, but I'm really trying my best here! A big THANKS to everybody who reviewed! I've no idea where I would be without you all! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
mette: Thank you for reviewing! Well, yeah, he is because of that article. You asked 'cause in the next paragraph I wrote there was no fear, right? I wanted it to show that he's determined to solve his problem, even if he's scared. The people in school call me a freak, because of some drawings I did. Long story, really. Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind! :)

A.Dee: Thanks for reviewing! At this point I'd like to grin evilly in a "Oh- yes-he'll-do-exactly-that"-expression . . . But I can't because you'd know what I plan next! Keep on hoping, maybe someone hits me on the head and my change my mind! : ) (When do you post your next story? I'm already waiting!)

karno-L: Thank you! Well, as I mentioned before, those teenage-hormones can do really funny things to you! I like that thought! : ) Yeah, Remus has to carry much recently, but I promise to give him a break . . . much later *clears throat* I named the chap "Mission" because I thought they'd get into action this chapter. But they don't and that brings my whole schedule in disarray *looks scolding at Remus and Sirius* But I promise to watch them more closely! *pats the two on the head; are looking at each other scared*

Sylvia: Thanks for reviewing! Guess it's my fault, I screwed up with the update and accidentally changed the language in Chinese. Couldn't find it myself for a while! Wait, I'm a bit confused now! You're not English? I mean Britain or American? Don't get me wrong, I don't mind, I'm just surprised! You have children? Cool! I like children, and I get along with them very well! As long as they don't belong to me, I guess! *gg* Why do you think I wouldn't write back? Yeah, I'm looking forward for the fifth book, too! Can't wait to read it! My Mom kept taunting me, because it only comes out in English- speaking countries that soon, but I pre-ordered it in English version and now she's grumpy because she doesn't speak English! Well this chapter didn't turn out as good as I hoped, but the next will be better . . . and longer, I promise! Hope to see ya soon!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Lonely Hunt

Sirius strode through the halls hurriedly. In his mind thoughts were whirling around wildly. He didn't even notice he was still in human form as he stomped down a secret passage. He was about to push the tapestry hiding the passage way aside as he heard voices very near him. Suddenly instincts kicked in and without a second thought he transformed into Padfoot and waited, listening anxiously.

"One point! Do you believe it?! I would have just needed one more . . . " The girl talking was cut off by a squeak of her friend. She turned around to see the brunette pressed to the wall, pointing a shaking finger at the large dog, that seemed to have appeared just out of nowhere. "M-m-make it go a-away, A-Amanda! Make it g-go away!" She looked from her frightened friend to the black canine, which was watching them uncertainly. She crouched down and held out a hand for the dog to sniff at, but it growled deep in it's throat and backed away. The next moment it had disappeared. She blinked surprised before turning to calm her friend down.

Sirius hurried down the Entrance hall and out off the castle. The encounter just two minutes ago hadn't helped to lighten his mood. Slowly he really got the feeling, he was spreading terror and misery where ever he went. The fresh snow made soft crunching noises under his paws. The heavy weight pressing on his chest was growing. As it was about to burst he broke into fiery run, the sudden rush of adrenaline pushing all thoughts, voices and memories out of his troubled mind.

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was noon when Padfoot finally slowed down, looking around. He hadn't paid any attention to where he was going and was surprised to find himself near the cave he had used as hiding place during Harry's forth year. He stood in front of the hill, not sure what to do. Remus probably was worried he was away that long. Or angry because of it.

The dog let out a very human-like sigh and started to walk up to the cave, only now noticing the light ache in his right hind quarter. His paws were raw, the ice had cut in at some places. Limping into the dimly lit cave he sniffed the air tiredly, making sure no-one was around. He flopped down in the far corner, wincing as the cold from the stone seeped through his fur. At least it was dry and windless. He rested his head on his front paws and started to brood.

Padfoot had often slept on cold stone floors, not bothered by it at all. All those nights in Azkaban he'd wished that a cold floor would be his only misery. Maybe because I was used to the thought, that whole world hats me. But Remus didn't hate him. Or did he? Sirius pondered that thought silently.

He had every right to, didn't he? Sirius had failed him, just as he had Lily and James. And Harry. Remus had taken care of him, ever since he had found out the Animagus was innocent. He had nursed him when he was ill, had risked his own live by harbouring Sirius. If the ministry had found out, it would have been a sure death sentence for him. Since the rumours about Voldemort rising had begun to spread, the laws concerning Dark Arts had been tightened drastically.

What had Sirius given him back? It hurt that "nothing" was the only thing he could answer. The same went for Dumbledore. The old wizard had saved his soul, when he had already given up his hope to escape. And Harry. Who had forgiven him for his mistake. Who had provided him with food and information all over the last year. Who had understood when he had to go to alert the "old crowd". Who hadn't said a word though Sirius had left him when the boy would have needed him the most. What a great godfather!

As he thought about it, he had to admit, that Remus' words were true. As much as it hurt, but he was right , nothing would bring James back. He was only causing more misery by always letting his emotions go. What were others thinking, if not even he himself was able to control that nasty temper of his?

Of what use was he, when the other order members didn't trust him? It could prove fatal in both secret mission and open fight. It didn't matter that he felt lonely and outcast by others. But that he was a real danger to their goal. Voldemort would win . . .

~*~*~*~*~*~

Remus could only guess what his words had done to his friend. Damn, he was supposed to support him, not beat him down, too! Of course Sirius was touchy at that subject, who could blame him? After once waking him three times a night, because he was crying in his sleep, Remus had realised that the Animagus had only now started to mourn for his friends and to cope with the role he had played in that story concerning their deaths. In Azkaban the grieving would have killed him, so he had swallowed it down.

Remus sat and buried his face in his hands, trying to calm down. He sat there thinking for a good ten minutes before glancing up and out of the window. Maybe he should go and search for him, in case he did something rashly. Or maybe not. What if Sirius would feel offended? He sighted. Maybe he should first inform Dumbledore. Yes, he'd wait a some more time, and if the Animagus still didn't show up, he'd inform the Headmaster and then go after him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sirius paced the cave restlessly, deep in thought. If he was a Death Eater, were would he strike next? It felt odd somehow, to try to think the way other people would assume he did. It was odd and confusing. If I was running around, murdering people and trying to stay free, I would commit the next murder as far away from the last one as possible.

That meant . . . yeah, Fletcher was living a good one-hundred-fifty miles away from the Woods. If people didn't know he was targeted nobody would suspect. Plus he lived near London, near the ministry of magic. Only a madman would dare to try. A bitter grin crossed the dogs face. Well, that sounded very much like him, didn't it?

He looked out of the cave. It had started to snow again. He was at Hogwarts now, damn far away from London. He sighted. Better start walking now, or you'll never make it in time. He shuddered as the cold wind whistled through his fur. With a last glance back at the castle, he started to run. For one he would freeze if he stayed there much longer, for another he probably wouldn't make it further then the end of the village if he looked back one more time.
A/N: And off he goes! Hopefully to a better chapter. Which is already started, thanks to all the reviews keeping me going! And you know what? They reached the fifty-mark!!! THANK YOU ALL FOR THAT, I LOVE YOU!!!!

Now I'm really interested what you think of chapter twelve! I know it's too short, though I don't mind you telling me! What do you think about the content? Not coherent? Out of character? Please tell me! See you soon!

lara