Sirius paced up and down the kitchen for the thousandth time that night.
Remus was drumming the fingers of one hand on the table, and chewing the
fingernails of the other.
'Stop it', Sirius snapped, 'that noise is irritating.'
'I know', Remus sighed, 'it's irritating me too.' He stopped. Sirius kept pacing.
The sound of the clock ticking was driving him crazy. Why hadn't Dumbledore arrived yet? Where was everyone else? How was Harry?
'Goodness me, well this is a picture of happiness! I'd expect more delight from two men who've just defeated a pile of dangerous Death-Eaters!'
Remus and Sirius spun around, and smiled at Molly and Arthur Weasley, who were just stepping out of the fireplace.
'Good to see you Molly, Arthur', Remus hugged them both.
Molly eyed him closely. 'You're very pale, Remus', she commented, 'you look exhausted. Go to bed! Dumbledore told us about everything you did. Thank you. Both of you.'
'Can't', Remus argued, 'we're waiting for Dumbledore.'
'Yeah. Where is he? Where's Harry? What's going on?' Sirius asked tensely.
Arthur grinned. 'He'll be along soon. Harry is with him at the moment. They're talking about the Prophecy. Dumbledore notified us that Ron had been hurt, but he's going to be fine. How does it feel to be a free man, Sirius?'
'Bloody brilliant', Sirius responded sarcastically, 'it's amazing.'
'What's up with you?' Molly asked shrewdly, 'did something happen?'
Sirius shrugged, and looked at Remus.
'He died. Made a bargain with Lily Potter and some old man. Gave up his magic. Got to come to life again. Don't tell Harry.' Remus told the Weasleys the abridged version of the tale.
Molly's eyes grew wide with horror. Arthur gasped.
'Y...you're not a wizard any more?' Molly whispered.
'Nope. I'm worse than a bloody squib.' Sirius said sulkily. He didn't feel like playing the brave, self-sacrificing hero right now.
'No you're not', Arthur contradicted him, 'you got here by Floo Powder, didn't you?'
'Yeah.'
'A non-wizard or squib couldn't've done that. You're just a wizard without a wand! Casting spells isn't everything, y'know.'
'It is to me', Sirius grumbled. He spotted Remus' wand on the table and picked it up. 'Accio teapot!' He cried, pointing the wand at the pot on the table. Nothing happened. He tried again. And again. And again. Remus sighed heavily. Molly covered her mouth with her hand, and Arthur looked away.
'It's pathetic!' Sirius shouted angrily. 'It would've been better if I'd just stayed dead!' He threw the wand on to the table, and sat down with a thump. There was a nervous silence. Sirius glanced around the trio of embarrassed order members.
'That was the part where you were supposed to say "No Sirius, we're really happy you're back, whether you have magic or not."' Sirius added irritably.
'Just imagine how Harry would be feeling right now if you'd died.' Molly said reproachfully, 'you don't mean that, Sirius.'
'Yeah, well...' Sirius replied moodily. Out of habit, he patted his robes, to check if his wand was there. Of course, it wasn't. He felt so helpless!
'It's like...it's like my arm's been chopped off', he explained quietly, 'or...or like I've suddenly gone blind. I'm just a Muggle, who can see all this magic happening around him, but can't do anything himself.'
'I am sorry, Sirius.'
Sirius looked up, and found that Albus Dumbledore had apparated in front of him. He jumped up, eager for news.
'Well? What took so long? How's Kingsley? Where's Harry? Is he all right? Tell me something, before I explode!'
Dumbledore smiled gently, and seated himself at the table. 'I will answer your questions in order, Sirius. I had to spend rather a long time with Cornelius Fudge, convincing him that he has not gone insane. Then, I went to St Mungo's to speak to Kingsley, before returning to Hogwarts, to meet with Harry, who was brought back to the school, along with his friends, by Minerva. Kingsley is in critical condition, the healers won't say what his chances of survival are.'
'Poor Kingsley!' Molly cried, tears in her eyes, 'I must go and visit him later.'
'Harry is now asleep in the hospital wing', Dumbledore continued, 'don't worry Sirius, he's fine, but after the stressful events of the day, Madam Pomfrey insisted on keeping a close eye on him. Ron is healing nicely, you'll be happy to hear. Hermione and Luna will take some work, but Ginny is back to full health already. I think I've told you everything you wanted to know?'
'Not half', Sirius growled, 'what've you done with the scum?'
Dumbledore gave him a disapproving look. 'If you mean the followers of Tom Riddle, I have done nothing with them. They were forced to take a sleeping draught, which will last for some time. They are in a secure room in the Ministry.
'How's Fudge holding up?' Arthur asked interestedly, 'what's he got to say about all this?'
'He has sent word to Azkaban, that he wishes to speak to the Dementors. As his servants, they are bound to hear him out before making a decision between serving the Ministry and serving Tom. He is still in shock, but has apologised for his behaviour. The sight of Tom after all these years shook him to his very core. I doubt he will last much longer in the position of Minister.' Dumbledore gazed around at the small group; Sirius, Remus, Molly and Arthur. The old faithfuls. He sighed heavily, then glanced at Sirius once more.
'You can see Harry tomorrow afternoon, Sirius. I think it might be a good idea to give him some time to think about today's events, before you make an appearance. Now, er, as for that...er...exciting news I had for you...would you mind terribly if I wait for a few days before revealing it you? It's just that it would be a dreadful thing to get your hopes up, then destroy them, don't you agree?'
'Dumbledore, I couldn't very well be any more depressed than I am right now. Spill the beans', Sirius sighed wearily, sure that nothing could cheer him up now. But Dumbledore shook his head, wearing that same secret smile, and said 'No. I think I shall wait until I am certain. Expect me within the next few days. Sirius, I want you to be in my office at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Remus, you should come too.'
'Sure', Remus nodded and grinned at Sirius, 'at least this time Padfoot won't have to damage any paintings to make his way around the castle.'
Dumbledore chuckled. 'Very well then. I shall take my leave.' He made his way towards the fireplace, and grabbed a fistful of Floo powder. He tossed the dust into the flames, and was about to step into the fire, when he turned and added 'did I forget to mention? Severus has some information to pass on, he will be arriving later tonight. In a few hours perhaps?'
And with this oh-so-cheering comment, he stepped into the fire and was gone.
Sirius stood up abruptly, and headed towards the stairs.
'Where are you going?' Remus called after him, puzzled.
'Gonna dress like a Muggle...go for a walk...' Sirius shouted back, 'I don't want to be here when that lousy, sly, sneering, treacherous b-'
'Sirius, stop right there!' Molly shrieked, 'I will not tolerate such language!'
Sirius ignored her, and thumped on up the stairs, determined to leave before Snape arrived. He quickly changed into an old pair of jeans and a maroon jumper Molly had made for him the previous year. He jogged back down the stairs, and was almost out the front door, when the shrieking began.
'SIRIUS BLACK!!!!!!! BLOOD TRAITOR!!!!!!!!!!! FRATERNISING WITH HALF-BREEDS AND MONSTERS!!!!!!GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!! GET OUT!!!!!!'
'Hullo, Mother', he replied sullenly, slamming the door shut again, just as Remus and Arthur came racing up the stairs from the kitchen.
Mrs Black glared down at her son, from her portrait on the wall. Sirius met her furious gaze with one equally full of venom. Even she was shocked into silence. Remus leapt forward and pulled the curtain over the portrait, before she could utter another word. Sirius grunted his thanks, and left the house, ignoring his friends' pleadings with him to stay.
He didn't know where he was going, or why. He trudged past house after house, street after street, lost in his own thoughts.
Harry had risked everything for him. Not only his own life, but the lives of five other teenagers too.
Idiot, Sirius grumbled to himself, stupid idiot.
Then another part of him felt deeply touched. Harry must quite like him, if he'd gone to all that effort to save him.
Really, it was the least Sirius could do, to give up his magic for Harry's sake.
It would've been nice and peaceful, being dead. Okay, so being eaten hadn't sounded very pleasant, but Lily had said it was quite nice, beyond the veil. He could've been with his best mate again. And all his other friends, who had died because of Voldemort.
These thoughts flowed around in his head for several hours. What a lonely figure he appeared to be; a tall, broad-shouldered man, dressed in scruffy clothes, hunched over and trudging slowly through the streets. He carefully avoided street lamps. This 'free man' business would take some getting used to.
Sirius glanced down at his watch. It was three o'clock in the morning! Gazing around, he realised he had no idea where he was. If I had my wand, he thought bitterly, I could find my way home.
He was going to have do it the Muggle way, and read signposts. Unfortunately, Sirius Black wasn't used to doing anything the Muggle way, and took many a wrong road, and threw many a tantrum from pure exasperation, before he finally found himself back at Grimmauld Place. It was five o'clock when he stomped back into the house, in an even filthier mood than he had been in before.
'Well well, if it isn't the magic Muggle.'
WHAM.
************
'If you think about', Sirius reasoned, hobbling over to a chair and gently easing himself down, 'he really did deserve it.'
'Sirius Black!' Molly Weasley shrilled, 'Severus Snape is lying in the next room, unconscious, thanks to your temper! The poor man, he's in a terrible state.'
'He ASKED for it, Molly!' Sirius protested, 'calling me the "Magic Muggle"! Arthur would've done the same!'
'No he would NOT!' Molly glared around at her husband, who nodded hastily, shrugging guiltily when Sirius frowned at him.
'Leave Sirius alone, Mum!' George Weasley said crossly, 'Snape deserved every punch and kick he got. Just goes to show that magic isn't the most important thing in life.'
'You're right, George. A decent left-hook is the greatest asset anyone can have!' Fred interjected brightly, ignoring his mother's expression.
'Severus' nose was broken!' Molly said angrily.
'It needed some remodelling', Remus remarked, draining his bottle of Butterbeer, and tossing one to Sirius.
'Honestly!' Molly screeched, 'you're all as bad as each other!'
She stormed out of the room, muttering under her breath. Arthur looked uneasy.
'She's on your side, y'know, Sirius', he told him, 'she just hates violence...doesn't want the boys to think she'd condone it.'
Arthur, Fred, and George Weasley were sitting by the fire, with a pack of Exploding Snap. Remus was sitting with his feet up on the table, unfurling a copy of the Daily Prophet, and Sirius was massaging his shin, where Snape had kicked him during their brief brawl in the hallway.
'Interesting', Remus said aloud, 'listen to this: BLACK'S BACK! THE STORY OF AN UNSUNG HERO. See page 2.' He spread the newspaper out on the table, and everybody leaned forwards to look at it. A large, black-and-white photograph of Sirius in his younger, happier days, took half of the front page. The other half proclaimed 'YOU KNOW WHO HAS RETURNED! HOW TO PREPARE. See page 1.'
'Ignore the stuff on You-Know-Who, we know it all already. This article about Sirius is really funny', Remus remarked, turning the page. Sirius began to read:
'As the dramatic events of yesterday unfolded before the eyes of a dozen Ministry officials, that notorious fugitive, Sirius Black stepped clamly out of the elevator and spoke to Albus Dumbledore. "I didn't know it was him at first" One young Ministry official told The Daily Prophet, "But then I heard Dumbledore say his name. We all looked over, and, well...if You-Know-Who hadn't just disapparated in front of our eyes, we wouldn't've believed it was possible."
'Sirius Black, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly murdering 13 people on the night He Who Must Not Be Names diappeared, escaped from Azkaban three years ago. Since that time, he has evaded arrest, knowing that one day the truth would be revealed.'
SEE TOMORROW'S DAILY PROPHET FOR MORE ON THE STORY OF SIRIUS BLACK.
'Ha!' Sirius laughed, 'they managed to create a whole article on "the truth" when they don't even know what the truth is! Just because Dumbledore said I'm a good guy, I'm a hero now, am I?'
'Apparently so', Remus mused, 'how things change!'
'I don't want to be a hero', Sirius said quietly, 'I don't want people to hear about...y'know. All I really want is to have my magic back, and get revenge on those Death Eaters for laying a finger on Harry and his friends.'
'Join the queue', everyone said at once.
'Let's make a pact', Sirius said suddenly, 'none of us will rest until we've had our revenge.'
Fred and George nodded at once. Arthur shook his head at them. 'You're not in the Order', he said sternly, 'you can't be involved.'
'Excuse us!' George cried indignantly, 'Harry's our mate too, and Ron and Ginny are family! We'll take whatever revenge we please. You might want us in this pact though, otherwise you dunno what we'l be getting up to.'
'Fine', Arthur hissed, 'but don't tell your mother, or she'll kill me!'
Remus knew the drill. He pulled out his wand, and took a long, golden phoenix feather from above the fire, and laid them on the table in the shape of an 'X'. All five men placed a hand in the centre of the X.
'We solemnly swear', Sirius said loudly.
'We solemnly swear', his four comrades echoed.
'That we shall not rest until we have avenged the deaths of all those who have died at the hands of Voledmort and his followers.'
Again, his words were softly repeated.
'No matter what the consequences are for us.' Sirius proclaimed determinedly.
'No matter what the consequences are for us.'
'We swear.'
We swear.
'Stop it', Sirius snapped, 'that noise is irritating.'
'I know', Remus sighed, 'it's irritating me too.' He stopped. Sirius kept pacing.
The sound of the clock ticking was driving him crazy. Why hadn't Dumbledore arrived yet? Where was everyone else? How was Harry?
'Goodness me, well this is a picture of happiness! I'd expect more delight from two men who've just defeated a pile of dangerous Death-Eaters!'
Remus and Sirius spun around, and smiled at Molly and Arthur Weasley, who were just stepping out of the fireplace.
'Good to see you Molly, Arthur', Remus hugged them both.
Molly eyed him closely. 'You're very pale, Remus', she commented, 'you look exhausted. Go to bed! Dumbledore told us about everything you did. Thank you. Both of you.'
'Can't', Remus argued, 'we're waiting for Dumbledore.'
'Yeah. Where is he? Where's Harry? What's going on?' Sirius asked tensely.
Arthur grinned. 'He'll be along soon. Harry is with him at the moment. They're talking about the Prophecy. Dumbledore notified us that Ron had been hurt, but he's going to be fine. How does it feel to be a free man, Sirius?'
'Bloody brilliant', Sirius responded sarcastically, 'it's amazing.'
'What's up with you?' Molly asked shrewdly, 'did something happen?'
Sirius shrugged, and looked at Remus.
'He died. Made a bargain with Lily Potter and some old man. Gave up his magic. Got to come to life again. Don't tell Harry.' Remus told the Weasleys the abridged version of the tale.
Molly's eyes grew wide with horror. Arthur gasped.
'Y...you're not a wizard any more?' Molly whispered.
'Nope. I'm worse than a bloody squib.' Sirius said sulkily. He didn't feel like playing the brave, self-sacrificing hero right now.
'No you're not', Arthur contradicted him, 'you got here by Floo Powder, didn't you?'
'Yeah.'
'A non-wizard or squib couldn't've done that. You're just a wizard without a wand! Casting spells isn't everything, y'know.'
'It is to me', Sirius grumbled. He spotted Remus' wand on the table and picked it up. 'Accio teapot!' He cried, pointing the wand at the pot on the table. Nothing happened. He tried again. And again. And again. Remus sighed heavily. Molly covered her mouth with her hand, and Arthur looked away.
'It's pathetic!' Sirius shouted angrily. 'It would've been better if I'd just stayed dead!' He threw the wand on to the table, and sat down with a thump. There was a nervous silence. Sirius glanced around the trio of embarrassed order members.
'That was the part where you were supposed to say "No Sirius, we're really happy you're back, whether you have magic or not."' Sirius added irritably.
'Just imagine how Harry would be feeling right now if you'd died.' Molly said reproachfully, 'you don't mean that, Sirius.'
'Yeah, well...' Sirius replied moodily. Out of habit, he patted his robes, to check if his wand was there. Of course, it wasn't. He felt so helpless!
'It's like...it's like my arm's been chopped off', he explained quietly, 'or...or like I've suddenly gone blind. I'm just a Muggle, who can see all this magic happening around him, but can't do anything himself.'
'I am sorry, Sirius.'
Sirius looked up, and found that Albus Dumbledore had apparated in front of him. He jumped up, eager for news.
'Well? What took so long? How's Kingsley? Where's Harry? Is he all right? Tell me something, before I explode!'
Dumbledore smiled gently, and seated himself at the table. 'I will answer your questions in order, Sirius. I had to spend rather a long time with Cornelius Fudge, convincing him that he has not gone insane. Then, I went to St Mungo's to speak to Kingsley, before returning to Hogwarts, to meet with Harry, who was brought back to the school, along with his friends, by Minerva. Kingsley is in critical condition, the healers won't say what his chances of survival are.'
'Poor Kingsley!' Molly cried, tears in her eyes, 'I must go and visit him later.'
'Harry is now asleep in the hospital wing', Dumbledore continued, 'don't worry Sirius, he's fine, but after the stressful events of the day, Madam Pomfrey insisted on keeping a close eye on him. Ron is healing nicely, you'll be happy to hear. Hermione and Luna will take some work, but Ginny is back to full health already. I think I've told you everything you wanted to know?'
'Not half', Sirius growled, 'what've you done with the scum?'
Dumbledore gave him a disapproving look. 'If you mean the followers of Tom Riddle, I have done nothing with them. They were forced to take a sleeping draught, which will last for some time. They are in a secure room in the Ministry.
'How's Fudge holding up?' Arthur asked interestedly, 'what's he got to say about all this?'
'He has sent word to Azkaban, that he wishes to speak to the Dementors. As his servants, they are bound to hear him out before making a decision between serving the Ministry and serving Tom. He is still in shock, but has apologised for his behaviour. The sight of Tom after all these years shook him to his very core. I doubt he will last much longer in the position of Minister.' Dumbledore gazed around at the small group; Sirius, Remus, Molly and Arthur. The old faithfuls. He sighed heavily, then glanced at Sirius once more.
'You can see Harry tomorrow afternoon, Sirius. I think it might be a good idea to give him some time to think about today's events, before you make an appearance. Now, er, as for that...er...exciting news I had for you...would you mind terribly if I wait for a few days before revealing it you? It's just that it would be a dreadful thing to get your hopes up, then destroy them, don't you agree?'
'Dumbledore, I couldn't very well be any more depressed than I am right now. Spill the beans', Sirius sighed wearily, sure that nothing could cheer him up now. But Dumbledore shook his head, wearing that same secret smile, and said 'No. I think I shall wait until I am certain. Expect me within the next few days. Sirius, I want you to be in my office at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Remus, you should come too.'
'Sure', Remus nodded and grinned at Sirius, 'at least this time Padfoot won't have to damage any paintings to make his way around the castle.'
Dumbledore chuckled. 'Very well then. I shall take my leave.' He made his way towards the fireplace, and grabbed a fistful of Floo powder. He tossed the dust into the flames, and was about to step into the fire, when he turned and added 'did I forget to mention? Severus has some information to pass on, he will be arriving later tonight. In a few hours perhaps?'
And with this oh-so-cheering comment, he stepped into the fire and was gone.
Sirius stood up abruptly, and headed towards the stairs.
'Where are you going?' Remus called after him, puzzled.
'Gonna dress like a Muggle...go for a walk...' Sirius shouted back, 'I don't want to be here when that lousy, sly, sneering, treacherous b-'
'Sirius, stop right there!' Molly shrieked, 'I will not tolerate such language!'
Sirius ignored her, and thumped on up the stairs, determined to leave before Snape arrived. He quickly changed into an old pair of jeans and a maroon jumper Molly had made for him the previous year. He jogged back down the stairs, and was almost out the front door, when the shrieking began.
'SIRIUS BLACK!!!!!!! BLOOD TRAITOR!!!!!!!!!!! FRATERNISING WITH HALF-BREEDS AND MONSTERS!!!!!!GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!! GET OUT!!!!!!'
'Hullo, Mother', he replied sullenly, slamming the door shut again, just as Remus and Arthur came racing up the stairs from the kitchen.
Mrs Black glared down at her son, from her portrait on the wall. Sirius met her furious gaze with one equally full of venom. Even she was shocked into silence. Remus leapt forward and pulled the curtain over the portrait, before she could utter another word. Sirius grunted his thanks, and left the house, ignoring his friends' pleadings with him to stay.
He didn't know where he was going, or why. He trudged past house after house, street after street, lost in his own thoughts.
Harry had risked everything for him. Not only his own life, but the lives of five other teenagers too.
Idiot, Sirius grumbled to himself, stupid idiot.
Then another part of him felt deeply touched. Harry must quite like him, if he'd gone to all that effort to save him.
Really, it was the least Sirius could do, to give up his magic for Harry's sake.
It would've been nice and peaceful, being dead. Okay, so being eaten hadn't sounded very pleasant, but Lily had said it was quite nice, beyond the veil. He could've been with his best mate again. And all his other friends, who had died because of Voldemort.
These thoughts flowed around in his head for several hours. What a lonely figure he appeared to be; a tall, broad-shouldered man, dressed in scruffy clothes, hunched over and trudging slowly through the streets. He carefully avoided street lamps. This 'free man' business would take some getting used to.
Sirius glanced down at his watch. It was three o'clock in the morning! Gazing around, he realised he had no idea where he was. If I had my wand, he thought bitterly, I could find my way home.
He was going to have do it the Muggle way, and read signposts. Unfortunately, Sirius Black wasn't used to doing anything the Muggle way, and took many a wrong road, and threw many a tantrum from pure exasperation, before he finally found himself back at Grimmauld Place. It was five o'clock when he stomped back into the house, in an even filthier mood than he had been in before.
'Well well, if it isn't the magic Muggle.'
WHAM.
************
'If you think about', Sirius reasoned, hobbling over to a chair and gently easing himself down, 'he really did deserve it.'
'Sirius Black!' Molly Weasley shrilled, 'Severus Snape is lying in the next room, unconscious, thanks to your temper! The poor man, he's in a terrible state.'
'He ASKED for it, Molly!' Sirius protested, 'calling me the "Magic Muggle"! Arthur would've done the same!'
'No he would NOT!' Molly glared around at her husband, who nodded hastily, shrugging guiltily when Sirius frowned at him.
'Leave Sirius alone, Mum!' George Weasley said crossly, 'Snape deserved every punch and kick he got. Just goes to show that magic isn't the most important thing in life.'
'You're right, George. A decent left-hook is the greatest asset anyone can have!' Fred interjected brightly, ignoring his mother's expression.
'Severus' nose was broken!' Molly said angrily.
'It needed some remodelling', Remus remarked, draining his bottle of Butterbeer, and tossing one to Sirius.
'Honestly!' Molly screeched, 'you're all as bad as each other!'
She stormed out of the room, muttering under her breath. Arthur looked uneasy.
'She's on your side, y'know, Sirius', he told him, 'she just hates violence...doesn't want the boys to think she'd condone it.'
Arthur, Fred, and George Weasley were sitting by the fire, with a pack of Exploding Snap. Remus was sitting with his feet up on the table, unfurling a copy of the Daily Prophet, and Sirius was massaging his shin, where Snape had kicked him during their brief brawl in the hallway.
'Interesting', Remus said aloud, 'listen to this: BLACK'S BACK! THE STORY OF AN UNSUNG HERO. See page 2.' He spread the newspaper out on the table, and everybody leaned forwards to look at it. A large, black-and-white photograph of Sirius in his younger, happier days, took half of the front page. The other half proclaimed 'YOU KNOW WHO HAS RETURNED! HOW TO PREPARE. See page 1.'
'Ignore the stuff on You-Know-Who, we know it all already. This article about Sirius is really funny', Remus remarked, turning the page. Sirius began to read:
'As the dramatic events of yesterday unfolded before the eyes of a dozen Ministry officials, that notorious fugitive, Sirius Black stepped clamly out of the elevator and spoke to Albus Dumbledore. "I didn't know it was him at first" One young Ministry official told The Daily Prophet, "But then I heard Dumbledore say his name. We all looked over, and, well...if You-Know-Who hadn't just disapparated in front of our eyes, we wouldn't've believed it was possible."
'Sirius Black, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly murdering 13 people on the night He Who Must Not Be Names diappeared, escaped from Azkaban three years ago. Since that time, he has evaded arrest, knowing that one day the truth would be revealed.'
SEE TOMORROW'S DAILY PROPHET FOR MORE ON THE STORY OF SIRIUS BLACK.
'Ha!' Sirius laughed, 'they managed to create a whole article on "the truth" when they don't even know what the truth is! Just because Dumbledore said I'm a good guy, I'm a hero now, am I?'
'Apparently so', Remus mused, 'how things change!'
'I don't want to be a hero', Sirius said quietly, 'I don't want people to hear about...y'know. All I really want is to have my magic back, and get revenge on those Death Eaters for laying a finger on Harry and his friends.'
'Join the queue', everyone said at once.
'Let's make a pact', Sirius said suddenly, 'none of us will rest until we've had our revenge.'
Fred and George nodded at once. Arthur shook his head at them. 'You're not in the Order', he said sternly, 'you can't be involved.'
'Excuse us!' George cried indignantly, 'Harry's our mate too, and Ron and Ginny are family! We'll take whatever revenge we please. You might want us in this pact though, otherwise you dunno what we'l be getting up to.'
'Fine', Arthur hissed, 'but don't tell your mother, or she'll kill me!'
Remus knew the drill. He pulled out his wand, and took a long, golden phoenix feather from above the fire, and laid them on the table in the shape of an 'X'. All five men placed a hand in the centre of the X.
'We solemnly swear', Sirius said loudly.
'We solemnly swear', his four comrades echoed.
'That we shall not rest until we have avenged the deaths of all those who have died at the hands of Voledmort and his followers.'
Again, his words were softly repeated.
'No matter what the consequences are for us.' Sirius proclaimed determinedly.
'No matter what the consequences are for us.'
'We swear.'
We swear.